Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
From her record-breaking number of songs to global recognition, Shreya Ghoshal’s journey as a playback singer has been nothing short of iconic. Her versatility, emotional depth, and ability to resonate with audiences across generations make her an unparalleled musical force.
Shreya Ghoshal performing live with unmatched energy and graceGetty Images
She’s the most-recorded female playback singer of this generation
With over 3,000 songs in 20+ languages, Shreya Ghoshal holds the record as the most prolific female playback singer of her era. From Hindi to Sanskrit, her voice has touched nearly every corner of India’s musical landscape.
She shot to stardom with her debut
Shreya made a stunning debut in Devdas (2002), earning a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer right off the bat. That breakthrough track set the tone for a legendary career.
She’s a 5-time National Award winner
Her trophy cabinet includes five National Film Awards, proving not just consistency, but unmatched quality across decades and genres.
Her voice transcends borders and languages
Shreya’s versatility is unmatched—she’s sung in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bhojpuri, and even Sanskrit. Few artists can match her linguistic and stylistic range.
She’s honoured internationally—literally has her own day!
On June 26, 2010, the state of Ohio, USA, declared it Shreya Ghoshal Day to honour her musical achievements. That’s a global recognition very few Indian singers can claim.
She’s a Madame Tussauds icon
In 2017, Shreya became the first Indian singer to get a wax statue at Madame Tussauds Delhi, solidifying her status as a pop-culture and musical legend.
Her soulful voice resonates across generations
Whether it’s Bollywood blockbusters or regional gems, classical tunes or romantic ballads, Shreya’s singing brings depth, emotion, and beauty that captivates all ages. She’s not just a voice—she’s a feeling.
Shreya Ghoshal’s journey from a breakout star to a global music iconGetty Images
From Devdas to global fame, Shreya Ghoshal isn’t just a singer—she’s a musical phenomenon.
The gaming market is evolving at a rapid, seemingly unmatched speed. And for all avid gamers and providers, it’s fascinating.
To break it all down, we caught up with Jordan Conroy, Slotozilla’s chief editor and go-to expert for all things iGaming. For over five years, Jordan’s been deep in the scene, covering everything from sportsbooks and software providers to payment options and security features.
Let’s hear his thoughts on what’s hot (and what’s next) in the world of online gaming.
How Do You Assess the Current State of the Global Gaming Market?
Generally speaking, the global gaming market is in a strong position. Especially over the past few years, there’s been immense growth. I read a BCG report earlier, and if I remember correctly, the market was growing at an impressive 13% CAGR. That pace has now settled a bit, but the market is still expanding. I believe that it’s still a very influential part of the entertainment industry as a whole.
Mobile gaming, esports, and streaming-related content can be seen everywhere. The industry is maturing. This will lead to more sustainable growth and innovations we can’t even imagine.
What Are the Key Challenges You Sense in the Industry Today, and What’s the Cause?
There are quite a few pressing challenges right now. Let me list the challenges and their cause:
Saturation: As with a lot of industries right now, market saturation is a big concern. So many big titles are released every month that even the most amazing games go unnoticed. Discoverability is a pain.
Cost: Another big one is cost. It’s again tied to market saturation. Such a crowded market demands innovation, and everyone’s looking for something one-of-a-kind. So, development and production take longer and need larger budgets.
Compatibility: Even though technology is rapidly advancing, it comes with downsides. Things like VR, AR, and AI open amazing possibilities, but they’re expensive to implement and bring their own problems. To name a few, compatibility issues and security risks take up a lot of time.
Inclusivity: From a social point of view, the biggest challenge is inclusivity. Even though the industry has made progress, we still need more effort towards increased diversity in both the games themselves and the teams making them.
How Have the Behaviour of Players and Their Expectations Changed Over Recent Years?
See, earlier, players just wanted a game that looked nice and would make them feel good. Now, they are much more demanding, in a good way. They expect something more meaningful, and they value a game that rewards and challenges them. A sense of achievement is what they are chasing.
I read research on gamers’ expectations, and I also observed it in the real world that gamers prefer a balance. They want to overcome frustration and also feel rewarded. Once a game gets that right, players stick for much longer. Storytelling has also become a bigger deal. Immersive worlds, often tied to larger franchises, make larger revenues. Games are no longer stand-alone experiences.
If we take AI into the equation, the landscape shifts again. People now want smarter NPCs, worlds that adapt to their actions, and experiences that feel more alive. In short, gamers today expect depth, connection, and constant innovation, or they’ll simply shift to other games in the market.
Which Technologies Currently Have the Greatest Impact on Online Gaming?
Technology is evolving faster than ever, and it’s reshaping the entire gaming experience, both for players and developers. Several innovations are currently leading the charge and redefining how we think about online gaming:
AR and VR have obviously taken over the market. There’s also cloud gaming. It lets players stream high-quality games without needing ultra-expensive hardware. It solves a very prevalent issue.
Gamers also love cross-platform play. They get to switch between their devices, such as phone, console, and PC, without losing any progress.
On the design side, advances in graphics and AI are making worlds look more realistic than ever. It has transformed art in a very significant manner.
On top of all that, the metaverse and social gaming are changing what games even are. For example, Fortnite and Roblox aren’t just games anymore. They have become virtual hangout spots.
How Are Crypto Coins or Blockchain Altering the Payment Approach and Security in Games?
The biggest benefits of using these methods are speed and accessibility. Since players can deposit or withdraw instantly, without having to pay a truckload of transaction fees, they are switching to crypto and blockchain.
Blockchain is also preferred because it’s more transparent and tamper-proof. Frauds and chargebacks are rare. It also gives developers a way to handle payments without storing sensitive user data.
More importantly, crypto allows people without bank accounts to participate. They enhance inclusivity. However, the flip side is volatility and differing regulations between countries. To deal with this, many platforms are using stablecoins and instant currency conversions.
What Methods for Attracting and Retaining Players Work Best Today?
I think the golden rule is pretty simple – know your players and keep the experience fresh. It has worked for decades. It’s exactly why Slotozilla offers the best bonuses and never stops looking for fresh, better ways to serve our readers.
We also find that these key elements make a big difference:
Personalisation
If you can tailor offers, rewards, or even game recommendations based on how someone actually plays, you’ve cracked the code.
Quick and friendly support
Players don’t want to jump through hoops. A live chat or in-game help really affects player retention.
Content
Constant tweaking and offering regular updates, such as new events and storylines, gives people a reason to log back in. Seasonal events also do the trick.
Loyalty programs
Daily bonuses, achievements, and VIP tiers can turn casual players into long-term fans.
Do You Perceive the Changing Legislation as a Challenge Across Different Countries, Especially for Companies?
The challenge is massive. Every time you try to expand into a new market, it feels like you’re starting from scratch. There’s a whole bunch of new rules, cultural norms and standards, and legal traps. It causes a lot of trouble.
Every market has its own rules, such as data protection like GDPR in Europe, content restrictions in Australia, and strict licensing in China. Since the law keeps evolving, it causes even more chaos. Studios have to invest heavily in compliance just to stay operational.
What Trends, in Your Opinion, Will Define Market Development in the Next 3–5 Years?
Well, we have already discussed AI and cloud gaming earlier. These will keep impacting the industry. Cross-platform play will also grow. Apart from these, next-gen consoles will keep pushing graphics and gameplay forward.
There’s also a trend of remakes and reboots of classic games. It keeps long-term fans engaged. Indie games and esports will also continue to rise, in my opinion. Although AAA games have been huge for years, we’re seeing their influence level off or even decline a bit. But maybe cloud gaming will make them more accessible.
What Advice Would You Give to New Companies Just Entering the Gaming Market?
There is no ‘one’ recipe for success. But there are a few tips that work almost always. Start by really understanding what your audience wants. What they play, what they like, and what problems they want solved. Focus on value addition, rather than trying to copy big players.
Keep your team agile, so you can adapt quickly based on feedback. Also, don’t underestimate the power of community. Build a lasting relationship with your players. Finally, invest in good marketing and user support from day one. Even the best game can fail because of a lack of awareness and customer neglect. While the market is complex, you can still capture it with the right attitude.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to hit IMAX screens worldwide
War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani released on 14 August 2025.
Social media reactions are split, with praise for action but criticism of the plot.
Many viewers believe Jr NTR’s screen presence overshadowed Hrithik in several moments.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is part of YRF’s Spy Universe alongside Pathaan and Tiger.
The highly anticipated action thriller War 2 has finally hit cinemas, but the online conversation has been anything but unanimous. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, the film opened on 14 August across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil screens as the latest chapter in Yash Raj Films’ expansive Spy Universe.
While fans have praised the high-octane set pieces and star power, many are calling the story underwhelming. The biggest talking point? Jr NTR’s Bollywood debut and whether his performance outshines Hrithik Roshan’s return as super spy Kabir.
How audiences are reacting to Hrithik Roshan vs Jr NTR in War 2
Within hours of release, hashtags like #War2, #HrithikRoshan, and #NTRJr were trending on X. Several posts celebrated Jr NTR’s introduction scene, describing it as “electrifying” and “pure mass cinema,” while others argued Hrithik’s charisma remains unmatched.
One fan wrote, “Jr NTR completely dominates in the second half; raw intensity, superb action, and emotional depth.” Another countered, “Hrithik owns the film. NTR feels like a supporting act despite his strong presence.”
Kiara Advani’s performance has been noted as a pleasant surprise, with praise for her action sequences despite limited screen time. Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor also return in key supporting roles, though some viewers felt their characters lacked development.
Audiences have been quick to point out the film’s strengths, including its polished cinematography, large-scale chase sequences, and top-tier fight choreography. The IMAX and 4DX versions, in particular, have been singled out for enhancing the visual experience.
— (@)
However, criticism has centred on the screenplay. Several posts complained of “predictable twists” and a “sluggish middle act” that disrupts momentum. Some even called the plot “the weakest in the Spy Universe so far,” comparing it unfavourably to Pathaan and Tiger Zinda Hai.
— (@)
One review summed it up: “Glossy action and stylish heroes, but the story doesn’t hold up. Fans of either lead will still have a great time, but general audiences may feel it’s all style over substance.”
— (@)
Where does War 2 fit in the YRF Spy Universe?
War 2 is the direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, which paired Hrithik Roshan with Tiger Shroff. This time, the stakes are higher as Kabir (Hrithik) faces off against a new antagonist played by Jr NTR.
The film connects to the wider YRF Spy Universe, which includes Salman Khan’s Tiger series, Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, and the upcoming Alpha starring Alia Bhatt. As the sixth instalment, War 2 aims to expand the franchise’s interlinked narrative and even teases future crossovers in a post-credits scene.
Released just ahead of the Independence Day holiday, War 2 is going head-to-head at the box office with Rajinikanth’s Coolie. Industry trackers expect both films to draw huge crowds over the long weekend, though initial reports suggest War 2 may have an edge in urban centres thanks to its pan-India appeal.
While it’s too early to judge its final performance, the early verdict from audiences is clear: if you’re here for high-adrenaline action and big-screen spectacle, War 2 delivers. But if you’re hoping for a tightly woven spy story, you might walk away wanting more.
BRITISH MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has branded an ongoing corruption trial in Dhaka as a “farce” built on “fabricated accusations and driven by a clear political vendetta”.
Siddiq, who represents Hampstead and Highgate for the governing Labour party, resigned as a minister earlier this year after allegations against her family surfaced.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) alleges she obtained a 7,200 sq ft plot in a diplomatic zone through “abuse of power and influence”.
In a statement on social media, Siddiq said: “The so-called trial now underway in Dhaka is nothing more than a farce. The allegations have repeatedly shifted, yet I have never been contacted by the Bangladeshi authorities, received a court summons, any official communication, or evidence.”
The former UK government anti-corruption minister said if the proceedings, which began in Bangladesh on Wednesday (13), were a genuine legal process, the authorities would have engaged with her or her legal team and presented their alleged evidence.
“Instead, they have peddled false and vexatious allegations that have been briefed to the media but never formally put to me by investigators. Even my offer to meet Bangladesh’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, during his recent visit to London was refused,” said Siddiq.
“Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the principles of a fair trial that we uphold in the UK. I have been clear from the outset that I have done nothing wrong and will respond to any credible evidence that is presented to me. Continuing to smear my name to score political points is both baseless and damaging."
In her resignation letter to prime minister Keir Starmer back in January, she pointed out that his Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests had not found her in breach of the UK’s Ministerial Code and asserted that she had not “acted improperly”.
“This conduct is wholly incompatible with the principles of a fair trial we uphold in the UK. I have done nothing wrong and will respond to any credible evidence. Continuing to smear my name to score political points is baseless and damaging,” she alleged.
Siddiq, 42, is the daughter of Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana and among several family members indicted in the case, which began this week. She maintains the charges are politically motivated.
(PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
FILE PHOTO: Irish Garda police officers stand on duty on Parnell Street, in Dublin. (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
AN INDIAN man living in Dublin, who was assaulted by a group of teenagers over the weekend, has said he will return to India following the incident. He added that members of the Indian community in Ireland are feeling increasingly unsafe.
The man, who did not wish to be named, told Irish media he was attacked by three people last Sunday (10) evening while walking home from Fairview Park. One attacker, riding an electric scooter, kicked him in the stomach.
As he tried to walk away, two others joined in, hitting him repeatedly. Even after he fell to the ground, the attackers continued to punch and kick him. One assailant took his metal water bottle and struck him above the eye, causing a deep cut and heavy bleeding.
He was taken to hospital, where he received stitches for his injuries. Irish police have confirmed they are investigating the case, which is the latest in a series of violent assaults on members of the Indian community.
The victim said his parents in India urged him to come home after the attack, and he has now made arrangements to leave. He added that many friends are “scared to go outside” and some are also planning to return to India.
India’s ambassador to Ireland, Akhilesh Mishra, met senior Irish police officers on Wednesday (13) to discuss the attacks. The meeting followed a statement from Irish president Michael D Higgins, who “unequivocally” condemned the “despicable attacks”, calling them contrary to national values.
The Archbishop of Dublin also denounced the “truly shocking” and “unprovoked” assaults.
Citing security concerns, the Ireland India Council postponed its annual “India Day” celebrations, which were due to take place in Dublin on Sunday (17).
An Garda Síochána said investigations are ongoing and it is liaising with the victims in each case.
(PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
Marvel’s Spider-Man remains one of the most acclaimed superhero games
Eleven games coming to PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra on 19 August.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered available for PS5; PS4 players get Game of the Year Edition.
PS Plus Premium subscribers gain access to PS1 versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3.
Game trial for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach available to Premium members.
Sony has announced 11 new titles joining the PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra catalogues this month, with Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered leading the line-up. The additions, arriving on 19 August, include major console exclusives and classic titles, offering a strong month for subscribers across both tiers.
Full August line-up
The games being added to PS Plus Premium and Extra on 19 August 2025 are:
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key (PS4, PS5)
Coral Island (PS5)
Earth Defense Force 6 (PS4, PS5)
Harold Halibut (PS5)
Indika (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4, PS5)
Mortal Kombat 1 (PS5)
PS1 version of Resident Evil 2 (PS4, PS5) – Premium only
PS1 version of Resident Evil 3 (PS4, PS5) – Premium only
Sword of the Sea (PS5)
Unicorn Overlord (PS4, PS5)
These titles join the service alongside August’s PS Plus Essential games, including Lies of P.
Spider-Man swings back onto PlayStation
Marvel’s Spider-Man remains one of the most acclaimed superhero games, combining a compelling story with fluid web-swinging gameplay. PS5 owners will receive Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, while PS4 users will access the Game of the Year Edition.
The line-up also features Sword of the Sea, a new console exclusive, and retro horror classics Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 for Premium subscribers.
Extras for Premium subscribers
The PS1 versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 are emulated releases offering modern features such as rewind, save states and enhanced resolution. Premium members will also be able to try Death Stranding 2: On the Beach via a five-hour game trial starting 19 August.