Aryan Khan challenges Bollywood tropes in bold Netflix debut ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’
The first look of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut has both nostalgia and sharp critique of Bollywood clichés, featuring Bobby Deol and a star-studded ensemble.
Aryan Khan makes his directorial debut with Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood
Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
Netflix drops first glimpse of The Ba**ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan’s debut as director.
Teaser flips Shah Rukh Khan’s signature romance narrative into satire and action.
Cast includes Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa.
Backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, the series is set for release in 2025.
Netflix has unveiled the first teaser of ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, the much-talked-about directorial debut of Aryan Khan. The series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, has already sparked buzz for its sharp, witty, and unconventional tone.
Aryan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, makes his creative debut not as an actor but from behind the camera. In the teaser, he sets the stage with a striking voiceover: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line encapsulates the series’ theme, part tribute, part critique of the Hindi film industry.
The Ba***ds of Bollywood teaser signals a generational shift in Hindi cinemaYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
What is ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ about?
The show is described as a satirical take on Bollywood, bringing in romance, drama, and action with self-aware humour. The teaser opens with a familiar violin tune reminiscent of Mohabbatein, before introducing lead pair Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in a dreamy setup. But the mood quickly shifts to stylised action sequences, signalling that this is not a conventional love story.
Aryan’s narrative tone may remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, but his treatment shows a clear generational shift. The series positions itself as both an insider’s love letter and a cheeky critique of Hindi cinema’s biggest clichés.
Aryan Khan flips Shah Rukh Khan’s romance legacy into bold satireYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
Who is in the cast of Aryan Khan’s debut series?
The Ba**ds of Bollywood features a strong ensemble cast. Bobby Deol plays a pivotal role, alongside Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor.
Industry reports suggest that cameos from Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar also feature in the show, adding to its star power. The combination of established actors and fresh faces hints at a mix of nostalgia and novelty, much like Aryan’s own vision for the series.
Netflix unveils first glimpse of Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of BollywoodYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
When will ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ release on Netflix?
While Netflix has not announced an exact release date, the series is scheduled to stream globally in 2025. The project was first introduced earlier this year during Netflix’s “Next on India” showcase, where Shah Rukh Khan himself unveiled the title. Since then, speculation around Aryan’s debut has steadily grown, and the newly released teaser confirms that the project is nearing completion.
Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, the show has Aryan Khan as creator and director, with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan serving as co-creators and writers. Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma are on board as executive producers.
Bobby Deol and Lakshya feature in Aryan Khan’s first Netflix projectYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
Why Aryan Khan’s debut matters for Bollywood and streaming
Aryan Khan’s entry into direction is, in fact, an important generational moment for Bollywood. Unlike many star kids who choose acting as their first step, Aryan has opted for storytelling from behind the camera.
The show’s title itself; The Ba**ds of Bollywood, signals irreverence and a willingness to question the industry’s norms. With Netflix’s global platform, Aryan’s series could attract audiences beyond India, especially among younger viewers who consume Bollywood as both nostalgia and meme-worthy entertainment.
Roma Riaz, a Miss Universe Pakistan 2025 finalist, has surged to number one on the “Universal Radiance” ranking.
In a candid interview, she described entering the pageant as an answer to people who questioned her identity.
Her platform focuses on representation and tackling female illiteracy in Pakistan.
Voting for the ranking was promoted on Instagram; supporters were urged to vote at missuniversepakistan.1voting.com.
Roma Riaz is not just another beauty queen hopeful, she is a British-Pakistani woman who has turned self-doubt into strength and made space for herself on an international stage. One of the first Pakistanis to walk at Copenhagen Fashion Week, she is now a Miss Universe Pakistan finalist determined to use her platform to push for representation and girls’ education. Speaking to Eastern Eye, Roma Riaz opened up about the push from family, the grind behind the glamour, and why representation, especially for darker-skinned Pakistani women, matters to her.
Roma Riaz shares how her family pushed her to chase the Miss Universe dreamInstagram/_romariaz/asiaburrillweddings
Why she entered: an answer to doubt
Roma described a childhood of constant identity questions and blunt remarks. “So, growing up, I have always been so outspoken that no matter where I live, no matter where I am, my roots will always be Pakistani, but my identity has always been questioned. I've constantly heard, ‘You're so dark, you can't be Pakistani,’ or ‘You're Christian, so you're not really Pakistani.’ So, I think for me, this pageant and applying for this crown was more than just becoming Miss Universe Pakistan. It's kind of an answer to everyone that has ever questioned my identity.”
She credits her sister for the nudge. “We were sat at an airport, flying to Paris, and she said, ‘The applications are open. Why don't you apply? You would be so good at this. You are so powerful, you're so beautiful.’ And I was like, ‘No, there's no way I'll ever get in.’ But yeah, my sister really pushed me to apply, and that is how I got here.”
Beyond beauty Roma Riaz champions education for girls in PakistanInstagram/_romariaz
Beyond the crown: representation and education
Roma is clear about what she wants from the platform. “I want to be the change for the beauty standard. There are so many different kinds of beauties in Pakistan, and beauty is not just a single mould that we have to fit into. So, there needs to be much more representation.”
Her advocacy reaches beyond looks. “My advocacy has always been to improve the illiteracy rates in Pakistan. Almost 40% of Pakistanis cannot read or write, which is so alarming, and it's even higher for women in rural areas. I want to challenge the mindset that an educated girl isn’t, in any way, shape or form, less cultured or less religious. Education is empowerment, and I want our girls to be more educated, more respected. Beyond the crown, that is my goal.”
She says her mixed upbringing — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK — helps her connect with varied audiences. “I want people to see that beauty in Miss Universe is more than just superficial looks. It's about representing the richness of who you are and inspiring others to embrace their own identity.”
Fighting colourism and stereotypes Roma Riaz brings a new voice to the pageant stageInstagram/missuniversepakistan
The reality behind the runway
Peeling back the pageant gloss, Riaz offers a candid look at the unseen grind. “Most people don't have much knowledge of the process, so they only see the online aspects of our pictures being posted. I think people don't see the endless interviews, the training, the studying, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into getting you there.” She also added a plea for basic decency: “We're just humans… people kind of objectify us and don't see us as real humans with real emotions. They just throw whatever they want to say.”
On fatigue and doubt, she was honest about juggling a nine-to-five job with pageant training and family life. “I came home exhausted… and I just sat in my room and said to myself, ‘Maybe I can't do this. Maybe this is all too much for just a little girl like me.’ But my family remained my constant rocks. They always remind me of my purpose and my power.”
Roma Riaz says the crown is an answer to years of doubtInstagram/_romariaz
Sisterhood and small moments
Amid the pressure, Roma found camaraderie. A light moment in the Maldives filming brought the group closer: exhausted, her arm aching from wrestling her hair into a ponytail, she desperately yelled for a "bubble" (hair tie). American contestant Jessica Zain's confused “What's a bubble?” sparked hysterical laughter over the British-American English divide. “But even through the whole process, all the girls were so good to each other — with words of advice, comfort, offering each other clothes, hair appliances.”
Her non-negotiable ritual? Faith. “Praying. I think I wouldn't be anywhere without God… before any important step, any interview, any photoshoot, I have to pray and thank God… it's non-negotiable for me.”
Roma Riaz, surging to the top spot in the Miss Universe Pakistan 2025 “Universal Radiance” ranking, isn't just vying for a crown. She's answering a lifetime of doubters. She’s the dark-skinned Pakistani woman reclaiming her identity, the advocate for girls' education, the exhausted professional who found her power, and the girl who just wants her dal chawal. Her message is clear: “I want younger girls to feel as proud in a shalwar kameez or lehnga as they would in a designer gown… I want people to see that beauty… is about representing the richness of who you are.”
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Stratford’s THE SOURCE launches South Asian Film Nights with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
South Asian Film Nights will launch on 30 August at THE SOURCE in Stratford, East London.
The monthly screenings will begin with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, followed by classics like Devdas and English Vinglish.
Each evening also features short films from emerging London-based South Asian filmmakers.
Tickets priced at £5 (₹500) will be available soon via THE SOURCE website and Eventbrite.
South Asian cinema is set to find a new cultural home in East London as South Asian Film Nights launches at THE SOURCE in Stratford. Beginning on Saturday 30 August, the monthly series will bring together classic Bollywood blockbusters and contemporary South Asian gems, creating a consistent platform for both audiences and emerging filmmakers.
Organised in partnership between Newham Council and the University of East London, the initiative aims to celebrate storytelling from the subcontinent and its diaspora, offering affordable screenings for the borough’s diverse communities.
South Asian Film Nights bring Bollywood classics and new voices to Stratford
What is South Asian Film Nights?
The programme will run on the last Saturday of every month, with a special pre-holiday screening on 20 December. Unlike one-off festivals, South Asian Film Nights is designed as a regular fixture, turning THE SOURCE into a hub for cinema lovers in East London.
“Newham is a borough shaped by South Asian life, culture and creativity,” said Kritee Gower, Executive Director of THE SOURCE. “Through South Asian Film Nights, we want to create a consistent space where stories from across the subcontinent and its diasporas can be shared, celebrated and reimagined together.”
The launch line-up mixes celebrated Bollywood hits with stories of self-discovery and resilience. Each evening starts at 6:30pm with short films by London-based South Asian filmmakers, followed by the feature at 7:00pm.
30 August – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (12+) – A feel-good road movie about friendship and courage.
27 September – Devdas (PG) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand tale of doomed love.
25 October – English Vinglish (PG) – A heartfelt story of self-worth and confidence.
29 November – Tanu Weds Manu (PG) – A quirky romantic comedy full of chaos and charm.
20 December – Dil Dhadakne Do (PG) – A cruise-ship drama exploring family dysfunction and renewal.
Located in Stratford, THE SOURCE offers excellent transport links through the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, Overground, and National Rail, making it accessible for audiences across East and Greater London. Tickets are priced at £5 (₹500) plus a small booking fee, ensuring affordability while creating a community-driven cinema experience.
Refreshments will also be available at THE SOURCE Café, turning each screening into a social as well as cultural gathering for attendees.
THE SOURCE Stratford becomes home to monthly South Asian cinema screeningsInstagram/thesourcestratford
A cultural space for South Asian storytelling
What makes this series different is its community-first approach. Rather than being a one-time celebration, South Asian Film Nights is designed to be sustainable, ongoing and welcoming.
“Cinema reflects who we are and sometimes, who we could be,” added Gower. “We’re not just screening films; we’re creating a cultural space where identity, imagination and community meet.”
With its mix of nostalgic classics and emerging voices, South Asian Film Nights promises to become a cultural anchor for East London’s South Asian diaspora and wider cinema enthusiasts.
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Fahadh Faasil says no to Alejandro González Iñárritu film over unpaid accent training
Fahadh Faasil confirmed he was in talks with The Revenant director Alejandro González Iñárritu for an international project.
The actor said the filmmaker had concerns about his accent and suggested a four-month stay in the US for training.
Faasil declined as the production was unwilling to cover the cost, adding he “didn’t feel the fire” to pursue it.
He emphasised that his creative journey is rooted in Malayalam cinema and he prefers to evolve within it.
Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, fresh off the success of Maareesan, has opened up about an unusual chapter in his career: an offer to work with Academy Award-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu. Known for films like Birdman and The Revenant, the Mexican filmmaker had considered Faasil for a role in his upcoming Hollywood project.
In a recent interview with Cue Studio, the actor revealed that discussions reached the stage of a video call with Iñárritu. However, the collaboration fell through when the director raised concerns about Faasil’s English accent. The production suggested that Faasil spend several months in the United States to work on speech training, an arrangement that required him to relocate at his own expense.
“They wanted me to stay in the US for three or four months to perfect the accent,” Faasil explained. “But they weren’t ready to pay for that. That’s why I skipped it. Otherwise, I would have gone running. The commercial aspects of it wouldn’t have worked out. I didn’t feel that kind of fire for it.”
Fahadh Faasil says no to Alejandro González Iñárritu film over unpaid accent training Instagram/CueStudio
Was it rejection or a realisation?
Addressing whether the episode was a rejection, Faasil said he does not see it that way. “I spoke to him on a video call. It might be during that conversation that he also realised, ‘Oh, this isn’t the guy I’m looking for.’ These things happen. I’ve lost many films at such stages,” he admitted.
The actor stressed that missing out on a Hollywood project has not dampened his confidence. Instead, he sees it as part of the natural course of his career.
What stands out from his comments is how firmly Faasil anchors his artistic journey in Malayalam cinema. “All the magic in my life happened here in Malayalam. Even in the future, if any new changes were to happen, I want them to come from Malayalam. I don’t think I will leave Kerala for that. If a project emerges that redefines me in some way, I want it to be in Malayalam,” he said.
It is clear that for Faasil, global recognition is not about leaving his roots behind but about the quality of work produced at home. His outlook, in fact, reflects a broader shift where Malayalam cinema has gained worldwide acclaim for its strong storytelling and performances.
While Faasil did not name the project, reports suggest it may be Iñárritu’s untitled film starring Tom Cruise, slated for release in October 2026. The movie also features Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie Wilde. Billed as a high-stakes drama about the “most powerful man in the world” racing against time to save humanity, it is among the most anticipated Hollywood releases.
Had Faasil been part of the cast, it would have marked a rare crossover for a Malayalam star into mainstream global cinema.
Fahadh Faasil says he wants to retire as a cab driver in Spain Instagram/fahad_nazrin
Fahadh Faasil’s upcoming projects
On the home front, Faasil is preparing for the release of Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, a comedy directed by Althaf Salim. The film, scheduled to hit theatres on 29 August, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lal, Revathi Pillai, Vinay Forrt, and Anuraj OB.
The actor continues to be one of the most versatile names in Indian cinema, with acclaimed performances in 22 Female Kottayam, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Aavesham, and Joji. Even without Hollywood credits, his body of work is celebrated both in India and abroad.
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Ducky Bhai arrested in Lahore over gambling app promotions
Popular Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, real name Saad ur Rehman, arrested at Lahore airport.
Accused of promoting illegal gambling apps including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game.
Court granted National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a two-day remand for further probe.
FIR cites fraud, electronic forgery, spamming, and cheating charges under PECA and Pakistan Penal Code.
Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, whose real name is Saad ur Rehman, was arrested on Sunday morning at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore while allegedly attempting to leave the country. The arrest was carried out by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused him of promoting unregistered gambling and betting applications through his online platforms.
The 27-year-old content creator was later presented before a judicial magistrate, who approved a two-day physical remand and directed the agency to submit a complete investigation report by Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
YouTuber Saad ur Rehman taken into custody for online betting linksYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Why was Ducky Bhai arrested?
According to the First Information Report, the case was registered by the state via NCCIA Lahore under sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as sections 420 (Cheating) and 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR alleged that Rehman promoted several betting platforms, including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game, through his YouTube channel and social media accounts. Authorities claimed that these promotions encouraged the public to invest their money in gambling apps that were not registered in Pakistan.
The complaint said many users lost money after being misled into believing they could earn quick profits. It further alleged that Binomo and other apps failed to deliver promised returns, with investigators calling it a “fraudulent scheme.”
Ducky Bhai escorted to court in Lahore after his arrest over gambling app promotionsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Evidence presented in court
Officials stated that the inquiry began on 13 June 2025 following a tip-off that social media influencers were involved in promoting illegal betting apps. The NCCIA’s complaint included 27 video links from Ducky Bhai’s channel, some of which have since been deleted.
During his arrest at the airport, Rehman’s mobile phone was seized. Investigators claimed they recovered WhatsApp chats and payment records linked to Binomo promotions. Preliminary findings also suggested that he had been working as a “country manager” for Binomo, allegedly receiving payments without proper authorisation from Pakistan’s State Bank or Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The NCCIA maintained that the promotions were not just misleading but also financially damaging for thousands of followers who trusted the influencer.
Ducky Bhai accused of promoting Binomo and other gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
What happens next?
The Lahore court’s approval of a two-day physical remand allows the cybercrime agency more time to gather evidence. The agency is expected to submit a detailed report on 19 August 2025. Well-known lawyer Zain Ali Qureshi represented Rehman during the hearing.
This is not the first time the YouTuber has faced legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, he was booked for reckless driving on the motorway and was granted protective bail by the Lahore High Court.
If found guilty under PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code, the charges could carry serious financial penalties and prison terms.
YouTuber Ducky Bhai faces investigation for illegal gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Wider crackdown on gambling app promotions
The arrest is part of Pakistan’s broader clampdown on illegal gambling and betting schemes being advertised by influencers. Authorities have warned that promoting unregistered apps violates national cybercrime laws and leaves unsuspecting citizens vulnerable to fraud.
Officials have indicated that other social media influencers and YouTubers could also face investigation if found to be involved in similar promotions.
Crackdown on gambling apps intensifies across PakistaniStock
With Ducky Bhai being one of Pakistan’s most-followed YouTubers, his arrest has sparked debate online about influencer accountability and the risks of monetising content through questionable endorsements.
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Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren share their views on the future of James Bond
Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, says the next James Bond “has to be a man”.
Dame Helen Mirren agrees, stating Bond “just doesn’t work” as a female character.
Both actors previously criticised the franchise for sexism but now believe a male lead keeps Bond’s identity intact.
Speculation continues over who will replace Daniel Craig, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner among frontrunners.
The future of James Bond continues to dominate film debates as former 007 star Pierce Brosnan and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren both argued that the next incarnation of the spy must remain male. Their comments are a clear shift from earlier years, when Brosnan had suggested it was time to hand the role to a woman.
Speaking to Saga magazine, Brosnan, who fronted the franchise in four films between 1995 and 2002, said he is eager to see “a new man” take on the part after Daniel Craig’s exit in No Time to Die. “Oh, I think it has to be a man,” said the 72-year-old Irish actor. “I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character.”
Mirren, his co-star in the upcoming film adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, echoed the view. “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else,” said the 80-year-old star.
Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren attend the "MobLand" Global PremiereGetty Images
Why Pierce Brosnan changed his mind on a female Bond
Brosnan once championed the idea of a woman stepping into 007’s tuxedo. In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he called it “exhilarating” and urged producers to “put a woman up there.” His reversal comes as Amazon-MGM, which now controls the franchise, prepares to relaunch Bond with director Denis Villeneuve at the helm.
Despite his change of stance, Brosnan insisted his affection for the franchise remains. “I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.''
Pierce Brosnan reignite the female Bond debate ahead of franchise rebootGetty Images
Helen Mirren’s feminist take on Bond and sexism in the franchise
Mirren has long spoken about gender in the Bond universe. In earlier interviews, she criticised the “profound sexism” baked into Ian Fleming’s stories and the films that followed. She argued that real-life female spies, from the French Resistance to the British Secret Service, showed remarkable bravery and deserved recognition on screen.
Yet Mirren now maintains that Bond’s cultural identity is inseparable from being male. “So many women have worked in that world. Is it more realistic to show them? Absolutely. But Bond is fantasy, not realism,” she said, stressing that her stance does not weaken her feminist convictions.
Helen Mirren joins Brosnan in backing a male successor for the 007 roleGetty Images
Who will be the next James Bond?
Since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021, speculation about his successor has been relentless. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for Bullet Train is widely regarded as the frontrunner. Masters of the Air actor Callum Turner and Saltburn star Jacob Elordi are also rumoured contenders.
Other names circulating include Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, James Norton, Theo James, and Paul Mescal. While no official casting has been confirmed, producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have hinted that the announcement will define the franchise for the next decade.
Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007 Getty Images
What’s next for the James Bond franchise?
The upcoming film will be scripted by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and directed by Denis Villeneuve. Amazon MGM Studios has promised a “fresh” take on the character while honouring Bond’s six-decade legacy.
Jeff Bezos\u2019 post on next James Bond shakes the internet after Amazon\u2019s takeover of franchise Instagram/007
Whether the producers stick with tradition or surprise audiences with an unexpected choice, Brosnan and Mirren’s comments reinforce the argument that 007’s identity remains rooted in masculinity, at least for now. Until the official reveal, the debate over whether Bond could ever be reimagined as a woman is likely to continue fuelling headlines as much as the spy’s next mission.