Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and their daughter Aaradhya recently created an unforgettable desi family moment at a wedding in Pune when they danced together to the iconic track 'Kajra Re.' Aaradhya Bachchan had turned heads at the event for her stunning desi look. Dressed in a beautiful white lehenga with delicate embroidery and pearl detailing, the 12-year-old donned a fresh, traditional style that left fans thoroughly impressed.
The Bachchan family made a stylish appearance at the event, putting to rest any lingering rumours about their personal lives. Aishwarya looked elegant in a green anarkali suit, while Abhishek kept it sharp in a peach Indo-Western outfit. But it was Aaradhya who caught everyone’s attention with her poised demeanour and graceful attire, getting praise online, with many applauding Aishwarya for raising her with strong values.
Social media buzzed with reactions. One user noted, "Aishwarya has raised her right, Aaradhya carries herself so well." Others loved her "relatable Gen Z pose," tilting her head slightly for photos. While most admired her simplicity, opinions were split on Aishwarya’s choice of an anarkali. Some loved it, while others felt it was repetitive.
The wedding, which was for Aishwarya’s cousin Shloka Shetty’s brother, also saw candid moments of the trio mingling with relatives. In one photo, Aaradhya sat casually with her cousins, dressed in a white top and jeans, giving us a casual inside glimpse.
This appearance comes after months of speculation about Aishwarya and Abhishek’s marriage, which the couple has consistently dismissed by simply living their lives, attending events together, and supporting Aaradhya at school functions.
On the work front, Abhishek is gearing up for Housefull 5 and King, while Aishwarya has been selective with projects since Ponniyin Selvan II. But for now, all eyes are on Aaradhya who is growing up so gracefully under the spotlight.
Beyoncé’s Levi’s ad is being compared to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign that sparked outrage online.
Sweeney’s ad was accused of using language that subtly promoted eugenics, with the pun “great jeans/genes.”
Some users claimed the criticism was hypocritical, citing Beyoncé’s similar visual styling in her Levi’s campaign.
American Eagle has not issued any apology, despite viral posts suggesting otherwise.
A recent wave of backlash against Sydney Sweeney’s new American Eagle campaign has now pulled Beyoncé’s Levi’s ad into the spotlight. The online debate, which began over the alleged use of racially charged language in Sweeney’s denim campaign, has grown into a larger discussion about double standards and historical context in fashion advertising.
Beyoncé Levi’s ad compared to Sydney Sweeney’s ‘great jeans’ campaign X/Nicole Saphier, MD/americaneagle
Why is Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad controversial?
The criticism of the American Eagle campaign revolves around a wordplay in the ad's script. Sweeney, dressed in denim, says, “Genes are passed down from parents... My jeans are blue.” The tagline reads: Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. While the brand clearly intended a light-hearted pun, many viewers found the messaging deeply problematic.
Commentators online accused the campaign of alluding to eugenics, the debunked and dangerous ideology that promotes selective breeding to enhance human traits. The combination of Sweeney’s blue eyes, blonde hair, and the word “genes” sparked concerns about the glorification of whiteness.
One user on X wrote, “The ad infers that blue eyes and blonde hair are superior. It’s not about denim, it’s about what that phrase echoes historically.”
— (@)
How did Beyoncé get dragged into the Sydney Sweeney debate?
In the days following the controversy, social media users began comparing Sweeney’s ad to Beyoncé’s Levi’s campaign from late 2024. Beyoncé’s campaign also featured denim-on-denim styling, blonde hair, and close-up shots, prompting some to question the public’s reaction.
One viral post read: “So Beyoncé can pose in Levi jeans and it’s art… But when a white woman does it, it’s a national crisis?” Others were quick to dismiss this comparison, pointing out that Beyoncé never referenced “genes” or made genetic implications. Her ad campaign, launched alongside her Cowboy Carter album, was focused on music, fashion, and the history of Black artists in country music.
A user responded to the criticism: “Beyoncé didn’t say anything about genes. This is not about posing in jeans, it’s about the message behind the words.”
— (@)
Did American Eagle respond to the backlash?
Despite the uproar, American Eagle has not officially addressed the criticism. A viral post claiming the brand had apologised was confirmed to be fake. The alleged statement circulated with a photoshopped logo and a sarcastic tone that only added to the confusion.
X user @tan_bruss posted the image on 30 July, but no such apology or clarification appears on American Eagle’s official channels or press releases.
This silence has only intensified debate, with some users accusing the brand of ignoring the concerns and others defending the ad as being taken out of context.
The larger discussion sparked by the campaign is not just about one ad or two celebrities. For many, it’s a reminder of how language and imagery in fashion can carry weight, especially when it touches on race, beauty standards, and historical oppression.
Social media commentator @dukepege wrote, “Statements like ‘great genes’ aren’t neutral. They bring back memories of when certain races were deemed superior. The fact that some people don’t get that is exactly the problem.”
Even Beyoncé’s inclusion in the discourse, despite not referencing genes at all, shows how sensitive and polarised conversations around race and beauty remain in the public sphere.
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Timberlake shared his Lyme disease diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram post
Justin Timberlake confirms he’s living with Lyme disease in emotional Instagram post
The diagnosis came after months of unexplained fatigue and nerve pain during his world tour
The Forget Tomorrow tour concluded in Turkey on 30 July after two years
Timberlake says he wants to be “more transparent” to prevent speculation about his performance issues
Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, opening up about the toll the condition took during his recent Forget Tomorrow world tour. The singer and actor shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post on 31 July, just a day after wrapping up his global tour in Turkey.
In his message, Timberlake explained that the mysterious symptoms he experienced while touring, including nerve pain, exhaustion, and frequent illness, were finally traced to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by tick bites. Despite the physical toll, he chose to complete the tour, saying the joy of performing made it worth the struggle.
Timberlake said the joy of performing helped him push through the painGetty Images
What is Lyme disease and how did Timberlake get diagnosed?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through tick bites. According to Timberlake, his diagnosis followed months of debilitating symptoms that initially lacked a clear explanation.
“I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness,” he wrote, reflecting on his experience. While he considered ending the tour early, he ultimately pushed through the demanding schedule.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease can appear days or even weeks after a tick bite and often include a distinct circular rash, fatigue, muscle pain, and fever. If not treated promptly, it can affect the nervous system, joints, and heart, sometimes leading to long-term complications.
How common is Lyme disease and who else has it affected?
Though Lyme disease is most prevalent in parts of North America, Europe, and some regions of Asia, cases have been reported in India too, particularly in hilly or forested areas like Wayanad in Kerala.
Timberlake now joins a list of high-profile celebrities who have spoken publicly about their struggles with Lyme disease, including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and Shania Twain. Each has described the disease as mentally and physically exhausting, especially when diagnosis is delayed.
Why Timberlake is speaking up now
Timberlake said he felt the need to be “more transparent” about his condition after fans began speculating online about inconsistent performances during the tour. His aim, he said, is to prevent misinterpretation and raise awareness.
“As many of you know, I'm a pretty private person,” he wrote. “But I want to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
He also said the experience taught him a lot about his own resilience. “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself, but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.”
Fans react to Timberlake’s health revelation following weeks of performance criticismGetty Images
What happens next for Justin Timberlake?
Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April 2024, marked a major career milestone and comeback effort amid a turbulent few years. The tour spanned multiple continents and was met with mixed reviews, some praising the performances, others questioning his energy levels.
His health revelation follows a public drink-driving incident in 2024 and renewed media attention around his past relationship with Britney Spears, as revisited in her memoir and related documentaries.
As for his current health, Timberlake has not revealed whether he’s undergoing treatment, though antibiotics are the standard therapy for Lyme disease. Most people recover fully if treated early, though some symptoms can linger for months or even years.
Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease battle after ‘Forget Tomorrow’ world tour endsGetty Images
With this diagnosis now public, Timberlake seems focused on recovery and setting the record straight. “This isn’t for sympathy,” he said, “but for clarity and hopefully to help others going through the same.”
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Urvashi Rautela alleged her suitcase vanished directly from the baggage belt at Gatwick
Urvashi Rautela alleges her Dior bag containing £60,200 ( ₹70 lakh) jewellery was stolen at Gatwick Airport.
The actress posted flight and baggage details on Instagram, urging Emirates and authorities for help.
She called it a serious security lapse and claimed no support was provided by Gatwick officials.
The incident comes weeks after her mother accused a former staff member of theft.
Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe India, Urvashi Rautela, has alleged that her Dior-branded baggage containing jewellery worth £60,200 ( ₹70 lakh) was stolen at London’s Gatwick Airport. The incident occurred during her travel from Mumbai to London via Emirates Airlines for the 2025 Wimbledon championship.
Sharing the ordeal on Instagram, Rautela posted images of her missing brown Dior suitcase, Emirates boarding pass, and baggage tag. She tagged UK Police, Emirates, and Wimbledon authorities, calling the theft an “alarming breach of airport security”.
Urvashi Rautela’s designer bag was allegedly stolen shortly after she arrived in London for WimbledonGetty Images
What did Urvashi Rautela say about the stolen jewellery?
On Thursday, Rautela posted, “Injustice tolerated is injustice repeated. Our @wimbledon @dior brown baggage was stolen from the belt at @gatwickairport after flying @emirates from Mumbai during #Wimbledon.” She pleaded for urgent action to trace her luggage.
In a separate statement released through her team, she said, “Despite holding our baggage tag and Emirates ticket, the bag went missing directly from the belt area, a disturbing breach of traveller safety. This isn’t just about lost property. It's about dignity, accountability, and the safety of passengers.”
Rautela added that she had reached out to Emirates support and Gatwick Airport officials but had not received any assistance.
Why is the incident raising security concerns at Gatwick?
The reported theft from a restricted baggage claim zone at one of the UK’s busiest airports has triggered questions around passenger safety and surveillance. If confirmed, it highlights a potential loophole in Gatwick’s luggage security and Emirates’ handling protocols.
Despite being a Platinum Emirates member and flying on a direct route from Mumbai, Rautela claims there were no immediate steps taken by the airport to retrieve her belongings.
This incident follows her 2023 claim of losing a 24-carat gold iPhone during a cricket match in Ahmedabad, an item she never recovered.
Urvashi Rautela's Dior suitcase with jewellery goes missing at GatwickInstagram/urvashirautela
How did social media react to Urvashi’s post?
Though the actress disabled comments on her theft post, screenshots of earlier responses quickly circulated online. Some users joked about the missing “Labubus”, collectible toys that adorned her Hermes bag at Wimbledon earlier this month. One wrote, “Hope your Labubus are safe!”, referencing her viral fashion moment.
Others sarcastically noted that Rautela appears to have a pattern of losing high-value items. “From gold iPhone to Dior baggage, airport gods stay undefeated,” a meme account posted on X.
Urvashi Rautela pictured at Wimbledon days before reporting her Dior bag missing from GatwickInstagram/urvashirautela
Is there a link to her ex-manager’s theft controversy?
Interestingly, this isn’t the only theft-related allegation involving Rautela in recent times. Just weeks ago, her mother Meera Rautela publicly accused Urvashi’s former manager Vedika Prakash Shetty of stealing expensive clothing and jewellery between 2015 and 2017.
She claimed Shetty caused a “huge financial loss” to the family during Urvashi’s Miss Universe days. While no legal case has been confirmed, the family said they regretted not taking action sooner.
She was last seen in Daaku Maharaj opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna and in Jaat with Sunny Deol. Her only officially confirmed upcoming project is the thriller Kasoor.
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Steven Knight joins Bond 26 as screenwriter alongside Denis Villeneuve
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been hired to write the next James Bond movie.
Denis Villeneuve will direct the 26th Bond instalment under Amazon MGM Studios.
The film is expected to release in 2028, with casting yet to be finalised.
Knight says he hopes to bring a “bolder” take on the world’s most famous spy.
Development on the 26th James Bond film is now officially in motion, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight signed on as screenwriter and Dune director Denis Villeneuve confirmed to helm the movie.
The film marks the first entry in the franchise under Amazon MGM Studios' creative leadership, following the tech giant’s acquisition of MGM in 2021. Though the next 007 actor remains unconfirmed, the addition of Knight and Villeneuve itself signals a bold new direction for the iconic spy series.
Steven Knight joins Bond 26 as screenwriter alongside Denis Villeneuve Getty Images
Who is writing the next James Bond film?
British screenwriter and producer Steven Knight will write the screenplay for the next Bond movie. Knight is best known for creating the BAFTA-winning crime drama Peaky Blinders, but his résumé extends far beyond TV. He earned an Oscar nomination for Dirty Pretty Things and wrote critically acclaimed films like Eastern Promises and Spencer.
Knight confirmed the news during a BBC interview, saying the opportunity had been on his “bucket list.” He added, “I want to deliver something that’s the same but different, bolder, better, and stronger.”
Knight is also working on the upcoming Peaky Blinders feature for Netflix and a historical series titled House of Guinness, giving him a packed creative slate in the coming years.
Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will direct the next Bond film. He’s currently wrapping production on Dune: Part Three and is best known for directing Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and the Dune franchise.
Villeneuve’s appointment was confirmed last month, and industry insiders believe Bond 26 could use his signature visual style with the espionage thrills of the long-running franchise. In a recent statement, Villeneuve said he hoped “to honour the tradition and open the path for new missions to come.”
Due to his commitments to Dune, Bond 26 is unlikely to release before 2028.
What is Amazon MGM’s role in the new James Bond film?
This will be the first James Bond movie produced under Amazon MGM’s creative supervision, marking a major shift from previous films led by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The tech company reportedly paid over £780 million (₹8,200 crore) to acquire MGM and its valuable catalogue, including the Bond franchise.
Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy recently described the film as “a major priority,” indicating the studio’s intention to reboot and modernise the brand for a new generation.
The upcoming movie is being produced by Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and David Heyman (Harry Potter), with Tanya Lapointe on board as executive producer.
Jeff Bezos\u2019 post on next James Bond shakes the internet after Amazon\u2019s takeover of franchise Instagram/007
Who will play the next James Bond?
Casting for the next James Bond remains a tightly guarded secret. Daniel Craig stepped down in 2021 after No Time to Die, which earned over £600 million (₹6,300 crore) globally.
Speculation continues to swirl around British and Irish actors in their 20s and early 30s. Names reportedly in the mix include Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Jacob Elordi (Euphoria), Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness), and Paul Mescal (Aftersun).
Warner Bros. unveils final trailer for The Conjuring: Last Rites, set to release in theatres on 5 September
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren in their final on-screen case
Film is based on the real-life Smurl haunting, the couple’s earliest and most personal encounter with demonic activity
The infamous Annabelle doll makes a brief yet chilling return, tying back to the broader Conjuring universe
The final chapter in the Conjuring series is gearing up for a chilling send-off. Warner Bros. has dropped the official trailer for The Conjuring: Last Rites, giving horror fans a deeper glimpse into what’s being billed as Ed and Lorraine Warren’s most personal and terrifying case. Set in 1986, the film revisits the real-life Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania but with a twist. This isn’t just any demonic presence. It’s the very first entity the Warrens ever encountered and were once too afraid to face.
Annabelle resurfaces as The Conjuring Last Rites trailer reveals the demon that terrified the Warrens first Instagram/theconjuring
What is the Smurl haunting and why is it central to Last Rites?
The Conjuring: Last Rites story draws from the infamous Smurl case, involving a family plagued by unexplained paranormal activity over 15 years. Ed and Lorraine Warren initially investigated the case in the 1970s, but in this final instalment, it’s revealed that the haunting entity was one they encountered even earlier in their careers.
In the trailer, Lorraine warns, “This thing in your house is a demon. It’s the first one we ever encountered.” This return to their earliest trauma adds a layer of unfinished business, making the stakes far more personal.
Does Annabelle appear in The Conjuring: Last Rites?
Yes, though only briefly. The new trailer features a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of the Annabelle doll, the malevolent spirit that launched the franchise over a decade ago. Her appearance has sparked speculation among fans about how connected Last Rites is to the larger Conjuring universe, especially considering the doll’s history in both the mainline series and her own spin-offs.
The callback to Annabelle, coupled with Lorraine being chased by a possessed figure, signals that the film is bringing everything full circle.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return to lead the film as the Warrens. They are joined by Mia Tomlinson as their daughter Judy Warren, who now plays a larger role. Judy’s relationship with Tony Spera, played by Ben Hardy, adds a family dynamic that grounds the supernatural chaos.
Supporting actors include Steve Coulter, Elliot Cowan, Rebecca Calder, Shannon Kook, Beau Gadsdon, and Kíla Lord Cassidy.
Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, is back at the helm. The screenplay is written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Producers James Wan and Peter Safran, long-time stewards of the franchise, also return.
When will The Conjuring: Last Rites release in cinemas?
The Conjuring: Last Rites is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on 5 September 2025.
Touted as the final film in the main Conjuring timeline, the movie promises to deliver an emotionally loaded and terrifying conclusion to the decade-long saga that began in 2013. While spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun may still continue, this instalment is meant to close the book on Ed and Lorraine Warren’s ghost-hunting legacy.