Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 4 : Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), widely recognized as India’s Most Prestigious and Only Independent International Film Festival, is proud to open its doors to a new cohort of exceptional leaders with a distinguished invitation to join its Honorary Advisory Board for the 2025–2028 tenure.

A Rare Call for National Leaders, Global Influencers, and Cultural Pioneers

This is not just a call for membership; it is a search for visionaries—entrepreneurs, philanthropists, policy makers, industry stalwarts, and cultural ambassadors—who have left an indelible mark in their fields and now wish to shape the very future of India’s cinematic and cultural landscape.

Supported and recognized at the highest echelons of the Indian government—including the Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, and Union Ministries—DPIFF’s Advisory Board Member position is celebrated as one of the most distinguished and sought-after honours in the nation’s arts and culture ecosystem.

A Legacy of Leadership Rooted in National Service

Since its inception, DPIFF has stood as a beacon of integrity, artistic brilliance, and cultural unity—bridging India’s timeless heritage with its dynamic creative present. With active engagement from Governors, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and International Consulate Generals, DPIFF’s mission has always been to amplify India’s cinematic voice across the globe and serve as a diplomatic bridge for cultural exchange.

Among the festival’s esteemed past Advisory Board Members are remarkable personalities such as Colonel Tushar Joshi (Sena Medal awardee, NSG Commando, Akshardham operation hero) and Colonel P.C. Sood (Indian Army veteran, Vice President at Hinduja Group, and scientific collaborator with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam). Their stories exemplify the calibre of leadership that defines the DPIFF Advisory Board.

Exclusive Responsibilities & Prestigious Privileges

DPIFF Advisory Board Members occupy a pivotal seat at the heart of India’s creative industry. Their responsibilities and privileges include:

• National and Global Representation: Serving as cultural ambassadors at marquee events—Oscars, Cannes, Berlin, Toronto International Film Festival—and participating in official meetings with senior government dignitaries and diplomats.
• Jury Leadership: Presiding over DPIFF’s celebrated Short Film Gala alongside Ambassadors and industry icons, shaping the next generation of cinematic talent.
• Strategic Policy Counsel: Advising on festival programming, international partnerships, government collaborations, and initiatives that advance DPIFF’s mission of cultural excellence and innovation.
• Media and Historical Recognition: Receiving dedicated features in national media, permanent archival profiles on the DPIFF website, and lifetime acknowledgement in festival history.
• Social Impact & Advocacy: Leading DPIFF’s social campaigns on women’s empowerment, youth filmmaker development, cinema for social change, and promotion of Indian tourism through cinema.
• Shaping the Future: Playing a decisive role in final award selections, festival legacy planning, and mentorship of emerging leaders in the arts.

A Prestigious Role Reserved for True Visionaries

Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF, shares: “At DPIFF, we believe that cinema is not just art—it is a movement, a force for unity, social change, and national pride. Our Advisory Board Members are torchbearers of this philosophy, working shoulder-to-shoulder with global dignitaries and industry legends to shape the narrative of Indian cinema for future generations. This role is a rare opportunity—an invitation to join India’s cultural renaissance and make a lasting mark on the world stage.”

The selection process for Advisory Board Members is highly discerning, ensuring only the most accomplished, visionary, and values-driven individuals are inducted.

Anil Mishra, Founder & Managing Director of DPIFF, adds: “Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is rooted in a proud tradition of excellence and public service. Our Advisory Board will be instrumental in building new bridges, nurturing talent, and celebrating India’s vibrant cinematic legacy worldwide. We invite exceptional leaders to apply and co-create this extraordinary journey with us.”

How to Apply
DPIFF invites distinguished individuals—accomplished business leaders, philanthropists, influencers, and champions of culture—to apply for the Advisory Board Member position through the official portal: www.dpiff.in/advisory-board-member/

Applications are open for a limited period. Only a select few visionaries will be chosen to serve the 2025–2028 tenure and join the ranks of India’s most illustrious cultural custodians.

For Media Enquiries & Official Communication:
Email:info@dpiff.com | Phone: +91 8999999946 | Website: https://dpiff.in/

About Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival: DPIFF is India’s Most Prestigious Award Ceremony & Film Festival—dedicated to honouring cinematic excellence, cultural heritage, and the timeless legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke Ji, the Father of Indian Cinema. Since its inception, DPIFF has emerged as a pioneering platform that brings together filmmakers, visionaries, and industry leaders from across the globe. The festival is recognized for its unwavering commitment to integrity, creative innovation, and the celebration of India’s rich storytelling traditions. Supported by eminent personalities, senior government officials, and renowned artists, DPIFF serves as a cultural bridge—promoting Indian cinema on the world stage, nurturing new talent, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. With its spectacular annual awards ceremony, influential partnerships, and impactful social initiatives, DPIFF continues to set benchmarks in the global entertainment industry while upholding the spirit and ideals of Dadasaheb Phalke Ji.

[DPIFF Advisory Board Member, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Advisory Board, Apply DPIFF Advisory Board Member, DPIFF 2025 Advisory Board, Join DPIFF as Advisory Board Member, Film Festival Advisory Board India, Advisory Board Member Application, Advisory Board Member Role DPIFF, DPIFF Board Member 2025–2028, Advisory Board Member Opportunity]

Emergence returns on June 28, 2025, in Mumbai with its third immersive music edition, redefining India’s event experience.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] : After two groundbreaking editions, Emergence is back with the third edition of its flagship music property, ‘Those Who Know, They Know’, scheduled for 28th June, 2025, in Mumbai. What began as a bold experiment in immersive event production has now become one of the most anticipated music experiences in the country.

Founded by Akash Kothari, along with co-founders Rachit Desai and Vidhanth Jain, Emergence has steadily built its reputation as one of India’s most forward-thinking event companies, blending technology, sound, and storytelling into experiences that go far beyond conventional nightlife. With Neel Mistry playing a pivotal role in leading production, the event’s technical finesse and flawless execution have only become sharper with each edition.

Each year, Those Who Know, They Know evolves in scale and vision. The inaugural edition in 2023 featured a 200-foot LED wall, setting new standards for live production aesthetics. In 2024, the second edition stunned the audience with India’s first-ever 3D hologram Visual Experience — a feat that captured attention worldwide. Now, in its third year, the show promises to deliver even more: This year, the experience ascends further with cutting-edge 3D holograms, 3D Moonroof projections with show-day surprises still under wraps.

Despite its enigmatic name, this is not a niche or invite-only event. Those Who Know, They Know has seen exponential growth in attendance — 3,000+ attendees in its first year, over 5,000 in the second, and now aims to welcome 7,000+ music lovers in 2025. Tickets are available through official platforms BookMyShow and are open to all — it’s the experience that filters the crowd, not the guest list.

“Our goal is not just to throw an event; it’s to craft an experience that resonates long after it’s over,” says founder Akash Kothari. “We’ve always approached this with a creative mindset — keeping the core of the music culture intact while introducing world-class experience every year.”

Unlike typical commercial events that rely heavily on mainstream names or trends, Those Who Know, They Know focuses on conceptual delivery, narrative-driven design, and a community-first spirit.

The production is layered with custom visuals, high-concept stagecraft, lighting design, and a soundscape engineered to create a fully immersive environment — something Emergence has become known for across its properties.

With other iconic events like Rang Utsaav under its belt, Emergence has carved out a niche where culture, creativity, and community intersect. The company’s deep understanding of experience design, combined with its commitment to pushing boundaries, makes each of its properties stand apart in a saturated space.

Those Who Know, They Know — Edition 3 promises to be not just a show, but a defining moment in India’s experiential event calendar.

Tickets are available on the official platform, BookMyShow. More than a Festival, this is a movement — and it’s growing.

HURRY!!! Book your Tickets Now on the given link: https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/those-who-know-they-know-mumbai-2025/ET00433932

Influencer and YouTuber Abhishek Malhan responds with dignity after facing misrepresented backlash over comments addressing online bullying.

In a rare but necessary moment of assertiveness, popular content creator Abhishek Malhan has taken a bold stand against toxic online behavior by calling out fellow influencer Sufi for repeatedly mocking and belittling creators. What began as a calm and respectful critique quickly escalated into a distorted controversy, fueled by misleading headlines and a fabricated narrative.

A viral article recently accused Abhishek of using a derogatory term in a now-circulating video snippet—an accusation that has been thoroughly debunked by viewers and fact-checkers alike. No such slur was used in the video, nor was any comment made that targeted gender identity or personal background. Instead, Abhishek addressed the consistent trolling behavior displayed by Sufi, who has been called out previously for his sarcastic takes on influencers’ appearances and content choices.

Twisted Headlines, Misrepresented Intent

The controversy stems from a video clip in which Abhishek candidly expresses frustration over Sufi’s constant judgment of other creators, particularly over outfits and personal moments. However, the backlash did not center around the actual content of the video—but on a false narrative suggesting that Abhishek had crossed a line.

“This is not about hate. It’s about putting an end to unnecessary negativity,” a source close to Abhishek stated. “He’s always been respectful. This was about drawing the line on behavior that has gone unchecked for far too long.”

What followed was a wave of support from fans and fellow creators who agreed with Abhishek’s point of view—many of whom have themselves been at the receiving end of Sufi’s content, including jokes around Triggered Insaan’s wedding and others’ personal fashion choices.

Breaking Down the Manufactured Narrative

The article in question not only used a misleading headline but failed to include Abhishek’s perspective or a response from his team—an oversight that undermines journalistic integrity. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

• Fabricated Language Use: The article falsely claimed Abhishek used the slur ‘chakka’, which he never did. This claim has been proven false by the video itself.
• Distorted Intent: Abhishek criticized judgmental behavior—not any individual’s identity or background.
• Lack of Context: The article omitted the months of prior trolling behavior that Sufi engaged in, isolating a snippet to mislead readers.
• No Balanced Reporting: The piece did not include Abhishek’s statement or comments from his side, reflecting biased reporting.
• Ignored Audience Sentiment: Public frustration with Sufi’s style of content was left unaddressed, despite being a key part of the conversation.

When Standing Up Is Mistaken for Aggression

Abhishek’s statement was neither aggressive nor disrespectful. It was a mature response to a trend that many believe is polluting the content ecosystem—mockery in the name of “roasting.”

“Standing up for yourself and others doesn’t make you aggressive. It means you respect your space and the community you’re part of,” said a fellow influencer who publicly supported Abhishek.

The situation brings into focus a larger conversation around influencer culture, online etiquette, and the responsibility of creators to maintain a respectful discourse.

The Bigger Picture

While the controversy around a single statement may fade, the issue at its core remains significant: when is criticism constructive, and when does it become cruelty?

Abhishek Malhan’s stance may have sparked debate, but it also served as a much-needed reminder that calling out negative behavior isn’t wrong—and silence isn’t always golden. In a digital space where creators are expected to accept judgment without protest, his voice stood out for being calm, firm, and necessary.