Variety Makes Its India Debut; Unveils Inaugural Cover with Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan

2nd February 2026, Mumbai. Variety, one of the world’s most respected and authoritative voices in entertainment journalism, officially launched in India. The announcement of the Indian edition came in the last quarter of 2025. Marking this defining moment, the inaugural cover features legends of Indian cinema – Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and
Salman Khan. It brings together, for the first time, these stalwarts of the industry on a single cover. The edition is already being hailed as one of the most iconic magazine covers in the history of Indian publishing, reflecting a pivotal point in the trajectory of Indian entertainment.

The magazine, bought in India by Thursday Tales Pvt. Ltd., offers sharp commentary and a more nuanced understanding of the entertainment business and the world of
cinema. Going beyond the industry’s glitz and glamour, the magazine looks at the business of cinema, its dynamics, struggles and strategies. This launch edition brings together national and international perspectives from industry experts on emerging trends, showcases rising talents and delivers incisive industry insights, along with in-depth conversations with leading creative mavericks.

Sarita Tanwar, Editor-in-Chief of Variety India, reflects on the milestone, “The launch of the first edition of Variety India is a truly special moment for all of us who follow the trends and stories of the entertainment industry. Helming this magazine is a tremendous responsibility, and bringing this issue to life has been an extraordinary journey, from conceptualising and crafting stories that celebrate the diversity of Indian entertainment to sharing international perspectives that inspire and inform our readers.” She further adds, “Bringing together these four stars was an idea that seemed impossible; that we managed to pull it off, is a matter of pride for the team. We at Variety India believe that this launch will flip the script on how India engages
with the business of film, delivering insightful and authentic coverage across multiple platforms.”

Gautam Thakker, Group publisher of Thursday Tales Pvt. Ltd., believes, “The Indian entertainment landscape is growing rapidly, and there is no better time than now to introduce a credible publication like Variety to India. The launch cover is something we are very proud of. Bringing together some of the most influential figures in Indian cinema is a rare achievement that requires careful planning and collaboration. This launch reflects not only the strength of Indian cinema but also India’s expanding influence on the global stage, not just through its storytelling, but through the talent, creativity, and vision driving the industry forward.” With its launch, Variety India sets a new benchmark for entertainment journalism in the country, combining global editorial expertise with an in-depth understanding of the Indian entertainment ecosystem. By spotlighting the people, trends, and stories of the people that shape the industry, both on and off screen, the magazine aims to provide readers with a comprehensive, trustworthy, and engaging perspective.

About Variety
Variety is the #1 entertainment news brand. Now celebrating 120 years of awardwinning breaking news reporting, insightful award-season coverage, must-read feature spotlights, and intelligent analysis of the industry’s most prominent players, Variety remains the most trusted source for the business of global entertainment. Read by a highly engaged audience of industry insiders, entertainment fans, executive-level professionals and decision-makers, Variety’s multi-platform content coverage expands across digital, mobile, social, print, podcasts, branded content, data, events and summits.

In India, Variety brings its global editorial voice to a rapidly evolving creative market. Variety India examines the forces shaping India’s film, television, streaming, music, theatre, and lifestyle industries, engaging with producers, directors, studio heads, and craftspeople behind the screen to offer a refined insider perspective on industryshaping cultural experiences. Through data-driven insights and a deep understanding of culture and commerce, it delivers informed and influential journalism rooted in the business of entertainment. At the helm of bringing this 120-year-old legacy to India is Thursday Tales Pvt. Ltd., founded by Sarita A. Tanwar and Gautam B. Thakker.

About Thursday Tales Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
Founded by Sarita A. Tanwar and Gautam B. Thakker, both industry veterans with over 40 years of combined experience, Thursday Tales Publishing Pvt Ltd (TTPPL) is reimagining how audiences experience cinema, breaking barriers of geography, culture, and language. Fueled by a deep passion for storytelling and cultural exchange, the publication champions diverse voices, celebrates cinematic brilliance, and builds a powerful bridge between filmmakers, tastemakers and audiences across the globe. Its collaboration with Variety marks a pivotal moment in entertainment journalism, ushering in a bold, new era that’s intimate yet global, authentic yet trailblazing. Here, cinema isn’t just reported on; it’s experienced, debated, and reimagined, rewriting the very script of how India engages with the world of films.