Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Aditi Rao Hydari and Paige Sandhu onboard Indo-UK film Lioness

The film, which is being made under the bilateral treaty signed by the two countries in 2008, was announced on Tuesday at the India Pavilion at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

Aditi Rao Hydari and Paige Sandhu onboard Indo-UK film Lioness

Aditi Rao Hydari and Indian-origin British actress Paige Sandhu have been confirmed as female leads for an upcoming Indo-British production, titled Lioness.

Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Kajri Babbar, the film tells the story of two British Punjabi women living in the UK a century apart. It is basically about Sophia Duleep Singh, the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh empire, and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was among the leading suffragettes who fought for women's right to vote in 1900s Britain.


Sandhu, known for appearing in British television series such as Doctors and Emmerdale, has been cast to play Sophia in the film. While Sophia's story is rooted in history, the second story is a fictional tale of Mehak Kaur, to be played by Hydari, an educated, married immigrant woman living in 1990's Southall.

"Mehak uncovers a fascinating story of women's emancipation and empathy in contemporary times. The two stories play out in different eras, highlighting grit, determination, and compassion," the official description read.

"I was instantly drawn to the story that brings to the screen, the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman; a story lost in history. While Princess Sophia is a heroine in the true sense of the word, Mehak is an equally strong character whose journey parallels the Lioness's in the present," Hydari said.

Sandhu said she is excited to play Sophia in the film. "I am very humbled to be portraying someone with a legacy such as hers, the work that she did, the lives she helped, and the family she came from. I truly hope to do justice to her incredible story," she added.

Lioness will be produced by Vivek Rangachari, Vaishalli Paatil, Faraz Ahsan, Clare Cahill, and Ajit Pal Singh.

The film, which is being made under the bilateral treaty signed by the two countries in 2008, was announced on Tuesday at the India Pavilion (managed by FICCI under the aegis of the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates!

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie

Instagram/arrahman

AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer as 'Ramayana' music collaboration excites fans

Quick highlights:

  • AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
  • Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
  • The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
  • Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.

  AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman

Keep ReadingShow less
Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham

Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show

Getty Images

Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham for final Black Sabbath concert after 20 years

Quick highlights:

  • Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
  • Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
  • The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
  • The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.

After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.

Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.

Keep ReadingShow less