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Vibha Chibber on Rita Bhaduri’s sudden demise

In a tragic turn of events, Hindi film and television actor Rita Bhaduri passed away Tuesday morning. Actor Vibha Chibber, who has worked with the veteran actress on the show Mr. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, remembers the time spent with her.

"Rita Bhaduri Ji was one of the most senior actresses who I have worked with till date. She played my samdhan on the show Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein. She was with us throughout her month-long cameo and bonded with the entire team. She was a very silent person and never made people on the set feel that she is a senior actress. She was a friend to everyone on the set,” she says.


The actor goes on to add, “She used to bring non-veg dishes for everyone from home once or twice a week. She was very fond of cooking. I would often say to her that she had a big heart."

Talking about her acting capabilities, Vibha says that Rita was amazing. “She was a very spontaneous actor. Although she was relaxed on the set, she was always punctual. We have truly lost a great artist today,” she says.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Inside Netflix’s 50% surge: the regional creators and stories driving Southeast Asia’s global rise

AI Generated

How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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