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.
Scarlett Johansson says early roles focused on “desirability” and male-centred narratives
Notes positive shift in how women are portrayed in Hollywood today
Recalls being hypersexualised and typecast as a young actress
Currently stars in The Phoenician Scheme, with Jurassic World Rebirth out on 2 July
Scarlett Johansson has reflected on how Hollywood roles for women have evolved, admitting that early in her career, most of her characters were written to serve male-driven storylines. Speaking in an interview, the actress said the landscape has changed, with more nuanced opportunities for women on screen.
The Black Widow star, who began acting at nine, noted a shift in the kinds of roles she’s being offered now. “When I was younger, a lot of the roles I was offered had their ambitions or arcs revolving around their desirability or the male gaze,” she said. “That is less frequent now; something has shifted.”
Scarlett Johansson opens up about breaking free from early typecastingGetty Images
Johansson says more complex roles are finally being written for women
The 39-year-old actress acknowledged that the film industry is slowly embracing more layered portrayals of women. “The messaging is different now; there are more role models, women in visible and powerful positions, and roles that aren’t just one-note,” she said.
Scarlett has long been vocal about the way she was sexualised early on in her career. In a 2022 interview, she admitted that being objectified in Hollywood made her fear she’d be stuck playing the same type of roles. “I kind of became pigeonholed… I remember thinking, ‘I think people think I’m 40 years old,’” she said.
Johansson reflects on her childhood stardom and evolving careerGetty Images
From child star to filmmaker, Johansson now takes control of the narrative
Having debuted in North (1994), Scarlett went on to star in Lost in Translation, The Horse Whisperer, Ghost World, and the Avengers franchise. Now, she’s not just acting; she’s also directing. Her first feature, Eleanor the Great, premiered at Cannes in May.
From Avengers to auteur Scarlett Johansson embraces creative control Getty Images
Alongside her current role in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, she has Jurassic World Rebirth, which hit theatres on 2 July. After decades in the business, Johansson seems to finally be stepping into a space where she can define her own story, both on and off the screen.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Flying car mishap forces Beyoncé to pause Houston performance mid-song
Beyoncé stopped her Houston Cowboy Carter show after her suspended Cadillac prop tilted dangerously.
The singer was performing 16 Carriages mid-air when she yelled, “Stop! Stop!” to halt the show.
She was safely lowered to the stage and told fans, “If ever I fall, I know y’all will catch me.”
Parkwood Entertainment confirmed a technical mishap but said the show resumed without injuries.
Beyoncé stopped her Cowboy Carter tour performance in Houston after a mid-air prop began to tilt precariously during the penultimate song. The singer, perched in a suspended red Cadillac high above the crowd, abruptly cut the song 16 Carriages short when the vehicle began to slant.
The dramatic moment unfolded on Saturday night at NRG Stadium, where Beyoncé was performing a sold-out hometown show. The car, typically used as a soaring stage prop, began to tip sideways as she sang, prompting her to clutch a pole for stability and shout, “Stop! Stop, stop, stop!”
Fans gasped as the vehicle leaned further mid-song. Video clips posted online show Beyoncé remaining composed before being slowly lowered to the ground. Once safely back on stage, she smiled at the crowd and said, “If ever I fall, I know y’all will catch me.”
Beyoncé halts Cowboy Carter show after flying car nearly tips over crowd in HoustonGetty Images
Beyoncé’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment, later confirmed the incident was due to a “technical mishap” with the cables holding the Cadillac. “She was quickly lowered, and no one was injured,” the statement read. “The show continued without incident.”
This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has experienced prop malfunctions during a live show. Earlier this year, a robot bartender missed pouring her drink on cue, and during her 2018 On The Run II tour, a broken platform forced her to climb down a ladder while wearing heels.
Beyoncé fans react as ‘Queen B’ keeps cool mid-crisis
Fans quickly took to social media with reactions ranging from concern to humour, many quoting her old on-stage catchphrase: “Somebody’s getting fired.” Others expressed admiration for how calmly she handled the situation, finishing the concert without missing a beat.
The Houston show marked the 23rd stop on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, which ends in Las Vegas next month. The three-hour spectacle, featuring country-infused ballads, fan favourites, and her daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi, continues to smash venue records worldwide.
With sharp wit, emotional honesty and a knack for turning personal crises into punchlines, Indian comedian Prashasti Singh is set to make her Edinburgh Fringe debut this August with her acclaimed stand-up show, Divine Feminine. Before taking on the world’s biggest arts festival, she will offer London audiences a sneak peek with previews at Soho Theatre from 23 to 26 July.
Prashasti, known globally for her appearances on Netflix’s Ladies Up, Comedy Premium League and Amazon Prime’s Comicstaan, uses this deeply personal new show to unpack the consequences of chasing a dream that might not have been hers to begin with. Raised in a patriarchal family, she once aspired to become a patriarch herself. Now, inching towards 40 and pretending to be 30, she wonders – was it all worth it?
A blend of silliness, angst, cultural insight and raw emotional truth, Divine Feminine is the Indian funny girl’s boldest, most introspective work yet. As she prepares for Edinburgh, she opens up about the journey, nerves and joy of revealing just a little too much on stage.
How do you reflect on your action-packed comedy journey so far?
Oh, it has been great! A lot of luck and of course some challenges. I stumbled upon stand-up at the verge of 30 while still at my marketing job. The stars aligned in a way that it became my profession before it truly became my passion. The initial years were mostly about getting on stage as much as possible and delivering what was expected of me. I think in the last couple of years, I have finally understood myself as an artist and performer, and with this show, I am at last finding my voice.
How much does the success of Divine Feminine mean to you? I have travelled with this show across India, Europe and Australia and have been overwhelmed by the love it has received. The Hindi version is 1.5 hours long and performing it has given me immense confidence and security as an artist. That is also why I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and write a version of the show in English to reach a more global audience. The process has been very enriching, and I am very curious to see how a more diverse audience will respond.
How much are you looking forward to taking the show to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe? Very, very excited. I have visited the festival a couple of times before and have always wondered how it would feel to be a performer at such a big and vibrant festival. This year I will get to experience that.
What can audiences expect from your show? Some very silly, some very angsty jokes, some cultural, some human insights and a lot of emotional truth.
Do you ever feel like you are revealing too much about yourself on stage? I do feel that I reveal a lot about myself, but I do not think it is a problem. I feel whatever inside me is finding expression in humour is no longer raw or volatile. It has been processed enough internally that I am able to laugh at it, and hence feel safe putting it out in front of people.
How do you feel when you are on stage in front of a live audience? It is always the best part of my day. I feel very good.
Does being at a festival like Edinburgh, with thousands of acts, put pressure on you or motivate you? I think it does both. I have seen some mind-blowing shows at the Fringe in past years, so I want my show to be a respectful offering in this amazing buffet. At the same time, the Fringe is a place where artists and audiences are most open to experiments. So I feel motivated to try new things and take some risks that I would otherwise shy away from.
What is the comedy master plan going forward? There is no master plan. I am working on a very simple philosophy – do work that I enjoy and people enjoy, and then find ways to grow that work and the number of people who enjoy it.
What inspires you creatively? Great work by other artists. The drive for excellence. People who are brave enough to put out their original, twisted thoughts in front of others. That is why being at the Fringe is so exciting.
Who is your comedy hero? Oh, this is a long list. So many people have done such great work before me. It is really very difficult to name just one.
Who is the funniest person you know in real life? One aunt of mine who has had a fairly tough life. She reminds me that humour is a great life skill beyond the stage.
Has being funny ever got you out of trouble? Absolutely never.
Why should we all come and watch Divine Feminine at the Edinburgh Fringe? See, if you have come this far, you are already hooked. Also, if you have ever thought that you could be losing your sanity or femininity, if you have ever felt old or joyless or lonely or not perfect in any way – the show is for you. It is funny, insightful and fairly honest. I am looking forward to seeing you all at the Fringe.
Charli XCX criticised certain fans for attacking her autotuned vocals at Glastonbury 2025.
Called the backlash “the most boring take ever” in a series of posts on X.
Defended her artistic choices, saying divisive art is often the most impactful.
Her Brat set clashed with Neil Young’s headline act, drawing polarising reactions.
Charli XCX has addressed criticism over her use of autotune during her Glastonbury 2025 performance, calling out the ageist tone of comments that questioned her authenticity as a performer. The singer clapped back on X, brushing off the noise as outdated and out of touch.
Charli XCX defends her Glastonbury set, calling autotune criticism outdated and dull BBC
Charli XCX defends Glastonbury set from autotune critics
During her Brat set on the Other Stage, Charli delivered fan favourites like “365” and “Von Dutch” to a roaring crowd. But online, some viewers slammed her use of autotune and lack of a live band. In a sharp response the next day, she posted: “The idea that singing with deliberate autotune makes you a fraud… is like, the most boring take ever. Yawn.”
— (@)
Charli has long been open about using autotune deliberately as an artistic tool. In earlier interviews, she said she intentionally includes “pitchy” moments in her vocals to add texture and imperfection. Responding to the online backlash, she added: “I enjoy the discourse… the best art is divisive and confrontational and often evolves into truly interesting culture.”
— (@)
Brat performance draws strong reactions, both love and hate
Charli’s set, held opposite Neil Young’s headline slot, split Glastonbury attendees and online viewers alike. Despite the criticism, her show was widely praised by critics.
— (@)
Highlights included a cameo from fellow performer Gracie Abrams during the viral “Apple” dance segment. Charli ended her performance drenched in stage rain, sipping white wine, with giant signs declaring “Brat is forever.”
— (@)
After her set, Charli joined her fiancé George Daniel, drummer of The 1975, for an intimate DJ session, keeping the Brat Summer spirit alive.
Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor gets emotional discussing Saif’s stabbing incident in an interview with Barkha Dutt
Kareena Kapoor has spoken out for the first time about Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing.
Saif was attacked at home in January 2025 during a burglary attempt.
Their sons, Taimur and Jeh, witnessed the violent episode.
Kareena says the family is still coping but trying to move forward together.
Actor Kareena Kapoor has opened up for the first time about the terrifying night her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was stabbed by an intruder at their Mumbai home. In a deeply personal interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Kareena admitted that the incident left her shaken and sleepless for months, especially with their children, Taimur and Jeh, present during the attack.
The January 2025 break-in at their Bandra residence ended with Saif being stabbed six times. The attacker, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the flat during a failed burglary attempt and assaulted Saif in four-year-old Jeh’s room. The actor underwent emergency surgery to remove part of the knife lodged near his spine.
Kareena Kapoor says the incident left their children Taimur and Jeh shakenGetty Images
‘I still haven’t come to terms with it,’ says Kareena Kapoor
Kareena described the emotional aftermath of the attack as “something I haven’t fully processed.” She spoke about the trauma of watching a violent act unfold inside their own home, saying, “Seeing someone in your child’s room, that doesn’t leave you. For weeks, I couldn’t sleep.”
She said that such incidents felt “unthinkable in Mumbai,” where celebrity homes are considered secure. “It felt like something that happens elsewhere, not here. But it happened to us,” she said.
‘We’re stronger as a family, but my sons saw too much too soon’
Both of their sons witnessed the stabbing, something Kareena says forced her to balance her own trauma with parenting. “They’ve always lived a very protected life. Then this happened, and suddenly they saw blood, violence… I hope it teaches them resilience, but no child should have to go through that.”
Kareena and Saif are now focusing on healing as a family after the traumatic episodeGetty Images
Jeh, the younger of the two, has found his own way to cope. “He calls his father Batman and Iron Man. That’s how he sees him, like a superhero,” Kareena said, adding that the family has leaned on each other for strength and grown stronger as a unit.