BOLLYWOOD ACTION HERO MAKES A RETURN TO COMEDY WITH THE HIT GOLMAAL FRANCHISE
ACCLAIMED actor Ajay Devgn has made a name for himself in Indian cinema by tackling a wide range of roles in a marvellous mix of genres.
This week the versatile Bollywood star flexes his comedy muscles in high profile Diwali release Golmaal Again. He returns to the fun franchise for a fourth time to head another star cast, which this time includes Parineeti Chopra, Tabu, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor. The actor is hoping the entertainer repeats the success of the previous three instalments and was feeling quietly confident when Eastern Eye caught up with him for a free flowing chat about Golmaal Again, comedy, inspirations and more.
You are one of the most versatile stars in Indian cinema and have enjoyed success for many years. Has the way you choose films changed?
I guess it has because earlier the kind of films we were doing were very different. When we started we were doing up to 18-20 films a year. Now we have come down to one or two films a year. With the tastes of the audiences changing you adapt yourself also. In fact your tastes also change with them.
You are known more for physically and emotionally demanding movies, how does comedy compare to that?
Comedy is just as tough as supposedly more demanding genres. It’s very difficult to make people laugh. That is why they say comedy is perhaps the most serious business. It’s a cliché, but true. Comedy has to be written very well and then it has to be performed in the right manner. If you go over the top you get screwed and the same if you underplay it. So it’s all about the timing, which is a challenge. Getting the right timing is very tough. I enjoy the challenge.
You are said to have an amazing sense of humour. Why don’t you act in more comedies than you do?
I do act in comedies, but I guess it’s just that I like to maintain a balance between the various genres. I like doing a comedy, then a drama, an action film and then perhaps return to comedy. I have always really enjoyed rotating my genres because then I don’t get bored of it myself.
Why do you think your Golmaal franchise is still going strong after all these years?
The biggest reason for a franchise to work is when the characters work really well. There are so many hit films, but you can’t make sequels and prequels out of them. With Golmaal you see not just my, but every character works really well. Not only the five main guys, but from Johnny Lever to everybody else. You know exactly what to expect of them. You know certain characters will have their quirks and moments. The characters have collectively become famous. When you put them in a new story it works.
You are the one who has been responsible for turning Golmaal Again director Rohit Shetty into a big name with the movies you have done together. How has your relationship with him changed?
(Laughs) It hasn’t changed. I have known him since he started working as an assistant and he is more like family. I enjoyed working with him again on Golmaal Again and he has done a terrific job.
How does working in a massive cast like in Golmaal Again compare to a solo film?
I think it is really a lot of fun. When you share a great rapport with all of them it is like one big picnic. You just finish your picnic and go home.
Is it difficult to do comedy without laughing in the scenes?
(Laughs) You really do need to control it because the scenes are really funny. There are some of us who can’t control it, like Shreyas. He would just start laughing in the middle of the shot when everybody else was trying to perform. He spoils the shot and you have to do it again because he can’t contain his laughter. So he would literally get beaten up by everybody.
Who else made you laugh apart from Shreyas?
He was just laughing and wasn’t making me laugh. I can’t just choose one of them. I think everybody is very funny in the film from the supporting artists to the lead cast.
Do you have a favourite moment in the movie?
Let me think, there are so many of them that it’s difficult to choose just one. If I had to select one then it would be the interval point. You will see what I mean when you watch the movie.
What kind of comedies do you enjoy watching?
I like to watch any kind of comedy, but it should make a little sense. It shouldn’t just be slapstick and buffoonery for the sake of it. I think comedy should be written well.
Would you not classify Golmaal Again as slapstick?
Not exactly. Its only slapstick in the sense it’s on the higher side of energy. So it’s not really slapstick. For me slapstick is when you don’t have anything on the page and are trying to make faces to create comedy, but here everything is crafted and timed very well.
You have worked with the biggest leading ladies of the modern era, how does newcomer ParineetiChopra compare to them?
She is lovely to work with and she got along very well with all of us who were returning to the franchise. It’s very tough to get into a groove that is already so comfortable. But from day one she hit it off with us and we all had fun with her.
You have maintained a high standard for over 25 years, what is the secret of that?
I really don’t know. I think the one thing that was taught by my father that has always remained with me is to be honest to yourself and your work, and that is all I do. Along with that I work hard and make a lot of effort.
You have a great work ethic, what advice would you give youngsters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
It is exactly what I was told by my father, believe in yourself and be honest to your work and yourself, and everything else will fall into place.
Indian cinema is attempting more genres than ever. What are your hopes for the industry?
I think cinema is growing very well. The kind of films, which were not being made earlier are being made now, which is a good boost for us because we can now explore different kinds of cinemas and tell more diverse stories.
You have done a lot, but what are your unfulfilled ambitions?
I really don’t have any. The plan is to just keep bettering yourself and bettering the cinema you make. For me that is it.
You might be getting older, but you are still doing your own stunts. Is it becoming more difficult?
Oh I can do all of it myself as yet (laughs). So I am happy with that.
What inspires you most today?
I don’t know, I think good work really inspires me. When you see others doing great work you kind of use that to motivate yourself further. It makes you want to raise your game even further.
What happened to the film you were doing with Kajol?
That is still very much there. I am producing it and she is the actress of the film.
What will you be doing this Diwali?
I will be spending time with my family as usual. That is the most important thing.
Finally can you give a message for your fans?
I just hope that they all see Golmaal Again and love it. Have a great Diwali.
THE skeletal remains of a girl aged between four and five have been identified among 65 sets of human remains exhumed from a mass grave in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district. The site first came into focus during the LTTE conflict in the mid-1990s.
“The findings of the excavation at the Chemmani mass grave were reported to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on on Tuesday (15) by Raj Somadeva, a forensic archaeologist overseeing the exhumation,” Jeganathan Tathparan, a lawyer, said on Thursday (17).
Earlier this year, the court ordered a legally supervised excavation at the site after human skeletal remains were uncovered during routine development work.
Tathparan said the child’s remains were found alongside school bags and toys. Somadeva informed the court that the remains were those of a girl aged between four and five, he added.
Two additional skeletons are also suspected to be those of children, based on similarities in clothing and anatomical features, the lawyer said.
The Chemmani site first attracted international attention in 1998, when a Sri Lankan soldier testified to the existence of mass graves containing hundreds of civilians allegedly killed during the conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government in the mid-1990s.
An initial excavation in 1999 uncovered 15 skeletons, but no further action was taken until the recent findings.
The gravesite is one of dozens unearthed across the country. Thousands of people died or disappeared during the 26-year civil war, which ended in 2009.
The main Tamil political party, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), in a letter to president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, described the Chemmani mass grave as clear evidence of war crimes and “a genocidal campaign against Tamils”.
The excavation work, which was halted last Thursday (10), is scheduled to resume on July 21.
Amnesty International estimates that between 60,000 and 100,000 people have disappeared in Sri Lanka since the late 1980s.
The Tamil community in Sri Lanka claims that nearly 170,000 people were killed in the final stages of the civil war, while United Nations estimates put the figure at around 40,000.
The LTTE was seeking a separate homeland for Tamils.
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Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy continues with his first ever digital concert tour
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
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Aakash Odedra recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
AAKASH ODEDRA has been appointed a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, the organisation has announced.
Born in Birmingham and based in Leicester, Odedra is known for combining classical and contemporary dance to reflect British Asian experiences.
He recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
Odedra founded his company in 2011 and has performed over 300 full-length shows in 40 countries. His new work Songs of the Bulbul, which blends kathak dance with Sufi poetry, will be staged at Sadler’s Wells East from 17 to 19 July 2025.
His previous productions at Sadler’s Wells include Mehek in 2024, a duet with Aditi Mangaldas, and Samsara in 2022, presented with the Bagri Foundation.
Aakash Odedra said: “To become an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells feels like the golden gates of dance heaven have opened. It is, in the truest sense, an honour, and I am deeply humbled.”
Sir Alistair Spalding said: “As Aakash goes from strength to strength both as a performer and as a choreographic artist it is a pleasure to bring him to the family of Sadler’s Wells Associate Artists.”
Rob Jones said: “He is an incredible artist who over the years has grown and developed and we’re looking forward to following him on this journey.”
Odedra joins a group of Associate Artists including Akram Khan, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, and others. The appointments were made by Sir Alistair Spalding and Rob Jones.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”
Fitbit Charge 6 now available for £72 — the lowest price to date
Original retail price: £125
Includes ECG, heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, and a 7-day battery
What is the Fitbit Charge 6 and why is it still relevant?
Launched in 2023 by Google, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains a compelling choice for users wanting a feature-rich fitness tracker without committing to a full-blown smartwatch. While fitness bands have lost some popularity in favour of affordable smartwatches, the Charge 6 retains its appeal thanks to its health tracking capabilities and long battery life.
Where is the best Fitbit Charge 6 deal right now?
The Charge 6 is currently on sale for just £72 — a significant drop from its original price of £125. This new low applies to brand-new, sealed units in the Porcelain/Silver colour option. The deal makes it one of the most affordable advanced fitness trackers currently available.
What features does the Fitbit Charge 6 include?
Despite its compact form, the Charge 6 includes many premium features:
The electrocardiogram (ECG) function to detect irregular heart rhythms
24/7 heart rate tracking with improved accuracy
Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring
Stress tracking and management tools
Sleep analysis and score
Built-in Google Maps and Google Wallet access
Up to 7-day battery life
Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display
These functions are typically reserved for more expensive devices, making the Charge 6 especially attractive at this lower price point.
Will there be a Fitbit Charge 7 soon?
There’s no official word yet from Google on a Charge 7 release. The Charge 6 is now nearly two years old, leading to speculation of a possible update. However, the current model still performs strongly and delivers good value, especially for buyers prioritising health features over apps.
Should you consider buying the Fitbit Charge 6?
If you're after a reliable and easy-to-use fitness tracker, this is one of the best options available under £75. While it lacks the broader app support of devices like the Apple Watch, the Charge 6 excels in essentials: battery life, heart health, and ease of use.
It’s suitable for both Android and iPhone users and is ideal for anyone who wants to monitor their wellbeing without the distraction of a more complex device.
This is a limited-time deal, and availability may vary. Buyers are encouraged to act promptly if interested.