ESSENCE
Mahabharat's Nitish Bharadwaj slams Ramayana as a ‘masala film’ but says an actor was its ‘small saving grace’
Mahabharat actor Nitish Bharadwaj criticised Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One, calling it a 'masala film' that misleads young audiences. He questioned its portrayal of Ravan, the authorship of the Ramayan and the Ashvamedh horse sequence. However, he praised Arun Govil's portrayal of King Dasharatha, calling it the film's 'small saving grace'.
New Ramayana lacks 'divinity & devotion', says original 'Laxman' Sunil Lahri; calls Sita Ji's way of addressing Lord Ram inappropriate
Sunil Lahri, who played Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan', has shared his mixed review of Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'. While praising its grand visuals, cinematography and performances, he said the film lacked the divinity and devotional sentiment associated with the epic. He also criticised the missing Ahalya episode, the Parashurama sequence and certain dialogues.
Iran's economic 'pain' will intensify, says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (local time) said economic pressure on Iran would continue to intensify over the coming months, warning that the country's oil revenues would dry up as sanctions compound.
Actor who played Lord Krishna in BR Chopra's Mahabharat withdraws praise for Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana movie. ‘I cannot find a single good word’
Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Lord Krishna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, has withdrawn his earlier appreciation for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, criticising its portrayal of Ravan. Meanwhile, Mukesh Khanna has questioned the film’s creative liberties, particularly Sita’s reported fight sequence. Khanna clarified that his comments were based on promotional material, not the film itself.
ETMarkets Management Talk | Northern Arc sees D2C lending contributing over 75% of its loan book in the next few years
In this edition of ETMarkets Management Talk, Ashish Mehrotra, Managing Director and CEO of Northern Arc Capital, discusses the company's next phase of growth, its plans to expand the D2C business, and how a higher share of direct lending could support margins and return ratios. He also explains Northern Arc's broader strategy of combining a growing balance-sheet-led lending business with a capital-light, fee-based Credit Solutions platform to drive sustainable long-term returns.
ETMarkets Fund Guide | Managing over Rs 8,000 crore: How Bajaj AMC's Sorbh Gupta picks winners in the Flexi Cap universe
In this edition of ETMarkets Fund Guide, Sorbh Gupta, Head – Equity at Bajaj Asset Management, who manages over Rs 8,000 crore through the Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund, shares his approach to picking the right stocks across large, mid and small caps.
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Diwali Patakha from China: The world's fireworks capital is reinventing its centuries-old industry
Liuyang in China's Hunan province is a significant hub for global fireworks production. The county supplies around 60% of the domestic fireworks market and 70% of exports. This industry has evolved to incorporate advanced technology, like digital ignition and AI. Although safety measures have improved since past catastrophic incidents, risks still exist.
Quote of the day by Boy George: ‘Life is kind of like clinging to a rock. You realise there are not really answers'. British music icon’s timeless lesson on accepting life’s uncertainties
Life seldom goes as we anticipate, regardless of how meticulously we prepare or how assuredly we foresee what’s ahead. As we age, we start to realise that nothing is certain and that not every challenging situation has a rational reason. Career letdowns, ongoing obstacles, fractured connections, and the death of cherished individuals can cause us to ponder why specific events occur and what we might have changed. Yet, life does not consistently offer the responses we desire.
Macallan’s India journey: Tapping a growing appetite for luxury, legacy, and craftsmanship
The Macallan is committed to strengthening its connection with consumers in India through meaningful experiences and storytelling. This strategy aims to highlight the brand's heritage and craftsmanship in a local context. As Indian consumers become more discerning, they increasingly value authenticity and quality in luxury spirits. The Macallan plans to deepen partnerships with stakeholders in the luxury market while establishing a locally anchored presence.
Big-budget Ramayana set for a slow start at theatres
Advance ticket sales for The Ramayana: Part 1 have not met the expectations of trade analysts and distributors. Data shows that ticket sales are underwhelming despite the film's grand scale and marquee cast. Concerns have been raised about the film's music not resonating with audiences and the quality of its VFX. Experts have highlighted inflated advance booking figures, suggesting lower actual sales than reported.
'Legacy is a balance': Jaipur's Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh on royal heritage, natural diamonds and evolving traditions
Jaipur's titular Maharaja and professional polo player Sawai Padmanabh Singh, popularly known as Pacho, opens up about his royal heritage, family heirlooms and evolving ideas of luxury. He reveals the special keepsake designed by his grandmother that he hopes to pass down to future generations, while sharing his thoughts on natural diamonds, traditional craftsmanship and what it takes to keep a centuries-old legacy relevant in modern times.
Ferrari accelerates India push as 'market of the future', targets younger buyers while guarding exclusivity
Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, who has been driving around Indian roads, talks about the need to be closer to the clients, how their Indian customer is younger than in the rest of the world and why Ferrari always makes one less car than what the market demands
From inheritance to wealth stewardship: How Indian families can protect generational wealth and prevent family business conflicts
As Indian business families navigate the intricate landscape of wealth transfers, they confront significant hurdles in succession planning. Establishing flexible frameworks for responsible wealth management across generations is imperative. Engaging younger members in conversations about values and governance fosters unity. Ultimately, preparing future heirs to effectively manage and amplify their inherited wealth is the primary objective.
The experience of the Shanti Rasa or Bhaav key reason behind Hanuman Ansh’s success: Producer Namrata G Singh
The film Hanuman Ansh has grossed nearly Rs340 crore at the box office, which is unprecedented for its modest budget. Producer Namrata G Singh emphasizes the significance of preserving intellectual property in storytelling. The film, rooted in spirituality, explores the life of Neem Karoli Maharaj and his connections with devotees. It also aims to expand into various formats and languages to reach global audiences.
How Databricks’ $2.2 billion Tabular deal helped Tim Chen’s Essence VC nearly return its entire fund
Tim Chen wasn’t planning to raise a new venture capital fund when investors began approaching him. His investment in Tabular, acquired by Databricks in 2024, helped put Essence VC on the map. The interest eventually helped Chen close a $41 million fourth fund, even before he had prepared a pitch deck.
A Colorado family spent over 100 years raising cattle and growing crops on 10,000 acres; then 30 wind turbines added another income stream to their ranch
The Kochis family revitalized their historic ranch, creating the Rush Creek Wind Farm while preserving their farming legacy. Featuring 30 wind turbines, this harmonious operation generates consistent revenue, all while they cultivate crops and raise livestock. With steady earnings that aren't influenced by weather or market swings, the project also boosts local economies through construction jobs and tax benefits, illustrating a shift towards renewable energy in rural American agriculture.
Remember, for every Gulliver there are many Lilliputians
Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels, presents themes of survivorship bias and the importance of acknowledging failures. Survivorship bias can impact our understanding of success and lead to misconceptions about achievement. The adventures of Lemuel Gulliver reflect this bias through his survival amidst numerous dangers while ignoring the silent stories of those who did not survive. This concept has historical implications, influencing how we interpret data and events today.
500%, 100%, then a waiver: How India escaped Trump's Russia tariff threat
In the beginning it was 500%, then it came down to 100% and then, a waiver. This is how the tariff threat has evolved from an ambitious proposal into a more flexible instrument of policy for Trump and US. For India, the immediate danger has receded. But with US retaining the power to reinstate the measures, the waiver offers relief rather than a lasting resolution.
From Ram temple to Vande Mataram, Kolkata Durga Pujas draw on heritage, nationalism for inspiration
Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations this year feature themes inspired by India's civilisational heritage, nationalism and cultural identity, from a replica of the Ram temple at Mohammed Ali Park to a Vande Mataram installation marking 150 years of the national song. Other pandals celebrate rural Bengal's traditions and showcase a towering Bharat Mata statue.
Navratri Day 6 Colour 2026: Why Green Is Worn on October 16 and What It Symbolises
Navratri Day 6 Colour 2026: Green is the colour associated with the sixth day of Navratri in the 2026 colour sequence, observed on Friday, October 16. The day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga, who symbolises courage, strength and protection. Green represents growth, harmony, renewal and prosperity, making it a meaningful colour to wear during the festival.
Xbox’s new Nano controller signals a shift beyond the traditional console as Microsoft targets gaming across devices
Microsoft has launched the Xbox Nano Controller, which aims to enhance accessibility across various gaming devices. The compact controller is designed for younger players and portability, measuring just over five inches. In addition, Microsoft is partnering with television manufacturers to enable cloud gaming on supported devices. This strategic shift focuses on making Xbox games accessible beyond dedicated consoles through various other platforms.
Trouble in ties: Azerbaijan's ruling party slams Turkiye's governing AKP for encouraging conservatism
Azerbaijan's New Azerbaijan Party has criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkiye. This criticism stems from comments regarding headscarves for female students in Azerbaijani schools. The YAP emphasizes the need for Turkish political figures to respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty. They specifically mention the importance of understanding Azerbaijan's constitutional structure and legal framework. Such interference in internal affairs is viewed as regrettable by the YAP.
Tantra vision
Many religions require celibacy, causing conflict between practitioners' desires and their commitments. This struggle can lead to psychological issues for some individuals striving for spiritual goals. Tantra provides an alternative approach by viewing sexual energy as sacred and life-creating. Techniques in tantra help individuals transmute this energy for personal growth and spiritual rejuvenation. The concept of urdhavaretas symbolizes the redirection of energy for enhanced vitality and development.
Amitabh Bachchan film, based on real-life story of Mumbai gangster, was a flop and made fans ‘tear up seats’. It gained superstar a National Award and later became a Rs 193-crore grosser
Agneepath came out in 1990, but it didn't do well at the box office even though Amitabh Bachchan was in the main role. Over time, the film started to gain a loyal group of fans and became well-known among movie lovers as a cult classic. In 2012, the movie got its due when a remake starring Hrithik Roshan in the lead earned almost Rs 200 crore at the box office.
Homebuyer paid Rs 23.23 lakh for a flat, refused another Rs 8 lakh until promised construction was complete, her allotment was cancelled; builder ordered to pay 23.83 lakh
Kangra consumer commission has held a builder's cancellation of a Greater Noida flat allotment void and ordered refund of Rs 23,23,712 to the homebuyer. She had asked for proof of construction progress before paying another Rs 8 lakh. Commission said builder showed no evidence that work stages were complete, called its demands premature and awarded 9 percent interest, Rs 50,000 compensation and Rs 10,000 costs.
Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature: Who is this poet who made Ancient Greek stories feel new again? Here's what makes her writing so unique
Anne Carson has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing her innovative literary contributions. The Swedish Academy commended her for creating new forms while engaging with classical traditions. Carson's work encompasses poetry, translation, and essays, profoundly influenced by ancient Greek literature and other traditions. She has adapted ancient myths into contemporary narratives, exploring themes like love, loss, and memory.
Kumar Sanu became the narrator of Ajay Devgn-Kajol's love story; 28 years ago, he gave Bollywood its love anthem
Released in 1998, Kumar Sanu's 'Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil' from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha is a timeless masterpiece known for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The captivating on-screen partnership of Ajay Devgn and Kajol played a key role in the song's enduring popularity. Sanu cherishes the song, which continues to enchant audiences and attract fresh listeners nearly three decades later with its heartfelt simplicity.
Dhurandhar 2 TV premiere announced: When and where to watch Ranveer Singh’s hit 16+ rated spy thriller? Check timing, plot and runtime
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is making its much-anticipated debut on television. While the film has previously garnered immense success with a worldwide box office gross of approximately Rs 1,813 crore, fans can expect a revised version with considerable cuts and edits for its TV airing. Read on to know when and where to watch it on TV.
When Ravana's blood was red sherbet: How Delhi celebrated Ramlila through centuries
Over centuries, the celebrations of Dussehra and Ramlila in Delhi have witnessed remarkable transformation. Once supported by royals, these festivities presented a blend of artistry and cultural heritage. Historical descriptions reveal grand rituals with horses and effigies, along with the communal sharing of victory sherbet. The introduction of female actors in previously male-dominated roles illustrates the dynamism of tradition.
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