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Hans Zimmer collaborates with Shashwat Sachdev for the title theme of British series Virdee

In a landmark collaboration, two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer-renowned for iconic scores such as The Lion King and Inception-has joined forces with India’s national award-winning composer Shashwat Sachdev for the title theme of the British television series Virdee. The title track also features Emmy-winning British film and television composer and music producer James Everingham, celebrated for his impactful contributions to projects like ‘Apollo: Missions To The Moon’. This collaboration epitomises the evolving dynamics within the global entertainment landscape, highlighting South Asian music supremacy whilst celebrating the cross-cultural intersections that define contemporary cinema and television. Shashwat Sachdev, celebrated for his work on films such as Uri and Article 370, not only makes history as the first Indian composer to co-compose with Zimmer but also as the only Indian artist to release music under his esteemed label, Extreme Music, which also boasts of Deadmau5, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland on its roster. Sachdev’s earlier albums, ‘Euphoria (And the Following Realities)’ released in 2021 and ‘Shades of Cashmere’ released in 2022, have garnered significant acclaim, with ‘Euphoria’ winning the PRS Foundation’s Best Newcomer Award and the track ‘Dharma’ taking home the Best World Production Music Award at the 2021 Production Music Awards. Virdee, adapted from the gripping novels by A. A. Dhand, promises to be an exhilarating crime thriller set against the gritty backdrop of modern-day England. Directed by the talented Mark Tonderai-whose keen eye for tension and drama has enriched projects like Gotham and Locke & Key-the series features a stellar cast, including Staz Nair, Aysha Kala, and Kulvinder Ghir, ensuring captivating performances that align with the intense narrative. Reflecting on this significant milestone, Shashwat Sachdev shares, “The joy of composing across continents is realising that good sound doesn’t need translation it just needs truth. From Mumbai to Los Angeles, it’s still the same heartbeat. This collaboration carried humility, pride, and soulfulness all in one breath a reminder that music isn’t made, it’s remembered. Sometimes I feel like a nomad, a gypsy soul travelling through cultures and countries, exploring new musical worlds as I move along this journey and working with Hans and James was one exceptionally beautiful world that I ever stepped into.”Shashwat Sachdev’s involvement in this groundbreaking project signifies a transformative moment for Indian music on the global landscape, paving the way for a new era in the fusion of music and storytelling. Also Read: Producer Namit Malhotra wishes Hans Zimmer on his birthday: “Can’t believe you’re part of our Ramayana journey”.

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Sushant Singh Rajput’s family alleges CBI probe into his death to be “incomplete and misleading,” to file protest petition

Five years after Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death, the late actor’s family has decided to contest the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report, which concluded that the 34-year-old star had died by suicide. The report cleared actor Rhea Chakraborty of all allegations, but Sushant’s family has strongly disputed the findings, terming the investigation “incomplete” and “misleading.”The CBI, in its March 2025 report, ruled out foul play, stating that there was no evidence to prove that Rhea Chakraborty abetted Rajput’s suicide or misappropriated his finances. It emphasized that the actor was alone at his Bandra apartment between June 8 and June 14, 2020-the day he was found dead-and that neither Rhea nor her brother Showik had visited him during that period. However, Sushant’s family remains unconvinced. As per a report by Mid-Day, their lawyer, Advocate Varun Singh, slammed the report, alleging laxity in the investigation. “This is nothing but an eyewash. If the CBI wanted to uncover the truth, it should have submitted all supporting documents-chats, technical data, witness statements, and medical records. We will file a protest petition against this closure report, which is based on a shoddy investigation,” Singh said. The CBI’s submission included two closure reports filed earlier this year. The first addressed a complaint lodged by Sushant’s father, K. K. Singh, in Patna, accusing Rhea and her family of driving the actor to suicide and mishandling his finances. The second involved a case Rhea had registered against Sushant’s sisters in Mumbai. The agency’s findings further stated that Rajput’s financial matters were transparently handled by his chartered accountant and lawyer. It also deemed the actor’s expenses on Rhea-including a 2019 Europe trip-legitimate and voluntary. Responding to these claims, Varun Singh asserted that the CBI’s conclusions lacked transparency, saying, “Merely claiming that funds weren’t withdrawn from Sushant’s account isn’t enough. The CBI must present detailed bank statements to substantiate its conclusion. This flimsy report won’t hold in court.”The case will next be heard before a Patna court on December 20, where the family intends to formally challenge the CBI’s closure report. Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty shares emotional moment of dancing in jail after bail in Sushant Singh Rajput case; says, “I did naagin dance on the day of my bail”.

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Indie sensation Aditya Rikhari makes Bollywood debut with ‘Raat Bhar’ from De De Pyaar De 2, watch

After making waves in the independent music scene with hits like ‘Sahiba’ and ‘Paro,’ singer-songwriter Aditya Rikhari is now set to make his mark in Bollywood with his latest track, ‘Raat Bhar,’ from the upcoming romantic drama De De Pyaar De 2. Released by T-Series on Wednesday, the song is a melodious ode to love, longing, and late-night nostalgia, perfectly capturing the chemistry between Rakul Preet Singh and Meezaan Jafri in the film. With his signature soothing vocals and contemporary musical style, Aditya brings a refreshing energy to the soundtrack, marking a smooth transition from his indie roots to mainstream cinema. Speaking about the track, he shared, “’Raat Bhar’ is very close to my heart. It carries the same honesty and emotion I’ve always tried to bring to my independent music, but this time, it’s a part of a larger story on the big screen. I’m grateful to T-Series and the team of De De Pyaar De 2 for trusting my sound and giving me this opportunity.”Over the years, Rikhari has built a loyal fanbase with his unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. With ‘Raat Bhar,’ he not only adds another feather to his cap but also cements his place as one of the most promising new voices in the Indian music industry. Also Read: From Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Kapoor to Nushrratt Bharuccha, industry stars applaud ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ Trailer: “Can’t wait to watch it in theatres”.