Latest news with #Kapila
Mint
10-07-2025
- General
- Mint
Gujrat bridge collapse: IRF calls for regular monitoring, maintenance of Infrastructures
New Delhi, Jul 10 (PTI) The International Road Federation (IRF) on Thursday expressed concern over the collapse of a section of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat, resulting in the loss of lives. The Geneva-based global road safety body stressed the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of bridges and other vital infrastructure in the country. As many as 13 people died during the bridge collapse at Gambhira in Gujarat on Wednesday. IRF President Emeritus K K Kapila said the natural environment is harsh and corrosive to bridges, regardless of the type of material, quality of construction, or means of erection. "Regular use of these structures further accelerates their deterioration. Concerned authorities, including civil and structural engineers, must conduct regular assessments of bridge elements to establish conditions and then address critical defects to preserve the safety and integrity of bridges," Kapila said He said managing vital assets for maximising service life and serviceability demands innovative and modern technologies. IRF India chapter president Akhilesh Srivastava said innovations in terms of instrumentation, data analysis, and artificial intelligence offer great potential for the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructures, as a complement to traditional visual inspection methods. Three people were killed and five others rescued after several vehicles fell into a river when the portion of a four-decade-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Vadodara district on Wednesday morning. Five to six vehicles fell into the Mahisagar river after a slab of the Gambhira bridge, located on the river which connects central Gujarat and Saurashtra regions of the state, collapsed, Gujarat's Health Minister Rushikesh Patel had said.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- The Hindu
Finding purpose, meaning, and a connection in life through travel
There is little denying that the world is divided between different ways of understanding and interacting with reality. Whether we think deeply about it or not, we end up siding either with tradition or modernity, science or religion, superstition or reason, rationality or empiricism, logic or faith. In the process, we create a dynamic landscape where different beliefs, practices and values compete for recognition and influence. Perhaps one of the best ways to become more aware and be able to expand the definitions of our thoughts and to fathom self-realisation, is to travel. A majority of the people travel for fun, adventure, and relaxation. Writers, researchers, and seekers travel for solitude, exploration, and to rediscover themselves. When writers go on yatras to understand what lies at the core of beliefs and devotion, there emerges an interesting genre of books that explores themes of finding purpose, meaning, and connection in life. For Siddharth Kapila, the decision to quit a career in law and undertake a journey to sites important to the Hindu faith was driven by passion and curiosity in equal measure. Between 2015 and 2022, he revisited seven pilgrimage sites along the Ganges where he had been to as a reluctant adolescent with his devout mother in the 1990s. Memoir of introspection Meant to be a plain travel account, his notes seamlessly transition into an introspection and an interesting memoir. Tripping Down The Ganga: A Son's Exploration of Faith (published by Speaking Tiger, 2025) is about India today, what Hinduism means to believers in general, and sceptics like him. Kapila's understanding of the Ganga tethered to the propaganda of religion today is not at loggerheads with the millions of superstitious, ritualistic and religious people including his mother, who worship the river. Faith is free and he does not criticise it. Rather, with a dash of humour he wonders about the contradictions that are visible in his journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath, Gangotri, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Banaras and Ganga Sagar and offers readers a relatable visual imagery through his words. He talks about how rituals are used to manipulate people based on their class, status and caste. That a holy dip to purify the soul does not wash away discrimination, bigotry, patriarchy or orthodoxy. But more important how people who worship the river also make a mess of it. The author does not flaunt any specific idea but through anecdotes and what he observes, he uncovers peoples' attitudes on faith. He also throws light on the diversity of Hinduism and the resilience of people's devotion. The sacred, complex and magnetic Ganga mirrors society, he says, carrying the weight of an entire civilisation. An old, living city In 1982, Diana L. Eck, American scholar of religious studies, captured the soul of one of the oldest living cities in her book Banaras: City of Light. Documenting a huge amount of history, she introduced readers to elaborate and thriving rituals and the significance they hold for pilgrims and seekers who throng the city. The detailed book is often cited as a critical introduction of Banaras and Hindu religious traditions for a generation of scholars on India. There are few places as sacred as Banaras that symbolises the whole of Hindu culture and imagines god in a thousand ways. Introducing the concept of sacred geography, she celebrates the city as a living, breathing and transforming symbol in the Hindu religious context. Nandini Majundar also writes about the holy city in her book Banaras: Walks Through India's Sacred City (Roli Books/2014). It is a captivating perspective of her walks around the city wherein she captures the essence and character of Banaras through its ghats and the riot of colours and why it has become a major tourist attraction. Another book, A Pilgrimage to Kashi: Banaras, Varanasi, Kashi, History, Mythology and Culture of the Most Fascinating City in India, by G. Gol published by Indica in 1999, is a fascinating depiction of Banaras in all its hues and imagery. A river's history In Ganga: The Many Pasts of a River (Penguin/Viking), historian Sudipta Sen chronicles a fascinating story of the world's third largest river from its first settlers, its myths of origin in Hinduism and its significance in Buddhism. He traces the many Empires that shaped the river's history and the merchants who navigated the waters in his lavishly illustrated volume of work. Stitching the geography, ecology and religious history of the sacred and beloved lifeline of Indians, he remarkably portrays how and why the Ganga enjoys a special place in the hearts of the people. Even as our political leaders make it a habit to visit religious sites as part of their campaigns in today's surcharged political atmosphere, for most people, religious travelogues are in pursuit of a meaningful life. It is a philosophical debate as old as time and books lend a sense of wisdom and calm to the restless mind and the chaos outside.
Mint
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
How Zakir Khan, Bhuvan Bam and Kusha Kapila hit the big time
New Delhi: "It's very important to go shopping with the women in your circle… because that makes you a better person. The next time bad luck hits you, you can compare it with those shopping experiences. And you'll realize that if you could get through them, you can get through anything that life flings at you," Zakir Khan tells a packed room, leaving the audience rolling on the floor. A comic, writer, actor and YouTube personality, Khan is best known for his stand-up and shayari (poetry) specials. His stand-up routines often revolve around dating, romantic or work experiences. 'It's been a process for the last 10-12 years, and everything I do or say, a fiction or non-fiction show, a (comedy) special or interview, is part of one universe," Khan explained on a video call the morning before he was to fly out for a month-long UK tour. Khan is among the handful of digital creators slowly going beyond being known solely for self-created content on social media channels. He now curates specials, writes, produces, and sells out global tours—much like a one-man media company. Others who are on this path include Bhuvan Bam, Kusha Kapila, Ashish Chanchlani and Prajakta Koli. Over the years, niche target audience groups and regional interests mostly led to influencers and social media faces earning loyal but limited fan followings and brand collaborations. These creators, however, have managed to build a wider audience, moving from traditional comedy and satire to either work extensively with streaming platforms for web originals, or produce theatrical movies, or spawn individual brands and businesses. Bam, an actor and creator, has gone from sketches on his YouTube channel BB Ki Vines to launching his own production house and acting in web show Taaza Khabar. Kapila, an actor, creator and satirist, parlayed her digital persona into fashion ambassadorships, web series, and high-profile brand deals. According to a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India is home to around 2-2.5 million creators (the report defines a creator as a monetized individual with over 1,000 followers), influencing $350-400 billion spends across categories, generating $20-25 billion in value for the participants. However, only 8-10% of these active creators are successfully monetizing their content. The vast majority earn very little or nothing at all. Once they make that leap, their careers are transformed. The journeys of Khan, Bam and Kapila, three of the oldest and most popular digital creators in India, offer much insight into how internet faces can build a sustainable, enduring and monetizable brand. Breaking out Earlier this week, Kapila released a short video on social media on the struggles of women who live alone. 'No society accepts us, including housing societies. I'm no longer scared of lizards… because at least I have company," she says, speaking in a mix of Hindi and English. In a Reel that is both hilarious and thought-provoking, she touches upon a range of issues, from constantly checking the CCTV footage of her home when not around to forever keeping her living room lights on. Well known for her satires on wealthy south Delhi women, Kapila is equally at ease capturing the common everyday struggles of ordinary growing girls. In a video released last October, for example, she talked about the experience of getting her first period. In a conversation with Mint, Kapila said she comes from an organic place of simply being a woman. 'The way I view social media is from a very female gaze. There was a lot I wanted to say…and it just came from having a female perspective," said Kapila. From common stereotypes to pressure around marriage and kids, Kapila's content speaks to women. In fact, Underneat, the shapewear brand she launched recently, comes from knowing that women are curious about such products and there is need for more information around the same, packed with tips she has picked from years on the job. Aside from launching Underneat, Kapila has gradually made the transition from her content on social media to fiction and non-fiction content on OTT, appearing in web originals such as Ghost Stories, Masaba Masaba, and Life Hill Gayi. She is now getting into theatrical films, with Sukhee and Thank You For Coming. At the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai earlier this month, Gaurav Banerjee, now managing director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), recalled his days at Disney Star, which had backed Bam's show, Taaza Khabar. Banerjee was struck by Bam's confidence—he simply walked in with the idea and script for the show. Eventually, he opened doors for other creators to venture into mainstream film and OTT with compelling content. According to media consulting firm Ormax, the second season of Taaza Khabar, on JioHotstar, featured in the list of most watched Hindi web series of 2024, with a viewership of 15.3 million. 'Our country is a land of stories, if you stay true to your world, your audiences will grow with you, no matter what the region or language is. If the content is good, it's accessible to everyone," Bam told Mint, explaining his success. The comedian has channeled his social media success with satirical sketches on life in middle class India, where he played multiple characters, sometimes within the same video. He also started an interview series on YouTube which featured guests like Hindi film actor Shah Rukh Khan. Coherent content Industry experts agree that in a hyper-saturated creator economy, only a few names break through the noise and build enduring equity. Creators like Khan, Bam and Kapila have not just attracted attention, they've sustained relevance by shaping personal brands that are both emotionally resonant and strategically consistent, said Saurabh Uboweja, managing partner and practice leader, positioning strategy, at business management consulting firm BOD Consulting. 'At their core, these creators built a clear and distinctive emotional proposition early on. For instance, Zakir's voice of the small-town underdog, Bhuvan's emotionally layered humour, and Kusha's unapologetic satire of urban India. They have scaled that narrative across new formats and platforms without diluting it," Uboweja added. Brand experts point out that what separates these creators is not just content volume but content coherence. Whether moving into film, launching businesses, or writing, their ventures feel like natural extensions of their brand personas, not opportunistic tangents. This strategic clarity, paired with an instinct for culturally relevant insights, creates both audience trust and commercial leverage. 'These names entered the scene when competition was sparse and algorithms favoured organic growth. This head start allowed them to refine their craft without the pressures of today's overpopulated platforms," said Damini Goyal Gupta, faculty of digital marketing and communications, FLAME University. 'What sets them apart is clarity of persona. Zakir fused shayari with stand-up; Bhuvan built an entire sketch universe with just himself; Kusha's satirical urban aunties held up a mirror to society. Each forged an identity that audiences could instantly connect with—something trending creators often lack," Goyal added. Their growth wasn't linear. Khan collaborated with Amazon Prime, whereas Bam launched his own production house. These creators didn't just chase views—they built intellectual property, signed deals, and expanded formats. 'Despite the low entry barrier, success in the creator economy is brutally selective. Virality is fickle and creators are at the mercy of opaque algorithms," said Goyal. 'Mimicking trends without a distinct voice leads to short-lived visibility. In a sea of content, being forgettable is fatal." Constant content creation with little reward wears creators down, she added, noting that many exit not due to lack of talent but due to exhaustion. Emphasizing that the difference between a decade ago and now is one of reach and impact, creators and industry experts say the lesson today is not try and speak to everyone, because that is anyway impossible, but to specific social groups that could be niches (such as women in middle-class homes) and universes in themselves. Numbers don't really mean much anymore, Kapila said. 'Earlier you would get noticed if you were an account with a large following—there was nothing like an algorithm. That tech has become so much better, stronger and more sophisticated. It might be tougher (because of the clutter and competition) but the algo services you more, especially if you pick up a trend or do something controversial," she added. Mainstream transition However, even though Khan (Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare), Bam (Taaza Khabar, Dhindora) and Kapila (Thank You for Coming, Life Hill Gayi) have all attempted to break into OTT and films, the transition is easier said than done. While OTT platforms still see their projects as mid-tier offerings, budgeted at less than ₹10 crore, people popular on social media come with both advantages and disadvantages. If you're over-exposed, a lot of producers and directors don't want to take you on because you're typecast. Bam agreed it's tough to transition to mainstream formats. 'Even if you come from a social media background, you need to prove yourself all over again. It's like any other business—you get paid to deliver, and if you fail, you might lose out on chances," he said. Entertainment industry experts agree this shift can be a challenge when your target audience is niche and you're more used to creating your own material for social media. 'The transition is tough, not because creators aren't talented, but because mainstream doesn't play by digital rules," said Rajnish Rawat, cofounder and CEO of Social Pill, a digital marketing agency. 'On the internet, creators call the shots—they write, shoot, edit, and post what they want, when they want. In film or OTT, they're just one piece in a bigger setup. Being famous online doesn't mean you'll automatically fit into a writers' room or a film set," he added. The format is different, the pressure is different. While they don't start from scratch, they still have to learn the ropes. And the ones who treat it like a serious second career, not just a side project, are the ones who usually make it work, Rawat further said. 'I don't think creators can just sit up one day and say they want to act. They are different professions and don't overlap. You become an actor worth your salt after years of training and nothing matters if you aren't able to nail the audition," Kapila added. Her ultimate aim is to put together a fiction series that she can write, produce and feature in. Khan agreed, emphasizing that films are not an upgrade but an entirely different stream, 'like a boxer playing cricket". Moreover, this isn't an easy gamble, especially for creative people who've had to claw their way up. As he put it: 'I'm not married to anything. This is one life, I would like to do everything. But I've understood the math of the business, so I don't want to take random, passionate decisions I could lose everything to. This hasn't been handed to me on a platter."
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Amid her weight loss and divorce, Kusha Kapila gives a befitting reply to trolls for her appearance at Cannes: "I am a creator and..."
Kapila added, 'Historically companies HAVE sponsored celebrities and actors to walk the red carpet. Brands buy the ticket for the red carpet.' read more Actor and social media influencer and content creator Kusha Kapila made an appearance at Cannes back in 2023. Recently there was a meme that trolled the influencers who have access to the prestigious festival. It didn't go down well with Kapila and she gave a long and befitting reply to all those people questioning her appearance at Cannes. Kusha wrote- 'You have taken a picture of mine from 2023, slapped on a meme that you are likely making about this year's Cannes film festival. I have already been called out plenty that year, reflected, course corrected and done my share of apologising and never ever been seen in a place where I don't deserve a place.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The content creator added, 'For context, I actually did attend the screening that day for the show, The Idol, and sat through two episodes of the show and also posted an honest review. It was a terrible show. I posted pictures and stories from inside the screening so no, I didn't just exit from the red carpet.' 'Historically companies HAVE sponsored celebrities and actors' Kapila added, 'Historically companies HAVE sponsored celebrities and actors to walk the red carpet. Brands buy the ticket for the red carpet. Title sponsors of the event can have their ambassadors walk on the carpets. It's not a trend started by creators/influencers. Calling me out for not yet making a mark as an actor is fair, I will keep trying and take that on my chin but please don't refer to me as a random celebrity. " I am a creator 'Calling someone's entire existence random is not cool. I am a creator. Call me that please. It's a meme for you. For me, it's my identity.'
News18
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kusha Kapila, Rumoured BF Anubhav Singh Bassi Pose With Abhishek Upmanyu
Last Updated: While Kusha Kapila has previously been linked with both Bassi and Upmanyu, she has denied dating Abhishek Upmanyu. Kusha Kapila's latest photo with Mallika Dua, Shehnaaz Gill, Karan Veer Mehra, Anubhav Singh Bassi and Abhishek Upmanyu has caught everyone's attention. While fans speculate that a massive creative collaboration is in the works, what caught everyone's attention was Upmanyu and Bassi's presence in the group picture. Both comedians have been rumoured to be dating Kapila. If a viral Reddit post from last year is believed, Bassi and Kapila went for a Goa vacation, and onlookers were shocked to see their closeness. However, it should also be noted that there is no confirmation regarding this speculation. The rumours only gained momentum as Kapila was going through a divorce. Before these rumours, it was said that Kusha Kapila had tried to hit on Abhishek Upmanyu while he was still dating comedian Urooj Ashfaq. The rumour mill began churning when Urooj detailed in a stand-up set how a married woman in their circle was flirting with Upmanyu at a party. Many believed she was talking about Kusha Kapila. However, Kapila set the record straight when she appeared on Sakshi Shivadasani and Naina Bhan's podcast. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gossip Gupta (@diet_gossip) Speaking about the rumour, Kapila mentioned, 'That's where all crap about me started. She is speaking about somebody who is hitting on her boyfriend. It is assumed as the gospel truth that it's about me. It's not about me. It happened at a time when I was not even friends with anybody." 'The best part is that Urooj has checked with me several times. 'Should I give an explanation?' I said, 'If you give an explanation, you are validating it. I don't think we need to do that.' But it is largely believed that I am that person… What's really weird is that I can no longer person my friendships online. I can no longer perform any male friendship because it will be believed that I am that girl," Kapila had said. Rumours about Kusha Kapila's dating life started when she and her ex-husband, Zorawar Ahluwalia, announced their divorce. Besides Upmanyu and Bassi, Kusha was also linked to Arjun Kapoor. However, Arjun Kapoor denied these speculations. First Published:
