Zubeen Garg’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, has finally spoken up to address rumours about the late singer’s finances and music rights. After reports suggested confusion over who controls Garg’s vast catalogue and how much money he earned from it, Sharma clarified that most of the singer’s 38,000-plus songs actually belong to music labels and producers.

He wrote, “Almost all of Zubeen da’s songs, even the biggest blockbusters, were done before I entered his life. He often lamented how he was shortchanged, with producers and labels earning crores while he received only modest payments. This can be verified with those companies directly.” He then clarified that the late singer had taken steps to build ownership over some of his later works by establishing Zubeen Garg Music LLP. 

Sharma added, “The LLP has generated only a few thousand rupees monthly so far. The entire amount remains in the company account, with no withdrawals. Zubeen da owned 60 per cent of the firm, and I consider it my duty to ensure that his family rightfully inherits this stake.

As per Sharma’s statement, the royalties credited through the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) for Zubeen’s work as a composer and lyricist always went into the singer’s personal account and would now legally pass on to his wife, Garima Garg. He further stressed that he cooperated with the Special Investigation Team (SIT). 

“These rumours are baseless and deeply hurtful. I have cooperated with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing his death and will continue to do so. This is a request from one human being to another. Let the investigation proceed without fear or prejudice. We owe it to Zubeen da’s memory to pursue truth with dignity.” Zubeen passed away on September 19 after a scuba diving incident in Singapore. He was in Singapore for the Northeast India Festival.

Following his death, reports suggested that Siddhartha Sharma had been summoned by the SIT for questioning on October 6. Summons were also issued to Shyamkanu Mahanta, the person who organised the Northeast India festival in Singapore.

A dozen other people who were present with Zubeen on the yacht have also been summoned. SIT also raided Siddhartha’s Guwahati residence earlier this week.

Also Read: Assam CM Says Zubeen Garg’s Death Certificate States Drowning As The Reason, Awaits Post-Mortem

Actress Rani Mukerji won her first-ever National Film Award this year for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. She won the Best Actress Award for the film. During the ceremony, the actress shared the space with her long-time collaborator Shah Rukh Khan. While videos of their adorable reunion flooded the internet, there was another detail that caught everyone’s eyes.

The actress was seen wearing a pendant with her daughter Adira’s name engraved on it. Later, she revealed that she wore the pendant because she couldn’t bring her daughter to the ceremony.

In a conversation with India Today, Mukerji said, “She (Adira) was howling because she wanted to be part of the National Award function. We were told that children under 14 were not allowed. I had to tell her that you cannot be with me. She said it was ‘unfair’ that she couldn’t be with me on my special day. I asked her not to worry and told her that I would have you with me on my special day. She’s my lucky charm. I wanted her with me, and this was the closest I could do. I want to thank everyone who made those reels and snippets on Instagram, writing that ‘Rani carried her daughter along.’ I showed them to Adira, and it calmed her down.”

Meanwhile, after winning the award, the actress shared, “I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me. I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs Chatterjee. To my incredible fans, thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support have been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy and happiness to see how happy you are.”

Also Read: Rani Mukerji on National Award Win: “This Award Is a Tribute to All The Mothers Around The World”

India’s entry for Oscar’s nomination, Homebound, has finally been released in theatres. The film marks Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to feature films after a decade since Masaan. It stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles. The film was released on September 26, and it had a slow but steady start. As per the box office tracker Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 29 lakh in India on its first day. So far, on its second day, it has collected Rs 2 lakh, and the earnings are expected to rise a bit as the day progresses.

Meanwhile, people who have watched the film have hailed it as one of the most impactful films of this year. Netizens praised it highly and seemed impressed with the performance of the lead cast.

The film is based on journalist Bashrat Peer’s reportage, Taking Amrit Home. It follows two friends in rural India, Mohammad Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (played by Vishal Jethwa), as they prepare for police recruitment exams. Shoaib, employed as an office boy in an MNC, experiences discrimination due to his religion, while Chandan, a Dalit, is subjected to caste-based insults. Both individuals believe that securing a government job, especially one involving a uniform, will enable them to gain the respect that society has not given them. However, Corona strikes, flipping their worlds around and exposing them to more prejudice and discrimination. Janhvi Kapoor plays the character of their friend. She is a young PhD aspirant who is also dealing with her own set of restrictions.

Filmfare’s reviewer rated the film 5 out of 5 and wrote, “The performances feel lived-in. It must be harsh for all three leads, Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, who we are sure haven’t experienced such discrimination first-hand ever in their lives, to process the script and come up with authentic performances. Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa share an easy camaraderie throughout. They play off each other, and their chemistry is the soul of the film. The angst, the anger they constantly feel, is genuine. Kudos to the actors for choosing roles far beyond their comfort zone and acing them. And kudos also to Neeraj Ghaywan for helping them achieve this feat. Janhvi doesn’t have a big role but is at her earthy best playing a girl determined to better herself. The rest of the cast too go about their roles perfectly, giving able support.”

Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2026. If nominated, the movie will represent India in the Best International Feature category.

Also Read: Homebound Public Review: Audience Hails It As 2025’s Most Impactful Film