Manipur on the Global Map: 'Boong' Wins Big at the BAFTAs!

In a monumental night for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong scripted history at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026). The film, backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, clinched the prestigious award for Best Children’s and Family Film, marking the first time an Indian production has ever won in this category.

Held on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the ceremony saw the small-budget indie gem triumph over Hollywood heavyweights, proving that heartfelt storytelling knows no borders.

 

A Historic Win Against Hollywood Giants

The victory of Boong is being hailed as a "David vs. Goliath" moment. The film was nominated alongside some of the biggest animated blockbusters of the year, including:

• Zootopia 2 (Disney)
• Lilo & Stitch (Live-action remake)
• Arco (French animated feature)

Despite the massive commercial scale of its competitors, the BAFTA jury chose the grounded, emotionally resonant narrative of Boong. The award was presented in a whimsical moment by Paddington Bear, who joked about getting marmalade on the trophy before handing it to director Lakshmipriya Devi and producer Farhan Akhtar.

What is 'Boong' About?

Directed by debutante Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong (which means "little boy" in Manipuri) is a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the socio-political tensions in Manipur.

• The Plot: The story follows a young schoolboy named Boong (played by Gugun Kipgen) who believes that the "best gift" he can give his mother is to bring back his missing father.
• The Journey: His search leads him from the hills of Manipur to the border town of Moreh and eventually across into Myanmar.
• The Theme: While navigating themes of racial tension and family separation, the film maintains a sense of childhood innocence and hope, ultimately delivering a message of new beginnings.

Farhan Akhtar on the Win: "It Just Felt Right"

Farhan Akhtar, who attended the ceremony with wife Shibani Dandekar, expressed immense pride in the project. Having known director Lakshmipriya Devi for nearly 20 years, Akhtar noted that backing the film was an easy decision.

"This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that, and it's a very heartwarming story. It just felt right," Akhtar shared on the red carpet.

The film was co-produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, and Shujaat Saudagar under the banners of Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures.

 

Key Highlights: BAFTA 2026 Indian Presence

Feature	Details
Winning Film	Boong (Manipuri Language)
Category	Best Children’s and Family Film
Director	Lakshmipriya Devi
Producers	Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment)
Notable Presenter	Alia Bhatt, who presented the Best Film Not in English Language award

 

The Rise of Regional Indian Cinema

The global success of Boong—which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 and won accolades at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne—signals a shift in how Indian cinema is perceived abroad. It moves the spotlight away from typical "Bollywood" tropes and toward the diverse, raw stories emerging from India's Northeast.

For Manipur, a region with a rich but often overlooked cinematic history, this BAFTA win is more than just a trophy; it is a validation of its cultural narrative on the grandest stage of world cinema.

From Satna to Salman Khan’s Stage: The Rise of Redheemaa!

The Lady Behind the 'On My Way' Viral Post: Meet Actress Redheemaa!

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian television and digital media, Redheemaa (born Ridhimaa Gupta) has emerged as a captivating new talent. Blending traditional acting with a powerful social media presence, she has transitioned from a supporting TV role to one of the most discussed names in the reality TV circuit.

As of February 2026, Redheemaa is currently the subject of intense speculation regarding her entry into Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss 20.

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The Making of a Star: Biography

• Real Name: Ridhimaa Gupta.
• Hometown: Originally from Satna, Madhya Pradesh.
• Education & Background: Deeply rooted in the performing arts from a young age, Redheemaa moved to Mumbai to pursue her dreams. She started her journey with theater plays, advertisements, and modeling assignments before catching the eye of TV casting directors.
• Persona: Known for her bold, outspoken, and "no-filter" personality, she describes herself as an artist and digital creator. Her ability to connect with fans through self-love content and stylish photoshoots has earned her a dedicated following of over 130K on Instagram.

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Rising Through the Ranks: Filmography

Redheemaa’s career reflects the modern actor's path, balancing television longevity with high-impact digital projects.

Television Breakthrough

She gained widespread recognition for her role in the Colors TV drama Megha Barsenge (aired 2024–2025).

• Role: She portrayed Satpal Kohli (wife of Trilochan), a performance that showcased her ability to handle emotional depth and complex family dynamics in a Punjabi-rooted narrative.
• Impact: The show provided her with consistent national exposure and established her as a reliable performer in the Hindi television industry.

Music Videos & Digital Projects

Redheemaa has become a favorite in the music video space, particularly in the Punjabi and Hindi indie circuits:

• "Peshi": A popular track featuring Parry Sarpanch.
• "Munde Muk Gaye": A high-energy collaboration with Nawab Faizii.
• "Ve Diljaaniya": A romantic video featuring the vocals of Richa Sharma.
• Short Films: She starred in the 2021 short film Rang Rasiya, directed by Manish Madaan.

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Recent Trends & Bigg Boss 20 Rumors

Redheemaa’s "trending" status in early 2026 is largely due to her viral interactions and rumored reality TV debut.

• The "On the Way" Viral Hint: During a February 2026 Instagram AMA, when asked about entering Bigg Boss 20, her playful response—"On the way hu"—went viral, making her the first rumored contestant for the milestone 20th season (expected October 2026).
• The Mimicry Controversy: In September 2025, she grabbed eyeballs for an Instagram reel mimicking spiritual influencer Tanya Mittal, calling her "feku" (liar). This bold attitude has convinced fans that she is the "drama quotient" the show needs.

Is Redheemaa the First Finalized Contestant for Bigg Boss 20? Here’s the Truth!

From Satna to Salman Khan’s Stage: The Rise of Megha Barsenge Star Redheemaa!

As the buzz for Bigg Boss 20 begins to ignite, one name is dominating the headlines: Redheemaa. The Megha Barsenge actress has sent the internet into a frenzy with a cryptic social media update, leading many to believe she is the first confirmed contestant for Salman Khan’s milestone 20th season.

Here is everything you need to know about the rising star who might just be the "drama quotient" of the upcoming season in late 2026.

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The Viral Spark: “On the Way Hu”

The rumors gained massive traction on February 17, 2026, during an interactive "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session on Redheemaa’s Instagram. When a curious fan asked, "Bigg Boss me kab aaoge aap?" (When will you enter Bigg Boss?), the actress replied with a playful:

"On the way hu" (I am on the way) 😊

This simple three-word response sparked viral trends and hashtags, as fans of the reality show began dissecting her every move. While Colors TV has not yet released the official contestant list for the season (expected to premiere in October 2026), Redheemaa’s hint is being treated by many as a soft confirmation.

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Who is Redheemaa? Biography & Background

• Real Name: Ridhimaa Gupta.
• Hometown: Originally from Satna, Madhya Pradesh.
• Professional Identity: She describes herself as an artist, model, and digital influencer.
• Career Beginnings: Redheemaa started her journey with theatre plays, short films, and advertisements before making a mark in the television and music video industry.
• Social Media Presence: She currently boasts a following of over 130K on Instagram, where she is known for her bold personality and stylish photoshoots.

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Filmography: From Megha Barsenge to Music Videos

Redheemaa has slowly but surely built a diverse portfolio across multiple media platforms.

The Television Breakthrough

She gained significant national recognition for her role in the Colors TV drama Megha Barsenge (which aired from August 2024 to June 2025).

• The Role: She played Satpal Kohli, the wife of Trilochan. Her performance in this Punjabi-backdrop series, alongside stars like Neil Bhatt and Neha Rana, earned her praise for her emotional depth and screen presence.

Music Videos & Short Films

Redheemaa is a familiar face in the independent music scene, particularly in the Punjabi and Hindi circuits:

• "Peshi": A popular track featuring Parry Sarpanch.
• "Ve Diljaaniya": A romantic music video alongside singer Richa Sharma.
• "Munde Muk Gaye": A high-energy collaboration with Nawab Faizii.
• Rang Rasiya (2021): She starred in this short film directed by Manish Madaan.

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Controversy & Connection: The "Feku" Viral Reel

Redheemaa is no stranger to the spotlight or social media conflict. In September 2025, she grabbed headlines for a viral reel where she mimicked spiritual influencer and Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal.

• The Video: She captioned the clip calling the influencer a "feku" (liar), showcasing the kind of outspoken and "no-filter" personality that typically thrives in the Bigg Boss house.

From Kitani Mohabbat Hai to Matka King: The Incredible Evolution of Kritika Kamra!

Kritika Kamra Biography 2026: The NIFT Student Who Became a Global Icon!

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, KritikaKamra has emerged as a rare talent who successfully navigated the transition from being a television sweetheart to a gritty, high-performing OTT powerhouse. Known for her sophisticated screen presence and a knack for choosing unconventional scripts, she has spent nearly two decades refining her craft across diverse formats.

As of February 2026, Kritika is at a career-high following the success of the 2025 comedy-drama The Great Shamsuddin Family and is currently preparing for a major personal milestone: her upcoming wedding to sports presenter Gaurav Kapur in March 2026.

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The Evolution of an Artist: Biography

• Early Life: Born on October 25, 1988, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Kritika comes from a family of academics—her father is a doctor and her mother a school principal.
• Education: She completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj. Before her acting journey began, she was a student of Fashion Communication at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi.
• The Big Break: Her path changed forever when a casting director spotted her outside her college, leading her to Mumbai and her eventual debut in 2007.
• Beyond Acting: An entrepreneur at heart, she manages a fashion label in Madhya Pradesh that focuses on reviving the traditional Chanderi craft and supporting local artisans.

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From TV Icon to Digital Maven: Filmography

Kritika Kamra’s filmography is a masterclass in career reinvention, moving from "girl-next-door" roles to complex, layered characters.

The Television Golden Era

Kritika became a household name through her iconic role as Arohi in Kitani Mohabbat Hai (2009). She further solidified her TV legacy with:

• Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (2011–2013): As the endearing Dr. Nidhi.
• Reporters (2015): Playing the sharp-witted journalist Ananya Kashyap opposite Rajeev Khandelwal.
• Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta (2017): Bringing a mythological princess to life.

The OTT & Film Breakthrough

In the late 2010s, Kritika pivotally steered her career toward the digital space, where her "restrained" and "nuanced" acting style earned critical acclaim:

• Tandav (2021): Portraying the politically charged college student Sana Mir.
• Bambai Meri Jaan (2023): Her performance as Habiba Kadri (based on Haseena Parkar) was hailed as a breakthrough, winning her the Most Dazzling Performer (OTT) award.
• Bheed (2023): A powerful turn as a reporter in Anubhav Sinha's pandemic drama.
• Gyaarah Gyaarah (2024): A genre-bending thriller where she played Inspector Vamika Rawat.

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Kritika Kamra in 2025–2026: Latest Projects

Project	Role	Platform/Format
The Great Shamsuddin Family (2025)	Bani Ahmed	JioHotstar (Film)
Saare Jahan Se Accha (2025)	Fatima Khan	Feature Film
Matka King (2026)	TBA	Web Series (Upcoming)
For Your Eyes Only	TBA	Web Series (Upcoming)

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Awards and Accolades

• Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) 2024: National Winner for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Bambai Meri Jaan).
• Iconic Gold Awards 2024: Best Supporting Actress – Web Series for Bambai Meri Jaan.
• Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest 2023: Most Dazzling Performer – OTT.

From Sujal to Amar Vishwas: The Incredible Evolution of Rajeev Khandelwal!

The Outsider Who Won: Rajeev Khandelwal’s Inspiring Journey from Jaipur to Fame!

In the ever-evolving world of Indian entertainment, RajeevKhandelwal stands as a pioneer who successfully bridged the gap between television superstardom and critically acclaimed cinema. Known for his intense gaze, disciplined work ethic, and "quality over quantity" approach, he has remained a relevant force for over two decades.

As of February 2026, Rajeev is garnering widespread praise for his role as the sharp-witted lawyer in the courtroom drama Amar Vishwas, proving once again that he is the master of the "thinking man's" protagonist.

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The Journey of a Self-Made Icon: Biography

• Born: October 16, 1975, in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Early Roots: The son of a retired Army officer, Rajeev’s upbringing was rooted in discipline. He graduated in Chemistry from St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, before moving to Delhi to pursue production and documentary filmmaking.
• The Struggle: Before his breakthrough, Rajeev worked behind the camera and even faced significant hardships, once revealing he had to sleep at a railway station for three nights during his early days in Mumbai.
• Personal Life: He married Manjiri Kamtikar in 2011. Known to be a private person, Rajeev often retreats to the mountains when not filming, embodying a "recluse" persona that adds to his enigmatic charm.

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Defining a Generation: Filmography

Rajeev Khandelwal’s career is a blueprint for actors who prioritize scripts over star power.

The Television Superstardom (2003–2008)

Rajeev became a national sensation as Sujal Garewal in Kahiin To Hoga (2003). His chemistry with Aamna Sharif made him the ultimate TV heartthrob. He later took a bold turn by playing Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat in Left Right Left (2006), a role that remains a cult favorite among fans of military dramas.

The Master of the Big Screen (2008–Present)

In 2008, Rajeev made one of the most successful TV-to-film transitions with Aamir. The film was a critical darling and earned him a Filmfare nomination for Best Male Debut.

• Shaitan (2011): His portrayal of a rogue cop solidified his gritty, realistic acting style.
• Table No. 21 (2013): A psychological thriller that showcased his ability to carry a film on his shoulders.
• Salaam Venky (2022) & Bloody Daddy (2023): More recently, he has excelled in high-profile supporting roles alongside stars like Kajol and Shahid Kapoor.

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Rajeev Khandelwal in 2025–2026: Recent Projects

Currently, Rajeev is thriving in the OTT and digital space, where complex characters are given the spotlight.

Project	Platform	Role/Notes
Amar Vishwas (2026)	Amazon MX Player	Lead role as lawyer Amar Vishwas; released Feb 11.
The Secret of the Shiledars (2025)	JioHotstar	A historical thriller exploring the forts of Shivaji Maharaj.
Param Sundari (2025)	Feature Film	A major cinematic project alongside Sidharth Malhotra.
Showtime (2024)	Disney+ Hotstar	Played a seasoned actor navigating the dark side of Bollywood.

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Awards and Achievements

Throughout his career, Rajeev has been recognized for his versatility and hosting skills:

• Indian Telly Awards (2004): Won Best Fresh New Face and Best Television Personality.
• Indian Television Academy Awards (2010): Won Best Anchor for the groundbreaking reality show Sacch Ka Saamna.
• Gold Awards (2007): Won Best Actor for Left Right Left.
• Filmfare Nomination (2009): Best Male Debut for Aamir.

The Truth Behind the Kiss: Rajeev Khandelwal Revisits the Reporters Controversy!

Rajeev Khandelwal on Kissing Kritika Kamra: Why the 'Arrogant Man' Deserved That Slap!

In a revealing 2026 retrospective, television icon RajeevKhandelwal has finally shared the unfiltered story behind one of the most controversial moments in Indian TV history: the "Kiss and Slap" sequence with Kritika Kamra in the 2015 show Reporters.

During a media talk, Rajeev addressed the scene that went viral over a decade ago, breaking down the psychology of his character, Kabir Sharma, and his "arrogant" mindset at the time.

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“Ek Arrogant Aadmi Ne Socha Ki…” – The Mindset Behind the Kiss

Rajeev, who is currently promoting his latest series Amar Vishwas, reflected on how that single scene was designed to establish the power dynamics of the entire show.

Explaining the creative intent, he said:

"I did it because I knew that one kiss in that one scene would lead to one slap, which would set the tone of the show. It makes it clear exactly who these characters are. Sometimes you don't need dialogue. Ek arrogant aadmi ne socha ki main to itna good-looking hu, itni powerful position pe hu that babes I'm going to kiss you. (An arrogant man thought, I am so good-looking and in such a powerful position that, babes, I am going to kiss you.)"

He further added that the immediate response from Kritika's character, Ananya, was the perfect antidote to that arrogance:

"That girl says, 'I am not affected by your power,' and she slaps you. It immediately tells the audience what this show's approach is."

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On Kissing ‘Pretty’ Kritika Kamra: "I Had No Complaints"

When asked if he was apprehensive about performing such a bold scene on national television—especially in 2015—Rajeev was refreshingly candid. He admitted that having a co-star like Kritika Kamra made the process much easier.

• No Complaints: Rajeev humorously noted, "Of course, I was kissing a pretty woman, so I had no complaints about it."
• The Slap Was Deserved: He emphasized that he was just as comfortable receiving the slap as he was giving the kiss. "My conscience was alive; I knew I was doing the work that would get me slapped (Meri conscious zinda thi, mujhe pata tha kaam to thappad khane wala hi kar raha hu)."

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Why the Scene Still Matters in 2026

The Reporters promo was a "trendsetter" for Indian TV, moving away from traditional saas-bahu dramas toward a more realistic, gritty portrayal of the media industry.

• A Message Against Harassment: Both Rajeev and Kritika have maintained that the scene was not about "boldness" for the sake of TRPs but a visual representation of a woman standing up against workplace entitlement and harassment.
• Viral Misunderstanding: At the time of the release, many fans mistook the leaked footage for a real-life incident between the two actors, leading to massive online debates before the show even premiered.

Fun Fact: Despite the intense chemistry on screen, Rajeev and Kritika have always maintained that they were just "very chilled out" colleagues who treated the controversial scene like any other professional assignment.