Akshay Oberoi has impressed us with his performances in films like Pizza, Laal Rang, Gurgaon, Kaalakandi, and others. The actor is also making a mark in the digital world and has been a part of web series like The Test Case, Hum Tum And Them, Illegal, and others.
Akshay’s new web series Flesh starts streaming on Eros Now today, and we recently interacted with him about the series, his experience of working with Swara Bhasker, and more.
Here are some snippets from our interaction with the actor…
You play a negative role in Flesh; tell us something about your character…
I feel I have more fun playing negative parts. They are more freak and unpredictable and you can do whatever you want with them; sometimes when you play a good person, a person who fits into the society, there are certain boundaries that you have to work in. In this, Taj can do anything, and he can say anything and that’s how we went about it. There were scenes written, there were dialogues written, but my director Danish Aslam would often just run the camera and let me be. He would tell me what he wants from the scene and let me do what I wanted to do. Trust me I am actually a good person in real life, but I enjoyed every minute of playing the character.
The trailer gives us a hint that your character might be homosexual or bisexual, so are there some shades there in the character?
That’s nice that you picked it up and because you picked it up I would say yes, there is a little bit of that. I would say he (character) is pansexual; he would want to have sex with anything, I think that’s the kind of guy he is. He runs a flesh trade, so he has access to it as well.
In the trailer, your look has also grabbed our attention; the hair colour, and the clothes that you are wearing, so tell us how this look was decided, and did you give your inputs in it?
Danish had a lot in his mind; he kind of knew what the guy looked like. He and I are buddies, he knows me in and out, and he was very particular that this guy should stand out. We worked a lot on the look, at first he didn’t want the beard and I thought the beard would work, so we went back and forth on a lot of things. The white hair was completely his idea; he had a very clear image that the guy has white hair. Actually, I got my ears pierced for Flesh which I have kept ever since I have got that pierced. So, yes we did a lot of look tests, we tried different clothes, and there was a lot that went into the look because if look fails the character fails.
How was your experience of working with Swara Bhasker?
Actually, because this is a cat and mouse, we don’t meet till the very end. But, Swara and I have worked together before in a show called It’s Not That Simple which is a romantic web series that Voot had made. I love working with her, I think the better actor you are working with, the better you are. I always look for good actors to work with. I hope we do our third project together.
The trailer of Flesh reminds of Rani Mukerji starrer Mardaani (2014) and there would be comparisons with the film. What do you have to say about it?
That was a very good film and I enjoyed watching it. I think Tahir (Raj Bhasin, the antagonist of Mardaani) was great and Rani is always great, and it’s always nice to have comparisons with good actors and good films. But, I really don’t have much to say about it. I think when people will watch it they will realise that this is different and I know it as I have seen Mardaani and we have made Flesh, so I know it’s different.
You started with movies and now, we mainly get to see in more web series. So, do you feel that you are getting better offers in the digital world and Bollywood filmmakers were not offering you roles that would tap your talent as an actor?
I think you are right, but I never looked at it like movies vs OTT, I was looking for good roles. The movie business is a much bigger dhanda, there are so many things that happen in it, there’s a distributor, there’s an exhibitor, the costs are high, and the stakes are higher. So, I think in my journey, I didn’t have godfathers, didn’t have all those other elements, so people weren’t making films for me and in my earlier films, while critically I got some decent acclaim, I never had a box office hit. So, at some point when OTT opened up, they were looking for actors that they trusted, they thought they could do a good job, and bigger stars were not willing to come down to OTT, so I just jumped on to that bandwagon. For me the priority was to act, it didn’t matter which medium it was on. I wanted to do a variety of roles like in one year I was able to do Hum Tum And Them, Illegal, Flesh, and there’s one more series coming up where I play a hardcore drug addict. I got to play a cricketer in Inside Edge season 3. My high is from the acting and not from money and stardom. My high is when I come home each day and I feel wow I had fun on set today, and I think OTT offered me that.
What’s the update on KTina with Disha Patani, any plans of starting the shoot again?
I and Disha shot for eight days in Chandigarh for KTina, and then I had another project and she had another project. Then we were supposed to resume at the end of March, but obviously because of COVID-19 that did not happen. Now, I don’t know, I think Ekta ma’am (Kapoor) will be the best to tell us what the future course for that movie is. But the other films that I have shot are Madam Chief Minister with Richa Chadha, so that’s done and I finished the remake of Thiruttu Payale 2 with Vineet Kumar Singh and Urvashi Rautela. We are doing the dubbing of it. I hope we finish KTina because I love that film it’s a romantic chick-flick kind of a movie, I haven’t done anything like that before.
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has raised questions over the future of his vast wealth and who stands to inherit it. Best known in the public eye for his marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Kapur leaves behind a family spread across three marriages — including two children with Kapoor.
Global business, personal fortune
Kapur was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, commonly known as Sona Comstar, a global automotive components firm headquartered in Gurugram, India. He took charge of the company after the death of his father Dr Surinder Kapur in 2015 and steered it to significant success, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company was listed on the Indian stock exchange in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2.95 billion, according to Bloomberg.
At the time of his death on 13 June in London, Kapur's personal net worth was estimated at around £980 million ($1.2 billion), with most of it tied to his stake in the company.
Family and children
Kapur was married three times. His first marriage, to designer Nandita Mahtani, ended in 2000. From 2003 to 2016, he was married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira, now 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple have a six-year-old son, Azarias.
Inheritance and past settlements
There has been no official word from the family or company about the contents of Kapur’s will or the structure of his estate. However, reports suggest that under Indian inheritance law, his current wife Priya Sachdev would manage the estate unless otherwise specified in a will.
According to earlier reports from ANI in 2016, during divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor, Kapur had purchased bonds worth around £1.3 million (₹14 crore) each for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds reportedly generate a monthly income of around £9,400 (₹10 lakh) for each child — a move seen as part of his legacy planning.
As part of the divorce settlement, a family property in Mumbai was also transferred to Karisma Kapoor, who retains full custody of the two children.
Uncertain future
While the details of Kapur’s current estate plan are not public, Indian media reports suggest his sisters may take on management roles within Sona Comstar. The company has said that business operations remain unaffected and pledged to uphold his legacy.
For now, it remains unclear how his estimated £980 million fortune will be distributed among his heirs.
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Aamir Khan addresses love jihad allegations and shares rare details about his family
In the lead-up to his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has addressed a long-standing controversy that has trailed him for years: allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted ‘love jihad’ and disrespected religion. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor finally offered his side of the story, calling the accusations “baseless” and “misinformed”.
“When two people fall in love and decide to marry, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a human connection,” Aamir said, firmly rejecting the label of ‘love jihad’.
‘PK’ wasn’t against religion, it warned against blind faith: Aamir clarifies intent
Back in 2014, PK sparked debate for showing a Hindu woman in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused the film of mocking religious beliefs. Responding to this, Aamir said the film respected all faiths and was never intended to ridicule anyone’s beliefs.
“We respect every religion deeply. PK was about being cautious of those who misuse religion to exploit people. This kind of manipulation exists in all communities,” he explained. He stressed the film’s core message: don’t fall for those who use faith as a tool for fear or financial gain.
Aamir Khan defends PK and calls out misuse of religion to create divisionGetty Images
Aamir also addressed questions about his children’s names. Despite being married to Hindu women Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, his children carry Muslim names like Ira, Junaid, and Azad. “My wives chose the names. There was no pressure from me,” he said, adding with a smile, “Husbands don’t always get their way.”
‘Humanity over headlines’: Aamir gives personal examples to challenge narrative
To further break down the ‘love jihad’ myth, Aamir pointed to his own family. “My sister Nikhat is married to Santosh Hegde, Farhat to Rajeev Dutta, and my daughter Ira to Nupur Shikhare, all Hindu men. Will you call that love jihad too?” he asked.
He urged people to look beyond religion when it comes to relationships, calling love a personal choice that transcends labels. “When two minds connect, it’s above any religion. It’s about humanity,” he said.
Aamir says real love is a human bond not a conspiracy Getty Images
Aamir also addressed criticism for delaying his response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The actor clarified that he isn’t active on social media and said the timing of his statement and the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par was purely coincidental.
Sitaare Zameen Par hits cinemas on 20 June.
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5 moments from the Kantara 2 shoot that shocked fans and halted filming
The shoot of Kantara 2 has been anything but smooth. What was meant to be a spiritual sequel to one of Kannada cinema’s biggest hits has instead been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents, including a drowning, a boat capsizing with Rishab Shetty on board, and even environmental fines. While the production team insists filming is on track, the number of on-set mishaps has left fans concerned and questioning the safety standards behind the camera. Here's a timeline of five serious events that disrupted the shoot.
A minibus ferrying around 20 junior artists back from set rolled over near Jadkal, Karnataka. Initial reports pointed to injuries. Hombale Films quickly countered, insisting it wasn’t their official transport and no one was seriously hurt. Filming pushed ahead almost immediately. The conflicting accounts left questions hanging about crew safety during transit.
A lunch break tragedy (7–8 May 2025)
The shoot took its darkest turn during a break at the Kollur Souparnika River location. Junior artist M.F. Kapil, just 24, went for a swim off-duty. Strong currents swept him away. Hours later, his body was recovered. Production halted. While the makers stressed this happened off-set and was a "personal accident," the death of a young crew member cast a long shadow over the production. A police probe followed.
Off-set losses (May–June 2025)
Within weeks, two more deaths struck, though not directly tied to set conditions. Comedian Rakesh Pujare succumbed to a cardiac arrest in May. Then, in June, mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju collapsed on set with chest pain, dying en route to the hospital. While health-related, each incident highlighted the importance of on-call medical support.
Massive set destruction & environmental fines (Early 2025)
Months before the drownings and boat capsize, the team faced a different kind of blow. A massive, expensive set built for the film was utterly destroyed by fierce, unexpected storms and relentless rain. To compound the problem, the crew later drew flak and fines from forest officials, accused of disrupting habitats and illegally dumping waste during their work.
Boat capsize at Mani Reservoir (16 June 2025)
The most recent jolt came with the boat capsizing incident at the Mani Dam reservoir. While filming a scene, the vessel, overloaded with Shetty and crew, overturned, plunging everyone into the water. Shallow depths prevented fatalities, but equipment was lost, production stopped, and safety protocols came under intense scrutiny. Police are investigating overloading as a likely cause.
Each setback, from overturned vehicles to environmental pushback and sudden fatalities, has tested Kantara 2’s planners and crew. While no further fatalities have occurred since 15 June, production delays and budget increases are almost inevitable. The team now faces the dual task of maintaining its ambitious 2 October 2025 release date while ensuring every member can work without fearing for their safety.
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Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
Chart-topping singer Jay Sean has been announced as the headline performer for this year’s Middlesbrough Mela, and he’s set to bring the party after dark. In a historic first, the 2025 edition of the UK’s longest-running multicultural festival will introduce a Saturday evening concert headlined by the Down hitmaker, marking a major moment in the Mela’s 35-year legacy.
The festival, which takes place on 16 and 17 August at Middlesbrough’s Albert Park, expects over 50,000 visitors across the weekend. But all eyes will be on Saturday night, when the park transforms into a concert-style arena from 6pm onwards, with Jay Sean taking the stage in a ticketed evening slot curated by BBC Asian Network presenters.
Fans are expected to travel nationwide for Jay Sean’s UK exclusive performance
South Asian trailblazer returns to UK stage
Jay Sean, widely regarded as one of the most successful British Asian artists of all time, made history by becoming the first South Asian artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100. His chart dominance in both the UK and US in the late 2000s helped redefine South Asian representation in mainstream pop.
In 2024, he launched his own record label, 3AM Entertainment, under Virgin Music Group to champion emerging South Asian talent. Now, his return to UK stages for this exclusive Middlesbrough Mela performance has created major buzz, with organisers expecting fans to travel from all corners of the country.
The 35th edition of Middlesbrough Mela promises music food and cultural festivities
Festival Director Kash Patel called Jay Sean’s appearance “a game-changer” and said it reflects the energy and cultural pride that the Mela has come to represent. “Jay Sean’s legacy goes beyond music. He’s inspired generations of British Asians. Having him here is a proud moment for Middlesbrough,” he added.
The first wave of discounted tickets, priced at £15 (₹1,600) plus booking fee, is now live exclusively for Tees Valley residents, with general sales to follow. VIP Golden Circle packages, offering perks like fast-track entry, priority viewing, and complimentary food and fairground rides, are also available via the official Middlesbrough Mela website and Skiddle.
Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
The Mela’s free daytime programme remains packed with live music, dance, street food, shopping stalls, a funfair, and activities for all ages. Community members, performers, and local businesses are also invited to get involved through stalls, advertising, or volunteering.
US singer Chris Brown launched the UK leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour in Manchester on Sunday, just days before he is due in court over a grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge. The 36-year-old artist performed at the Co-op Live arena, marking his 20th year in the music industry.
Brown was arrested in Greater Manchester last month in connection with an alleged assault during a previous visit to the UK in 2023. He is accused of attacking a music producer with a tequila bottle at a nightclub in London. The incident is said to have taken place during his last UK tour. Brown has been charged with GBH and is currently on bail.
‘Thank you to the jail’, singer jokes on stage
Addressing fans during Sunday’s performance, Brown joked about his recent time in custody. “Thank you for coming and supporting me,” he said, before adding, “And thank you to the jail. It was really nice.” The comment was met with cheers from the audience, who had earlier watched a montage of Brown’s career highlights — including footage from outside Manchester Crown Court during his arrest.
The video package, which showed both his achievements and controversies, appeared to be a deliberate acknowledgement of his legal troubles. The singer has previously faced legal issues in the United States, but continues to maintain a large fan base internationally.
Bail set at £5 million
Brown was released after agreeing to a £5 million security fee. He had been held in custody for nearly a week before the court granted bail. A security fee serves as a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court, and can be forfeited if bail conditions are breached.
As part of his bail terms, the judge permitted Brown to continue with his scheduled performances. He resumed his tour with a show in Amsterdam before heading to the UK.
Upcoming court appearance in London
Brown is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in London on Friday, 21 June, alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a 38-year-old US artist known as HoodyBaby. Both are facing charges in connection with the alleged nightclub assault.
So far, no plea has been entered by Brown or Akinlolu.
Tour continues across UK stadiums
Following his Manchester shows, Brown will perform in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium on Thursday. After his court hearing on Friday, he is scheduled to appear at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
The tour will continue with stadium shows in Birmingham and Glasgow, followed by two additional arena dates in Manchester. The Breezy Bowl XX tour celebrates two decades of Brown’s career, which began with his debut single Run It! at age 16. On Sunday, he opened the Manchester show with the hit and went on to perform several of his UK top 10 singles, including Turn Up The Music, With You, and Don’t Wake Me Up.
Brown recently won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2025 BET Awards, held in Los Angeles.