Latest news with #Mahi
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Meet Mahi G, an Adivasi rapper from Maharashtra, who uses the mic as a weapon to fight social injustice
Born in the Bronx as a voice of rebellion, hip-hop is more than just music. It's a culture, a language of the oppressed, a sonic space where the truth cuts sharper than a melody. In India, where mainstream rap is often hijacked by commercialism and mimicry, conscious rap remains a lesser-traveled path; one that dares to dig deeper, confront capitalists, question patriarchy and government and echo resistance. Conscious rap isn't about flexing riches or fast cars, but is about awareness,using the mic as a weapon. Emerging from this powerful lineage of genre is Madhura Ghane, aka Mahi G, a 28-year-old Adivasi rapper from Maharashtra, whose music is reshaping the meaning of Indian hip-hop. Inspired by poetry Mahi's journey into rap didn't begin in a studio, but her village in Ahmednagar during the first phase of the lockdown. As the world paused, she found time to 'reflect, reconnect and write'. Her verses found rhythm in rage. An IT engineer-turned-rapper from the Mahadev Koli tribe, Mahi turned to hip-hop as a means of storytelling, inspired by poetry she once penned in solitude. She acknowledges her parents' role in nurturing her social consciousness. 'They listen with enthusiasm, every single time,' she shares. Her debut track, 'Jungle cha raja', captures the struggle of Mahadev Koli Adivasi community, and is against the systemic neglect in the name of development. During her stay in the village, amid the pandemic, she noticed how 'the government tried to strip people's independence, offering rationed supplies while quietly building dams and disturbing ecological balance and agriculture'. It 'infuriated' her and was the genesis of her first rap — one that changed the trajectory of her life. It was only when she decided to pursue rap seriously that she met rapper-producer, Ajith Shelake, also known as Rapboss. Mahi says it is with his support 'Jungle cha raja' came to life. In a few years, Mahi traversed the home ground to perform at India's most prestigious academic and cultural spaces, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Bombay, Kalina University and TISS. She received the 18th Vidrohi Marathi Sahitya Sammelan Puraskar and in 2025 was honoured with the Fatimabi Savitri Puraskar (for fearlessly speaking out on social injustice). Dedicated to transgender community Mahi uses her poetry to highlight the erasure of tribal identity, caste inequality, the rights of the transgender community and ecological destruction. Her track 'Haq se hijra hun' is dedicated to the transgender community. It was a result of a question that haunted her during her college days — why did transgenders have to beg for money, while cisgender folks accessed jobs and opportunities? While working on the track, she reached out to the Pune-based Humsafar Trust to ensure the song's accuracy. Once they greenlit it, the song was made. Her desire to cast trans-women in the video, was squashed by budgeting issue. So, she asked a male friend to perform instead, which he did for free. Every track is self-funded, making her journey financially-challenging. Yet, it did not dilute the impact of her work. Environmental issues Her music video, on deforestation in Hasdeo for coal mining, went viral. 'Every voice counts in stopping destruction. It's home for animals and tribes. Why should they leave?' she asks. Her recent single 'Heatwave', in collaboration with Greenpeace, highlights the soaring temperatures, burning forests and the reality of millions, who work under the scorching sun unnoticed and unprotected. Mahi's greatest inspiration 'is Nature'. As a tribal woman, she feels connected to it and finds serenity and strength in it. When injustice stings, she turns to her notebook, knowing she has to speak up. s She's often asked, 'Aren't you afraid to call out those in power?' And, she responds: 'I'll stop talking when these issues are solved. Till then, I will rap about them.' She also hopes that her songs initiate conversations. 'I want my music to plant a seed of thought,' says the rapper, who doesn't call herself a 'rapper, but a storyteller — one who is still learning, growing and refining' her craft. Mahi dreams of adding melodic hooks to her songs to make them more memorable. She has an upcoming collaboration with the Swadeshi movement and urges artistes to stand their ground. 'Believe in yourself. No matter what.'
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Oka Brundavanam OTT Release, when and where to watch, details bellow:
The heartwarming Telugu family drama , Oka Brundavanam received widely praised by the viewers, upon its theatrical debut. On May 23, 2025, Oka Brundavanam premiered on the silver screens. Despite being mainly a family movie, it was praised for its emotional depth and the narrative. And now, a month after its theatrical run has ended, it will be available on OTT. Here is all the information you need about it: Where and When to watch Oka Brundavanam: The family drama is airing on the ETV Win , since 20th June 2025. The streaming platform shared the official news with the film's poster on their X (formerly twitter) handle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo Sharing a poster they wrote 'New vibes. Fresh faces. Pure emotions! Oka Brundavanam is now streaming on @ETVWin!' Plot of the movie: The plot of the film is very unusual, as the family they create is not by blood, but by the bond they share. The movie revolves around a financially struggling cameraman, Raja Vikram who meets a woman named Mahi. Mahi is on a journey to record her deceased mother's story and as the film progresses, the two cross paths with, Nainika, a lively young girl, who is on a quest to search for her long-lost parents. As the three come together, they eventually unravel a Christmas mystery and set off on a path of self-discovery and healing. Cast and Crew of the beautiful movie: The star cast of Oka Brundavanam includes Balu, Shinnova, Sanvitha, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Sivaji Raja, Annapurnamma, Rupa Lakshmi and more. The script of the movie was given by Chetan Bandi, with Botsa Sathya directing the masterpiece.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kareena Kapoor's 5 most iconic movie looks that still rule our fashion mood boards
If Bollywood had a fashion queen, Kareena Kapoor would rule the throne; draped in sequins, strutting in stilettos, with a wind machine on standby. From college corridors to spy missions, every Bebo character has had a wardrobe that became the moment. Kareena Kapoor's 5 most iconic movie looks that still rule fashion mood boards(Pinterest) She dressed her way into pop culture history. Kareena Kapoor defined eras with her fashion. Let's check out 5 unforgettable looks that gave Bollywood its most stylish chapters and fans their lifelong style crush. 1. Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham She entered college like a Y2K fashion storm; metallic crop tops, fur-trimmed jackets, micro minis, and more sass than a runway can handle. Poo made pink cool, turned Diwali lehengas into fashion statements, and gave every teenage girl a new aesthetic to obsess over. Her unapologetic glam is still unmatched. 1. Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham(Pinterest) 2. Geet in Jab We Met Nobody does comfy-cute quite like Geet. Long tees over patiala salwars, colourful dupattas, chunky bangles—her wardrobe screamed vibrant desi drama. Whether she was running away from home or dancing in the rain, Geet's look felt effortlessly real and refreshingly stylish. A true icon of everyday fashion. 2. Geet in Jab We Met (Pinterest) 3. Mahi in Heroine Mahi's world was all about high drama and higher heels. Her fashion swung from glittering gowns to oversized sunglasses and sleek power dressing. It wasn't just about looking good—it was about owning every room she walked into. Fierce, flawed, and fabulous, Mahi's fashion was the emotional rollercoaster of her story. 3. Mahi in Heroine(Pinterest) 4. Pooja in Tashan Bebo's transformation in Tashan became national news. Her size-zero look—low-rise jeans, bikinis, knotted tops—turned every scene into a style statement. Whether it was a desert chase or a poolside stroll, Pooja oozed confidence. This was Bebo at her boldest, giving India its first true taste of body-sculpted fashion. 4. Pooja in Tashan(Pinterest) 5. Iram in Agent Vinod Undercover never looked this good. Iram's spy chic was all about trench coats, sleek sarees, and cool-toned minimalism. Her olive green drape and smoky eyes gave off serious femme fatale vibes. The styling was subtle yet commanding—a perfect balance of mystery and glamour. 5. Iram in Agent Vinod(Pinterest) Kareena she transforms clothes into pop culture landmarks. From playful desi to power glam, her onscreen fashion has inspired closets and conversations alike. In every look, she's not just the heroine, she is the mood! Similar stories for you: Sara Ali Khan ethnic wear goals: Stylish Indian wear picks inspired by the diva Shop Anushka Sharma's top 4 ethnic on-screen looks: From Rab Ne to Sui Dhaaga! Shop and recreate Akshay Kumar's top 4 athleisure outfits that pack a punch! Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Pink Villa
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Oka Brundavanam OTT Release: Here's when and where to watch Subhalekha Sudhakar, Sivaji Raja's Telugu family drama online
Oka Brundavanam hit the big screens on May 23, 2025. An essentially family-centric film, it was appreciated for its screenplay and emotional depth above all. And now, it is all set to hit the OTT space within a month of completing its theatrical run. Here's everything you need to know about it. When and where to watch Oka Brundavanam Telugu family drama Oka Brundavanam has started streaming on ETV Win from June 20 onwards. The streaming giant shared the official announcement for the same with a post on their X handle. Sharing a poster they wrote 'New vibes. Fresh faces. Pure emotions! Oka Brundavanam is now streaming on @ETVWin!' Official trailer and plot of Oka Brundavanam The storyline of the film marks a very unusual family drama where people not related by bloodlines connect and bond just like one. Its story revolves around Raja Vikram, a financially struggling cameraman, who crosses paths with a woman named Mahi. The latter is on a quest to document her late mother's story. The two of them then cross paths with a spirited little girl named Nainika, who is searching for her long-lost parents. As the three join forces, they end up discovering a Christmas mystery and embark on a journey of healing and self discovery on their own merit. The film moves on to unveil the true meaning of family, love and bonding for one another, which certainly transcends the need to have real connections with one another. The star cast of Oka Brundavanam includes Balu, Shinnova, Sanvitha, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Sivaji Raja, Annapurnamma, Rupa Lakshmi and more. It is written by Chetan Bandi and is directed by Botsa Sathya. The film is produced under the banner of Seer Studios.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘My music is connected to my roots'
When Mahi (Minisha Lamba) in the 2008 film Bachna Ae Haseeno sang 'Pyaar maanga tha maine rab se/ Wo rehata tha yahin pe/ Maangu main yahi duwaaye/ Laut aaye woh kahin se (I had asked for love from god/He used to stay here once/I would pray to the lord, so that he comes back), she was expressing her long-suppressed feelings for her husband holding nothing back. Through the song sung by Himani Kapoor, Mahi finds the joy and motto of her life. And that's what the Delhi-NCR (Faridabad)-born singer and lyricist Himani Kapoor loves to do through her music. Kapoor says her mission is simple. 'There are so many people across generations who suppress their emotions due to their daily grind or due to their inhibitions. But music is something that helps you break free—what you may find hard to express can be done through song. Recently, in a Sufi event, musicians Shalmali Kholgade and Abhay Jodhpurkar came and hugged me with tears in their eyes. An old lady in a wheelchair also approached me, blessed me, and said, 'you touched my soul with your singing'. I was very moved. And I felt overwhelmed,' she says. Band apart Kapoor's latest album, RaagRaanis, an all-women album, is a celebration of multi-layered human emotions. Prajakta Shukre is its music composer, and Kapoor's co-singers are Pratibha Singh Baghel, Varijashree Venugopal, and Kalpana Gandharv. Says Kapoor: 'It is a work of five friends who work in the same industry. Shukre and I have been friends for almost two decades, and our bond is reflected in our work together on the album. Venugopal, Gandharv, and Baghel are fantastic singers, and their collective efforts have brought life to the album.' A fusion As the name RaagRaani suggests, the album has a classical touch. All the songs are based on multiple Hindustani ragas but have utilised other musical genres as well. 'This album is a work of multiple musical genres. Though ragas form its base, they are infused with pop, jazz, and EDM. We have used a Bossa nova track, a dubstep track, and an EDM track,' Kapoor adds. The album also focuses on multiple layers of human emotions. 'Venugopal's song 'Sajan Ghar Aye' is a song about a long wait for one's sajan (beloved), and celebration once the partner is back. 'Saiyaan Na Aye', the song which Gandharv has sung, is a sad song. Shukre's song talks about the complaints one has against the partners. And finally, my song, 'Tere Bina Sawan', explores viraha. 'Also, these songs are perfect for the monsoon,' she adds. Her inspirations The album, RaagRaani, which released on June 12, also includes Kapoor's work as a lyricist. It was singer-songwriter and the director of Namyoho studios, Manan Bharadwaj, who 'pushed' her initially to try her hand at lyrics. Kapoor is a Punjabi. She loves reading Punjabi poetry and that also helps her to write the lyrics. 'I explore multiple literatures as I go along. I am into Urdu poetry and still learning the nitty-gritties. I am also drawn to the work of lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya. His lyrics have always inspired me,' she says. She also loves listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the legendary Noor Jahan. 'They are Pakistani singers. However, what we call Pakistan today is also a part of the other side of Punjab. So, that music is connected to my roots,' she says.
