Latest news with #Ishwar
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Actor Dipannita Sharma: Feel proud to be part of India, where brave soldiers are protecting us
Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge, aye watan tere liye — the song from the film Karma (1986) plays in the background as actor Dipannita Sharma walks towards India Gate. Almost as a reflex, she salutes looking towards the iconic monument. 'I feel so proud to be part of this country where we have such brave soldiers who have been protecting us. Sometimes, we don't even know what's going on at the borders and yet live in peace with our families because our soldiers are safeguarding our country and its people,' she muses during her recent trip to the Capital, which marked her theatrical debut on stage as part of a play titled Ishwar. Having debuted in Bollywood with the 2002 film 16 December, where she played an Indian officer, she has the highest regard for those who serve the nation. Post recent tensions at the Indo-Pak border, visiting India Gate has a new meaning for Dipannita now. 'It gives me goosebumps as I recall that just before I boarded the flight to Delhi, at the Mumbai airport I met a young woman who approached me to appreciate my work in a short film. As we started chatting, she showed me a gorgeous picture with her husband, to whom she was married when 23-24 years old; a year or two later, her husband was called to the Siachen border. Before going, the young soldier told his wife that he knew his seniors had not returned from this posting and gave her strength to move on if he didn't return... He didn't return,' shares the 45-year-old, adding, 'As she narrated her life story in a composed manner, I was teary-eyed and filled with pride for our soldiers and their spouses who live and lay their lives for the country. I am now trying to reach out to the young lady on social media.' 'The feeling [of pride] is so alive. In my heart and head, I saw India Gate and paid a tribute to all our soldiers,' Dipannita says. Training for her role, in the movie 16 December, is also steeped in her memory. She recounts, 'I learnt how to hold a gun and the posture of a commando, among other things... Had it not been the character of a strong, resilient woman, who is also an Indian officer, I wouldn't have made my debut back then.' Dipannita portrays the mythological character of Sita, in the play Ishwar. 'But this Sita is not a damsel in distress,' she shares, as she looks back on the time she performed in a stage play for the first time ever. 'I was in class 2 or 3, and played an old woman with my back bent and paan stains around my mouth. This play was written by my Aaita (maternal grandmother in Assamese) and directed by my mother. From then till now, one thing has remained a constant — butterflies in the stomach before going on the stage (smiles)!' The actor, who hails from the Northeast, reminisces the good old days when she was pursuing graduation from Delhi University's Indraprastha College For Women and 'the same year took part in Miss India'. Recalling her #CampusKeDin, she shares: 'It was my first evening out in Delhi as a hosteller and I visited India Gate along with other college mates for the first time. After that we started visiting quite often and would bring rice, dal and vegetables to have dinner in picnic style, followed by ice cream from the carts that are always around this area. Sometimes, we would head to Connaught Place after dinner to grab a hot chocolate fudge. Those college days were so fun!'
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The business visionaries of 2025: Leaders who are shaping the future of global industries
As the world accelerates toward a tech-driven, sustainable, and inclusive future, a new generation of leaders is rewriting the rules of business. These trailblazers are not just responding to change—they're driving it, across sectors like technology, beauty, manufacturing, education, and lifestyle. With bold visions, disruptive ideas, and a commitment to innovation, they are building companies that address global challenges while creating new standards of excellence. From digital ecosystems to localized manufacturing and luxury consumer brands, these visionaries are shaping the future—proving that leadership in 2025 is about purpose, agility, and the power to inspire at scale. Jhunjhunwala & Advay Jhunjhunwala — Founders of Neude, Redefining Skincare with Supercharged Milk Neude is leading a skincare revolution by reimagining milk at the molecular level. Founded in 2024 by Aayshya Jhunjhunwala, an expert in creative entrepreneurship, and Advay Jhunjhunwala, a seasoned FMCG strategist, Neude fuses timeless milk with cutting-edge actives like retinol and bakuchiol to create high-performance skincare. From ghee to goat milk, their formulations deliver the coveted "Hi-Glaze" glow for today's users. With availability across major online and offline platforms, Neude is fast becoming a household name. This visionary duo is redefining global beauty standards from Delhi—ushering in a new era of skincare rooted in science, heritage, and innovation. Luthra – Founder & Managing Director, Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Sahil Luthra is one of India's youngest and most promising defence entrepreneurs, making significant strides in the country's indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. As the Founder and Managing Director of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (VTDS), he is at the forefront of innovation in defence technology. Under his visionary leadership, VTDS is emerging as a key player in the development of advanced small arms and ammunition, catering to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. His work aligns closely with the national initiatives of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', driving the company's mission to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence production. Kumhar, Co-founder & CEO, Brandworks Technologies Ishwar Kumhar's journey from a cramped Mumbai workshop to the helm of a 200,000 sq. ft. electronics manufacturing hub defines what it means to shape the future. In 2017, he co-founded Brandworks Technologies with Nikita Kumawat, With just two employees and sheer determination, Ishwar weathered financial storms and built an OEM/ODM powerhouse producing over 30 million units strategic genius came to the fore in 2025 when he led India's lithium-ion cell localization push under MeitY, slashing import reliance and energizing the cell consumption sector. A pioneer in integrating Agile-DFMA, Ishwar redefined speed and precision in prototyping—earning trust from global tech giants and early-stage startups alike. Known for his mantra, 'Precision is the bridge between vision and reality,' Ishwar embeds innovation and inclusivity into Brandworks' DNA. Today, 70% of leadership roles are held by women, many uplifted through company-led skilling and scholarships. More than a CEO, Ishwar is a mentor and nation-builder—proving that true leadership doesn't wait for the future; it needs to be built with hardwork. His story inspires a generation to create, endure, and lead with purpose. Kaul – Global Product Leader & Innovation Strategist Empowering the Future of Creative and Digital Platforms Aayur Kaul is a dynamic product leader and ex-founder with over a decade of experience across fintech, edtech, and creative industries. From building India's first digital learning ecosystem for creative skills to leading Skillshare's rapid growth in India, Aayur has a proven record of scaling businesses and driving innovation. His expertise in AI-driven solutions and user-centric design has delivered remarkable results at global companies like Revolut and Operabase, where he now leads product strategy in Amsterdam. With an MBA from ISB and a passion for empowering creators and learners, Aayur continues to bridge technology and business, shaping the future of digital platforms and creative education for a global audience. Singh Hira, Chief Operating Officer at BINDZ Maninder Singh Hira is the Chief Operating Officer at BINDZ, playing a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic execution. With a strong background in financial management, setting up offshore centers, systems thinking, and leadership, he ensures that the company runs with precision, efficiency, and a deep understanding of client priorities. Maninder focuses on building scalable operations, financial compliance, refining internal processes, branding and Location Strategy. Known for his structured approach and calm leadership, he champions a people-first culture grounded in accountability and integrity. His strategic insights help shape BINDZ's long-term vision, fostering innovation and sustainable success. Agrawal, Founder of Hello Kids Pritam Agrawal, Founder & Director of Hello Kids, is revolutionizing early education with India's first no-royalty preschool franchise model. With 1,033 centers across the country, Hello Kids blends Montessori, Playway, and Gurukul methods to offer high-quality, affordable learning. In 2025, Pritam aims to deepen tech-led innovation and expand nation wide, continuing his mission to make world-class preschool education accessible to every child. and Mahi, Founder, Meribindiya International Academy Subhash and Mahi, the inspiring founders of Meribindiya International Academy, rose from humble beginnings, overcoming childhood financial struggles to build a premier beauty institution. Established in 2017, their academy reflects their unwavering commitment to empowerment and excellence. Renowned for high-quality beauty and makeup training with 100% placement, Meribindiya has been recognized as the Best Beauty School for four consecutive years. Its impact spans globally, attracting students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Their journey—from adversity to success—epitomizes resilience, vision, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Today, they stand among India's most impactful changemakers, redefining beauty education with passion and purpose. Das | Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Vygr News 'AI Can Mimic, Not Match: Vygr Co-Founder on Content That Connects Humans' Abhishake Das is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Vygr News, one of India's fastest-growing infotainment platforms. With over 20 years of experience across advertising, content strategy, and brand building, he has been instrumental in shaping Vygr's editorial identity and growth trajectory. Abhishake believes that in a media landscape full of noise and copycat AI content, it takes courage to stay rooted in originality, human-touch and emotion-provoking creativity. Under his leadership, Vygr has become a powerful content ecosystem with over 1 million users and partnerships with 500+ creators and continues to champion bold, purpose-driven storytelling while building a platform that enables Indian creators to thrive. Sharma – Founder, Become Beauty Expert Kanishka Sharma is the visionary founder of a leading platform dedicated to empowering aspiring beauty professionals. With a passion for education and industry growth, she has built a trusted resource that helps students select the right beauty courses and top academies while bridging the gap between training and her leadership, Become Beauty Expert provides career-focused guidance, industry insights, and job placement support with premier salons and global beauty brands. Kanishka's mission is to equip students with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed—whether they aspire to work in luxury salons, renowned beauty companies, or launch their own expert advice and strategic partnerships, Kanishka ensures every learner transitions seamlessly from education to employment, making beauty careers accessible and rewarding. Her dedication has made Become Beauty Expert a go-to destination for building a thriving future in the beauty industry. 10. Jeel Gandhi, CEO of Under 25, India's largest youth media network Jeel Gandhi is the CEO of Under 25, India's largest youth media network. With a deep passion for empowering young people, she leads this platform, which truly listens to India's students—and responds with real opportunities to earn, learn and grow. Her approach is rooted in understanding rather than assumption, always working with students rather than for them. Under her leadership, Under 25 has become a trusted space where young Indians feel seen, heard and supported. From daily challenges to youth-led campus festivals, Under 25 is making the journey of growing up less confusing and more exciting—for every student, no matter what their background is. Qadri – Founder & CEO, Adil Qadri Fragrances Adil Qadri is redefining luxury in Indian perfumery, blending heritage with modern innovation. Launching his brand in 2019 from Bilimora, he transformed traditional fragrances into a digital-first success, scaling to 14 lakh orders and Rs 7 crore in monthly revenue. A pivotal Shark Tank India deal in 2024 secured Rs 1 crore, accelerating his vision. Guided by his father's entrepreneurial legacy, Adil's approach fuses deep-rooted tradition with contemporary flair—epitomized by his latest summer fragrance, AQ365. With 15 stores across India and Dubai, Adil Qadri is now a symbol of accessible luxury. His journey from local sampling to global aspirations marks him as a true visionary in the fragrance industry, crafting not just scents but a new standard in olfactory luxury. Dalmia - Founder & Chief Mentor, Beyond the Box Anupama Dalmia is the heart and brain behind Beyond the Box - a revolutionary platform that has impacted over 10,000 children across the globe. Under her leadership, BTB has emerged as a market disruptor at the intersection of education and literature, proving that impact and profitability can go hand in hand. A visionary changemaker, Anupama is also the National President of the WICCI Holistic Child Development Council. Her work has earned her the Karmaveer Chakra Platinum Award and multiple prestigious accolades as a writer, entrepreneur, and mentor. With a mission to transform lives one child at a time, she continues to empower young minds, rewriting narratives in the world of learning and creativity. The business visionaries of 2025 are more than just successful entrepreneurs—they are catalysts of change, innovation, and impact. Each leader featured here has transformed challenges into opportunities, built inclusive and future-ready organizations, and redefined what it means to lead in a dynamic global economy. Their journeys underscore a powerful truth: the future belongs to those who dare to think differently, act boldly, and lead with purpose. As industries evolve, these pioneers are not only shaping markets—they are inspiring a new era of leadership that values resilience, creativity, and meaningful progress. The future is in capable, visionary hands.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ravan was not just a villain, says Puneet Issar on his role in Ishwar
Known for his iconic portrayals of mythological characters on stage and screen, actor Puneet Issar is once again set to don the crown of Lankadhipati Ravan—but this time, in an entirely new light. The veteran actor will headline the upcoming theatrical production Ishwar, written and directed by playwright Atul Satya Koushik , In a candid conversation with Bombay Times, Issar opens up about the play, his collaboration with the director, and why Ishwar is a deeply layered exploration of one of mythology's most misunderstood figures. 'Not Just the Antagonist' 'Ishwar is not your typical retelling of the Ramayana,' says the actor. 'It explores the human side of Ravan, his dilemmas, emotional battles, and psychological depth. The rage, the pain, the mind of an antagonist, it's all here, but seen through a humane lens. This Ravan is not just the villain; he's a man driven by belief, conflict, and emotion.' Puneet, who previously worked with Atul on Ravan Ki Ramayan in 2015, notes the stark contrast between the two productions. 'If Ravan Ki Ramayan was about Ravan justifying his actions through fiery monologues and confrontations, Ishwar is North Pole to that South Pole,' he explains. 'This play is far more introspective. It digs deep into Ravan's relationships with his wife, his sister, his son, even Sita, and the emotional nuances in each of those dynamics.' 'Atul Satya Koushik has an incredible ability to bring out the humanity in every character' Issar is full of praise for Atul Satya Koushik, whose writing he calls 'top class' and 'A-grade.' 'He has an incredible ability to bring out the humanity in every character, especially the women,' says Puneet. 'In Ishwar, female characters are central—whether it's Ravan's wife Mandodari, his sister Shurpanakha, or his daughter-in-law. The king-queen, father-son, and husband-wife dynamics are etched out with such detail.' He continues, 'Every character in this play has a beginning, middle, and end. Nothing is there just for the sake of it. The dialogue, the structure—everything has been written with intention. That's what makes this play stand out.' 'This one's special' Reflecting on his nearly decade-long gap since Ravan Ki Ramayan, Puneet notes how much has changed. 'It's been 10 years, and we've all grown—personally and creatively. Working with Atul again feels like picking up an evolved conversation, and this time, it's deeper, more philosophical.' As audiences prepare to witness this multi-dimensional portrayal of Ravan, Puneet leaves them with a thought: 'Villains are often the most emotionally complex characters. And sometimes, understanding them brings us closer to understanding ourselves.' The cast includes well-known names like Dipannita Sharma, Himanshu Soni, and Amit Pachori, alongside Puneet Issar. The play is described as a bold reimagining of the Ramayana, examining Ravan's ambition, personal dharma, and moral ambiguity. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 12 May 2025
What: Chitrangada – Stree Ki Sarvoch Dhawani Where: Muktadhara Auditorium, 18-19, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Sector 2, Gole Market When: May 12 Timing: 6.30pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue & Yellow Lines) What: Ishwar Where: Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House When: May 10 to 12 Timing: 3pm & 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) What: Power of Energy Where: Annexe Art Gallery, India International Centre Annexe, Lodi Estate When: May 8 to 14 Timing: 11am to 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: Family – A Comedy Play Where: Akshara Theatre, 11-B, Baba Kharag Singh Marg When: May 12 Timing: 5pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk (Yellow Line) What: Recital by Vidushi Meeta Pandit (Hindustani Classical Vocal), Arshad Khan (Tabla) & Kamaal Ahmed (Sarangi) Where: The Theatre, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road When: May 12 Timing: 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) What: Dilli K Laundey ft Rohit Singh, Kushagra Srivastava, Chirag Panjwani & Kaustubh Agarwal Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, Sector 24, Gurugram When: May 12 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Phase 2 (Rapid Metro)
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Human being to being human
We humans are the most intelligent species, but we are also the most paradoxical. We call ourselves intelligent but we often commit moronic acts. We consider ourselves wise, but many of us perform rank foolish actions. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and erudition, but some of us do realise in the long term that we ended up inflicting self-harm due to half knowledge or wrong ideas. We consider ourselves religious and god-fearing, but many of us commit numerous inhuman acts while wearing the badge of religion. We think we are enlightened, but actually we are very often in illusion and delusion. In the name of peace, we wage wars. In the name of development, we damage our ecosphere and defile our environment. In the name of scientific pursuit, we develop technologies that pollute our water and air. In the mad pursuit of economic development and GDP growth, we end up increasing crime, corruption, disease and fear psychosis while also building institutions to combat them—all in the name of economic growth. Are we all really being human all the time? The Rigveda says in its hymn #10.53.6: 'Manur bhava janaya daivyam janam' (become truly human and beget progeny with divine human qualities). This Vedic mantra exhorts mankind to become truly human and also bring generations of humans with sublime human qualities. Are we following the above divine injunction of our creator and benefactor, the omniscient Ishwar? Actually, we all are on a long journey of spiritual development and perfection, which culminates in salvation. And in the process of this journey, we are continually refining ourselves. Subject as we all are to the divine law of karmic retribution, we are constantly undergoing experiential learning based on our good and bad experiences of life resulting from our own actions. As human beings, we are undergoing a process of evolution. But we can hasten this process through enlightened karma. Who is a human or a truly human being? The same eternal, divine scriptures—the Vedas—provide the answers. A true human is characterised by adherence to dharma. Dharma is nothing but the code of right living. An English parallel word for dharma is righteousness. Dharma comprises principles of righteous action through thoughts, speech or physical action. This righteous action promotes peace, progress and prosperity of all, including that of the action performer. This action is that which preserves the purity of the physical environment. It maintains the purity, integrity and wholesomeness of mundane matter by ensuring that the five primordial elements—air, water, fire, earth and ether—remain unsullied. A true human will acquire true knowledge and will strive to work strictly by that. A true human will base all their actions on the love for nature and respect for fellow humans and other lesser living beings. He will always place the greatest premium on enhancing peace and forging friendship. He will not be ruled by biases or prejudices of any kind. He will be open-minded and truthful. He will be kind and compassionate. He will be transparent and humble. A truly evolving human will live with the understanding that right knowledge is the foundation of human progress and emancipation from all sorrow and misery. He will, through a level-headed approach, continuously try to shed all bias and refine his knowledge and understanding to arrive at the truth and embrace it. He will live with the divine understanding that the human soul is on a long and arduous journey of self-perfection. Let us all align ourselves with the principles of dharma to follow the above-mentioned divine injunction of the Rigveda, coming to us straight from the master of the universe. Nothing is more valuable than peace, because peace is the foundation of all progress and material prosperity. Let all human beings deliberately and decisively embark on the path to becoming human. Becoming human means becoming humane, peace-loving, morally sound, knowledgeable and perseverant. Becoming human means becoming broad-minded and universalistic in approach. It means becoming the instruments of the multifaceted progress of all sentient beings. Becoming human means becoming selfless and shedding greed. It means rising above the narrow considerations of caste, sect or race—barriers that divide human beings. It means creating an atmosphere of goodwill and camaraderie. Let us all strive to transform ourselves from ordinary human beings to true humans.
