Latest news with #SKAI
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anirban Calling Anirban: Gaan, golpo & some drama
Mixups are often the norm in the lives of Anirban and Anirban. Especially when they are cast together, as it happened in Mukhosh. The crew in such cases would refer to them as 'Dariye Anirban, boshe Anirban' or 'Samner Anirban, or pechhoner Anriban' Namesakes who share a passion for theatre, a commitment to culture and a penchant for creativity – Anirban and Anirban are two unique personalities shaping the contemporary Bengali entertainment space in their own ways. If Anirban Chakrabarti is at the peak of his commercial success, with Eken's latest cinematic outing clocking house-full shows, Anirban Bhattacharya's band Hooligaanism, and its ear-worm of a song Melar Gaan has been a hot favourite with both reelmakers and serious music lovers. On a rainy day at SKAI, we got the two multi-talented, multi-hyphenate, and now headlining artistes together for an exclusive adda. Glimpses. Both of you have that one thing in common, a solid grounding in theatre. How much of what you do today in the realm of acting, singing, directing, is influenced by your stage experience and the discipline that comes with it? Anirban Bhattacharya (AB): You could say it's entirely there. Because when I entered films, I didn't specifically learn anything for cinema. But I spent years doing theatre — many different kinds of productions. Today, whether it's cinema or music, I've realised one thing: you can't do anything alone. The strength of a community is very real. There's unity in it, but also individuality. That's why Anirban da and I are sitting here today. Which is cool, and fine. But when you want to create something new, or challenging, or different, it's possible only through a group movement. I try to follow this idea of community practice, community training. Everything I do or plan to do is rooted in that. And all of it comes from theatre. Anirban Chakrabarti (AC): I started theatre when I was in class four. I wasn't old enough to really understand the medium, I just knew I liked it. It became part of my daily routine, like studying, playing, or other activities. But it was also something that set me apart. My friends didn't do it, only I did. And that made it special. Later, in college, theatre became a passion. I took it seriously and started learning. When I first worked with you (gestures to Anirban B), you were doing theatre full-time. I was juggling it with a job. That was tough and it made me think: Maybe I should take theatre more seriously. Eventually, I quit my job. My learning came entirely from experience, trial and error. I think that's how most people learn. Now, when I look back at my journey as an actor, I see that it's rooted in theatre. Even on screen, what I bring to a role comes from what I've learned on stage. I just deliver it differently. The way I think about acting isn't the same as the way he (Anirban B) does. He has a different process. I don't separate cinema and theatre, I think about the character. And discipline, that's the word. Besides that, community and core values. Once you internalise those, the process becomes easier. And when you're in for rehearsals, leave your baggage outside. You've worked together on stage and on screen and have followed each other's creative journeys. What are your biggest takeaways from that collaboration and observation? AB: I'm a huge fan of Anirban da. When I first saw him on stage, I knew instantly—this man is a rule breaker in the truest sense. He has mastered everything, the legacy, the structure, the projection, the style—and then he breaks every rule and still makes it work with his naturalistic acting. His performances are intense, incredible, and leave a lasting impact. When it comes to cinema, the way he approaches characters - he makes himself irreplaceable. 'Maane kono character jodi Anirban da ke dewaa hoyeche, maane eita Anirban da kei manabe. You can't cast anyone else.' His acting is that distinctive. AC: I've seen Anirban from the very beginning of his career. When he first came on stage, there was already a buzz about a promising young actor. He was doing King Lear, Debi Sarpamasta, and a few other plays which I would make it a point to watch. I was astounded. Everything was there. His diction, singing, movement. Then I got to work with him. I like to observe and learn, and I saw how closely he worked with directors, asking the right questions, getting into the details. That made me think - he would make a good director. I even told him that once. He laughed it off at the time, saying he wouldn't go beyond theatre production. But within a few months, he was directing OTT series and films. Mandaar was fantastic. Ballabhpurer Roopkotha was wonderful. I hope to keep learning from him as an actor, and from him as a director, though I don't think I have it in me to direct. Anirbaner theke aami shikhte chaai! In recent times, several Bengali films and projects have done well. Eken has become a box-office sensation. On the other hand, Melar Gaan has gone viral. Do you think this reflects a positive turnaround among audiences who had stopped engaging with Bengali content, and is also attracting newer audiences? AC: If we had the formula, there would be no hits or flops! But yes, new ideas are being recognised. Eken didn't become popular overnight. Back in 2018, the way I treated the character is very different from how he is now. I made changes gradually, so I didn't alienate the audience. At first, I was an anonymous actor just doing what I was told. But over time, I started owning the character. At first, people liked it. Now, they love it. And yes, production plays a big role. If we don't use all the verticals to cater to the younger audience, especially on OTT, we're going to lose them. This generation is into Marvel movies. It is very difficult to impress them. But now I have pre-teens who come up to me and ask, 'Why doesn't Eken wear a cape? He's a superhero.' AB: Now is the right time to build a belief system. One where Eken, gaan, golpo, cinema, OTT across genres, all become a part of that system. A regional language, a regional culture, a community, cannot survive without this belief. We owe this to the next generation. Think about it: apart from speaking Bengali at home, how much is the language really used in daily life anymore? That's when you realise that we, as a people, are at a critical point. You have to make the audience your family. They are not just in Kolkata but also in Jalpaiguri, watching Adolescence. You cannot alienate anyone. You cannot fool them, or take them for granted. Respect them and believe in your own culture as well. Take Nandikar, for instance. Despite their stature and global performances even in 2007–08, their tickets were priced at `10. Anyone could watch their play. Anirban, you're known for creating big impact with very little. How do you manage tight budgets as an actor, director, and musician? AB: Production costs have gone up, but we're still using coconut oil cans to create special lighting effects! The economy hasn't gone anywhere. When you have no resources left, you rely on this (points to self). 'Accha, kichhu nei? Switch on your mobile, point it at me, aami obhinoy korchi…' I'm acting. As long as we have this (points to himself), we can keep creating, keep acting. AC: I would like to add something here. As an actor, I feel that budget is that one word which controls everything. I have a fair idea now of how things really work. As artistes, when we approach a project, a character, we plan things out in our head. We would like a certain kind of space to explore, to add some value to the role and the time to do a good job. But when things are hurried, and we are told that a shoot that should have taken a certain number of days has to be wrapped up quickly, all we can do is show up on the set and deliver. Shushtho bhabe kaj korte chaileo, aar kicchu kora jaay na. – With inputs by Poorna Banerjee Both of you have played a wide range of characters. From crowd-pleasing, absolute sunshine roles to the decidedly dark and grey ones. Which ones do you enjoy more? Anirban C in Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei AC: Definitely grey! I don't enjoy black-and-white characters because people aren't like that in real life. Ekta manush kokhonoi ekdom kharap ba ekdom bhalo hote parena. The problem is, sometimes characters are written too simply. I might want to explore the nuances of a role, but the script may not allow it. I enjoy characters where everything is not spoken or written down. It gives me a chance to explore, go deep and add my own touches to bring that character alive. And even if a handful of people notice that touch, it matters to me. I love sunshine characters. I also love grey. But not too dark. Because if I can't bring a touch of white into the dark, it doesn't feel real. I enjoy this discovery. Anirban B in Athhoi AB: Dark characters are tough, and they come with creative consequences. With Athoi, we envisioned a character that wasn't even human but more symbolic of our times. We had to make Shakespeare relevant to the present. That's how it works. But it became so intense, so dark that it was almost demonic. But I love grey characters, like Dracula Sir. Kintu ekta kotha, Anirban-da gets these wonderfully layered roles which no one does. I loved his work in Pradhan, Byadh. He has the advantage of having worked across genres and played fantastic characters with grey shades. 'I was worried about this scene. What if I looked funny instead of heroic?' The Masan Holi climax in The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika was shot over two days. On Day One, we shot raw footage of the actual rituals, performed by real sadhus. Day Two was our shoot. There's the scene where I come out of the water. It was meant to look heroic—but I was unsure. Given my height, weight, structure, I was worried: Hashyokor lagbe na to? It was tricky because you usually blink or gasp when emerging from water. But I had to pop out, eyes wide open. It was close to sunset. The steps were slimy. I'm not water-phobic, but I do have hygiene issues. So there was some mental prep, and we did a few takes. Kore toh felelam, kirokom lagche janina! I usually don't ask to see the monitor, but I made an exception this time. Yes, we took some cinematic liberties—but it worked for the audience. But trust Eken to pour water on his own moment of glory with that now-famous punch line right afterwards. – With inputs by Poorna Banerjee Mixups are often the norm in the lives of Anirban and Anirban. Especially when they are cast together, as it happened in Mukhosh. The crew in such cases would refer to them as 'Dariye Anirban, boshe Anirban' or 'Samner Anirban, or pechhoner Anriban' Quotes: I don't like characters that are too white or too black. I enjoy complexity. Grey characters amar bhalo lage– Anirban Chakrabarti Ekhane as a director kichu korte gele, it's best if you don't try to learn too much. Especially if you want peace of mind– Anirban Bhattacharya Like in the South, we must build a culture of believers around our entertainment industry. If audiences stop believing in us, disown us, we will not survive. But if your film or song does not work and they say, 'Porer baar bhalo hobe,' it means they haven't given up on us– Anirban Bhattacharya Anirban da has an advantage. Because of how he looks, no one suspects him of being evil. Just a happy, smiling man. And when he suddenly turns into the bad guy, it comes as a surprise. But if I simply sit with my face away from the camera, doing nothing, people think I'm the shaitaan – Anirban Bhattacharya Melar Gaan is everywhere. People are making reels and having fun with it. And yet, it has such depth. Khubi gobhir ekta kotha bolchhe, jiboner kotha bolchhe. But even if someone enjoys it just on the surface, that's okay. Entertainment can be layered– Anirban Chakrabarti Bengali audiences abroad who are in their 40s, seek Bengali content. But their children may not feel the same way. We need entertaining & meaningful stories for them. Reach, but don't preach– Anirban Chakrabarti Location: SKAI Pics: Anindya Saha
Malaysian Reserve
12-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
SKAI Intelligence to Debut World's First NVIDIA's Omniverse-Based AIGC Solution at VivaTech 2025
PARIS and SEOUL, South Korea, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SKAI Intelligence, a global provider of AI-powered content creation solutions, today announced the unveiling of the world's first end-to-end retail-based AIGC (AI-Generated Content) production pipeline built entirely on NVIDIA Omniverse, at the opening of VivaTech 2025 in Paris. SKAI Intelligence's newly unveiled solution redefines how commercial 3D content is produced, fully automating the process from AI-driven physical product scanning and modeling to animation, texturing, intelligent lighting and camera control, and final rendering. This unified, AI-native pipeline offers up to a 95 percent improvement in production speed and efficiency compared to traditional workflows—eliminating the need for large-scale studios or manual post-production. Engineered for versatility, the platform supports a broad range of product categories including fashion, consumer electronics, and packaged goods. It empowers brands to deliver photorealistic 3D content on demand, at scale, and with a level of visual fidelity that previously required weeks of labor-intensive effort. The technology will also be offered as a SaaS platform— cinematic-quality content generation for companies of all sizes. is designed as a platform that enables users to generate, edit, and publish 3D product content through a simple browser interface—no 3D expertise required. Built on SKAI's proprietary pipeline and cloud-native infrastructure, it provides on-demand access to studio-grade outputs, making scalable AIGC production as intuitive as managing an e-commerce dashboard. The platform is currently in beta and scheduled for global launch in September. 'Our pipeline sets a new benchmark for intelligent, scalable content creation,' said Morgan Mao, Co-founder and Global CEO of SKAI Intelligence. 'This isn't just a step forward in production efficiency—it's a leap into the future of fully automated storytelling, powered entirely by AI.' SKAI Intelligence is showcasing the technology live at Booth T11, Hall 2, where attendees can witness the entire pipeline in action—from robotic object scanning to real-time asset editing in the NVIDIA Omniverse environment. The company is also offering an exclusive preview of ahead of its global release this September. SKAI Intelligence is a member of NVIDIA's Inception program, and its participation at VivaTech 2025 signals global ambitions. The company's presence marks a defining moment in the convergence of AI and creative production—positioning SKAI Intelligence as a key force shaping the future of digital commerce and content across global markets. For more information, visit Photo – View original content:
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
City cools down with healthy, seasonal drinks
Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds. Pic: Anindya Saha From refreshing, low-sugar concoctions to the undisputed reign of the magnificent mango, Kolkata's cafes and restaurants are stirring up delightful beverages to beat the heat while keeping health and taste in perfect harmony. Think house-made coolers, fruity elixirs and seasonal blends – there's something for every palate. CT speaks to them to find out what Kolkata is drinking to beat the heat. Guilt-free sips Kolkata summers are pushing people towards purpose-driven drinks. 'Gen Z and Millennials want drinks that hydrate and energise,' says Vikram Khinwasara, co-founder, The Yellow Straw. Sougata Halder, executive chef, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge echoes: 'There is a growing demand for low-sugar options.' 'Our fresh juices are mostly without added sugar,' adds Aayushi Bajaj, founder, Pinkk Sugars. 'They're a refreshing and wholesome choice. ' 'Organic and fresh ingredients are in high demand this season,' says Suman Burman. Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds 40% surge in mango-based beverage sales is seen during peak summer months Patrons are looking for refreshing robust aromatic drinks. We are using Kasundi in one of our drinks as a nostalgic ingredient. It is something that is used in almost every house in Kolkata – Suman Burman, manager, SKAI Rich in electrolytes and natural salts, aam panna helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke Regional mangoes, modern twists Vikram reveals that his team sources regional mango varieties like Langda and Himsagar, to bring authenticity to the beverage. He says, 'Our mango shake is a tribute to a traditional Marwari recipe: Aam Ras. We use real mango pulp to keep the essence intact.' The mango obsession doesn't stop there. 'We have our summer faves such as the mango chilli drink,' said Prateek Kayan, co-founder, Motherland. 'We also do a fancy version of Bel Sherbet at the café,' he added. There's nothing quite like a seasonal shake to beat the summer heat. When the temperatures rise, I find myself constantly craving something that's not just cooling, but also flavourful and a little sweet– Dolly Singh, model Customers are leaning towards light, refreshing flavours –think citrus, mint, watermelon, and subtle spice. Ingredients like gondhoraj lebu, fresh berries, and herbal infusions are especially popular– Chef Sougata Halder Five flavours Kolkata cannot get enough of Gondhoraj Ghol Mango shake and Lassi Mint lemonade Aam Panna Watemelon juices and mixes Model: Dolly Singh Pics: Anindya Saha Location: SKAI
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah's property outlook remains bullish, fuelled by healthy demand
The outlook for Ras Al Khaimah's property market is very promising, fuelled by the Emirate's growing reputation as both an investment hub and a tourism destination. With continued government support, infrastructure upgrades, and a clear lifestyle proposition, the market is seeing healthy demand across residential, hospitality, and mixed-use segments. RAK Properties, the emirate's leading publicly listed property developer is playing a key role in shaping this momentum. The company currently has over Dh5 billion worth of developments in the pipeline, more than 3,000 units under construction, and over 800 handovers planned in 2025, its busiest year yet. RAK Properties had a strong start to 2025, with performance in Q1 reflecting a mix of solid delivery, smart project rollout, and healthy investor demand. Revenue rose by 28 per cent year-on-year to Dh370 million, while profit before tax increased by 64 per cent to Dh74 million, which is a clear indication of the momentum building across the business. 'This growth is being driven by strong uptake across new launches, particularly branded and waterfront developments like Mirasol and SKAI, as well as steady construction progress across our active pipeline. In fact, the company sold 503 units during the quarter, which is the highest quarterly figure to date, with sales valued at Dh839 million,' Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, told Khaleej Times in an interview. There's also a healthy forward pipeline, with a development backlog of Dh2.33 billion, giving strong visibility into future revenue. 'On the operational side, we've been scaling up too by expanding our team by 31 per cent and rolling out a fully digital SPA process to simplify and enhance the customer journey. All of this supports a bigger picture: we're entering one of the most transformational phases in the company's 20-year history, and Q1 has set the tone for what's to come,' Muhtadi said. Flagship projects like Mina are helping redefine the waterfront experience in Ras Al Khaimah, blending luxury living with retail, hospitality, and leisure in one integrated destination. Branded residences and resort-style offerings are attracting a new wave of residents and investors looking for value, lifestyle, and long-term potential. 'We're also seeing more international names entering the market, brands like Four Seasons, Anantara, and Nikki Beach are anchoring some of the most exciting new developments. That kind of global interest signals real momentum in the luxury and branded property space,' Muhtadi said. RAK Properties reported revenue of Dh370 million in Q1 2025, reflecting an increase of 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. The growth was primarily driven by continued on-site development progress across multiple residential projects and strong uptake across new launches. Profit before tax rose to Dh74 million, up 64 per cent year-on-year, while Ebitda increased to Dh107 million — underscoring improved margins and operational leverage. The company maintained a solid financial position, with total assets reaching Dh8.15 billion and equity rising to Dh5.59 billion. As of 31 March 2025, the development backlog stood at Dh2.33 billion, offering strong visibility into future revenues. With new infrastructure like the upcoming hydrofoil service to Dubai and a fully equipped marina and yacht club, RAK is becoming more connected and more attractive than ever. 'All of this positions the Emirate as one of the UAE's most dynamic and fast-evolving real estate markets,' Muhtadi said. RAK Properties is actively working to merge real estate with hospitality to deliver community experiences. 'This approach is evident in Mina, our flagship waterfront destination, where hospitality brands and residential developments coexist in a vibrant, experience-led setting,' Muhtadi said. A standout example is the upcoming Anantara Mina Residences, where homeowners not only enjoy luxury beachfront living but also have the option to participate in a hotel-managed rental programme that blends long-term investment with access to five-star hospitality. 'We're also introducing other leading global names like Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, whose presence elevates the overall destination offering and strengthens Mina's position as a lifestyle hub. Beyond branded offerings, we're embedding hospitality-inspired living across our wider residential portfolio. Most of our upcoming projects are being designed with a focus on resort-style amenities, wellness spaces, concierge services, and curated communal areas which give residents a day-to-day experience that mirrors the feel of a high-end retreat,' Muhtadi said.
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Outrage in Greece after Adidas advert shows drone shoe ‘kicking' Acropolis
Greece is taking legal action after authorities were caught unaware by the fifth-century BC Acropolis playing a star role in an Adidas advertising campaign. The decision to feature the western world's enduring symbol of democracy for commercial purposes in a hi-tech drone show has left Athens with no choice but to press charges, the country's culture minister said. 'The legal procedure wasn't followed,' Lina Mendoni told SKAI radio. 'This very bad, extremely unpleasant image is as if the Adidas shoe is kicking the Acropolis, aesthetically that is.' The culture ministry had taken the step of filing a lawsuit 'against anyone and everyone responsible'. 'Essentially, we have an advertisement which aims at the commercial exploitation of the specific monuments,' she said, insisting the video's backdrop use of the Unesco world heritage site violated strict laws protecting the nation's rich archaeological legacy. By Saturday the Athens prosecutor's office had opened an investigation into the procedure by which the sport retailer had acquired permits to stage the drone show. Both the ministry of culture and the finance ministry have sought clarification from the Civil Aviation Authority, the body in charge of dispensing aerial permits in line with EU regulations. The drone display, which reportedly took place late on Thursday, was launched from the neo-classical premises of the Zappeion conference centre in central Athens. A state-appointed commission, overseen by the national economy ministry, manages events at the Zappeion. 'Here we have another monument, a newer monument, whose administration, if nothing else, should have sought approval from the ministry of culture before granting permission,' Mendoni, a classical archaeologist herself, added. 'Here, too, we have a breach of archaeological law.' Read More Even as pope, Leo XIV might have to deal with U.S. tax returns As the images circulated via social media and public outrage grew, Adidas hit back, saying Greek legislation had been meticulously followed. 'All required permits were received and adhered to,' the German company said in an email statement cited by Reuters on Friday. 'No image of the Acropolis monument was used by Adidas for advertising or other purposes.' In a nation where the ancient past often weighs heavily, the political opposition have had a field day questioning the centre-right government's role in the furore. 'The Acropolis, a global symbol of culture and democracy, cannot be treated as a backdrop for commercial use,' said the opposition Pasok party, accusing the government of negligence. 'Serious questions arise about the role and responsibility of the culture ministry.' The leftwing Syriza party deplored the advertisement, describing it as the 'commodification of Greece's cultural heritage'. 'The image of a sports shoe 'stepping' on the Acropolis, created using a drone swarm for advertising purposes, constitutes an offensive commercialisation of the core of our cultural heritage,' it said. Management of the Acropolis, Greece's most visited attraction, is particularly sensitive because of the acrimonious debate that has long raged over artefacts, not least the Parthenon sculptures, removed from the site. With half of the temple's famous frieze housed in the British Museum, Greek officials tread a fine line in the campaign to win the treasures back. Only weeks ago, the Greek culture ministry provoked outcry when it rejected a request from the country's leading contemporary director, the Oscar-winning Yorgos Lanthimos, to end his latest movie Bugonia on the monument. The proposed scenes were deemed 'incompatible with the symbolism … and the values the Acropolis represents'. Social media this weekend was replete with criticism from users posting: 'No to Yorgos Lanthimos. Yes to Adidas. No to art, yes to money.'
