There is no denying the fact that Aamir Khan is one of the most successful Bollywood actors who has been entertaining the audience for over three decades now. He has played several memorable characters in his successful journey so far and is known for offering something new every time he appears on the silver screen.
The superstar was last seen in his home production Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). The film was the official remake of Tom Hanks’ Hollywood classic Forrest Gump (1994) and also featured Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, and Naga Chaitanya in important roles. Though the audience had a lot of expectations from the film, it failed to meet them. Laal Singh Chaddha was not bad but it suffered badly amid relentless calls for boycotts.
Khan, who has been constantly working for several years now, recently announced he has decided to take a break from acting and focus on his family. He also revealed that he will produce Champions under his production house but will not star in it.
The superstar has now revealed when he will end his break and return to entertain audiences yet again. Khan recently attended the premiere of Kajol’s upcoming film Salaam Venky in which he has a cameo. On the red carpet, the superstar said, “For years I have been working continuously, so I decided to spend some time with my family. Also, there is work on Paani Foundation. There is other stuff as well. As far as acting is concerned, I’ll return after a year,” he said.
Meanwhile, talking about Salaam Venky, he said, “Each and every actor has done so well. I am very happy and proud to be part of this film. I am glad Revathy gave me that opportunity.”
Salaam Venky is due in cinemas on December 9, 2023.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
James Gunn’s Superman is shaping up to be more than just another cape-and-costume affair. The latest trailer doesn’t just show off epic battles or a parade of DC heroes; instead, it throws us straight into a tense one-on-one between the Man of Steel and the woman who refuses to let him off the hook.
In this new version, Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, is already known to Lois Lane as Superman. There’s no awkward glasses game here, just straight talk! And Lois isn’t starstruck. She’s sharp, sceptical, and not afraid to press him on the ethics of playing global policeman. Her questions about his involvement in a foreign conflict cut through the usual superhero fanfare. Was he saving lives, or stepping over a line?
Superman insists he was acting on his own, not as an agent of any government. But Lois reminds him that intent doesn’t erase consequences. That tension between good intentions and real-world impact seems to be at the heart of Gunn’s take on the iconic character. It’s not about whether Superman can save the world; it’s about whether he should do it on his own terms.
The trailer also introduces Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, who sees Superman not as a saviour, but as an alien outsider dominating a global narrative. “He’s not a man. He’s an it,” Luthor declares, breaking into the Fortress of Solitude with the mysterious Engineer. This isn’t a villain twirling his moustache; it’s someone deeply uncomfortable with Superman’s place in the world.
The film skips past origin stories and dives right into an established world, complete with supporting heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Metamorpho, though the latter may be in chains rather than on the team.
We still get a glimpse of Superman’s Kansas roots, with Ma and Pa Kent reminding him that being a hero isn’t just about strength but about character.
Superman, directed and written by James Gunn, flies into cinemas on 11 July in the U.S., with international releases beginning on 9 July. Expect a film that raises questions as much as it throws punches.
Thirty years after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge changed the face of Hindi cinema, the story is stepping onto the UK stage, and Shah Rukh Khan himself dropped by to witness it in the making.
The actor, who became a household name playing Raj in the original 1995 film, surprised the cast of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical at their rehearsal space in London. With its UK premiere scheduled at Manchester Opera House from 29 May to 21 June, the stage show is a reimagined take on the beloved romance, directed once again by Aditya Chopra.
— (@)
This musical version is set between India and the UK and stars Jena Pandya as Simran and West End actor Ashley Day as Rog, giving a fresh take on Raj. For Pandya, the experience was surreal. “Showing him scenes he once performed was unforgettable,” she said. “He gave his time so kindly. It meant a lot.”
Day, clearly moved, added that the energy shifted the moment Khan walked in. “We all felt it. He didn’t have to say much; his presence said enough,” he reflected. “It was just one of those moments you never forget.”
The musical brings a new twist to the original, with 18 English tracks composed by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani. The duo were thrilled by Khan’s visit. “He loved the vibe, the energy, the music,” Vishal said. “It felt like Raj was passing the torch to Rog.” Sheykhar added, “For everyone involved, it was a special afternoon. He connected with the cast on a deeper level; theatre is where he began, after all.”
This production isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s an attempt to present a timeless story to a new audience, with Broadway-style storytelling and Indian emotion. The script and lyrics have been adapted by Nell Benjamin, known for Legally Blonde and Mean Girls, while the choreography is led by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford, with Indian dance sequences by Shruti Merchant.
With immersive events also planned at railway stations in London and Manchester, nodding to the film’s famous train scenes, Come Fall in Love aims to bridge the old with the new. And if Khan’s glowing reaction is any sign, this musical might just become a classic in its own right.
Travel writer, adventurer and podcast host Ash Bhardwaj has spent a lifetime exploring the world – and discovering that the reasons we travel go far beyond sightseeing and sunshine.
To mark the paperback release of his acclaimed book Why We Travel – an inspiring exploration of the deeper impulses that drive us to leave home – Bhardwaj shares 10 unusual motivations for travel.
From journeys of healing and hope to the pursuit of awe, empathy and curiosity, his list offers a refreshing perspective on how travel can transform both our lives and our understanding of the world. Like his timely book, it may help make travel more fulfilling.
His acclaimed book 'Why We Travel'Instagram/ ashbhardwaj
Curiosity: It is tempting to think that some people are more curious than others, but curiosity can be developed through practice. If you have ever wondered why they speak Spanish in Colombia, for example, you could plan a trip that explores colonial history and its enduring indigenous culture. Try replicating things you already enjoy at home – if you love football or cricket, go and watch a local match.
Inspiration: Stories are innately human, and they inspire us to follow the paths of others. ‘Set-jetting’ is when tourists visit filming locations from their favourite movies and shows – you could visit Interlaken in Switzerland, where many Bollywood films were shot, follow Lyra’s trail from His Dark Materials in Oxford, or take the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland (also known as the ‘Hogwarts Express’).
Mentorship: From art classes in Florence to cooking courses in Thailand, learning a new skill has become a popular aspect of travel. It is not only a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, but also a chance to connect with residents. You will come home with more than just souvenirs – you will gain new knowledge and memories.
Hardship: Not something you would put at the top of a holiday wish list, but a physical challenge can enrich your trip. If you are a runner, you could plan a holiday around a city marathon. Or you might enjoy a countryside hike. It is a great way to avoid tourist traps – and offers the satisfaction of earning your adventure.
Service: ‘Voluntourism’ has faced criticism due to unethical practices by some companies, but there are valuable ways to give back. The best approach is to use your skills where they are needed. If you are an accountant, you could help a charity organise its finances; if you are a social media expert, perhaps support a family-run hotel. Giving back while travelling can be extraordinarily rewarding.
Empathy: An offshoot of curiosity, empathy places greater focus on people. In today’s world of commodified travel marketing, it is easy to forget that the places we visit are home to those who live there. By learning about the history, joining local activities or sports, and spending time with local guides, you can develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of a culture.
Healing: Rest and relaxation are central to any holiday, but some journeys place them at the heart of the experience. Religious pilgrimage is perhaps the oldest form of elective travel, yet increasing numbers of nonreligious travellers are now embarking on routes like the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan, Gangotri in the Himalayas and the Ridgeway in England. These journeys offer a chance to let go of schedules and obligations, trust your feet, and allow your mind to move at the same pace as your boots.
Wonder: Awe is the emotional experience of feeling small in the presence of something vast. It might arise from gazing at the Milky Way in Yorkshire’s Dark Sky Reserve, standing atop a rumbling volcano in Iceland, or dancing in sync with thousands of revellers at a music festival. Wonder is the mindset that opens us to awe, and travel often makes it easier to access. But we can also find it closer to home, in things we tend to overlook, such as Britain’s striking architecture or the shifting colours of autumn leaves.
Companionship: Travelling with others can sometimes be frustrating, as it often involves compromise. But whether it is food or activities, companions can introduce us to things we might otherwise overlook. If you are travelling with a partner, try taking turns to plan an entire day, from meals to sightseeing. Some moments may not thrill you, but you might discover something unexpected. And the next day, it will be your turn to do (and eat) exactly what you want.
Hope: Author Jamie Anderson described grief as “all the love you want to give, but cannot” – and it can feel overwhelming. But “commemorative travel”, undertaken in memory of someone we have lost, can help transform that pain into hope. It might mean visiting a place from their childhood, or completing a journey you had once planned together. These experiences can offer space for reflection, and through spontaneous moments and meaningful connection, keep their presence alive in both memory and life.
Ash Bhardwaj is the author of Why We Travel, published by Bedford Square. It is available now in paperback. Instagram: @ashbhardwaj
Keep ReadingShow less
Indian standup comedian Shamik Chakrabarti at Soho Theatre, London
In his debut UK show – and first international performance – Indian stand-up comedian Shamik Chakrabarti took to the stage at Soho Theatre, London, with a deceptively low-key presence that quickly revealed a sharp wit beneath his ‘sensible nerd’ exterior.
The aptly titled Despite Appearances saw the bespectacled comic defy expectations. His softly spoken, academic demeanour gave way to punchlines filled with sly irony, sarcasm and culturally specific references that regularly caught the audience off guard.
The promising newcomer joins a growing list of Indian comedians making their first international strides through the iconic venue. Performing in English, Chakrabarti opened with locally tailored jabs at British quirks before shifting to idiosyncratic tales from life in India.
What followed was a string of wry observations on topics ranging from his (notably tall) height and online sex bots, to an unforgettable visit to what seemed like a knock-off safari park – complete with deer and what appeared to be a man in a tiger costume.
Rather than delivering rapid-fire gags, the slow-burn set leaned into long, ironic setups and unexpected, sideways punchlines – building a world that felt both absurd and relatable.
The show’s centrepiece was an extended story about losing his laptop in a rickshaw and the surreal events that followed – including trying to explain the situation to bewildered police officers. While this was clearly a crowd favourite and delivered several strong moments, it slightly overstayed its welcome and dragged the pace in the second half.
That said, Chakrabarti’s delivery remains distinctly his own – dry, deadpan and unapologetically niche. It resonated with sections of the audience, though others, perhaps expecting more energy, were less engaged.
With over 25 million Instagram views and more than 8 million on YouTube, Chakrabarti already commands a sizeable fan base – one that is now set to grow. If he can sharpen the storytelling and tighten the structure, he could soon become a regular name on the global stand-up circuit, with the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe as his next big step.
Keep ReadingShow less
Fans cheer as Tom Cruise walks the Cannes red carpet for The Final Reckoning premiere
Tom Cruise had a heartfelt moment at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival when his latest film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, received a five-minute standing ovation at its world premiere. The 62-year-old actor was visibly moved as the crowd at the Grand Théâtre Lumière cheered him on, acknowledging his 30-year run as Ethan Hunt in the blockbuster franchise.
Cruise walked the aisle surrounded by applause, joined by director Christopher McQuarrie and co-stars including Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales. Moments later, he took the mic to thank the audience, calling the experience a dream come true. “I’ve been lucky to entertain you with this series for three decades,” he said, adding a heartfelt tribute to McQuarrie, who has directed the last four films in the series.
— (@)
The Cannes premiere was a grand affair. A 40-piece orchestra played the iconic Mission: Impossible theme as the cast walked the red carpet. Fans held up posters from Cruise’s earlier films, and some paid tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer. Cruise, known for his genuine connection with fans, took time to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Greg Tarzan Davis, Angela Bassett, Tom Cruise, Tramell Tillman, Hannah Waddingham, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales and Erik Jendresen at Cannes 2025Getty Images
This premiere is, in fact, Cruise’s return to Cannes after Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, which received a six-minute ovation and a jet flyover. While this time lacked such theatrics, the emotional impact was no less powerful. The actor was seen clasping his heart, overwhelmed by the audience’s love.
— (@)
The film, which picks up from 2023’s Dead Reckoning Part One, is being touted as the final chapter in the Ethan Hunt saga. Though Cruise hinted it’s a culmination of 30 years of work, he stopped short of calling it his last. “Let people watch it and decide,” he said.
— (@)
The Final Reckoning opens in India on 17 May, six days ahead of its global release, and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Given the high production costs and moderate performance of the previous film, the stakes are high. But with Cruise’s relentless promotion across countries and a warm Cannes reception, the franchise may be gearing up for one last big win.