POPULAR TV STAR KARAN TACKER TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW ESPIONAGE THRILLER AND BIG ACTING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
by ASJAD NAZIR
THERE hasn’t been much to celebrate in 2020, but one of the big success stories has been drama serial Special Ops.
The fast paced thriller has received positive reviews and pulled in viewers ever since it premiered on streaming site Hotstar in March.
Masterminded by acclaimed director Neeraj Pandey, the show also marked a welcome return to acting for massively popular TV star Karan Tacker after seven years and showed he has lost none of his pulling power. The big budget thriller has reignited his passion for acting and looks set to be a stepping stone for the small screen star to make a leap to cinema.
Eastern Eye caught up with Karan during the Covid-19 lockdown to talk about his acting return, Special Ops, future hopes and inspirations.
How are you handling the lockdown and what have you been doing to stay sane?
Well, that is a tough one, considering it’s been so many weeks now and India has been tight on the lockdown. Staying sane is becoming a real challenge because you are constantly trying to figure out a timetable and routine. That gets mundane quickly because you are doing it within the four walls of your house. But primarily, I’m trying to exercise twice a day. I work out in the morning and do a run in the evening within the building because that is the only place we are allowed to.
What else have you been doing?
There is a lot of reading I have been doing and recently, I signed up for some online master classes, which I have been watching. I am doing whatever keeps my mind going and keeps me productive.
A ray of light during these dark times has been the massive success of Special Ops. How much has that meant to you?
It has meant a lot, Asjad. It’s unfortunate that it has come at a time of this pandemic, but it has been really welcoming because everyone has watched it and the response has been absolutely overwhelming. Anybody that I was ever in touch with has kind of watched the show and called me. So for an actor, this kind of praise is really validating. It has been really nice and the show has been largely appreciated. All credit to our fantastic director Neeraj Pandey. I’m looking forward to good times to roll now.
You talk about acting, but why did you take a long break from it and do you regret it?
No, not at all. With the field I am in, there is a constant need to reinvent and do things that you have not done before, so that your work kind of stands out and everything you do looks different than the others. There was a stint that I did on TV, and somewhere I felt it’s the maximum potential I can pull out of this for me to kind of grow as an actor. That is why, I sort of put a pause on working on TV in terms of acting. There was a whole lot of content being made that I couldn’t relate to, so I started hosting and enjoyed that.
Tell us more…
Simultaneously, I was looking for my next big thing to do, which would resonate the way Special Ops has. My constant need has been to work with great makers because my job is so collaborative. I’m not the best actor, but if I can get a great director who can kind of pull that out of me, it can really better my craft.
Did you feel that you were part of something special when working on Special Ops?
Yes, most definitely, because when you are working with Neeraj Pandey you know it will be interesting as it is written really well. When I read the script I thought it was fantastic. When we went on the floors and saw the scale, I was like ‘man, this is large’. At that time, you just get sucked into work so quickly that you do not stop yourself to realise most things. It’s only after you are done and people talk about it that it kind of hits you, and you realise that it was that big and we have gone to these exotic locations. So, you do feel you are part of something special, but it is difficult to stop and take it all in.
What was the most memorable aspect of shooting it?
The entire schedule we shot internationally was really memorable. Waking up at 4am everyday, doing these long hours, not getting tired, and getting to work again the next day with the same zest; it was special because it made me realise my love for acting. It has made me realise my love for being in front of the camera, performing, saying lines and discussing scenes. That realisation really kicked in with this show. Quite frankly, in the last one and a half years, I’ve figured what I want from my acting career specifically. I’m glad my first foot forward was with Special Ops.
Is big budget serial Special Ops a turning point for you and a step towards cinema?
It could be! That is not really my intention. I don’t pick a project because it might be my stepping stone into another industry. I primarily pick a project in isolation; who is making it, what is the script and what does my character contribute to the larger story. If that snowballs into me doing a film that would be amazing. But having said that, I would still want to do a film not for the heck of it, but as long as it’s with a great maker. That is my only agenda.
What will be the master plan going forward when lockdown is over and have you identified any projects?
I would like to answer that with a simple yes, but there are so many other factors that all need to kick in simultaneously for me to do my next. I have locked on to a project, but when that will go on the floors it is very difficult to say because of the current given situation of the pandemic. Nobody knows where and what is happening. You will definitely see me soon again, but how soon is a tough one to answer.
Do you have a dream role?
You know, Asjad, it is very difficult to have just one dream role. There is a whole bunch of things that I definitely want to do. I really enjoyed being part of this whole action-drama with Special Ops and would love to do it again. I realised my love for hand-to-hand combat and for action in general. There is a sense of music in me, so I would like to do a musical. Intense is something I enjoyed, and if I get something in that space again, doing an internalised role, I would enjoy that.
Are you able to see yourself working in the west?
I would love that. In fact, it would be amazing if Special Ops could snowball into that because it released simultaneously in the UK and USA. If that kind of pulls in work from these two countries, it would be fantastic.
What have you enjoyed watching during the lockdown?
There has been a whole bunch of films I saw, including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which is based on a book. It’s an old film I wanted to watch. Gary Oldman is fantastic. There is something about the silences in the film that communicate so much. It’s a cool watch. I also watched Moonlight. I saw a really nice Indian show on Amazon called Panchayat, which is a sweet story of a boy who goes to a village. This whole time is so demoralising that I want to watch upbeat and happy stuff, so I binge watched Modern Family. I also watched all the seasons of UK show Top Boy.
Which actors do you most admire?
There is a whole bunch of actors that I admire. From India, I love many– I really enjoy Ayushmann’s (Khurrana) work. Then there is Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vijay Verma – there is a cool bunch of actors that have really popped up in the recent years in Indian cinema. Internationally, there are a plethora of people I love watching, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. I love Natalie Portman and am enjoying watching her masterclass. I am trying to do as much as I can to keep my mind sharp through this time, so I don’t go into a lull.
Your fans have stuck by you, how much does that mean to you?
They mean everything to an actor, not just me. Every actor is as good as the people that watch their work. Whenever I come to the UK, even though my acting work has not come out in a while, people recognise you and want to get a photo, which is really humbling. So, the fans are amazing, they are a big driving force for every single actor to go out there to achieve more and do more. Knowing that your fans are
consuming you in different ways is really very inspiring.
Apart from fans, what inspires you?
There is a whole bunch of things that inspire me. The dream that I have for myself is what inspires me to begin with. What inspires me is the expectations of my family from me. The twinkle I see in my mother’s eye every time she is watching my work really drives me. Even when I was watching Special Ops with her, just the way she was glued to the TV and the way she was consuming it, got me overwhelmed. That my entire family is kicked about watching Special Ops inspires me a lot.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.