WHY IN-DEMAND ACTOR ARJUN KAPOOR WELCOMES HIS CHALLENGING ROLES.
IN-DEMAND actor Arjun Kapoor is doing back-to-back projects without a break, but
that doesn’t tire him out.
Someone clearly in love with the craft of acting and movie making, the hard-working star is
testing himself in diverse roles including this week’s big Bollywood release Namastey England.
The romantic comedy is producer-director Vipul Shah’s follow up to his hit 2007 film Namastey London, and has another take on a culturally-opposite couple falling for one another.
The film stars Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles and has been shot at
interesting locations including London.
It was in the middle of the UK schedule that Eastern Eye caught up with Arjun to talk about
the movie, his busy schedule and future plans.
You are taking on a lot of diverse projects, how are you selecting them?
It looks like I am taking on a lot, but I finished Dibakar Banerjee’s film (Sandeep Aur Pinky
Faraar) last year around November/December, but it’s not released yet.
My upcoming movie Namaste England will be released by the time the interview comes
out. India’s Most Wanted is a one-schedule film and then Panipat will take six to eight
months. So actually, it’s been planned in such a way that, I am finishing one film at a time and then moving ahead with another.
You are meticulously planning things.
I am planning my year because I know Panipat will be the equivalent of two films being
shot in terms of time I need to give to it. So I thought it’s better to get as many films done as possible before I start with Panipat. Actually, there was no plan, Asjad. Namaste England came to me when my other film Mubarakan was being released.
What about your next two films, Most Wantedand Panipat?
I’d been wanting to work with (Most Wanted’s director) Raj Kumar Gupta for a while and really liked what he narrated, and it fits into both our time schedules. So we went ahead. Ashutosh (Gowarikar) sir’s film (Panipat) was going to happen at the end of the year so I had a window of opportunity. So sometimes when you don’t plan, too many good things happen. I guess that has been the case. It has not been a conscious choice and touchwood, has fallen in that order.
You must be happy that you have been getting such varied projects and that is a compliment to you?
That is something which I’ve worked towards. If you see the trajectory I have followed, whether it is doing an Aurangzeb, Ishaqzaade, Gunday, or a Two States, Ki & Ka and Half Girlfriend, I have tried to do varied genres - action, comedy, family-friendly and romantic films. I have done a Finding Fanny in between. Add in a Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar and now Namaste England, so it has been consciously done to make sure the audience doesn’t get bored of me. Also, directors can see me in different lights rather than just seeing me as a one-dimensional actor. Like you said, the films I am doing right now speak in that capacity, and in a way that makes it apparent that directors are willing to take a chance with me in various roles. I feel happy about that and want to fulfil what they expect of me.
How did you feel like jumping into an existing franchise with Namaste England?
You know, honestly, the way that Vipul sir has imagined, narrated and gone about it, I did not feel the pressure and he never let me feel it because it is an independent film, which deals with the same germ of an idea, but it’s a whole new story. They say with time things change, the more they change, the more they stay the same, so from Namastey London to Namastey England, Indians and the world have evolved. Yet, so many problems and situations remain the same. Namastey England just appealed to me on that basis. I looked at it like a franchise that so much has changed and so much hasn’t.
You go beyond the first one in terms of romance with this.
I found it invigorating that, in modern India you still have certain things that; without delving too much into the story, it’s more about romance and is not always about holding on. It is sometimes about letting go and not always about fighting; it’s about being understanding; it’s not always about passion; it’s also about the flow. It was exciting for me to do a film with Parineeti where the romance wasn’t typical.
What do you mean?
When you see the film you will see our chemistry is not defined by the norms of typical Hindi film romance, but it’s a couple who’s so comfortable with each other that you want them to be together. That is what I liked in the movie.
What more can you tell us about the story?
This story is very different from the first one and the biggest difference is that they get married. I loved the fact that most love stories end with a marriage, but this one begins with a couple who’s married. When I heard the story, I assumed they get married and live happily ever after, but this one sort of deals with there is not always a happily ever
after.
How is director Vipul Shah compared to others you have worked with?
When you see Namaste England you will realise he has not shot it like a romantic film, but like a proper commercial entertainer. It’s like an action film almost in its visualisation because we have amazing locations, scale, songs and dance. We have not left any stone unturned for the film, which is exactly or maybe more than what people would expect
from a franchise.
Does that put pressure on you as an actor when so much is spent on a movie?
No, I embrace it. I like it. Today the way content is developing and how much people are paying for tickets, you have to give some value for their money. Otherwise, I can watch a
film on Netflix, Amazon or wait for others to tell me the story. What makes a movie exciting is that when you see a trailer and think ‘wow, I have to see this on the big screen’. So how do you make it cinematic, how do you make it a big screen experience?
How do you do that?
It is by projecting the film larger than life in certain spaces. The emotion should be grounded, but the world should still feel a bit surreal. That is what makes it a big Hindi film. We have always embraced that for years, but there was a phase in between where we all started going too real. I think that took away the theatre-going experience. So I am happy that Namaste England is a proper cinematic film. You have to go to the cinemas to properly enjoy it - just buy a ticket and sit down with your family, a drink and popcorn. Namaste England will make you smile, laugh and cry. You will feel moved.
You have shot all over the world, but what was your favourite location?
It’s the first time that I’ve shot a movie in Amritsar and was really happy shooting there. I felt so calm when I went to the Golden Temple. The khara (steel bangle) that I’m wearing in the film, I got it from the temple and haven’t removed it since. I am not very religious, but I am spiritual in a way where I connect with things and the energy levels. I think Amritsar was unique. We shot in Patiala, Belgium, Paris and here in London.
What was the London schedule like?
I have done Mubarakan in London and loved it because of the winter as it suited our film. But shooting this time in the summer, I’ve truly fallen in love with London. So I’d say Amritsar and London have been my favourites.
How is the music in the film?
Vipul sir made me listen to three songs the day we had the first narration and I told him they were outstanding. He said, “I’ve been working on the music for the past year”. That shows how long he’s been involved in making sure the film comes together in a certain dynamic.
He’s not going through the motions because he has signed Parineeti and me. He had his music, locations, the world, visuals, palette, emotions and everything so clear. There are seven songs in the film.
Do you have a favourite song in the film?
I personally love the song that is the introduction of Parineeti and I. It’s a romantic dance
number. Mannan (Shah) has done a fantastic job with the music and Badhshah has done
an outstanding dance number, which we shot at a club in England.
When will you settle down and get married?
(Laughs). I still have time. I will be 33 when this interview comes out. I think somewhere I still think I am young and not ready to settle down yet. (Laughs). I am quoting my film when I say that. When I meet the right person, I will and won’t shy away from it.
I think we have had enough weddings in my family to last a couple of years. You might hear my name and wedding bells ringing in the next couple of years, but not right now.
There’s no question who ruled the night at the 2025 BET Awards. Kendrick Lamar walked away with five trophies, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, paid tribute to Black excellence in music, acting, and sports, and Kendrick made sure his voice and message were front and centre.
Kendrick Lamar accepts Best Album for GNX at the BET Awards in Los AngelesGetty Images
Lamar, Doechii, and a moment that mattered
The GNX rapper also won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and shared the Video Director of the Year award with Dave Free. Accepting his award, Lamar reflected on his long-standing relationship with BET, saying, “They’ve always kept the culture at the core and put me in the middle of it.”
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Rising rapper Doechii also made headlines, not just for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but for calling out former US President Donald Trump. In a fiery speech, she criticised the use of military force to break up protests in LA following ICE raids in Latino communities. “Every time we stand up for our rights, the military is sent in. What kind of leadership is that?” she asked the crowd.
A night of icons and throwbacks
The night wasn’t just about current stars. The BET Ultimate Icon Award honoured Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and gospel star Kirk Franklin for their decades of influence in music, entertainment, and community action. Stevie Wonder presented Foxx’s award as he opened up about his recovery from a 2023 stroke. “When I saw the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, I thought that could’ve been me,” he said.
Mariah Carey celebrates her Ultimate Icon Award with a rare live performanceGetty Images
Mariah Carey, presented her award by Busta Rhymes, lit up the stage with a brief but heartfelt speech. “If you're going to win one of these, it might as well be the Ultimate Icon,” she joked, hinting at the ups and downs of her legendary career.
With Lamar and SZA heading back on tour and voices like Doechii’s rising louder, the 2025 BET Awards proved it is a stage for change.
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Harris Dickinson debuts as Rhode’s first male model in new Glazing Mist campaign
Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s rapidly growing skincare label, has chosen Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson as the face of its new product, the Glazing Mist. Known for his understated performances and growing fashion presence, Dickinson is the first male model to front a campaign for the brand. The new mist, priced at £24 (₹2,520), goes live on 24 June exclusively at rhodeskin.com.
A surprising choice that feels just right
The campaign, shot in stark black-and-white, features close-up visuals of Dickinson misting his face with the Glazing Mist, designed to refresh skin and deliver a natural glow. With ingredients like ectoin, ceramides, and magnolia extract, the formula offers both hydration and barrier support. It has also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Hailey Bieber explained her choice simply: she watched Babygirl, loved Dickinson’s performance, and sensed he could bring the kind of quiet edge she wanted. “I didn’t want it to feel too ‘on-the-nose’ with the film,” she said. “It had to be chic and sporty.” The internet, however, couldn’t resist the connection to Dickinson’s now-infamous milk scene in the film, and fans were quick to point out how the dewy mist echoed that very vibe.
Rhode expands, without changing its DNA
Since its 2022 launch, Rhode has stood out for sleek, limited product drops and a focused digital presence. Its recent £790 million (₹82,950 crore) acquisition by e.l.f. Beauty has only amplified interest in where the brand goes next. While introducing a male face might suggest a shift, Bieber was clear: this isn’t about launching a men’s line but widening the brand’s appeal. “I want everyone to see themselves in Rhode,” she said.
Dickinson’s inclusion reflects a subtle repositioning. Best known for roles in Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and now Babygirl, he has also been a regular in fashion, working with Dior and Loewe.
With this campaign, Rhode continues to evolve clearly, without losing the minimalist identity that made it stand out in the first place.
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HBO’s Harry Potter reboot slammed for casting Italian actress as Indian character Parvati Patil
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot is already under fire, this time for casting Italian actress Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, a character rooted in Indian culture. The announcement has triggered widespread backlash from fans who accuse the makers of side-lining authentic South Asian representation in favour of what many see as surface-level diversity.
Parvati, originally portrayed by Shefali Chowdhury in the films, is one of the few explicitly Indian characters in the Harry Potter universe. The decision to cast someone with no clear Indian heritage has led to heated discussions across platforms like Reddit and X, with fans calling out what they perceive as performative inclusivity.
Fans question why Indian talent was overlooked again
Many online comments have shared similar frustrations: that casting a brown-skinned actor is not the same as casting someone of Indian origin. “They just picked someone who looks brown and called it a day,” one Redditor commented. Another added, “Parvati is not just a name, it’s a direct reference to Hindu culture. It deserved more thought.”
This is not the first controversy to hit the reboot. Earlier announcements like casting Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Arabella Stanton as Hermione also drew criticism from those who felt the series was playing fast and loose with established character identities. Supporters of accurate representation argue that while the intent may be diversity, the execution often feels tokenistic.
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Adding fuel to the fire is the casting history of the original films, where British-Bangladeshi actors Shefali Chowdhury and Afshan Azad played the Patil twins after being discovered through grassroots-level auditions. That sense of grounded authenticity, fans argue, is missing in the current reboot.
HBO's broader casting choices also under scrutiny
Alongside Leoni, HBO announced several other cast members: Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as the Dursleys, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.
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The series, hoped to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, is scheduled to premiere in 2026. But with these early casting calls, many longtime fans feel HBO is missing the mark on cultural nuance—and all this before a single spell has been cast on screen.
ChatGPT has experienced a significant outage, with OpenAI confirming widespread service disruptions affecting users. The chatbot, known for generating human-like responses and assisting with various queries, has grown rapidly since its launch in November 2022, becoming a widely used AI tool with approximately 500 million users globally.
The issue was first investigated at 7:36 am on Tuesday, with OpenAI later acknowledging the problem on its website at 11:30 am, stating: "Some users are experiencing elevated error rates and latency across the listed services. We are continuing to investigate this issue."
OpenAI addresses technical failure
Two hours after its initial statement, OpenAI reported that the root cause of the outage had been identified and that work was underway to implement a fix.
During the disruption, users encountered various error messages, including "Hmmm... something seems to have gone wrong," while others saw notifications stating "A network error occurred. Please check your connection and try again."
Many users also complained of longer response times, making interactions with the chatbot frustrating.
A growing AI powerhouse
OpenAI, currently valued at $300 billion, is among the world’s most valuable private companies. The firm reported in February 2025 that it had more than 400 million weekly active users, including 10 million paying subscribers on ChatGPT Plus.
Recently, OpenAI launched GPT-4o, an AI image-generation feature, which became available to free-tier users.
AI’s increasing role in society
The rise of AI has sparked ongoing debates about its impact on society. While some argue that it enhances efficiency by reducing time-consuming tasks, others worry that it could replace jobs and profit from human creativity.
There has also been concern over AI use in education, with reports of students using platforms like ChatGPT to assist with school and university work, raising academic integrity issues.
Preparing for an AI-driven future
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced new educational initiatives aimed at equipping secondary school students with AI-related skills to help them secure jobs in the evolving digital economy.
According to research by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), AI is projected to play a role in the jobs of around 10 million workers by 2035.
OpenAI continues to monitor the situation as it works on restoring ChatGPT's services for its global user base.
The tense deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s New York sex crimes retrial have descended into open conflict. Jurors are reportedly attacking each other, pressuring hold-outs, and improperly considering the disgraced movie mogul’s notorious past, information explicitly banned from their discussions. This internal strife forced the jury foreperson to urgently alert the judge on Monday morning about a “situation which isn’t very good”, casting serious doubt on their ability to reach a fair verdict.
Infighting and forbidden arguments taint deliberations
According to a court transcript, the foreperson painted a grim picture for Judge Curtis Farber. Jurors are “not on the same page”, with some actively “attacking” others in a bid to change minds. Crucially, they are “pushing people” by bringing up Weinstein’s public history, details not presented as evidence during this specific trial.
As per reports, Jurors are in a heated debate during Weinstein retrial deliberationsGetty Images
This is similar to the earlier “playground stuff” reported last week, where one young juror felt unfairly “shunned” and questioned the fairness of the process, though the judge kept him on the panel. The jury itself signalled deep divisions, requesting a reread of “reasonable doubt” rules and guidance on “avoiding a hung jury”.
Mistrial denied, but jury reminded “Stick to the evidence”
Weinstein’s lawyers, citing a “tainted” and “runaway jury”, immediately seized on the turmoil to demand a mistrial. Defence attorney Arthur Aidala argued jurors were “ganging up” and considering “things that were not brought into this trial”. Prosecutors countered that some past context was legally permissible. Judge Farber denied the mistrial but took swift action. He hauled the entire jury back in, sternly instructing them that deliberations must focus only on evidence presented during the retrial concerning the three specific charges, including rape and criminal sex acts involving three women. He reiterated they must disregard anything else they knew about Weinstein.
Weinstein jury divided by heated disputes over forbidden pastGetty Images
The jury ended Monday claiming they were “making progress”, even asking for coffee to fuel further talks and requesting to revisit some testimony. However, the damage from the infighting and forbidden discussions lingers.
Weinstein, 73, already serving a long sentence for a separate California rape conviction, awaits this jury’s verdict on charges stemming from allegations by a former production assistant, an aspiring actress, and a model. This retrial, ordered after his landmark 2020 New York conviction was overturned, remains a critical, though now deeply troubled, chapter in the #MeToo saga he set to fire.