indian television history

FIFA’s expanded 2026 World Cup could arrive in India without any official broadcaster despite YouTube becoming part of the tournament’s global streaming strategy for the first time. With rights negotiations collapsing, Prasar Bharati distancing itself from responsibility, and geo-restrictions limiting overseas streams, Indian fans increasingly face the prospect of relying on VPNs, piracy sites or unofficial watch parties to follow football’s biggest event.

FIFA confirmed ongoing discussions for media rights in India for the 2026 World Cup, with no official broadcaster yet announced. The Delhi High Court has issued notices regarding the broadcast, as talks in other territories like China also remain unsettled. Fans await confirmation on television and digital platform coverage for the expanded tournament.

Ruhaanika Dhawan, known for her role as Ruhi in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, speaks about her bond with Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya. Dhawan credits Dahiya for her guidance and support. Dhawan is set to participate in Khatron Ke Khiladi. She is the youngest contestant in the show's history. The show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein was a family drama.

Cricket star Rohit Sharma is venturing into television. A teaser for his new show has been released. Details about the show's format and title will be announced soon. Sharma is currently playing in IPL 2026. He has a distinguished career in international cricket across all formats. His popularity extends beyond the field.

The gulf between Trump’s actions and Gabbard’s worldview made the latter’s position untenable. Perhaps her fate was sealed last June when, less than two weeks before Operation Midnight Hammer, she posted a video in which she said “political elite warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers”. The post appeared shortly before the US struck Iran’s nuclear sites in an operation almost borrowed from the plot of Top Gun: Maverick.

Diljit Dosanjh has firmly shut down appeals to enter Punjab politics, saying "Kadey v Nhi" and reaffirming his focus on entertainment. The actor-musician, currently busy with films and his Aura Tour, recently made headlines for addressing pro-Khalistani protesters at a concert and speaking about Indian history on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Veteran actor Prakash Raj joins the highly anticipated pan-India film ‘Dragon’, starring Jr NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel. Known for impactful performances, Raj is expected to portray a significant, commanding role that will amplify the film's buzz. His addition further strengthens the ensemble cast, raising expectations for an intense on-screen dynamic with Jr NTR in this action drama.

Sunil Lahri, who played Lakshman in the beloved 'Ramayan', extended warm birthday wishes to his on-screen bhabhi, Dipika Chikhlia (Sita). Lahri reminisced about their enduring bond, which began even before 'Ramayan' during their 'Vikram Aur Betaal' days. He shared his prayers for her happiness and long life, highlighting their continued mutual respect.

Former India cricketer Salil Ankola is undergoing treatment for severe depression near Pune. Ankola, who debuted in the iconic 1989 Karachi Test alongside Sachin Tendulkar, had a career interrupted by injuries and a tumor. After transitioning to acting, he returned to cricket administration before facing emotional struggles following his mother's death.

Bollywood icon Govinda surprised audiences on 'Indian Idol 13' by dancing with wife Sunita Ahuja for the first time publicly after she revealed he'd never danced with her. The emotional performance, filled with hugs and kisses, showcased their enduring love story, captivating fans and judges alike, proving Govinda's charm extends far beyond the silver screen.

Fans are buzzing with excitement as 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' hints at the return of a pivotal character linked to the iconic Tulsi-Ansh shooting track. Speculation is rife on social media, with viewers dissecting recent episodes for clues. This potential comeback could dramatically alter the show's narrative, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting April 26th's new episode.

Debutante Praful Hinge etched his name in IPL history by claiming three wickets in his opening over for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 24-year-old pacer's sensational spell, followed by a 4/34 haul, propelled SRH to a commanding 57-run victory. His father and childhood coach expressed immense pride, highlighting Hinge's dedication and the crucial support from the MRF Pace Foundation.

Global star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, famed for Game of Thrones, revisited India, finding it "surprising and intense." He explored his ancestry, with a relative travelling to India in the 1600s. Coster-Waldau also shared his optimistic outlook on humanity's positive evolution and expressed a strong desire to star in a Bollywood film.

Rajesh Kumar fondly remembers late co-star Satish Shah, believing he would have been thrilled by Rakesh Bedi's recent success in 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. The 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' cast still feels Satish's presence, often recalling his wit in their group chats. Bedi's performance as a Pakistani politician in 'Dhurandhar' has garnered significant praise.

Ranveer Singh's adventurous sequel, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' has taken the Indian box office by storm, grossing an astonishing ₹1041 crore! For those who want to enjoy the thrill from the comfort of their homes, mark your calendars for its OTT debut on JioHotstar, set to launch soon after IPL 2026 wraps up, around late May or early June 2026. Read on to know more in detail.

Sangram Singh creates history in Argentina. A dream realised on international soil.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's career took a pivotal turn in the early '90s when director Hansal Mehta approached him for a Zee TV cookery show. Facing the show's potential cancellation, Kapoor spontaneously created the 'Shaam Savera' dish, a spinach-paneer kofta in makhani sauce. This creation became a nationwide sensation, launching Kapoor into stardom and making him a household name.

Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi's early career included a role in the popular Tamil serial Penn. He played Bharani alongside TV actor Sanjiv Venkat. This women-centric serial aired in the early 2000s. Their past collaboration is now a fun trivia for fans. It highlights Vijay Sethupathi's journey from television to cinema stardom.

Actress Manisha Koirala has reflected on a generation that is global in exposure yet grounded in values. She shares that what she truly admires is young people who explore the world and still find their way back home, carrying their culture and identity.

A 39-day US-Israel war with Iran has entered a two-week ceasefire after escalating rapidly, causing thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The conflict, initiated by coordinated strikes on Iranian leadership, expanded to disrupt global energy markets and shipping routes. President Trump's objectives and timelines shifted throughout the war, culminating in a fragile pause.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor was initially denied wearing his chef coat for the Padma Shri Award ceremony in 2017, being asked to wear traditional Indian attire instead. He insisted on wearing his uniform, which he considers a symbol of pride for the chef community. Ultimately, he received the award in his chef coat, setting a precedent.

In a historic move, ISAMRA has disbursed ₹100 crore in royalties to 26,000 singers and musicians, a significant step towards recognizing their contributions. Veteran artists like Anup Jalota and Sonu Nigam hailed the payout as long-overdue justice, emphasizing the financial dignity and security it brings.

In today's landscape, celebrities are transforming their stardom into political capital, a phenomenon heightened by the rise of the 'attention economy' and social media platforms. Figures like Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah and Ukraine’s President Zelensky exemplify this trend, showcasing how public affection can be a powerful tool for political ascendance.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is now accepting applications for its BA Liberal Arts (Hons.) program for the 2026 academic year. This multidisciplinary course aligns with the National Education Policy 2020. Students can apply through GGSIPU's Common Entrance Test or CUET-UG. The program offers flexibility with multiple entry and exit points. Internships with reputed organizations are also a key feature.

The recently released film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' has surprised audiences with unexpected appearances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Real footage from his 2014 swearing-in and 2016 demonetisation announcement are integrated into the narrative, eliciting an electric response from viewers in theaters, with widespread cheering and applause.

Oscars telecast executive Rob Mills defended the 'In Memoriam' segment's omissions, calling it the Academy's toughest task. Despite an extended runtime, several stars, including Indian actor Dharmendra, were excluded from the televised tribute, appearing only online. This sparked criticism, with Dharmendra's wife calling it a shame. Mills, however, praised the segment as potentially the best ever.

Nostalgia hit hard as veteran actress Neena Gupta shared a mesmerizing clip from her groundbreaking debut TV serial, 'Dard', which she also took the reins of as producer for Doordarshan. As viewers flooded the comment section with cherished memories, it became clear that the show's impact still resonates. Read on to know more in detail.