Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 27 ENTERTAINMENT May 29, 2026 A ctor Rashmika Mandanna, in a momentum ad- dition to her global rise, joined Hollywood star Winston Duke at the 10th edition of the Crunchy- roll Anime Awards, which took place on Saturday night in Tokyo, Japan. Duke shared pictures from the awards ceremony on Instagram, along with a couple of moments as he shared the stage with Rashmika. “Thank you @crunchyroll for an amazing trip and an incredible time at @animeawards.official. This was my first ever trip to Japan, and what an experience it was…it felt surreal to immerse myself in such a rich culture and meet such incredible people,” the ‘Black Panther’ actor wrote. Describing his experience of meeting Rashmika Man- danna, Duke added, “Including sharing this moment with the incomparable @rashmika_mandanna…I had a blast… pure peace!” Reacting to the post, the ‘Pushpa’ star shared that she had a lovely time in Tokyo. “@winstoncduke it was so so lovely meeting you… Have a lovely time in Tokyo. Until we meet again,” Rash- mika commented. For the Anime Awards, Rashmika Mandanna wore a stunning sequinned black off-shoulder dress, which she paired with a statement neckpiece. Crunchyroll marked the 10th edition of its Anime Awards, honouring this year’s winners. Hosted by Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira, the awards saw the final season of ‘My Hero Academia’ for the coveted ‘Anime of the Year’. The award was presented by TheWeeknd. Among other big winners were ‘Demon Slayer: Kimet- su no Yaiba Infinity Castle’ for Film of the Year, ‘Lazarus’ for Best Original Anime, ‘One Piece’ for Best Continuing Series, and ‘Gachiakuta’ for Best New Series. On the work front for Rashmika Mandanna, she will be next seen in Homi Adajania’s ‘Cocktail 2’. Also featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles, the film will hit theatres on June 19, 2026. - ANI ‘Black Panther’ Star Winston Duke Shares “Incomparable” Moment With Rashmika Mandanna At Anime Awards 2026 PHOTO:COURTESY ANI I ndia’s all-girl pop group VIVA, featuring Neha Bhasin, Anushka Manchanda, Pratichee Mohapatra, and Mahua Kamat, is set to return to streaming platforms more than two decades. After years of effort and persistence by VIVA in col- laboration with JioStar, the music is finally returning to audiences across the world through KaanPhod and all major audio streaming platforms. Speaking about VIVA’s legacy, Anushka Manchanda in a press note expressed, “VIVA represents a powerful mo- ment in time that laid the foundation for us to be strong, independent women. We are humbled and grateful for the love we have continued to receive over the last two decades, and so this moment feels all the more magical as it comes together!” Neha Bhasin, sharing her excitement, added, “VIVA was never just a band, it became a feeling, a memory and an entire era for us and for a generation that grew up with our music. As India’s first pop girl band, we shared something truly special together and that connec- tion has stayed alive over the years through the incredible love of our audiences. I’m so happy that the songs and videos which defined so many millennial memories will now finally be available for newer generations to discover, experience and enjoy as well.” “VIVA feels inseparable from who I am, almost like an extension of my own name. It was where my musi- cal journey truly began, shaping me not just as an artist but as a person. It holds some of my happiest memories, deepest friendships and biggest milestones. Seeing the music return after all these years feels emotional, nostal- gic and a little surreal. There’s something beautiful about knowing these songs will now become part of the lives of both old listeners and an entirely new generation,” said Pratichee Mohapatra Mahua Kamat added, “The music of VIVA is finally re- turning to where it has always belonged with the listeners who have carried these songs in their hearts for all these years. The love and support we’ve continued to receive across generations has been truly overwhelming, and it means so much to know that fans everywhere can now stream, rediscover and celebrate these songs all over again.” - ANI India’s Girl Band VIVA Returns After 20 Years T he much-awaited trailer of Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s much-awaited action entertainer ‘Maa Inti Bangaaram’ is finally unveiled, bringing the actor in a never-before-seen action avatar. The trailer opens to show Samantha trying to be a good daughter-in-law, only to find herself struggling to keep up with the fam- ily’s expectations. However, things take an unexpected turn after Samantha’s character is shown fighting dangerous enemies in a bid to protect her family. The actor could be seen performing high- octane action sequences, dominating the trailer with her daring moves. Earlier this month, the makers announced that the film’s release had been postponed. The film, which was earlier supposed to hit the theatres on May 15, will now release on June 19. Sharing the update, Samantha took to Instagram and wrote, “It’s time to pull the trigger. #MaaIntiBangaaram in theatres worldwide on JUNE 19, 2026.” Maa Inti Bangaaram follows a woman who arrives in a traditional household as the new daughter-in-law – composed, obedient, scrutinised. What the family doesn’t know is what she’s hiding. When the past she buried refuses to stay buried, she must protect the very people who don’t fully trust her, without ever letting them see who she really is, read a press note. Speaking about the film, Samantha Ruth Prabhu earlier said, “Maa Inti Bangaaram tells the story of a woman whose strength comes as much from her vulnerability as from her courage,” as per a press release. She added, “Playing this character and nurturing this film as a producer has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me. The world of this film is rooted and emotional with a narrative style dedicated to being family first and slice of life, whilst maintain- ing its quirky, edgy energy. I’m truly excited for audiences to experience this story and connect with its spirit when it reaches them.” Produced by Raj Nidimoru, Samantha and Himank Duvvuru, the film is helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Nandini Reddy. - ANI ‘Maa Inti Bangaaram’ Trailer: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Packs A Punch In Fierce Avatar Winston Duke and Rashmika Mandanna. PHOTO:COURTESY ANI PHOTO:COURTESY ANI