In a move that underscores both their passion for preserving heritage and their influential status in the realm of business and art, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and her husband, entrepreneur Anand Ahuja, have acquired one of Mumbai’s cultural landmarks—Rhythm House. This acquisition, reported by Bloomberg, represents a significant fusion of history and contemporary entrepreneurship.
The couple, through their Bhaane Group, completed the acquisition for a remarkable sum of Rs 47.8 crore. The 3,600-square-foot property, which once thrived as a musical haven, has remained closed since 2018. Its previous owner, Nirav Modi, faced a dramatic downfall following his default on hefty bank loans. Before Modi’s ownership, Rhythm House was under the custodianship of the Curmally family, who sold the heritage site in 2017 for Rs 32 crore.
This iconic music store, with roots tracing back to 1940, has had a storied past. It served as a backdrop to musical legacies, having hosted performances by world-renowned artists such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, among others. It was more than just a store; Rhythm House was a crucial cultural hub where music lovers from across the spectrum gathered, celebrated, and discovered musical treasures. This rejuvenation effort spearheaded by Kapoor and Ahuja marks a new chapter in the store’s multifaceted history.
While much excitement revolves around the redevelopment of this site, Sonam Kapoor’s endeavors aren’t limited to real estate. Recently, she was unveiled as the new face of luxury brand Dior, a testament to her flourishing presence in global fashion circles. Kapoor will represent renowned creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s womens-wear collections, cementing her status as a formidable figure in the intersection of fashion and celebrity.
Meanwhile, within the realm of regional cinema, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is expanding his horizons. He is set to make notable appearances in two upcoming projects, as revealed at the inaugural Tasveer Film Market held in Seattle. These projects include a darkly comic newsroom thriller titled “Behind the Scenes” and “The Prisoner,” an adaptation of Omar Shahid’s widely acclaimed novel.
. While it remains uncertain whether his fans in India will get to see these projects on domestic screens, the announcement has certainly stirred excitement among audiences.
On the entrepreneurial front, Goldie Behl is making strides by adapting foreign media concepts to regional tastes. Inspired by the success of entrepreneurship-themed shows like Shark Tank, he is generating buzz with his desi version of the retail reality show, “Buy it Now.” This new show aims to spotlight the creative prowess of Indian inventors, offering them a platform to showcase their innovations to a broader audience.
Addressing recent misunderstandings, the Bachchan family has dispelled rumors about the death of Jaya Bachchan’s mother, Indira Bhaduri. Contrary to false reports, she remains in good health in Bhopal. An official statement from Abhishek Bachchan’s team confirmed her wellbeing, emphasizing the responsibility of media outlets to verify such sensitive news.
In cinematic developments, the acclaimed Singham franchise continues to evolve under the collaboration of Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn. Suriya, who portrayed the iconic cop in the original Tamil series, lauded their efforts to expand the franchise into an extraordinary copverse narrative, incorporating stars like Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh.
Meanwhile, Bollywood power player Ektaa R Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, are entangled in a POCSO investigation concerning the portrayal of minors in a controversial web series. Although they have been summoned by the Mumbai Police for questioning, ALT Digital Media stresses that the Kapoors are not involved in daily operations and that the claims regarding their involvement are inaccurate.
In the realm of music and cultural respect, Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui voiced criticism towards the new film “Do Patti” for its revamped rendition of a classic Reshma song. Siddiqui urged for reverence to be accorded to the legendary singer’s works, advocating that her timeless music be treated with the dignity it rightfully deserves.
Following these diverse and thought-provoking stories, film enthusiasts can also look forward to Abhishek Bachchan’s return to the big screen with “I Want to Talk,” directed by Shoojit Sircar, slated for release on November 22. This film promises a compelling narrative, placing Bachchan in an engaging role that explores the nuances of communication and optimism in everyday life.
In a world constantly on the move, these developments, from the revival of cultural landmarks to innovations in film and television, highlight the vibrant, multi-faceted nature of the Indian entertainment landscape.
