iWorld
Jio Studios, Vishesh Films ropes in South actress Amala Paul, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Amrita Puri for their first web series
MUMBAI: Jio Studios and Vishesh Films have roped in south actress Amala Paul, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Amrita Puri for their first collaboration in the digital space. The web series is being directed by Pushpdeep Bhardwaj.
The show revolves around the relationship between a struggling filmmaker and a top female actor of the 70s. While Tahir will play the upcoming filmmaker, south sensation Amala Paul will essay the role of the superstar. The show also marks Amala’s Hindi debut.
Talking about the show, Mahesh Bhatt says, “I trust the magic of a new beginning in the digital world. Our first web show goes on floors with Amala, Tahir and Amrita, and our talented director Pushpdeep Bhardwaj.”
The filmmaker also tweeted a photograph of himself along with the actors. He wrote: “The magic of a new beginning! Our first web show, a dramatic love story goes on floors. Take a look at our wonderful cast @Amala_ams @TahirRajBhasin @_Amrita_Puri & Dir @PushpdeepBhardw @jiostudios @VisheshFilms.”
Director Pushpdeep Bhardwaj wrote, “To new beginnings! Commencing my digital debut with jiostudios visheshfilms web series, a dramatic love story set in the 70s. @MaheshNBhatt @Amala_ams @TahirRajBhasin @_Amrita_Puri.”
Director Pushpdeep Bhardwaj wrote, “To new beginnings! Commencing my digital debut with jiostudios visheshfilms web series, a dramatic love story set in the 70s. @MaheshNBhatt @Amala_ams @TahirRajBhasin @_Amrita_Puri.”
Expressing his excitement Tahir tweeted, “Super excited about kick starting this series based on a dramatic love story set in 70s Bollywood with @Amala_ams @_Amrita_Puri @MaheshNBhatt & Dir @PushpdeepBhardw @jiostudios @VisheshFilms @JioCinema.”
Amala wrote, “And we roll! Excited to be a part of this journey with the perfect recipe for a dramatic love story set during the 70s Bollywood, what more could have I asked for my Bollywood & digital debut @TahirRajBhasin @_Amrita_Puri @MaheshNBhatt @PushpdeepBhardw @jiostudios @VisheshFilms.”
Amrita said, “Best start to 2020! So thrilled to be part of this dramatic love story. Playing out my dream of being part of 70s Bollywood era Dir by @PushpdeepBhardw with @Amala_ams @TahirRajBhasin @MaheshNBhatt. @jiostudios @VisheshFilms @JioCinema
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
