Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood's most celebrated actors and filmmakers, has officially revealed that he has begun work on his long-awaited adaptation of the Mahabharat. For years, Aamir has expressed a deep passion for turning this legendary Indian epic into a film, and as he approached his 60th birthday, he has confirmed that work on this monumental project is finally underway.
Aamir Khan shares an exciting update
During a meet-and-greet with the paparazzi ahead of his milestone birthday, Aamir Khan gave fans the news they've been waiting for. When asked about his plans to adapt the Mahabharat for the big screen, he said, "I have just started. Just starting, putting the team together for the writing and all that, just started."
This announcement has rekindled excitement among fans and the film industry, given the scale of the project. The Mahabharat is one of India's most revered epics, rich with complex characters and storylines spanning generations. Aamir has long been intrigued by the challenge of bringing this timeless tale to the screen, and now that work has begun, there’s much anticipation about how the actor-director will execute this ambitious vision.
The challenge of adapting the Mahabharat
Aamir has always been known for taking bold and innovative approaches to his films, and adapting the Mahabharat is no small feat. The epic, which is longer than The Iliad and The Odyssey combined, covers vast thematic ground, exploring issues of duty, righteousness, family, and warfare. Given the complexity of the narrative, Aamir has chosen to start by putting together a writing team that will help shape the story for a cinematic adaptation.
While details about the film are scarce, it is clear that Aamir is taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to ensure the project is handled with the care and dedication it deserves. When asked about the film’s timeline, Aamir said, "It depends on how the first year of production goes," indicating that the film's completion could take up to five years, depending on the challenges of the initial development phase.
Reuniting with Bollywood’s Khans
During the same event, Aamir was also asked about his recent gathering with fellow Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. The trio, often dubbed as the “three Khans” of Bollywood, have dominated the Indian film industry for decades. Their recent meetup sparked curiosity among fans, who speculated about potential collaborations or birthday celebrations, as all three actors are turning 60 around the same time.
Aamir, however, dispelled the rumours with a laugh, saying that the reunion was more personal than professional. “We were just gossiping about the media,” he joked before adding that it was a joyful evening spent reconnecting after a long time. Though the meeting wasn’t work-related, the image of the three Khans together sent fans into a nostalgic frenzy, reminiscing about their decades of friendship and contributions to Indian cinema.
Sitaare Zameen Par
While Aamir is focused on Mahabharat, he is also gearing up for the release of his next film, Sitaare Zameen Par, which is expected to hit theatres soon. Aamir has always chosen films with strong storytelling and emotional depth, and this latest project is no different. Sitaare Zameen Par has already generated a great deal of buzz, and fans are eager to see the actor’s return to the big screen after a brief hiatus.
'Sitaare Zameen Par', the sequel to his 2007 film 'Taare Zameen Par'Youtube/ Movie Fantasy India
Known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema, Aamir’s projects always bring something fresh and unique. His dedication to quality filmmaking has earned him immense respect, not only from his peers in the industry but also from audiences worldwide.
A new era for Aamir Khan
As Aamir Khan embarks on the journey of adapting Mahabharat, he marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. With decades of experience behind him and a reputation for tackling ambitious projects, Aamir is perfectly poised to bring this epic tale to life. His approach, as always, is one of careful planning, and his announcement of the project has left fans eagerly anticipating what could be one of the most significant films in Indian cinema history.
Though the road ahead may be long, Aamir’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. As he prepares to celebrate his 60th birthday, he continues to inspire audiences with his vision and passion for storytelling. Whether through the upcoming Sitaare Zameen Par or the colossal undertaking of Mahabharat, Aamir Khan’s influence on Indian cinema is set to continue for years to come.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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