Entertainment

Have you seen those oversized, glassy eyes staring back at you all over the internet? Those are Labubu  toys. Its craze is taking over social media, and it's hard to avoid being influenced. With its sharp little teeth and creepy-cute smile, this toy is equally adorable and unsettling. It's like a character from a dark children's book - a mischievous monster that's both fascinating and unnerving. 

It’s the kind of thing you don’t expect to trend, but then again, that’s exactly why it does.

Labubu is part of The Monsters, a designer toy series created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart. Unlike mainstream stuffed animals, these toys are made in limited runs, often released in “blind boxes"i.e. you don’t know which version you’ll get until you open it. That surprise, mixed with the collectable scarcity, is a big part of the appeal. But that’s only half the story.

The real reason Labubu’s blowing up? It’s strange. And strange is interesting.

There’s something about its design, those wide, staring eyes, the slightly off proportions, the sharp little teeth that feels like it shouldn’t work. But it does. In a world full of overly polished, algorithm-friendly aesthetics, Labubu feels raw. A little eerie for sure. And that’s why people are drawn to it.

Especially Gen Z, who’ve made it their own. It’s become part of a broader shift in how young people interact with objects, especially online. Labubu isn’t just a collectible now,for many it’s part of a carefully curated online identity. It shows up in unboxing reels, moodboard dumps, “What’s in my bag” edits,Whether you're into Y2K vibes or pastel-core minimalism, this odd little figure has all of those. That’s what makes it so viral,it slips into aesthetic niches with its wise variety.

But the Labubu story doesn’t stop at design trends. Like anything that gains attraction online, it soon attracted its share of theories and chaos.

Scroll through Reels or Reddit and you’ll find stories ranging from silly to borderline paranormal. Someone claims their Labubu “moved on its own.” Someone else jokes about waking up with scratches on their arm after sleeping next to one. There’s even a rumour that one of the dolls had a hidden camera inside its eye. None of this has been confirmed, obviously. Most of it sounds like typical internet myth-making. But that hasn’t stopped people from believing-or at least pretending to believe it

There’s also the Simpsons connection. A clip from an old Halloween episode, where a possessed doll wreaks havoc, started making the rounds with captions suggesting the show “predicted Labubu.” Again, no actual connection. But the eerie vibes match, and that’s all the internet needs.

Pop Mart, to their credit, handled it well. They joined in on the joke with an April Fool’s “recall notice” blaming supernatural behaviour. It was obviously fake, but smart. It lets them lean into the chaos without taking themselves too seriously.

Meanwhile, the hype hasn’t slowed down. In India, too, Labubu has been popping up in haul videos, aesthetic what's in my bag, and toy collector posts. It's not exactly cheap; a single figure can range from ₹1,500 to over ₹10,000 but that hasn’t stopped fans. The price tag adds to the exclusivity. And in the age of flex culture, a weird little toy that’s hard to find and even harder to explain? That’s a perfect flex.

It’s worth noting that Labubu is part of a larger movement. More and more, people are surrounding themselves with objects that feel comforting, nostalgic, and a little odd. From Squishmallows to K-pop figurines, there’s a clear appetite for tangible things in a mostly digital world. Labubu just happens to hit a sweet spot that is it’s soft enough to be a comfort item, but weird enough to feel like a personality statement.

What’s surprising, maybe even a little concerning, is just how deep this obsession runs. People aren’t just buying one Labubu and calling it a day. Some fans don’t stop at just one. They're building whole collections,dozens lined up on shelves or dressed in tiny hoodies. Online forums are full of collectors swapping rare variants, hunting for limited drops, or just showing off their setups. It’s fun, sure, but it also reflects a deeper cycle of hype, FOMO, and the thrill of chasing the next box. You’ll find Labubu figures hanging from backpacks, dangling off keychains, or perched on study desks treated less like toys and more like talismans. It’s cute, yes, but it's also an obsession. Haul videos with fifteen or twenty Labubus aren’t uncommon. 

The obsession has spilled into accessories too. Entire online shops now sell Labubu display domes, zipper pouches, keychain cases,From hoodies to hats, owners are dressing them up like action figures with a wardrobe. Some resellers are making more from Labubu accessories than the toys themselves. 

Will the hype last? Probably not forever. Internet trends have short lifespans, and even the most viral moments eventually fade. 

For some, it’s about aesthetics. For others, it’s about the thrill of owning something exclusive. But beneath it all, there’s a quiet undertone of overconsumption, the kind that feeds on scarcity, trends, and the pressure to keep up before the next thing hits the feed. And this is where we are now as a generation so deep into internet culture that a wide-eyed, sharp-toothed doll most of us hadn’t even heard of two months ago is suddenly a desired thing of all.

It’s a reflection of how trends work today fast, unpredictable, and often disconnected from meaning. Most people buying Labubu don’t know its origin or backstory. But that doesn't really matter anymore. In the world of aesthetic hauls and viral collectibles, it’s not about what something is.It’s a vibe: A little off, A little mysterious, Weirdly comforting, And completely impossible to ignore. 

By Aditi Sawarkar

Years after school, one very rare childhood memory of Samantha Ruth Prabhu resurfaced in the public eye recently and this time received accolades for the actress—for her studies this time. A photo of her Class 10 report card was going viral on social media, sending waves of nostalgia and affection. Being a confident performer on screen and down-to-earth, Samantha surprised fans once more—this time with her studies.

The marksheet reflected great marks in many subjects, which revealed a hard-working and disciplined side of the star that people hadn't seen before. While her talent for film-making is adequately proven, the preview of her school days helped to reinforce her image even more, so much so that people started referring to her as a special blend of beauty and brains. It was, of course, an offhand comment penned by one of her schoolteachers that really touched people's hearts. Citing her as an "asset to the school," the comment melted the fans and caused them to respect her more than the good grades themselves.

The re-discovered school essay then created a stir on the web, where the photograph posted by the fans was preceded by phrases of throwback memories, love, and pride. Most were particularly moved by the poignancy of the words written by the teacher herself, knowing that even during her own younger years, Samantha had affected people she spent time with so much.

She countered the shock internet wave with sweetness and laughter. She uploaded the picture of the old report card on X (formerly Twitter) with a brief yet sweet caption that read, "Ha ha, this popped up again. Awww."

Her gracious and humble reply only served to endear her more to the masses. It was not as much her greatness that she had known before, which gained the affections of all—it was her humility and dignity in acknowledging where she had been.

While Samantha has stayed relatively low-key since her own breakup, she remains a public interest. She was recently seen with director Raj Nidimoru, with whom she works on two films as well. There's word that Raj himself is making a personal transformation of his own, although neither have been reported to be doing so publicly.

Professionally, Samantha continues adding to her illustrious net portfolio. She recently also appeared in Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Indian adaptation of the American spy-action television series, whose performance impressed netizens as much as it did critics. Presently, she is working on web series Rakt Brahmand and also gearing up for Bangaram. Both are highly anticipated by her fans, who continue to be her pillar of strength at every stage of her life.

The world of sports in the 21st century has changed drastically. Sports events are no longer solely focused on athletic ability and competition; they have become entertainment spectacles. From great musical acts to well recognized mascots, fan engagement zones, and everything in between, the world of sports has found a home in the world of entertainment. Certainly, the rise of entertainment has a basis in globalization and commercialization, but the confluence is based much more broadly - competition is just one of many things spectators now expect, as entertainment and engagement become reference points for audience expectations that reflect shifts in technology, media consumption, and culture.

There is a long-term trend of sports and entertainment merging into single, multifaceted events for the benefit of not only die-hard fans but also families, influencers, sponsors, and ultimately, a global audience.

Traditionally, sports have been a straightforward demonstration of skill, stamina, and strategy. But, in this age of digital distraction and entertainment consumption, the paradigm of the modern sports event and the vision of global reach are shifting. This article is accelerated by music, mascots, and ever-growing features that enhance the fan experience.

The Transformation of Sports Spectatorship

Remember the time when attending a sporting event just meant going to watch the match and then walking home? Today, sports spectatorship—from social viewing to live events (i.e. fan-events)—is focused on public engagement, spectacle, and immersion.  "Sportainment," or the intersection of sport and entertainment, is reflective of the cultural capital being demanded by sport and social spectators that is entering the market as a result of the growing demand for deeper levels of engagement and social experiences that also have meaning as personally worthwhile experiences. Together with the emergence of culture within sports beyond the competition, the spectacle, celebration, festival, and fairground experiences are commonplace in spectator experiences.

To be clear, this has started to happen in all aspects of and in form across sport; from cricket, football, and rugby to basketball, league championships, and festivals like the Olympics. Of course, organizations, franchise teams, and sponsors are investing into experience that extend beyond the match or game. This includes a slate of pre- event concerts, half-time shows, digital activations, themed after events or parties, and much more. it is clear that the winner and loser of the event matters less than how entertaining the entire event experience was!

The Emergence of Sports Entertainment Culture

The idea of “sports as entertainment” is not new. Ancient Roman gladiatorial battles were not only battles but performances and spectacles as well. However, it encompasses an expansive version of this idea—particularly as global sporting events continue to face competition from other entertainment formats like OTT, Socio, Gaming and Technology. 

Continuing to be relevant, sports leagues and franchises are mixing entertainment and culture with a good bit of technology. Not only will they provide a game but a multi-hour experience to include the fans and keep the audience engaged from the moment they arrive to the end of the game.

Music as a Key Element

Music is a very important component of the ambiance around sports. The thumping entrance theme, happy goal music, or even live music enhances the emotions to which fans connect with the sporting products.

Live Acts and Half-Time Concerts 

Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, IPL (Indian Premier League), and NBA All-Star Weekend are examples of larger events that feature world -famous acts as the experience of the event with well-known musicians will be more attractive. The Super Bowl halftime show is now a global entertainment gross and often attracts more people to value the half-time concert than the actual game. For example, Beyoncés, Shakira, and Rihanna have performed at the Super Bowl in a manner in which the performances are now part of general pop culture history.

Closing and opening ceremonies for leagues such as the IPL (Indian Premier League ) feature musical acts, and make the event a major attraction for sports and entertainment fans. The musical acts improve the place's atmosphere, can improve sales, engage sponsors and broadcasters, and attract a broader audience of sport fans than regularly would attend sport events.

DJ Culture and In-Stadium Playlists

To be sure, less high profile games also use carefully curated in-stadium music to help take control of the mood and energy. DJs are booked to interact with crowds through remixes, chants, or local anthems. Clubs and franchises now take time to consider their walk-out songs, theme music, and chants, and how it perpetuates their identity and, even further, allows them to connect with their fans more deeply.

The Emergence of Mascots in Branding

Mascots have moved from being costumed characters to branding tools and engagement specialists. Today, mascots aren’t just providing entertainment for kids, but also serve as creators of content, about being influential on social media, and ambassadors for fans.

Mascots as a Tool for Engagement

Fans love mascots like Benny the Bull of the NBA, Gritty of the NHL, and La’eeb of FIFA for their humour, theatrics, and relatability. They dance, walk through the crowd, and join silly social media challenges, all of which tend to get picked up and go viral. For a sports team, this kind of distraction is critical in maintaining relevance, especially during an off-season.

In India, mascots such as Moochu Singh of the IPL Rajasthan Royals, or Sheru from the 2010 Commonwealth Games, do the same things. There is a linking of the mascot to local culture but more importantly, there is a link in the process of developing a brand of the team.

Merchandising and Brand Loyalty

Mascots are a major driver of merchandising. Fans eagerly purchase plush toys, apparel, mugs and themed, branded fan gear that goes along with the team mascot. When fans are able to keep items that have a tie to the team mascot, it helps to drive team revenue and provide fans with tangible items to show their loyalty. Additionally, the emotional attachment fans form with mascots helps shape the long-term branding of the sport or franchise.

The Match-Day Experience: Spectating vs. Participating

More and more sports stadiums/beaches are being designed to look and feel more like entertainment complexes with fan zones, virtual reality experiences, live gaming zones and gourmet food courts. The idea is to transition fans from being passive spectators to active participants.

Fan Zones and Interactive Spaces

Fan zones can be set up outside or inside stadiums. These areas often offer mini-games, player/celebrity meet-and-greets, selfie stations/take-your-own-photo stations, or even VR simulators. At football world cups or Formula 1 races, fan parks can gain as much notoriety as the actual game or event is the amount of community build-up and activation that occurs prior to game time or check-in.

The sports business landscape has changed with the addition of music, mascots, and larger match-day experiences to create a wholly entertaining experience.  This transformation reflects changes in audience expectations, and the impact of media and technology as the lines between sport, art, culture, and commerce continue to blur. In a growing environment of the new normal, we can expect the future of sport to be more entertaining, inclusive, and experiential.

What began as an intention to entertain fans, has exploded into what is now a cultural phenomenon all over the globe. Regardless if you are a die-hard supporter, a casual viewer or someone who is enticed by the music and festivities, the national/international event that is now a sporting event provides experience and opportunity for all. In this new era of sport, matches no longer have to just be won on the field, they are remembered in the beats of drums, the dance of mascots, and the cheers of engaged and entertained fans.

The Future of Spectator Sports

Today's sporting event is not just a game anymore: rather, it is a complete experience; a gathering; a media event; and a business. The blend of music, mascots, and entertainment brings more than just a match to those attending. In rebranding themselves as experience makers to engage their fans, the sports industry is creating new levels of engagement to fans; higher levels of viewing and attendance, greater levels of engagement in conversation, and changing the potential to make those relationships deeper and more meaningful.

As technology improves and audiences change, the merging of sport and entertainment will become even more connected. The stadiums of the future will look like a concert hall, a digital form of entertainment, a global community, and the backdrop to the age-old sport of competition. When the transformation of experience and entertainment is fully realized, the beautiful game—the beautiful sport—will become more beautiful.

BY ANANYA AWASTHI

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is now going to hold a space course work curriculum at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada. The new course, taught by the Creative School at TMU, will delve into the "cultural, musical and diasporic importance" of Dosanjh's career, Billboard Canada reported.

Described as "first of its kind," the course will trace the life of the Punjabi artist and his increasing relevance and impact globally. The announcement was made during the Billboard Summit at NXNE in Toronto. The course will be introduced at some point later this year, 2026.

"Toronto Metropolitan University is proud to be at the leading edge with a course on Diljit Dosanjh, whose career is the convergence of culture, identity and global music entrepreneurship," says Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Assistant Professor, The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University. "His success is indicative of the cultural importance and economic sustainability of Punjabi music globally.". His culture will likely dictate the way global pop culture is made by culture of place by his culture, engage with diasporic audiences, and assist in building sustainable creative economies that are real", Wall-Andrews adds, Billboard reports.

Sonali Singh, CEO of Ripple Effects and business manager for Diljit Dosanjh, had previously stated, "His path is greater than commercial achievement. It's cultural pride, artistic autonomy, and international acknowledgement for Punjabi and South Asian people. To see his legacy officially acknowledged in an academic environment is not only personal; it's long overdue."

The development comes amidst a furore over Dosanjh's new film "Sardaar Ji 3" with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Dosanjh and his team have been trolled by the All Indian Cine Workers Association for hiring the Pakistani actress, but PTI reports.

"This step at a time when the entire nation—140 crore Indians, the government, opposition, and people of every class—are united against Pakistan and in favor of the martyrs' family," the organization stated in a message.

Hania Aamir's inclusion in the film has witnessed the film being requested to boycott.

Dosanjh is presently touring with his "Dil-Luminati" tour and performing in France, the UK, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands later this year.

Sitare zameen par( released in 20th June 2025)

Film review by Aditi Sawarkar

Profile:

Language: Hindi,Tamil& Telegu 

By Aamir Khan Productions

Genre: Drama, Social Awareness|,  Children

Theme: Inclusion, Learning Disabilities, Empathy 

Directed by R.S.Prassana

Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Sequel of ‘Tare zameen par ’(2007)

Remake of 'campeones' (2018).

Which was directed by Javier Fesser

Worldwide box office collection by Day 5:

 Sitaare Zameen Par has earned ₹75.15 crore in India and ₹26 crore overseas, taking the total worldwide collection to approximately ₹101.15 crore.

Critics rating:3.5/5

IMDb rating:7.3/10

Brief synopsis

Aamir Khan stars as a coach named Gulshan Arora who’s reckless actions land him in a court, Instead of jail time, he’s handed community service and lands at a special needs school, tasked with coaching a basketball team made up of kids with intellectual disabilities. What starts as a punishment quickly becomes something else entirely. Je later realises that the children he came to "fix" are the ones teaching him. As he bonds with students who think and learn differently, he discovers the power of empathy, patience, and unfiltered joy. A heartwarming tale of inclusion and change. The film touches on themes of empathy, inclusion, and unlearning bias.

Review

Aamir Khan brings his usual charm and polish, though he plays it a bit safe. Genelia Deshmukh, as his wife, has a gentle screen presence but isn’t given much to do. The emotional heft of the film belongs to the kids, it’s the children who are the real stars. The team is made up of ten young actors, many of whom are neurodiverse themselves. Each character feels distinct , from the shy one who struggles to trust, to the confident prankster who lights up every room, to the determined player who won’t give up no matter how many times they fall.

The team has done their absolute best while portraying certain disabilities, helping people educate about them without it seeming like an attempt to seek sympathy or pity,Bantu (Vedant Sharma), for instance, often scratches his ear while concentrating which is a form of stimming that’s subtly shown, Guddu (Gopikrishnan K Verma) has a visible fear of water, or aquaphobia, but his panic never becomes his personality instead, it becomes a moment of  vulnerability. Sharmaji (Rishi Shahani), with his speech impairment, communicates in broken words and long pauses, yet speaks volumes with his expressions. Then there’s Hargovind (Naman Misra), whose high-functioning autism is never named, but visible

 They aren’t written as caricatures or objects of pity they’re loud, flawed, lovable kids who steal every scene with their honesty and energy.

Supporting characters like Gulshan’s mother Preeto(Dolly Ahluwalia), andTheir butler Daulatji  (Bijendra Kala) add moments of humour and friction, helping push the narrative forward without stealing focus from the central bond between coach and team.

A huge round of applause is reserved for the film’s heart , the incredible ensemble of young actors who play the basketball team. Vedant Sharma, Gopikrishnan K Verma, Rishi Shahani, Naman Misra, Ashish Pendse, Aroush Datta, Aayush Bhansali, Rishabh Jain, Simran Mangeshkar, and Samvit Desai bring boundless energy, warmth, and authenticity to their roles.

That said, the film isn’t without flaws. A few scenes drag on longer than they need to, and the final emotional high point teeters on melodrama. Some plot elements, like the team conveniently managing travel logistics for a big tournament, feel a bit too easy. But these are small trade-offs in a film that’s clearly driven by good intentions and big heart.

 While the narrative feels familiar at times, echoing Aamir Khan's own Taare Zameen Par, Sitare Zameen Par is a sweet reminder that sometimes, the ones who seem different are actually the ones who make the biggest difference.

Takeaway/Message

Sitare Zameen Par gently reminds us that inclusion isn't charity - it's a necessity. The film encourages us to look beyond labels and recognise the strengths, humour, and spirit in children who are often misunderstood or left behind. It challenges viewers to rethink what it means to be "normal," and highlights the value of patience, empathy, and human connection. It's not about changing the kids - it's about changing the way we see them.

Sitare Zameen Par is winning hearts across the country, with audiences calling it “a learning for all” and “perception-changing.” Social media is full of praise. Comments like “this film stays with you” and “an emotional journey we all needed”, Watching the 10 new actors along with #AamirKhan is soul touching! ”are all over Instagram.

What people have to say about this movie:

Sohum Shah (Actor/Filmmaker):

“A reminder that stories with heart do matter.”

He praised Aamir Khan for choosing meaningful storytelling over just star power  

 Sudha Murty (Philanthropist & Author):

 “Many people don’t understand… this film is an eye‑opener.”

Murty emphasized its thoughtful portrayal and urged everyone to watch it  

The Times of India:  “Aamir Khan’s film wins hearts with strong word‑of‑mouth… being described as ‘a learning for all.’”  

Darsheel Safary (star named as Eshan in the film ‘Taare Zameen Par’):  “My heart feels fuller, softer and happier.”  

TOI Entertainment Desk:  “Aamir Khan receives standing ovation at Sitare Zameen Par special screening… audience hailed film as ‘perception‑changing.’”

Sitare Zameen Par doesn’t try too hard to move you , it simply tells the truth. And in doing so, it reminds us that sometimes, the brightest stars are the ones we almost forget to look at.

Entertainment journalism has long been boxed into a single image- gossip columns, red carpet photos, paparazzi drama. It’s the kind of news that shows up on your feed when a celebrity changes their hairstyle, breaks up, or posts something cryptic. But that’s only one layer—often the noisiest, of a much more layered story.

The entertainment industry is massive. It’s chaotic, creative, political, and a lot more. And when journalism limits itself to celebrity relationships or social media controversies, it misses everything happening underneath. The real stories, the ones that shape how we see fame, art, culture, and ourselves, get pushed aside in favour of headlines that trend for 24 hours and are forgotten the next day.

There’s value in knowing what actors are working on or how they feel about a role, how the role’s affected them, all of that for sure. But there’s also value in knowing who’s writing the scripts, who’s building the sets, who takes care of the costumes, what it's like to work 16-hour days on a production and still not get credit. Entertainment journalism has room for that.

Moreover it has the potential to talk about things that matter beyond a specific film,series or show:

 How are streaming platforms changing the kind of stories we see?

Why is representation on screen not just about creating buzz, but something that impacts real people?

“What happens when industries glorify talent but ignore mental health?

These are not side topics. They’re the core of understanding how entertainment shapes and reflects society.

A clear example is how entertainment journalism contributed during the #MeToo movement in Bollywood. It wasn’t gossip pieces but detailed, respectful reporting that gave survivors space to speak, and forced the industry and the audience  to listen.

The fact remains that the audience is interested. More than ever, people want to know what’s happening behind the scenes. They want nuance. They want honesty. Maybe not in every article, and not every day. But there’s space for both the glamorous and the grounded. One doesn’t have to cancel the other out.

Journalism, at its best, tells the truth in ways that connect. In entertainment, that means moving past noise and limelight and chasing meaning. Not every story needs to be profound, but it should be more than just recycled PR. When journalists pay attention to the parts of the industry that aren’t built for virality, something better comes out of it, context, clarity, and maybe even change.

Gossip fades. Good stories don’t. And the entertainment world has plenty of good ones,if we’re willing to look.

By Aditi Sawarkar