Women Square

Month: May 2026

  • “Agar Paed WiFi Dete Toh Koi Na Kaatta…” — Shehnaaz Gill’s Powerful Message on Nature Wins Hearts

    “Agar Paed WiFi Dete Toh Koi Na Kaatta…” — Shehnaaz Gill’s Powerful Message on Nature Wins Hearts

    Actor Shehnaaz Gill recently brought together emotion and awareness during a tree plantation drive, where she planted a tree in loving memory of her grandfather, Pyaara Singh. The gesture added a deeply personal touch to an already meaningful initiative.

    Speaking from the heart, Shehnaaz shared a candid and thought-provoking message that instantly resonated with everyone present. She said,
    “Agar paed WiFi de raha hota toh hum koi na kaatte. Lekin paed oxygen de raha hai toh sabko dikkat ho rahi hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki sabko fal khaane chahiye, lekin roots mat kaato. Guys, dhyan rakho, paed lagao—it’s important. Apne ghar waalo ko bolo joh padosiyo ke saath saara din chugliya karte hai, unko unke saath milke paed lagana chahiye. Apna surrounding accha karo, environment apne aap accha ho jayega.”

    With her signature honesty and relatability, Shehnaaz highlighted the irony of how something as essential as oxygen is often taken for granted. She encouraged people to take small yet impactful steps—starting with planting trees and improving their immediate surroundings.

    Her words, combined with her heartfelt tribute, made the initiative more than just a drive—it became a reminder that change begins at home, with simple, conscious actions.

    On the work front, Shehnaaz Gill will next be seen in Ishqnama, adding to the excitement around her upcoming projects.

  • New Breakthrough Film “From Fields to Flight” Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment in Rural India

    New Breakthrough Film “From Fields to Flight” Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment in Rural India

    Premiered at AmDocs Film Festival, the film ignites meaningful conversations around gender norms, aspirations, and women’s empowerment.

    Bengaluru, May 2026: Breakthrough, a global organisation committed to transforming social norms and ending gender-based violence, has launched its latest short film, From Fields to Flight. Directed by Ipshita Bhattacharyya, the 15-minute film presents the inspiring journey of Babita, a young woman from rural Uttar Pradesh, who challenges deep-rooted societal barriers to become a trained drone pilot.

    The film captures Babita’s transformation—from navigating restrictive gender norms to achieving financial independence—offering a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and hope. Her story reflects the untapped potential of countless young women across India who aspire to build independent futures.

    Speaking about the film, Director Ipshita Bhattacharyya said,
    “Women across the world face invisible barriers both in society and within their homes. It is essential to create spaces where their voices can be heard. Sharing Babita’s story has been incredibly fulfilling, and I hope it encourages audiences to listen, support, and act towards building a gender-equal society.”

    Babita, the protagonist and a trained drone pilot, shared her personal journey, stating,
    “I never imagined traveling alone, learning advanced technology like drone operation, or earning independently. This film represents not just my story, but the journey of many girls like me who need only opportunity and support to move forward.”

    The film has been developed under the Solution Storytelling Grant by the Skoll Foundation and Video Consortium. It goes beyond storytelling to highlight tangible pathways for change, especially for young women in rural and underserved communities.

    Pooja Pande, Director – Media & Digital at Breakthrough, emphasized the broader impact of the narrative, saying,
    “When Babita chooses a different path, she opens doors for many others. Her journey inspires those around her to reimagine possibilities. From Fields to Flight reflects the kind of change Breakthrough strives to create every day.”

    The Bengaluru premiere brought together stakeholders from media, the social impact sector, and funding organisations. The screening was followed by an engaging discussion featuring Babita, Director Ipshita Bhattacharyya, and Pooja Pande, fostering deeper conversations around gender equity, skill development, and financial inclusion.

  • Grand Launch of Marathi Film ‘Bandkhor’ by Vinsan Graphic Production, Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar

    Grand Launch of Marathi Film ‘Bandkhor’ by Vinsan Graphic Production, Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar

    Goa-based production house Vinsan Graphic Production has officially announced its latest venture — a new Marathi film titled Bandkhor. The film was ceremonially launched with much fanfare in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who graced the occasion as the chief guest and gave the clap for the muhurat shot.  Also present at the launch were producer Sanjay Shetye, acclaimed actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar, Vice-Chairperson of the Goa Entertainment Society and MLA Delilah Lobo, along with the film’s cast and technical crew.

    Bandkhor will be helmed by the celebrated Mahesh Manjrekar, a stalwart of Indian cinema known for his powerful storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. This marks his first collaboration with a Goan production house — a milestone that will generate considerable excitement in regional film circles. Producer Sanjay Shetye shared that the film is rooted in the theme of women’s empowerment, crafted with a socially conscious vision. At its heart, Bandkhor seeks to inspire women to recognise their own strength, self-worth, and capabilities in a world that often overlooks them.

    Bandkhor

    In a significant boost to Goa’s local film industry, the entire production will be shot on location in Goa. Shetye also highlighted that the film will provide meaningful opportunities to local talent, with a substantial number of Goan actors and technicians being engaged across various creative and technical departments.

    The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring seasoned performers including Priyadarshini Indalkar, Mrunal Kulkarni, Chhaya Kadam, Pooja Katurde, Titiksha Tawde, Raavi Kishor, Rupesh Kamat, Siddharth Bodke, and Mangesh Desai, alongside Mandar Jog, Neeti Kamat, Mohan Chandelkar, Siddhi Upadhye, Abhishek Mhalashi, Rohit Khandekar, and Pragya Rane. Director Mahesh Manjrekar himself will also appear in a special role, adding further intrigue to the project.

    Narratively, Bandkhor weaves together the lives of women from diverse walks of life, giving voice to their struggles, aspirations, and unfulfilled dreams, while also shining a light on the barriers they encounter in their pursuit of a better life.

    Vinsan Graphics has steadily carved out a respected place in regional cinema and cultural promotion. Their previous productions include the Konkani film Digant and the critically acclaimed Marathi film SthalPuran — a landmark achievement as the only Goa-produced film to have been selected for the prestigious Berlin Film Festival.

    Bandkhor marks the production house’s third feature film. Beyond filmmaking, Vinsan Graphics has been a driving force behind the widely popular Goa Marathi Film Festival, which is set to celebrate its milestone 15th edition this year, further cementing their commitment to nurturing and regional cinema in the state of Goa.

  • Celebrate Motherhood with Ishaari Gifts’ Curated Mother’s Day Hampers 2026

    Celebrate Motherhood with Ishaari Gifts’ Curated Mother’s Day Hampers 2026

    Premium Personalised Gifting Brand Introduces Thoughtfully Curated Hampers for New Moms, Moms-to-Be, and Classic Moms

    New Delhi, 4 May 2026: As Mother’s Day approaches, personalised gifting brand Ishaari Gifts has unveiled its exclusive Mother’s Day collection, introducing three specially curated hampers designed to celebrate mothers across every stage of their journey — from pregnancy to new motherhood and beyond. With a strong focus on emotional connection, premium aesthetics, and convenience, the latest collection reinforces the brand’s mission of making meaningful gifting effortless and memorable.

    Known for its thoughtfully designed, emotion-led gifting experiences, Ishaari Gifts has carved a niche in the growing premium gifting market by offering curated hampers that blend luxury with personal storytelling. This Mother’s Day, the brand is taking that philosophy a step further by recognising that motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but rather a deeply personal and evolving journey.

    Celebrating Motherhood in All Its Forms

    The newly launched Mother’s Day collection features three distinct hampers — each tailored to honour a specific phase of motherhood.

    The New Moms Hamper has been thoughtfully assembled for women navigating the beautiful yet demanding early days of motherhood. Focused on comfort, care, and emotional warmth, this hamper aims to provide a sense of appreciation and support for mothers embracing their new role.

    The Moms-to-Be Hamper is designed for expecting mothers, celebrating pregnancy as one of life’s most transformative experiences. Featuring wellness-led and soothing elements, the hamper is curated to acknowledge both the joy and care associated with this special phase.

    The Classic Moms Hamper offers a timeless gifting experience for mothers who have long been the emotional anchors of their families. Elegant, refined, and heartfelt, this collection pays tribute to everyday motherhood, enduring love, and the countless sacrifices mothers make throughout their lives.

    By segmenting its Mother’s Day range into these categories, Ishaari Gifts is embracing a more inclusive and personalised approach to gifting — ensuring that customers can choose a gift that feels specific, relevant, and emotionally resonant.

    A Blend of Luxury, Convenience, and Emotional Storytelling

    One of the key differentiators for Ishaari Gifts has been its ability to transform gifting from a transactional act into an emotional experience. Instead of requiring customers to source and assemble multiple products, the brand simplifies the process by offering ready-to-gift hampers that are aesthetically curated and emotionally meaningful.

    This approach particularly appeals to modern consumers, especially millennials and young professionals, who are increasingly looking for premium gifting solutions that save time while still feeling personal and intentional.

    Speaking about the launch, Ishita Lalani, Founder of Ishaari Gifts, said:

    “Motherhood is a deeply personal journey, and we wanted to create something that reflects that individuality. These hampers are designed to help people celebrate the women in their lives in a way that feels thoughtful, elevated, and truly meaningful.”

    Her statement reflects the brand’s larger philosophy — creating products that are not just visually appealing but emotionally impactful.

    Strengthening Its Presence in the Premium Gifting Space

    Over the past few years, Ishaari Gifts has steadily gained recognition for its design-forward gifting solutions that combine elegance, personalization, and convenience. As gifting trends evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking experiences that feel exclusive and emotionally authentic rather than generic.

    By launching occasion-specific collections like this Mother’s Day range, Ishaari Gifts is strengthening its positioning as a modern gifting brand that understands both emotional nuance and consumer lifestyle needs.

    The brand’s emphasis on curated storytelling, refined packaging, and accessible luxury has helped it resonate strongly with digital-first consumers who value both aesthetics and sentiment.

    Redefining Mother’s Day Gifting

    Mother’s Day gifting has traditionally focused on broad categories, but Ishaari Gifts’ new collection reflects a shift toward more nuanced, stage-specific gifting. By acknowledging the diversity of motherhood experiences — whether someone is preparing to become a mother, navigating early motherhood, or being celebrated for years of unconditional love — the brand is creating a more meaningful framework around the occasion.

    This approach not only broadens gifting possibilities but also deepens emotional relevance, allowing gift-givers to express appreciation with greater thoughtfulness.

    Available Now

    The exclusive Mother’s Day hampers from Ishaari Gifts are now available for purchase through the brand’s official Instagram page, offering customers direct access to these specially curated collections ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations.

    With this launch, Ishaari Gifts continues to position itself as more than a gifting company — it is building a brand around emotional expression, premium experiences, and celebrating life’s most meaningful relationships.

    As consumers increasingly seek gifts that feel personal, luxurious, and emotionally rich, Ishaari Gifts’ latest Mother’s Day collection arrives as a timely reminder that the most memorable gifts are often the ones that truly understand the recipient’s journey.

  • Raja Shivaji Takes a Thunderous Opening; Ajay Devgn Praises Riteish Deshmukh

    Raja Shivaji Takes a Thunderous Opening; Ajay Devgn Praises Riteish Deshmukh

    Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company’s much-anticipated historical epic Raja Shivaji has finally arrived in theatres, making a grand and thunderous opening on the big screen. As audiences across the globe witness the majestic story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj unfold, the makers have added to the excitement by unveiling a powerful glimpse of an extraordinary conversation between Ajay Devgn and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh.

    This special interaction symbolises the coming together of two iconic on-screen warriors — Ajay Devgn’s unforgettable portrayal of Tanhaji Malusare and Riteish Deshmukh’s embodiment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Raja Shivaji. The conversation beautifully bridges cinematic history, celebrating the legacy of India’s real heroes.

    In the video, Ajay Devgn reflects on how today’s generation is deeply fascinated by superhero universes like Avengers, Superman, and Spiderman. While acknowledging these larger-than-life fictional characters, Devgn shifts the focus to India’s true historical warriors whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership shaped the nation’s destiny. Highlighting their unmatched valour, he underlines the importance of bringing such real-life legends to the forefront.

    Riteish Deshmukh passionately describes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as India’s “first superhero,” revealing that Raja Shivaji is not just a film, but the realisation of a lifelong dream rooted in his childhood admiration for the legendary Maratha king. His emotional connection to the story adds authenticity and depth to the cinematic spectacle.

    Ajay Devgn also praises Riteish’s unwavering dedication and emotional investment in the project, stating that no one else could have brought Raja Shivaji to life with such conviction and passion. Their heartfelt exchange has already generated immense excitement among fans, with the full conversation eagerly awaited.

    Released in both Hindi and Marathi, Raja Shivaji stands as a grand tribute to one of India’s greatest warrior kings, honouring the life, courage, and enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

    Presented by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh. Released worldwide on 1st May 2026, the historical epic promises a larger-than-life cinematic experience that celebrates India’s glorious history with unmatched scale, soul, and spectacle.

  • Sanskruti Jayana brings Satyabhama alive in dazzling Garba track Krishna Govinda in Krishnavataram

    Sanskruti Jayana brings Satyabhama alive in dazzling Garba track Krishna Govinda in Krishnavataram

    Marking a striking debut, Sanskruti Jayana steps into the world of the highly anticipated mythological epic Krishnavataram as Satyabhama a character that is the emotional core of the story. With her arresting screen presence, effortless charm, and classical poise, she has been grabbing all eyeballs before the release of the film. In the much-awaited Garba anthem Krishna Govinda, featuring Siddharth Gupta as Krishna, Sanskruti delivers a performance both rooted in tradition and cinematically grand.

    Sanskruti’s expressions and dance move are absolutely impressive and it doesnt feel like a dance but a celebration of devotion and Shakti bringing a rare authenticty to the character of Satyabhama. Audiences have been left mesmerised by her vibrant energy and commanding presence, with social media pouring in praise for the debutant’s confidence and screen magic.

    A fan wrote,”Not gonna lie, I can see Devi Satyabhama inside you! I am just waiting to watch the way Bhama will kill Narkasur.” Another fan wrote,”Dance itna clean and graceful, bilkul effortless.”

    Another fan wrote,” Sanskruti ma’am ne dill jeet liya, itna graceful garba kar rahe hain, lots of love and blessings.” Another fan further commented,”. she dances like she belongs to another era,very divine energy.”

    Beyond the screen, Sanskruti Jayana continues to stay connected to the spirit of the story, seeking blessings at sacred sites and meeting esteemed leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, further building anticipation around her journey as Satyabhama.

    Directed by Hardik Gajjar, Krishnavataram is presented and produced by Sajan Raj Kurup and Shobha Sant of Creativeland Studios Entertainment along with Poonam Shroff and Parth Gajjar of Athashrikatha Motion Pictures. Conceived as the first chapter of a three-part cinematic franchise, Krishnavataram is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 7th May 2026.

  • How a Woman Entrepreneur Builds a Business Rooted in Purpose, Not Just Profit

    How a Woman Entrepreneur Builds a Business Rooted in Purpose, Not Just Profit

    There is a certain point in every entrepreneurial journey where you stop asking only “what can I build” and start asking “why does this need to exist.” For me, that shift changed everything. It moved the idea of business away from just scale and numbers, and closer to something far more personal, purpose.

    As a woman entrepreneur, I have often found that your instinct for building is constantly being tested against expectation. You are told to think in categories, in margins, in trends. But I have also learnt that the most enduring work does not come from chasing relevance. It comes from listening closely to what feels missing in culture, even if it is not loudly spoken yet.

    Today, I see more and more women entrepreneurs stepping into this space with a very different mindset. They are not only building companies, they are building ideas that influence how people live, think, consume, and sometimes even relate to themselves. There is a shift happening where business is no longer only about what sells, but about what holds meaning. Profit is important, but it is not the starting point. Purpose and intent are. Women are often described as emotional by nature, and perhaps that is true in the most honest sense. But what I see today is that they are not separating that emotion from ambition. They are channelising it into their entrepreneurial journeys with clarity and intelligence, and that emotional depth is often what gives their work its authenticity.

    In my own journey, I have experienced this very clearly. In one of the brands I built, Luv My India: India’s First Nationalist Lifestyle Brand, what stayed with me was not the idea of creating a product category, but the deeper question of expression.

    I noticed how young people were emotionally connected to their sense of identity, yet there were very few ways for that feeling to exist in everyday life. That gap was not commercial first, it was cultural. Therefore I created something where pride and love for our country isn’t reserved only for special occasions, it becomes part of our everyday living.

    And I think this is where the philosophy of building becomes important. Entrepreneurship, at least the way I see it, is not only about responding to demand. It is about recognising emotional and behavioural truths that already exist in society, but do not yet have structure. When you give that structure, you are not creating something artificial, you are simply giving shape to something real.

    This approach is increasingly visible in women-led businesses today. Whether it is wellness, sustainability, education, lifestyle, or culture driven ideas, many women founders are building with a strong sense of responsibility attached to what they put into the world. There is often a deeper questioning involved. Will this improve how people live. Will this make something simpler, more conscious, more connected. Will this change perception in even a small way.

    That is where purpose becomes more than a word. It becomes a lens. It influences design, communication, choices, and even what you choose not to do. In my experience, this lens also brings a certain clarity. It keeps you grounded when there is pressure to scale quickly or conform to what the market expects.

    I have also realised that purpose driven building is closely connected to well being, not just for the consumer, but for the creator as well. When your work is aligned with something you genuinely believe matters, it stops feeling transactional. It becomes more reflective, more patient, and often more thoughtful in its evolution.

    By – Ms. Vandana Sethhi, Founder of Luv My India

  • Ayuvya Targets ₹120 Crore Revenue in FY27, Plans Aggressive Expansion Across Wellness Categories

    Ayuvya Targets ₹120 Crore Revenue in FY27, Plans Aggressive Expansion Across Wellness Categories

    New Delhi, India, May 1, 2026: Emerging health and wellness brand Ayuvya has announced an ambitious revenue target of ₹120 crore for FY27, reinforcing its commitment to rapid expansion and innovation in India’s growing preventive healthcare market.