• Saturday, April 20, 2024

Results for "bollywood"

‘Christmas Karma’: Gurinder Chadha announces new film; Kunal Nayyar to…

Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha on Friday officially announced her new film Christmas Karma, a contemporary Bollywood musical, inspired by Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The Big Bang Theory alum Kunal Nayyar will portray the lead role of Scrooge in the movie, which also features a star-studded cast of Eva Longoria,…

Eight Indians on Time’s 100 most influential list

EIGHT people from India have been honoured in Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 most influential people of 2024. World Bank president Ajay Banga, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Olympian wrestler Sakshi Malik and actor-director Dev Patel are among the Indians on the list. It also…

Aamir Khan deepfake video: Police register FIR against unidentified person

The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person in connection with a deepfake video of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan in which he is purportedly seen promoting a political party, an official said. The FIR was filed on Wednesday at the Khar police station following a complaint by…

India’s Sakshi Malik in Time’s 100 list for leading wrestlers’…

Indian wrestler and Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2024. Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic medalist in wrestling, has been acknowledged for her role in combating alleged sexual harassment within the sport. Alongside wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia,…

TOP 10 theatre plays of Pravesh Kumar

A LONG list of acclaimed plays has turned Rifco into one of the UK’s most successful touring theatre companies. Led admirably by talented artistic director Pravesh Kumar MBE, the pioneering London-based creative collective adds to its impressive roster with Frankie Goes To Bollywood, which premieres at Watford Palace Theatre next…

Priyanka Chopra shares photo of ‘bloodied’ forehead from ‘Heads of…

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently shooting for her upcoming project Heads of State, shared "bloodied up" pictures from the sets. Taking to Instagram stories, Priyanka treated fans to a new picture from her professional life. The image captured Priyanka showing her scars on the right side of her…

The talented Mr Pankaj Tripathi

PANKAJ TRIPATHI’S journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most sought-after actors is a remarkable story. He began his acting career with small supporting roles, and later went on to carve a niche for himself with his wide-ranging performances in major films, and popular streaming shows such as…

From Amitabh Bachchan to Salman Khan: 5 Bollywood superstars who…

Bollywood stars descending to the small screen has been in trend for a long time now. Several renowned actors stepped into the shoes of television hosts and entertained the audience on the small screen. Let’s take a look at the top five Bollywood superstars who rocked as TV hosts, adding…

Two arrested for firing at Salman Khan’s house

TWO people were arrested in connection with the firing outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai on Sunday morning. The duo - Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) - both residents of Bihar state, were on the run after the incident. They were apprehended late Monday from a…

Shah Rukh Khan to produce and star in ‘King’ with…

The 'King' of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is making a grand return to the big screen after his upcoming film Dunki in 2025. He is set to star in the Sujoy Ghosh-directed film King, which also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. The film is currently in…

Akshay Kumar to make Telugu cinema debut with ‘Kannappa’

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has boarded the cast of the Vishnu Manchu-starrer Kannappa, the makers announced on Tuesday. While details about Kumar's role are unknown, the film marks the actor's Telugu cinema debut. Manchu, who plays the titular role in Kannappa, shared the news of Kumar's casting on his official…

Bollywood marriages are loveless, people get hitched for clout: Nora…

Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently shared her thoughts on the motivations behind certain marriages in the film industry, suggesting that many people get married for the sake of gaining "clout" rather than love. Nora Fatehi shared during an interview on BeerBiceps that she is aware of many individuals who attach themselves…

From Salman Khan to Deepika Padukone, 5 actors who received…

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where fame and fortune often go hand in hand, there exists a darker side that sometimes casts a shadow over the lives of its biggest stars. Beyond the glamour and the applause lies a realm where threats and intimidation become a harsh reality for…

FIR registered after firing outside Salman Khan’s home

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR after two motorbike-borne unidentified persons opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s house in the city’s Bandra area early Sunday morning, an official said. The police have also recovered a two-wheeler, a little over a kilometer from the actor’s home, suspected to have…

Firing outside Bollywood star Salman Khan’s home

Two motorbike-borne unidentified people opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's house in Mumbai early Sunday morning leading the police to step up security in the area. They fired four rounds around 5 am outside the Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai's Bandra area, where the actor resides, and fled. The police…

New ad featuring Rajamouli and cricketer David Warner goes viral

Can CRED ads get more creative? CRED is more famous for the advertisement campaigns they have had since their launch. Be it taking Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra or casting the 90s singers in their advertisement, trending yet nostalgic, CRED has won the hearts of all generations. This time again,…

How south Indian cinema took over Bollywood

There was a time when Bollywood was hit and pumping good movies with maar-dhaad masala action. But gradually, this attention to action and stunts shifted to south Indian cinema, where the action was portrayed in a very unique manner, with punches and swooshes, unrealistic yet thrilling hero actions that made…

Nimesh Sanghoi brings back magic of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore…

MUSIC has been a constant companion to Nimesh Sanghoi from the moment he sang his first note and had a profound impact on his life. Every song learned by the singer and each live performance has been a stepping stone in his growth as an artist and person. The countless…

‘Hope ‘LSD 2’ sets example for girls like me,’ says…

Transgender actress Bonita Rajpurohit, who is set to debut with Dibakar Banerjee's Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2, says she is proud to be one of the leads in the upcoming film which she hopes makes young women like her feel seen. The film, a sequel to Banerjee's 2010 film Love…

TOP 10 performances of Vidya Balan

A SERIES of winning performances has established Vidya Balan as one of the finest actresses of this generation. She has won multiple awards and acclaim for memorable roles that have showcased her impressive range. She will add to that diverse body of work with the new movie Do Aur Do…

Anjaam: Behind the scenes of a Bollywood cult classic

SHAH RUKH KHAN took his first major steps towards global stardom by playing distinctly different villainous roles in quick succession in one year with Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam. Although it was the least successful of the three, Anjaam, released on April 22, 1994, perhaps doesn’t get the credit it deserves.…

Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff offer prayers at BAPS Hindu Mandir…

In a blend of spiritual reverence and promotional fervour, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff took a break from their busy schedules to offer prayers at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The visit comes ahead of the highly anticipated release of their film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan…

‘Maidaan’ Review: An entertaining sports-drama featuring a match-winning performance from…

Maidaan marks Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn’s quick return to the silver screen weeks after the release of his recent film, Shaitaan. His new film depicts the inspiring journey of coach Syed Abdul Rahim and the golden era of Indian football during the 1950s and 60s. Directed by Amit Sharma, the…

Bradford killing: Suspect came to UK on student visa

THE man who fatally stabbed a woman in Bradford on Saturday (6) is from Bangladesh and came to the UK on a student visa. The police have launched a nationwide manhunt for Habibur Masum, 25, a resident of Oldham area with links to Burnley and Chester. West Yorkshire Police have…

Ektaa Kapoor’s ‘Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2’ casts transgender woman…

Transgender woman Bonita Rajpurohit is set to star in a leading role in Dibakar Banerjee's upcoming film Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2, the makers said on Sunday. The film, a sequel to Banerjee's 2010 film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, will be released on April 19. It is produced by Ektaa…

From Virat Kohli to Priyanka Chopra: Top 10 most-followed Indian…

In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for individuals to connect, engage, and showcase their talents and lifestyles to a global audience. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular, with millions of users sharing photos, videos, and stories every day. For…

Nora Fatehi calls her FIFA closing ceremony performance ‘life-changing’

Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently opened up about her experience of performing at the FIFA closing ceremony. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, the actress said, "It feels amazing; it's a fantastic, life-changing experience." "I think it was a mind-blowing experience when I was performing in front of billions of people.…

‘Kill’ Teaser out: Lakshya Lalwani’s debut film is a gory…

Makers of action-thriller Kill starring debutant Lakshya in the lead role have finally released its teaser. The makers on Thursday took to its official Instagram account to share the teaser. A regular train trip to New Delhi turns into a battleground as two commandos face a group of attacking bandits.…

Priyanka Chopra resumes filming ‘Heads Of State’ after vacation in…

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who recently enjoyed her vacation with family in India, is back to work as she returns to the sets of her next Hollywood film Heads Of State. Taking to Instagram, Priyanka gave a glimpse of the script. The page had the film's title and mentioned that Harrison…

Deepika Padukone’s ‘Deewani Mastani’ features on Oscars’ Instagram page

Deepika Padukone's fans can't keep calm as the actress' hit song 'Deewani Mastani' from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Bajirao Mastani recently featured on The Academy's official Instagram handle. Taking to Instagram handle, the Oscars' official page The Academy shared Padukone’s dance video and captioned it, “Deepika Padukone performing "Deewani Mastani"…

Mannat Noor: Small town dreams to stardom

SINGING sensation Mannat Noor shot to fame globally when her song Laung Laachi became the first commercial Indian music video to cross one billion views on YouTube in 2019.  However, the silken-voiced talent isn’t defined by the super hit track alone and has delivered marvellous music releases across a range…

Sonal Panwar: ‘Comedy is a cool medium’

SUPER-HIT sitcom Happu Ki Ultan Paltan (streamin on ZEE) has been such a huge success that it recently crossed 1,200 episodes. The ensemble cast of the popular show includes the talented young actress Sonal Panwar, playing a devoted police officer. Her portrayal of the unpredictable title character’s honest daughter has…

Birthday special: Top 10 films of Ram Gopal Varma

RAM GOPAL VARMA has been entertaining audiences in various Indian languages ever since he made his debut as a writer/director with the hit Telugu film Siva in 1989. In a rollercoaster career filled with highs, lows and unexpected twists, the cinema maverick has delivered movies in a wide array of…

Brief history of Bollywood break-ups

FOR many decades, divorce was such a taboo in Bollywood that many couples remained unhappily married – but that has all changed in spectacular fashion in the past 15 years. [caption id="attachment_287584" align="alignright" width="300"] Asha Bhosle and RD Burman[/caption] With actress Esha Deol recently separating from her husband of 11…

Parties use deepfake videos of dead leaders ahead of India…

Death has not extinguished the decades-long rivalry between two Indian leaders: both have now seemingly risen from the grave, in digital form, to rally their supporters ahead of national elections. As India goes to a staggered general election from April 19, political parties are harnessing powerful artificial intelligence tools to…

Priyanka Chopra boards documentary ‘Born Hungry’ as producer

Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she and her production banner Purple Pebble Pictures are set to back Barry Avrich's new feature documentary Born Hungry. Chopra Jonas and Mary Rohlich, Head of TV and Film at Purple Pebble Pictures, will serve as producers, according to Deadline. Born Hungry is a gritty drama…

Birthday Special: 5 most-awaited films of Ajay Devgn

As the sun rises on April 2nd, it marks not just another day but the birthday of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, Ajay Devgn. With an enviable repertoire of films and a legacy that spans decades, he remains an indelible part of Bollywood, inspiring generations of actors and leaving…

Priyanka Chopra lends voice for new film ‘Tiger’, announces release…

Priyanka Chopra Jonas announced the release date of her new project titled Tiger and shared how it was fun lending her voice to this incredible story and exploring the jungles through this film. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Priyanka treated fans with the film's poster along with a note. The…

‘I want to create an India in UK,’ says veteran…

“I want to create an India in the UK,” veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani's words efficiently sum up his dream of leaving a global footprint of the illustrious Indian cinema with his film studio in the UK. Touted as a "one-stop-shop", Bhagnani's Pooja Studios emerged as one of the most film-friendly…

Barclays faces investors’ ire over Eros bonds issue

Barclays is facing investors' anger for mishandling the bond issue of India-based Bollywood film group Eros, This is Money reports. The investors have approached the Financial Conduct Authority and the Financial Ombudsman claiming they incurred losses due to Barclays' tardiness in dealing with the Eros flip-flop over its bond buyback…

Aamir Khan my favourite, says Turkish envoy to India

Ambassador of Turkiye to India Firat Sunel is a fan of Bollywood movies, especially the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha, a film the diplomat says he has watched at least four times. Laal Singh Chaddha, which was an authorised remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump, was "more successful" than…

Dev Patel says Shah Rukh’s work inspired him to make…

Dev Patel, who was last seen in David Lowery’s epic medieval fantasy adventure film The Green Knight, is presently busy promoting his next film Monkey Man. What makes the project very special for him is the fact that he has not only played the lead role in it but has…

‘Crew’ Review: A crime comedy that will make your day

This Friday's release Crew is a heist comedy, starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. The trailer and the songs of the film drew positive response from the audience, taking their expectation to a new level. But does the film do justice to their expectations? Let’s…

Govinda returns to politics after 14 years

Bollywood actor Govinda, who is known for his excellent comic timing and dance steps, on Thursday joined the ruling Shiv Sena in Mumbai, making a comeback in politics after a 14-year hiatus. The former Congress Lok Sabha MP joined the Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath…

‘Always been a glorious right-wing personality’: Kangana Ranaut

From delivering some path-breaking performances in Bollywood to starting a new journey as a politician, actress Kangana Ranaut is ready to play a new role in her life. Ranaut on Wednesday opened about her new role as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi for the upcoming…

Kala Pani: The history of the dreaded Andaman jail

The people who have watched the Bollywood film Swatantra Veer Savarkar must have seen the Kala Pani punishment given to all the prisoners. The prisoners are held captive at Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the South-east sea of India. This Cellular jail not only has…

Pratibha Singh Baghel headlines a perfect concert

THE recent South Asian Sounds festival at the Southbank Centre in London included a stunning concert headlined by the superb Indian singer Pratibha Singh Baghel. The sensational talent teamed up with the brilliant British act Chineke! Orchestra and top Indian musicians for a grand, sold-out concert at the Royal Festival…

All about Prabhu Deva

A COOL combination of dance, choreography, acting, and filmmaking has given Prabhu Deva one of the most multifaceted cinema careers. This has resulted in stunning songs, hit films, and winning performances from the multi-talented performer in a variety of languages. The popular film star turns a year older on April…

Rasika Dugal: Spirited away by indie films

WITH a filmography that boasts independent gems, mainstream films and streaming shows, Rasika Dugal has carved her own unique path in showbiz, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and nuanced performances.   In her one-and-a-half-decade-long career, she has breathed life into a diverse array of characters, leaving an indelible mark…

Great celebrity wedding debate

LEGENDARY singer Asha Bhosle sparked an intriguing debate when she disclosed her iconic elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, had turned down over a million dollars to sing at a wedding. Speaking on a dance reality show, Bhosle said, “She was offered one million dollars to sing at a wedding. They said,…

Avantika Vandanapu: I can’t wait to be a part of…

Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, who garnered positive response for her performance in Prime Video’s Big Girls Don't Cry, says she cannot wait to be a part of Indian movies. “It’s truly surreal to come full circle and return to India. From my roots as a child actor to now leading…

10 Bollywood songs that need to be on your Holi…

Today is the day of the most joyous and colourful celebration of the year – Holi! And what's a Holi party without the perfect playlist to keep the energy high and the spirits soaring? Bollywood has gifted us with numerous iconic songs that perfectly capture the essence of this festival,…

Preity Zinta shares video of adorable rehearsal with Shah Rukh…

Preity Zinta is giving fans a major dose of nostalgia! The Bollywood actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a heartwarming video of herself and Shah Rukh Khan rehearsing the iconic song "Tere Liye" from their beloved film Veer-Zaara. The clip, which has gone viral on social media, shows…

W.i.S.H: Everything you need to know about India’s newest girl-pop…

In the vibrant landscape of India’s music industry, a new constellation has emerged, promising to dazzle audiences with their infectious beats and empowering messages. Meet W.i.S.H, the nation’s newest girl-pop group, poised to captivate hearts and minds with their distinctive pop melodies. W.i.S.H, an acronym for “World inka Stage Hai”,…

Mustafizur’s brilliance propels Chennai Super Kings to victory

BANGLADESH's Mustafizur Rahman returned figures of 4-29 to set up a six-wicket win for defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday (22). Hosts Chennai kept Bengaluru down to 173-6, a total their batsmen overhauled in 18.4 overs at the M A Chidambaram…

IPL 2024: AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam perform at opening ceremony

Adding a musical touch to the grand opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League in Chennai, music maestros AR Rahman and Sonu Nigam left the audience in awe with their melodious performances. Sonu Nigam started his performance with the song 'Vande Mataram' and later Rahman joined him on stage. Not…

Shah Rukh-Kajol-starrer ‘Baazigar’ set to re-release in cinemas

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty-starrer cult film Baazigar is set for rerelease in cinemas. King Khan shared this exciting news with his fans. "Flashback to a time when magic unfolded on the silver screen! Inviting you to relive those moments at our Retro Film Festival with the…

Kareena Kapoor recreates 90s magic of ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ for…

Get ready for a blast from the past with a sizzling twist! The highly anticipated film Crew just dropped its latest song, "Choli Ke Peeche," featuring the ever-gorgeous Kareena Kapoor. This vibrant number is a total throwback to the iconic 90s hit of the same name, originally popularised by Madhuri…

Want to do a romantic Bollywood movie, says Ankita Lokhande

After Manikarnika and Swatantra Veer Savarkar, actress Ankita Lokhande says she wants to star in a contemporary Bollywood romance. Lokhande, who was last seen in Bigg Boss 17, is now awaiting the release of Swatantra Veer Savarkar with Randeep Hooda. The film is set to release on Friday. "Whatever characters…

Student of the Year heroes have failed

IT MAY have been a massively overrated film that didn’t clock up the expected blockbuster numbers at the box office, but the 2012 film, Student of the Year, was a solid launch pad for its three debut stars. While Alia Bhatt has gone on to become the most successful young…

Adaa Khan: Making a strong style statement

THOSE who follow Adaa Khan on social media or have seen her eye-catching photoshoots and striking red carpet appearances know how superbly stylish she is. The celebrated Indian actress has an undeniable flair for fashion and consistently unveils stunning looks that set style goals. Eastern Eye caught up with the…

Pure Perfection: Embrace the spirit of Ramadan in white

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and communal celebration. Alongside the spiritual significance, Ramadan also offers a platform for individuals to express their cultural heritage and personal style through fashion. This year, fashion enthusiasts are embracing a…

‘Trying to still be most risk-taking actor’: Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana opened up about how he always wanted to be a risk-taking actor to make the country proud. Ayushmann made his Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor (2012), a film set against the background of sperm donation and infertility, themes that are often seen as taboos in Indian society.…

Nick Jonas joins Priyanka Chopra, daughter Malti Marie in Mumbai…

Popstar Nick Jonas touched down in Mumbai in the early hours of Monday. He made a stylish entry in an all-white look at the Mumbai airport. He sported a white shirt that he paired with matching pants and sneakers. This is Nick's second visit to India this year. He and…

Ed Sheeran captivates audience at Mumbai concert

Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran, who set the stage on fire with his electrifying concert in Mumbai, which also saw the British music sensation perform with Indian artists Diljit Dosanjh and Armaan Malik. Sheeran, who arrived in India on March 12 as part of the Indian…

The times when birthday girl Alia Bhatt won the hearts…

In the glamorous cosmos of Bollywood, where stars shine bright and dreams are woven into the fabric of reality, one name continues to radiate a distinct brilliance - Alia Bhatt, who turns 31 on Friday (15). With her magnetic presence on screen and off, she embodies the essence of contemporary…

Sony Pictures announces biopic on Madhubala

Filmmaker Jasmeet K Reen will be tackling an upcoming biographical drama movie based on the life and times of Indian cinema legend Madhubala, the makers announced on Friday. Sony Pictures International Productions announced the project on their official social media handles. "We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming film honoring the…

Aamir Khan turns 59, says he will continue to back…

Bollywood star Aamir Khan, who turned 59 on Thursday, said he will continue to back "beautiful" films like his latest production Laapataa Ladies. Laapataa Ladies is a comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao which opened to critical acclaim upon its March 1 release and has earned over Rs 8 crore at…

Enduring cinematic legacy of Shashi Kapoor

LEGENDARY actor Shashi Kapoor left behind a remarkable body of work that ranged from commercial Hindi cinema entertainers to Englishlanguage projects that opened the doors for Bollywood stars in international projects. He broke creative ground, tackled taboos and added a new dimension to big screen entertainers. This resulted in a…

Ayushmann Khurrana meets Ed Sheeran

British singer Ed Sheeran is in India and ahead of his Mumbai gig, he met Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana on Tuesday. Interestingly, Ayushmann made Ed Sheeran taste his mother's homemade pinni. Talking about his meeting with the 'Perfect' hitmaker, Ayushmann said, "I have admired Ed Sheeran as an artiste for…

Channi Singh: Return of the godfather

BRITISH music hero Channi Singh has been entertaining audiences for nearly 50 years as a singer, songwriter and composer.  The frontman of the iconic bhangra group, Alaap, has achieved many milestones in his career, including countless hit songs, game-changing albums and pathbreaking collaborations with legends such as Asha Bhosle.  …

Onir: Rebel with a human cause

A FEARLESS approach to filmmaking has endowed Onir with a remarkable body of work filled with stories from forgotten corners of society. He has overcome the challenges of being an openly gay writer, director and producer in India to deliver award-winning films such as My Brother…Nikhil, and I Am. His…

Need to develop laws related to artificial intelligence: Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana on Thursday said while filmmaking and technology go hand-in-hand, there is a need to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Khurrana was speaking on the third day of FICCI Frames 2024 in Mumbai at the session titled "From Bollywood to Turkish Drama: Acting across borders" along…

‘Shaitaan’ Review: Atmospheric and unsettling

Fronted by Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyotika, Shaitaan is a supernatural horror thriller film. An official remake of the 2023 Gujarati horror film Vash, Shaitaan weaves a tangled web of supernatural intrigue that grips the audience from the outset. Directed by a newcomer to the genre, Vikas Bahl, the…

Aryan Khan says it was a ‘learning experience’ directing father…

In a recent interview with GQ, Aryan Khan discussed his experience working with his father, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Aryan, who launched his luxury streetwear brand Dyavol X last year, directed an advertisement featuring his superstar dad. Reflecting on the collaboration, Aryan stated while interacting with GQ, “It’s always a…

Javed Ali delivers a spectacular performance

JAVED ALI’S extensive repertoire spanning diverse languages makes him one of the most versatile singers of this generation. From emotive love ballads to soul-stirring Sufi compositions and lively dance numbers, his voice exudes sheer power. While his contributions to hit songs in numerous Indian films are remarkable, it’s on the…

‘Bhangra Nation’: Exploring the clash of cultures and identity

EASTERN EYE readers had better hurry if they want to catch Bhangra Nation: A New Musical at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre where it is on only until next Saturday (16). I went last week and I’m glad I did, as the evening turned out to be very enjoyable. The Rep…

Navya Naveli Nanda: Star kid fights the patriarchy

BEING born into a famous film family could quite easily have taken Navya Naveli Nanda down the well-trodden path of acting in Bollywood, partying and flashy holidays. The socially conscious entrepreneur has smashed all those stereotypes about star kids and dared to do things differently. The granddaughter of India’s greatest…

Anushka Khanna: Creating timeless fashion classics

INTERNATIONALLY renowned fashion designer Anushka Khanna has effortlessly combined her Indian heritage with a global perspective. From made-to-order, ready-to-wear and bespoke creations to dressing A-list celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, she has turned her brand into a powerful symbol of girl power.…

‘Crakk’ review: Absolutely nothing works in awful action movie

THIS action movie revolves around a slum dweller named Siddu, who dreams of participating in a deadly sports contest in a far-off land. After showing off his ability to do daredevil stunts, he travels abroad without a valid visa to compete against contestants from around the world. It soon emerges…

Iconic female characters in Bollywood films

THERE will be another global celebration of girl power on International Women’s Day. The annual day on March 8, aiming to empower women and girls will once again highlight everything from important social causes to human rights, equality and celebrating female heroes. Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by…

Sara Ali Khan is on a sinking ship

THE fact that Sara Ali Khan’s career has been derailed will be illustrated by her back-to-back film releases this month. Instead of getting a cinema release, her movie Murder Mubarak will be dumped on Netflix next Friday (15). A week later, on March 22, Ae Watan Mere Watan will be…

I do selective work out of choice: Karisma Kapoor

Actress Karisma Kapoor says she picks up roles only when she finds them interesting and she feels lucky that she has the choice to say 'yes' or 'no'. The Bollywood star, who ruled the industry in the 90s and 2000s with films such as Raja Hindustani, Dil To Pagal Hai,…

My dream is to work with Salman, says Pakistani actress…

Pakistani actress Sarah Khan, who has a huge fan following in India courtesy her shows Hum Tum, Khirkiyan, and Sabaat, says her dream since the time she began acting has been to star opposite Bollywood star Salman Khan. Sarah, 31, who currently features in Zindagi show Abdullahpur Ka Devdas, a…

‘Lakadbaggha’ to launch as a comic book at ComicCon 2024

Actor-producer Anshuman Jha on Monday said his critically acclaimed film Lakadbaggha will be adapted into a comic book series and the first volume will be released at ComicCon 2024. The action-thriller follows the story of animal-loving vigilante Arjun Bakshi (Jha), who unearths an underground illegal animal trade cell functioning from…

Khan trio dances to ‘Naatu Naatu’ at Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding bash

Bollywood's three Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir -- showed off their bromance on-stage on the second day of the grand pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancée Radhika Merchant. And what better than grooving to the tune of "Naatu Naatu", the high-spirited Oscar-winning Telugu…

SRK, Ranveer Singh pose with Dwayne Bravo at Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding…

The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have become the talk of the town. With the presence of top Bollywood celebrities and international sensations, the event has reached unmatched levels of grandeur. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant Ambani, is set to tie the knot with industrialist…

Rihanna’s performance to drone show: Here’s a lowdown on Anant-Radhika’s…

From Pop sensation Rihanna's performance to a special drone show, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's three-day pre-wedding festivities are going to be a grand affair. Guests from all around the world have already arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant,…

Indian tea vendor Dolly Chaiwala’s video with Bill Gates goes…

The netizens recently saw the collaboration of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh with Johnny Sins to promote a men's sexual health product. Recently, Microsoft founder Bill Gates dropped a video on his social media handle in collaboration with an internet sensation from the Indian city of Nagpur, Dolly Chaiwala, a tea…

From ‘Heeramandi’ to ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, Netflix India…

Leading streaming platform Netflix on Thursday unveiled its upcoming slate for India that features over 22 projects, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut streaming show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila, and Oscar-nominated documentary To Kill A Tiger. The slate, which was announced in Mumbai at a star-studded…

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh announce pregnancy

Bollywood star couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on Thursday announced they are expecting their first child. The news comes days after reports of Padukone's pregnancy were doing social media rounds when the actress was photographed covering her midsection at the 77th BAFTA Awards which she attended as a presenter.…

Mukesh Ambani launches lavish pre-wedding party for son

India's richest man has kicked off lavish pre-wedding parties for his son by feeding more than 50,000 people in his hometown, with celebrations in the coming days expected to include some of the world's most influential figures. Global tech CEOs, industry titans, Bollywood stars, pop icons, and politicians are among…

Jay Visvadeva celebrates cultural harmony through music

LEGENDARY concert organiser Jay Visvadeva has been delighting live music fans across generations in the UK since the 1970s, bringing together the biggest artists. His SAMA arts organisation continues to produce exciting concerts, including the South Asian Sounds festival at Southbank Centre in London from next Thursday (7) to next…

Bollywood star Nora Fatehi signs with Warner Music

Nora Fatehi, who is known for her work in Bollywood, has signed a global deal with Warner Music Group (WMG), her first agreement with a major global record company. The partnership aims to elevate Nora’s international music career, collaborating with teams worldwide to broaden her fanbase through various projects and…

Meghna Gulzar: ‘Every film finds its audience’

IN AN industry dominated by men, Meghna Gulzar stands out as one of the few female filmmakers whose work transcends mere entertainment. She delves deep into the human experience to unearth riveting tales of resilience, sacrifice, and triumph. The daughter of legendary writer Gulzar and veteran actress Raakhee, Meghna has…

Tributes paid to Mike Allbut who presented Asian content on…

MIKE ALLBUT was a broadcasting pioneer who played a major role in the transition of Asian programmes on BBC local radio in England from targeting first generation immigrant communities to reaching out to young British Asians. Born in Scotland and raised in Suffolk, Allbut moved to Leicester in the 1970s…

Manmohan Desai: Magician of the Bollywood masala entertainer

LEGENDARY filmmaker Manmohan Desai was at the forefront of popularising the masala entertainer in Bollywood, which is a genre that incorporates everything from comedy to romance, drama, deep emotion and action, all in one film. He was, at one time, the undisputed king of the box office and had a…

Swords, headsets and Indian wedding for Zuckerberg’s Asia tour

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg was in Japan on Monday on a mini-Asia tour involving sword-making, mixed-reality headsets in Seoul, and reportedly also lavish pre-wedding celebrations for an Indian multi-billionaire's son. Zuckerberg posted footage on Sunday on social media of a "special afternoon learning about making katanas" with a sword master,…

Disney’s India unit to merge with Reliance: Report

India's Reliance Industries has signed a "binding pact" for a merger deal with Walt Disney's local unit, Bloomberg News reported Monday, a major shakeup for the country's multi-billion dollar entertainment industry. India's entertainment market is already one of the world's biggest, with the expected merger set to create a vast…

‘Article 370’ banned in all Gulf countries

Actress Yami Gautam's action political thriller film Article 370 has been banned in the Gulf countries. While Article 370 has been riding high on success at the domestic and overseas box office, garnering praise from both audiences and critics alike, the ban in the Gulf is another dampener on the…

Indian artisans prepare gifts for grand Ambani wedding

Indian big fat wedding is scheduled for Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India's business tycoon Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding festivities are scheduled to unfold in Jamnagar, one of the biggest industries of Reliance in the Indian state of Gujarat, from March 1st to…

Newlyweds Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani reach Mumbai

After a dreamy wedding in Goa, newlyweds Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani are back to the bay. On Friday, Mr and Mrs Bhagnani were snapped at the Mumbai airport. Rakul looked beautiful in a yellow Anarkali set with a golden dupatta. Jackky, on the other hand, opted for cream-coloured…

To come back to Bollywood with ‘Shaitaan’ is very special,…

Actress Jyotika on Thursday said she is thrilled to have made a comeback to Hindi cinema after over two decades with Shaitaan. The South star made her acting debut with the 1998 Hindi film, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, and went on to become one of the most loved female actors…

Babil Khan teams up with Glance for #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign

Glance, one of the world’s leading Smart Lock Screen platforms, has teamed up with new-age Bollywood actor Babil Khan for their latest #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign. The campaign is geared towards encouraging the adoption of Glance Smart Lock Screen, a platform that has already garnered a substantial user base of over 200…

Enduring legacy of ‘Kabhi Kabhie’

WHEN Kabhi Kabhie was released in cinemas on February 27, 1976, it took everyone by surprise. It was a great romantic movie made during an era dominated by action and presented a reigning superstar in a way thought unimaginable. By combining the rule-breaking approach with a strong storyline, a big…

Vikrant Massey apologises for viral tweet featuring Ram-Sita cartoon

Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey, who is riding high on the huge success of his latest film 12th Fail, has found himself at the center of a controversy as a now-deleted tweet that he shared in 2018 has gone viral once again on social media. The said tweet is related to…

‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ is an experiment gone…

A MAN accidentally falls in love with a remarkably life-like robot and tries to get her out of his system. When that doesn’t happen, he reconnects with the attractive cyborg and introduces her to his family as his fiancé. What follows is a comedy of errors and an extended family…

Vidya Balan complains of attempts to impersonate her to cheat…

Mumbai police have registered a case after Bollywood actress Vidya Balan complained that someone was impersonating her using a fake Instagram account and email ID and cheating people from the film industry, an official said on Wednesday. According to the first information report (FIR) registered at the Khar police station…

Sohm Kapila: ‘Bhangra Nation-A New Musical’ explores life of three…

Sohm Kapila, an internationally renowned actress (Aquaman 2, Never Have I Ever, Greys Anatomy, Small Town Big Story), born in India and raised in Nottingham, is back in the Midlands from her home of Los Angeles and spoke to Eastern Eye about her latest role on stage as Rekha in…

Amitabh celebrates 55 years in films; drops pics in AI…

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has clocked 55 years in the cinema industry. The renowned actor has mesmerised audiences with his cinematic style and captivating aura ever since making his stage debut in 1969. On Saturday, Amitabh took to X and wrote, "T 4924 - 55 years in the wondrous world of…

‘Dange’: John Abraham launches trailer for Harshvardhan Rane’s next

Bollywood star John Abraham on Friday launched the official trailer for the upcoming bilingual film Dange. Helmed by Bejoy Nambiar, the film boasts of an incredible cast, including Harshvardhan Rane, Nikita Dutta, Ehan Bhatt, Sanchana Natarajan, and Kalidas Jayram. The makers first unveiled the trailer at a college festival in…

Sandeep Singh to helm Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj biopic

Filmmaker Sandeep Singh is all set to direct The Pride of Bharat - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a biopic of 17th-century Indian ruler Shivaji Bhonsle, reported Variety. Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari unveiled the poster and launched the film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Singh has produced…

Nutan: Bollywood’s timeless icon

WHEN lists of Bollywood’s greatest leading ladies are compiled, Nutan is always featured prominently. What set her apart from most other iconic heroines in Hindi cinema history was her acting prowess, which took precedence over more superficial aspects such as glamour, fashion, dancing and sex appeal. Her remarkable talent for…

EXCLUSIVE – Swami Brahmavihari: ‘Harmony is the way forward’

SWAMI BRAHMAVIHARIDAS is one of the most respected and admired of Swaminarayan figures who lead the global organisation that is BAPS today. He has led the project to build the spectacular Akshardham Temple in Abu Dhabi since its conception. In this exclusive and very special interview with Shailesh R Solanki,…

Arjun Kapoor to play villain in ‘Singham Again’

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s upcoming film Singham Again has found its villain in Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor. Singham Again is the third film in the Ajay Devgn-led Singham series, which started with 2011’s Singham and was followed by Singham Returns in 2014. The two movies along with Ranveer Singh’s Simmba (2018) and…

How Dev Patel put India on the global movie map

INDIAN cinema can claim to be the biggest film industry in the world, but it has never reached its global potential. This is largely due to an inability to connect with non-Asian audiences. Despite constantly boasting of breaking records, none of the films have been as financially successful as the…

Priya Davdra: Theatre of love and kindness

BEING surrounded by music and films from an early age pushed Priya Davdra towards a career in acting. The versatile British Asian performer has found success across multiple platforms, including being a regular on the iconic soap EastEnders, starring in the Indian film, Naan Yaar, and acting in the TV…

Javed Ali: Versatile voice of Bollywood

POPULAR Indian singer Javed Ali has consistently showcased his impressive range through songs in diverse genres, languages and styles. The marvellous musical numbers delivered by the naturally gifted singer have included Bollywood hits Nagada Nagada, Jashn-E-Bahaara, Guzarish, Araziyan, Kun Faya Kun and Tu Jo Mila. Having beautifully balanced top tracks…

BBC Asian Network to launch first-ever Official British Asian Chart…

BBC Asian Network has announced the launch of the first-ever official British Asian Chart Show, coming to the station on Thursdays (9pm-10pm) from 18 April. Hosted by the station’s Jasmine Takhar, the weekly show will celebrate the best of British Asian music, with a one-hour rundown of the top 20…

The best Bollywood filming locations to visit in Europe

Bollywood's love affair with Europe has given us some of the most memorable recent cinematic moments. As you plan your next holiday, why not travel to the enchanting landscapes of Europe and walk in the footsteps of your favorite Bollywood stars? From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic…

Ed Sheeran to perform in Mumbai

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is set to perform in India once again with singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad. The gig will take place at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on March 16. Excited about the show, Kuhad took to his Instagram Story and wrote, "Excited to join @teddysphotos +-=/ x 2024 Tour! See…

Reports: Mahira Khan quits Netflix show to welcome second child

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has decided to walk out of two high-profile projects as she is expecting her second child this year, as per reports. Khan first got married in July 2007 to Ali Askari in a traditional Islamic wedding ceremony and the couple welcomed their son Azlan in 2009.…

Shekhar Kapur: AR Rahman’s faith plays an important role in…

Praising AR Rahman, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said that the Oscar-winning composer is a “genius” with a remarkable level of humility. Opening up about working with Rahman on his Broadway musical Bombay Dreams, Shekhar said during a podcast, “AR Rahman had a name in the industry by the time I met…

Amitabh seeks blessings at Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Friday morning and offered prayers to Ram Lalla, weeks after attending its grand inauguration with son Abhishek Bachchan. After his recent visit, several images and videos surfaced online. In one of the images, Big B is seen worshipping the Lord…

Diljit Dosanjh, Shreya Ghoshal to be part of ‘Coke Studio…

The lineup for the second season of Coke Studio Bharat has been announced and music aficionados are definitely in for a treat. As per a statement, singers like Diljit Dosanjh, Shreya Ghoshal, Neha Kakkar, Digvijay Singh, Kanishk Seth, Cyli Khare, and MC Square will feature in the second season. Ankur…

Sheeba Akashdeep: Art of living different lives

ACCLAIMED Indian actress Sheeba Akashdeep has combined a successful cinematic career that includes Bollywood hits such as Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani with winning turns on several top television dramas. She has been playing a key role in the drama serial, Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, since it was launched in…

Esha Deol, Bharat Takhtani announce separation

Bollywood actress Esha Deol and entrepreneur Bharat Takhtani on Wednesday confirmed their separation after 11 years of marriage. Rumours of their split were doing the rounds on social media for quite some time now. Esha and Bharat, who share daughters Radhya and Miraya, said the separation is "mutual and amicable".…

Popular Bollywood love story tropes

ALTHOUGH action is currently dominating the Bollywood box office, romance remains the most popular genre in Hindi cinema history. Not surprisingly, it has been explored in many different ways, including popping up unexpectedly in genres such as high-action thrillers, family dramas and even supernatural stories. With Valentine’s Day around the…

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: The fall of a qawwali king

THE late great singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan took qawwali to unimaginable heights before he prematurely passed away aged 48 in 1997. After his death, there was a void that had to be filled. His nephews, Rizwan and Muazzam, headed a qawwali group that should have been the natural…

Teaser for ‘Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra’ out

Makers of the upcoming movie Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra, starring Ranvir Shorey and Manoj Joshi, on Friday, unveiled the film's first teaser. Actor Ranvir Shorey took to X to reveal the teaser. #GodhraTeaser is all yours! Do tell us in comments if it was an Accident or a Conspiracy. #GodhraTeaser…

Fans select their top Shreya Ghoshal track ahead of UK…

BOLLYWOOD queen Shreya Ghoshal excels in captivating live audiences, evident in the sold-out tours she has performed worldwide. The superb singer with a bank of brilliant songs returns to the UK in February for big arena shows in London (9) and Manchester (11). Ahead of the tour, Eastern Eye asked…

THE TOP 10 Abhishek Bachchan performances

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN has delivered a diverse range of performances in various genres across an acting career which began in 2000 with the cross-border drama, Refugee. As the popular actor celebrates his 48th birthday next Monday (5), Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by highlighting his top 10 performances, listed…

Movie greatness of Gippy Grewal

IT WAS only a couple of decades ago when Punjabi cinema struggled, with few films being made and those produced facing challenges in global distribution. Music icon Gurdas Maan had been one of those who kept the sinking industry afloat with films like the acclaimed 1999 romantic drama, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota…

‘Indian Police Force’ review: Spin-off series of Bollywood cop universe…

THOSE familiar with the work of producer and director Rohit Shetty in Bollywood will know that his films are largely defined by stunning action and mostly poor storylines. While it’s easy to get away with a product that is style over substance in cinema, the same is not the case…

The Shahenshah of Bollywood

THE vigilante action drama, Shahenshah, generated a tidal wave of excitement when it was released on February 12, 1988. Amitabh Bachchan’s return to the big screen after more than two years away from it gave him another career-defining role and was the secondhighest grossing movie of that year. Tinnu Anand’s…

Hrithik Roshan: Special kind of Fighter

A STUNNING career filled with accolades, critically acclaimed performances and blockbusters has established Hrithik Roshan as one of the biggest movie stars of this generation. The Bollywood superstar has captivated audiences worldwide with his acting prowess, chameleon-like ability to transform into any character and magnetic on-screen presence. He has added…

Amy Jackson gets engaged to Ed Westwick

Actress Amy Jackson is now engaged. On Monday, she took to social media and shared the good news with her fans and followers. She dropped a couple of romantic pictures with her beau Ed Westwick. In the images, Ed Westwick can be seen proposing to Amy in Switzerland on a…

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan criticised for assaulting ‘protege’

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan found himself at the centre of a controversy after a video of him allegedly slapping a person went viral on social media on Saturday, following which the renowned Pakistani singer said it was an attempt to tarnish his image. In the purported video, Khan can be…

THE TOP 10 moments from Jackie Shroff’s career

FROM playing larger than life heroes to winning supporting roles, evil antagonists and quirky characters, Jackie Shroff’s glittering career is filled with standout moments. Born on February 1, 1957, the popular Indian actor will be celebrating his 67th birthday next week. Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by going…

Anil Kapoor: Flying high and fabulous

HAVING more than four decades of incredible cinema achievements hasn’t lessened Anil Kapoor’s desire to take on more challenges. Instead of basking in the glory of a glittering film career, one of the greatest Indian movie stars of all time is hungrier than ever, and continues to push the creative…

Top 30 under 30 to watch in 2024

AN EXCITING young generation of south Asian creative talent is continuing to add new elements to popular culture with a cool approach. While some have already made an impressive mark with a brilliant body of work, others are showing real potential to be future gamechangers. They are all making themselves…

Deol family make a dynamic return

THE Deol family have been an integral part of Bollywood for more than 60 years. They had been largely in the wilderness until an unexpectedly successful 2023 turned things around for them. After two decades of forgettable flops, the sequel Gadar 2 defied negative reviews to become a Bollywood blockbuster,…

Chand Ali Khan: ‘Qawwalis are spiritual conversations’

DESPITE being centuries old, qawwali music remains massively popular with live audiences around the world. One of its top British exponents, Chand Ali Khan Qawwal and Party, is set to embark on another UK tour in February. The Midlands-based group has already sold out some shows, and their Dillagi tour…

Ananya Panday debuts at Paris Couture Week

Bollywood star Ananya Panday made her international runway debut at the Paris Couture Week as she walked the ramp for designer Rahul Mishra. The ace couturier presented his haute couture spring collection 'Superheroes' at the 2024 edition of the fashion gala on Monday. Panday, 25, walked the ramp in a…

Modi leads consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya

INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a temple Monday (22) that embodies the triumph of his muscular Hindu nationalist politics, galvanising loyalists in an unofficial start to his re-election campaign this year. Modi, in flowing golden-coloured traditional dress, unveiled the black stone idol to the deity Ram in the heart…

Air India introduces inflight entertainment experience

Air India, India’s leading global airline, today unveiled a colossal library of content for its new, best-in-class inflight entertainment (IFE) system that will offer an immersive entertainment experience to travellers on its long-haul flights. The full suite of the new IFE content features over 2,200 hours of entertainment content across…

‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’ nominated for international stunt awards

Shah Rukh Khan has truly ruled over 2023 with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. While he has been making waves with his magnificent triumphs over the years, now his films Jawan and Pathaan have earned multiple nominations in Vulture's 2023 Annual Stunt Awards. SRK starrer Pathaan and Jawan not only impressed…

Priyanka, Nick visit temple on daughter’s birthday

Celebrity couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas recently celebrated their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas's second birthday. On Wednesday, the actress took to Instagram and shared a string of pictures from her daughter's second birthday celebrations. She captioned the post, "She is our miracle. And she is 2," followed by…

Fighter is set for a crash landing

AFTER years of dwindling audiences and box office disasters, Bollywood struck back in 2023 with five blockbuster successes that drew audiences around the world back into cinemas. Fighter, the first high-profile release of 2024, is hoping to carry on that box office momentum. The air force drama has a lot…

Parveen Babi: Dramatic life of a legend

BOLLYWOOD beauty Parveen Babi has consistently been celebrated as one of the most gorgeous Indian movie icons of all time. Raw sex appeal, striking good looks, stunning style and a fearless approach turned her into a pathbreaker who helped remove the shackles of the Hindi film heroine. Like a dramatic…

Twinkle graduates from UK’s Goldsmith College; Akshay reacts

Former Bollywood actress Twinkle Khanna has completed a master's programme in fiction writing from Goldsmiths, University of London, and the actress-turned-author has said her graduation ceremony was "even more perfect" than she ever imagined. Khanna, who recently came out with the novel Welcome To Paradise, shared a video from the…

Veronica Mehta’s phoenix moment after intense cancer battle

AT THE end of the video for her new song, Gone, British Asian music pioneer Veronica Mehta transforms into a phoenix rising from the ashes – a symbol, she said, of her “second chance at life” after a gruelling battle with cancer. Mehta was riding high in her career after…

Maldives sets March deadline for troops from India to leave

THE Maldivian president told India last Sunday (14) to withdraw its nearly 100 troops by March 15, a day after returning from China where he signed a raft of deals. New Delhi considers the Indian Ocean archipelago to be within its sphere of influence, but the Maldives has shifted into…

Salman on ‘Tiger 3’ registering a hit even on streaming

After recording a roaring theatrical hit with Tiger 3, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is thrilled that the film is now a hit on streaming too! He has been flooded with love on social media since the day Tiger 3 dropped on the global streaming platform Amazon Prime Video, on Jan…

Ram Charan’s ‘Game Changer’ to Adivi Sesh’s ‘G2’, 8 blockbusters…

2024 promises to be a year of an interesting lineup of films. Not just Bollywood but other film industries also have some blockbusters in the making. With the biggest of stars like Saif Ali Khan, Ram Charan, and others gearing up to treat us, here are 8 blockbusters we are…

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan laid to rest

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who passed away on Tuesday afternoon, was laid to rest with state honours in Kolkata on Wednesday. He also received a gun salute as part of his final rites. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in attendance at Rabindra Sadan, where the mortal remains…

Fawad Khan on Pakistani actors getting love from India

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is not only popular in his home country but also enjoys a massive fan following in India. He has played lead roles in a few notable Bollywood films, including Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons. The 42-year-old star recently appeared for an interview on a YouTube channel…

Sania Salan: Singing to success

BORN and brought up in Amritsar, British Asian singer Sania Salan has been connected to music from a very young age. Having moved to the UK in 2010, she started recording songs during lockdown and made a winning debut with top track Ranjhna. Since then, she has delivered more songs,…

‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ review: Slow pace mars acute film…

THIS Bollywood friendship drama, streaming on Netflix, centres around three friends – stand-up comedian Imaad, working professional Ahana and gym trainer Neil. Ahana breaks up with her longterm boyfriend; Imaad is a serial dater; and Neil is in a relationship with a social media influencer who does not want to…

Chronicles of singing superstar KL Saigal

KL SAIGAL was arguably the most influential singer in Hindi cinema history. The first singing superstar of India helped define Bollywood music and inspired all those who followed in his giant footsteps, including music icons like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh. Born on April 11, 1904, Saigal…

Priyanka impressed with Pankaj Tripathi’s life mantra

Priyanka Chopra was impressed with Pankaj Tripathi's mantra of life, as she was able to relate to the Mirzapur actor's point of view and called his wise words "wisdom." On Tuesday, taking to her Instagram Story, Priyanka shared a video clip from Pankaj Tripathi's throwback interview, in which he emphasised…

KBC finale sparks Amitabh Bachchan exit rumours

THE recent finale of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 15 led to speculation, even among some in the media, that Amitabh Bachchan might be retiring from hosting the iconic quiz show. However, his emotional sign-off marked the end of another successful series, and it’s expected he’ll return for season 16…

Music world mourns the loss of Ustad Rashid Khan

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan has died at the age of 55. The musician had been battling cancer, and on Tuesday, he breathed his last at a hospital in Kolkata. Ustad Rashid Khan is the great-grandson of the legendary Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan Sahab, the founder of the Rampur Sahaswan…

Vijay Sethupathi on finding acceptance in Bollywood

Actor Vijay Sethupathi says he initially thought his career up north would be limited to a couple of films as he wasn't confident about his language skills, but little did the actor know that there was a new audience waiting to welcome him with open arms. The 45-year-old actor, regarded…

Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira marries Nupur Shikhare

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and producer Reena Dutta’s daughter Ira Khan on Wednesday tied the knot with her long-time partner Nupur Shikhare. Ira, who is the founder and CEO of a mental health support organisation, registered her marriage with Nupur, a celebrity fitness trainer, at a five-star hotel in suburban…

Movies that stood out in an action-packed 2023

WHETHER it was in cinemas, streaming sites or at festivals around the world, audiences were offered an interesting variety of films from diverse genres and languages. From artistic gems and groundbreaking narratives to huge blockbusters, they entertained film fans from different backgrounds. Eastern Eye revisited 2023 to reveal 21 entertaining…

24 entertaining things to look forward to in 2024

WITH so many great-looking concerts, theatre productions, films, comebacks of popular stars and more already in the pipeline, 2024 looks set to be a thrilling and action-packed year. There will also be new talent, surprises, horizon-expanding moments, great music, free shows, and events celebrating the best in south Asian popular…

Kareena and Saif buy Kolkata team in Indian Street Premier…

Popular Bollywood couple Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan joined the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) on Wednesday as the owners of the final and last team of Kolkata. Kareena took to her Instagram handle to share the exciting news with his followers. “Cricket, a tradition we cherish, a…

‘The Archies’ review: Film adaptation becomes a pointless piece of…

THE comic book-turned-animated series, The Archies, enjoyed popularity from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. This Bollywood adaptation, which is available on the streaming site Netflix, generated attention largely for launching newcomers with famous family connections. The 1964-set story revolves around a group of friends living in a small…

New and returning Hindi shows to stream in 2024

Streaming services Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and ZEE5 are packing ample programming, including new as well as returning shows to keep audiences entertained throughout 2024. Here are some of the most anticipated shows of the year: Netflix Killer Soup: The first new original series from the streamers stars…

10 Bollywood films to look forward to in 2024

Bollywood fans have a lot to look forward to in the new year which offers a range of movies, including big-budget spectacle cinema that led the way in 2023. Here are some of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the year: 1. Merry Christmas: Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi star…

2023: When Bollywood made a spectacular theatrical comeback

The year that marked the triumphant return of the alpha male to the big screen and ageing star Shah Rukh Khan fronting Bollywood’s march back to the box office after Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki with Sunny Deol and Karan Johar walking alongside, reviving their careers and the fortunes of the…

Birthday Special: Salman Khan’s breakthrough performances

Salman Khan is one of the most popular and talented actors in Bollywood. He has dominated the box office for decades with countless successes. Khan began his career in 1988 with Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, and later he gave several hits including Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum…

‘Fighter’ to ‘Pushpa 2’, a look at most anticipated Indian…

The 2024 film release lineup looks excellent so far! From Hrithik Roshan's Fighter to Akshay Kumar's Welcome 3, it seems like a great year as far as Bollywood is concerned. Many other films have the audience waiting with bated breaths. Let's check out the list here. 1. Fighter Directed by…

Ranbir, Alia, Prabhas, Yash invited for Ram temple consecration ceremony

Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, Prabhas, and Yash are among several film personalities who have been invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22. According to producer Mahaveer Jain's sources, Tiger Shroff and Ayushmann Khurrana are also expected…

Feel fortunate I can relate to a wide spectrum of…

Moving from a small town to a mega city like Mumbai was challenging but Adarsh Gourav believes it honed him as an actor by giving him a chance to connect with people from different walks of life. The Jamshedpur-born actor made his acting debut as a child star in My…

Priyanka shares pictures with Nick and daughter from holiday dinner

Priyanka Chopra is set to welcome Christmas. Ahead of the festival, she gave her fans a glimpse of her holiday dinner with her husband Nick Jonas, and friends. Taking to Instagram, Priyanka shared a series of pictures featuring herself, Nick Jonas, daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, and friends, as they…

Dhanush announces his third directorial

Actor Dhanush treated fans with the exciting announcement of his third directorial venture with a concept poster on Friday. Taking to X, Dhanush shared a poster with the release date. The poster features a beach bench with the vast blue sea in the background. Instead of one, two crescent moons…

AI: a boon or a bane for Bollywood?

The Delhi Police on Wednesday tracked down four suspects who were involved in uploading Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna’s deepfake video online. However, the hunt for the creators of the wildly circulated video and the main conspirator behind it is still on. Mandanna, who is a popular name in India’s southern…

50 things we learned about Bollywood in 2023

BOLLYWOOD celebrities unveiled various details about themselves this year, ranging from unique personal anecdotes to past experiences. Keeping our ears to the ground, we learned more about the lives of well-known stars than just their on-screen personas. Eastern Eye looks back on the events of the last 12 months to present…

Month-by-month guide to Hindi film highs and lows from the…

EVERY month of 2023 had its winners and losers, with successes being balanced out by less-than-memorable moments. Eastern Eye looks back on some of the Bollywood highs and lows from the past year, with a month-by-month guide. January  Good: Shah Rukh Khan reclaimed his crown as the king of Bollywood…

DJ Shai Guy selects the biggest dance anthems of a…

WITH the party season being upon us, it is the perfect time to reflect on the power-packed dance anthems that were released in 2023. Eastern Eye requested DJ Shai Guy from one of the UK’s leading club night promoters, Bombay Funkadelic, to select the most upbeat songs from this year…

Asian movie stars and women ‘likely to be deepfakes targets’

THERE was the Bollywood star in skin-tight lycra, the Bangladeshi politician filmed in a bikini and the young Pakistani woman snapped with a man. None was real, but all three images were credible enough to unleash lust, vitriol – and even allegedly a murder – underlining the sophistication of generative…

Best British Asian moments of 2023 in music

A THRILLING year for British Asian music saw everything from much-awaited single releases to world-class performances by international artists in sold-out arenas. Newcomers breaking through, the rise of devotional music, established names making headlines, melas, music festivals and an interesting comeback were among the noteworthy events. Eastern Eye decided to…

The best of 2023

AN ACTION-PACKED year saw everything from stunning live performances to delightful drama serials, marvellous music and fabulous films. There was also perfectly pitched comedy, new talent, path-breaking projects and plenty of entertainment. Eastern Eye celebrated the many creative moments of 2023 with the annual Eye Spy awards which include extra…

Siddhant Chaturvedi: Films, fame and friendship

CONSIDERING that it is now becoming increasingly impossible for outsiders to break into Bollywood, Siddhant Chaturvedi’s achievements are impressive. The versatile actor leapt from web serials to cinema with a stunning supporting role in multi-award winning 2019 movie, Gully Boy, and has since worked hard to carve a space for…

A glance at top Bollywood songs of 2023

2023 has been a great year for Bollywood in terms of films and music. The film industry has delivered several big hits that ruled the charts the entire year. Be it the album of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starrer Pathaan or Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna's Animal, music taking…

Ayush Sharma’s car involved in road accident

Bollywood actor Ayush Sharma's car was hit by another car whose driver was allegedly in an inebriated condition in Mumbai's Khar area, police said on Monday. The actor was not in the car when the incident took place on Saturday. His 31-year-old driver, who was alone in the vehicle at…

Veteran actress Tanuja hospitalised

Veteran actress Tanuja has been hospitalised in Mumbai and is under observation in the ICU. As per a source close to the actress, Tanuja was admitted to Mumbai's Criticare Hospital in Juhu last night (Sunday) after having difficulty breathing. She is in the ICU under the supervision of doctors and…

Ranveer Singh launches new figures at Madame Tussauds

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, known for box-office-breaking performances, unapologetic personal style, and magnetic personality, visited the world-famous attraction Madame Tussauds in London to welcome his two new figures. He was accompanied by his mother, who, as a child, first introduced the would-be megastar to the world of Madame Tussauds London…

India’s love of homegrown single malts shakes up Pernod, Diageo

OAK casks, once used to store bourbon and wine, are stacking up in a distillery near New Delhi, filled with ageing whisky as workers churn out almost 10,000 bottles a day of Indian single malt Indri, recently named the world's best whisky. Sugarcane and mustard fields, not peat bogs, ring…

Zoya Akhtar promotes ‘The Archies’ on ‘The Daily Show’ with…

Well-known Bollywood filmmaker Zoya Akhtar recently appeared on host Kal Penn’s popular American talk show The Daily Show to promote her recently released film The Archies. The show started with Kal recalling how Zoya’s dog ‘almost killed himself’ when he met her for dinner at her home. Zoya also spoke…

Shah Rukh Khan tops Global Asian Celebrity List 2023

Shah Rukh Khan has added to a year of stunning achievements by topping the Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list for 2023. The Bollywood superstar beat off strong competition from around the world in this year’s edition of the popular list, published annually by UK based Eastern Eye…

Top 50 Asian stars of 2023

A GROUND-BREAKING year in entertainment saw glass ceilings shattered, greater heights conquered, creative horizons expanded, and new paths carved globally. There was also ground-breaking work, international crossovers, and exciting new talent announcing their arrival. Top south Asian talent from diverse fields were at the forefront of the marvellous moves being…

Entertainment industry’s most epic fails of 2023

WHETHER it has been top talents making a mark, path-breaking moments, superb songs, fabulous films, brilliant books, or audience-delighting entertainment, there has been a lot to celebrate in the past 12 months. Next week, there will be a roundup of these magnificent moments in Eastern Eye’s annual review of the…

Priyanka gives sneak peek into her Christmas preparations

Global icon Priyanka Chopra is already in the Christmas mood. On Tuesday, she took to her Instagram and shared a glimpse of Christmas preparations at her residence. The White Tiger actress shared a picture on her stories which she captioned, "Grateful." She dropped a picture of the fireplace corner decorated…

K-Pop singer Aoora to enter ‘Bigg Boss 17’

Popular K-pop singer Aoora is set to enter Salman Khan’s controversial reality show Bigg Boss 17 as a wild card contestant. On Thursday, Colors TV shared a new promo of the upcoming episode. In the video, only Aoora's partial face was revealed. He was seen singing the track 'Woh Kisna…

Freida Pinto on exploring opportunities outside Hollywood

Actress Freida Pinto, who rose to fame with her role in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire, talked about her future projects and said that she doesn't want to confine herself to Hollywood, reported Variety. "I've always looked at cinema globally," she told Variety. "After Slumdog, I could have easily played all…

Nalini Jaywant: Rise, romance and tragedy of a movie legend

THE fabulous 1950s delivered more Bollywood movie icons than any other decade is why it’s regarded as the golden age of Hindi cinema. When leading ladies from that era are mentioned, names like Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madbubala, Waheeda Rehman, Geeta Bali and Vyjayanthimala come to mind, but another who made…

Curse of Salman Khan strikes his niece Alizeh

SALMAN KHAN being one of Hindi cinema’s biggest power hitters of the modern era means it must be a dream come true to be launched by him into Bollywood. But pretty much all of those aspiring hopefuls who have been backed by the actor in some way seem to have…

Kavi Pau: Combining contrasting music cultures

ONE of the best kept secrets in British music is Third Culture Collective. The orchestra founded by London based composer, singer and producer Kavi Pau brings together Indian and western classical music, with commercial sounds to create a genre that attempts to go beyond fusion. The talented musicians and great…

Why FT picked Alia Bhatt for its influential women’s list

THE Bollywood actress, Alia Bhatt, is the sole Indian to be selected by the Financial Times (FT) among its “25 most influential women of 2023” chosen from across the world. The paper’s selection is a little like Eastern Eye’s Power List (the next one will be published on March 5,…

Kalki deletes X app amid Israel-Palestine conflict

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani actress Kalki Koechlin, on Tuesday deleted the X application from her phone amid the ongoing Israel - Palestine conflict. Taking to Instagram, Kalki shared a picture which she captioned, "Had to do this today. The hate and disinformation, the doom scrolling, the helplessness. But what really…

Animal review: Overly long drama is swamped with extreme violence

WRITER-DIRECTOR Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s debut film Arjun Reddy and its successful Bollywood remake Kabir Singh divided audiences despite clocking up huge box office figures. There is a similar polarising effect with his mega-budget third movie, which was recently released in cinemas globally. A young man is deeply devoted to his…

‘The Archies’: Bachhans arrive in style at grand premiere

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan could not be happier as his grandson Agastya Nanda is set to enter the cinematic world with the film The Archies. On Tuesday, director Zoya Akhtar hosted a special screening of The Archies in Mumbai, where the who's who of Bollywood marked their presence. Big B, too,…

Important to choose films based on merit of script: Katrina

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif says rather than falling into a trap of repeating herself, she goes by her instinct when choosing a script. In her two-decade-long journey in the movies, Katrina has cemented her position as one of the most successful female stars in the Hindi film industry. Some of…

Deepika holidays with friends in London

Leading Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is on holiday with her friends Sneha Ramachander and Divya Narayan in London. Sneha took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, "Getting hair done by the one and only Deepika Padukone, assisted by Divya Narayan." Deepika can be seen fixing her friend's hair in the…

Ananya on representing India at Red Sea Film Fest

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday represented India at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. The Dream Girl 2 star also attended Vanity Fair's Women in Cinema panel. Sharing her excitement about attending the festival, Ananya Panday said in a statement, "It is an honour to be part of an…

Freida Pinto joins Red Sea Film Fest jury; Ranveer to…

Red Sea International Film Festival recently unveiled its line-up of juries and awardees for its third edition which kicks off today on November 30. The festival takes place in Jeddah on the Red Sea's eastern shore. The event will conclude on December 9. Baz Luhrmann, who was previously announced as…

British Perspectives on Eastern and Western Entertainment

The landscape of entertainment in the United Kingdom presents a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western elements, creating a unique cultural tapestry. This exploration delves into the varied entertainment preferences in the UK, offering insights into how these differing influences coalesce to form a distinctive entertainment scene. The Charms of…

Coolie: 40 years of an all time classic

CLASSIC film Coolie captured the attention of Bollywood fans around the world when it was released on December 2, 1983 because an accident on the set had nearly killed lead star Amitabh Bachchan, after a stunt went wrong. The story of a boy separated from his mother, who grows up…

ZEE5 Global fortifies US leadership with aggregation of South Asian…

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming service for South Asian content, today announced a strategic move to aggregate multiple South Asian streaming platforms within the ZEE5 Global platform with the launch of Add-ons in the US. ZEE5 Global Add-ons will offer subscribers in the US a single window to access…

Zoya Akhtar: ‘I hope The Archies gives today’s kids a…

ACCLAIMED filmmaker Zoya Akhtar said she hoped her adaption of the popular comic, The Archies, can lead to more Indians in the industry getting the opportunity to bring global stories to the screen. The Archie comics, first produced in the 1940s, are a staple of American culture that have transcended…

‘Om Shanti Om’ one of my favourite films: Catherine Zeta-Jones

She has seen it multiple times, her son has watched it, and his school friends too... Catherine Zeta-Jones says Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om is one of her favourite films along with The Lunch Box. The Hollywood star on Monday attended the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in…

Alia latest Indian celebrity to fall prey to deepfake

Leading Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is the latest celebrity to fall prey to deepfake technology after Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol. An unsettling deepfake video of the Gangubai Kathiawadi actress has gone viral on social media. The video shows a girl who resembles Alia Bhatt looking into the camera…

‘Farrey’ team and Alizeh win over the industry

Alizeh, Zeyn Shaw, Prasanna Bisht, and Sahil Mehta starrer Farrey has emerged as a winner already thanks to strong word of mouth. While the film has received some great reviews, it also had a celeb screening last night, after which many celebs from the industry were seen rooting for the…

Ranbir gets daughter’s name inked on collarbone

There's no greater feeling than embracing parenthood and Ranbir Kapoor is no exception, as he got her daughter Raha's name inked on her collarbone. Ranbir, who is busy promoting his upcoming action thriller Animal, recently revealed his tattoo. A video of Ranbir went viral on social media in which he…

‘Farray’ Review: Imaginative, intelligent and features a starmaking performance from…

Jamtara director Soumendra Padhi is back to woo audiences with yet another intriguing tale in his new film Farray, which translates to chits. It is based on the Thai film Bad Genius, which in turn was inspired by true-life events. Farray has been in the news for quite some time…

This industry requires patience and sacrifices: Ranbir

In his little over a 15-year career, Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor says many lessons have been learned but patience and sacrifice are the two key elements an aspiring actor should swear by. Ranbir made his debut with 2007's Saawariya and is regarded as one of the most talented actors of…

Shekhar Kapur’s daughter gears up for acting debut

Award-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actress Suchitra Krishnamoorti’s daughter, Kaveri Kapur, is gearing up to make her acting debut. If reports are to be believed, Kaveri has already kick-started her preparations to set foot in Bollywood. For those not in the know, Shekhar’s daughter is already proficient as both a…

Dia Mirza among 4 Indians in BBC 100 Women list

Four Indian women, including Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, made it to the BBC 100 Women List 2023. BBC released the 11th edition of the list on November 21, 2023. In addition to Mirza, captain of India’s national women’s cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur, National Geographic photographer Arati Kumar-Rao, and Tibetan Buddhist…

Katrina Kaif on her 20 years journey

As someone who started acting when she was just a teenager, actress Katrina Kaif says she is very driven and competitive but over the years, she has learned to enjoy the "wonderful journey" she has had in Hindi cinema. There are many films that helped her grow, says Katrina, who…

Gadar girl’s great return

IT’S TRUE that Ameesha Patel set foot in Bollywood with blockbuster hit Kaho Na Pyaar Hai in 2000, but it was her damsel-in-distress character of Sakeena Ali in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) that took her to an entirely new level of fame. After a massive gap of 22 years,…

‘I hope more Asians will engage with the National Trust’

BRITISH ASIANS are being encouraged to visit National Trust properties as the organisation is striving to improve diversity among its members, volunteers and staff, its director general Hilary McGrady told Eastern Eye in an exclusive interview. As Europe’s premier conservation charity, the trust safeguards more than 500 historic houses, castles,…

Poorly executed survival thriller becomes very pointless

THE Bollywood survival thriller recently premiered on streaming site Hotstar. A woman is travelling on a bus to meet her fiancé when it is suddenly attacked by a murderous gang, who loot the passengers. They kidnap the woman with the intent of raping and eventually killing her, but she escapes…

Two decades of Kal Ho Naa Ho

WHEN Kal Ho Naa Ho was released on November 28, 2003, it made an instant connection with audiences around the world and became the highest grossing Bollywood film of that year. The story of a terminally ill man teaching those around him to embrace life and sacrificing his own happiness…

‘Was depressed, had two heart attacks trying to make ‘Maximum…

Anurag Kashyap is one of the most sought-after filmmakers in Bollywood. Be it newcomers or established actors, everyone wants to work with him. The filmmaker has delivered several commercially and critically successful projects over the years. After the success of Sacred Games, the filmmaker was working on the adaptation of…

Army drama based on an acclaimed book misfires

THE period war movie based on the book The Burning Chaffees by army veteran Balram Singh Mehta recently premiered on streaming site Amazon Prime. The story set during the battle of Garibpur during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war revolves around two brothers in the army with distinctively different personalities. While one is…

Is Uri: The Surgical Strike a cursed film?

WHEN Uri: The Surgical Strike was released in 2019 it became a huge blockbuster success. In terms of budget versus return, the fictional account of India’s retaliation to Pakistan militants launching a deadly attack in 2016, became one of the highest profit-making movies of all time. Almost five years later,…

Unicef ambassador Beckham encouraged by India’s changes

DAVID BECKHAM, who was in India last week as a global ambassador for the United Nations children’s charity Unicef, has expressed confidence that positive social change is taking place in India, especially as young girls are demanding greater gender equality. The 48-year-old former football star met children at schools in…

AR Rahman on importance of film festivals

Music maestro AR Rahman on Tuesday attended the gala premiere of Gandhi Talks at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa. Before attending the screening, Rahman marked his presence on the red carpet along with actors Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, who headline Gandhi Talks. Speaking to…

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard celebrates Diwali

DIWALI celebrations at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard last Thursday (16) were attended by members of the public who got the chance to explore the shared maritime heritage of Indian communities and the Royal Navy. Military personnel, including the Royal Navy Race Diversity Network and the Defence Hindu Network, as well…

India eyes fairytale finish in World Cup final

ROHIT SHARMA's undefeated India will look to end a 10-year global title drought in front of 130,000 fans in the World Cup final against five-time champions Australia on Sunday (19). India have racked up 10 straight wins at the tournament as they seek a third World Cup triumph to add…

Starstruck SRK shares pic with David Beckham

Finally, the wait is over! A picture of superstar Shah Rukh Khan with football legend David Beckham is out and undoubtedly it is no less than a feast for the fans' eyes. A while ago, SRK took to Instagram and dropped a priceless picture with Beckham from an intimate dinner…

IFFI 2023: Madhuri, Shahid to perform; Ayushmann to honour Michael…

Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit will perform at the star-studded opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where actors Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi and Vijay Sethupathi will also unveil the first looks of their upcoming films. The 54th edition of the film…

Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’ raises £30 million globally

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s latest action thriller Tiger 3 is unstoppable at the box office. The film, which hit cinemas on August 12 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, has been performing exceptionally well not only in India but also across the globe. Tiger 3 has grossed over £30 million at…

SRK hosts private party for David Beckham at Mannat

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Thursday night hosted a private party at his residence for legendary footballer David Beckham. A video doing the rounds online sees a car arriving quietly at Mannat, with Beckham's staff seated in the front seat, while he sat in the back passenger's seat. David Beckham…

Akshay, Twinkle, and Preity celebrate Diwali with Sunak

Bollywood couple Akshay Kumar, his wife Twinkle Khanna, and actress Preity Zinta celebrated Diwali this year with the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at his official residence in London. Zinta took to social media to share a set of pictures from the celebration. In the pictures, the trio is seen…

Sonam hosts welcome party for David Beckham

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja hosted a lavish welcome party at their Mumbai home for football icon David Beckham. The Wednesday night bash was attended by well-known faces in the entertainment industry including Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput, Shibani Dandekar, Farhan Akhtar, Karisma…

Kumar Sanu: A special kind of music romance

MAGNIFICENT songs, multiple awards and amazing musical achievements mean Kumar Sanu needs no introduction. The massively popular music star ranks among the most celebrated Indian playback singers of all time and is the voice behind songs that defined a generation. The once-undisputed ‘king of romance’ is currently judging the 14th…

V Shantaram: Life and times of a cinema giant

THERE is enough compelling evidence to suggest that V Shantaram was perhaps the most important Indian filmmaker of the 20th century. Whether it was technical innovations, pathbreaking work, expanding the horizons of Indian cinema or an incredibly fearless approach, he left behind an impressive body of work and countless magic…

Hindi leading ladies hit an all-time low

WOULD you be able to tell Tara Sutaria, Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Vaani Kapoor and Rakulpreet Singh apart if shown photographs of them? Even the most die-hard Bollywood fans would struggle with this conundrum or think of a truly memorable role they have played. You could perhaps recognise Sara Ali…

‘Tiger 3’ review: Third part of franchise is more action…

THE third instalment of an action franchise, which has spawned a Bollywood spy universe with spinoff films Pathaan and War, returned to the big screen after two previously successful outings. Salman Khan reprises his role of Indian super spy Tiger, and Katrina Kaif once again plays his Pakistani secret agent…

‘Berlin’ review: Period espionage drama delivers lots of surprises

THE early 1990s set Indian spy thriller had its European premiere at the recent London Indian Film Festival. A sign language expert is brought into interview a deaf man, who is accused of spying, under the watchful gaze of competing Indian security factions, ahead of the Russian president’s visit. All…

A guide to getting the right kind of attention

WHETHER it is in everyday life, when wooing a potential partner, on social media, at work or in any number of other situations, people want to get noticed. With over 12 years of experience working with the biggest movie stars and clients from other fields, in marketing, PR, creative communication,…

David Michod on Shah Rukh Khan-Brad Pitt’s 2017 meeting

Filmmaker David Michod has vivid memories of his last trip to India but what truly left an impression on him was witnessing the enchanting synergy between Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Hollywood counterpart, Brad Pitt. Michod had come to the country with Pitt to promote their Netflix satirical…

Rajinikanth visits fan’s house unannounced in US

An old video of legendary Indian actor Rajinikanth making an impromptu visit to a fan’s house in the US has gone viral on social media. Reportedly, the video was shot during one of his trips to the US. In the viral video, a Tamil family in the US met Rajinikanth,…

Kareena on playing Black Widow in Marvel’s ‘Wastelanders’

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan has voiced the iconic character of Black Widow in the podcast series Marvel's Wastelanders, which is now streaming on the audio platform. Sharing her excitement on the launch of the Audible series, Kareena said, "Breathing life into a character as iconic as Black Widow has…

Priyanka shares lessons she learned from Rakesh Roshan, Abbas-Mustan

During a masterclass at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023, Priyanka Chopra opened up about valuable lessons she learned from working with Bollywood filmmakers Raj Kanwar, Rakesh Roshan, and Abbas-Mustan. The former Miss World began her acting career with Raj Kanwar’s Andaz (2003). Sharing what she learned from him, Chopra…

Ananya Panday poses with Freida Pinto

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday attended a store launch event in New York City and shared pictures from the same on social media. The Dream Girl 2 actress took to Instagram and dropped a bundle of snaps from the store launch event where she can be seen posing with American media…

Hansal Mehta: High of making great cinema

WHETHER it is web serials or films, Hansal Mehta has been daring to do things differently as a director and producer. He continued that run of unique projects with his latest movie The Buckingham Murders, which had its world premiere at the recent BFI London Film Festival and marks the…

‘Sushmita Sen a force to reckon with’: Raja Kumari

Rapper Raja Kumari on Wednesday shared her experience of working with actor Sushmita Sen. After singing the Jawan theme for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian-American singer has now come up with a song called 'Sherni Aayi' in Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya 3. Talking to ANI, she spoke about her experience…

Baazigar bad guy that turned Shah Rukh Khan into a…

ALTHOUGH Shah Rukh Khan made his Bollywood debut in 1992, it was his 1993 release Baazigar, which gained him big global attention. His dastardly portrayal of a duplicitous individual, who goes on a murderous revenge mission, kick-started a rapid rise to the very top of Hindi cinema for the actor.…

Salman, Arijit and a Tiger 3 table turn

THERE is one fascinating aspect about this week’s big Bollywood release Tiger 3 you may not have realised and revolves around fortunes changing over time. Back in 2014, Arijit Singh was a newcomer, who had suddenly found fame after his fabulous Aashiqui 2 song Tum Hi Ho became a worldwide…

Nikhil Singh Rai: ‘In theatre, Asians are still so heavily…

PLAYING the lead character in Jack in the Beanstalk, actor Nikhil Singh Rai hopes he can “light a spark” in young south Asians to think about acting as a career path. The panto will be staged at the Stratford East Theatre, an area with a large ethnic minority population which…

Hollywood star Charlize Theron reveals love for Bollywood films

AS A YOUNG girl being brought up in South Africa, Hollywood star Charlize Theron says watching Bollywood films was a Sunday routine as her native country has a sizeable Indian population. Theron, the star of countless and critically acclaimed Hollywood titles such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Blonde, Monster, The…

Maniesh Paul to host Warner Bros Discovery’s ‘History Hunter’

Warner Bros Discovery on Saturday announced a new docu-series, titled History Hunter, which will seek to solve the mysterious unanswered questions from Indian history. Popular actor Maniesh Paul will host the eight-episode show, which will make its debut on Discovery Channel and Discovery+ on November 20, said a press release.…

Growing up, I watched more Bollywood movies than American: Charlize…

As a young girl being brought up in South Africa, Hollywood star Charlize Theron says watching Bollywood films was a Sunday routine as her native country has a sizeable Indian population. Theron, the star of countless and critically acclaimed Hollywood titles such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Blonde, Monster, The…

Adil Hussain on work culture difference in Hollywood and Bollywood

Actor Adil Hussain has a wide range of films to his name, including internationally acclaimed works like 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' and Life of Pi. The actor, who is renowned for his refined acting abilities and diversified, unconventional performances, talked about the culture of filmmaking in India and abroad. During a…

How to make this Diwali a memorable celebration

WHETHER it is the food, fireworks, fabulous outfits or family gatherings, there is a lot to consider during Diwali. Making the right decisions will usually mean the difference between having a delightful time or something not so memorable. With that in mind, Eastern Eye prepared a quick A to Z…

Sashadhar Mukherjee: Most influential Bollywood legend you are unaware of

ONE of the most important figures in Hindi cinema history you likely have never heard of is Sashadhar Mukherjee. From producing record-breaking Bollywood blockbusters to launching new talents who would go on to become legends and founding a film dynasty, the bigthinking movie mogul helped lay the foundation for the…

How terrible choices tamed Tiger Shroff

IT MAY have had an eye-catching trailer loaded with special effects and a unique futuristic setting, but there was plenty of evidence that Ganapath would become a colossal disaster ahead of its release. That is because lead star Tiger Shroff has a truly terrible track record of selecting screenplays that…

Fawzia Mirza: Queer identity and ‘The Queen Of My Dreams’

BEAUTIFULLY described as a Bollywood-infused tribute to queer Muslim joy, The Queen Of My Dreams has had successful premieres at major movie festivals in Toronto and London recently, and great acclaim. The feature directorial debut of Fawzia Mirza tells the story of Canadian queer woman Azra, who reconnects with her…

Asian artists hit the high notes with social media

TIKTOK can help make the next generation of British Asian musicians popular and the scene more ethnically diverse, according to leading industry figures. Highlighting the lack of support for south Asian artists, record label bosses believe social media can allow upcoming musicians to gain audiences and therefore become mainstream. New…

5 Bollywood blockbusters streaming on ZEE5 Global

In the realm of Indian cinema, where stories are woven with passion, dreams, and drama, a select few films emerge as true blockbusters, transcending borders and boundaries. These movies not only leave an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences but also cross the coveted milestone of earning more than…

Alia, Deepika to Katrina Kaif, celebs arrive at Jio World…

Several Bollywood celebs on Tuesday marked their presence at the star-studded launch of the Jio World Plaza in Mumbai. Actor Deepika Padukone graced the event in an off-shoulder grey dress which she paired with black long boots. She kept her make-up heavy and accessorized her look with minimal jewellery. She…

Named after Raj Kapoor, Indian restaurant celebrates Uzbekistan’s love for…

In the heart of Tashkent, a city known for its rich history, stands an Indian restaurant celebrating the legacy of legendary Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor and the love of the Uzbeks for him even 35 years after his death. Styled on the Bollywood theme, the 'Raaj Kapur' restaurant which is…

Memoir of adman Prahlad Kakar to be out on Nov…

From the bizarre to the brazen, the upcoming memoir of renowned ad-film director Prahlad Kakar serves up scoops of his most unforgettable experiences, peppered with funny anecdotes from his personal life and seasoned with lessons on how to tell a riveting story in 30 seconds. Adman Madman: Unapologetically Prahlad, written…

Same-sex romance in Indian cinema: A road less travelled

Same-sex romance came out of the mainstream cinema closet with Karan Johar’s Dostana in 2008. Indian movies have come a long way from that gaze of ridicule and slapstick laughter in the 15 years since with empathetic, real-life portrayals of the queer community but it’s still a road less travelled.…

Gadar 2 on ZEE5 Global shatters records with worldwide streaming…

ZEE5 Global, the world's largest streaming platform for South Asian content, is celebrating the raging success of Gadar 2 as it became the biggest streaming blockbuster on the platform. It was watched in 180+ countries and trended across multiple countries including the US, UK, Australia, UAE, and Canada. The movie…

Atif Aslam halts concert mid-way after fan throws money at…

The popularity of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam is not restricted to just his home country. The singer, who has sung some unforgettable songs for Bollywood films also, is popular in several parts of the world. Atif Aslam is currently celebrating 20 years of his eventful music career and to mark…

Ranbir Kapoor reacts to being called ‘toxic’

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor recently opened up about dealing with negativity and also reacted to the trolls who call him 'toxic'. Taking to X, Ranbir's fans shared a clip from a conversation in which the Barfi star said, "Hey, I'm not on social media so I don't have the need…

New play explores the power of girls to make a…

IN We Could All Be Perfect, actress Anshula Bain has taken on the mammoth task of playing 15 different characters. Based on a book by Hannah Morley, the play explores the experiences of girls through history – from the 1800s to an apocalyptic future – and featuring the likes of…

Afghanistan team grooves to SRK’s ‘Lungi Dance’ after win against…

Escatic Afghanistan cricketers celebrated their thrilling win over Pakistan in the ICC World Cup match by grooving to the popular Bollywood number 'Lungi Dance' which features actor Shah Rukh Khan. Afghanistan on Monday registered their second surprise victory in the World Cup and their first-ever win over Pakistan in the…

Pearl V Puri Interview: ‘I love characters who aren’t very…

Pearl V Puri, a well-known face on Indian television, makes his silver screen debut with this week’s release Yaariyan 2, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. As the title aptly suggests, the film is a spiritual sequel to the 2014 hit Yaariyan. Easter Eye recently met Pearl at T-Series’…

We were clear we wanted newcomers for ‘The Archies’: Zoya…

Director Zoya Akhtar on Thursday said she and writer Reema Kagti didn't want to cast established names for the upcoming film The Archies as stars come with the baggage of their image. The Archies is an Indian live-action musical movie based on the popular American comics of the same name.…

Bollywood producer shares horrifying details of being stranded in Israel

Bollywood producer Vicky Sidana on Wednesday recounted his horrifying ordeal after being stranded in Israel with actor Nushrratt Bharuccha amid the ongoing war with Hamas. He told ANI, "We went to Israel on October 3 because there was a screening of our film Akelli in Haifa on October 4 and 5.…

Victoria is ‘anti-racist’ in Tanika Gupta’s ‘The Empress’ revival

LET’S allow ourselves a bit of artistic licence and imagine Queen Victoria has slipped into the Hammersmith Lyric to take a peek at Tanika Gupta’s play, The Empress, a retelling of the story of her relationship with Abdul Karim and her Indian subjects in general. “We are amused,” the Queen…

‘Thank You For Coming’ review: Bhumi Pednekar shines in movie…

ONE look at recent films and especially web serials coming out of India shows that sex onscreen has become less taboo in the country. That has led towards a wide array of subjects, not available before, being covered and this recently released film fully capitalises on that. Kanika is a…

Shammi Kapoor: Bollywood’s original rock’n’ roll rebel

ROCKING revolutionary Shammi Kapoor introduced the kind of swagger into Bollywood that enabled the Hindi film hero to connect with a more globalised audience. From his cool style and good looks to high energy performances, he became a magnificent movie icon and delivered marvellous musicals filled with magical moments. Then…

Manushi Chhillar: Beauty queen to Bollywood’s next big hope

IT MAY have been a smooth transition from winning prestigious beauty pageants Miss India and Miss World to becoming an actress, fashion icon and humanitari - an, but Manushi Chhillar didn’t plan anything. By combining hard work with following her instincts, the 26-year-old has made a big impact in a…

‘EastEnders’: Nina Wadia teases potential return as Zainab Masood

British actress and comedian Nina Wadia has teased a possible return as Zainab Masood on the popular BBC One soap opera EastEnders. The said character was last seen on the show in 2013 when she left Walford with her young son Kamil, who she shares with ex-husband Masood Ahmed, played…

Salman, Rani, Raveena attend Hema Malini’s 75 birthday bash

Actress Hema Malini, fondly known as Bollywood's Dream Girl, turned 75 today. Marking her special day, she hosted a birthday bash for the members of the film industry. And guess what? The who's who of Bollywood arrived at the party to celebrate Hema Malini's birthday. From Rekha, Anupam Kher, and…

5 biopics on Indian cricketers every cricket fan should watch

Cricket, without an ounce of doubt, is the most celebrated sport in India, and just like actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, there are some Indian cricketers who are worshipped as gods in the country. As fans continue to cheer for the men-in-blue during the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023, we…

Top Indian cricketers who acted in Bollywood films

In India, cricket and cinema are treated as religions. Fans worship their favourite stars from both fields. Some leading Bollywood actresses are even married to popular cricketers. As the World Cup 2023 fever heats up, let us take a look at some prominent cricketers who have appeared in Bollywood films.…

Massive responsibility to play Sam Manekshaw: Vicky Kaushal

Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal on Friday said it was a "massive" responsibility to portray the character of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur. The biographical drama chronicles the life and times of Manekshaw, one of India’s greatest war heroes. "It is a massive responsibility firstly to wear…

Arijit Singh to perform at Modi stadium before India-Pakistan Cricket…

Cricket fans have been waiting for the hotly anticipated India- Pakistan cricket match with bated breath. And now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has added more excitement to the much-awaited clash and fans will be greeted by a special performance by well-known Indian playback singer Arijit…

Khufiya review: Tabu shines in spy thriller adapted from a…

THE espionage thriller based on Amar Bhushan’s novel Escape to Nowhere recently premiered on streaming site Netflix. When an Indian secret agent is murdered, while on a mission, it emerges she was likely betrayed by a mole. Her no-nonsense handler is given the task of exposing the prime suspect and…

‘Mission Raniganj’ review: Heroic real-life story deserved better treatment

THE biggest problem with Akshay Kumar taking on the lead role in a biopic is that his personality and presence overpowers the story, which is why most of them are major disappointments. With this new cinema release based on real-life events, he takes centre stage in the 1989 story of…

How Prabhas plunged into a big career crisis

THE two blockbuster Baahubali movies turned Prabhas into the biggest pan-Indian star. Instead of capitalising on that record-breaking success, the actor has made bad choices and struggled to meet sky-high expectations. That is why a lot is riding on his new film Salaar. But despite the action entertainer looking like…

Sunny Deol: Four dynamic decades

POPULAR actor Sunny Deol has scored one of this year’s biggest Bollywood successes with Gadar 2. The Hindi cinema hardman also made it 40 years in Bollywood recently and will celebrate his 67th birthday on October 19. Eastern Eye decided to mark all the occasions by putting together a watchlist…

Asha Parekh slams the makers of ‘The Kashmir Files’

Veteran Bollywood actress Asha Parekh slammed the makers of the blockbuster film The Kashmir Files (2022), directed by Vivek Agnihotri. She questioned how much money the makers donated from their profit to help Hindus living 'without water and electricity' in Jammu and Kashmir. During an interview with News18, Asha was…

Saloni: The language of making magical music

A WIDE array of songs in different languages and genres has demonstrated that Saloni is an exciting young British Asian music talent. The versatile singer has shown off her impressive range on stunning cover versions, superb solo singles and cool collaborations in a relatively short space of time. With more…

Birthday Special: 5 iconic Amitabh Bachchan films to stream on…

As Bollywood's beloved 'Big B,' Amitabh Bachchan, turns a year older today, it's time to immerse ourselves in the cinematic brilliance that has made him an iconic figure in Bollywood. His birthday is not just a celebration of his age but also of his timeless contributions to Indian cinema. His…

Megan Suri: Making of a monster hit

MEGAN SURI has made an impressive impact in Hollywood with a great variety of roles in projects, including the hit Netflix series Never Have I Ever. The fast-rising star has taken on her most challenging role in the new horror movie It Lives Inside, which will be released in cinemas…

Farrey’: Alizeh Agnihotri set to usher in Bollywood’s new star…

Amongst the dazzling Bollywood stars, a brilliant newcomer is always around the corner. This month, we have a new star on the block and her name is Alizeh Agnihotri. Born into a family that practically breathes cinema, Alizeh inherits her talent from her illustrious lineage – her father is none…

Nushrratt Bharuccha reaches India from Israel after Hamas attack

Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha landed in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon after being stranded in Israel following the attack on the country by Hamas militants. The 38-year-old actress exited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 2:30 p.m. Almost teary-eyed, Bharuccha requested the media personnel gathered in huge numbers outside the…

Kareena Kapoor Khan starts filming for ‘Singham Again’

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan on Saturday started shooting for Singham Again, filmmaker Rohit Shetty's upcoming installment in his cop cinematic universe. The upcoming actioner is the third film in the Ajay Devgn-led Singham series, which started with 2011's Singham and was followed by Singham Returns, which also starred Kareena.…

West Midland Mayor invites Preity Zinta to be part of…

Preity Zinta, one of the leading actresses of Indian Cinema, is coming to Birmingham in November to be a part of Diwali celebrations. She will be welcomed by the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and both Andy and Preity are set to preside over a weekend of events…

Sunny Deol’s ‘Gadar 2’ premieres on ZEE5 Global

Blockbuster Bollywood film Gadar 2 is now available on ZEE5 Global, the world's largest streaming platform for South Asian content. After a successful theatrical run in India and still counting, the film is set for another successful innings on the digital platform. Produced by Zee Studios and directed by Anil…

My parents are my biggest source of guidance: Suhana Khan

The Archies actress Suhana Khan has said her parents, superstar Shah Rukh Khan and producer-interior designer Gauri Khan, are her "biggest source of guidance". The 23-year-old, who is set to make her film debut with Zoya Akhtar's The Archies, was speaking at the India Today Conclave's session titled 'New Kids…

Hinduja: Restoring Old War Office was ‘labour of love’

TUESDAY, September 26, 2023, will go down in the history of the Hinduja family as a spectacular night to remember. On that day, the Princess Royal unveiled a plaque to mark the reincarnation of the Grade II-listed Old War Office (OWO) in Whitehall, London, as the OWO Raffles hotel and…

Anusha Mishra: Lots of acting, love and laughter

ANUSHA MISHRA has had a laughterfilled beginning to her career. She followed up a delightful debut playing the title character in the hit TV comedy series Tera Kya Hoga Alia with an impactful appearance in her first film Dream Girl 2 recently, which also put smiles on audiences' faces. With…

Shah Rukh’s ‘Swades’ actress involved in fatal car accident in…

According to reports, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s Swades co-star Gayatri Joshi and her husband Vikas Oberoi were involved in a major car accident in Italy. Their car was involved in a multiple-car collision which left an elderly couple dead. The accident reportedly took place as a Lamborgini and Ferrari…

All about Aaliyah Qureishi

BOLLYWOOD blockbuster Jawan has swept across the globe like a giant tidal wave. Apart from breaking box office records, the action entertainer headlined by Shah Rukh Khan has introduced singer turned actress Aaliyah Qureishi to a wider audience. The naturally gifted talent, known under the musical moniker Jhalli, has followed…

Reliance Entertainment, Jio Studios ‘Paan Parda Zarda’ begins production

Leading Indian production houses Reliance Entertainment and Jio Studios have teamed up with filmmakers Mrighdeep Lamba, Gurmmeet Singh, and Shilpi Dasgupta for Paan Parda Zarda, an epic gangster series set against the world of illegal opium smuggling in central India. Paan Parda Zarda went on floors on Tuesday. It stars…

The Great Indian Family review: Comedy-drama misses the mark despite…

WRITER and director Vijay Krishna Acharya is largely known for high-profile action entertainers like Dhoom 3 and his last film, the disastrous Thugs Of Hindostan. That is why it was strange to see him helm this comedy-drama, which was released in cinemas recently. The story revolves around a successful bhajan…

Most underrated Amitabh Bachchan movies

AN INCREDIBLE body of work has turned Amitabh Bachchan into the greatest Bollywood star of all time. His landmark movies have entertained different generations, become an integral part of history and regularly been celebrated. But what about the hidden gems in his 54-year career, which are great films overshadowed by…

Fukrey 3 review: Third instalment of popular franchise falls short

SLACKER comedy Fukrey made a big impact in 2013 largely thanks to clever writing and memorable characters. The watered down 2017 sequel Fukrey Returns had some hilarious moments but wasn’t on par with the original and the same applies to this newly released third instalment. This time around the notorious…

Music preview of live UK concerts, featuring top talents, in…

AN ACTION-PACKED year of live music has seen blockbuster concerts from huge international names and despite there only being three months left, there is still plenty to look forward to before 2023 ends. With that in mind, Eastern Eye prepared a preview of some great live music events to look…

‘Love being a larger-than-life action star’: Salman Khan

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming action-thriller film Tiger 3. Recently, the makers shared a glimpse of the world of Tiger 3 titled ‘Tiger Ka Message’ which received a massive response from the fans. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 also stars…

Richa Chadha Interview: ‘I hope there is Fukrey 4 and…

Popular Bollywood actress Richa Chadha has once again hit the jackpot with her latest film Fukrey 3, the third instalment in the immensely successful comedy franchise Fukrey. The comic caper, which hit cinemas on September 28, has been doing excellent business ever since its release, with Chadha’s character Bholi Punjaban…

Karishma Tanna nominated for ‘Scoop’ at Busan Film Festival

Actress Karishma Tanna is on cloud nine as she has bagged a nomination for her performance in Scoop at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Expressing her excitement and gratitude for the recognition, Karishma said, "I am incredibly happy and overwhelmed by the response Scoop has received. Playing the character of…

SRK’s ‘Jawan’ becomes highest grossing Hindi film, surpasses ‘Gadar 2’

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s recently released action thriller Jawan continues to achieve new heights. The film has now emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film in the country. On Thursday, the film collected an impressive figure, taking its total collection to £50.25 million. With this, SRK’s action thriller has surpassed…

Birthday Special: Top 5 best-rated films of Ranbir Kapoor on…

Ranbir Kapoor, who is considered one of the finest actors working in Bollywood, is celebrating his birthday today. On the occasion of his 41st birthday, the makers of his next Animal launched the trailer of the film which has received a thunderous response from the audience. As the actor turns…

Netflix presents Raaz Aur Saaz, a ‘Khufiya’ musical night

Ahead of the awaited release of Khufiya on October 5, Netflix debuted the film’s music album of mysterious melodies to more than 200 fans and the press. The event, Raaz Aur Saaz: A Khufiya Musical Night, featured live performances by the stalwarts of the Bollywood music industry: Rekha Bharadwaj, Sunidhi…

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle pose with Rishi Sunak in London

Popular Bollywood couple Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar met UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during their London visit. Twinkle took to Instagram on Wednesday to post a video of their visit to London. She captioned the post, “As much as I dislike wearing heels and dressing up, this evening was…

Babil Khan: Making his own Plan

BABIL KHAN has followed in the giant footsteps of his late great actor father Irrfan Khan. The 26-year-old made a winning acting debut with the critically acclaimed film Qala (2022), which garnered immense love and appreciation for his performance. Those who saw the film agreed that Babil had inherited his…

‘Jaane Jaan’ review: Stellar performances can’t save murder mystery

THERE have been various film adaptations of Keigo Higashino's Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X in different languages. This Bollywood version recently had its world premiere on Netflix. When a murder takes place in a small, picturesque hill town, a single mother and her daughter rely on a reclusive…

Anjali Anand: ‘They shouldn’t take me for how my body…

ALTHOUGH she had already delivered winning performances in drama serials Untag, Dhhai Kilo Prem and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala, 2023 has been a turning point for Anjali Anand. The versatile Indian actress played a great supporting role in the international hit Bollywood film Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani and appeared…

Book suggests ‘all is not lost’ for Sunak and Tories…

LIZ TRUSS comes across as a “vengeful” character in Lord Michael Ashcroft’s new book, All To Play For: The Advance of Rishi Sunak, a sequel to his first biography, Going for Broke: The Rise of Rishi Sunak, which was published in 2020. Last summer, Truss beat Sunak in the Tory…

Mastering the art of making meaningful conversations

WITH more British Asian podcasts than ever before, there is a great variety of shows on offer for avid listeners. The popular medium is also giving those who have never thought about broadcasting an avenue to express their opinions to a worldwide audience. With all that in mind, Eastern Eye…

Strong Asian presence at BFI London Film Festival

THE annual BFI London Film Festival celebrates cinema from around the world and like every year there is strong south Asian representation, from diverse backgrounds. Eastern Eye decided to get you ready for the marvellous movie feast, which runs from next Wednesday (4) until October15, with a preview of south…

TOP 10 SD Burman songs

LATE great composer and accomplished singer SD Burman is one of Bollywood’s greatest ever music icons. An incredible career saw him compose some of the best soundtracks in Hindi cinema history. He mentored new talent, including his music maestro son RD Burman, who also became a legend. He was born…

Greatness of brown women breaking ground

IT IS HARD to escape the brown, female faces dominating our screens. Isn’t it the most wonderful thing ever? Those who are older rarely saw brown faces on TV growing up and those who did pop up were in smaller stereotypical roles, like shopkeepers. Things have majorly changed in recent…

Return of superstar Shah Rukh Khan

THE most remarkable Bollywood story of 2023 has been the resurgence of Shah Rukh Khan. After a decade of delivering dud films, the former undisputed king of Bollywood has reclaimed his crown with a dream year that started with the blockbuster hit Pathaan. The high-grossing Hindi film reignited a career…

Marina Abramovic: Of pain and redefining boundaries

ASIAN visitors to the Royal Academy may be baffled, possibly even a little scandalised, by Marina Abramovic’s solo exhibition. Born in 1946 in then Yugoslavia, she is credited with bringing performance art into the mainstream. In a career lasting 55 years, she has pushed her own body to the extremes…

Modi remembers Dev Anand on his 100th birth anniversary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday remembered the iconic actor Dev Anand on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Modi dropped a couple of pictures with the late veteran star and wrote, “Dev Anand Ji is remembered as an evergreen icon.…

Celebrate Dev Anand’s century of cinematic excellence with his timeless…

Today, we celebrate a century of charisma, talent, and timeless cinema as we mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor Dev Anand. Often hailed as the 'eternal romantic' and the 'style icon' of his era, Dev Anand left an indelible mark on Bollywood. His magnetic screen presence and…

Guru Randhawa signs with international talent agency CAA

Popular singer-songwriter Guru Randhawa has signed with the US-based Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for international representation. The singer, who started his career as an independent musician in the early 2000s, is known for his Punjabi and Bollywood chartbuster songs such as "Same Girl", "Patola" and "Lahore". "More than anything, I'm…

Delhi traffic, poor timekeeping and Trump: Trevor Noah hits right…

He came, he saw, he joked. Smiles and laughter filled the jam-packed auditorium of JLN stadium as celebrated stand-up artist Trevor Noah kickstarted the Indian leg of his 'Off The Record' tour in New Delhi. Performing his debut gig in India, Noah, who grew up in South Africa watching Bollywood…

Anil Kapoor wins landmark judgement against AI

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday passed an interim John Doe order restraining social media channels, e-commerce websites, and people at large from infringing on the personality and publicity rights of well-known Bollywood star Anil Kapoor for commercial gain. The international media has termed his win as a landmark victory…

ICC under fire for ODI World Cup 2023 anthem featuring…

On Wednesday, the International Council (ICC) launched the official anthem of World Cup 2023 which begins in India on October 5. Called ‘Dil Jashn Bole,’ the anthem features Bollywood star Ranveer Singh. Successful Bollywood composer Pritam composed the music, while Dhanashree Verma, choreographer and wife to India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal,…

Salman Khan unveils trailer for Punjabi film ‘Maujaan Hi Maujaan’

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on Thursday unveiled the trailer of Punjabi actor Gippy Grewal’s upcoming film Maujaan Hi Maujaan. Taking to Instagram, Salman shared the trailer which he captioned, “Best wishes for the film Maujaan Hi Maujaan.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Salman Khan…

Sonam Kapoor joins Jio MAMI as brand ambassador for Word…

Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor will return as the brand ambassador for Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival's market initiative ‘Word to Screen’. The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is back with its on-ground edition after a gap of three years. It will take place from October 27 to November 5 in…

Ahsaas Channa: From top child star to taking the lead

SHE may only be 24 years old, but Ahsaas Channa has had a 20-year acting career, which has seen her go from being a successful child star to taking on lead roles. Although the versatile Indian actress has already worked in films, TV, and web serials, she is looking forward…

Feroz Khan: From an Indian extra to a real life…

A FABULOUS career saw Feroz Khan go from playing supporting roles to headlining films as an actor, director and producer. Born on September 25, 1939, he left behind an impressive body of work including all-time classics before passing away on April 27, 2009, aged 69. Eastern Eye decided to mark…

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Kartik Aaryan to Ajay Devgn, Bollywood celebs…

On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, several Bollywood celebs took to their social media handles and extended heartfelt wishes. Actor Kartik Aaryan took to his Instagram and shared a picture which he captioned, “It’s that joyous time of the year. Ganpati Bappa Morya. #LalBaughchaRaja.”   View this post on…

Ayushmann Khurrana recites Bhagavad Gita at TIME 100 Impact Award

Renowned Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been honoured with the TIME100 Impact award this year. While receiving the award last night in Singapore, he recited one of the verses from Bhagavad Gita. During his acceptance speech, he said, “Before I begin, I would like to recite one of the verses…

‘Chance to proudly represent India’: Manushi on her London Fashion…

Former Miss World and Bollywood actress Manushi Chhillar is set to make her debut at London Fashion Week 2023. She will be walking the runway in creations by renowned designer Rocky Star. Excited about her debut at the London Fashion Week, Chhillar said, "I am thrilled about my debut at…

Anushka Sharma to Sidharth Malhotra, celebs wish Ayushmann Khurrana on…

On the occasion of actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s birthday, several Bollywood celebrities took to their social media handles and extended heartfelt wishes. Actor Anushka Sharma shared a picture on her stories and wrote, “Happy birthday Ayushmann. Wishing you love and light always.” Actor Ananya Panday shared a video from Dream Girl…

Zee One Channel returns to television screens via Samsung TV…

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced the relaunch of Zee One, a Bollywood-centric channel uniquely tailored for German viewers through a strategic partnership with Samsung TV Plus. India's media conglomerate Zee Entertainment Enterprises launched Zee One in 2016 and offered movies across all genres such as romance, comedy, and…

Friday Night Plan review: Coming-of-age drama with paper-thin plot falls…

THERE have been a lot of movies about teenagers getting into trouble, while in pursuit of having a good time and that is why it was always going to be difficult for Friday Night Plan to stand out. The low budget coming of age comedy drama revolves around two teenage…

Will try to push content envelope through my brand of…

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is the only Indian to be chosen for the 2023 edition of the TIME100 Impact Awards, on Wednesday said he is humbled by the honour which will encourage him to push the envelope of Indian content through his brand of cinema. Known for tackling several social…

Great Bollywood start for gifted Gadar 2 girl Simratt Kaur…

BLOCKBUSTER film Gadar 2 has been this year’s biggest Hindi cinema success story. Although all eyes have been on established stars Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, the hit sequel has been a star-making moment for Simratt Kaur Randhawa. After appearances in Telugu cinema and popular music videos, the talented young…

Zubeida: India’s first talkie star

THE greatest difficulty in the earliest days of Indian cinema was to get local women to act in films. For India’s first film Raja Harishchandra (1913), producer/director Dada Saheb Phalke had to get a man in a sari (Salunke) to play the leading lady. Although women slowly started to step…

‘Jawan’ review: Action entertainer has Shah Rukh Khan back to…

AFTER enjoying massive success in south Indian cinema, ace director Atlee makes his foray into Bollywood with this commercial entertainer, which was also made available in Tamil and Telugu. Although action is very much at the forefront of this big budget film, there are plenty of surprises and unexpected turns…

TOP 10 performances of Rajkummar Rao

PROLIFIC actor Rajkummar Rao has racked up an impressive body of work since making his movie debut in 2010. The acclaimed Indian performer has shown off his versatility in diverse genres that range from comedy to hard-hitting drama. He has added to his acclaimed work with newly released Netflix series…

MY PLAYLIST by Raahul Jatin

TALENTED composer and gifted singer Raahul Jatin has made great strides in the music industry with superb songs. He has followed in the footsteps of his famous father, who was one half of the iconic composing duo Jatin-Lalit, with songs that are delighting cross-generational audiences. Eastern Eye got the fast…

Film personalities congratulate Modi for success of India’s G20 presidency

Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar were among the film personalities who hailed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful presidency of G20, calling it a moment of "honour and pride" for every Indian. The G20 Summit came to an end on Sunday. The grouping of emerging…

Vicky Kaushal attends Gulmarg Festival 2023

Actor Vicky Kaushal, on Sunday, visited Kashmir to attend the Gulmarg Festival organised by the Indian Army. From shaking a leg with performers to his songs to praising the beauty of Gulmarg, Vicky added a top-notch entertainment level to the festival. Take a look at the pictures and videos from…

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’ emerges as Bollywood’s biggest opener

Shah Rukh Khan's much-anticipated film Jawan finally hit cinemas yesterday, September 7, 2023. And as expected, it set the box office on fire. According to reports, Jawan has emerged as Bollywood’s biggest opener by pocketing a whopping £6.5 million on Day 1, beating Khan’s previous film Pathaan by a good…

‘Bridgerton 3’ star Banita Sandhu on her depression diagnosis

Banita Sandhu always wanted to be an actress and she realised her dream by landing the lead role in the 2018 Bollywood film October, opposite Varun Dhawan. The film, directed by noted filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, received great reviews from critics. Sandhu, who grew up in Caerleon, South Wales, is now…

Ajay Devgn to Sidharth Malhotra, celebs extend wishes on Janmashtami

The auspicious celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday with a variety of rituals, the festival is being observed across India. People celebrate this occasion in their own unique way, whether by making yummy dishes, decorating homes, or dancing their hearts out. To mark Krishna Janmashtami, Bollywood celebrities extended their heart-warming wishes…

Alia Bhatt’s ED-a-Mamma joins hands with Reliance Retail Ventures

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who recently started her business venture, Ed-a-Mamma, has joined hands with Reliance Industries-owned Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL). Announcing the partnership, Alia on Wednesday took to Instagram and wrote, "Delighted to share that Ed-a-Mamma and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd have entered into a joint venture. Ed-a-Mamma…

British singers pick their best Asha Bhosle songs

ASHA BHOSLE has inspired different generations of singers around the world, with her talent, songs and allround awesomeness. With that in mind, Eastern Eye got British singers to select their favourite Asha Bhosle song from the many thousands she recorded.  Hemina Shah: I’ve always been a big Asha Bhosle fan…

Mahesh Babu gives shout-out to ‘Jawan’, Shah Rukh Khan reacts

Ahead of the release of the much-anticipated Bollywood film Jawan, well-known Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu wished Shah Rukh Khan luck for the film's massive success. Mahesh Babu took to X and wrote, "It's time for #Jawan!!! The frenzy and power of @iamsrk are on full display!! Wishing the team an…

“Looking forward to bringing Miss Universe Crown back to India”:…

Miss Diva Universe 2023 Shweta Sharda is doing her best to bring back the Miss Universe Crown to India. Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021, and now Shweta wants to emulate this success. As she returned to her hometown Chandigarh, she spoke to the media and said, “A…

Asha Bhosle, who changed face of Indian commercial music, turns…

IN TERMS of ability, longevity, versatility, body of work and global impact, Asha Bhosle is regarded by most as India’s greatest singer of all time.  Born on September 8, 1933, the most recorded artist in history changed the face of commercial music in India and entertained countless people across different…

Teacher’s Day Special: Bollywood films that showcase student-mentor bond

Every year, India celebrates Teacher’s Day on September 5. It’s a day dedicated to teachers and the role they play in shaping their students’ lives. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888. He was…

SRK visits Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati ahead of…

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, days before the release of his much-anticipated film Jawan. The 58-year-old superstar was accompanied by his daughter Suhana Khan, Jawan co-star Nayanthara, her…

Birthday Special: Iconic films of Rishi Kapoor made under his…

Bollywood fans across the globe are celebrating the 71st birthday anniversary of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. Born on 4 September 1952 to Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor, Rishi acted in several successful films before breathing his last on April 30, 2020. The actor collaborated with his father…

Subhash Ghai recalls why his film ‘Shikhar’ with SRK got…

Many times, films have been announced with immense fanfare but only a few get to see the light of day. Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai's Shikhar is one of them. In the 1990s, Ghai announced his ambitious film Shikhar with actors Shah Rukh Khan and Jackie Shroff. The film's mahurat was…

Salman Khan unveils first poster of ‘Tiger 3’, confirms Diwali…

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on Saturday shared the first poster of Tiger 3, the fifth chapter of Yash Raj Film's spy universe. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 will see Khan and Katrina Kaif return as spy agents – Tiger and Zoya. The movie, which follows Ek Tha Tiger (2012)…

From ‘Jawan’ to ‘Jaane Jaan’: 5 much-awaited Bollywood films releasing…

The month of September is here and after the grand success of Gadar 2, OMG2, and Dream Girl 2 in August, everyone is hopeful that this month will also deliver multiple hits for Bollywood. There are a number of high-profile films slated to enter cinemas in September 2023. Some of…

‘Jawan’ trailer lights up Burj Khalifa, SRK enthralls fans with…

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Dubai have a connection that is well-known to all. As King Khan's Jawan film is set to release in theatres soon, the Arab city is leaving no stone unturned to create a frenzy among fans. On Thursday, SRK visited Dubai to promote the film…

Mahira Khan opens up about bipolar disorder diagnosis and clinical…

Well-known Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who has also starred alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 Bollywood film Raees, has opened up about the backlash she faced following the 2016 Uri attacks and how the situation took a toll on her mental health and eventually led to her diagnosis…

Bollywood Stars Who Rock the Casino

Though India’s relationship with gambling has been somewhat up and down, the country has a much richer and deeper history with the practice than most realise. A lot of popular gambling games are usually spoken about in context of their European origins, however when early versions of these games -…

Sunny Deol reveals he was dyslexic as a child

Bollywood star Sunny Deol, who is presently basking in the riotous success of his latest release Gadar 2, has revealed that he was dyslexic as a child and would also often get “slapped” for not scoring well in studies. “I was dyslexic as a child. Back then, we did not…

From Sara Ali Khan to Sanjay Dutt, Bollywood celebs celebrate…

As the country celebrates Raksha Bandhan, which is dedicated to the bond of love and care between siblings, Bollywood celebs shared pictures of their celebration and extended best wishes on this festival. Actress Sara Ali Khan posted an adorable picture of the Rakhi celebration with the family on her Instagram…

Sadhana: Style icon to Bollywood star

HAVING her career cut short by a medical condition didn’t stop Sadhana from becoming one of the greatest leading ladies in Hindi cinema history. The Bollywood actress went from being a backing dancer to becoming a hugely successful star with one of the greatest hit rates of all time.  This…

Akelli movie review: A superficial attempt to cash in on…

ISLAMOPHOBIC films featuring Muslim villains doing well in the past couple of years has led towards Bollywood producers trying to quickly cash in with similar subjects. That perhaps explains why a terrible movie like Akelli could ever get made.   The story revolves around a woman from Punjab, who ends up…

THE TOP 10 movies of Vidhu Vinod Chopra

WRITER, director, producer and editor Vidhu Vinod Chopra has had a glittering career filled with fabulous movies that have entertained audiences around the world. The forward-thinking filmmaker has also launched new talent, expanded the horizons of commercial Hindi cinema and broken box office records. Born in 1952, he turns a…

Kaykay Chauhan: AR Rahman changed the face of Indian film…

HAVING versatile vocalists and an amazing ability to put a contemporary spin on classic songs has enabled cool collective Kayak & Co to stand apart from other British Asian music acts. They will add to their impressive number of live shows with the forthcoming Rahmanisce: The Songs of AR Rahman…

Raksha Bandhan 2023: Songs to dedicate to your siblings

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, commemorates the connection of love and friendship between siblings. Including popular Bollywood songs that celebrate this special bond is a great way to enhance the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories. Here are a few such songs: Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron…

‘It would be lovely to be in movie of Shah…

Miss World Karolina Bielawska, who is excited to be in India for Miss World 2023, shared her aspirations to work in Bollywood films, especially with King Khan a.k.a Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking to ANI, Karolina said, "It would be lovely to be in a movie of Shah Rukh Khan. I've…

‘Colour of my skin limits my roles in Bollywood’: Kalki…

Actress Kalki Koechlin has come a long way in her career. As she is gearing up for the release of her next film Goldfish, she candidly opened up about how the colour of her skin limited her roles in Bollywood. “Goldfish was special because complex, layered, sensitive, and funny scripts…

Veteran Bollywood lyricist Dev Kohli passes away at 80

Veteran Hindi film lyricist Dev Kohli passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, He was 80. Kohli is famed for his songs in over 100 films including Maine Pyar Kiya, Baazigar, Judwaa 2, Musafir, Shoot Out At Lokhandwala, and Taxi No. 9211. He has collaborated with music directors like Anu Malik,…

‘Queen of My Dreams’ to premiere at Toronto International Film…

The Queen of My Dreams, a joint production venture between Pakistan and Canada, is set to make its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023. The film will have its grand premiere at the prestigious festival on September 8, 2023. The cross-cultural comedy has been directed by Fawzia Mirza.…

SRK unveils his ‘many faces of justice’ from ‘Jawan’

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Thursday dropped a brand-new poster of Jawan that showcases his many avatars from the much-awaited movie. The new poster was shared by Khan and Red Chillies Entertainment on X, formerly Twitter, and gives a glimpse at his five looks from the movie, including the…

Dunki: Here’s what we know about teaser release date of…

If we take a look at Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s slate of films for this year, we can say that 2023 is going to be his year. After the blockbuster success of Pathaan earlier this year, Khan has two high-profile films lined up for release – Jawan and Dunki.…

10 reasons to get excited about Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’

THE next big Bollywood blockbuster release is action entertainer Jawan. Shah Rukh Khan headlines the unique looking film and will be hoping to carry on the momentum generated by his super hit thriller Pathaan earlier this year. The September 7 release has been shrouded in secrecy since it went into…

‘Ghoomer’ review: Unique sports drama deserves applause

THOSE who have seen previous films of writer/director R Balki will know he always puts a unique spin on Bollywood stories, with films like Cheeni Kum, Paa and Shamitabh. The maverick filmmaker has done the same with perhaps the most unique sports drama ever made in Hindi cinema. Talented young…

Yami Gautam: ‘If I like a script, I just go…

WITH her most recent films Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, Lost, Bhoot Police, A Thurs - day, Dasvi and Ginny Weds Sunny having streaming site premieres, Yami Gautam returned to cinema screens with the new release OMG 2 after a gap of four years.  The satirical comedy-drama sequel sees her star…

Seven Instagram dancing accounts worth following

PERFORMANCE-BASED reels being massively popular online has led towards rising stars from different dance disciplines showing off their skills. The social media stars of all ages, from young children to the elderly, regularly produce eye-catching reels that reach millions around the world. Eastern Eye decided to celebrate some of these…

Alia praises Ranbir for getting her birthday cake from London

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt recently opened up about a cherished gift from her husband Ranbir Kapoor that dates back to the time when they were still dating each other. It was during the filming of Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra (2022) in Bulgaria that Ranbir surprised her with a special milk cake…

Abira Shah: I will pick old classics over any genre…

SOME of the greatest British music talent is on the UK live circuit and versatile singer Abira Shah firmly falls into that category. The daughter of acclaimed singer Sittara Shah has carried on her mother’s legacy with superb songs and great live performances. She headlines the Retro Future show with…

Memories of Derek Malcolm and his India interest

IN THE film world – and especially among Indians – Derek Malcolm has been something of a legend. As longtime film critic of the Guardian (and subsequently of the Evening Standard), he did more to promote Satyajit Ray in the west than almost anyone else. I would see Derek at…

Anuvab Pal and department of clever comedy

A STAND-OUT show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is The Department of Britishness. The latest offering from acclaimed Indian stand-up comedian Anuvab Pal is a laughter-filled look at embracing Britishness and continues his strong run of live UK performances.  It also adds to an impressive body of work that has…

Beautiful to see world celebrating ‘Gadar 2’: Sunny Deol at…

Bollywood star Sunny Deol spoke of his joy over the successful box-office run of his latest release, Gadar 2, as he introduced a special screening of the film in London. Organised by the Indian High Commission in London and its cultural wing, the Nehru Centre, the packed screening at Vue…

Success of ‘Gadar 2’ has blown everyone’s brains away: Karan…

Filmmaker Karan Johar has applauded the overwhelming response that Sunny Deol and Ameesha Petel’s film Gadar 2 has been getting at the domestic box office ever since hitting cinemas on August 11, 2023. Speaking at an event conducted by The Indian Express’ group, Johar said, “I never thought there was…

Birthday special: Iconic songs of Daler Mehndi

Well-known Indian singer, songwriter, and record producer Daler Mehndi has had a significant impact on the music industry, especially with his contributions to Bhangra music and his popular tracks in a number of Bollywood films. Mehndi, who was born on August 18, 1967, in Patna, Bihar, India into a Sikh…

Neelam Gill opens up about struggling with self-image and pressures…

Indian-British fashion model Neelam Gill, who recently set the record straight on rumours that she and Leonardo DiCaprio were romantically involved, has opened up about her beauty journey in a new interview. Talking about the pressures of colourism, she told Vogue, “Although I grew up idolising Bollywood actresses, I didn’t…

Akshay Kumar thanks audiences for ‘greatest week in Indian film…

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar on Thursday thanked viewers for giving the exhibition sector “the greatest week in Indian film history” following the positive response to his film OMG 2 and Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2, both of which were released on August 11. According to the Producers Guild of India (PGI)…

Films reflect soft power of India: Amitabh Kant at G20…

India's G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Wednesday said Indian films reflect the soft power of the country as well as its unity and diversity. He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the G20 Film Festival organised by the India International Centre (IIC) in collaboration with the G20 Secretariat, Ministry…

SRK credits Gauri to educate, teach dignity to all kids

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan are one of the most celebrated rock-solid couples in Bollywood. They are doting parents of three kids Suhana Khan, Aryan Khan, and AbRam. Suhana is all set to make her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming film The Archies which will…

‘Dream’ make-over for Indian arm-wrestling

ATHLETES flex muscled biceps before going hand-to-hand in a newly televised arm-wrestling league seeking to take the sporting spotlight in cricket-mad India with a glitzy Bollywood-style makeover.  Contestants fight under bright studio lights with a cheering audience as opponents push down the other person’s arm in the Pro Panja League…

‘Devara’: Jr NTR unveils Saif Ali Khan’s first look on…

Actor Jr NTR on Wednesday shared the first character poster of Saif Ali Khan from their upcoming film Devara on the occasion of the Bollywood star's 53rd birthday. Billed as a high-octane action drama set in the forgotten coastal lands of India, the film is directed by Koratala Siva. It…

MY PLAYLIST with Spectra

EXCITING new rapper Spectra is captivating audiences with electrifying live performances, turbo-charged tracks and explosive collaborations. Real name Shubham Pal, the young talent is injecting a different energy into the Indian hip hop scene and quickly making himself one to watch. Eastern Eye found out more by getting him to…

Heart of Stone Review: Big budget thriller is let down…

THE big budget thriller, which marks Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s entry into Hollywood had a premiere on Netflix recently. The story revolves around a secret agent (Gal Gadot) working for a mysterious organisation designed to keep order globally. She then crosses paths with a young Indian hacker (Alia Bhatt) and…

Why ‘Dil Se’ is a movie masterpiece

WHEN Dil Se was released in cinemas on August 21 1998, it surprisingly didn’t do well at the box office in India and received negative reviews. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the romantic thriller became a big hit internationally and the first Bollywood film to officially crack…

Return of Abhishek Bachchan

POWERFUL roles in recent years have really shown audiences how much of a great and versatile performer Abhishek Bachchan is. He continues that run of taking on challenging characters with this week’s big Bollywood release Ghoomer. The popular star teams up with actress Saiyami Kher for an uplifting sports drama…

SRK to Salman: Check out how Bollywood celebs celebrated Independence…

On the 77th Independence Day on Tuesday, Bollywood actors wished citizens a Happy Independence Day, saluted leaders and bravehearts and hoped for prosperity in the country. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan hoisted the national flag at his residence in Mumbai on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. Taking to Instagram,…

Zak Zorro talks about his newly launched album ‘Dil Out…

In an era where music serves as the ultimate escape from the mundane, Zak Zorro has once again proven his prowess as a musical virtuoso with his much-anticipated album, Dil Out Of Sense. The album, consisting of eleven vibrant tracks, each exuding distinct energy, has already started creating waves within…

Esha Deol gives shout-out to half-brother Sunny Deol over ‘Gadar…

With the release of Gadar 2, actor Sunny Deol has been getting attention worldwide. From fans to his family members and friends from the industry, Sunny's well-wishers are going gaga over his action-packed performance as Tara Singh in the sequel to the hit 2001 film. His sister Esha Deol also…

‘Sita Ramam’, ‘Agra’ win top awards at Indian Film Festival…

Telugu period romance Sita Ramam, Vikramaditya Motwane's show Jubilee and Kanu Behl's independent feature Agra won the top honours at the 2023 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards here on Friday. The annual event honours the remarkable talents of the Indian film fraternity, spanning across movies and streaming series.…

Rani reveals she suffered miscarriage before filming ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs…

Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji has been entertaining the audience for more than two decades now. She has some of the biggest blockbusters of Hindi cinema to her credit. The talented actress was most recently seen in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, which received an overwhelming response from critics and audiences alike.…

Karan and Kartik inaugurate 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The much-anticipated 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) commenced on August 10 with an inauguration press conference, marked by the presence of several prominent Bollywood personalities and luminaries. The event was inaugurated by Karan Johar, Kartik Aaryan, Mrunal Thakur, and Vijay Varma. Several pictures from the film festival are…

‘Laapataa Ladies’, ‘Thank You For Coming’ part of TIFF 2023…

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, and Thank You For Coming, featuring Bhumi Pednekar, are the two Indian films that will have their world premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival 2023, to be held from September 7 to 17. While Laapataa Ladies will be screened under the Centrepiece…

SRK unveils official trailer of Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘King of Kotha’ 

Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Thursday unveiled the official trailer of Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming action thriller film King of Kotha. Taking to Twitter, Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “Congratulations on the impressive #KOKTrailer, @dulQuer ! Looking forward to the movie. Big hug to you and wishing the entire team a big…

THE TOP 10 dance numbers of Vyjayanthimala

IN TERMS of ability, influence, magic moments, and stunning screen presence, Vyjayanthimala is regarded as the greatest Bollywood dancer of all time. The magnificent movie icon entertained different generations, influenced lead stars who followed in her fabulous footsteps and changed dance forever in India. Born in 1936, she turns a…

Sherlyn Chopra: Different kind of daring

WHETHER it is stripping down or making shocking remarks, Sherlyn Chopra has never been far away from controversy. But now, she is making news for artistic reasons and reconnecting with her first passion of acting with a lead role in the second series of popular streaming show Paurashpur 2. The…

Planned Meena Kumari biopic mired in controversy

FASHION designer Manish Malhotra confirmed that he would make his directorial debut with a Meena Kumari biopic with Kriti Sanon in the lead role. Meanwhile, late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar Amrohi was reportedly threatening to sue because he believes the rights to her story belong to him. That is…

‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ turns 40: Making of a cult…

EXACTLY 40 years ago, a fabulous low budget film far removed from commercial Hindi cinema took everyone by surprise. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro not only became a cult classic, but also redefined Indian cinema and introduced Bollywood to a whole host of fresh talents, including actors, crew and cutting edge…

DJ Lady G: A full dance floor shows you’re playing…

A VIBRANT personality mixed with a superb selection of songs and an ability to spin multiple genres has enabled DJ Lady G to entertain cross-cultural audiences. Whether it is explosive live sets or getting listeners on Solar radio to choose their favourite song, she beautifully balances DJing and presenting. Next…

India is varied, has multiple cultures like a rainbow: AR…

Like there are multiple colours in a rainbow, India has different cultures, languages, and film industries and it’s time for the world to acknowledge it, says AR Rahman, the artiste whose music covers genres and geographies. Rahman, who has worked in the south, in the Hindi film industry as well…

Alia Bhatt opens up about her British citizenship

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who is presently basking in the huge success of her latest release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, is also going all out to promote her much-awaited film Heart Of Stone, which marks her debut in Hollywood. Helmed by Tom Harper, the spy action thriller film…

Ranveer Singh confirmed as new Don for Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don…

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh will be stepping into the iconic role of Don for the third part of filmmaker Farhan Akhtar's popular action franchise Don. Farhan and his close friend Ritesh Sidhwani's banner Excel Entertainment shared the news on its social media handles, posting a first-look video of the actor…

US lawmakers to attend Modi’s Red Fort address

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers will travel to India to take part in the Red Fort address of prime minister Narendra Modi on the country’s Independence Day on August 15, according to an official statement. The bipartisan Congressional delegation is led by Indian-American congressman Ro Khanna and congressman Michael…

Gal Gadot called my pregnancy great luck for ‘Heart of…

Alia Bhatt discovered that she was pregnant just before she started shooting for action film Heart of Stone but producer-star Gal Gadot was "warm, excited and started cheering" when she heard the news. Bhatt said she felt very well taken care of by Gadot on the movie set. "I remember…

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ continues its great run…

Helmed by leading filmmaker Karan Johar, the much-talked-about Bollywood film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has set the cash registers jingling at the worldwide box office. Bankrolled by Dharma Productions, the film has pocketed a whopping $10 million globally and still counting. The Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-led film…

Mira Nair, Siddharth Roy Kapur raise funds for ‘Yeh Ballet’…

Acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and noted Bollywood producer Siddharth Roy Kapur recently came together for a fundraiser titled Dare To Dream for Yeh Ballet actor Achintya Bose's education. The critically acclaimed film Yeh Ballet, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, is backed by Kapur under his production house Roy Kapur…

Tara Singh is our Hulk, Superman: Sunny Deol on his…

Bollywood star Sunny Deol on Sunday said every man wants to watch a superhero on screen and his character Tara Singh from the upcoming film Gadar 2 is no less than Hulk or Superman. In Gadar 2, the actor reprises his role of Tara Singh from his 2001 blockbuster hit…

Kajol speaks out on pay parity in Indian cinema

Bollywood actress Kajol feels that when a film like Wonder Woman is made for Indian audiences and turns out to be as successful at the box office as Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, Indian cinema will witness pay parity. She was speaking on the sidelines of the 2023 Jagran Film Festival…

Majid Majidi hopes to shoot another film in India

Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi on Thursday said he hopes to shoot another film in India after 2017's Beyond The Clouds because he values Indian culture and cinema. The director, known for movies such as the Oscar-nominated Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, said he hopes the two…

Final goodbye to art director Nitin Desai

Bollywood is mourning the demise of four-time national award-winning art director Nitin Desai, who was found dead in his studio in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. According to police Desai’s body was found hanging in his ND Studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai. From Akshay Kumar and Neil Nitin Mukesh…

Rani Mukerji to deliver masterclass at Indian Film Festival of…

Bollywood star Rani Mukerji will be delivering a masterclass detailing her career and life as an actor at the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The special event will take place on August 10, a day ahead of the 14th edition of the film festival. Mukerji will talk about…

Adarsh Gourav to lead Reema Kagti’s next film ‘Superman of…

Actor Adarsh Gourav has been roped in for filmmaker Reema Kagti's next film, Superman of Malegaon. The comedy-drama is based on the life of Sheikh Nasir, who featured in the 2012 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. It is about the real-life story of the residents of Malegaon, who make spoofs of…

The magic of Koi Mil Gaya

ONCE in a generation movie Koi Mil Gaya took everyone by surprise when it was released on August 8, 2003. From the unique subject matter to the leading man’s remarkable transformation, special effects and introducing an extra-terrestrial into Bollywood, the sci-fi spectacular became a landmark movie and won multiple awards. …

Akshay postpones ‘OMG 2’ trailer release in wake of Nitin…

The sudden demise of renowned art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai has shocked the entire Bollywood As a mark of respect to Desai, actor Akshay Kumar has decided to postpone the trailer release of his forthcoming film OMG 2. The trailer was earlier supposed to release on Wednesday. It will now…

‘Rocky aur Rani’ review: Story with recycled ideas is more…

THIS is the type of movie that might have worked really well in the 1990s when romance was dominating Hindi cinema and many contemporary story troupes in the genre had not been done yet. But in 2023, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani comes across as more style than actual…

An Independence Day Bollywood flop show

THE Indian Independence Day weekend is very lucrative for Bollywood producers because people being on holiday usually results in higher audiences. Like previously, there are multiple films trying to cash in on that this year. It was supposed to be a three-way box office battle next Friday (11), but Animal…

Adnan Sami: A playlist of his greatest hits ahead of…

POPULAR singer Adnan Sami returns for another UK tour in August with big arena shows in Leeds next Friday (11), London next Saturday (12) and Birmingham next Sunday (13). The singer and master musician will be performing his greatest hits, with a full live orchestra and putting a unique live…

5 most-awaited streaming releases to watch in August 2023

August is here and leading streaming platforms are set to woo audiences with an impressive slate of titles. From high-profile streaming shows to much-anticipated films, the audience is going to have multiple choices at their disposal. Let’s not waste time and see what this month has in store for the…

UK investors in Bollywood firm Eros face triple crisis

BOLLYWOOD firm Eros is under investigation in London and India, and its bonds are trading at an artificially low rate on the London Stock Exchange, according to reports. Hundreds of bondholders have formed an action group against the London-based Lulla family-owned company to fight for their rights, reported This is…

Birthday Special: A look at Taapsee Pannu’s breakthrough performances

Actress Taapsee Pannu never shies away from taking up challenging roles. She is known for her powerful performances in movies such as Pink, Thappad, Rashmi Rocket, and Shabaash Mithu, among others. Although she made her Bollywood debut with Chashme Baddoor in 2013, she gained a lot of prominence with her…

Shekhar Kapur reveals how he shot the ‘toughest scene’ in…

Fronted by Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri, Mr India is considered one of the most iconic films of Indian cinema. The Shekhar Kapur directorial is also credited for popularising the superhero genre in Bollywood decades before other filmmakers attempted making sci-fi films. Recently, Shekhar Kapur shared an important detail…

India Couture Week: Top Hindi movie stars turn showstoppers

Organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the 19th edition of India Couture Week (ICW) 2023 commenced in New Delhi on July 25, with Falguni Shane Peacock presenting the opening show and setting the tone for the glamorous event. Renowned designers like Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Tarun…

Sanjay Dutt joins cast of ‘Double iSmart’

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt will feature alongside Telugu actor Ram Pothineni in filmmaker Puri Jagannadh's upcoming film Double iSmart, the makers announced Saturday. The film, backed by the filmmaker and Charmme Kaur's banner Puri Connects, is a sequel to Pothineni and Jagannadh's 2019 sci-fi action film iSmart Shankar, about an…

Jewish organisation asks Prime Video to take down ‘Bawaal’, says…

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan's Bawaal is in the eye of the proverbial storm for using the Holocaust to tell a story of marital discord with a prominent Jewish rights organisation slamming it for “banal trivialisation” of the suffering of millions and asking Prime Video to take down the movie. The…

‘Gadar 2’: Everything you need to know about Sunny Deol…

Actors Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel are set to come up with their much-awaited action-drama film Gadar 2. Recently, Sunny Deol shared the trailer on Instagram. With amazing performances and powerful dialogues, and the iconic hand pump, the three-minute-long trailer showcases Tara Singh and Sakeena's legacy, set amidst the tumultuous…

Varun Dhawan: Riding high and hungry for more

WITH Nitesh Tiwari’s last two releases as a director, Dangal and Chhichhore, being huge hits, it was quite a coup for Varun Dhawan to play the lead role in his latest film Bawaal. He takes centrestage opposite Janhvi Kapoor in the romantic drama, which just had its world premiere on…

Puneet Bhandal: Bring on the Bollywood academy

SHE may have had a prolific career, but Puneet Bhandal never planned to be a writer. After completing an MSc in Information Technology, she realised it wasn’t the right path and decided to pursue journalism. She landed a job as a production assistant at a leading newspaper and became the…

Adnan Siddiqui says Pakistani audience has higher ‘tolerance’ than Indians

Well-known Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui, who made his Bollywood debut with the 2017 film Mom, starring the late Sridevi in the lead role, recently opened up about how his Bollywood ambition came to an end when the Indian film industry banned Pakistani artists from working in India in the wake…

Alia Bhatt: Ultimate movie countdown of Bollywood’s crown princess

THERE is enough evidence to back up the theory that Alia Bhatt is the number one leading lady in Bollywood right now. She headlines this week’s big Bollywood release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and then makes her Hollywood debut in action thriller Heart of Stone, which has a…

Timeless magic of Mohammed Rafi

THIS week marks the death anniversary of one of Bollywood’s greatest male-playback singers Mohammed Rafi, who sadly passed away on July 31, 1980, after suffering a heart attack. Despite being only 55 when he died, the magically voiced icon left behind a magnificent body of work that continues to entertain…

Narayan Murthy criticises Kareena Kapoor for ignoring fans on flight

An old video of Infosys founder Narayan Murthy criticising Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan for ignoring her fans on a flight is currently surfacing on social media. During a conversation at IIT-Kanpur, he shared an incident and voiced his surprise at the actor not acknowledging her fans on a flight.…

‘Hollywood can’t do song, dance like Bollywood can’: Mira Rajput

Seems like Mira Rajput did not like the recently released Hollywood film Barbie. On Monday, Mira took to Instagram and shared a picture of a theatre screen showing Barbie. However, it was the caption that caught everyone's attention. In the caption, she wrote, "Hollywood this Hollywood that...Well, Hollywood can't do…

Shekhar Kapur begins working on music for ‘Masoom’ sequel

Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, whose filmography boasts of such notable titles as Mr India (1987), Bandit Queen (1994), and Elizabeth (1998), will next helm a sequel to his much-loved Bollywood film Masoom (1983). The latest update on the much-talked-about sequel, titled Masoom: The Next Generation, suggests that the filmmaker has…

Sunny Deol unveils son Rajveer’s first look from debut film…

Sooraj Barjatya's son Avnish is set to don the director's hat with his debut film, titled Dono. Interestingly, the film isn't just Avnish's directorial debut but also the launch of Sunny Deol's son Rajveer and Poonam Dhillon's daughter Paloma in Bollywood. Sunny Deol made his fans and followers also a…

Modi remembers “maestro of melody” Mukesh on his 100th birth…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a long note remembering maestro of melody Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Remembering the maestro of melody, Mukesh, on his 100th birth anniversary. His timeless songs evoke a wide range of emotions and have left…

Suchitra on why she didn’t protest when ex-husband Shekhar Kapur…

Actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 1994 film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, is presently busy promoting her comeback song “Shararat,” scheduled to be out on World Music Day, June 21. The actress recently opened up about her equation with ex-husband, filmmaker Shekhar…

‘Abhimaan’: A movie that is still relevant and relatable

WHETHER it is multiple Hollywood remakes, including one headlined by Lady Gaga, Bollywood musicals like Aashiqui 2 and many others globally, a lot of movies have been inspired by 1937 classic A Star Is Born. One of the finest is Hindi film classic Abhimaan, which was released on July 27…

Singer Asees Kaur makes perfect UK live debut

THERE had been a set blueprint for Bollywood concerts for decades with singers mixing up their own hits with classic films songs from long ago and taking an interval break. Arijit Singh rewrote the rulebooks by staying on stage for three hours and injecting diverse influences into film songs to…

Revealed: Rabindranath Tagore’s muse who is buried in Edinburgh

EDINBURGH has many links with India, but the latest, most significant discovery is the exact location of the grave of Annapurna Turkhud, a Marathi woman who developed an affectionate relationship with the Bengali poet and Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, when she was 20 and he was 17. Some scholars…

Tamil actor Abbas on quitting films and driving taxis in…

Actor Abbas, who is known among Tamil audiences for playing a romantic hero in such films as Kadhal Desam, Padayappa, and Minnale, among others, has been missing from the scene for close to a decade now. He appeared in an interaction with a YouTube channel recently and opened up about…

‘‘RRR’ was incredible, it blew me away,’ says Simu Liu

The much-anticipated Hollywood film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Simu Liu, is set to open in cinemas this Friday. During an interview with an Indian entertainment portal, Lui spoke about SS Rajamouli’s Oscar-winning film RRR (2022) and his wish to do a Bollywood dance number. Calling RRR “phenomenal,”…

Deepika Padukone’s first look from ‘Project K’ unveiled

The makers of Project K revealed the first look of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone from the much-anticipated film, describing her character as a hope for a better tomorrow. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the big-budget sci-fi movie also stars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan in prominent roles. Vyjayanthi Movies, the…

‘Calling us a fraternity is futile’: Karan Johar

The second half of 2023 is going to witness several big Bollywood clashes. Sunny Deol’s next Gadar 2 will be facing a clash with Akshay Kumar’s OMG 2 on August 11 and Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur will be clashing with Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal on December 1. And now on Tuesday,…

Dev Patel, Sonam Kapoor and Aamir Khan watch epic Djokovic-Alcaraz…

Wimbledon 2023 had been attracting a sea of celebrities since its opening day. Several prominent personalities were in attendance to watch the finals on Sunday between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, among them were Dev Patel, Aamir Khan, and Sonam Kapoor. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was present at the Wimbledon…

Birthday Special: A look at Katrina Kaif’s popular dance numbers

Katrina Kaif is one of the leading actresses working in Bollywood. She has been entertaining the audience for two decades now and has several blockbuster films and dance numbers to her credit. One of the prime reasons for her widespread acclaim is her ability to deliver chartbuster songs consistently. She…

LG inaugurates two multipurpose cinema halls in north Kashmir

Cinema halls made a return to north Kashmir after three decades as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated 100-seater multipurpose film theatres in Baramulla and Handwara towns of the union territory. Similar theatres were inaugurated by the LG in Shopian and Pulwama districts, while a private company set up…

Alia Bhatt set to star in Yash Raj Film’s spy…

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is set to become the first woman to front a film in Yash Raj Films’ spy universe, Variety reports. The Darlings actress will play a “super-agent” in the yet-to-be-titled film, which is set to begin filming in 2024. Created by producer Aditya Chopra, the spy universe…

Alia Bhatt launches business reality series ‘Mission Start Ab’

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt on Wednesday launched Prime Video's new business reality series Mission Start Ab. As per a statement, the project will showcase India’s grassroots innovators as they turbo-charge their business growth. The seven-episode series will show these promising entrepreneurs, focused on scaling made-for-India innovations with the potential to…

From Big B to Akshay Kumar, Bollywood actors who were…

Actors getting injured on the sets of their films is not new. We hear the news about some actor or the other getting injured while filming every now and then. There are several Bollywood actors who have also faced severe injuries on sets. Today, we take a look at such…

Priya Ashra: Search for Mr Right

SURPRISE sleeper hit Indian Matchmaking has become a cultural phenomenon since it had a Netflix premiere in 2020 and led to a Jewish-inspired spin-off. After largely focusing its efforts on America and India, the reality TV show touched down in UK earlier this year and introduced audiences to a new…

Madan Mohan: Maestro with a Midas touch

THE magnificence of master musician Madan Mohan is demonstrated by songs that remain massively popular decades after they were recorded. Whether it was iconic love song Lag Jaa Gale in 1964 or his compositions being used on the 2004 Veer Zaara soundtrack nearly 30 years after he passed away on…

Opinion: Testing times ahead for new ‘nepo-kids’ of Bollywood

THE Bollywood nepotism debate will be fuelled further in the next 18 months, as a new generation with famous family connections get ready to make their film debuts. They will have to be a lot stronger than the wave of aspiring hopefuls with well-known relatives, launched in the last five…

Exclusive: Meera Syal wants more Asians in creative boardrooms

ACTING must put more people of colour in creative boardrooms to stop unconscious bias, colonialism and complacency which exist in the profession. That is the call from one of the industry’s biggest south Asian stars. Meera Syal told the Raminklal Pioneers Project, a partnership of the Asian Media Group [the…

Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Stree 2’ begins filming

Bollywood actors Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, on Tuesday began the shooting for their next film, the horror comedy sequel Stree 2. Taking to Instagram, actor Rajkummar Rao shared a special video and announced the news. The video hints that the sequel might be having two ghosts this time as…

Vijay wraps up ‘Leo’ shoot, next one with Venkat Prabhu

Superstar 'Thalapathy' Vijay has completed shooting for his upcoming Tamil movie Leo. The project marks a reunion between Vijay and filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj after the 2021 blockbuster Master. The director shared the news on Twitter on Monday evening, posting a picture with the 49-year-old actor. "And it's a wrap for…

From Priyanka Chopra to Kamal Haasan, Indian actors who perform…

When it comes to jaw-dropping action sequences in films, people generally look up to Hollywood. Recently, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One director Christopher McQuarrie revealed how Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise did not only speed-fly and ride a motorbike off a cliff, but he also battled co-star Esai Morales…

Janhvi Kapoor wraps up London schedule of her next ‘Ulajh’

Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor has shared the latest update on her next film Ulajh. She took to Instagram to announce that the first schedule of her upcoming film has been wrapped up in London. Ulajh, which is directed by Sudhanshu Saria, also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew in important…

Kriti Kharbanda recalls shooting for ‘Guest iin London’

It's a nostalgic day for actress Kriti Kharbanda as her film Guest iin London has completed six years since it was released. Helmed by Ashwni Dhir, the film is a family entertainer which plays on the theme of uninvited guests. Kriti and Kartik Aaryan essay the role of a young…

Have no interest in playing Ajay Devgn’s mother: Madhoo

Actress Madhoo says she decided to leave the film industry at the peak of her career in the 90s because she was unhappy with the roles she was getting and "meaty roles" are difficult for women of a certain age even now. The actor, who made a mark with her…

Amazon CEO demands budgetary report as ‘Citadel’ underperforms

Headlined by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, Citadel was one of the most expensive series ever produced by Amazon Prime Video. The show had been in the news ever since Chopra was signed on to play the female lead. The show was launched with much fanfare on April 28, 2023.…

The Top 10 performances of Nawazuddin Siddiqui

AFTER a decade of struggle, Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivered break out performances in 2012 that kick-started a remarkable rise for the self-made star. He has become one of India’s most acclaimed and in demand actors, with a series of winning performances in diverse projects that have shown off his remarkable range.…

Bolly Ditz Dolly: ‘Smash metaphorical boxes if you need to’

BURLESQUE has got a beautiful Bollywood make-over from a British Asian talent. Bolly Ditz Dolly has given the sensual art form a tassel-twirling twist to create neo-Bollyesque, which combines Bollywood dance with burlesque. Her eye-catching performances, sensual photo shoots and fearless approach have smashed stereotypes, helped break down cultural barriers…

A lot riding on Rocky aur Rani

THERE was a time when a Karan Johar directed movie would generate a lot of excitement and guarantee a big opening weekend at the box office. Even though he celebrated 25 years as a filmmaker at a recent London event, the mood for his first directorial outing since 2016 is…

‘You’ll experience something extraordinary’: Vidya Balan on new film ‘Neeyat’

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who will next be seen in Neeyat recently got candid about working on her new project with the star cast of a murder mystery. She said, "You will experience something extraordinary after seeing the movie because of the exceptional star cast, which consists of many talented…

Ameesha Patel says male actors ‘deserve’ higher pay

While several actresses in Bollywood have time and again spoken about pay disparity in the industry, actress Ameesha Patel feels that male actors “deserve” to be paid more because films are selling because of them. Patel, who is presently looking forward to the release of her much-anticipated film Gadar 2,…

Anurag Kashyap joins Vijay and Sanjay Dutt on the cast…

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who has also shown his acting prowess in a couple of films, has added one more film to his acting credits. He has signed on to play an important role in the much-anticipated Tamil-language film Leo. Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Leo stars Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay in…

Shah Rukh has surgery following accident in US

According to reports, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has undergone surgery in the US following an accident on the sets of one of his projects in Los Angeles. A leading Indian publication reports that the actor has returned to India and is currently recovering at home. “SRK was shooting in…

Here’s why Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ has been pushed to Dec…

Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal was one of the most-awaited Bollywood films set to open in cinemas next month in August. However, the makers on Monday announced that they have decided to postpone its release by four months and now the film will release on December 1. Vanga, known…

‘I’m taking Hindi classes’: Anya Chalotra on her British-Indian heritage

The Witcher, one of the biggest fantasy series ever produced, returned for its third series last week. Netflix premiered its first five episodes on June 29, with episodes six through eight slated to release on July 27. The Witcher boasts an impressive cast, including Anya Chalotra, who plays Yennefer, a…

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan receives major university honour

The globally acclaimed singer, composer and actor Shankar Mahadevan has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) in recognition of his outstanding services to music and the arts. Mahadevan, who has been described as one of the greatest ever Bollywood vocalists, was given the award at a…

Akshay Kumar announces fifth installment of ‘Housefull’ franchise

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar on Friday announced the fifth installment of his comedy franchise Housefull. Tarun Mansukhani, known for helming such films as Dostana and Drive, will direct Housefull 5, which will be released in theatres on Diwali 2024. Along with Kumar, actor Riteish Deshmukh will also return for the…

‘Ishqiya’ was the movie I was waiting for: Vidya Balan

Actress Vidya Balan on Wednesday said a lot of her earlier films emerged as box office hits but she wasn't satisfied by playing the romantic interest opposite the male lead, a situation that changed for her when she was offered Ishqiya. Balan made her Hindi film debut with Parineeta in…

Kareena, Saif dine with Sonam Kapoor in London – see…

London is one of the favourite holiday destinations of several Bollywood celebrities. Currently, the who's who of B-town including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sonam Kapoor are vacationing in the UK. Kareena and her husband Saif recently joined Sonam's family for a dinner date. Taking to Instagram, Sonam…

Britain and India want to strike a ‘truly ambitious’ trade…

BRITAIN and India want to strike a truly “ambitious trade deal” that benefits both the nations, bringing “tremendous opportunities” for businesses and consumers, prime minister Rishi Sunak has said. At a reception on Wednesday (28) to celebrate India Global Forum's UK-India week 2023 in Downing Street, Sunak said the eyes…

‘Dear England’: Striking at the heart of race and English…

WHAT does it mean to be English? This is the question that Dear England, a new play at London’s National Theatre, sets out to explore. It has been written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold – with the actor Joseph Fiennes playing the lead role of the England…

Live performances and tours to look forward to in the…

WITH huge concerts headlined by superb singers like The Nooran Sisters, Gurdas Maan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ali Azmat and Atif Aslam already staged, it has been an action packed year for live music in the UK. There are a lot more concerts on the way in the remaining six months of…

First king of comedy: Story of Noor Mohammed Charlie

WHETHER it was Mehmood, Johnny Walker, Johnny Lever or lead stars showing off their funny side, there have been many great comedians in Indian cinema across the decades. But the first talented comedian was iconic actor Noor Mohammed Charlie. Armed with his trademark Charlie Chaplin moustache and a natural swagger,…

‘Maya Memsaab’ and the nude awakening

IF THERE is perhaps one movie that Shah Rukh Khan could remove from his long-distinguished career it would be Maya Memsaab and he partially succeeded by later getting the original version edited. The film, which was released on July 2, 1993, marks its 30th anniversary this week and it is…

Kavita Seth: Power, passion and finding perfection

WHETHER it is singing blockbuster Bollywood songs, composing, releasing awesome albums, or delivering mesmerising live ghazal and Sufi performances, Kavita Seth has done most things in music marvellously well. Instead of basking in the glory of her many impressive achievements, the music talent continues to offer new listening experiences and has…

Sunny Leone: Adult films to Cannes conqueror

THERE is a lot more to Sunny Leone than being a pin-up girl and former adult film star. Apart from being a devoted mother, the Canadian has carved out a career in India as an actress, TV personality and successful business entrepreneur, with thriving beauty and fashion brands. Those who…

‘Tum Kya Mile’ from ‘Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani’…

Makers of the upcoming romantic film Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on Wednesday unveiled the much-awaited track of the film “Tum Kya Mile”. Taking to Instagram, director Karan Johar shared the song which he captioned, "Any love story deserves a fitting love song! And I'm blessed that Tum Kya…

Pasoori: Bollywood remake of Pakistani song leaves fans divided

The Coke Studio Pakistan production "Pasoori" was one of the most popular songs of 2022 and still continues to enthrall listeners in several parts of the world. Originally performed by Pakistani singers Ali Sethi and Sehbaz Gill, the song has now been remade in India for the upcoming Bollywood film…

We will definitely kill Salman Khan: Gangster Goldy Brar

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar issued an open death threat to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Brar, who is a part of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang and is the prime accused and the mastermind behind the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, said…

Sonam Kapoor’s comeback film ‘Blind’ to land on JioCinema

After a long hiatus, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is now set to enthrall her fans with a new film titled Blind. The film will be out on Jio Cinema on July 7. It will be released two days ahead of her birthday. The particular update has left her fans…