HOW AGAM DARSHI DID IT ALL WITH HER FILM DONKEYHEAD
ONE of the best reviewed and most unique film releases of 2022 featuring south Asian protagonists has been Donkeyhead.
The Canadian comedy-drama on Netflix has surprised audiences globally with unapologetic storytelling that mixes up humour and deep emotions.
The heartbeat of the magnificent movie is writer, director, and lead star Agam Darshi. She has delivered a standout performance as a woman who slowly starts to unravel when her terminally ill father goes into a coma and more successful siblings return to say their final farewell.
The acclaimed family drama has started an exciting new chapter for a versatile talent who has appeared in Hollywood projects across the last 18 years.
Eastern Eye caught up with the 34-year-old writer, director, and actress to discuss her film Donkeyhead. She also spoke about representation and immense power audiences have through their choices.
What first connected you to creativity?
I’ve always been creative and don’t remember being any other way since childhood. My mom used to say I was a rambunctious child and always running around a lot. The only way she could get me to sit still was by giving me crayons and a piece of paper, and then I could sit there for hours just colouring, drawing, and creating. So, that’s always just been one place I was able to focus on and just sort of connect to myself, perhaps.
You have had an interesting acting journey, where you have been one of the few south Asian faces to do diverse Hollywood projects. How do you reflect on it today?
I have been very fortunate and worked incredibly hard to get to where I’m at right now. I’ve been asked a lot what it’s like to be a woman of colour in this industry and not having had a lot of opportunities because of it, or how do you reflect on that. If you see yourself as a minority or that you have a handicap, then that’s how people are going to see you. What I’ve always done is just go out into the world, feeling very much like I belong there. Then people feel like you do as well. So, I think that’s been part of my success as an actor. When I look at all the things I’ve done over the years, it varies quite a bit. I like the fact I’ve been able to play so many different characters in a vast career. It’s a cool feeling.
Your film Donkeyhead is so unique. What led to it?
I started writing it a long time ago, off and on. I personally love indie films about families and coming of age stories, but they never reflected visually who I am and the world I’m from. So, I’ve always wanted to just write something that was about a south Asian family, which felt just as Canadian or just as western as they do. So, that was the seed and it sort of went from there.
What made you want to direct and play the lead role. That is quite an undertaking?
I wrote it for myself to play Mona, partly because even though I’ve had a really wonderful career, I’ve always found that the ceiling I personally hit was never being seen as a lead. I was never number one on the call sheet. When you flip through TV and go through movies, usually there are stories about white people and BIPOC (black, indigenous, (and) people of colour) tend to be the supporting roles, so that’s usually where I found myself. So, I wanted to give myself the opportunity to carry a film. I was looking for a director and trying to find the right producer.
What led you to directing it finally?
As I was trying to find the right director and producer, I realised this is such a personal story that I couldn’t just hand it over to anybody. I had such strong feelings about what it should look and feel like that I needed to direct it myself. Then I had a mentor, Robert Cuffley, who is a very accomplished director and he basically said ‘I’ll help you. I’ll mentor you through this because I think you can do both’. So, once I had him saying that, I felt more confident being able to pitch myself as a director as well.
How did you manage to draw such an amazing performance from yourself, when you are directing the film?
Thank you! I’ve been acting for so long that I feel like the acting part is easy for me. You know, my machine is as good now, as it’s ever been. I feel very confident in my ability to make strong choices and live in a character, and because Mona came from me, I knew her inside and out. I also worked with a great acting coach prior to shooting, going through all the scenes, trying to define who Mona was and what her motivations were, and just really grounding her to myself. So, I felt very prepared being on set and was able to just like snap back and forth pretty effortlessly, which was pretty cool because I wasn’t sure exactly how that was going to go down. But it was a nice surprise.
You get invested in Donkeyhead lead character Mona and want her to do well, but she is doing bad things. Is she a good or bad guy?
(Laughs) I think she’s human. I think we’re all good and all bad. I think in my heart, she’s good. She’s misguided and makes bad choices in life out of fear, but ultimately, she wants what’s best for herself and for the people around her. She just doesn’t know how to do it. There’s a lot of great moments in Donkeyhead.
What is your favourite?
I love the hockey scene between Mona and Parm. That’s one of my favourites. I love the ‘O Canada’ scene because that was just really fun to shoot. I love a lot of the sibling scenes because we just got along so well, and there are such great actors, Sandy (Sidhu), Stephen (Lobo) and Husein (Madhavji). They felt like real siblings to me. It is perhaps the best reviewed film this year featuring south Asian protagonists.
Agam Darshi in a scene from Donkeyhead
How much does that mean to you?
It’s amazing! I didn’t know how people were going to feel, having this film out there, especially those from the community because it pushes boundaries and there are definitely some moments that people are shocked by. But as a filmmaker you want people to connect with what you put out there and want them to not just enjoy it, but have it resonate as well. And have them think about it days later. So, I’m thrilled by just all the people that have been so supportive and reached out that they have loved the film. It’s been pretty overwhelming.
The film is very unapologetic with some scenes. Would you say that you are fearless?
I don’t know if you can call yourself fearless. I think other people call you that. I have a lot of fears, but I guess it’s just the ability to do it anyway. That’s basically it. Like I was terrified making this film and putting it out there, but at the same time I don’t know any other way. You have to put it out there because you believe in it. I had people tell me, don’t direct and act, don’t show that Parm is gay. There were a lot of opinions about what not to do, because it could fail. At the end of the day, you just have to listen to that inner voice and say I’m going to do it anyways because it feels right. So, I guess that could be considered fearless.
What can we expect next from you?
I have a few different options, which is really nice. Currently, I’m in development for another feature called Tiny Birds With Broken Brains. It feels different than Donkeyhead in some ways and bit more of a drama. But again, it’s about family. I find family fascinating. It’s set in the 1980s to 1990s in a rural town in North America. It’s puts a magnifying glass on, particularly, a mother-daughter relationship. I’m also working in development on a TV series called Meet The Johals.
What can you tell us about that?
It is about an extended family, south Asian family that lives in one house together in Abbotsford BC, which is basically outside of Vancouver. Because real estate prices are so expensive, they all have to live together. It’s a comedy I’m writing with a wonderful writer named Leena Monroe. So, I have a few different projects right now, which are always going to be focused on a diverse perspective and a diverse voice. That’s kind of what I’m interested in.
Creatively, what inspires you?
You know music always does it for me. I think it’s part of my process as a writer, filmmaker, and artist. Like, I just hear a certain song and if it fits into that world, I sometimes put it on repeat because it hits something inside of me. Then it makes it so much easier to write or create from that place. Other creatives always inspire me, like when I watch a movie or read a book that is from an interesting perspective. That always pushes me and sparks something inside of me.
Why should we watch Donkeyhead?
Because it’s a good film and gives another diverse perspective that’s much needed in the world. I think these days there’s something political about choosing what you want to watch and listen to, read, and download. There’s a lot of buzz words like BIPOC, diverse and all of that. But they are buzz words for a reason, where we’re trying to change the world by giving people more perspectives.
Tell us more about that…
When I grew up there was nobody on TV that looked like me. It felt very isolating. Now, we’re seeing many other perspectives and beautiful stories. So, by clicking on that and deciding to watch that over the latest, Transformer film or whatever, it’s a political choice. Like you’re basically telling the powers that be, ‘hey listen I want to see this. It has my vote’. This is what you should be funding, and these types of films should be made. I think people have a lot more power than they realise with their choices.
Father’s Day is often seen as a time for cards, tools or a family lunch, but across the globe, it carries a much deeper significance. Beyond the commercial promotions, Father’s Day reflects a wide range of traditions shaped by history, culture and emotion. While some mark the occasion with grand gestures, others focus on quiet reflection, respect and the bonds that define fatherhood.
Thailand’s day of respect
In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on 5 December, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The day is as much about honouring the nation’s former monarch as it is about celebrating fatherhood. Citizens wear yellow, the king’s birth colour, and present canna lilies to their fathers as a symbol of gratitude and respect. It’s a cultural blend of familial and national reverence.
Germany’s tradition of brotherhood
Germany takes a different approach. Known as Vatertag, or Father’s Day, it coincides with Ascension Day and is often marked by groups of men going on hiking trips, pulling wagons of food and drink. While it may appear more social than family-oriented, the tradition is rooted in camaraderie and shared responsibility among men and father figures.
Remembering fathers in Mexico
In Mexico and across parts of Latin America, Father’s Day is a time to honour both the living and the departed. Families often visit cemeteries to pay tribute to late fathers and gather to share stories and memories. It’s a day that highlights legacy over materialism, where the emotional role of a father is celebrated beyond life itself.
The expanding meaning in India
In India, Father’s Day doesn’t have deep historical roots, but its popularity is growing among urban families. Influenced by Western customs, it is increasingly used to recognise not only biological fathers, but also mentors, guardians and elders who provide support and guidance. The day is evolving into a broader celebration of male role models across generations.
A shared message worldwide
Though celebrated in different ways, Father’s Day across cultures shares a central idea: appreciation. Whether through a gift, a walk, a meal or a memory, the day is about acknowledging the role fathers and father figures play in shaping lives. In a time when traditional family structures are changing, this occasion also highlights that fatherhood is defined not just by biology, but by love, responsibility and care.
A thoughtful reminder
Rather than focus on finding the perfect present, Father’s Day offers an opportunity to be present. A simple message, a phone call or a shared moment can mean more than any physical gift. In a fast-moving world, slowing down to recognise those who’ve quietly supported us is perhaps the most meaningful tribute we can give.
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Drawings by Victor Hugo on display include Ecce Lex
The moment I walked into the Royal Academy to see Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo, I thought of Rabindranath Tagore.
Both men were giants of literature, but they were visual artists as well.
Victor-Marie Hugo (February 26, 1802- May 22, 1885) is best known for his novels The Hunchback ofNotre-Dame (1831) – many will have seen the 1939 film adaptation starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara – and Les Misérables (1862), which BBC TV adapted in 2018, with a starring role for Adeel Akhtar.
The Cheerful CastleParis Musees
Rabindranath Tagore (May 7, 1861-August 7, 1941) was a Bengali poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, for the poetry of Gitanjali.
Gallery owner Sundaram Tagore, who had flown over from New York to attend Eastern Eye’s Arts, Culture & Theatre Awards (ACTAs) at the May Fair Hotel on May 23, said: “Before leaving London, I managed to visit the Victor Hugo exhibition, which moved me deeply.”
Sundaram’s father, Subhogendranath Tagore (1912-1985), was the grandson of Hemendranath Tagore, the third son of Debendranath Tagore and the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore.
The Victor Hugo exhibition is definitely worth seeing before it ends on June 29.
Giving a tour of the exhibition, Andrea Tarsia, director of exhibitions at the Royal Academy, said Hugo left behind some 4,000 works on paper, of which 70 were chosen for display.
“But they really are 70 of his most remarkable drawings,” commented Tarsia. Hugo often used brown ink and wash and graphite on paper.
OctopusParis Musees
Notable works include The Town of Vianden Seen Through a Spider’s Web, 1871; Mushroom, 1850; Lace and Spectres, 1855-56; The Cheerful Castle, 1847; The Town of Vianden, with Stone Cross, 1871; Mirror with Birds, 1870; Chain, 1864; Octopus, 1866–69; and The Lighthouse at Casquets, Guernsey, 1866.
There is also Ecce Lex (Latin for “Behold the Law”), 1854, done after the hanging of John Tapner in Guernsey; and The Shade of the Manchineel Tree (notes from a trip to the Pyrenees and Spain), 1856, where the shade is made to resemble a skull to denote the poisonous qualities of the fruit.
The Shade of the Manchineel TreeParis Musees
There is a photograph of Hugo seated on the Rocher des Proscrits (Exile’s Rock), Jersey, 1853, which was taken by his son, Charles Hugo.
“Hopefully, together, they will give you an intimate sense of Hugo’s remarkable, multifaceted imagination. Perhaps people are less familiar with his work as a visual artist. The exhibition is the first to be held in the UK with Hugo’s drawings in just over half a century.”
MushroomParis Musees
He explained it was “a rare chance to see these works because the inks and the paper are so fragile that once exhibited, even at these very low lighting levels, they then need to be kept in the dark for an extended period of time”.
The exhibition’s curator, Sarah Lea, said: “We made a decision to arrange these spectacular works in a thematic structure, because although Hugo drew across his lifetime, he often returns to similar motifs. And it’s really interesting to be able to see, for example, the collections of the castles, one of his great passions. Despite writing so much, he doesn’t leave us very much direct commentary on the drawings themselves. He was inspired by the way ink moves on paper. He was never intending to be an artist.”
She referred to his “mysterious” drawing of a mushroom: “Who knows what was really meant by the mushroom? It appears to us as a total enigma.”
“We have him exploring nature on the monumental level with mountains, and a minute level with spiders’ webs and birds’ nests,” she went on. “The drawings were largely private during his lifetime. Sometimes he made works that he would send to friends. But the drawings themselves weren’t exhibited until three years after his death. They’re first shown in a public exhibition in Paris in 1888.”
A photograph of Hugo taken by his son, CharlesParis Musees
Hugo lived in exile from 1856 to 1870 on the island of Guernsey, where he bought a house. “He redecorated it from bottom to top in a most extraordinary manner of eclectic collecting and reassembling different pieces of furniture and decorative arts. And it was from the lookout, which was a vast conservatory that he constructed at the top of this house, that he would be able, on a clear day, to see the coastline of France. And it was there that he completed some of his most important literary works. A profound source of inspiration for Hugo was the ocean.”
He strongly opposed the death penalty. After the execution by hanging of convicted murderer John Tapner in Guernsey in 1854, Hugo made many drawings of a hanged man, including Ecce Lex.
He also appealed – unsuccessfully – to the US to pardon John Brown, an abolitionist who had been sentenced to death in Virginia on charges of treason, murder and conspiracy to incite a slave insurrection. Hugo appeared to be an early supporter of Black Lives Matter.
Hugo’s brother-in-law, Paul Chenay, made print reproductions of his earlier Ecce drawings, which were published with a new title, John Brown, and circulated in protest at Brown’s execution.
In a letter to Chenay in 1861, Hugo said: “John Brown is a hero and a martyr. His death was a crime. His gallows is a cross. Let us therefore once again draw the attention of all to the lessons of the gallows of Charlestown. My drawing, which through your fine talent has been reproduced with striking fidelity, has no other value than this name: John Brown – a name that must be repeated unceasingly, to the supporters of the American republic, so that it reminds them of their duty to the slaves: to call them forth to freedom. I shake your hand.”
When Hugo died in 1885, aged 83, over two million people lined the streets of Paris to see his funeral procession. But many of Hugo’s admirers wouldn’t have been aware of his private love of drawing.
Incidentally, the Royal Academy last week announced that Simon Wallis, currently the director of The Hepworth Wakefield, will take over in September as its new secretary and chief executive. In his earlier career, he held curatorial positions at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, and Tate Liverpool. He was the director of Chisenhale Gallery, London.
Wallis, who succeeds Axel Rüger, said: “The Royal Academy of Arts is at a pivotal moment of development and positive change. The RA is the central London home for artists, art and art lovers, generating powerful experiences and innovative teaching about art in a rapidly changing society. As the UK’s oldest and foremost artist-led organisation, the extraordinary talent and vision of the Royal Academicians and their team lead the creative conversation on a national and international stage.”
Now that Hugo has been featured at the Royal Academy, maybe Tagore, too, will merit an exhibition one day under Wallis’s leadership.
The Royal Academy won the ACTA for community engagement last year. It was collected by Tarsia.
In Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo, at the Jillian and Arthur M Sackler Wing of Galleries at the Royal Academy, ends on June 29.
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The year 1975 was significant in Indian cinema for newly crowned superstar Amitabh Bachchan
The year 1975 was significant in Indian cinema for newly crowned superstar Amitabh Bachchan, as he starred in the two biggest films of that year, and also his career, Deewaar and Sholay.
These blockbusters cemented his position at the top. In between their releases came Mili, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s decidedly different tearjerker.
Known for his non-starry social dramas, the acclaimed producer-director delivered a message-driven story about Mili (Jaya Bhaduri), a terminally ill but bubbly young woman, and the profound impact she has on those around her – including depressed alcoholic Shekhar, played by Bachchan. The real-life couple headlined a multi-layered film anchored by subtle, deeply emotive performances.
Eastern Eye marks 50 years of the underrated classic on June 20 by presenting the 10 best scenes from this story of hope, anguish and learning how to live.
Enter the grouch: Known for her pranks and cheerful attitude, Mili is taken aback by new neighbour Shekhar’s aloofness. His introduction, during the haunting Badi Sooni Sooni Hai song, shows him as a tormented alcoholic. It establishes the contrast between the two main characters – she smiles through life’s challenges, while he seeks refuge in alcohol.
Visual highlights from MiliRotten Tomatoes
Confrontation: Unable to understand Shekhar’s solitude and unfriendliness, Mili ropes in the children from their building to disturb his peace in protest. What begins as an immature territorial clash soon reveals Mili’s intuitive response to the darkness surrounding him. Her inner child recognises and challenges the negativity threatening their otherwise pleasant environment.
Their innocence and kindness melt his hardened exteriorIMDb
Compassion: After provoking Shekhar, the children apologise sincerely. Their innocence and kindness melt his hardened exterior, and he invites them, along with Mili, to play on his terrace. In the song Maine Kaha Phoolon Se, Shekhar, glass still in hand, watches them dance and smiles for the first time. The warmth of this moment even leads him to request tea instead of whisky in the next scene, to his servant’s delight.
Visual highlights from Mili
In the song Maine Kaha Phoolon SeIMDb
Crossroads: In a drunken breakdown, Shekhar slashes his wrist and is saved by Mili. For the first time, she shows visible anger and tears. Her outburst marks a new level of closeness in their friendship and signals the beginning of something deeper. In his vulnerable state, Shekhar is moved by Mili’s scolding – a sign of care he desperately craves.
The raw emotions of every characterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Romance: Shekhar’s growing vulnerability draws him closer to Mili. He begins confiding in her about childhood trauma, his mother, and the root of his pain. He is receptive of her solace and outlook on life. Their bond strengthens as they exchange notes when Mili falls ill. He experiences joy for the first time, unaware of the seriousness of her condition.
The heart-rending scene between father and daughterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Tragedy: The film reaches its most emotional point when Mili’s father (Ashok Kumar) learns that she has only days to live. The harrowing scenes that follow reveal the raw emotions of every character, from shock to grief to quiet acceptance. The heart-rending scene between father and daughter, with Kumar and Bhaduri in each other’s arms, delivers an emotional poignancy audiences can relate to.
The woman who taught him how to liveRotten Tomatoes
Role reversal: Initially unable to process the truth about Mili’s illness, Shekhar has a change of heart about leaving after confronting some hard realities. The woman who taught him how to live is dying, and he feels betrayed by fate. Determined not to give up, he sets out to explore every possible option that might offer her a chance of recovery.
He sets out to explore every possible option Rotten Tomatoes
Selfless love: Unaware that Shekhar already knows the truth, Mili urges her father not to tell him about her illness. Having changed him for the better, she fears that the news will undo his progress and send him back into despair. In that moment, she puts his well-being above her own.
Having changed him for the betterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Proposal: In the film’s penultimate scene, its message becomes clear – the purpose of life is happiness. Shekhar realises he can fulfil one of Mili’s dreams by marrying her. He proposes not out of pity or obligation, but love. Their decision to embrace a short but meaningful life together speaks volumes.
Fifty years later, those sentiments still ring trueInstagram/ hindifilimography
Farewell: The story, told in flashback, returns to its starting point as the newlyweds leave for Switzerland in search of a cure. Mili’s father waves to their aircraft, perhaps knowing she may never return. As the plane takes off, the audience is left with a lasting message – that hope should never die. Fifty years later, those sentiments still ring true.
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William Dalrymple with his artist wife Olivia Fraser
EASTERN EYE is supporting this year’s Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) at the British Library next Friday (13) to Sunday (15) as its media partner.
“We are happy to do so as we aim to be ‘the voice of British Asians’, as we say on our masthead,” said Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of the newspaper.
JLF also seeks to attract all sections of the community in the UK.
Many of the speakers in this year’s event have featured in Eastern Eye in recent years.
For example, Sheela Banerjee won Eastern Eye’s Arts, Culture & Theatre Award (ACTA) in the non-fiction category last year for What’s in a Name: Friendship, Identity and History in Multicultural Britain.
Vaseem Khan, the first Asian chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association in 70 years, won an ACTA in the fiction category in 2018 for The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star.
The BBC’s Reeta Chakrabarti was named best presenter in ACTA this year. She was also shortlisted in the fiction category for her debut novel featuring schizophrenia, Finding Belle.
In the newly introduced category for crime fiction, the winner was Ram Murali, author of Death in the Air, which has been described as “a love letter to Agatha Christie”.
Eastern Eye has also written about Sushma Jansari, who has curated the British Museum’s new exhibition, Ancient India: Living traditions.
Among the headline speakers this year is Banu Mushtaq, whose book Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, is the first short-story collection to win the International Booker Prize.
Ram Murali
Hanif Kureishi will be discussing his book, Shattered: “After a devastating fall in Rome, Hanif Kureishi was left immobile. From his hospital bed, he began to dictate powerful reflections on illness, identity, love, and writing. Shattered is the result: an odyssey of survival.”
JLF 2025 is bringing together some established authors from India, such as the MP Shashi Tharoor. His latest book, Our Living Constitution, “offers a masterful analysis of India’s constitutional framework, highlighting how it transcends political rhetoric to reflect the nation’s core ideals”, according to the festival organisers.
Although Tharoor belongs to the opposition Congress party in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament, he expressed strong support for Narendra Modi’s Operation Sindoor military action against Pakistan. He was picked to lead one of seven Indian government delegations explaining New Delhi’s foreign policy in countries around the world, including Panama, Guyana, Colombia, Brazil and the US.
Other authors from India include William Dalrymple, whose Eastern Eye lecture on The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World at the Bhavan in London last October was attended by nearly 250 people.
His son, Sam Dalrymple, will be speaking at JLF on his book, Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia. This was shortlisted for an ACTA this year in the history category.
JLF describes his book as “a sweeping narrative of how the once-unified Indian empire splintered into 12 modern nations. Drawing on rare archives, untranslated memoirs, and interviews across multiple languages, Dalrymple excavates five key partitions that reshaped the political, cultural, and emotional geography of the region. From boardroom deals and battlefield lines to personal stories of loss, resistance, and reinvention, the session reflects on how borders are drawn and the human cost they carry.”
His father, William, one of the founding directors of the festival, said: ”At JLF London at the British Library, we bring together some of the finest minds from across the world to explore the great questions of our time – from the rise of AI to the legacies of empire, from the pleasures of food and art to the complexities of geopolitics.
“This year’s edition reflects the festival’s commitment to rich, nuanced discourse, bridging cultures and offering a truly global literary experience.”
Namita Gokhale, a festival co-director – she will be talking about the re-publication of her novel, Paro, which came out in 1984 – commented: “At this volatile moment of change and transformation, we seek to make sense of our fractured world, and to explore and understand it through our shared stories.”
The éminence grise behind JLF is Sanjoy K Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, which describes itself as “a highly versatile production company with roots in the performing arts, social action and the corporate world”.
Sanjoy K Roy
He said: “We celebrate the power of literary thought to foster meaningful conversations and build bridges between cultures through our sessions at JLF London. The 12th edition of JLF London hosts diverse themes ranging from history and artificial intelligence to culture and geopolitics, food and art.”
Incidentally, Roy will be speaking to Bafta-winning playwright David Hare, celebrated as “the finest living British dramatist”.
Hare will provide “a peek into his remarkable career that has redefined contemporary theatre. Renowned for iconic works such as Skylight, Plenty and Racing Demon, Hare’s plays explore the intricacies of politics, power, and human relationships with unflinching honesty and wit. His innovative storytelling, blending sharp dialogue with profound moral inquiry, has left an indelible mark on stage and screen.”
Support for the festival was expressed by Jamie Andrews, the British Library’s director of public engagement: “The British Library looks after one of the world’s most significant south Asian collections, and international collaboration is at the heart of our mission as a library.”
The British Library had a message for Asians in the UK and typically Eastern Eye readers:
“We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future.
“Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
Sheela Banerjee’s award-winning book
“We have millions of books, and much more besides. Our London and Yorkshire sites hold collections ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings, patents, academic journals, as well as a copy of every UK domain website and blog.
“Our public spaces provide a place to research, to meet friends, to start up a new business or simply to get inspired by visiting our galleries and events. We work with partners and libraries across the UK and the world to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to use and explore our collections, events and expertise. And we’re always open online, along with more and more of our digitised collection.”
After this year’s London Book Fair, Eastern Eye reported that the British Library republishes crime novels, which first came out decades ago.
This year, Shobaa De is likely to prove a big draw at JLF, which says that the celebrity writer and columnist “is unapologetically bold, fiercely candid, and never afraid to stir the pot. Her popular column, Politically Incorrect, and her bestseller novels like Socialite Evenings and the more recent Insatiable, have won her global acclaim. She has spent decades challenging conventions with her sharp wit and candid observations. Her upcoming book, The Sensualist, is a provocative look at passion, power, and the private lives of modern Indians. In an unfiltered conversation with Yasser Usman, De talks about writing, relationships, and the art of being unapologetically herself.”
Dr Deborah Swallow, an expert on Indian art, will take part in a session on “libraries, museums and archives”, and Asma Khan, founder of the restaurant Darjeeling Express, will talk about food.
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Aamir Khan’s iconic transformation in Bollywood over the decades
Aamir Khan returns to the big screen this month in Sitare Zameen Par, a heart-warming Bollywood remake of the Spanish comedy-drama Campiones. He plays a disgraced basketball coach who takes on an unexpected challenge with a team of individuals with special needs.
Sporting a look unlike any from the past decade, the film – due out on 20 June – adds to the many transformations he has embraced over his career, from shifting hairstyles to dramatic facial hair.
Eastern Eye uses this new role as a chance to revisit the superstar’s evolving on-screen appearances.
Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973): An eight-year-old Aamir Khan made his film debut in a song sequence of this smash hit, produced and directed by his uncle Nasir Hussain. It marked the first time cinema audiences saw him on screen.
The actor’s evolving style from youth to maturity getty images
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988): After working in further films as a child star and assistant director, the baby-faced actor was launched as a leading man with the hit romantic musical. He established himself with that same clean-cut look in subsequent films.
Aamir Khan embracing vintage looks with classic charmgetty images
Baazi (1995): This action thriller failed at the box office but is remembered for Khan dressing in drag. The striking female get-up was arguably the only memorable aspect of an otherwise forgettable film.
Rangeela (1995): In this musical hit, Khan played a street-smart ruffian and debuted a rugged new look with heavy stubble. The image shift helped him fully inhabit the role and showcased a different side of him to audiences.
Bold and dramatic changes defining Aamir Khan’s careergetty images
Ghulam (1998): Heavily inspired by the 1954 Hollywood classic On the Waterfront, this film saw Khan blend ruggedness with a more heroic edge. His portrayal of a hoodlum with boxing skills left a lasting impact.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001): With its fresh haircuts and urban styling, Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut introduced a new wave of contemporary cool to Hindi cinema. Khan’s image underwent a complete makeover as part of the film’s trendsetting aesthetic.
From rugged to refined Aamir Khan’s versatile appearancesgetty images
Mangal Pandey The Rising (2005): After a four-year hiatus, Khan returned with his most dramatic transformation yet – long hair and an epic moustache that brought to life the spirit of the 19th-century freedom fighter.
Rang De Basanti (2006): This story of youthful defiance gave Khan a refreshed haircut. In historical flashbacks, he adopted other appearances inspired by the past, adding further layers to his portrayal.
Ghajini (2008): In this remake of a Tamil film – itself inspired by Hollywood drama Memento – Khan adopted a dramatic new look with a muscular physique and buzz cut that intensified the film’s emotional and action-driven edge.
Memorable film moments showcasing Aamir Khan’s unique stylegetty images
3 Idiots (2009): Khan turned back the clock in this record-breaking film, transforming his appearance to convincingly play a young engineering student. He changed his weight, hairstyle and mannerisms to suit the role.
Delhi Belly (2011): Producing this crime caper, Khan made a cameo in a song sequence where he donned a retro disco look. Funky glasses, glittery costumes and exaggerated 70s flair helped him stand out in yet another memorable appearance.
Talaash The Answer Lies Within (2012): As a serious police officer, Khan adopted a subdued look – short hair, a neatly trimmed moustache and a haunted expression, completed by a simple police uniform.
Dhoom 3 (2013): To play identical twins with different personalities, Khan adopted a muscular physique, sharp haircut, tight outfits, a bowler hat and intense expressions. This gave him another memorable identity.
Aamir Khan’s blend of classic and contemporary fashiongetty images
PK (2014): Portraying an alien, Khan had to create an entirely unfamiliar look. He did this by pushing out his ears, widening his eyes and pairing innocent expressions with mismatched clothes to enhance the character’s quirky charm.
Dangal (2016): Although he appeared as a younger, muscular version of his character, Khan’s look in this record-breaking movie was defined by older age. He transformed himself with extra weight, grey hair and weather-worn expressions.
Secret Superstar (2017): In this acclaimed film, which he also produced, Khan played a flamboyant music director. Leather jackets, tight trousers, eccentric hairstyles, earrings, facial hair and a rockstar swagger made it one of his most over-the-top looks.
Thugs of Hindostan (2018): The actor pierced his nose for this swashbuckling period film. With long curly hair, a scruffy beard, old-fashioned clothes and roguish expressions, he embraced the character’s mischief and flair.
Aamir Khan’s dedication to authentic character portrayals getty images
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022): In this remake of Forrest Gump, Khan portrayed his character across different stages of life. From clean-shaven youth to a heavily bearded older man, he showcased a broad spectrum of looks in a single film.
Sitare Zameen Par (2025): In the Hindi remake of Campiones, Khan plays a short-tempered basketball coach. After decades of dramatic transformations, the 60-year-old returns to a look that closely mirrors his everyday appearance.
Rang De Basanti (2006): This story of youthful defiance gave Khan a refreshed haircut. In historical flashbacks, he adopted other appearances inspired by the past, adding further layers to his portrayal.
Ghajini (2008): In this remake of a Tamil film – itself inspired by Hollywood drama Memento – Khan adopted a dramatic new look with a muscular physique and buzz cut that intensified the film’s emotional and action-driven edge.
3 Idiots (2009): Khan turned back the clock in this record-breaking film, transforming his appearance to convincingly play a young engineering student. He changed his weight, hairstyle and mannerisms to suit the role.
Delhi Belly (2011): Producing this crime caper, Khan made a cameo in a song sequence where he donned a retro disco look. Funky glasses, glittery costumes and exaggerated 70s flair helped him stand out in yet another memorable appearance.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012): As a serious police officer, Khan adopted a subdued look – short hair, a neatly trimmed moustache and a haunted expression, completed by a simple police uniform.
Dhoom 3 (2013): To play identical twins with different personalities, Khan adopted a muscular physique, sharp haircut, tight outfits, a bowler hat and intense expressions. This gave him another memorable identity.
Cinematic milestones reflected in Aamir Khan’s on-screen imagegetty images
PK (2014): Portraying an alien, Khan had to create an entirely unfamiliar look. He did this by pushing out his ears, widening his eyes and pairing innocent expressions with mismatched clothes to enhance the character’s quirky charm.
Dangal (2016): Although he appeared as a younger, muscular version of his character, Khan’s look in this record-breaking movie was defined by older age. He transformed himself with extra weight, grey hair and weather-worn expressions.
Secret Superstar (2017): In this acclaimed film, which he also produced, Khan played a flamboyant music director. Leather jackets, tight trousers, eccentric hairstyles, earrings, facial hair and a rockstar swagger made it one of his most over-the-top looks.
Thugs of Hindostan (2018): The actor pierced his nose for this swashbuckling period film. With long curly hair, a scruffy beard, old-fashioned clothes and roguish expressions, he embraced the character’s mischief and flair.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022): In this remake of Forrest Gump, Khan portrayed his character across different stages of life. From clean-shaven youth to a heavily bearded older man, he showcased a broad spectrum of looks in a single film.
Sitare Zameen Par (2025): In the Hindi remake of Campiones, Khan plays a short-tempered basketball coach. After decades of dramatic transformations, the 60-year-old returns to a look that closely mirrors his everyday appearance.