The search for the next James Bond might be nearing its end, and fans think the latest clue is too obvious to ignore. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was long considered a top contender for the role, has just been announced as the new face of Omega, the luxury watch brand that’s been part of Bond’s look since GoldenEye in 1995.
The announcement, made by Omega on Instagram, shows Taylor-Johnson touring the brand’s headquarters in Switzerland. Fans quickly picked up on the Bond connection, with many commenting that this looks like a carefully placed breadcrumb. “What secret agent do we know wears an Omega?” one user asked. Others simply welcomed him with, “Hello, Mr Bond.”
Omega watches have been a signature accessory for James Bond for nearly 30 years. Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig both wore Omega during their time as 007, so this new partnership has naturally sparked talk that Taylor-Johnson is next in line.
The actor, best known for roles in Bullet Train, Kick-Ass, and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter, hasn’t confirmed anything. When asked earlier this year about the Bond rumours, he dodged the question, focusing instead on promoting his current projects. But he did speak highly of Omega, calling their craftsmanship “impressive” and the factory visit “awe-inspiring.”
Even his wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, teased the idea in a recent interview, saying he’d be “great” in the role. Former Bond Pierce Brosnan agrees, having worked with Aaron in the 2009 film The Greatest. Brosnan praised him as “charismatic” and “bold”—qualities essential for Bond and said he’d be an excellent fit.
Despite the excitement, the role isn’t officially his. Other names like Theo James, Henry Cavill, and James Norton are still in the mix, with betting odds shifting frequently. Amazon MGM now oversees the franchise, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are driving the reboot forward, though no casting announcements have been made yet.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson keeps quiet on Bond role but the clues keep adding upGetty Images
Still, if this Omega partnership is more than just a branding move, fans might already be looking at their new Bond. Whether it’s clever marketing or an actual hint, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is firmly in the spotlight.
Jimmy Donaldson, better known online as MrBeast, has done what few could imagine: become a billionaire not by keeping, but by giving. At just 27, he's now the youngest self-made billionaire, having built an empire from scratch through YouTube videos that mix wild challenges with generosity.
Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Jimmy started uploading videos to YouTube at 12. His early content was simple, like gaming clips, reaction videos, and goofy stunts. Then came a game-changer: a 44-hour-long video of him counting to 100,000. It was bizarre, oddly addictive, and wildly popular. That viral moment unlocked a formula: doing something ridiculous, filming it, and tying it all to massive giveaways.
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But this wasn’t just about fame. MrBeast quickly leaned into over-the-top generosity as his brand. Whether it was tipping delivery drivers with houses or giving £800,000 (₹8.4 crore) to the last person touching a briefcase of cash, each stunt pushed the line between entertainment and philanthropy. And viewers couldn’t get enough.
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Today, his main channel boasts 270 million subscribers, the highest for any individual creator, with his other channels, including Beast Reacts and MrBeast Gaming, pushing the total to over 415 million. But YouTube is just one piece of his empire.
MrBeast turned that attention into business gold. He launched Beast Burger, a virtual fast-food chain, and Feastables, a chocolate brand, both multi-million-pound ventures. He’s also invested in up-and-coming creators and crypto, showing he’s not just generous but also sharp with money.
Still, what sets Jimmy apart is his mindset. He’s often said that he doesn’t aim to stack wealth for luxury but to use it for good. His foundation, Beast Philanthropy, runs food drives, builds homes, and even funds surgeries. It’s not just a side project, it’s central to his identity.
Court documents in 2024 revealed his businesses generated hundreds of millions, officially confirming his billionaire status. Yet on a podcast earlier this year, he casually noted he barely keeps any money for himself.
MrBeast Is now a billionaire after giving away more than anyone on YouTubeGetty Images
MrBeast isn’t following a blueprint; he’s making one. He built a fortune on kindness, and in doing so, redefined what modern success can look like: not how much you keep, but how much good you can do.
In the long and undistinguished annals of Bollywood mediocrity, Harshvardhan Rane holds a curious place. Neither a major star nor a complete unknown, he has hovered on the periphery of stardom for nearly a decade.
Despite having almost exclusively delivered flops, he has somehow managed to stay in the news. His latest brush with relevance comes via an unnecessary controversy, wrapped in nationalistic chest-thumping and petty social media drama.
Mawra Hocanegetty images
It all began with the inexplicable resurrection of Sanam Teri Kasam, a forgettable romantic drama from 2016 that barely made a dent upon its original release. Dismissed by critics and largely ignored by audiences, it faded into obscurity. But in a bizarre twist, the film found surprising traction when it was re-released in 2025. Why? No one knows – not even the most seasoned industry watchers. Perhaps it was nostalgia, curiosity, or just sheer cinematic masochism. Despite being freely available on YouTube for years, it managed to draw audiences and became moderately successful. Let’s be clear though: it is still not a good film.
What it did do, however, was give renewed attention to an actor who should have been long forgotten by Bollywood. Unsurprisingly, Rane seemed ready to cash in. But instead of showing humility over this rare second wind, he stirred controversy by invoking the real and escalating India–Pakistan conflict. Rather than using his platform to promote peace, he jumped onto social media to boldly declare that he would not work with his Pakistani co-star Mawra Hocane in any potential sequel.
This move was baffling – especially considering Hocane had long since moved on to far bigger stardom and more substantial work. Her response was swift, smart, and scathing. In a single social media post, she dismissed Rane’s performative nationalism, pointing out that a war was ongoing and innocent lives were being lost. She called his statement “shameful, bizarre and desperate,” writing: “While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with — a PR statement to get attention? What a pity!”
Unlike Rane’s patchy career, Hocane is a huge star in Pakistan, with a string of hit TV serials, a larger social media following, and far greater acting range. She does not need to share the screen with him – and certainly not for a sequel no one asked for.
But Rane wasn’t done. He made another clumsy attempt to milk the moment by hinting at a sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam. The film’s co-directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru – whose careers have been even less impressive than Rane’s – weighed in, stating that Hocane would not be part of any such project. The pettiness didn’t end there: Hocane’s face was scrubbed from the Sanam Teri Kasam soundtrack artwork on Spotify. A spiteful move, given that she has the larger fanbase and, frankly, delivered the film’s more memorable performance.
Sanam Teri Kasamgetty images
What made these collective statements particularly absurd was that a sequel has not even been officially greenlit. Given Rane’s track record and the clueless directing duo behind the original, any producer willing to back such a venture would need the courage of a war general and the bankroll of a gambler on a losing streak.
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, with real lives at stake, Rane’s posturing has felt especially tone-deaf. He now joins a long list of minor celebrities on both sides of the border who have tried to exploit geopolitical crises for publicity, rather than using their platforms to advocate for peace, dialogue – or even basic decency.
At a time when empathy and unity are needed most, Rane, like so many others, chose division and drama. That says a lot — not just about his career, but about how desperation for relevance can turn an actor into a headline-chaser rather than an artist or responsible citizen.
Perhaps instead of reaching for controversy, he should focus on finding a script that finally works. Or better yet, some introspection.
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Aishwarya Rai handles Cannes cape slip with poise after Helen Mirren accident
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s return to the Cannes red carpet in 2025 wasn’t just about fashion, but a mix of poise, heritage, and a small moment of real-life awkwardness that she turned into grace.
For her second red carpet appearance this year, Aishwarya arrived in a dramatic black gown paired with an ivory Banarasi brocade cape. The cape, handwoven in Varanasi, bore a powerful Sanskrit verse from the Bhagavad Gita. It was a rare and classy mix of traditional craftsmanship meeting high fashion, with spiritual thought stitched into the very fabric.
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But red carpets aren’t always smooth. While posing with Helen Mirren and Cara Delevingne, Helen accidentally stepped on the flowing cape, causing it to slip slightly from Aishwarya’s shoulder. Cameras captured the moment, one that could have easily become a wardrobe mishap. Instead, Aishwarya responded with calm. A soft alert to Helen, a smile, a quick adjustment, and she was back in pose as if nothing had happened. Helen apologised immediately, and the two moved on with mutual respect and warm gestures.
The dress itself, titled Heiress of Clam by designer Gaurav Gupta, was no ordinary outfit. It shimmered with silver, gold, and charcoal accents meant to reflect a cosmic design. Embellished with micro-crystals, the gown caught light like stardust. Aishwarya’s makeup was minimal and powerful, with classic red lips, soft waves, and a dewy glow that added to the timeless feel.
Aishwarya Rai’s cosmic black gown glows under Cannes lightsInstagram/gauravguptaofficial
The highlight, however, wasn’t just the sparkle or the silhouette, it was the message on the cape: “You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the results.” That choice in fact rooted her red carpet moment in something deeper than surface glamour.
Fans on social media couldn’t get enough, praising her style, grace, and the way she navigated the cape incident. Some joked that Helen cleared the way for Aishwarya’s look to shine; others called her the true “red carpet queen.”
In a festival filled with international stars, Aishwarya managed to leave a mark that wasn’t just about fashion but also about dignity, culture, and quiet strength. After nearly two decades of representing India at Cannes, she continues to do it in her own way: unapologetically, beautifully, and on her own terms.
With his brooding charm, striking screen presence, impressive acting ability and fiercely loyal fan base, Vivian Dsena has carved a niche for himself on Indian television.
From playing the intense Rishabh Kundra in Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon to the vampire Abhay Raichand in Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and the emotionally complex Harman in Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Dsena has always picked roles that challenge the norm – and he has done it all on his own terms.
Most recently, he entered the popular reality show Bigg Boss after years of turning it down, and made a strong impression on viewers.
Eastern Eye caught up with the massively popular star, who shuttles between Mumbai and Bahrain, to reflect on his journey. He also spoke about what truly matters in life, family, creative inspirations, his dream role, the one thing he wants to master, the secret of a good performance, his loyal fanbase and why he likes being unpredictable.
Vivian Dsena getty images
You have always done everything on your own terms. How do you reflect on that career journey? Conviction is the most important thing for an actor. With every project, I had to convince myself that I could play the character and look the part. Only then would I say yes. That’s why I’ve always been selective. God has also been kind. I’ve had four shows on air as a lead, and by God’s grace, all were successful. So yes, conviction has played a huge role in my career.
Did you decide early on to prioritise quality over quantity? It just happened by chance. I was someone in the right place at the right time – although there’s been a lot of hard work behind it. But they say when something is destined for you, sometimes you walk towards it, and sometimes it walks towards you. I think I chose the right roles at the right time. Heartfelt thanks to God and my lovely viewers.
They asked you every year to do Bigg Boss, and you always refused. What changed? My wife and I were talking about work. She said, “Baba, you need to step out of your comfort zone. You’re not going back to another daily soap, so why not try Bigg Boss?” I asked, “Are you sure?” But she was the one who convinced me. It was mainly Nouran who encouraged me to do the show.
How do you look back on your experience on Bigg Boss? It was a fantastic experience – something I achieved as a person. There were moments when I felt anxious or angry, like anyone would, but I managed to control myself while living in that house.
What did you learn about yourself in that setting? Bigg Boss is about survival of the fittest. In life, you meet all kinds of people – some kind, some who teach you something, and some you’d prefer not to meet again, but destiny brings them into your life. That’s how life is – full of such encounters – and it carries on, even after a show like Bigg Boss.
Would you have done anything differently? No, I wouldn’t. That’s who I am and how I’ve always been. We all grow into the people we are. Asjad, you’ve known me for nearly 16 years — since I first started playing lead roles. I’ve changed a lot over time. I’m a father now. Life teaches you constantly.
You’re known for being unpredictable. What’s your plan next? (Laughs) I think that unpredictability is what people love about me – and I enjoy it too. It’s like that line from The Devil’s Advocate, where Al Pacino says, “I’m a surprise. They don’t see me coming.” That surprise element keeps things exciting and keeps me energised. What I can share, as a brother, is that there are some projects coming up – including web shows I’m in talks for. Hopefully, you’ll see me in a new kind of role soon.
Vivian Dsenagetty images
What inspires you creatively? My fans. They made me who I am. I still remember when you first contacted me because of fan demand. I was surprised that people in London knew me! I even asked you, “Do people in London know who I am?” So yes – it’s always been the audience that inspires me.
You have an incredibly loyal fan base. What does that love mean to you? It means a lot. It keeps me creatively alert. More than just loving them back, I feel responsible towards them. I owe it to them to work hard, explore new characters, avoid repetition, and be a good role model.
Is there one role you haven’t played but would love to? Yes – I’d love to play a rock star. That’s one character I really want to take on in a well-written story.
You’ve stayed away from films so far. Is that still your choice? Right now, there’s a lot to focus on – non-fiction TV and web shows – so that’s where my attention is. But if a good film came along, I wouldn’t rule it out. You can do just TV and OTT and still survive – and thrive! By God’s grace and my fans’ love, I’ve survived for 17 years without doing a film. Inshallah, I’ll continue to do so.
You’re widely seen as a very good actor. What’s the secret to a strong performance? Thank you, brother – it means a lot coming from you, since you’ve seen my whole journey. For me, it starts with connecting to the character. If I can’t feel it, I won’t take it. There have been shows where I said no right after the narration because I couldn’t relate to the character. You need to understand the role – and believe in it completely.
What are your biggest passions away from work? Spending time with my family. I live in Mumbai, and they’re in Bahrain, so whenever I get the chance, I travel to be with them. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life outside work.
If you could master one new thing, what would it be? Skydiving has always been on my bucket list. But it can wait – there are other things to focus on first.
And your wife would never let you do it. She wouldn’t stop me – but once I master it, she definitely won’t come with me. And she won’t let the kids join me either.
What’s your idea of happiness today? What I’ve realised in 36 years is that we all work hard for our families – for the people waiting for us at home. The deepest contentment comes from family and their comfort. That’s where real happiness lies.
You’ve become a strong role model for the younger generation. There’s a difference between being popular and being a responsible celebrity. A popular person says things to please the crowd. A responsible celebrity says things that add value to society. That’s the difference – and I believe in leading by example.
What advice would you give young people starting their careers? Never give up. There will be moments when it feels like everything is falling apart. But when you think it’s the end, it’s actually not. It’s the beginning of a new journey – one you can’t see yet.
Why do you love being an actor? Because I believe this is what I do best – by God’s grace and with the love of my fans.
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Charli XCX strikes a pose backstage after her big Ivor Novello win
Charli XCX, known for her music and rebellious spirit, has just been named Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. Held at London’s Grosvenor House, the ceremony recognised the people behind the music, including those who write the lyrics, shape the melodies, and craft the tunes that stick with us. And this year, it was Charli’s moment.
In a cheeky acceptance speech, she quoted lyrics from her own song Club Classics: “I wanna dance to me, me, me…” and followed it up by saying, “I’m hardly Bob Dylan.” But behind the humour was a clear truth: she’s worked hard to create something uniquely her own. Her 2024 album Brat captured both chaos and honesty, mixing club-ready beats with raw questions about fame, identity, and relationships. It was not just a hit on the charts; it sparked a wider cultural moment. Even the word “brat” made it into the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Charli XCX posing after winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 IvorsGetty Images
The Ivors, now in their 70th year, celebrate excellence in songwriting, voted for by fellow songwriters. That makes this recognition feel especially real. Brat may not have won Best Album, that went to Berwyn for Who Am I, but Charli’s influence on pop this past year is undeniable. Her music has been everywhere, with her songs reportedly played over 50 times a day across UK airwaves.
The awards also spotlighted new and rising talent. Lola Young won the Rising Star Award, thanks to the success of her gritty hit Messy, while Myles Smith’s Stargazing took home the award for the most-played song of the year. Orla Gartland’s intimate ballad Mine was named Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Sans Soucis won Best Contemporary Song for Circumnavigating Georgia.
Elsewhere, U2 were honoured with a lifetime fellowship, Brandon Flowers of The Killers won the special international award, and Robbie Williams was celebrated as a music icon.
As Charli XCX said herself, a good song isn’t just about melody; it’s about having a point of view. And with Brat, she’s made hers loud and clear.