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.
VIRAT KOHLI, one of the finest cricketers of the modern era, officially drew the curtain on his Test career on Monday (12), leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
The announcement came in an emotional message on Instagram to his 271 million followers.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli wrote.
“I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me so much more than I could’ve hoped for. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right.”
Kohli, 36, had already retired from T20 cricket last year. But he is expected to continue in the one-day format, where his fitness and hunger still remain intact.
His decision did not come as a complete surprise. Over the past two years, his form in Test cricket declined, with an average of just 32.56, far below the standards he had set between 2011 and 2019, when he averaged close to 55.
His last Test match, played in Sydney earlier this year, was a tough one, with India losing the series 3-1 to Australia. Barring a century in Perth, he struggled throughout the series.
Kohli was a complete cricketer and a fierce competitor who wore his emotions on his sleeve. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them – a record that makes him the most successful Indian Test skippers of all time.
His leadership redefined India’s overseas attitude, making them more aggressive and confident in foreign conditions.
A man of unmatched intensity, commitment and determination, he became the heartbeat of Indian cricket for more than a decade.
Known as “King Kohli,” he was India’s batting mainstay across formats for much of his career. Whether it was the grinding pressure of Test matches, the fast pace of T20s, or the strategic battleground of ODIs, he always stood tall.
Kohli was also part of the legendary “Fab Four” of modern Test batting, alongside Australian Steve Smith, England’s Joe Root, and Kane Williamson from New Zealand. They dominated world cricket during the same era, pushing each other to higher standards. He, however, stood out with his flair and fitness, playing each game like it was his last.
He ends his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. With 30 tons and 31 half-centuries, he made his mark as a consistent match-winner and reliable No 4 batter. Kohli’s highest score in Tests, an unbeaten 254, remains a reminder of his ability to dominate any bowling attack.
His journey was never just about cricket. The number 18 jersey he proudly wore is the most popular cricket shirt in India, chosen in memory of his father, Prem, who passed away on December 18.
Kohli has over 26,000 international runs and 80 centuries across formats – achievements that place him in the rarest class of cricketers.
Many cricket stars paid tribute to Kohli after his announcement. India coach Gautam Gambhir called him “a man with lion’s passion.” Sachin Tendulkar, the man he is often compared to, wrote, “You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players.”
Kohli’s South African IPL teammate AB de Villiers called him “a true legend,” while Wasim Akram described him as “a modern-day great”.
Despite comparisons with Tendulkar, Kohli has always sought his own path. His biographer, Vijay Lokapally, remarked, “Virat never played for records. They happened as he progressed.” He also highlighted Kohli’s extraordinary work ethic and drive, drawing inspiration from past legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev.
However, Kohli’s time as captain was not without turbulence. His form dropped, and in 2021, he stepped down as T20 captain before being removed from the ODI captaincy.
In 2022, he gave up the Test captaincy and opened up about the mental stress he was under. He admitted being “snappy” at home, especially around his wife, actress Anushka Sharma.
But, he bounced back, scoring his first century in over 1,000 days during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
There remains one elusive dream – the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Despite playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the league began in 2008, Kohli has not yet lifted the trophy.
His story is one of grit, ambition, and unshakable belief. In a time when Test cricket struggles for relevance, he carried it on his shoulders with pride.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said, “No individual has done as much for Test cricket as Virat Kohli.
The Madras State Medical Association UK (MSMA) commemorated its Ruby Anniversary with an elegant evening at the House of Lords, celebrating four decades of service, integration, and achievement in British healthcare.
The evening was graciously hosted by Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, who welcomed attendees and reflected on the House of Lords’ unique role in British democracy. “Here, we win arguments not with slogans but with knowledge,” he remarked, praising the expertise of its members, including judges, scientists, military leaders—and medical professionals.
Sharing his personal journey from India to the UK, Lord Bilimoria paid tribute to his father’s advice: “Integrate wherever you live, but never forget your roots.” He acknowledged the contribution of Indian-origin doctors and lauded MSMA’s vital role in supporting the NHS.
Professor Senthil Nathan, President of MSMA, took the audience through the Association’s inspiring journey—from its humble beginnings as a social group of doctors from the Madras Presidency, to becoming a network of over 200 strong, shaping careers, supporting NHS recruitment, and fostering leadership.
Lord Karan Bilimoria speaks at the event
“Our founding members helped bring in some of the most capable clinicians to the UK,” he said. “From clinical practice to research and teaching, our members have thrived. This evening is to honour their legacy.”
He also highlighted the association’s influence in establishing wider medical bodies such as the Overseas Doctors Association and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO).
Former MSMA President Dr S. N. Jayabalan, who arrived in the UK in 1976, echoed similar sentiments. “This association became like a family,” he said, adding that the support system it built helped many overcome early challenges. He noted with pride the rise of a new generation of doctors and urged them to embrace integration while preserving cultural roots.
The evening featured a formal dinner, spirited conversations, and a moving tribute segment honouring pioneering members for their lifelong contribution to medicine and community service. Honourees included: Dr Mallika Mohanraj, Dr Yamuna Rajagopal, Dr Alagappan Ramaswamy, Dr Muthurangu, Mrs Usha Muthurangu, Mr Krishnamoorthy Sarangapani, Mrs Stella Sarangapani, Dr Parthasarathy, and Dr Mallika Parthasarathy.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares a candid moment with Raj Nidimoru amid dating rumours
Samantha Ruth Prabhu seems to be in a celebratory mood, both professionally and personally. As her maiden production Subham hits the screens, the actress has been sharing a string of heartfelt posts, many of which feature filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.
While neither of them has publicly addressed the dating rumours, Samantha’s recent Instagram uploads have only added to the speculation. In one of the standout photos, she is seen resting her head on Raj’s shoulder mid-flight, while another shows the duo smiling beside a poster of Subham. Raj, who is credited as the creative producer on the film, appears to be a steady presence in Samantha’s life both on and off the set.
In the caption accompanying the post, Samantha thanked fans for embracing Subham, calling it “the very first step” of their journey at Tralala Moving Pictures. “Fuelled by heart, madness, and the belief that new, fresh stories matter,” she wrote. She also shared a short video of her mother, Ninette Prabhu, enthusiastically complimenting her brief cameo in the film. “Your acting was so nice… the whole theatre was full, maa,” her mother said, as Samantha playfully reminded her she had just one scene.
Fans, as expected, jumped into the comments section. Some found Ninette’s reaction adorable, while others focused on the growing closeness between Samantha and Raj. “That eighth slide, Sam! Everyone’s talking about your love story now,” one follower wrote.
This isn’t the first time the two have been spotted together. They were seen visiting the Tirupati temple before the release of Subham, and they previously worked on Citadel: Honey Bunny and The Family Man Season 2. Samantha is also set to appear in Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom, another collaboration with Raj and his partner DK.
Subham, directed by Cinema Bandi’s Praveen Kandregula and written by Vasanth Mariganti, features six new faces in prominent roles. It is Samantha’s first step as a producer, and fans are clearly taking interest in both the stories she wants to tell and the one she may be living.
Whether it’s work, companionship, or something more, Samantha’s next chapter is unfolding in full view, and her fans are watching closely.
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England’s Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) is among the players who will miss the latter part of the tournament, which is scheduled to end on June 3.
THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) has announced that teams will now be allowed to bring in temporary replacements for the rest of the tournament, following the withdrawal of several overseas players.
The IPL resumes on Saturday after being paused due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The new schedule overlaps with international fixtures, leading to the unavailability of multiple players.
England’s Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) and Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) are among the players who will miss the latter part of the tournament, which is scheduled to end on June 3.
"Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament," the league said in a memo to franchises seen by AFP.
"This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year.
"Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026."
Overton, a bowling all-rounder, will be part of England’s white-ball squad for the home series against West Indies, beginning with a three-match ODI series on May 29.
Fraser-McGurk has withdrawn citing "personal reasons". Delhi Capitals have signed Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman as his replacement.
Delhi are also awaiting the return of Australia’s left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. The Capitals are monitoring the availability of South African players Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs.
Stubbs is included in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s.
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said on Tuesday that he expects players to join the national squad on May 26, a day after the IPL final was originally scheduled.
The tournament resumes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, the first of 13 remaining regular-season matches.
(With inputs from AFP)
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New South Asian Soundcheck survey aims to tackle music industry bias in UK
A first-of-its-kind survey, The South Asian Soundcheck, has launched to uncover the realities faced by South Asian artists and professionals in the UK music scene. Led by the non-profit Lila, the project is backed by major industry players like UK Music, BPI, Musicians’ Union, and the Music Managers Forum.
The online survey, taking just 10 minutes, will gather crucial data on representation, career barriers, and earnings for South Asians in music, a community long overlooked despite its contributions. The findings could push for real change, from fairer festival lineups to more support for behind-the-scenes professionals.
BBC Radio’s Bobby Friction, a vocal advocate, says this is a pivotal moment. "Canada’s Juno Awards just added a South Asian music category. At Glastonbury, we created the first-ever South Asian stage, ‘Arrivals,’ which is returning as ‘Azaadi’ next year. But to keep this momentum, we need hard data and this survey will give us that."
Vikram Gudi, founder of Lila, stresses this isn’t just a "South Asian issue" but an industry-wide gap. "South Asians have shaped UK music for decades, yet we’re missing from top roles, festival bills, and boardrooms. This survey is step one in fixing that."
Key areas the survey explores:
Who’s working in music—artists, execs, or behind-the-scenes.
Pay gaps—how much South Asians earn compared to peers.
Visibility—why cultural acts often get side-lined.
Funding access—what support is lacking.
Major orgs are throwing weight behind it. UK Music’s Diversity Head, Eunice Obianagha, calls it "vital for driving change," while the BPI notes South Asian music’s growing influence but admits "we need data to back real action." The Musicians’ Union adds that insights from the survey could mirror their own Musicians’ Census in pushing for fairer representation.
Bobby Friction and Vikram Gudi lead the charge for South Asian representation in UK music through the ground-breaking Soundcheck surveygetty images
Results will be public, helping labels, festivals, and funders make smarter moves, whether launching mentorship schemes or earmarking grants. The research is designed by Sania Haq, who’s worked with Spotify and the UK government on similar projects.
Why it matters: Without numbers, the industry won’t act. This survey could finally turn anecdotal struggles into actionable proof.