Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
At the Showsha Reel Awards 2025, Abhishek Bachchan bagged the Best Actor award for his gripping performance in I Want to Talk, helmed by Shoojit Sircar. While his win was a significant milestone in his career, it was a light-hearted exchange with Arjun Kapoor that became the talk of the town.
During the event, Arjun Kapoor, who was hosting a segment, decided to throw a cheeky question Abhishek’s way. “Who is that one person whose ‘I want to talk’ call stresses you out?” he asked, referencing the film’s title in a humorous twist. Without missing a beat, Abhishek responded with a knowing smile, “Tumhari shaadi nahi hui hai na abhi tak… jab ho jaayegi, you’ll have an answer for that.” (You’re not married yet… once you are, you’ll know the answer.)
Arjun Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan share a fun moment on stageGetty Images
The witty remark instantly had the audience in splits, hinting at the universal reality of married life. He followed it up with another quip: “When you get a call from the missus saying, ‘I want to talk,’ you just know you’re in trouble.” His playful jab at married life resonated with many, turning the moment into one of the evening’s highlights.
Aside from the jokes, Abhishek’s acceptance speech was heartfelt. He expressed deep gratitude to director Shoojit Sircar and his co-stars. “This is my first-ever Best Actor award. I owe it all to Shoojit da, who crafted such a beautiful film. I also want to share this with my on-screen daughters, Ahilya and Pearl, who were absolutely brilliant. They made me look good on screen,” he said.
The actor’s hilarious comment about Aishwarya Rai goes viralGetty Images
His role in Be Happy, a touching father-daughter drama, has also been met with widespread appreciation. Starring alongside Nassar, Nora Fatehi, and Inaayat Verma, Abhishek has been praised for his emotional depth in the film, now streaming on Prime Video.
Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, married since 2007, have often been the subject of speculation regarding their relationship. Rumours of their alleged separation have made rounds, especially after their separate arrivals at a high-profile wedding and Abhishek’s social media activity hinting at "grey divorces." However, neither Abhishek nor Aishwarya has addressed these rumours, maintaining their privacy.
Abhishek Bachchan wins Best Actor and delivers a memorable speechGetty Images
Professionally, the couple has shared the screen in multiple films, including Guru, Dhoom 2, and Raavan. While their personal life remains under scrutiny, Abhishek’s humour at the awards night reminded everyone that sometimes, laughter is the best way to tackle life’s uncertainties.
A 19th-century painting in Wiesbaden sees a massive visitor surge.
Fans spotted a direct link to the opening shot of The Fate of Ophelia.
Museum staff were completely caught off guard by the 'Swiftie' invasion.
They are now planning special tours to capitalise on the unexpected fame.
The question on everyone's mind: did Taylor Swift visit this place herself?
It is not every day a quiet German museum gets caught in a pop culture hurricane. But that is exactly what has happened at Museum Wiesbaden, where a painting of Shakespeare’s Ophelia has become a pilgrimage site. The reason? Taylor Swift’s latest music video for The Fate of Ophelia kicks off with a scene that looks ripped straight from their gallery wall. Suddenly, they have queues of fans where usually there is just quiet contemplation.
The Ophelia painting that Swifties say inspired The Fate of Ophelia becomes an overnight sensation Instagram/taylorswift
How did this Ophelia painting become so popular?
To be honest, it was simply hanging there. Friedrich Heyser’s work from about 1900. It is lovely, sure, but it was not a headline act. Then the video drops. And you see it immediately in the pose, the white dress, and the water lilies. It is practically a direct copy or, let us say, an homage. Fans on social media connected the dots in hours. Now the museum cannot believe its luck. Visitor numbers went from a few dozen admirers to hundreds, just over one weekend, like a whole new crowd for a century-old painting.
What has the museum said about the surprise attention?
They are thrilled, but a bit stunned. A spokesperson said it was a "shock" and they are having an "absolute Ophelia run." Can you blame them? One minute you are managing a classical collection, the next you are at the centre of a global fan phenomenon. They tried to reach Swift’s team, but they had no luck there. But they have leaned into it completely. Now they are organising a special "Ophelia reception" with guided tours. Smart move, right? It is a perfect storm of high art and pop star power, and they are riding the wave.
The big question: did Taylor Swift actually visit?
This is the real mystery, is not it? How did this specific painting, in this specific German museum, end up as the template for a mega-budget video? The staff are wondering the same thing. She was in Germany for the Eras tour last July. Did she slip in, incognito? Did a location scout send a photo? The museum thinks they would have noticed if Taylor Swift was wandering their halls. Who knows? It is the sort of stuff that feeds fan speculation for years. Whatever the facts, the painting's life has been irreversibly altered.
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