Latest news with #MaryKom
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
IOS Sports unveils new logo to celebrate 20 years in sports management
IOS Sports & Entertainment, a leading Indian sports management firm, has unveiled a vibrant new logo to commemorate its 20-year journey in the industry. Founded in 2005 by former national squash player Neerav Tomar and industrialist Sanjeev Khandelwal, IOS has evolved into a premier agency representing over 150 elite athletes across various sports disciplines. A Symbol of Growth and Diversity The redesigned logo features the number '20' in colorful gradient hues, symbolizing the diversity of sports the company supports. The modern typography of 'IOS' is complemented by the tagline 'SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT' and the years '2005 - 2025', reflecting the company's journey and future aspirations. Also Read IOS has played a pivotal role in transforming the commercial landscape for Olympic sports athletes in India. The company's journey began with representing boxing star Vijender Singh in its founding year and has since expanded to include numerous iconic personalities such as Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Lovlina Borgohain, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Geeta Phogat, Ishan Kishan, and Manika Batra. Lovlina Borgohain, Olympic Bronze Medallist, shared, "The team at IOS has been instrumental in my journey both on and off the field. Their expertise in creating the right partnerships has allowed me to sustain my focus on boxing while building a meaningful presence beyond the ring." Mirabai Chanu, Olympic Silver Medallist, added, "Before partnering with IOS, I didn't realize how important professional management was for athletes like me. Their strategic approach to building my brand has opened doors I never imagined possible." Strategic Partnerships and Comprehensive Services Beyond athlete representation, IOS has established strong partnerships with national sports federations, working with organizations like the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and the Weightlifting Association of India. The company provides comprehensive services including sponsorship consulting, rights management, and event operations. Expanding into Cricket and Entertainment IOS's expertise extends to comprehensive sports franchise operations, having served as the operations team for the Gujarat Lions IPL franchise. The company delivered end-to-end management services including sponsorship activation, hospitality management, production setup, branding solutions, volunteer program management, and merchandise operations. The company has also demonstrated expertise in creating compelling narrative-driven brand integrations through successful work on notable Bollywood projects like 'Mary Kom', 'Toofaan', and 'Rock On'.
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Karan Veer Mehra Signs First Film Post BB18, Chum Darang Says ‘Kept It A Secret…'
Last Updated: Chum Darang and Shilpa Shirodkar expressed their excitement for Karan Veer Mehra's upcoming film, which also stars Harshvardhan Rane, Sadia Khateeb, and Ipsitaa. Earlier this year, Karan Veer Mehra emerged as the winner in Bigg Boss season 18, leaving his fans eagerly anticipating his next move. Now, much to their delight, Karan is gearing up to star in Omung Kumar's upcoming romantic action drama. The yet-to-be-titled film will also feature Harshvardhan Rane, Sadia Khateeb, and Ipsitaa. Soon after the film was announced, Bigg Boss 18 fame Chum Darang cheered for Karan, and wrote that it was difficult for her to keep this news a secret for so long. Shilpa Shirodkar also reacted to the announcement of Karan's upcoming film. Chum Darang took to her Instagram stories on Monday, and shared the announcement post of the film starring Karan Veer Mehra, Harshvardhan Rane and others. In her caption, Chum wrote, '#karanveermehra It was so difficult to keep it a secret this long. All the best to the team. And yeah, good things take time." Meanwhile, Shilpa Shirodkar, who also shared a close bond with Chum and Karan in BB18, wrote, 'My dearest @karanveermehra congratulations. Mein naach rahi hoon." She then tagged the entire team of the film, and wrote, 'sending you all so much love, can't wait for this one." Check out their Instagram stories below! Director Omung Kumar, known for acclaimed films like Mary Kom and Sarbjit, has assembled a stellar cast for his next romantic-action film. The cast includes Harshvardhan Rane, Karan Veer Mehra, Sadia Khateeb from The Diplomat, and actor-singer Ipsitaa, making her acting debut with this venture. Renowned for his biographical films, Omung Kumar's new project marks a shift in his filmmaking journey. Details about the film's plot remain undisclosed. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh introduced the cast and crew on X. Backed by Zee Studios, the film is a collaborative effort involving Blue Lotus Pictures, Stark Entertainment, and Innovations India, promising a grand cinematic experience for the audience. The production team boasts an impressive roster. Omung Kumar teams up with producers Umesh KR Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Himanshu Tiwari, Ajay Singh, Dhananjay Singh, Abhishek Ankur, and Captain Rahul Bali, with Rahhat Shah Kazmi as co-producer. This talented and experienced group aims to deliver a high-quality and meticulously crafted film. First Published:
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bigg Boss 18 winner Karan Veer Mehra bags Omung Kumar's upcoming film with Harshvardhan Rane
Karan Veer Mehra has been enjoying a successful phase following his Bigg Boss 18 win. The actor, who has been winning awards, doing theatre workshops, has bagged his first major projects after winning Bigg Boss 18. Karan Veer has been roped in by Omung Kumar for his upcoming film which also stars Sanam Teri Kasam fame Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb in pivotal roles. Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Instagram account on Sunday to reveal the casting update, generating excitement among fans of the genre and the featured actors. Sharing the information about the film, Taran Adarsh posted on his Instagram, "HARSHVARDHAN RANE - SADIA KHATEEB - KARANVEER MEHRA TEAMED – OMUNG KUMAR DIRECTS... After making a mark with #MaryKom and #Sarbjit, director #OmungKumar returns to the director's chair with his next feature – a romantic-action drama." He further wrote, "The film stars #HarshvardhanRane, #SadiaKhateeb, and #KaranveerMehra in lead roles, alongside #Ipsitaa." The announcement has got Karan Veer Mehra fans excited and they have flooded the Instagram post with congratulatory messages. One user wrote, "Excited for Karanveer mehra he's brilliant actor and can't wait to see him kill it ." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo A fan of Karan Veer commented, "Omg excited for actor karanveer mehra to be back onscreen!!!😭🤞🏻🧿🧿🧿." Another fan wrote, "Good things take time and yeah so happy for KVM ❤️❤️❤️." Karan Veer Mehra, who has been in the industry for two decades and proved his acting mettle in various TV shows and films, gained widespread recognition after participating in Bigg Boss 18. The actor won many hearts with his sense of humour, performance in tasks and his bond with Chum Darang and Shilpa Shirodkar. Despite several odds, Karan never left his friend's side which was quite appreciated by the audience. The actor emerged winner of the reality show after defeating Vivian Dsena and Rajat Dalal. He is the first actor to win Khatron Ke Khiladi and Bigg Boss back-to-back. Bigg Boss 18 Grand Finale: Karan Veer Mehra Emerges as the Ultimate Winner
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
5 movies on Netflix, Prime Video showcasing female leads in uniforms: Fighter to Mardaani 2
Several Bollywood movies showcase female stars proudly donning uniforms while portraying different characters. Be it playing a cop, a lawyer, or a pilot, Bollywood divas have done it all. Here are 5 movies showcasing female stars in uniform: 1. Deepika Padukone in Fighter Where to watch: Netflix In Siddharth Anand's action movie Fighter, Deepika Padukone plays the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore aka Minni. She not just aced the role of the Indian Air Force officer; the actress also inspired many to become like her character in the film. The 2024 movie also stars Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Rishabh Sawhney. 2. Rani Mukerji in Veer-Zaara Where to watch: Prime Video Veer-Zaara is an iconic movie, directed and produced by Yash Chopra. Even decades after the romantic film's release, the audience can't forget the love story of Veer Pratap Singh and Zaara Hayat Khan. Having said that, Rani Mukerji's portrayal of a young Pakistani lawyer was also loved and appreciated by the audience. Apart from her, the family entertainer also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta, Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher, and Kirron Kher. 3. Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Mary Kom Where to watch: Netflix As the name suggests, Mary Kom is a biographical sports film based on the life of Indian boxer Mary Kom. The National Award-winning movie shows Priyanka Chopra Jonas playing the character of the boxer. The way she wears her gear and rules the wrestling ring is highly inspiring. 4. Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 2 Where to watch: Prime Video Another movie that showcases Rani Mukerji donning a uniform is Mardaani 2. The sequel to the 2014 film Mardaani, this Gopi Puthran action-thriller shows the Bollywood actress as SP Shivani Shivaji Roy. Rani not just dons the uniform of a police officer, but she also owns her character while performing some impressive stunts in the movie. 5. Janhvi Kapoor in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl Where to watch: Netflix Lastly, we have Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, showcasing Janhvi Kapoor as Indian Air Force Pilot Gunjan Saxena. The biographical drama is inspired by the life of Saxena, who was one of the first women to fly in a combat zone. Helmed by Sharan Sharma, the movie also stars Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi in supporting roles.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhumi Pednekar's 'The Royals' casting controversy: Has social media changed the way actors are cast? Let's look at how the casting works today!
With the impact of social media, today an actor's casting also becomes a huge talking point. This clearly wasn't the case a few years ago. As much as the script plays a huge role for a film, the right casting is also important. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recently, one sees that there's a huge chatter around Bhumi Pednekar being cast for 'The Royals' opposite . Earlier, there was also huge criticism towards who was alleged to be a misfit in ' '. This apart, today, one also sees a lot of influencers being cast as actors in big projects. All this makes us wonder, has social media really impacted the process of casting in the Hindi film industry? How has the casting process changed in the last few years? Is the casting process different for OTT versus theatrical movies? We had all these questions so, ETimes dives deep into it. Read on... The change in the casting process Over the last few years, the casting process has evolved and now much more than talent is also considered for the part. Shruti Mahajan, who's been the casting director for projects like ' ', 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', 'Mary Kom', 'Lust Stories 2' and the recent 'Heeramandi' among many others, sheds light on it. She says, "The core of casting will always revolve around performance and suitability, but the process has evolved significantly in recent years. Today, we look beyond just talent, we consider the actor's journey, intent, attitude, and how they present themselves both on and off screen. With the rise of OTT platforms and new-age storytelling, there's a greater demand for authenticity and diversity. This shift has opened doors for new faces, layered characters, and unconventional casting choices." She further adds, "Several key factors have contributed to this change. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now First, there's a conscious move toward increased diversity be it in terms of regional representation, gender balance, or varied life experiences. Second, the rise of digital platforms has democratized the process. Online auditions and social media scouting have made casting more accessible than ever before. And finally, there's a growing preference for merit over star power. Filmmakers are seeking actors who can bring depth and credibility to their roles, resulting in a more honest and relatable cinematic experience. It's truly an exciting time to be a casting professional." Casting director Adityoa Suranna also holds a similar sentiment as he adds, "The fundamentals of casting: talent, suitability, and performance haven't changed, but the lens through which we view them certainly has. Today, casting is more holistic. We look at the actor's intent, attitude, life experience, and emotional depth. With the rise of OTT and a more discerning audience, authenticity has become paramount. There's a growing appetite for real, rooted performances rather than just star value. We're also seeing increased inclusivity more regional representation, more space for unconventional faces, and stronger roles for women. It's an exciting era where storytelling drives casting, not the other way around. Auditions for the lead part Another big change which has happened over the years is that now even the lead stars audition. One remembers how Kareena Kapoor Khan had auditioned for 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. Director Priyanka Ghose of 'The Royals', who has been an assistant director earlier for many years, points out, "Back in the day, I started out working in this industry in 2006. And at that time, the lead cast was never auditioned. I became a director in 2013. But before that, when I used to assist and I worked on films like 'Anjaan Anjaani' and that time Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor never had to audition for the part. They were just handpicked and selected by the director and the producer. They would collaborate and then a film would be given birth. But today, there are auditions even for the lead part. " Influencers Vs actors: Does follower count play a part in casting choices? Back in the day, I started out working in this industry in 2006. And at that time, the lead cast was never auditioned. I became a director in 2013. But before that, when I used to assist and I worked on films like 'Anjaan Anjaani' and that time Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor never had to audition for the part. They were just handpicked and selected by the director and the producer. They would collaborate and then a film would be given birth. But today, there are auditions even for the lead part. Actor Saqib Saleem had said in a chat with ETimes and many other actors are also seen openly talking about this that today actors are cast based on their follower count on social media. The lines between influencers and actors are blurred. Saqib had said, "So, suddenly lines are blurred. Now you want to cast someone because they have specific number of followers. That doesn't necessarily mean they are good actors. They have been cast for followers. But good actors are sometimes not cast because they don't have that many followers. I'm not saying good actors cannot be influencers and vice versa. Not every actor can be an influencer and not every influencer can be an actor." Saba Azad, Saqib Saleem's MOST RELATABLE Take On Content, Censorship & Social Media | Crime Beat However, Priyanka looks at it differently. "It's a thing by default that comes our way, which is great for any film or show that you make. n fact, that is not even only the case for social media. For over decades now, hasn't Bollywood seen actors being cast because of their popularity back in the day? Wouldn't the film be mounted on Amitabh Bachchan Sir or Vinod Khanna sir because they were popular actors? It's just that today, social media followers is the way to measure someone's popularity. " Shruti though uses social media in order to gauge a person and their capabilities more while casting. She says, "Follower count alone doesn't get anyone a role. But yes, social media is part of the ecosystem now. I don't use it to shortlist actors, but I do look at it once someone is already in consideration. It helps me understand their personality, professionalism, and even how they present their craft. If two actors are equally good, and one has a stronger, more grounded presence, it might tip the scale. But I've never cast someone because of their numbers and I never will. Acting always comes first." Adityoa further opines, "While social media presence can be a consideration, especially for branded content or campaigns it's never a substitute for acting skill. For feature films, series, and narrative-driven work, what matters most is how well an actor fits the character and how convincingly they can bring it to life. That said, a strong online presence might help open doors, but it won't keep them open. Longevity in this industry still comes down to performance, discipline, and the ability to connect with audiences on screen. " Social media: A platform for criticism and chatter Today, due to social media, casting choices are also more privy to criticism and trolling. For instance, the recent example of Bhumi Pednekar or earlier there was Sharmin. Shruti who was the casting director on 'Heeramandi' reacts to whether the chatter on social media or trolling is fair. It that something to be taken seriously? "Criticism is part of the job. As casting directors, we make choices after deep thought and research we see auditions, we work closely with the director's vision, and we evaluate what an actor brings to a role beyond what's visible on screen. Not every choice will please everyone, and that's okay," she says. Mahajan further adds, "Sometimes the backlash is knee-jerk, shaped by audience expectations or comparisons. But we must be open to listening while also trusting our process. Casting isn't always about who fits the image in people's heads it's about who can become the character. And that transformation is something audiences often only appreciate with time." Director Priyanka Ghose defended Bhumi's casting to ETimes and said that she stands by her decision because it was backed by the entire team. She also defended the actress and said that 'The Royals' was a challenging part for her. She said, "You will receive polarised opinions and that's alright. Because everyone's entitled to their own opinion and what they feel about something. It was a great call to cast her because I was thrilled. I was excited because I knew what a powerful actor she is. I thought there are shades of Sophia inherently there in Bhumi. As much as people criticised, most people also told me that they loved Ishaan and Bhumi's chemistry. It was a very unusual casting." How is casting for OTT different from theatrical movies? When asked if the process of casting for OTT is different from that of theatrical movies, Shruti said, "Yes and no. The fundamentals performance, fit for character, screen presence remain the same. But OTT has opened up more room for experimentation. There's more willingness to cast against type or choose new talent, especially for ensemble pieces. The storytelling is nuanced, so the performances need to feel more lived-in and real. That gives us the space to dig deeper and find actors who may not have had a shot in mainstream cinema earlier. It's a big win for both casting directors and performers." Adityoa Suranna says that it's very different has OTT has given a certain level of creative freedom higher than theatricals. "Absolutely. OTT has opened up a different kind of creative freedom one that allows for deeper, more nuanced characters and more experimental storytelling. That naturally changes the casting process. For OTT, we often look for actors who can bring layers and complexity to a role, even if they're not household names. Films, especially commercial ones, may still lean toward familiar faces or high recall value. But even that's shifting. The line between film and OTT is blurring, and the one constant is this, the audience wants honesty in performance, no matter the medium," he said.
