Latest news with #LondonThumakda
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dance off: When did shaadi sangeets become so boring?
Want a modern example of main-character energy? Don't look at the bride and groom at an Indian wedding, look at everyone involved in the sangeet. Family, extended family, the groom's workmates, the bride's office gang, their gym group, the school friends, the college buddies, the miscellaneous group, a good-terms ex... Everyone is out there shaking a leg. How did we all get roped into song/dance/skit performances that take up a whole evening, events that have no real audience, recordings we play only to watch our own selves? Not everyone can shake a leg like Ranbir Kapoor in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). Keep the steps simple. Bollywood does it too. Alia Bhatt was in Spain last month, being bridesmaid to her bestie, Tanya Saha Gupta. Even they got dressed for a choreographed routine. That 10-second Reel was fun to watch. But let's face it, most weddings don't need 20 amateur performances in a single night. How much London Thumakda can we take? They're a pain to organise. We get added to Malvika Shaadi Dance Group No1. Rehearsal dates are set up and endlessly changed because someone 'can't this Saturday'. Most practise sessions happen with three of nine people showing up. Then, when choreography is updated, the song is changed and stage positions are moved around – there are fights and sulking. 'WDYM we're not wearing the butterfly cholis, guyzzz? I bought mine already!' Couples think that the world wants to know their love story. Why not try a new theme for a change? (SHUTTERSTOCK) For the most part, 'group dances are a way to bond with friends and family,' says Ruchi Nayak, co-owner of a PR agency who recently participated in her sister's and friend's sangeets.' Older folks enjoy being involved, says Nirali Rambhia, a wedding choreographer. But joining endless dance lessons when you could be chilling with the bride or groom in their last weeks as singletons can seem like a chore. Choreographers overcharge and grind their teeth when guests pick ambitious moves, only to simplify everything after the second rehearsal. And no matter what, someone isn't quite in step at the final show, and it's caught on camera. There is a reason that wedding planners warn hosts against opening the bar before the family performance. No one's really sticking around for this. The end doesn't justify the means. It's time to rethink the dance sequences. 'Keep it short and simple and only invite close family and friends to perform,' says choreographer Rahil Ansari. Aim for no more than 10 dances, and a total run time of 45 minutes. This means each set shouldn't be more than a few minutes long, says wedding choreographer Eshna Chopra. So no three-verse indulgences. And unless the dancers can handle it, keep the routine simple and fun. Don't turn the celebration into a bride gang vs groom gang thing. Get both sides to collab on a dance. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Most practice sessions start too close to the sangeet day, ruining prep. So, trainers recommend starting three months in advance – with plenty of allowance for those jinxed Saturdays. For NRI cousins and friends, Chopra creates video tutorials, so everybody can learn at their pace before the final in-person rehearsal. Another trick: Don't build a huge stage. It just puts performers too far from the viewers, and makes it too easy for audiences to slink away. A small stage also makes it harder for the better dancer to steal everyone's thunder. 'That makes it impersonal,' Chopra says. For a big-budget, destination wedding, a tiny stage won't do. So, Ansari employs grand theatrics, themes, props and graphics. 'If you go big, make the dance as dramatic as possible,' he says. Avoid turning the bridal meet-cute moment into a corny skit. The worst offence: Turning a wedding celebration into a bride gang vs groom gang thing. Get both sides to collab on a dance to really give people something to look at. 'That way the boy's family won't escape to the buffet counters while the girl and her friends are dancing and vice versa,' says Chopra. Who knows? A maami from the other side might reveal killer dance moves, a sign that the spouse's side might be fun after all. From HT Brunch, July 12, 2025 Follow us on
India.com
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet celebrity whose father used to sell samosas to make ends meet, started working from the age of 4, now has a net worth of Rs. 65 crores
Meet singer, whose father used to sell samosas, started working from the age of 4, is now worth Rs 64 crore, name is… In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, last name often holds more importance than talent. Where a royal legacy becomes an easy gateway to opportunities, some rare celebrities come with no godfather, yet shine like they were born to be a part of this dazzling showbiz world. One such tale belongs to a star whose story is all about overcoming struggles and having persistence, and proving that sometimes the brightest stars emerge out of starting with the least. We are talking about the very talented singer Neha Kakkar. Neha was born in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, in a lower-middle-class family. Her existence in this world started with a struggle and uncertainty. Being the third child in her family, her parents were skeptical about keeping her or aborting her because of financial constraints. In an interview, Neha herself openly spoke about her parents' poor condition that eventually made them second-guess her existence in the world, but since her mother was 8 weeks pregnant, the procedure came into the world to change her family's luck forever. Right from childhood, Neha saw hardships. The situation was so bad that her father had to sell samosas outside her sister Sonu Kakkar's school to make ends meet. He did a double shift, at night, he would sing jagrans to get enough money. Neha's love affair with singing also started with Jagran, she started singing there when she was barely four. . Her siblings, Sonu and Tony Kakkar, also played a big role in encouraging her dreams. She lived with her family in a one-room apartment with no comforts or luxuries. But besides limited resources, her dreams were never limited. Neha wanted to turn her singing passion into her full-time career, and she moved to Mumbai with a suitcase full of dreams. She participated in Indian Idol, but got eliminated early in the first season. The judges didn't find anything special in her voice at the time. But Neha had faith in herself, and that paid off quite well. She went on to sing hits like Second Hand Jawaani, London Thumakda, Dilbar, and Aankh Maarey, becoming one of India's most played voices. Her life took a full circle, she returned to Indian Idol — this time not as a contestant, but as a judge. Though she once lived in a cramped home, Neha now enjoys a luxurious life. As per the reports net worth is around ₹65 crore. She owns various assets, including an Audi Q7,a Mercedes-Benz GLS 350, a BMW, and a beautiful bungalow. While she had a brief falling out with her siblings, especially Sonu, the family has now reconciled. From singing in temples to ruling the stage, Neha Kakkar's journey shows that with enough passion and hard work, one can get what they want.
News18
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Neha Kakkar Birthday: Her Net Worth, Car Collections Will Leave you Stunned!
Happy Birthday Neha Kakkar: The singer, along with her family, shifted to Delhi in the early 90s to try her luck in singing. Happy Birthday Neha Kakkar: Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the Indian music industry today, Neha Kakkar's popularity is evidenced by her extensive fan base, numerous hit songs and successful career as a singer and reality show judge. Starting her music journey at an early age, she has carved a niche for herself in showbiz. Born on June 6, 1988, Neha is celebrating her 37th birthday today. Here is everything you need to know about her family, net worth and top songs. Neha Kakkar's Net Worth According to MoneyMint, Neha has a net worth of a whopping Rs 104 crore. This covers her monthly income from playback singing, live performances, reality show judge, social media, songs and concerts and brand endorsements. She also owns luxurious vehicles, including the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLS 350, and BMW 7 Series. The singer owns a luxurious apartment in Mumbai worth Rs 1.2 crore and a bungalow in her hometown, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Neha Kakkar's Early Life Neha began singing at an early age. She used to perform at local gatherings and religious events. The singer, along with her family, shifted to Delhi in the early 90s to try her luck in singing. In 2005, Neha participated in the reality show Indian Idol. While she didn't win, the show provided her with significant recognition and helped her gain momentum in her career. After that, she was a chorus singer for a number of tracks but her career breakthrough came in 2012 when she collaborated with Pritam for the song Second Hand Jawani from Cocktail. The dance number became a sensational hit, followed by several party anthems such as Sunny Sunny and London Thumakda among others. Songs With Rohanpreet, Tony Kakkar And Sonu Kakkar Neha is the younger sister of music composer and singer Tony Kakkar and Sonu Kakkar, with whom she has collaborated on a number of projects. Not only her siblings, she has also worked with her husband Rohanpreet Singh on several songs. Let's take a look at some of her biggest collaborations: Khyaal Rakhya Kar: The song was released soon after Neha's marriage to Rohanpreet in 2020 and instantly became a fan favourite. It was written by Babbu and it is composed by Rajat Nagpal. La La La: Released in 2022, the track gained considerable popularity among fans. Its catchy tune and the chemistry between Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh were the key highlights of the song. On YouTube, it has been viewed more than 2.5 crore times. Coca-Cola Tu: Talking about Neha Kakkar's best songs, how can we forget to mention this superhit party anthem from the film Luka Chuppi? For this upbeat track, she collaborated with her brother Tony Kakkar. Balenciaga: Unveiled in 2023, the track sung by Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar became a popular summer anthem. It also marked the debut of Tony Jr, nephew of Tony and Neha. London Thumakda: The song, from the 2014 hit drama film Queen, remains a fan favourite even 11 years after its release. Sung by sisters Neha and Sonu Kakkar along with Labh Januja, it has been viewed more than 27.5 crore times on YouTube. First Published: June 06, 2025, 07:30 IST
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Alia Bhatt turns glam bridesmaid and undercover photographer at dreamy Spanish wedding
Following her dazzling appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, Alia Bhatt transitioned to bridesmaid duties at her best friend's wedding in Spain. She was seen in an elegant black gown, capturing candid moments as the wedding photographer. Videos circulating online show Alia joyfully dancing to dhol beats and Bollywood hits, dressed in a vibrant lehenga, fully embracing the celebratory atmosphere. Just days after lighting up the Cannes red carpet, the Bollywood star switched from couture gowns to candid clicks as she played bridesmaid at her best friend's dreamy wedding in Spain. From dancing to dhol beats to turning an undercover photographer, Alia showed she's as committed to friendship as she is to fashion. New pictures from the wedding have surfaced on Instagram and X, showing Alia in full bridesmaid mode. Dressed in an elegant black outfit, Alia was seen doting on the bride and even turning photographer—capturing candid moments and making memories for her close friend's big day. In the pictures shared by a paparazzi account on Instagram, the actress looked stunning in a black strapless gown on her friend's big day, where the bride and groom were seen twinning in white. Alia, along with her group of girlfriends, embraced her bridesmaid duties with full flair—clicking pictures, sharing laughs, and making sure the bride had a picture-perfect celebration. In one snap, she was seen holding a white umbrella, while in another, she took a selfie with the breathtaking location as her backdrop. A video posted by a fan page on X also showed Alia gracefully walking down the stairs as a bridesmaid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo WATCH the video here: Several videos from the wedding have gone viral on social media, capturing Alia Bhatt in full celebration mode. In one clip, she is seen dancing joyfully to dhol beats, clearly enjoying the festive vibe. Another video shows her grooving with friends in what appeared to be a lively procession, matching steps to Bollywood hits like London Thumakda and High Heels. For the occasion, Alia wore a vibrant lehenga teamed with a mustard yellow blouse, perfectly complementing the energetic mood of the celebration. Alia turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival with her stunning red carpet appearances. For her much-awaited debut, she wore a striking off-shoulder fishtail gown by Schiaparelli Haute Couture to attend the premiere of The Mastermind. She wrapped up her Cannes outing with a show-stopping look at the closing ceremony, donning the first-ever Gucci saree — a shimmering ensemble adorned with Swarovski crystals that blended tradition with high fashion. On the work front, she is gearing up for her next big release Alpha, where she joins Yash Raj Films ' acclaimed spy universe. She also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-anticipated film Love and War in the pipeline, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal . 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 .
News18
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Alia Bhatt Turns Bridesmaid And Photographer At Friend's Wedding In Spain
Last Updated: Just days after her dazzling Cannes debut, Alia Bhatt turned bridesmaid for her close friend's wedding in Spain. After turning heads at the Cannes Film Festival with her stunning red carpet debut as a global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, Alia Bhatt seamlessly transitioned from international fashion icon to loyal bridesmaid in Spain. The actress flew straight from the French Riviera to attend the wedding of her close friend Tanya Saha Gupta—and the internet can't get enough of her heartwarming switch from couture to celebration. In newly surfaced photos and videos across Instagram and X, Alia is seen donning a chic black strapless gown as one of the bridesmaids during the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom looked ethereal in matching white, while Alia played the perfect bridesmaid—laughing, posing for pictures, and even capturing moments herself on her phone. One photo showed her holding a delicate white umbrella, while another captured her photographing her friend with the picturesque Spanish backdrop behind her. The festivities didn't stop there. Alia, ever the life of the party, was seen letting her hair down at the traditional functions. In one viral clip, she danced energetically to the beats of London Thumakda and High Heels, dressed in a vibrant lehenga paired with a mustard yellow blouse. Her enthusiasm, unfiltered joy, and effortless style made it clear: no matter the continent, Alia knows how to steal the show. This down-to-earth side of the global star is what endears her most to fans. Just days before her bridesmaid stint, Alia walked the prestigious Cannes red carpet in a dramatic off-shoulder fishtail gown by Schiaparelli for the premiere of The Mastermind. At the festival's closing ceremony, she made history by wearing Gucci's first-ever saree, adorned with Swarovski crystals—a look that instantly went viral. Professionally, Alia is on a roll. She's all set to star in Alpha, marking her entry into Yash Raj Films' blockbuster spy universe. She's also gearing up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, which reunites her with husband Ranbir Kapoor and brings Vicky Kaushal into the mix. Whether she's lighting up a global film festival or dancing at a friend's wedding, Alia Bhatt continues to embody grace, versatility, and star power—on and off the screen. First Published:
