Feb 12, 2026

Mumbai. A special screening of the short film “Lunar Witch,” starring Dr. Kankana Ghosh and Akshay Alokk, was held at Red Bulb Studios in Mumbai, where the entire film team was present. Numerous guests and a large number of media were also present. Everyone praised the film and commended the actors’ performances.

The film’s director Gaurav Bhatt, writer Shubham Chaudhary, and EP Manish Sinha also shared their experiences. Produced under the banner of KG Films, the short film “Lunar Witch” is streaming on Hungama OTT. The screening was sponsored by Kavya Brew.

Kankana Ghosh is not only a doctor and lawyer but also a film producer, actress, and singer. Lead actress Dr. Kankana Ghosh, who began her career as a child artist, said, “I thank the entire team involved in the film. Special thanks to my coach and co-actor, Akshay Alokk. Casting Akshay in this film was director Gaurav Bhatt’s idea. Thanks to EP Manish Sinha. The film’s story is very intense. A film isn’t made by one person; it’s a team effort. I learned from the experience of making and releasing this 9-minute film. I told everyone as a child that I would become a producer, and today, I’ve achieved that. This script was written for a feature film, but it was made into a short film. Many friends contributed to the premiere, including Vijay, Swati, Ashish, Bhavesh, Prabhat, and Monica.

The film’s lead actor, Akshay Alokk, said that the story is unique. Kankana played the character with great intensity.

Film director Gaurav Bhatt said, “I’m still very nervous. Kankana did a great job. She produced the film and released it on Hungama.”

 

Special Screening Of The Short Film “Lunar Witch” Starring Dr. Kankana Ghosh And Akshay Alokk

Feb 12, 2026

A four-day intensive leadership and business transformation program titled “Ultimate Millionaire Blueprint” was successfully conducted in Lonavala, introducing a powerful new direction in Indian entrepreneurship. The program was not merely a business growth workshop, but a transformational platform integrating purpose-driven leadership, structured systems, and social responsibility.

The prestigious workshop was organized by Devidas Group of Company under the guidance of renowned spiritual business coach and mentor Devidas Naikare. In his keynote address, he emphasized that modern businesses must go beyond profit-making and embrace responsibility toward society and the nation.

Over four days, participants received in-depth and practical training on the scientific understanding of the Business Cycle, mindset transformation, structured team development, leadership building, brand positioning, scalable business systems, and sustainable revenue models. Concepts such as “Business as a Service” and “Spiritual Leadership” provided entrepreneurs with a long-term strategic vision for building impact-driven enterprises.

During the closing ceremony, selected entrepreneurs from various regions of India were honored for their innovation, leadership excellence, and social contribution. Among the awardees were Nikul Trivedi, Ashish Chilekar, Anupriya Khadye, Dr. Swapnil Mohape, Ganesh Yadav, Sneha Gaonkar, Vaishali Borale, Ketan Sonawane, Umesh Tari, Nitesh Gaikwad, Lukesh Tukar, Mukesh Singh Raj, Rajesh Kumar, Kunal Padalkar, and Pravin Patel, along with several other inspiring business leaders.

The event was further strengthened by the presence of senior business coaches from Devidas Group of Company, including Vedant Naikare, Pramod Bhujbal, Dr. Sneha Hinge, Mihir Shikhwal , Harsh Sinha, Dr. Sunil Sutar, Avinash Deshmukh, Vinay Sahu, Prafull Kamble, Kushal Lonarkar, Dipesh Pandey, and Ajay Rane.

Adding prestige to the occasion, Bollywood actress Smita Gondkar attended as a special guest. In her address, she remarked that true success is achieved when businesses grow while uplifting society alongside them.

The core message that emerged from this four-day transformational experience was clear:

Leadership inspired by service creates businesses that are sustainable, impactful, and socially meaningful.

  

Bollywood Actress Smita Gondkar Was A Special Guest At The Prestigious Workshop “Ultimate Millionaire Blueprint” Conducted In Lonavala

Feb 11, 2026

रंगों का त्यौहार होली के पहले हो भोजपुरी संगीत जगत में धूम मचाने के लिए वर्ल्डवाइड रिकॉर्ड्स म्यूजिक कंपनी ने अपना नया धमाकेदार होली गीत ‘बलमुआ फौजी’ रिलीज कर दिया है। इस भावुक और कर्णप्रिय होली गीत को मशहूर गायिका प्रियंका सिंह ने अपनी मधुर आवाज दी है, जबकि वीडियो में अभिनेत्री माही श्रीवास्तव ने अपनी शानदार अदायगी से सबका दिल जीत लिया है। बिरह और होली का अनोखा संगम इस होली गीत में फिल्मांकन किया गया है। इस गाने में एक फौजी की पत्नी की भावनाओं को खूबसूरती से दर्शाया गया है। यह होली गीत वर्ल्डवाइड रिकॉर्ड्स भोजपुरी के ऑफिसियल यूट्यूब चैनल पर रिलीज किया गया है।

इस गीत में दिखाया गया है कि माही श्रीवास्तव का हसबैंड सीमा पर तैनात है और होली की छुट्टी नहीं मिल पाने की वजह से घर पर नहीं आ पाता है।   उसकी याद में माही श्रीवास्तव होली पर बहुत उदास है। दूसरी औरतों को अपने-अपने पति के साथ होली खेलते देखकर माही का मन अपने पति के साथ होली खेलने का हो रहा है। वह उदास मन से कहती है कि…

‘ये बलमुआ फौजी होलिया में आजासू घरे, ये बलमुआ फौजी होलिया में आजासू घरे, फागुनी बयरिया जब जब बहे, तोहरी याद खुब परे, ये बलमुआ फौजी होलिया में आजासू घरे…’

वर्ल्डवाइड रिकॉर्ड्स प्रस्तुत होली गीत ‘बलमुआ फौजी’ के निर्माता रत्नाकर कुमार हैं। इस गीत को सिंगर प्रियंका सिंह ने गाया है। इसके वीडियो में एक्ट्रेस माही श्रीवास्तव ने शानदार अदायगी किया है। इस गाने को गीतकार दुर्गेश भट्ट ने लिखा है, जबकि संगीतकार साजन मिश्रा ने मधुर संगीत दिया है। वीडियो डायरेक्टर सुनील बाबा, डीओपी रंजन, कोरियोग्राफर एमके गुप्ता जॉय, एडिटर आलोक गुप्ता हैं। डीआई रोहित सिंह ने किया है। इस गाने का ऑल राइट वर्ल्डवाइड रिकॉर्ड्स के पास है।

इस गाने को लेकर माही श्रीवास्तव ने कहा कि ‘यह  होली गीत फौजी की पत्नी के बिरह पर आधारित है। यह एक सिचुएशनल भोजपुरी होली गीत है। अलग कॉन्सेप्ट के इस गीत में काम करके दिल खुश हो गया है। इस गाने को  भरपूर प्यार देने के लिए मैं अपने फैंस और ऑडियंस को तहेदिल से धन्यवाद देती हूं। इतना बेहतरीन गाना बनाने के लिए रत्नाकर सर को दिल से थैंक्यू।’

वहीं सिंगर प्रियंका सिंह इस गाने को लेकर बहुत उत्साहित हैं, वे कहती हैं कि ‘मुझे बहुत खुशी है कि मेरी आवाज में गाया हुआ ये होली गीत बहुत ही बेहतरीन बनाया गया है। इसके लिए रत्नाकर कुमार सर को दिल से थैंक्यू। सभी श्रोताओं को तहेदिल से धन्यवाद!’

रत्नाकर कुमार, प्रियंका सिंह और माही श्रीवास्तव के होली गीत ‘बलमुआ फौजी’ में फौजी की पत्नी का छलका दर्द

Feb 11, 2026

फिल्म निर्माता से निर्देशक बने विजय यादव के निर्देशन में भोजपुरी फिल्म ‘स्वर्ग से सुंदर’ की शूटिंग भव्य पैमाने पर मुहूर्त करके शुरू कर दी गई है। इस फिल्म में केंद्रीय भूमिका में यूथ स्टार प्रेम सिंह और स्टार अभिनेत्री रक्षा गुप्ता की शानदार केमिस्ट्री दर्शकों का भरपूर मनोरंजन करने वाली है। सबसे खास बात यह है कि इस फिल्म के जरिये प्रेम सिंह, रक्षा गुप्ता और निर्देशक विजय यादव की तिकड़ी की चर्चा फिल्मी गलियारों में जोरों पर है। इस फिल्म की शूटिंग जोर-शोर से बिग लेवल पर उत्तर प्रदेश के जिला भदोही के महाराजगंज के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में शुरू कर दी गई है। इस फिल्म की पारिवारिक और भावनात्मक कहानी दर्शकों के दिलों को छूने वाली है। मजबूत निर्देशन, भावनात्मक कहानी, दमदार अभिनय और संगीत के साथ यह फिल्म आने वाले समय में दर्शकों के बीच खास पहचान बना सकती है। फिल्म की शुरुआत को लेकर कलाकारों और टीम में खासा उत्साह देखा जा रहा है।

गौरतलब है कि सुर म्यूजिक वर्ल्ड प्रा.लि. और सुरिंदर यादव प्रस्तुत भोजपुरी फिल्म ‘स्वर्ग से सुंदर’  के निर्माता व निर्देशक विजय यादव हैं। सह-निर्माता महेंद्र यादव हैं। इस फिल्म में निर्माता और निर्देशक दोनों जिम्मेदारी विजय यादव संभाल रहे हैं, जो इससे पहले भी कई फिल्मों का निर्माण और मार्केटिंग कर चुके हैं। इस फिल्म की कहानी और पटकथा अरविंद तिवारी ने लिखी है, जो सामाजिक भावनाओं और रिश्तों को गहराई से दर्शाने के लिए जाने जाते हैं। तकनीकी पक्ष को मजबूती देने के लिए डीओपी सुनील अहिरे कैमरे की कमान संभाल रहे हैं, वहीं कोरियोग्राफर कानू मुखर्जी हैं। फिल्म के पीआरओ रंजन सिन्हा और रामचन्द्र यादव हैं। मुख्य कलाकार प्रेम सिंह, रक्षा गुप्ता, मनोज द्विवेदी, रजनीश झांजी, अनीता रावत, पूर्वी दूबे, भानु पांडेय, लियाकत अली, रानी सिंह, यादवेंद्र यादव, और शाहिद शम्स, खुशी मौर्य एवं बाल कलाकार चाहत राज आदि कलाकार नजर आएंगे।

विजय यादव ने बताया कि मेरे निर्देशन में बन रही हमारी यह भोजपुरी ‘स्वर्ग से सुंदर’ एक ऐसी कहानी लेकर आ रही है, जो दर्शकों को मनोरंजन के साथ-साथ एक सकारात्मक संदेश भी देगी। प्रेम सिंह और रक्षा गुप्ता बहुत ही सुलझे कलाकार हैं, उनके साथ फिल्म करने का अनुभव काफी सुखद और सहज है। फिल्म की पूरी यूनिट सपोर्टिंग नेचर की है।’

  

प्रेम सिंह, रक्षा गुप्ता और निर्देशक विजय यादव की भोजपुरी फिल्म ‘स्वर्ग से सुंदर’ की शूटिंग शुरू हुई भदोही में

Feb 9, 2026

Tarun Parihar – India’s First Voice Astrologer

In a world filled with uncertainty, where modern life often distances individuals from inner peace.

Tarun Parihar stands as a guiding light of faith, wisdom, and spiritual clarity. Revered as India’s First Voice Astrologer, he has introduced a unique and powerful approach to astrology—one that emphasizes voice vibrations, intuitive guidance, and divine connection rather than conventvional charts alone.

A devoted follower and practitioner of Maa Kamakhya Devi, Tarun Parihar draws his spiritual strength from one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas of India. His practice is deeply rooted in devotion, discipline, and divine surrender.

Throughout years of intense spiritual sadhana and experience, he has developed the ability to understand problems and energies through voice and spiritual intuition, making his guidance both precise and transformative.

Tarun Parihar offers solutions to all kinds of life challenges—be it personal struggles, relationship issues, career confusion, financial instability, health concerns, or spiritual unrest.

His consultations are not merely predictive; they are healing in nature, offering peace of mind, clarity of thought, and renewed faith. People who connect with him often describe his guidance as reassuring, empowering, and spiritually uplifting.

Currently in Mumbai, Tarun Parihar continues to serve people from all walks of life, including professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, and spiritual seekers. His humble nature, compassionate listening, and divine insight have earned him immense trust and respect.

For those seeking genuine spiritual guidance rooted in devotion and positive energy, his presence is a blessing.

Anyone wishing to meet him or seek his guidance may connect through the details provided. His mission remains simple yet profound—to help people overcome life’s challenges through faith, spiritual wisdom, and the blessings of Maa Kamakhya Devi.

Contact  : 8291 94 4676

Tarun Parihar  – India’s First Voice Astrologer Bringing Spiritual Solutions To Modern Life

Feb 9, 2026

Arham Khan is a promising young Sarangi Player carrying forward one of the most revered legacies in Indian classical music.

He is the grandson of the legendary Sarangi Samrat Ustad Sabri Khan Sahib, a towering figure who took the sarangi to the global stage and transformed its presence in both classical and world music.

Born into the prestigious Moradabad Gharana, Arham represents the newest generation of a lineage that has preserved and enriched the sarangi tradition for over four centuries.

Arham Khan is the son of Ustad Ayyub Khan, himself a dedicated Sarangi Player, and the nephew of Sarangi Sultan Ustad Kamal Sabri, an internationally acclaimed maestro known for his innovative approach, global collaborations, and deep commitment to keeping the sarangi relevant in contemporary musical discourse.

Growing up in such an extraordinary musical environment, Arham was naturally immersed in the rich soundscape of raga, tala, and nuanced improvisation from an early age.

Under the guidance of his elders and inspired by the monumental achievements of his grandfather and uncle, Arham has begun shaping his own musical identity while remaining deeply rooted in classical discipline.

His playing reflects sensitivity, maturity, and a sincere understanding of the sarangi’s emotional depth — qualities that are hallmarks of the Sabri family tradition.

Even at a young stage in his journey, his performances reveal a balance of reverence for tradition and curiosity for exploration.

Arham Khan stands as a symbol of continuity and hope for the future of the sarangi. As he progresses under the blessings and mentorship of his distinguished family, he carries not only an illustrious name but also a responsibility to uphold and advance one of India’s most soulful musical heritages for generations to come !

 

Arham Khan – Grandson Disciple of Sarangi Samrat Ustad Sabri Khansahb

Feb 9, 2026

Mumbai: The grand launch of the “Har Ghar Ramayana” campaign (National Program), organized with the objective of reviving Indian culture, values, and the story of Rama, took place with great reverence and dignity on February 5, 2026, at the Mayor Hall, Juhu Lane, Andheri (West), Mumbai.

The special presence of Acharya Shri Satyanarayan Das Ji Maharaj (Ramkunj, Ayodhya) elevated the program to spiritual heights.

The program included cultural and intellectual presentations by many distinguished personalities, including Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh, Shri Ashok Sinha, Shri Pankaj Kumar, Ms. Tia Kishori, and Ms. Priyanka Chauhan, whose performances deeply moved the audience.

Many dignitaries from the fields of politics, governance, administration, social work, and the arts were present, further enhancing the prestige and impact of the program.

The program was successfully and effectively conducted by Shri Anand Singh.

The national organizer of this national campaign is Dr. Rajesh Srivastava. Executive Chairperson Advocate Isha Agarwal, Vice President Shri Rahul Roy, and Manager Shri Aditya Kumar played crucial roles in leading the program.

The objective of the “Har Ghar Ramayana” campaign is to spread the ideals, values, culture, and life lessons of Lord Rama to every household, thereby strengthening social harmony and cultural awareness.

On this occasion, many people were honored with the Shri Ramayana Path Award.

 

“HAR GHAR RAMAYAN” Campaign (National Program) Grand Launch In Mumbai

Feb 9, 2026

Pune, India: A special evening blending remembrance, music, and medical service unfolded in Pune on Friday, 6 February 2026, at 6:15 PM onwards at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, as the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation presented the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Award during a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the life and values of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.

The programme was accompanied by a musical tribute titled “Santwani & LATA HRYDAY – In Reverence to Lata Didi,” convened by Manisha Nischals Mehak Concerts.

Organised in association with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center, the ceremony paid homage not only to the legendary voice that defined generations of Indian music, but also to the spirit of service that Lata Mangeshkar championed throughout her life.

The medical award recognised distinguished doctors and healthcare professionals whose dedication to patient care reflected those same humanitarian ideals.

This year, the Foundation presented its first Bharat Ratna Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Vaidyakratna Award to Dr. (Prof.) S. Rajshekaran, Chairman, GANGA Hospital, Coimbatore.

The evening was graced by  Dr. Vishwanath Karad, Founder of MIT Group of Institutions, as the Chief Guest. Among the eminent dignitaries in attendance were Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, Pt. Shankar Abhyankar, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, and Dr. Sameer Jog.

The evening was compered by Dipti Bhagwat.

Where Music Met Medicine

Instituted to celebrate excellence in healthcare, the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Award extended the Mangeshkar family’s legacy beyond the world of music and into the realm of healing. The honour recognised doctors whose service, skill, and empathy had made a meaningful difference to countless lives.

A Soulful Musical Tribute to Lata Didi

The cultural highlight of the evening was Santwani & Lata Hryday, a devotional and classical musical tribute inspired by the spiritual depth and emotional resonance of the poetry of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Surdas, Sant Kabir, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Meerabai, as rendered through Lata Mangeshkar’s musical journey.

The segment featured performances by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Pt. Shankar Abhyankar, and singers Vibhavari Joshi, Manisha Nischal, Shreyasi Pavgi, Rutuja, and Prachi, alongside other distinguished artistes.

Speaking about the tribute, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar said:

“Music was Didi’s prayer, her offering to the world. Through Swarajali, we remembered not just her voice, but her devotion, discipline, and the purity with which she approached every note.”

Reflecting on the emotional significance of the evening, Usha Mangeshkar shared:

“For us, Didi was not only a musical legend but a guiding light in compassion and humility. She always believed that true success lies in giving back. Seeing her name associated with healing and hope through this medical award would have made her deeply happy.”

Continuing a Legacy of Care

Through Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center, the Foundation has long supported advanced treatment, research, and accessible healthcare for families across Maharashtra. The institution stands as a living tribute to the values of service, empathy, and excellence upheld by the Mangeshkar family.

The Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Ceremony marked an evening of reverence, remembrance, and renewed commitment — where melody met medicine, and legacy met service.

 

Pune Hosted Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Ceremony & Lata Mangeshkar Medical Awards Evening Honouring Her Legacy Of Compassion

 

Feb 9, 2026

पुणे: भारतरत्न लता मंगेशकर यांच्या स्मृतींना आणि त्यांच्या करुणामय वारशाला अभिवादन करण्यासाठी Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation तर्फे लता मंगेशकर वैद्यकरत्न पुरस्कार प्रदान समारंभ आज शुक्रवार, ६ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी सायंकाळी यशवंतराव चव्हाण नाट्यगृह, कोथरूड, पुणे येथे संपन्न झाला. या विशेष कार्यक्रमासोबत “संतवाणी आणि लता हृदय” हा भावपूर्ण सांगीतिक कार्यक्रम सादर करण्यात आला.

हा सोहळा मनिषा निश्चल्स मॕहेक कॉन्सर्ट्स यांनी Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center यांच्या सहकार्याने आयोजित केला होता. लता दीदींनी आयुष्यभर जपलेल्या सेवा, संवेदना आणि मानवतेच्या मूल्यांना अभिवादन करण्याचा हा एक भावनिक प्रयत्न ठरला. वैद्यकीय क्षेत्रात उल्लेखनीय कार्य करणाऱ्या डॉक्टरांना भारतरत्न लता दीनानाथ मंगेशकर वैद्यक रत्न या पुरस्काराने गौरविण्यात आले.

पुरस्काराचे हे पहिले वर्ष असून, यावर्षी डाॅ. (प्रोफेसर) श्री. राजशेखरन, अध्यक्ष, गंगा हॉस्पिटल, कोइंबतूर, यांना या प्रतिष्ठित पुरस्काराने सन्मानित करण्यात आले.

कार्यक्रमाचे अध्यक्ष म्हणून डॉ. विश्वनाथ कराड, संस्थापक – MIT Group of Institutions, हे उपस्थित होते. या सोहळ्याला भावगंधर्व पं. हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर, पं. सुरेश तळवलकर, विद्यावाचस्पती पं. शंकर अभ्यंकर, डॉ. धनंजय केळकर आणि डॉ. समीर जोग यांची मान्यवर उपस्थिती लाभली. कार्यक्रमाचे सूत्रसंचालन दीप्ती भागवत यांनी केले.

संगीत आणि सेवेला मानवंदना

भारतरत्न लता दीनानाथ मंगेशकर वैद्यकरत्न पुरस्कार हा केवळ सन्मान नसून सेवाभावाचा गौरव ठरला. संगीताद्वारे हृदयांना स्पर्श करणाऱ्या लता दीदींच्या नावाने आरोग्यसेवेत मोलाचे योगदान देणाऱ्या वैद्यकीय तज्ज्ञांचा या निमित्ताने गौरव करण्यात आला.

“संतवाणी आणि लता हृदय”

हा कार्यक्रम संत ज्ञानेश्वर माऊली, संत तुकाराम, संत कबीर, संत सूरदास आणि संत मीराबाई यांच्या अजरामर काव्यांवर आधारित होता. लता दीदींनी या संतवाणीला दिलेल्या स्वरांमधून प्रेरणा घेऊन साकारलेली ही संगीतांजली अत्यंत भावस्पर्शी ठरली.

कार्यक्रमाचा मुख्य सांस्कृतिक भाग म्हणजे “संतवाणी आणि लता हृदय” ही भक्तिमय आणि शास्त्रीय संगीतातील आदरांजली होती. या सादरीकरणात पं. हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर आणि विद्यावाचस्पती पं. शंकर अभ्यंकर यांचे निरूपण झाले.

या कार्यक्रमात विभावरी जोशी, मनिषा निश्चल, श्रेयसी पावगी, प्राची देवल आणि ऋतुजा तारे या गायिकांनी सहभाग घेतला.

या संगीत अर्पणाबद्दल बोलताना पं. हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर म्हणाले:

“संगीत हे दीदींसाठी प्रार्थना होती — जगाला दिलेले त्यांचे अर्पण. ‘स्वरांजली’मधून आपण त्यांच्या आवाजासोबत त्यांची साधना, शिस्त आणि प्रत्येक सुरातील पवित्रता स्मरली.”

सेवेचा वारसा पुढे नेताना

दीनानाथ मंगेशकर रुग्णालय आणि रिसर्च सेंटर मार्फत फाउंडेशनने अनेक वर्षांपासून अत्याधुनिक, संशोधनाधारित आणि सर्वसामान्यांना परवडणारी आरोग्यसेवा पुरवली आहे. ही संस्था मंगेशकर कुटुंबाच्या सेवाभावी परंपरेचे जिवंत प्रतीक ठरली आहे.

लता मंगेशकर स्मृती समारोह हा केवळ स्मरणाचा कार्यक्रम न राहता सेवेला नवी दिशा देणारा प्रेरणादायी क्षण ठरला — जिथे संगीताने आत्म्याला स्पर्श केला आणि वैद्यकीय सेवांनी जीवनांना आशा दिली.

कार्यक्रमाची माहिती“संतवाणी आणि लता हृदय”

 

पुण्यात भारतरत्न लता दीनानाथ मंगेशकर स्मृती समारोह व लता मंगेशकर वैद्यक रत्न पुरस्कार वितरण सोहळा संपन्न

Feb 9, 2026

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancing rapidly, it has led to increased conversations around protection of copyrighted material and personality rights. Now, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the film industry at large find itself at crossroads. On February 4, IMPPA shot a letter to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), opposing its subsidiary Generative Artificial Intelligence and Copyright Committee’s proposal of Hybrid Copyright Licensing Framework for AI Training.

According to the proposal, AI developers – comprising individuals and corporate entities – would use “lawfully accessed copyrighted content for AI training as a matter of right” and the original copyright holders would get “fair compensation”. The “flat” compensation rate would be decided by the government-appointed committee, Copyright Royalties Collective for AI Training (CRCAT). Also, the compensation will be given not at the training stage, but only when the AI developer generates revenue from its content. The paper was published on December 8 by the DPIIT, which sought feedback from various fields.

In its letter to DPIIT, a copy of which is in  possession, IMPPA asserted that there is “widespread concern within the film, music, and entertainment industry” regarding the framework’s far-reaching consequences. The body, which includes producers Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan, and many others, shot down the proposal that opens the floodgates to use copyrighted material.

Talking to Abhay Sinha, President, IMPPA, said that if implemented, it will adversely affect Indian film producers. “The government will take all decisions on its own. They will take our films, but we don’t know whether they will give us [adequate] money for it. We make films worth ‘100 crore! The film industry will incur huge losses. All our producers are in disagreement with what the government wants to introduce.”

Anil Nagrath, Secretary, IMPPA, revealed that the body sent its first letter on January 2, questioning why nobody was included in the committee and seeking an extension of the deadline. He said that most bodies are fundamentally opposed to the plan, adding, “How can you allow anybody to modify my content on a blanket permission, and pay me [any sum] you want? Suppose [somebody] makes a modified film on Dhurandhar [2025], and sells it to anybody they want. This will destroy the Indian film industry!”

Nagrath added that small films will be even worse hit with this move. He added that IMPPA has alerted producer bodies across the country. “We have sent [our] letter to the film producers bodies in the various cities of India. Indian Broadcasters Association and Producers Guild have also written letters to the DPIIT, opposing the proposal.”

AI developers, including individuals and corporate entities registered with Copyright Royalties Collective for AI Training (CRCAT), will use “lawfully accessed copyrighted content for AI training as a matter of right”. The original copyright holders will get “fair compensation”, which will be a “flat” rate decided by the CRCAT.

More than 35 bodies come under the purview of the proposed policy. It includes music bodies such as Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and Indian Singers and Musicians Rights Association (ISAMRA), film bodies such as Producers Guild of India, and bodies in the publishing sector like Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) and Association of Publishers in India.

In its February 4 letter, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) opposed the proposal. It said that the approach is a “serious encroachment upon established rights and a direct threat to the long-term stability and viability of the creative sector.”

Abhay Sinha President IMPPA And FFI Strongly Opposes DPIIT’s AI Copyright Proposal, Calls It A Threat To Cinema