AMERICAN actor Kal Penn (left) soaked in the local delights of India while shooting for Guneet Monga’s upcoming film The Ashram, which is a fantasy-thriller set in the mystical world of Himalayan yogis. Penn said that in Bollywood, he would love to work with Amitabh Bachchan and director Zoya Akhtar, but it probably would not happen because his Hindi isn’t great. The Hollywood star also praised Irrfan Khan’s acting abilities, saying he admired his way of using silence on screen.
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Top 10 performances of Pawan Chopra
Eastern Eye
Feb 03, 2025
ACCLAIMED Indian actor Pawan Chopra has built a distinguished career spanning 25 years, delivering memorable performances across films, TV, and streaming platforms.
Known for his versatility and ability to adapt to diverse roles, he has worked alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry.
Eastern Eye invited the talented actor to select his 10 most memorable projects. Before making the selection, he said: “During my career, I’ve had the privilege of being part of beautiful projects across diverse mediums, from drama serials to films. This included the TV show Crime Patrol, which allowed me to explore various roles in realistic stories and helped refine my skills as an actor. Here are 10 other projects that not only enhanced my career but also kept me moving forward and constantly learning.”
Rajdhani: Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and produced by Bobby Bedi, this was my first major project. Neha Dhupia starred opposite me, and the TV show was based on the infamous Sanjeev Nanda case, touching on Delhi politics. It was my first experience in front of the camera and taught me how to build a character. This significant milestone marked the beginning of my journey as an actor.
Chopra in Freedom at Midnight
Kaahin Kissii Roz: This popular Balaji production revolved around a man navigating office life and his failed marriage prospects. I worked on the show for six months, and wherever I went, people would ask me, “Shaadi kab hogi?” (When are you getting married?). It gave me my first taste of fame and helped me understand the impact of being recognised and appreciated by audiences. I have many fond memories from that time.
Dil Dhadakne Do: In Zoya Akhtar’s ensemble film, I played Anil Kapoor’s brother. Despite the star-studded cast, Zoya’s confidence in casting me was a career-defining moment. This project elevated me to a new level, proving that working with accomplished directors and performers is always an enriching experience.
Airlift: Directed by Raja Menon, produced by Nikhil Advani and starring Akshay Kumar, this film gave me a small but impactful role. Even with just one scene, the experience was transformative. It taught me the importance of delivering a powerful performance within a limited screen time. I include it in my list as a reminder that any actor can make a lasting impact, even with just one scene.
The Family Man; and Saand Ki Aankh
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety: This romantic comedy, directed by Luv Ranjan, was a surprise superhit. Made on a modest budget of around `250 million (£2.3m), it grossed over `1.5 billion (£13.8m) at the box office. Being part of such a successful film was immensely satisfying. Collaborating with fellow cast members Sunny Singh, Nushrat Bharucha, and Kartik Aaryan on this entertainer with immense repeat value was truly memorable.
Saand Ki Aankh: Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, this film, based on the real-life story of two elderly sharpshooters, featured me as a 60-yearold farmer alongside Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar. The role required me to learn Haryanvi and fully embrace a rural character, which was both challenging and rewarding. I also had to transform myself to convincingly portray someone older than me.
Shershaah: The story of Captain Vikram Batra, portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra, featured me in the role of his father. Released on Amazon Prime during the Covid-19 pandemic, the film became a massive success, with its songs striking a deep chord with audiences. I am proud to have been part of this national honour-winning project, which was thought-provoking, emotional, inspiring, and entertaining. The Family Man: Created by directors Raj and DK, this web series gave me the role of Sharma, alongside lead star Manoj Bajpayee. It was an enriching experience, and the show’s success has been phenomenal. We are now working on season three, and I’m thrilled to continue this journey with what has become a globally successful show.
Asur: Directed by Oni Sen and headlined by Arshad Warsi, I portrayed Shashank, a team head, in this intelligent and gripping show. Both seasons of this psychological crime thriller gained unexpected popularity, earning a dedicated fan base and receiving widespread critical acclaim.
Freedom at Midnight: My latest project, directed by Nikhil Advani, features me as Maulana Azad. This period show, centred on India’s journey to independence, allowed me to delve into a historically significant character with creative freedom. It has been a fantastic experience, and I’m immensely proud of it. Like many other projects, including those not mentioned in this list, it has contributed uniquely to my journey. I deeply value the growth and experiences each role has brought me.
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Lamar won all five categories he was nominated in, including Record and Song of the Year. (Photo: Getty Images)
Beyonce wins Album of the Year as Lamar takes five Grammys
Feb 03, 2025
BEYONCE won the Grammy for Album of the Year on Sunday for Cowboy Carter, making her the most nominated and most awarded artist in the show’s history. The win also makes her the first Black woman to take the top prize this century.
Kendrick Lamar dominated the night with five wins, including Record and Song of the Year for Not Like Us. The event, held at Crypto.com Arena, was also a tribute to Los Angeles, which has faced severe wildfires.
Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, and Sabrina Carpenter were among the night's big winners. Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish did not win any awards.
Beyonce, accepting her award, said, “I just feel very full and very honoured.” She dedicated the win to Linda Martell, a pioneering Black country musician featured on the album. “I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors,” she added.
She won three Grammys in total, including Best Country Album and a collaboration with Miley Cyrus. “I really was not expecting this,” she said, adding, “Sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists.”
‘Visions’ by Norah Jones won the Grammy award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Pakistani-American singer and composer Arooj Aftab's Night Reign missed out on the Grammy award for Best Alternative Jazz Album to No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin by Meshell Ndegeocello.
Lamar and Roan lead the night
Lamar won all five categories he was nominated in, including Record and Song of the Year. His diss track Not Like Us became a major hit and a West Coast rap anthem.
“Nothing more powerful than rap music,” Lamar said while accepting Song of the Year. “We are the culture.”
Chappell Roan won Best New Artist, capping a breakthrough year. In her speech, she spoke about the struggles of being dropped by a label and called for better support for artists. “Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees,” she said.
Doechii won Best Rap Album, becoming only the third woman to do so. “Anything is possible,” she said in her speech, addressing Black women and girls. “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you.”
Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Vocal Album and performed her hits Espresso and Please Please Please. Shakira won Best Latin Pop Album before delivering a performance, and Charli XCX took home three awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album.
Tribute to Los Angeles
The ceremony included tributes to Los Angeles, with host Trevor Noah announcing that at least $7 million was raised for wildfire relief.
Firefighters presented Beyonce with her award, while students affected by the fires performed We Are The World with Stevie Wonder in tribute to Quincy Jones.
The show opened with a performance of I Love LA by a group including Sheryl Crow and John Legend, while Billie Eilish performed Birds of a Feather wearing an LA Dodgers cap.
“I love you, LA,” Eilish said to cheers.
Key winners:
- Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter - Beyonce
- Record of the Year: Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
- Song of the Year: Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
- Best Rap Album: Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
- Best Country Album: Cowboy Carter - Beyonce
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n' Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter
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Manasvi Vashist: Bringing the right TV Beats
Eastern Eye
Feb 03, 2025
TALENTED TV star Manasvi Vashist has won over audiences with his memorable performances in popular drama serials like Imlie and Ishq Mein Marjawan 2.
In 2024, he joined the cast of the hit series Campus Beats, now in its fourth season and a fan favourite. With over a million Instagram followers, the Indian actor is excited about taking on more challenges in the future.
Eastern Eye caught up with him to discuss his acting journey, latest show, Campus Beats, and major aspirations for the future.
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
It’s been a rollercoaster of growth, learning, and unexpected surprises. Each role has taught me something new about myself. I feel grateful to be doing what I love every day and look forward to continuing this magical journey.
What was the experience of working on Imlie like?
Imlie was an incredible experience. The show had such emotional depth, and the team felt like family. I learned so much about balancing intense storytelling with subtle performances. It’s definitely a project that holds a special place in my heart.
How did you feel joining a successful franchise like Campus Beats?
Joining Campus Beats was both exciting and intimidating. The show already had a huge fan base, and stepping into that world came with big expectations. It pushed me to bring my A-game.
What can we expect from season four of the show?
Season four is packed with twists, drama, and, most importantly, a lot of heart.
How does this character compare to others you have played?
This character has more layers than most I’ve portrayed. There’s a vulnerability paired with a fierce determination that makes him so intriguing. It’s been a rewarding challenge to bring that balance to life, and I’ve really enjoyed playing this role.
What is the biggest challenge of playing this character?
The biggest challenge has been tapping into the emotional depth while keeping it authentic. This character has been through a lot, and portraying that pain without overdoing it has been a delicate process.
What is the plan going forward, and do you have a dream role?
The plan is to keep doing good work, evolving as an actor, and taking on roles that push me out of my comfort zone. I want to grow as a performer and challenge myself. My dream role would be something transformative, like a historical figure or a character with a complex psychological journey.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
I love stories that make me think or feel deeply. Thrillers, emotional dramas, and slice-oflife content are my goto choices.
What are your big passions away from work?
I’m really passionate about travel and discovering new cultures. I also love cooking – it’s very therapeutic for me.
Why should we tune into Campus Beats?
Campus Beats isn’t just a show; it’s an experience. That’s why it’s been so successful. It’s got everything – dance, drama, music, friendships, and some serious life lessons.
What inspires you?
People who stay true to themselves, no matter what, really inspire me.
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George Singh: Celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca and its global rise
ASJAD NAZIR
Feb 02, 2025
CHUTNEY soca music is a beautiful blend of African, Caribbean, and Indian beats. It has helped define the south Asian diaspora across the Caribbean and is loved by millions around the world.
The brightest shining light of this popular music genre has been the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, which has taken place annually in Trinidad & Tobago for three decades.
Founder George Singh has powered chutney music to great heights since founding the competition in the 1990s and is now looking forward to the 30thanniversary show on March 1.
As every year, top names from chutney music will headline a grand show where they compete for the coveted title and a substantial cash prize.
Eastern Eye caught up with the Trinidad-based business entrepreneur, event producer, and chutney music expert to discuss the genre. He also spoke about his annual competition and hopes for this fast-growing fusion genre, described as a “sleeping giant” of commercial music.
What first connected you to chutney soca?
My first experience with chutney soca music was back in 1995 when I was invited to attend a show in the village of Penal. I was totally blown away by the energy and vibe of this infectious music. The 3,000 people at the event were just having a blast. Having an event background, it piqued my interest, as I felt this was something very different that the entire country needed to experience.
What specifically inspired you to set up the Chutney Soca Monarch competition?
Back in 1995, when I started planning the first event, carnival competitions in Trinidad & Tobago were very popular. However, there was no competition covering Indo-Caribbean music. I felt that carnival time in Trinidad was the perfect platform for this music. The music had a carnival feel to it and catered to a different side of the market. I just had a feeling deep inside that this would take off in a carnival environment.
What was the initial reaction when you proposed the idea of doing an annual competition?
(Laughs) Many thought it had no place in a carnival and that it would fail, but I was positive it would be successful. Today, the genre’s popularity and the phenomenal growth of the industry have been largely due to the introduction of the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) in 1996.
Tell us about the popularity of chutney music.
Since 1996, the music has grown in popularity and reaches millions across the globe. It is very popular among the Caribbean diaspora and in places with large Caribbean communities like Miami, New York, London, and Toronto. Its strongest followings are in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. My hope is to extend its reach to all countries, just as other popular music genres have done.
Singh with 2024 winner Rick Ramoutar
What has been your most memorable moment with the event?
One of the most memorable years was 2012 when we were able to offer a first prize of $2,000,000 TTD (approximately £200,000). This was a very special year for us and marked a significant milestone in the competition’s history.
How important has your platform been for new and established talent?
The CSM platform has become the most important stage for breaking new talent. It provides an opportunity for artists to get their music seen and heard by a much larger audience in a short time.
Who have been some past memorable winners?
All the winners are memorable because the standard is so high every year. Rikki Jai has won the show nine times, while Rooplal Girdharie has won seven times. The competition has opened doors for almost every winner, taking them to stages across the globe. Ravi B, one of the most popular winners, has excelled and represents the genre internationally.
Tell us more about the 30th-anniversary event.
This year is going to be very special, with plans to make it one of the biggest productions ever. The Chutney Soca Monarch has become a staple of the carnival season and is now considered a national event with a substantial international fan base.
How proud are you that it has been going for 30 years?
I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last 30 years. We have taken what was once considered “village music” and brought it to an international stage. It has created mega opportunities for artists and spawned an industry that includes bands, music producers, dancers, and even prop builders. It has also provided employment for thousands of people annually.
What makes chutney soca so special?
Trinidad & Tobago’s population is made up of 47 per cent African and 47 per cent Indian. This is the only event that fuses music from both Afro and Indo elements, making it uniquely special.
Rick Ramoutar
Would you agree that globally chutney music needs more recognition?
Most definitely! That’s why it’s often described as the “sleeping giant” of world commercial music. We need to find more avenues to increase its global visibility, and this is slowly happening.
Tell us something interesting about the genre not many people know.
Chutney music originated in the 1940s as a fusion genre created by Indo-Caribbean people in the West Indies. Its roots trace back to Bhojpuri folk songs, brought to the region by indentured labourers from India after the abolition of slavery to work on sugar plantations.
What are your hopes and plans for the genre?
I believe that chutney music shares similarities with popular genres like Indi-pop, Afro-beats, and Latin fusion. It combines unique elements to create an infectious and enjoyable sound. With the right support, I believe chutney music can break onto the international scene.
What inspires you?
When I look back at what we have achieved over the last 30 years in bringing this music to the forefront, I am inspired to continue this work. My goal is to break chutney music onto the international stage within the next five years. I believe it’s very possible.
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King Charles to appear in Amazon documentary on environmental causes
Feb 01, 2025
King Charles is set to appear in a new documentary produced by Amazon Prime Video, focusing on his lifelong dedication to environmental causes and sustainable living. Filming has already begun at Dumfries House in Scotland, a location closely tied to his charity work. The documentary will explore the themes of his 2010 book, Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World, which advocates for a deeper connection between humanity and nature.
The project marks a shift for the Royal Family, which has traditionally partnered with British broadcasters like the BBC and ITV for major productions. However, Charles’s decision to collaborate with Amazon reflects a modern approach to reaching global audiences. This move follows in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have a multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, Amazon’s rival streaming platform.
The documentary aims to showcase Charles’s philosophy of harmony, emphasising the interconnectedness of all living things and the need for sustainable practises. A source close to Buckingham Palace described the film as an opportunity to “show, not tell” how these ideas can transform communities and the planet. Dumfries House, often referred to as a “living laboratory,” will serve as a major backdrop, focusing on the practical applications of Charles’s vision.
Charles has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues for decades, both as Prince of Wales and now as King. Despite the monarchy’s requirement to remain politically neutral, he has continued to champion climate action. In December 2023, he addressed the COP28 summit in Dubai, warning that humanity’s survival depends on restoring balance with nature.
King Charles shares his vision for a harmonious future in upcoming Amazon documentaryGetty Images
The documentary, expected to release by late 2025 or early 2026, will provide a close look at Charles’s work and beliefs. It will also highlight the impact of his charity, The King’s Foundation, which promotes sustainable living and community building. As the Royal Family embraces new media platforms, this film represents a fresh effort to share Charles’s message of harmony and environmental stewardship with a global audience.
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