Latest news with #Pushkar
India Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Black, White and Gray creator says show is about us, not about its characters
Sony LIV's latest crime thriller 'Black White and Gray - Love Kills' broke the mould of conventional storytelling by adopting a mockumentary format rarely seen in Indian OTT space. Set against a backdrop of fractured truths and morally grey characters, the show stands out not just for its form but also for its emotionally resonant narrative. In a candid conversation with India Today Digital, the show's creator-producer, Hemal A Thakkar, opened up about the process, the inspiration, and the real intentions behind the storytelling used in the Mockumentary FormatWhen asked how the idea of the mockumentary format came about, the creator credited long-time collaborator Pushkar Sunil Mahabal, who is also the co-producer of 'Black, White and Gray - Love Kills'. He said, 'The mockumentary format was actually Pushkar's idea. He had been watching a lot of documentaries around that time and felt inspired to create a crime story using that style.''What excited me was how he cracked not just the format but also a compelling storyline to go with it. From there, we began developing the show bit by bit. It was a truly thrilling process, watching an intriguing idea grow into a full-fledged narrative,' he more fascinating is that this entire process unfolded virtually. Thakkar explained that it was during the pandemic they developed the project. And that too, just over Zoom calls and phone conversations. 'That period, despite its challenges, gave us the focus and momentum to shape the story in a unique and powerful way,' he told characters that aren't just Black or WhiteadvertisementIn a world where audience perception often swings between extremes, 'Black, White and Gray' dared to dwell in the grey. The show revolves around a high-profile case of serial killings set in Nagpur 2020. Thakkar mentioned taking inspiration from the contradictions people carry in them. The grey and a side of minute cynicism.'The first step was acknowledging that all of us, in real life, are morally grey. We've seen it, especially during times of crisis, how we all carry contradictions within us. That was a big part of Pushkar's writing. His sharp, often cynical, observations about people brought a lot of clarity to how we shaped these characters,' he Thakkar mentioned that Mahabal 'had a very clear understanding of how flawed, shameless, and complex human beings can be and that honesty helped us create characters who are deeply real.'However, they were sure that the show would strike a chord on the basis of 'authenticity'. It was the 'how' that they weren't sure of. Fortunately, they played their cards right and the audience loved every colour - Black, White and Gray, quite an understanding of this, Thakkar said, 'Deep down, we all know we aren't purely black or white. We make choices based on convenience, emotion, and self-interest. The show simply holds up a mirror to that.'No real-life incidents, just real emotionsadvertisementFor those who have watched 'Black, White and Gray' on SonyLIV, despite the grounded realism, they know that the story wasn't inspired by a specific event. Instead, it came from a more universal to the creator, there wasn't any one real-life incident that sparked it. The story really came from Pushkar's imagination. 'These are stories that disappear from public memory quickly. But sometimes, the most random, ordinary day can turn into something life-altering.'Blurring the lines between truth and fiction wasn't easy. And, choosing a mockumentary wasn't just a stylistic call - it was deeply intentional. Thakkar discussed what drew him to the format was the reality of media the trailer of the show here: He said, 'The mockumentary gave us a way to show how biased and fragmented our perception of truth has become. It also lets us present a simple story through multiple perspectives, each shaped by ego, agenda, and emotion. The beauty of this format is that it blurs the line between fiction and reality, allowing the audience to experience the same confusion and doubt that the characters feel. It made our storytelling deeper and much more layered.'advertisementBeyond the suspense and emotional arcs, the show also questioned how we, as viewers, interpret the world. Thakkar said, 'The show isn't just about the characters, it's about us. We're the ones forming biases, often without even realising it. We follow a narrative, believe in something, and repeat it until it feels true, without ever questioning where it came from.'Challenging the status quo in OTT storytellingAt a time when viewers are bombarded with glossy romances or cookie-cutter thrillers, 'Black, White and Gray' offers a breath of fresh air.'This show aims to go beyond that. It tries to connect with the audience's heart and mind, not just with technical finesse but with storytelling that feels rooted in our lived reality. And since we're creating content for an Indian audience, we made sure the narrative felt culturally relevant.''Too often, we end up copying Western formats and losing the essence of what Indian viewers actually care about. But audiences are smart; they're not just looking for a shift, they're looking for meaningful stories. They want to invest their time in content that respects them, engages them, and leaves them thinking. That's what we've tried to do with 'Black, White and Gray'.''Black, White and Gray - Love Kills' doesn't just tell a story - it challenges the audience to reflect on their own perceptions, their own biases, and their relationship with the truth. It's not a show that gives easy answers, but rather one that dares to ask uncomfortable questions in a format that feels deeply relevant in today's media landscape.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
CM to lift curtains on grand Saraswati Pushkaralu today
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will be inaugurating the Saraswati Pushkaralu at Saraswati Ghat at Triveni Sangam in Kaleshwaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district on Thursday. After the inauguration of this Pushkar Ghat, the Chief Minister would take part in bathing at Kaleshwaram Triveni Sangam. Along with the Chief Minister, ministers would also participate in these Pushkaralu. The Endowment Department has made extensive arrangements for this rare Saraswati Maha Pushkaralu, which comes once in 12 years. The Pushkar Snanam will start at 5:44 am on Thursday with the Sankalpa of Toguta Ashram, Madhavananda Saraswati Swamiji. Yagas will be performed every day from 8:30 am to 11 am. A special Saraswati Navratna Malaharati is held at Saraswati Ghat every day from 6:45 am to 7:35 am. Temporary tent city has been set up for those who take a Pushkar bath. Along with this, art and cultural programmes are organised every night. The Saraswati river is considered to be the 'Antarvahini' (invisible river) flowing at the Kaleshwaram Triveni Sangam. This Pushkaram is performed for 12 days from the time Jupiter enters the Gemini sign (Gemini). Jupiter is the god of knowledge, education and spirituality. Jupiter is also known as the Guru. The Guru changes his sign once a year. It takes 12 years to enter a new sign after leaving one. The sign in which it moves is auspicious for them. This year, Jupiter will enter the Gemini sign at 10:35 pm on May 14. In Indian Sanatana Hindu traditions, Pushkar bathing is an unwavering and great devotional belief. It is a scientific belief that worshipping water, which is the basis of life, is a means of salvation. That is why every year a Pushkaralu is given to each river to show the importance of water to all living beings. When Jupiter enters each of the twelve zodiac signs from Aries to Pisces, pushkaralus are given to each of the rivers in India. When Jupiter enters Gemini, pushkaras begin for the Saraswati River. It is clarified in the Kaleshwara Khandam that the Saraswati River originates where two living beings meet.
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Hans India
BHUPALAPALLY: IG, SP inspect security for Saraswati Pushkaralu
BHUPALAPALLY: Robust security arrangements are being made to ensure that devotees attending the 12-day-long Saraswati Pushkaralu at Kaleshwaram face no inconvenience, said Multi-Zone IG S Chandrasekhar Reddy said here on Thursday. Along with SP Kiran Khare, the IG personally inspected the temple surroundings, parking areas, CCTV installations, queue lines for devotees, and security measures at the Pushkar ghats in Kaleshwaram. He mentioned that large numbers of devotees from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are expected to attend the Pushkaralu, and strict measures are being taken to ensure a smooth experience for them. The IG offered prayers at the Kaleshwar Mukteshwar Swamy temple,where temple officials and priests welcomed him with a traditional Poorna Kumbham.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur flight to Kishangarh diverted to Jaipur due to airport closure
Nagpur: Passengers flying to Kishangarh in Rajasthan from Nagpur were flown to Jaipur instead on Tuesday as the airport there was closed for commercial flights as a part of measures taken by the Indian govt after Operation Sindoor. The flight service to Kishangarh is operated by Star Air. An aircraft reaches Nagpur at 9am from Bangalore and goes further to Kishangarh from the on Tuesday, as the passengers reached the airport, they were apprised of the change in plans. Around 66 passengers were supposed to take the flight to Kishangarh. The same plane, however, took off towards Jaipur, said airport sources. The passengers fully cooperated, said an official handling the flights to Kishangarh have started as part of the Udega Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAAN) scheme for providing regional air connectivity in the country. The services were started in 2023. Earlier, a flight coming from Hyderabad used to further connect to has an airport operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The town is close to Ajmer, and the flight caters to pilgrims' traffic to Moin-un-din Chisti Dargah and the Pushkar closure was part of the measure to shut down all the airports towards the sensitive areas. Jaipur, where the passengers were flown, is 100km away from Kishangarh.
United News of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- United News of India
IndiaFirst Life Insurance Reaffirms Support for Kenyan Cricketer Pushkar Sharma
Mumbai, Apr 26 (UNI) IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd has reiterated its support for former employee and now Kenyan international cricketer Pushkar Sharma, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing talent beyond the corporate sphere. Pushkar, who was employed with IndiaFirst Life before pursuing his cricketing career, has received sustained encouragement from the private insurer, which prides itself on an employee-first culture. "We are immensely proud of Pushkar Sharma. Supporting our employees' dreams is at the heart of our company and seeing Pushkar excel internationally is a testament to this. His journey from our organisation to the global cricket stage is inspiring," said Sunder Natarajan, Chief Human Resources Officer, IndiaFirst Life. "We'll continue to cheer for him as he brings glory to Kenya and popularises cricket in Africa," he added. Expressing gratitude, Pushkar said, "I am grateful to IndiaFirst Life for their unwavering support and belief in my aspirations. Their nurturing environment and #EmployeeFirst culture have been pivotal in my journey." The Indian-born all-rounder delivered key performances for Kenya during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge League 2024, scoring a maiden half-century (60 off 75 balls) against Denmark and following up with a brisk 50 from 45 balls against Kuwait. He finished as Kenya's second-highest scorer and fifth overall in the tournament with 195 runs in five matches at an average of 39.00. Pushkar is expected to play a leading role when Kenya competes in the second round of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A, slated to be held in Jersey in August. Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd is among India's youngest life insurers, backed by shareholders Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Carmel Point Investments India Pvt Ltd, the latter associated with Warburg Pincus LLC. UNI BDN GNK
