Entertainment
KCCI hosted All India K-pop Contest 2024 Grand Finale: A Vibrant Celebration of Korean Culture in India

The Grand Finale of the All-India K-pop Contest 2024 was organised by Korean Cultural Centre India at the state-of-the-art Yashobhoomi International Exhibition and Convention Centre in New Delhi. Eight-member K-pop group from Arunachal Pradesh, ‘The Trend’ was awarded the top prize in the dance category after a scintillating performance to ‘God’s Menu’ by Stray Kids. In the vocal category, Abhipriya Chakraborty from Kolkata, was announced as the winner after her soulful performance on ‘Love Wins All’ by IU. Both of these winners have earned themselves an opportunity to visit Korea and experience its culture first-hand.

Other participants who performed exceedingly well at the contest include, New Delhi-based Outkasts, who performed to ‘O.O’ by Nmixx and were announced as the first runner-up in the dance category. Sejal Dubey from Hyderabad was the second runners-up in the dance category and performed to ‘Criminal’ by Taemin. Similarly, in the vocal category, Bem Khuvung from New Delhi was adjudged as the first runners-up after his performance on ‘Still Love You’ by Lee Hong Gi & Yoo Hwe Seung. Nuu Anu from Kohima went on to become the second runners-up after crooning to ‘You Are My Everything’ by Gummy.
As the largest and only K-pop event of its kind in India, the contest received a large fan following since its announcement. This year marks the 14th edition of the event, which made history by opening up large-scale seating for the first time. Promotional posts related to the contest, totalling 190, have garnered nearly 7.9 million views, solidifying the event’s position as India’s premier K-pop celebration.

The highly anticipated finale featured 12 teams, selected through regional qualifiers and semifinals from a pool of 10,559 registrants across 11 cities in India, including Bengaluru, Kohima, Kolkata, Mumbai, Itanagar, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Bhopal. The performances of the finalists were judged by a panel of entertainment experts, including choreographer Park Bong-Young, a former member of One Million Dance Studio.

Ahead of the Grand Finale, a variety of Korean cultural events took place at the New Delhi Convention Centre on November 23. At 1:30 p.m., a Vegan Kimchi Performance by renowned chef Jang Yun Jeong was held, allowing 300 K-pop fans to participate and take home the kimchi they prepare. Following this, at 3 p.m., YouTuber Go Tae-kyung, famous for his “dancing pharmacist” persona, lead a K-pop Random Play Dance, igniting excitement among the audience.
Boy group LUN8, which debuted in June 2023, brought a special experience to Indian Hallyu fans, making them feel as though they are attending a live performance in Korea. With their intense stage presence, LUN8’s performance has generated high anticipation among Indian fans.
In gratitude for the passionate support from Indian fans, the Korean Cultural Centre also organised a giveaway event. Two lucky K-pop fans – Amisha Chettry and Elly M Swu, were selected through a lottery of pre-booked ticket reservation codes, and they won a round-trip flight tickets to Korea. Additionally, K-pop merchandise sourced from Korea were distributed to fans, creating unforgettable memories.
Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre in India, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the enthusiastic support from Indian fans, K-pop has gained tremendous love, leading us to this Grand Finale. We look forward to returning next year with an even more spectacular stage for our Indian fans.”
Entertainment
Sony Pictures Networks India expands its Hindi movie universe with the launch of Sony MAX 1

~ With its tagline of ‘Filmon ka aisa chaska, jo dekhe hakka bakka’, Sony MAX 1 delivers a curated film experience for the entire family ~
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) continues to expand its presence in the Hindi movie broadcast space with the launch of Sony MAX 1, a new channel designed to elevate the cinematic experience for linear TV audiences across the country.

Carrying the vibrant brand promise, “Filmon ka aisa chaska, jo dekhe hakka bakka”, the channel brings an interesting mix of movies curated to captivate and entertain. Slated to go live on 1st May 2025, across major DTH and cable platforms, Sony MAX 1 is set to become the preferred destination for Hindi movie lovers.

Rooted in the belief that films have the unique ability to transcend individual tastes and bring families together, Sony MAX 1 simplifies choice by curating an exciting line-up of titles across genres. From Bollywood blockbusters and regional gems to cult classics and popular Hollywood dubbed titles, the channel delivers an unmatched viewing experience that blends mass appeal with rich storytelling.
Sony MAX 1 aims to cater to every member of the family, whether it’s edge-of-the-seat action, heartwarming drama, or nostalgic favorites. It offers a viewing experience that reflects the spirit of Indian households, where stories are shared and emotions run deep!
Comment:
Tushar Shah, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) & Business Head – Movies, Regional and Infotainment Channels, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI):
With a legacy of building impactful brands and a deep understanding of audience preferences, the launch of Sony MAX 1 is a step forward as we expand our Hindi Movies Cluster. The channel is all set to offer a curated movie-viewing experience on linear television, relevant to today’s viewer, rooted in family sensibilities, and designed for delight.
Sony MAX 1 joins Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) celebrated Hindi movies cluster, complementing the flagship Sony MAX, home to the biggest hits, and Sony MAX 2, the channel for timeless classics.
Sony MAX 1 invites audiences to rediscover the timeless magic of cinema on May 1, 2025!
About Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India):
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is the consumer-facing identity of Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan.
A leading media and entertainment conglomerate, SPNI comprises 28 Premium Channels in both SD and HD formats, including leading Hindi General Entertainment Television Channels – Sony Entertainment Television; Sony SAB and Sony PAL; Marathi General Entertainment Channel – Sony Marathi; Bangla General Entertainment Channel – Sony AATH; Hindi Movie Channels – Sony MAX, Sony MAX 1, Sony MAX 2 and Sony WAH; renowned destination for sports fans – Sony Sports Network comprising Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 5; Kids Entertainment Channel – Sony YAY!; English Movie Channel – Sony PIX; Factual Entertainment Channel – Sony BBC Earth; Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel in the US and Canada – Sony KAL; Digital entertainment OTT platform – Sony LIV and the independent production venture for original content and IPs for TV and digital media – Studio NEXT. This Network reaches out to over 700 million viewers in India and is available in over 150 countries.
Recognised as an employer of choice within and outside the media industry, SPNI is a recipient of several awards, including India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021 by the Great Place to Work® Institute, India, Exemplars of Inclusion in AVTAR & Seramount’s Most Inclusive Companies Index 2024 and listed as one of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India for eight consecutive years by AVTAR & Seramount. In recognition of the company’s unique workplace culture and exceptional people practices SPNI won the ET Future Skills 2024 for Best Learning Program Supporting Change Transformation Business Strategy, and the TISS LeapVault CLO Awards 2024 for Best Employee Engagement Program and Best Games Based Learning Program.
SPNI is in its 30th year of operations in India. Besides having overseas subsidiaries, it has a subsidiary MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited, and an affiliate, Bangla Entertainment Private Limited in India.
For more information, log onto www.sonypicturesnetworks.com
Entertainment
‘Jiyo Gopuda’: The Latest Offering from Sony AATH Promises Joy and Laughter

Kolkata, 25th April 2025
Sony AATH, known for bringing families together through heartwarming and entertaining stories, is thrilled to announce the launch of its show, ‘Jiyo Gopuda’. Adding a delightful dose of laughter and presenting a character quite unlike any other, ‘Jiyo Gopuda’ is all set to premiere on the channel on April 26, 2024.
Jiyo Gopuda introduces viewers to the amusing Gopen Chandra Barik, who mysteriously arrives in Moglaipara and takes up residence in a rented attic. Gopuda’s seemingly impossible adventures and the unbelievable tales he spins from the confines of the attic charm the local children. He becomes a captivating figure for the landlord’s son, and his close-knit group of friends – Jhinuk, Chintu, Potla, Hotka and Chingri.
Get ready to join Gopuda and his young companions on a series of unbelievably funny and imaginative adventures.
Tune in to Sony AATH on April 26, 2025, at 12:30 PM, and watch ‘Jiyo Gopuda’, every Saturday and Sunday. Prepare for a weekend full of family fun and laughter!
About Sony AATH:
Sony AATH (Bengali: সনি আট) is a Premium Bangla Entertainment Channel that entertains its viewers with programs that reflect the culture of Bengal and bring families together for wholesome entertainment.
Launched in 2009, Sony AATH has become extremely popular amongst viewers of all age groups. With fiction shows such as Crime Patrol, Adaalat, AAHAT, Amader Thakurmar Jhuli, Gopal Bhar, Gultemama, Kolpopurer Golpo, and Nut Boltu, the channel not only has the most exciting fiction series in Bengali but also the most entertaining animation programs produced in Bengali.
For more information, log onto https://www.sonyaath.com/
Entertainment
Ruchi Gujjar and Nishant Malkani Starrer “Life” will be Screen at Cannes Film Festival 2025

Indian cinema takes a proud stride on the global stage as the socially impactful film Life, starring Ruchi Gujjar and Nishant Malkani, will be screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. Directed by Chandrakant Singh and produced by CK Arts in association with SR Events and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and Pigeon Media, Life delivers a poignant message on the prevention of suicide and abortion.
At the heart of this emotional drama is a standout performance by Ruchi Gujjar, whose powerful portrayal of a woman caught in the emotional crossfire of societal judgment and personal grief has won the hearts of both critics and audiences. Ruchi’s performance is marked by intense depth, emotional sincerity, and a natural screen presence that draws viewers into the soul of her character. Her ability to convey vulnerability, strength, and resilience in a single frame makes her performance one of the most memorable of the year.
Supported by a compelling performance from Nishant Malkani, Life is a story of love, loss, and hope. With a screenplay by M. Salim and Tanu Pednekar, the film blends cinematic beauty with a heartfelt message. Life is not just a film—it is a voice for the unheard and a mirror to society.
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