Tere Ishk Mein is a sweeping, emotionally charged romantic-drama that reunites Aanand L Rai and Dhanush in a world where love is both salvation and destruction. At its core, the film follows the stormy, fate-ridden connection between Shankar (Dhanush) and Maya Behniwal (Kriti Sanon); a love story designed to burn bright and collapse under its own intensity.

What makes Tere Ishk Mein stand out is how deeply it immerses you in the emotional chaos of its characters. Achingly tender one moment, devastatingly explosive the next. Rai structures the narrative with a haunting rhythm: quiet moments loaded with tension, sudden bursts of fury and heartbreak, and stretches of silence that speak louder than dialogue. The world he creates is packed with complex layers. Each character arrives with their own set of flaws, contradictions, unspoken histories, and emotional burdens. These layers don’t just add depth; they shape the personality of every character, making their actions feel frustratingly real, painfully human, and heartbreakingly inevitable. You don’t just observe their downfall, you feel pulled into it.

Dhanush, unsurprisingly, is the heartbeat of this universe. He lights up the screen with a powerhouse performance. One that is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. Shankar's emotional outbursts, simmering angst, heartbreak, and the stillness between storms; every expression lands with a force that pulls you under. After Idly Kadai and Kuberaa, Tere Ishk Mein stands as yet another milestone in his phenomenal 2025 run. This is an actor who exists beyond technique; his craft feels lived-in, instinctive, and incomparable. It is, without doubt, one of his most unforgettable portrayals. His aura? Unbeatable, magnetic!

Kriti Sanon, as Mukti, once again proves why she deserves the title of the finest actress of her generation. She delivers a layered, emotionally gripping performance; one that sits among her career best. Kriti’s ability to infuse Mukti with fragility, fire, and dignity makes the character unforgettable. She shines in the emotional moments, often leaving you teary-eyed and often land with heartbreaking precision. Moreover, her chemistry with Dhanush feels fresh, textured, and beautifully unusual.

On the technical front, Tere Ishk Mein scores decently well. Tushar Kanti and Vishal’s cinematography is striking, making every visual feel atmospheric and purposeful. The colour palette, framing, and lighting choices add emotion to even the simplest scenes. The soundtrack is another triumph. Pure gold from start to end. Though the absence of the title track in the film feels like a missed opportunity, it is good to see how the music blends seamlessly with the overall narrative. Awaara emerges as a standout, and once you watch it within the context of the story, it hits even harder. Goosebump-worthy.

 The background score, especially during the moment that connects the film to the Raanjhanaa universe, is nothing short of magical. Zeeshan Ayub’s entry in this powerful sequence adds the nostalgia and emotional depth fans will adore. The dialogues, while effective in parts, leave some room for more impact. There are flashes of brilliance - especially those classic filmy, romantic lines with massy charm, but you feel the potential for sharper writing. Still, the strong performances uplift every scene.

Aanand L Rai’s direction is rooted in emotion, chaos, and imperfect humanity. He has a knack for building worlds where no one is entirely right or wrong - just broken people making certain choices. While the story has its highs and lows, and some viewers may question its practicality or sense a missing link, the performances compensate magnificently. If you enter this cinematic world with an open mind, you will certainly find yourself captivated by Shankar and Mukti’s tragic, consuming love; one destined for heartbreak long before it begins.

For fans of intense romantic dramas powered by brilliant performances, Tere Ishk Mein is absolutely worth watching. Dhanush and Kriti deliver award-worthy portrayals that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love,

Dancebee

The Apple Event held on September 9 wasn’t just about shiny hardware. It was a clear signal that mobile devices are no longer accessories to creativity, but central tools for creators, educators, and working professionals. With the unveiling of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro, Apple has doubled down on performance, portability, and creator-first functionality. Whether you are a creative professional on the move, a content creator in a constant edit mode, or an educator juggling hybrid lessons and note taking; this lineup offers real-world upgrades you can feel.

iPhone 17 - Center Stage Creativity

The base model iPhone 17 doesn’t feel “basic” at all. With a new 18 MP front camera equipped with AI stabilization and Dual Capture (simultaneous front and rear recording), Apple is putting dynamic storytelling front and centre; quite literally. The 6.3-inch ProMotion display, now peaking at 3,000 nits, ensures crisp visibility in any light, while the Ceramic Shield 2 offers more durability without adding bulk. Under the hood, the A19 chip paired with 256 GB base storage provides serious performance gains, especially for mobile editing, multitasking, and heavy creative apps. And for content? The 48 MP Fusion camera system brings versatility across wide, ultra-wide, and dual-fusion lenses, capturing sharper detail and more dynamic range than ever before.

Personal Take: Ultra-stable dual-angle video, blazing performance, and enough room to store every clip, document and audio note. As a creative professional, it will let me focus fully on storytelling and voice without juggling devices.

iPhone 17 Air - Featherweight, Full-Throttle

Apple's thinnest phone yet! The iPhone 17 Air, measures just 5.6 mm and is built with spacecraft-grade titanium, combining elegance with rugged usability. It features a slightly larger 6.5-inch 120 Hz display. Designed to deliver a pro performance, making it a true powerhouse. Not just another “lite” version. What stands out is its dual filming mode, allowing you to capture front and rear perspectives at once, which will be a game-changer for vloggers, educators, and storytellers who rely on spontaneity and minimal gear.

Personal Take: This slim design can slip into any pocket. Easy to carry, light on hand while recording - yet packed with full‑power creation. Perfect for spontaneous teaching moments or recording voice‑overs on the move without feeling weighed down.

iPhone 17 Pro - MacBook-Level Power, Pocket-Sized

If there’s one word for the iPhone 17 Pro: BEAST! With its A19 Pro chip, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, this phone is ready to take on tasks typically reserved for desktop-level machines; from editing 4K footage to handling heavy AI workloads. Its triple 48 MP camera system now includes 8× optical zoom, and is housed in a redesigned aluminium 'plateau' camera island for both style and heat efficiency. The vapor cooling system keeps things steady under pressure, ideal for longer edits, batch rendering, or high-frame-rate recording. Meanwhile, a sleek aluminium-glass hybrid build and slimmer frame make it surprisingly pocketable.

Personal Take: This will be like carrying a mini studio in my hand. The processing power and pro-grade camera will let me record, edit, and produce on-the-go without gear. Ideal for on-the-go editing, filming, and basically - getting some serious work done!

Final Thoughts

What stands out across this lineup is Apple’s focus on workflow-first design. Not just aesthetic upgrades, but meaningful features built around how we actually use our devices. As someone who toggles between content creation, education, and voice acting throughout the week, I can see how these devices can turn out to be super efficient and beneficial for creative professionals - in more ways than one:

The iPhone 17 for all-round reliability.

The iPhone Air for ultra-light mobility.

The iPhone 17 Pro for deep creative work that demands performance.

Which one’s calling your name?

Are you thinking of upgrading? Curious about how these might fit into your own workflow? I’d love to hear which one you're leaning toward and why. Drop a comment, share with a fellow creative, or save this post for your next gear refresh. Because this drop wasn’t just about phones. It was all about the future of creativity and tech!

Love,

The Dancebee

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 Ganesh Utsav is just a few days away, and devotees across the city are awaiting the first glimpse of Bappa with utmost patience and heartfelt excitement. Mumbaikars are all set to celebrate the much-awaited festival, and if you're out and about in the city, you will already spot various events marking the ‘Aagman Sohala’ (the ceremonial welcome of Lord Ganesha).

One of the most iconic and beloved pandals in Mumbai, Lalbaug cha Raja, is once again in the spotlight. Known for its spiritual significance and magnificent setups every year, the mandal is gearing up to welcome lakhs of devotees. The first look of Lalbaug cha Raja was unveiled on August 24, and Bappa’s divine presence left everyone in awe.

A Royal Tribute to Tirupati Balaji

This year’s 10-day celebration is nothing short of grand. Lalbaug cha Raja has been sculpted by the renowned Santosh Ratnakar Kambli of Murtikar Shree Kambli Arts, and the idol itself is a breathtaking tribute to Tirupati Balaji. Dressed in a regal rani-pink velvet dhoti and an angavastram adorned with the sacred SriVari namam, the divine mark of Lord Venkateswara; Bappa’s look this year blends traditional elegance with deep symbolism. In one hand, he holds a chakra, and in the other, a conch shell. Both powerful symbols of divinity, strength, and protection. His serene expression radiates calm and blessings. The idol is flanked by golden pillars, topped with intricately crafted elephants and his trusted vaahan, the mushak, creating the aura of a royal golden palace. The decor, designed by Yogesh Popat’s team, draws inspiration from South Indian temple architecture while maintaining the spirit of Mumbai’s vibrant celebration.

Darshan Details for Devotees

Like every year, devotees have two Darshan options. The first is the Mukh Darshan queue, which allows visitors to have Bappa’s Darshan from a short distance. This queue is relatively quick, usually taking around 30-45 minutes.

The second option is the Navsachi Rang, a special line for devotees who have made vows and wish to seek blessings through charan sparsh  (touching the feet of the idol on the main podium). This queue involves a much longer wait, typically 10 to 11 hours, and can extend to 18 hours on especially crowded days, such as weekends.

Both queues will begin with a morning aarti at 4:00 AM on August 27, 2025. Darshan will remain open round-the-clock until Visarjan Day, which falls on September 6, 2025.

Travel Information for Devotees

If you are planning to visit, here’s how you can reach the pandal:

By train, those on the Central line can get down at either Chinchpokli or Byculla station. If you’re traveling via the Western line, the nearest stop is Lower Parel. From there, it’s about a 7 to 10-minute walk. The Mukh Darshan queue can be accessed from B.R. Ambedkar Road. A useful landmark to look out for is the Lalbaug Market.

By road, several BEST buses operate from all parts of the city. However, keep in mind that a portion of the road near Ganesh Gully is usually closed during the 10-day festival. You can get off at Bharatmata Cinema bus stop and walk toward Lalbaug Market. On your way, you can also visit other prominent mandals such as Mumbai cha Raja and Tejukaya Mansion.

While public transport is highly recommended due to traffic and limited space, if you're planning to drive, there are a few pay-and-park facilities available in the area, including locations near S.S. Rao Road (Parel), G.D. Ambedkar Road (Kalachowky), Cottongreen (near the railway station), and Dr. B.A. Road near Byculla (East). From most of these parking spots, expect to walk around 10 to 15 minutes to reach the main pandal area.

Will you be visiting Lalbaug cha Raja or exploring other mandals across the city? We’d love to know! Share your experiences, photos, and moments with us.

The Dancebee

What are your thoughts on SRK's Met Gala debut, and his all black look? 

Drop a comment below and let us know!

Love,

Dancebee

 Making history with his debut at the Met Gala 2025, Diljit Dosanjh turned heads and stole the spotlight with a look that was nothing short of iconic. Rooted in the elegance of Sikh royalty, his ensemble celebrated the opulence of Indian heritage while effortlessly blending in contemporary fashion cues.

Clad in a custom creation by Prabal Gurung, Diljit’s outfit paid homage to the maharaja era—luxurious silks, ornate jewels, precise tailoring, and a poised, commanding silhouette. Every element was meticulously curated, from the sculpted turban to the layering of rich fabrics and regal accessories. The look drew striking parallels to the Maharaja of Patiala, whose flamboyant fashion and larger-than-life presence once defined an era of Indian aristocratic style. The pièce de résistance was a dramatic cape, adorned with a map of Punjab and script in Gurmukhi—subtle yet powerful nods to his roots.

More than just a tribute to heritage, Diljit’s look was a flawless embodiment of the Met Gala 2025 theme: Black Dandyism. The theme, celebrating self-expression, elegance, and subversion through hyper-stylized menswear, found a powerful echo in Diljit’s ensemble. With bold layering, intricate embroidery, and an elevated sense of masculinity, his look brought together tradition and modernity in a way that felt both personal and culturally resonant.

This was not just a fashion moment—it was a bold statement. A synergy of East meets West, vintage meets modern, and royalty meets runway. Diljit didn’t just dress for the Met Gala; he owned it.

It’s no surprise that his debut is already being hailed as one of the night’s most talked-about looks. What’s not to love? With impeccable style, cultural pride, and thematic precision, Diljit Dosanjh delivered a red carpet moment for the ages.

Styling: Abhilasha D

What are your thoughts on Diljit's look at Met Gala 2025? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Love,

Dancebee

Following the success of its predecessor, Raid 2 dives deeper into the world of high-stakes corruption and justice. With powerful performances and a gripping narrative, the film delivers a worthy continuation of Amay Patnaik’s relentless mission. So, what's the plot? Officer Amay Patnaik is transferred to Bhoj for his 75th raid, this time targeting a corrupt politician - Manohar Dinkar aka Dada Bhai. As Amay uncovers layers of hidden black money, he faces suspension, but refuses to back down. With support from his team and wife, he brings Dada to justice. The story ends with a tease for Raid 3, hinting at a new alliance and bigger challenges ahead.

Raid 2 is a gripping entertainer that not only lives up to the legacy of its predecessor, but builds on it with confidence and flair. Filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta returns to the director’s chair with a vision that's both expansive and tightly controlled. He masterfully blends action, drama, and suspense into a narrative that remains engaging throughout its runtime. The story unfolds with a compelling pace, along with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Dialogues are sharp and impactful, especially in the second half, where emotions run high and the tension peaks. There are several standout moments that genuinely leave the viewer at the edge of their seat, a testament to the film’s strong screenplay.

Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the stoic and unwavering Amay Patnaik, bringing his trademark gravitas to the character. With a performance that is both restrained and powerful, Devgn anchors the film with quiet intensity. His presence lends credibility to the proceedings and reminds us why he remains one of Bollywood’s most dependable stars when it comes to serious, performance-driven roles.

However, it is Riteish Deshmukh who owns the film with his impeccable act. As 'Dada Bhai', he is a revelation. His portrayal of a seemingly noble public figure who harbors a deeply sinister side is both chilling and magnetic. Riteish brings a layered subtlety to the role, crafting a villain who is as charismatic as he is dangerous. His performance is bound to be remembered as one of the film’s strongest assets.

The supporting cast is equally impressive.  Saurabh Shukla makes a comeback, and his character adds some depth to the storyline. Amit Sial's earnest act adds a touch of humour. Vaani Kapoor delivers a confident and effective performance, playing her part with just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. Amit Trivedi’s background score does an excellent job of enhancing the film’s tension without overpowering the scenes. The soundtrack, while not the film’s primary focus, adds emotional resonance at the right moments. For audiences planning to catch the film, a quick revisit of Raid might help set the context, though Raid 2 does a decent job of establishing its own narrative foundation. 

Overall, Raid 2 is a well-crafted sequel that hits the right notes. With packed cinemas and enthusiastic audience reactions, it’s clear that the film has struck a chord. A perfect blend of strong performances, gripping storytelling, and powerful moments.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Love,

The Dancebee

 Chhaava is a historical drama that delves into the life, times, and legacy of the Maratha Empire and its courageous king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Led by Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, the film serves as a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience, offering a glimpse into one of India’s most turbulent and defining periods. Chhaava chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the fearless and resilient son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who led the Maratha Empire during a tumultuous period marked by battles against the Mughal empire. The film portrays his unwavering determination, the sacrifices he made for his kingdom, and his courageous stand against Emperor Aurangzeb, all while exploring the internal conflicts, political intrigue, and personal struggles within the empire. 

In a performance that is as fierce and commanding as the legendary warrior king he portrays, Vicky Kaushal delivers a tour de force in Chhaava, embodying the indomitable spirit of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. From the very first moment he graces the screen, there’s no trace of the actor; there’s only the presence of the King — the warrior, the ruler, the son of the great Shivaji Maharaj. His portrayal is nothing short of monumental. There’s not a single scene where you will Kaushal; instead, you see Sambhaji Raje, the fire in his eyes, the power in his words, and the raw emotion in every gesture. Vicky doesn’t just act; he becomes Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His commitment to the role is palpable, with each nuance, each line of dialogue imbued with authenticity and soul. His towering presence demands attention, and it’s impossible to look away. He doesn’t just shine, he owns the film, commanding the screen with every step, every word, every battle cry. 

The first half sets the stage for what's to come, but it’s in the second half where things take a solid turn. As the tension rises, the stakes become personal, and Vicky’s performance goes from powerful to transcendent. The final 40 minutes of the film will leave you speechless — a masterclass in raw, emotional, and unrelenting acting. I can’t think of a single soul who will walk out of the theater without a tear in their eye. The emotional weight of Sambhaji Maharaj’s journey, his sacrifice, and his undying courage is felt in every frame. 

A standout performance of the film comes from Akshay Khanna, whose portrayal of the ruthless Emperor Aurangzeb is nothing short of mesmerising. His performance feels effortless, as he sinks deep into the character, embodying the cold, calculating nature of the emperor with subtlety and precision. His ability to capture the complexity of Aurangzeb—ruthless in his ambitions yet burdened by his own fears and insecurities—adds layers to the character, making him far more than just a historical villain.  Khanna delivers a masterclass in acting, and his portrayal will be remembered for years to come.

 The ensemble cast also delivers some remarkable performances. Vineet Kumar’s portrayal of Kavi Kalash is one of the most memorable aspects of the film. His nuanced and understated performance brings depth and complexity to the character, making him an essential part of the narrative. Ashutosh Rana essays Sarlashkar Hambhirrao Mohite, who stands tall with his bravery and courage. Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai performs admirably within the scope of her role. Mandanna adds a touch of grace and emotional depth to every scene she graces. The film beautifully depicts the love story between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife Yesubai, highlighting his deep respect for women, and admiration for his beloved 'Shri Sakhi', making their bond an emotional anchor in the narrative.

While the film shines with its stellar performances, there are a few areas that could have done with some improvement. The soundtrack, unfortunately, fails to match the grandeur of the period drama. Also, the background score feels jarring at times, especially in sequences that demand a more powerful and culturally fitting musical backdrop. For a film set during the Maratha empire, the score leans too heavily on a Mughal-inspired sound, which fails to capture the pulse of the Marathi heartland. Tracks like “Jaane Tu” and “Toofan” do little to elevate the film’s emotional tone. In scenes such as Kaushal’s grand entry in Burhanpore or the coronation sequence; a more vibrant, traditional score infused with the beats of Maharashtrian dhol and tasha would have been ideal. Unfortunately, the music does not add much value and could have been a lot more immersive.

The film’s editing, too, leaves something to be desired. Some scenes feel unnecessarily abrupt, especially when transitioning between the Maratha and Mughal narratives. For example, a scene focusing on the Marathas strategizing is followed by a jarring cut to the Mughals discussing their own plans. The pacing also suffers in the first half, which tends to feel a bit dragged. Fortunately, the second half compensates for these issues, with the climactic 40 minutes of the film offering an intense emotional rollercoaster. The final act—brilliantly shot and emotionally charged—takes the film to new heights, leaving you overwhelmed with awe, pride, and heartbreak. The emotional impact of the conclusion is so profound that it is impossible to leave the auditorium without being moved to tears. 

In conclusion, Chhaava is a must-watch for its glorious depiction of the Maratha Empire and the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. While there are a few areas where the film could have been improved—namely the music, background score, and editing—the performances and the breathtaking climax more than make up for it. Also, for too long, Hindi cinema has lacked an action hero who can take on such larger-than-life roles with the kind of conviction and intensity Kaushal brings to this character. He is not just playing a role; he is honouring a legacy, a legacy that deserves to be seen, felt, and celebrated. 

Vicky Kaushal has not only given us a performance for the ages, but he has also immortalised the spirit of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in a way that will resonate for generations to come. A film that honours the rich legacy of the Maratha Empire and the unsung heroes who shaped its destiny; Chhaava is a cinematic journey that will resonate with audiences long after they’ve left the theatre.  This is cinema at its finest — raw, real, and filled with the fire of a king who will never be forgotten. 

Glory to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj!

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Love,

The Dancebee