Women Square

Category: Special

  • A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK: Sheena Chohan Returns to Kerala Where Her Film Journey Began

    A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK: Sheena Chohan Returns to Kerala Where Her Film Journey Began

    Actress Sheena Chohan, who made a striking Malayalam debut opposite legendary actor Mammootty in director Jayaraj’s action thriller The Train, returned to the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) after nearly a decade. Her presence marked an emotional homecoming to the very place where her cinematic journey first took shape.

    Returning to the Land That Shaped Her First Film

    Sheena graced the opening ceremony of IFFK in Thiruvananthapuram, revisiting Kerala—the land where she shot her first Kannada film and portrayed Mammootty’s wife in The Train. The visit coincides with an important phase in her career, as she gears up for her upcoming Telugu film opposite JD Chakravarthy, slated for a theatrical release soon. In the film, Sheena will be seen in a powerful new avatar as a female cop.

    From Theatre to the Big Screen: A Foundation Built on Craft

    Reflecting on her debut and journey, Sheena shared,

    “I acted in my first film opposite Mammootty sir after doing five years of theatre, where I learnt how to deeply research and truly fit into characters. My theatre days taught me the value of professionalism — something the Malayalam and Telugu film industries strongly believe in. Hard work, dedication to craft, and complete conviction to character. That’s why I’m extremely excited to present my new character to the world in my Telugu debut. Returning to Kerala feels like the perfect beginning for my next South release.”

    Nostalgia, Discipline, and the Spirit of Kerala

    The moment Sheena landed in Kerala, memories from her early shoot days came flooding back. Speaking about the overwhelming nostalgia, she said,

    “From the moment I landed, memories of my shoot days came rushing back — the discipline on set, the warmth of the people, the food, and of course working with Mammootty sir. Kerala always holds a very special place in my heart.”

    Director Jayaraj on Sheena Chohan’s Remarkable Talent

    Adding immense weight to her return was veteran filmmaker Jayaraj, who continues to speak highly of Sheena’s work even after a decade. He said,

    “Sheena acted with Mammootty in my film The Train. I was amazed while working with her because of her natural ability to portray the lead character, Mammootty’s wife. Her commitment as an actor and her professionalism during the shoot were admirable. I have directed 45 Malayalam films and worked with many actors across India, and I can proudly say that my experience working with Sheena was remarkable. Her evolution as an actor—marked by versatility, depth, and strength in every role—has been a joy to watch and a source of great pride.”

    A Career Spanning Languages, Borders, and Powerful Roles

    After her Malayalam debut, Sheena went on to act as the lead in over 10 international and independent films, earning Best Actress awards for her performances. This year, she made her Hindi film debut with Sant Tukaram, where her performance received widespread appreciation. Sheena also has a Hollywood film Nomad and an international series in the pipeline, along with a bold “she-devil” role in another international series, showcasing her fearless approach to unique and challenging characters.

    A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK

    As Sheena Chohan returns to Kerala after ten years, her visit goes far beyond attending the International Film Festival of Kerala. It stands as a full-circle moment—one that reflects her evolution as an actor deeply committed to her craft, celebrated for creating impactful characters, and admired for her formidable range across industries. From her early days with Mammootty to becoming a pan-India and international presence, Sheena’s journey continues to inspire.

  • Pearl Academy Partners with SETU Foundation to Boost Women Employability Through CSR

    Pearl Academy Partners with SETU Foundation to Boost Women Employability Through CSR

    New Delhi, December 15, 2025: Pearl Academy, a leading institution for creative education, in partnership with SETU Foundation, a Noida-based NGO has empowered 260+ students with technical, creative, and professional skills that strengthen their employability and economic independence, since the beginning of their partnership. Till date, more than 100 women have been employed in job roles across Fashion Designing and Beauty & Wellness. The collaboration was inspired by a shared vision, to close the widening skill gap faced by underprivileged youth. especially women, who are often unable to access quality, industry-ready education in fashion and beauty due to financial or social constraints.

    Since 2007, SETU Foundation has worked extensively in women’s education, youth empowerment, and livelihood creation, and this collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening those efforts with industry-relevant creative education. Through Pearl Academy’s CSR initiative, specialised training programmes in Fashion Design, Garment Construction, Makeup, Hair, and Grooming were designed and delivered for SETU students and trainers.

    With a focus on long-term learning, Pearl Academy’s academic teams created tailored curricula aligned with modern industry needs, supported by hands-on learning models and state-of-the-art training methods. This ensured students received contemporary, market-aligned training that helps them pursue employment or launch entrepreneurial ventures within their communities.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy said, “When we invest in women’s education, we invest in stronger families, communities and futures. Through this collaboration with SETU, Pearl Academy has designed learning pathways that are sensitive to context, build confidence and equip women with skills that support independence, self-belief and sustained livelihoods. Education, when delivered with care and purpose, has the power to change not just careers, but perspectives on life itself.”

    Ravi Kaul, Director, SETU Foundation added, “This collaboration has been life-altering for our students. Pearl Academy’s structured curriculum, rigorous training, and mentorship have opened doors to livelihood opportunities that were previously out of reach. We are proud of the women who have graduated and are now contributing meaningfully to their families and the community.”

    “Many graduates have already secured jobs, apprenticeships, and freelance roles with local boutiques, garment units, beauty studios, and retail stores. Encouragingly, several women have also launched their own small-scale ventures, from home-based boutiques to beauty services, helping strengthen local markets and boost household incomes.” he added.

    The impact of the initiative has been monitored since its first phase in 2017. Pearl Academy’s feedback-driven approach ensures regular inputs from students and trainers, enabling continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Both institutions are exploring avenues for scaling the partnership across new regions to reach more learners and deepen the social impact. Pearl Academy and SETU foundation  remain committed to expanding this model and reinforcing the belief that creativity, skills, and opportunity together can spark lasting social transformation.

  • FUJIFILM India expands advanced diagnostic access in East with the installation of APERTO Lucent Open MRI at Mother Care Center, Siliguri

    FUJIFILM India expands advanced diagnostic access in East with the installation of APERTO Lucent Open MRI at Mother Care Center, Siliguri

    • The new Open MRI system brings high-resolution, patient-friendly imaging to Siliguri, also known as ‘The Gateway to North-East.
    • The installation strengthens a decade-long partnership while advancing access to early and accurate diagnosis in the region.

    Siliguri, December 14, 2025: FUJIFILM India, a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, has announced the installation of its state-of-the-art APERTO Lucent Open MRI system at Mothercare Centre Airport Plaza Building Bagdogra Naxalbari Block Close to Siliguri District, Darjeeling, strengthening a partnership that spans more than a decade. The centre, led by Director, Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, has long relied on FUJIFILM India’s CR, DR and ultrasound technologies, and this latest installation marks a transformative step forward in expanding high-quality MRI access for communities across North Bengal.

    The APERTO Lucent brings together precision imaging and patient-centric design, offering a uniquely open, comfortable scanning experience through its single-pillar structure and True OPEN Bore architecture. Equipped with a 0.4T permanent magnet, the system delivers stable, high-clarity imaging at low running costs, while its IP-RAPID technology significantly reduces scan times without compromising detail, helping clinicians diagnose complex neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and oncological conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency.

    The city, Siliguri, functions as a critical healthcare hub for a vast regional population spanning North Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar and the North-East, where access to advanced imaging has historically been uneven and sometimes delayed. With India steadily expanding MRI availability beyond large cities, the installation of this machine in Siliguri aims to bridge these gaps by offering faster, more accurate diagnosis within the region and ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to every family without the burden of long-distance travel.

    Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, Director, Mother Care Center, added, “At Mother Care Center, our priority has always been to give patients access to the best possible care, supported by reliable and advanced technology. The APERTO Lucent Open MRI is a significant step forward for us, it delivers superior image quality while offering a more comfortable experience, especially for patients who feel anxious in closed scanners. This upgrade strengthens our ability to diagnose with confidence and ensures that our community benefits from modern, high-precision imaging right here in Siliguri.”

    Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Shunsuke Honda, Business Advisor, Medical Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, improving access to advanced imaging is central to our mission. Many communities in North Bengal and neighbouring regions have long faced delays in reaching specialised diagnostic services, and installations like this help bring high-quality MRI closer to the people who need it most. Our partnership with Mother Care Center reflects our commitment to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that world-class imaging is not limited to metro cities. With the APERTO Lucent Open MRI, we aim to support more equitable, timely and patient-friendly diagnostics across Siliguri and nearby cities.”

    This installation reinforces FUJIFILM India’s commitment to strengthening diagnostic ecosystems in emerging healthcare hubs, ensuring that access to advanced, equitable, and patient-friendly imaging continues to expand across the country.

  • Amusement Parks Industry Seeks 5% GST Parity with Other Tourism Sectors in UP

    Amusement Parks Industry Seeks 5% GST Parity with Other Tourism Sectors in UP

    A delegation from the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI), led by Uttar Pradesh State Chairman, Mr. Izzuddin Hashmi, along with IAAPI Secretary General, Mr. Anil Padwal, met Shri Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism and presented IAAPI’s representation for 5% GST for amusement & theme park sector.

    A 5% GST rate to amusement park industry which caters to children, youth alongwith their families will encourage the middle and lower-middle-class families to engage in more recreational activities, enhancing family well-being and social bonding. In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s concern regarding rising obesity among children and youth, the amusement industry provides a healthy and active outlet for recreation — fostering fun, fitness, and togetherness.

    The amusement industry forms an integral part of India’s tourism and social infrastructure. While states tourism policies are actively promoting investments in theme and amusement parks, there remains a disparity in GST treatment compared to other tourism-linked sectors — for instance:

    • Hotel rooms up to ₹7,500 are taxed at 5%
    • Economy-class air travel is taxed at 5%

    In contrast, amusement and theme parks continue to face an 18% GST rate, despite serving as accessible and family-oriented recreation for citizens across all income groups.

    5% GST slab for the amusement industry will boost tourism growth, employment generation and economic development.

    IAAPI extends its gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Tourism for its proactive encouragement and looks forward to a strengthened partnership for the advancement of the amusement and attractions sector in India.

  • Nephrocare India Celebrates 4 Years with Walkathon to Promote Kidney Health

    Nephrocare India Celebrates 4 Years with Walkathon to Promote Kidney Health

    Kolkata, 14 December 2025: Nephrocare India marked its fourth anniversary by organizing a large-scale walkathon titled “Walk for Health, Walk for Your Kidneys”, reinforcing the message that simple lifestyle habits can prevent kidney disease. With over 1,000 participants, the event highlighted the importance of 30 minutes of brisk walking daily to maintain kidney health, control blood sugar, and support heart fitness.

    The walkathon began at Nephrocare and concluded at CD Park, followed by tea and an address by the Founder & Director, Dr. Pratim Sengupta. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from several eminent personalities, including: Mr. Leander Paes, International Tennis Icon; Ms. Priyanka Sarkar, Actress; Ms. Piyali Basak, Mountaineer; Mr. Aneesh Sarkar, DCP Bidhannagar; Mr. Ashish Mittal, Director, Golden Tulip Hotel & many other eminent personalities.

    Nephrocare India

    Speaking to the media, Dr. Pratim Sengupta, Nephrologist and Founder & Director of Nephrocare India Ltd, said, “Completing four years is not just a milestone but a reaffirmation of our commitment to preventive and holistic kidney care. Most kidney diseases are preventable. Simple measures like daily brisk walking can dramatically reduce risk. Through initiatives like this walkathon, we aim to inspire people to take charge of their health before disease sets in.”

    Nephrocare India follows a unique, patient-centric approach, integrating evidence-based diagnostics with logical clinical inference while addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and energy dimensions of health. The organization believes that effective healing goes beyond laboratory values and textbook treatments, focusing instead on the individual as a whole.

    About Nephrocare India Ltd: Established in December 2021 by eminent nephrologist Dr. Pratim Sengupta, Nephrocare India Ltd is a comprehensive kidney care institute dedicated to delivering compassionate, affordable, and holistic renal care. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced nephrologists and healthcare professionals, Nephrocare provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. The institution remains committed to improving quality of life while treating every patient with dignity, respect, and empathy.

  • UDAI Hosts Joyful Christmas Carnival 2025 Honouring World Disability Day in Janak Puri, Delhi

    UDAI Hosts Joyful Christmas Carnival 2025 Honouring World Disability Day in Janak Puri, Delhi

    UDAI — a leading spectrum support school in New Delhi founded by Tanu Rajput and supported by the Rotary Club of Delhi — successfully hosted a heart-warming Christmas Carnival on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at its Janak Puri centre.

    Welcoming parents, families, and members of the media, the event was designed to honour every child and create a warm, memorable celebration rooted in togetherness and inclusion.

    Celebrating World Disability Day with Purpose

    Organised in the spirit of World Disability Day (observed globally on December 3), the winter-themed carnival beautifully reflected UDAI’s core belief that “Working Together Works.” The event brought alive a vibrant atmosphere of acceptance, community connection, and shared happiness.

    A Day Filled with Joy, Creativity, and Festive Magic

    The celebration included a variety of interactive activities for children, highlighting empowerment, confidence-building, and the unique strengths each child brings to the world.

    Adding festive delight, students set up special stalls offering handmade Christmas goodies crafted by them. These items were put up for sale, adding an authentic and cheerful carnival feel to the occasion.

    A Message from Founder Tanu Rajput

    Founder Tanu Rajput expressed heartfelt pride and happiness:
    “Celebrating this day with our children was truly heart-warming. Their happiness, enthusiasm, and incredible energy filled the entire space. I feel grateful to have each one present and to share such a meaningful and festive moment with them. It makes me so proud of my kids, who are special but no less than anyone—they are talented, smart, and extremely kind and loving.”

    Deepening Its Mission of Support and Inclusion

    UDAI continues to uphold its mission of fostering joy, acceptance, and equal opportunity. Every day, the school supports:

    • 125 children on the autism spectrum, and

    • More than 90 students from lower-income groups,

    ensuring accessible, high-quality education and care.

    Since its inception in 2009, UDAI has supported over 5,000 families, and the organisation is steadily developing income-generation opportunities for students trained in various skill-development programs.

  • Border 2 Teaser Announced for 16 December: Meet the Four Heroes Leading This Patriotic Epic

    Border 2 Teaser Announced for 16 December: Meet the Four Heroes Leading This Patriotic Epic

    Teaser to Drop on 16th December, Marking the Significance of Vijay Diwas

    The anticipation around Border 2 has reached new heights as T-Series and JP Films unveiled a striking ensemble visual featuring the film’s four leading heroes — Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty — together in one commanding frame. After generating buzz through individual character posters, this unified reveal amplifies the film’s intensity, patriotism, and emotional core.

    Each actor embodies a distinct facet of courage:

    • Sunny Deol returns in his iconic, battle-hardened persona,

    • Varun Dhawan brings steely determination to the line of duty,

    • Diljit Dosanjh reflects raw resilience amid conflict, and

    • Ahan Shetty showcases bold, youthful bravery.

    Together, they form a powerful quartet symbolizing brotherhood, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of soldiers.

    Further igniting excitement, the makers have confirmed that the much-awaited teaser will be launched on 16th December at 1:30 PM, commemorating Vijay Diwas — the day India celebrates its historic victory in the 1971 war and honours the bravery of its soldiers. This meaningful date lends even greater weight to the teaser reveal and the film’s patriotic narrative.

    Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh, the film carries forward the legacy of valour and pride rooted in India’s military history.

    Mark your calendars — Border 2 storms into cinemas on January 23rd, 2026, promising a monumental cinematic journey of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.

     

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  • Simple Yet Soulful: Rukmini Vasanth’s Birthday Photos Capture Warmth & Everyday Joys

    Simple Yet Soulful: Rukmini Vasanth’s Birthday Photos Capture Warmth & Everyday Joys

    Actress Rukmini Vasanth celebrated her birthday with a beautiful blend of simplicity and sincerity, sharing glimpses of a day filled with quiet, meaningful moments. In a series of serene photos, she is seen holding fresh flowers, visiting Mount Mary, and sitting with a stack of books—each image radiating calm, warmth, and unfiltered joy.

    Her caption, heartfelt and reflective, summed up the spirit of her special day:
    “Yesterday was a day filled with some of the warmest, kindest moments of this year. I had the privilege of enriching work with inspiring people, the joy of bookstores and flowers and tiny animals and travel and finally, those small but necessary pockets of solitude. Thank you all. I am all gratitude and cake.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Rukmini Vasanth (@rukmini_vasanth)

    The post struck a chord with fans, not for any lavish celebration, but for its gentle honesty. No grand parties, no theatrics—just a quietly joyful birthday grounded in gratitude and the simple things she loves. This understated charm is part of what continues to make Rukmini such a beloved figure.

    As wishes pour in from across the country, admirers are praising her grace, authenticity, and ability to find beauty in everyday moments. Stepping into a new year, Rukmini carries forward the warmth and genuineness that set her apart as one of the most refreshing personalities in the industry today.

  • Hundreds Attend Kailash Hospital’s Fertility Awareness Drive to Break IVF Stigma

    Hundreds Attend Kailash Hospital’s Fertility Awareness Drive to Break IVF Stigma

    Noida, December 12, 2025: Kailash Hospital & Neuro Institute, Sector 71, Noida, hosted a Free IVF Mega Camp on Sunday, as part of its initiative to reduce stigma around infertility and ensure that couples receive timely, evidence-based reproductive health evaluation. The camp, led by Dr. Monika Gupta, Head – Kailash IVF, registered strong participation from couples seeking clarity on fertility concerns they had long postponed addressing.

    The initiative provided free consultations with infertility specialists, along with male and female fertility evaluations and complimentary sonography for cases requiring further diagnostic insight. The camp drew individuals seeking help for a wide spectrum of conditions including PCOS, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, male infertility, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle-related reproductive issues.

    Dr. Monika Gupta said the turnout confirmed that infertility remains a major but often unspoken health challenge. “What we saw at the camp reinforces a crucial point, many couples are struggling with reproductive issues but delay seeking help because of stigma, hesitation, or misinformation. That delay can narrow their treatment options,” she said.

    She emphasised that the camp was designed to give couples factual clarity rather than assumptions. “People often come in unsure of what they actually need. Many believe IVF is the default solution, when in reality several cases can be managed with simpler interventions such as IUI or ovulation induction. Providing accurate assessments helps couples make informed decisions instead of navigating the process in confusion,” she added.

    Attendees welcomed the rare opportunity to discuss deeply personal concerns in a judgement-free setting, with many choosing to continue with follow-up evaluations for structured fertility planning.

    Kailash Hospital stated that the motivation behind the camp was not only to provide free access but also to normalise timely reproductive health checks and address the emotional burden couples often carry silently. In light of the response, the hospital announced that similar initiatives will continue to be organised to ensure that more families have access to reliable, ethical, and science-backed fertility guidance without financial or social barriers.

  • Prime Video Adds Aarata to Its Rental Library | Plot, Cast & Viewing Details

    Prime Video Adds Aarata to Its Rental Library | Plot, Cast & Viewing Details

    The 2024 Kannada film Aarata—directed by Pushparaj Rai Malarabeedu—has officially become available for audiences to rent and watch on Prime Video. A powerful blend of culture, tradition, interpersonal conflict, and raw human emotion, the film transports viewers into the heart of a coastal community where rituals and beliefs run deep, yet are continuously challenged by the complexities of everyday life.

    At its core, Aarata is not merely a drama about a village but a layered exploration of how deeply intertwined faith, social pride, and personal decisions can shape the collective spirit of a community. The story unfolds in the aftermath of a grand celebration of the Durga Parameshwari festival—an event that typically unites the people in devotion and festivity. However, the harmony is short-lived. A controversy erupts around the sacred katte—a traditional platform that symbolizes both cultural identity and spiritual respect. Its broken, neglected state ignites a dispute that slowly grows from a seemingly minor issue into a matter weighing heavily on the village’s unity and moral standing.

    A Story Rooted in Community, Pride, and Consequences

    What begins as an argument over a damaged structure soon evolves into a reflection of deeper social fissures. In Aarata, director Pushparaj Rai uses the katte incident as a metaphorical anchor—showing how unresolved tensions, generational values, and long-standing hierarchies come to the surface when a community faces a moral dilemma. Among the many threads woven into the film, one particularly striking theme is how a single father’s carelessness becomes a catalyst for a much larger crisis. His failure to fulfill responsibilities not only threatens his own household but also risks disturbing the sacred equilibrium upon which village life is built.

    When and Where to Watch Aarata

    Aarata is currently available for rent on Prime Video, making it easily accessible to a wide audience. The rental option can be used by both Prime members and non-members, allowing anyone interested in regional cinema, cultural narratives, or meaningful drama to experience the film.

    Trailer and Plot: A Glimpse into the Conflict

    The trailer sets the tone with imagery rich in tradition and community spirit. It hints at the dramatic core of the story—how pride, cultural duty, and a father’s failures intertwine to divide the village. Scattered loyalties and rising tensions over the revered katte leave the community questioning notions of honor, accountability, and the long-lasting impact of personal actions on collective harmony.

    Cast and Crew of Aarata

    The film features a compelling ensemble cast, headlined by:

    • Utsav Vamanjoor

    • Saliyan Nayana

    • Shashi Gujaran

    The supporting cast, including Ranjan Kasargodu, Venya Rai, Yothish Shetty, Anil Raj Uppala, Chethan Rai Mani, and Sunil Nelligudde, adds strong depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their performances bring credibility to the film’s portrayal of coastal village life and its intricate social fabric.

    Aarata is written by T. Raghavendra Holla in collaboration with director Pushparaj Rai Malarabeedu, who ensures that the film maintains a balance between emotional storytelling and cultural realism.

    Reception and Audience Response

    While Aarata currently holds a 5.0/10 rating on IMDb, it is important to note that the score reflects a relatively small number of viewer reviews. As the film reaches more audiences through its digital release, the rating may evolve. Early viewers have praised its rooted storytelling, cultural authenticity, and strong performances, especially in depicting the nuances of coastal Karnataka’s traditions.