As the nation prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day on 20th May 2023, it's worth noting that the Indian military has a unique bond with the film industry. Many actors and actresses in Bollywood come from military families. They've gone on to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry, winning the hearts of millions with their performances. They say being a military kid is a way of life. With frequent transfers, strict discipline, and a constant sense of uncertainty, it can be challenging for children growing up in military families to find stability. But for these actresses, growing up in uniform has been an enriching experience that has shaped their personalities and helped them become the successful actors they are today. Let's take a look at such celebs:
Nimrat Kaur is the daughter of an Indian Army officer. She spent her childhood in different parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Pathankot, and Ambala. Her father's posting took her to several remote and beautiful parts of the country, which left a lasting impression on her and inspired her to become an actor. Nimrit made her acting debut with the critically acclaimed film, 'The Lunchbox,' and has since appeared in several other films and web series.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a global icon who has often opened up about her military upbringing. Her parents, the late Dr. Ashok Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra, both served as physicians in the Indian Army.
Celina Jaitley, the stunning Bollywood diva, was born to Colonel V.K. Jaitley & Meeta, an Afghan Hindu nurse in the Indian Army. As a child, Celina also aspired to join the army, but destiny had other plans for her. Today, she is known for her gorgeous looks and impressive acting skills, carving a niche for herself in the film industry.
Anushka Sharma's admiration and respect for the Indian Army stem from her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, who fought in the historic Kargil War of 1999. The actress often shares some rare and precious pictures of her father from his time in the army. Anushka's association with the army goes beyond just her father's service; she also completed her schooling at the prestigious Army School in Bengaluru.
With immense pride, Sushmita Sen often speaks about her father's distinguished career in the Indian Air Force. Shubeer Sen was a Wing Commander who served the nation with utmost dedication and retired in 1991. Growing up in an army family, Sushmita had the opportunity to study in several Indian Air Force schools across the country, which left a lasting impression on her.
Pranati Rai Prakash, known for her remarkable performances in the Indian film and web industry, is the daughter of a distinguished Indian Army officer, Colonel, Infantry, Indian Army. As a result of her father's frequent transfers, she had the opportunity to spend her childhood in various parts of the country, including Dehradun, Port Blair, Srinagar, Bhatinda, Delhi, Trivandrum, Leh, Patna, and MHOW in Indore, Nagaland. Pranati made her acting debut with the film 'Family of Thakurganj' and has since appeared in several popular web series and films. Her recent music video with South sensation Vishwak Sen garnered a lot of attention from fans and critics alike.
Neha Dhupia, an accomplished actress in the Hindi film industry, is the daughter of Commander Pradip Singh Dhupia, a retired officer of the Indian Navy. She spent her formative years studying at Naval Public School and later at Army Public School in Delhi. Her father's military background has undoubtedly had a profound impact on her life and career choices.
Call the Midwife series 15 to air in 2026, followed by a feature film finale.
BBC says the franchise will continue with a Second World War prequel and more episodes.
Cast reportedly emotional as they film the final main series.
Fans relieved after BBC confirmed “Call the Midwife isn’t going anywhere”.
After over a decade of gripping period drama, Call the Midwife is preparing to wrap up its 15th series in 2026, with a feature-length film planned as its big-screen conclusion. But while this chapter is closing, the BBC has confirmed that the beloved show is far from finished.
The long-running series, which began in 2012 and has become a Sunday night staple, is now filming its final regular season but will continue with a prequel series and additional specials, reassuring fans who feared it was being axed.
BBC confirms new prequel series exploring the origins of the midwives during WWIIInstagram screengrab/callthemidwife.official
BBC confirms Call the Midwife will continue beyond series 15
Despite widespread reports that the show is coming to a definitive end, the BBC released a statement denying the claims. “Call the Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come,” the broadcaster said. In addition to the 15th series, fans can expect two Christmas specials, a film set in 1972, and a new prequel series set during the Second World War in Poplar.
The prequel will explore the early lives of the Nonnatus midwives, adding new characters while keeping the show’s historical roots. “There’s still a lot of baby business left,” the show’s Instagram account reassured viewers after the cancellation rumours went viral.
While Call the Midwife continues in new forms, the current cast has been filming their final episodes with a mix of pride and sadness. According to insiders, the actors have grown close over the years, making the goodbye feel personal.
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Filming began last month, kicking off with a two-part Christmas special that takes the senior staff on a mercy mission to Hong Kong. The eight-episode final season, written by Heidi Thomas, will air in early 2026. The concluding film will reunite fan-favourite characters overseas in 1972, making it a cinematic farewell to the original ensemble.
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Aamir Khan joins Rajinikanth for action-filled climax in Coolie
Aamir Khan will appear in a 15-minute climax cameo in Coolie, opposite Rajinikanth.
The scene involves a high-stakes face-off with intense action and dialogue.
The climax was filmed over 10 days in Rajasthan.
Coolie is slated for release on 14 August 2025 and will be released as Majdoor in Hindi.
Aamir Khan is set to share screen space with Rajinikanth in the final 15 minutes of Coolie, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments in the upcoming Tamil action film. Though brief, Khan’s role is being described as more than a typical cameo, featuring a full-fledged action sequence and a powerful exchange between two of Indian cinema’s most respected stars.
Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan to lock horns in Coolie climax
According to sources close to the production, the climax of Coolie will revolve around a tense and dramatic confrontation between Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan. The face-off was filmed over ten days in Rajasthan and will reportedly be packed with emotionally charged dialogue and stylised action. The makers have called it a defining moment in the film’s narrative.
Khan, who recently spoke about the cameo, revealed he agreed to the role without hearing the full script. “I’m a huge fan of Rajini sir. The moment Lokesh told me it’s for his film, I said yes,” the actor shared in a recent interview. This will also be the first collaboration between Aamir Khan and director Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Coolie to release as Majdoor in Hindi; not part of LCU
While fans speculated if Coolie would connect to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Cinematic Universe (LCU), the director has clarified that the film stands alone. With a budget of £33 million (₹350 crore), Coolie is expected to be one of the year’s biggest box office events when it releases on 14 August 2025, ahead of India’s Independence Day weekend.
Due to existing Bollywood films titled Coolie, the Hindi-dubbed version will release as Majdoor. The film’s music by Anirudh Ravichander is already gaining traction, particularly the catchy track Chikitu, which has struck a chord with fans online.
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Fans wait to see how Villeneuve’s visual storytelling will transform Bond
Denis Villeneuve officially announced as the director of the next James Bond film.
The Dune director has long wanted the job; pitched his Bond idea in 2021.
Filming expected to begin in 2026 after Dune: Messiah.
New Bond actor to be in his 30s, signing a long-term contract.
Amazon taps Villeneuve to lead Bond into a new chapter
Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios announced this week. The Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director steps into the role after years of speculation and finally gets to fulfil a dream he’s spoken about publicly. This move shows Amazon’s plan to steer Bond in a fresh direction.
Denis Villeneuve is directing James Bond and the franchise may never be the sameGetty Images
A childhood dream comes true
Villeneuve has long spoken about his love for the Bond films. In a statement, he said watching Dr. No with his father was a defining memory from his childhood. “James Bond films are sacred territory for me,” he said. “I intend to honour the tradition while opening the path for new missions.”
This didn’t happen overnight. Back in 2021, Villeneuve sat down with producer Barbara Broccoli to share his Bond ideas. He even said directing 007 would be "a massive yes" on a podcast. After considering others like Edgar Wright (Baby Driver) and Jonathan Nolan (Westworld), Amazon chose Villeneuve. Mike Hopkins, who runs Amazon MGM Studios, called him "a true filmmaker" who "pulls audiences into his worlds."
Denis Villeneuve is reimagining James Bond and here’s what to expectGetty Images
A bold new style for Bond
People are already guessing how Villeneuve’s style will change 007. Villeneuve brings a very different visual and emotional tone to the table. His movies lean into mood, take their time, and build stunning worlds. That could mean big shifts:
Big-screen visuals: From the deserts of Dune to the futuristic cityscapes of Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve is known for creating detailed, atmospheric worlds. His long-time cinematographer Greig Fraser may return, giving Bond a whole new look.
Action with purpose: Villeneuve’s action scenes are never just for thrills. Whether it’s the tense standoff in Sicario or the sandworm scenes in Dune, he uses action to reveal character and drive the story. Bond’s fights might feel more grounded and intense as a result.
A more serious tone: Don’t expect one-liners or campy moments. Villeneuve often explores themes like loneliness, identity, and moral grey areas, seen in films like Prisoners and Arrival. His Bond is likely to be more introspective and emotionally complex.
Slower pacing: Villeneuve isn’t afraid of a slower burn (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049). He builds tension and lets characters breathe. That’s different from the franchise's usual brisk pacing. Some fans wonder how this will mix with the spy thrills.
Putting Villeneuve in charge is Amazon’s biggest move since buying MGM for £6.76 billion (₹7.15 lakh crore). It’s a whole new game for Bond:
Shared creative control: For the first time in decades, the Broccoli family, who have overseen Bond since Dr. No, are no longer the sole decision-makers. A joint venture between EON Productions and Amazon MGM, reportedly worth £794 million (₹84,000 crore), now drives the franchise. Reports say Broccoli clashed with Amazon executives over ideas for spin-offs, even calling them "f***ing idiots" privately.
New producing team: Amy Pascal (Spider-Man) and David Heyman (Harry Potter) will produce the new film. Their goal is to lock in the script and director before casting, ensuring the story comes first.
The next Bond?: Casting hasn’t been confirmed. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a strong rumour, but other names like Theo James and James Norton are in the mix. Broccoli has said the next Bond will be in his 30s, and ready to commit to at least a decade of films.
Timeline: Villeneuve is currently busy with Dune: Messiah, due in 2026. Bond filming will likely start after that, with a planned release in 2027. For the first time, the Bond director is also an executive producer, meaning he’ll have more say than any director before him.
Villeneuve has to please Bond fans who love 60 years of history while putting his own stamp on it, all under Amazon’s watchful eye. If Villeneuve can bring together huge visuals with real heart like he did in Dune, we might get a Bond that’s both a feast for the eyes and one that sticks with you. As Ajay Chowdhury of the James Bond International Fan Club put it, this might just be Bond’s “most artistically significant development.”
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Priyanka Chopra on the red carpet in a plunging silver gown at the Heads of State premiere in New York
Priyanka Chopra wore a bold braless silver gown for the Heads of State world premiere in New York City.
She was joined by co-stars John Cena and Idris Elba at the red carpet event on 25 June.
The Amazon Prime action-comedy hits cinemas on 2 July.
Chopra recently opened up about motherhood and daughter Malti’s obsession with Moana.
Priyanka Chopra turned heads in New York City this week, walking the red carpet in a striking silver satin gown for the world premiere of her new film, Heads of State. The 41-year-old actor, who stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba in the action-comedy, chose a daring braless look with a halter neckline and fluid draping for the premiere held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on 25 June. The trio posed together ahead of the film’s release, bringing both glamour and star power to the Amazon Studios production.
Priyanka Chopra walks the red carpet as her character Noel Bisset makes waves ahead of the film’s releaseGetty Images
Priyanka Chopra joins action-comedy cast in lead MI6 role
In Heads of State, Chopra plays MI6 agent Noel Bisset, who is tasked with helping the US President (played by John Cena) and the UK Prime Minister (played by Idris Elba) navigate an international crisis. The film’s premise pits political rivals against a global conspiracy, unfolding through fast-paced espionage.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film is set for a theatrical release on 2 July, with a streaming debut on Prime Video expected later. Chopra’s role sees her step into full action-hero territory, something fans have been eager to see since her Quantico days.
Priyanka Chopra with co-stars John Cena and Idris Elba at Alice Tully Hall for the Amazon Prime world premiere Getty Images
A red carpet moment and a glimpse into Chopra's personal life
Earlier this week, during a Good Morning America appearance, she revealed that her three-year-old daughter now insists on being called “Malti Marie Moana Chopra Jonas,” inspired by her love of Disney’s Moana. Her husband, singer Nick Jonas, recently shared how fatherhood has shifted his priorities. “Playing Moana and Maui means more to me than anything else,” he said, adding that being ‘just Dad’ at home is his favourite role.
With her latest red carpet look and a powerful new role, Priyanka Chopra proves she’s just as commanding on screen as she is on the red carpet, and Heads of State is set to showcase both.
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The 2005 film Sarkar explored power, loyalty, and justice in Mumbai’s underworld
There have been many Hindi cinema projects inspired by Hollywood films, and Sarkar ranks among the finest. The brooding political crime drama, which paid tribute to the epic 1972 gangster film The Godfather, became a gritty, homegrown tale of power, loyalty and justice.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and set in Mumbai’s morally murky corridors of influence, the film centred on Subhash Nagre – a man feared, respected and mythologised. Played with majestic restraint by Amitabh Bachchan, the story followed Nagre’s control over the underworld, political power centres and a grey zone where justice was delivered through unofficial means. His sons, the hot-headed Vishnu (Kay Kay Menon) and the more composed Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan) – became central to this tale of betrayal, legacy and redemption.
A still from Sarkar, inspired by 'The Godfather' and rooted in Indian politicsIndia Glitz
Released on July 1, 2005, it marked a turning point in Indian cinema, celebrated for its storytelling, atmospheric visuals and memorable performances. Eastern Eye marks its 20th anniversary with 20 fascinating facts about the film.
1. The main character, Subhash Nagre, was loosely inspired by real-life figures such as Indian politician Bal Thackeray.
2. Unlike most Bollywood remakes of international cinema, Ram Gopal Varma openly acknowledged that Sarkar was heavily inspired by The Godfather.
3. Varma had originally planned to make the same film in the early 1990s, with Sanjay Dutt and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead father and son roles. Dutt’s legal troubles led to the project being shelved.
4. Varma had initially signed Amitabh Bachchan for another film titled Ek, but he scrapped that script and instead focused on making Sarkar with him.
5. Interestingly, the first film Amitabh and Abhishek were supposed to appear in together was their home production Ranveer, co-starring Sanjay Dutt and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The project was shelved after its launch.
Sarkar became a landmark gangster film in Indian cinemaIndia Glitz
6. Although Bunty Aur Babli (released in May 2005) marked their first on-screen appearance together, Sarkar was the first project the father and son signed as co-stars. Both actors delivered powerful performances that reflected their on-screen synergy and off-screen bond.
7. The success of Bunty Aur Babli followed by Sarkar marked a major turning point in Abhishek Bachchan’s career. After struggling to establish himself since his 2000 debut Refugee, he went on to win multiple Best Supporting Actor awards and earned wide critical acclaim.
8. Varma was working on Naach simultaneously with Abhishek and declared that he was a better actor than Amitabh. Abhishek appreciated the compliment but responded that no one is better than his father.
9. As this was newcomer Katrina Kaif’s third film, she was still working on her Hindi language skills – resulting in all her dialogues being dubbed by a voice artist. She had earlier debuted with Amitabh in Boom (2003), but had no scenes with him in Sarkar.
The film introduced a uniquely Indian take on the mafia genreRotten Tomatoes
10. Supriya Pathak, who played Amitabh’s wife in the film, had previously acted with him only once – in Shahenshah (1988), where she portrayed a sister figure.
11. This remains the only Ram Gopal Varma film to feature Anupam Kher.
12 . Sarkar broke the Bollywood norm of including traditional song-and-dance numbers. Instead, music was used exclusively in the now-iconic background score, which enhanced the film’s realistic tone.
13 . The haunting ‘Govinda Govinda’ chant, integral to the film’s atmosphere, was originally composed for Varma’s 1994 Telugu film Govinda Govinda. (Amitabh Bachchan had initially questioned its relevance in Sarkar.)
14. Kay Kay Menon revealed that his role in Sarkar gave him confidence and wider recognition. He said, “It marked a turning point in my career, where I felt truly acknowledged for my work and could confidently present myself as an established actor.”
Set in Mumbai, Sarkar portrayed the dark world of parallel justiceRotten Tomatoes
15. The acclaimed film went on to spawn the sequels Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
16. A 2014 Telugu remake titled Rowdy was made with veteran actor Mohan Babu and his real-life son Vishnu Manchu in the roles originally played by the Bachchans. Although it received positive reviews, it met with only moderate success.
17. The film is archived at the Academy of Motion Pictures Library.
18. Sarkar is referenced in Ed Glaser’s book How The World Remade Hollywood, which explores international remakes and reinterpretations of iconic American films.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar marked 20 years of influence and acclaimIMDb
19. Earlier this year, Amitabh revealed that he rewatched Sarkar for the first time since its 2005 premiere and wrote in his blog: “I was absolutely amazed at the quality of the film, its direction, and above all – this is not a father speaking – dazzled by Abhishek’s performance. What restraint, what close-ups, what eye expressions, what presence, what a performance!”
20 .Other Bollywood films loosely inspired by The Godfather include Dharmatma (1975), Aakhri Sanghursh (1986), Dayavan (1988), Zulm Ki Hukumat (1992), Aatank Hi Aatank (1995), Sapoot (1996) and The Power (2021). However, Sarkar arguably remains the most faithful – and finest – adaptation.