Jai Hind College witnessed yet another memorable chapter as Detour 2025, its annual mass media conclave, returned with its 17th edition. Bigger in scale and sharper in vision, this year’s fest stood out for its unique theme, “The Wingman Show,” which shifted attention from leading characters to the sidekicks who often shape the story just as much. Over two packed days, the festival brought together students from across the city to celebrate creativity, competition and collaboration.
The fest opened on 20th January with a high-energy first day that set the tone for what followed. Contingents from over 20 colleges arrived with enthusiasm, filling the campus with movement and anticipation. Events such as the Lip Sync Battle and Street Dance kept the momentum strong, while the self-designed Escape Room offered something refreshingly different. One of the day’s most anticipated segments was the Fashion Show, judged by Shreya Gulati, Valena and Tanaya Gupta, which combined style, confidence and thoughtful presentation.
A defining highlight of Day 1 was the promotional panel featuring Rani Mukerji, who took the stage alongside Rotalks to mark 30 years of her journey in the film industry. Her candid interaction with students, coupled with moments of warmth and reflection, created an atmosphere that felt both inspiring and personal. Another notable addition this year was the JAM event, which, for the first time, welcomed students beyond the media stream. Judged by Hormuz Ragina, the event ended the day on a light yet insightful note, filled with humour and sharp thinking.
Day 2 carried the fest forward with a strong focus on performance and storytelling. Flagship events drew large crowds, particularly the Dance and Drama acts, which blended expressive movement with compelling narratives. The Short Film screenings reflected a range of ideas and voices, while the Band and DJ events turned the venue into a lively performance space, keeping the energy high through the evening.
General Events added another layer to the experience. The Mock Courtroom saw intense arguments and confident presentations, while the Caricature event combined wit with artistic skill. Rap battles brought forward powerful lyrics and stage presence, and the Quiz challenged teams to think on their feet, keeping both participants and audiences engaged.
The second day also featured an experienced panel of judges including Rahul Dholakia, Reema Maya, Harman Singha, Rishabh Wala, Ayesha Khan, Vivaan Shah, Devika Vatsa, Aasa Singh and Prateeksha Srivastava, whose presence and feedback added depth and credibility to the proceedings. The promotional event for Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, with Karan Tacker, Arshad Syed, Saloni Batra and director Robbie Grewal, sparked conversation and curiosity among students, making it one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.
The festival concluded with a closing ceremony that brought the entire experience full circle. The aftermovie, capturing moments from across both days, left many in the audience emotional, serving as a reminder of the effort, passion and shared memories that defined the fest. Awards were distributed across Online Bonus, General and Flagship Events, along with DAM (Detour Athletic Meet), followed by the podium prize distribution, celebrating both individual talent and collective achievement.
In every sense, Detour 2025 proved to be a success, not just as a competition, but as a space where ideas, stories and people came together. With thoughtful programming and strong participation, the fest once again reinforced its reputation as a landmark event on the college circuit.