A live concert by Indian trailblazing musician – Angaraag Mahanta, known by his stage name – ‘Papon’ was held in Colombo yesterday (Jan. 22).

The event was organised by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm- the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day of India.

A host of dignitaries including the acting High Commissioner – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, former President – Maithripala Sirisena, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe as well as Central Bank governor – Dr. Nandal Weerasinge and deputy ministers – Nalin Hewage, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Sunil Watagala, Mahinda Jayasinghe and Chathuranga Abeysinghe. In addition, the large gathering included members of defence and civil services of Sri Lanka, members of diplomatic corps, academia, members of business and media communities and Indian diaspora.

In a display of the rich cultural affinity between India and Sri Lanka, the evening commenced with a dynamic opening act titled ‘Swasthi’. The renowned Sri Lankan percussionist Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathi and his team showcased Indian melodies, including India’s National Song, ‘Vande Matram’ with the vibrant rhythm and traditional sounds of Sri Lanka.

Angaraag Mahanta aka Papon is a multifaceted musical genius-singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer and live performer.

With a voice that effortlessly blends smoothness and soul, he crafts a unique soundscape that spans ambient electronica, acoustic folk, electro-ghazals, and classical melodies.

In Bollywood, Papon’s rise to stardom has been marked by unforgettable hits like Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), Kyon (Barfi!), Jiyein Kyun (Dum Maaro Dum), Humnava (Hamari Adhuri Kahani), and Labon Ka Karobar (Befikre), along with contributions to films such as Sanju, Raid, Karwaan, and Sui Dhaaga.

A trailblazer in Indian non-film music, Papon has left an indelible mark with his participation in all four seasons of Coke Studio India and as the producer of two episodes of MTV Unplugged. His artistry has earned him accolades, including the Best Male Playback Singer awards at the Star Screen Awards, Mirchi Music Awards, TOIFA, GIMA, and IIFA Madrid.

Papon and his band have enthralled audiences across major Indian music festivals, college fests, corporate events, and private shows globally, from India to the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. A true innovator, his music transcends borders and genres, touching hearts worldwide.

(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara ; Additional Pics – Indian HC)

Veteran Sri Lankan singer Anil Bharathi has passed away today (Jan. 22).

Popular songs by him include ‘Bethlehem Pure’, ‘Ma Adarei Nangiye, Rosi, Seethala Sanda Eliye and ‘Bambareku Aduna’.

Netflix will raise prices across a number of countries after adding nearly 19 million subscribers in the final months of 2024.

The streaming firm said it will increase subscription costs in the US, Canada, Argentina and Portugal.

“We will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix,” it said.

Netflix announced better-than-expected subscriber numbers, helped by the second series of South Korean drama Squid Game as well as sports including a boxing match between influencer-turned-fighter Jake Paul and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

In the US, prices will increase across almost all plans including the standard subscription with no adverts which will now cost $17.99 (£14.60) a month, up from $15.49.

Its membership with adverts will also rise, by one dollar to $7.99.

The last time Netflix raised prices in the US was October 2023, when it also lifted costs for some plans in the UK.

Asked if prices were set to increase in the UK, a spokesperson for Netflix said there was “nothing to share right now”.

Meanwhile, the company said it finished last year with more than 300 million subscribers in total. It had been expected to add 9.6 million new subscribers between October and December but far surpassed that number.

It is the last time that Netflix will report quarterly subscriber growth – from now on it said it will “continue to announce paid memberships as we cross key milestones”.

As well as Squid Game and the Paul v Tyson fight, Netflix also streamed two NFL games on Christmas Day.

It will also broadcast more live events including WWE wrestling and has bought the rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst at PP Foresight, said Netflix “is now flexing its muscles by adjusting prices given its far stronger and diversified programming slate compared to rivals”.

Net profit between October and December doubled to $1.8bn compared to the same period a year ago.

Sales rose from $8.8bn to $10.2bn.

(BBC News)