AFTER a string of hit records, including platinum record sales in India and millions of views on YouTube, singer Ananya Birla seems unstoppable.
In addition to her successful singing career, Birla has several entrepreneurial and philanthropy projects under her belt and has been referred to as one of the top 50 power women in the world.
And she is only 23 years old.
However, the Indian musician said she is still getting used to the positive reaction to her music.
“I don’t think I had any expectations – it was quite unexpected,” Birla told Eastern Eye in
London. “I got into [music] because I loved it so much. I didn’t really think of the results as such. It’s so amazing to see so many people have reacted with so much love.”
Birla learned the santoor when she was nine years and taught herself the guitar and piano with YouTube tutorials when she was a teenager.
Her debut Livin The Life was released in 2016 and launched Birla straight into the spotlight. Today, her second single Meant To Be has hit platinum record sales in India, and she has become the first Indian artist with an English single to do so.
Her combined views on YouTube total more than 20 million.
With such a massive fan base in India, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Birla venture into Bollywood, but she insists it isn’t an area of the industry she is interested in.
“People have asked me, but it isn’t what lies in my heart,” she said. “I don’t believe in doing anything you’re not passionate about. You need to put in the hours and you can’t do
that if you’re not passionate.
“Music is my thing and that’s what I want to stick to.”
Birla has become something of a role model for young girls – she regularly receives thank you messages from fans who appreciate her positive messages of self-love and embracing imperfections – but she said it was a “shock” when she heard of her role model status.
“It’s a very big term, but I do realise and acknowledge it and I feel very blessed to be in this position,” she said. “There’s the pressure to do the right thing because there
are people looking up to you. The best role model is someone who are themselves, who are authentic and show their real personality. We all are imperfect, but when we start covering those [flaws up], I personally think I will start becoming a bad role model.”
Birla’s family is well regarded in India. Her father, Kumar Mangalam Birla, is an Indian industrialist and the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate. He
is regularly listed as the 10th richest man in India.
Despite her successful career, London-based Birla misses her family and emphasised how much she treasures the time she gets to spend with them.
“I just miss family time. It’s such a warm feeling being home with everyone, but I cherish it more now, so when I go back even for five days, I make sure that I’m with them a lot,” she said.
Although she cites music as her “passion”. the Mumbai-born star has launched several philanthropy projects which are close to her heart.
At the age of 17, she set up Swatantra, a scheme to help empower rural women. However, the entrepreneur said her young age was sometimes a challenge to convince others of her credibility.
Business and music may seem like two different worlds, but Birla feels they “cross-pollinate” despite their seemingly diverse directions.
“There’s so many creative ways you can launch your music, such as interesting marketing campaigns, and that is something I’ve learnt from my business background,” she explained. “I realised how important analytic really are to understand your audience and that goes in the business space.
“My business mind helps with lots of things – to the point where you can go to a city and tailor-make your concert, so you can go right to the audience that loves your music the most.”
Since her first business venture, she has also helped to launch Mpower, an initiative that aims to dispel the stigma of mental illness in India.
A recent report claimed India has the highest suicide rates in the world for people aged 14-24, which is a major motivation for Birla.
“There’s a lot of work to do,” she said. “The first thing is everyone needs to accept that mental illness is real and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
The singer explained the stigma means that people are reluctant to discuss mental illness with close friends and family. The issue is exacerbated, Birla said, as you can’t physically see the illness which makes it less likely to be acknowledged.
“People fall in love and believe it, even though its invisible, so why can’t people believe in mental illness when you can actually see the person suffering? That’s what I say when I talk to young people in India,” she said.
Ananya Birla’s latest single Hold On is set to be released on Friday (2).
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
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Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.
The couple, who have been engaged since 2023, arrived earlier this week and are hosting a welcome event ahead of their expected Friday wedding ceremony. The celebrations are reportedly set across Venice’s most luxurious venues, with the final reception on Saturday.
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave the Aman Hotel in Venice ahead of their wedding Getty Images
Celebrities, billionaires, royals: a who’s who of wedding guests
Familiar faces are pouring into Venice. Kim Kardashian made a headline-grabbing entrance at Marco Polo Airport, followed by sisters Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner, along with matriarch Kris Jenner. Oprah Winfrey, joined by Gayle King, arrived in a summery outfit and was spotted greeting fans as she left her hotel. Leonardo DiCaprio tried to go unnoticed in a baseball cap but was quickly recognised by photographers.
Kardashians seen boarding a boat ahead of the evening celebrations in VeniceGetty Images
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tom Brady, Karlie Kloss, Orlando Bloom, and even royalty like Queen Rania of Jordan were seen making their way to the festivities. Guests are staying in top-tier hotels like the Gritti Palace and Aman, where rooms overlook the Grand Canal.
Oprah Winfrey wave to fans while heading to the welcome event Getty Images
Venice residents push back against the mega-event
While the city is buzzing with glamour, not everyone is celebrating. Local activists have criticised the event for highlighting the growing gap between Venice’s global appeal and its local struggles. A protester scaled a flagpole in St Mark’s Square, unveiling a banner reading, “The 1 per cent ruins the world,” targeting the excessive nature of the celebration.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gesture in direction of Bezos' lookalike from the taxi boatGetty Images
The wedding, estimated to cost between £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore), may not dent Bezos’s £182 billion (₹18.1 lakh crore) fortune, but it has sparked debates about overtourism and inequality in one of Europe’s most fragile heritage cities.
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Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of F1 at Times Square in New York
Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz home in LA was broken into late Wednesday night.
Three intruders reportedly entered through a window and ransacked the property.
Pitt was in London for the F1 film premiere alongside Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.
LAPD confirmed a burglary but has not disclosed what was stolen.
Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was burgled late Wednesday night while the actor was overseas promoting his new film F1. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, three individuals broke into the residence located in the Los Feliz area around 10:30 pm by entering through a front window.
Brad Pitt at the F1 premiere in London before the burglary was reported Getty Images
Brad Pitt’s LA home targeted in late-night break-in
The LAPD described the scene as having been “ransacked,” though they have not revealed the nature or value of the stolen items. Pitt was not home during the incident, as he was attending the London premiere of F1, accompanied by co-star Tom Cruise and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton.
The property, which Pitt purchased in 2023 for a reported £4.3 million (₹45.6 crore), is a three-bedroom house tucked near Griffith Park, surrounded by thick foliage and fencing for privacy. Though authorities initially withheld the homeowner’s name, the address matches records linked to the Oscar-winning actor.
Brad Pitt walks in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand PrixGetty Images
LAPD investigates celebrity burglary as theft details remain unclear
While police are continuing their investigation, no arrests have been made yet. Officials have yet to confirm exactly what was taken during the burglary or the estimated worth of the stolen items. Pitt’s representatives have not issued any statement on the matter so far.
This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile burglaries in the area. Over recent months, other celebrity homes, including those of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, have been targeted in similar break-ins.
Brad Pitt attends the "Wolfs" red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival Getty Images
Incident follows stalking case at Jennifer Aniston’s home
The break-in at Pitt’s residence comes weeks after a man was arrested for driving his car into the front gate of Jennifer Aniston’s Bel-Air home. The intruder, charged with stalking and vandalism, breached her property while she was present. Fortunately, no harm was reported, and her security team quickly intervened.
As the LAPD looks into the latest break-in, concerns about the safety of celebrity homes in Los Angeles continue to rise. Pitt, meanwhile, remains focused on promoting F1, which released globally this week.