Ayushmann Khurrana, who has delivered back to back hits over the last few years, is currently busy winning raves for his latest film Badhaai Ho, which is running successfully in cinemas in India. Just two weeks before Badhaai Ho hit the marquee, Khurrana had seen the release of his black comedy crime thriller Andhadhun, which is still raking in money at the cash counter. Recently, our Mumbai correspondent, Mohnish Singh, met the talented actor at iconic Mehboob Studios for a freewheeling conversation. In this interview, Ayushmann Khurrana talks about Badhaai Ho, the thunderous success of Andhadhun, his experience of working with actors like Tabu and much more.
What was your first reaction when you were offered Badhaai Ho?
If somebody presents me with a good script, I cannot stay still. I feel like I have to just do this film right now. Then I don’t think about other things. When I heard this script, I immediately said yes. In my life this has happened the second time, the first time was with Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015). This is one of the better scripts I heard of late. From the trailer, you must have known what a unique story Badhaai Ho is.
What makes Badhaai Ho special?
There are two aspects to it. One is that romance is romance. The film propagates that even parents have the right to love each other and they should have their own love life and sex life. The other aspect of this is how their kids are reacting to the pregnancy? How society is reacting? Your children are embarrassed, their friends are teasing them. The entire family is the hero of the film. It's not just one particular character. Each and every member of the family has a well-etched role.
How was it working with experienced actors like Neena Gupta and Surekha Sikri?
I have always worked with experienced actors since my first film. It’s good to have experienced actors, it propels the film more. It becomes more consumable, more humorous. Acting is also reacting, so you give better reactions when you are acting with experienced actors.
Your film Andhadun is also doing phenomenally well at the box-office. How much time did you take to say yes to a film like that?
I approached director Sriram Raghavan myself for Andhadhun. I called and texted saying I want to work with you and he was apprehensive as I have never done a thriller film with dark themes. So, I suggested he auditions me. The next day I shot a couple of scenes and they were happy with it. Then, they asked about the dates and it happened.
What do you expect from the films you take on?
You know when you are doing a film, you don't do it to win the best film or whatever. You just do it diligently. This is my film, I will give my 100% and that's about it, and whatever response I am getting is overwhelming. I switch on, switch off easily. I do one film then detach myself from it and do the next film. So, that way you are more balanced in your head.
Does the failure of your previous films change the way you pick films now?
Yes, you question yourself what went wrong with those films and you try to avoid that. I started listening to my cut more and more. I look into it as a project, eventually, you should like the script. I have only started concentrating on the concepts and scripts, and I am mostly working for new directors and scriptwriters.
How do you usually decide what films you want to do?
I realized that script is the key. It does not matter that your first film was a hit as the script you wrote now has no connection with that fact. I think I was always selective and even before doing Vicky Donor (2011), I had said no to at least five scripts even as a newcomer because I believed whatever film I was doing it should be different. That was in my head because your first film as an outsider will either make you or break you. So, a hit director could give a flop film and a flop director could give a hit film. There are no rules. It only depends on that particular script.
While doing back to back films, do you get any time to work on your music?
There are some songs in the movie. Am I getting time to record songs? Yes. But I am not giving any concert yet.
Do you feel a difference in yourself from when you started in the industry and now?
I am the same person, but I have just become wiser. I have become clearer in my head. I have become more decisive. I have two mentors, Shoojit Sircar and Aditya Chopra. My wife is the biggest support and she is the one who reads all my scripts.
How was it working with Sanya Malhotra?
She is very good. In fact, this is the first time she is doing a verbal character. There is also a class divide between our characters. She belongs to the upper class and my character belongs to the middle-class family. So, there is a nice prank about that also.
How was it working with Tabu in Andhadun?
She is one of the most versatile actors ever. She has evolved with changing times, she has done filmy films like Vijaypath (1994) to a hardcore commercial film like Golmaal Again (2017) to atypical films like Cheeni Kum (2007). Her actions show her versatility and how magical she is as an actor.
What future projects are you undertaking? Anything on the digital front?
I have a one-month break, though I will be announcing two films in the following month. I am reading a couple of interesting scripts. For the digital front, not really but I would love to explore that also. I would love to host a show. I would love to do a biopic on Kishore Kumar. I would like to sing my own songs.
What, according to you, were the turning points in your career?
The movie that was turning points in my life was Vicky Donor and apart from that Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Vicky Donor is one of my favourite films because learning to be a Punjabi and learning that accent, taking workshops, learning the body language was something I was proud of. I am the opposite of the character and I had to learn to be a new one.
You approach films with experimental themes, does it always work out?
Not really, in fact after Vicky Donor, my three films didn’t do well. Though, after that, I got Dum Laga Ke Haisha. I think you learn from your own experience. You have your own journey. Mostly you learn from your failures, success gives you confidence but failure teaches you the value of success. Things that don't go your way, they make you saner, they give you a certain respect for life and I think that is very important.
Have you ever regretted rejecting any projects?
I never have regrets. Most of the time, the projects I rejected I didn’t want them. There are times too when I have to turn down a project because it clashes with the current project I am working on. Then if that project does great while the project I was working on does not do well, then there are regrets but if both the projects do well then there are no regrets.
• South Park pulled from Paramount+ globally after licence expiry • Fans in UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe react with outrage • Dispute linked to £6.3 billion (₹673 billion) Paramount-Skydance merger and ongoing contract standoff • Season 27 premieres 23 July on Comedy Central in the US, leaving global fans stranded
Fans around the world are up in arms after South Park disappeared from Paramount+ outside the US. With just days to go until the season 27 premiere, international viewers are calling out Paramount Global for yanking the show due to a lapsed streaming deal and are threatening to cancel subscriptions over what they see as corporate mishandling.
Streaming blackout angers fans just days before new South Park seasonPrime Video
Paramount+ drops South Park amid licensing fallout
Viewers from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Latin America were left stunned last week when South Park vanished from Paramount+ in their regions. The move follows the expiration of an international streaming licence and ongoing tension between the show’s creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Paramount Global, which owns Comedy Central.
The timing couldn’t be worse: after a two-year wait, season 27 is set to debut on Comedy Central in the US on 23 July. But thanks to the unresolved deal, international fans are now scrambling to figure out how they’ll be able to watch the new episodes.
The backlash has been swift and loud. On Reddit and X, long-time viewers expressed frustration, many vowing to quit Paramount+ altogether.
"The only reason I had Paramount+ was to watch South Park. I just cancelled,” wrote one user. Another fumed, “How does one go about setting Paramount on fire?”, a comment met with dark humour by others who blamed the platform for “setting itself on fire.”
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Some users began sharing ways to legally access older episodes via platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime, while others admitted they were considering alternative, less official methods.
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Parker and Stone threaten legal action
Behind the scenes, the show’s creators are fighting their own battle. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, through their company Park County, have accused Skydance’s incoming president Jeff Shell of meddling in licensing talks. Their allegations claim Shell tried to skew negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix to favour Paramount’s streaming ambitions.
They argue this interference ultimately led to the shortened contract term and the fallout with HBO Max, leaving the show without a cohesive global distribution strategy just as a new season approaches.
Global outrage grows as South Park vanishes from Paramount PlusWikipedia
What’s available—and what’s not
While South Park episodes remain available on Comedy Central’s traditional TV networks in several international markets, streaming access is now patchy. Some specials are still on Paramount+, and ad-supported options exist via Pluto TV in select regions like Canada and Europe.
Back episodes can be purchased on services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV, and in countries like Germany and across Latin America, some content is accessible through a standalone South Park website. But for many fans, none of this replaces the convenience of a centralised platform like Paramount+.
Fans slam Paramount and Skydance for blocking South Park accessRotten Tomatoes
Season 27 still coming—but not for everyone
Despite the chaos, South Park season 27 will premiere in the US as planned on 23 July on Comedy Central. But for fans outside the country, there’s still no confirmed way to watch the new season legally on demand.
Some fans are already hoping this real-life drama makes its way into a future episode. As one Reddit user joked, “The silver lining of all this merger crap is that it’s gonna make for an excellent South Park takedown.”
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Lauren Pisciotta has accused Kanye West of repeated sexual misconduct
Kanye West has dismissed ex-assistant Lauren Pisciotta’s latest lawsuit as a “delusional” and “contradictory” narrative.
Pisciotta accuses West of multiple acts of sexual assault and misconduct, including forced oral sex and workplace harassment.
West’s team argues the claims are inconsistent and defamatory, pledging to fight them in court.
Pisciotta’s attorney Lisa Bloom insists West has already admitted to key parts of the allegations and will face justice.
Kanye West has hit back at explosive sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations from former Yeezy employee Lauren Pisciotta, branding her newly amended lawsuit as a fabricated and conflicting tale. The rapper’s legal team released a fiery statement slamming the accusations, which include claims of rape, forced sexual exposure, and workplace abuse.
Kanye West’s spokesperson says the claims are inconsistent and defamatoryBBC/Getty Images
West’s team rejects allegations as “outlandish” and “contradictory”
On 13 July, West’s spokesperson issued a strongly worded denial of Pisciotta’s lawsuit, the fourth version she has filed since 2024. Calling her claims “fantasy fiction,” the representative argued that each amended complaint undermines the previous ones. “Each new revision contradicts the others; each is more absurd and outlandish than all previous claims combined,” the statement read.
The rep further claimed Pisciotta’s testimony “discredits all past, present and future” versions, vowing to “annihilate” her narrative in front of a jury. Milo Yiannopoulos, also speaking on behalf of West, claimed Pisciotta “chose the wrong target,” describing West as a non-violent man with no criminal record or firearm ownership.
Photo of Kanye West from a past public appearance Getty Images
Pisciotta accuses West of repeated sexual violence and harassment
In her newly revised legal complaint, Pisciotta details multiple disturbing incidents that allegedly occurred while she worked for West from 2021 to 2022. She accuses the rapper of groping her, masturbating in her presence, forcibly kissing her, and later sexually assaulting her in a hotel room during a business trip to San Francisco.
She alleges he raped her orally while she was frozen in shock and later offered her to other men as a “sexual gift.” Pisciotta claims the rapper subjected her to constant verbal harassment, sent her unsolicited explicit images, demanded sexual content from her in return, and attempted to involve her in his sexual encounters, all of which she says she refused. The complaint also alleges that after firing her, West moved into her apartment building and physically assaulted her by grabbing her throat and licking her ear.
Attorney Lisa Bloom says Kanye West has already admitted to key allegations Expresso
Lisa Bloom says Kanye’s own words will “destroy him in court”
Pisciotta’s attorney Lisa Bloom fired back at West’s response, stating that much of what Pisciotta alleges has already been acknowledged publicly by the rapper himself.
“While Kanye West’s publicist has come up with a slickly worded and outrageously false and defamatory attack on Ms. Pisciotta, Kanye himself has publicly admitted much of what she’s claiming,” Bloom told Daily Mail. “His spin team cannot protect him in court.”
She added that Pisciotta’s case would be built on these admissions and challenged West to face the allegations directly under legal scrutiny.
Kanye West’s spokesperson says the claims are inconsistent and defamatoryGetty Images
West’s team maintains lawsuit is a “cash grab”
West’s lawyers have consistently dismissed Pisciotta’s claims since she filed her original wrongful termination and sexual harassment suit in June 2024. They insist the lawsuit is “baseless,” “frivolous,” and part of a larger effort to extort money from a high-profile figure.
Despite the strong public denials, the legal battle is expected to escalate as both sides prepare for a potential trial.
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Gregg Wallace was dropped after a 19-year misconduct span
Investigation confirms 45 out of 83 allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.
BBC and production company Banijay say his return to the show is “untenable”.
Complaints span nearly two decades, including inappropriate sexual comments and unwanted touching.
Wallace insists he was “cleared of the most serious claims” and blames a toxic culture.
The BBC has formally cut ties with MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace after a seven-month investigation upheld 45 allegations of misconduct, including unwanted physical contact and inappropriate sexual remarks, made against him over a 19-year period.
The inquiry, commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, examined 83 separate claims against the 60-year-old, with over half substantiated. The BBC has confirmed it has “no plans to work with him in future,” citing behaviour that falls short of the broadcaster’s values.
Gregg Wallace dropped from MasterChef after over 50 sexual misconduct claims surface Getty Images
BBC drops Gregg Wallace following sexual misconduct and racism claims
Among the upheld allegations are 16 instances of sexually explicit comments, 12 inappropriate jokes or innuendos, four racist or culturally insensitive remarks, three episodes of being in a state of undress, and one claim of unwanted touching. Seven complaints of bullying were also validated.
The report revealed that most of the inappropriate behaviour took place between 2005 and 2018, with only one confirmed case occurring after that. Although Wallace was interviewed three times during the investigation and cooperated throughout, he has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
Last week, Wallace announced he had been sacked from MasterChef and criticised the BBC for “cancelling” him. In an Instagram post, he blamed what he described as a toxic environment and pointed to his recent autism diagnosis, saying he had received no protection or understanding from colleagues or management during his time on the show.
Report criticises BBC and Banijay for ‘missed opportunities’
The investigation also found serious failings in how complaints were handled. Six concerns were raised with Banijay (and its predecessor companies) between 2005 and 2024, and another six were lodged with the BBC. According to the report, most were dealt with informally or not escalated appropriately.
Banijay’s chief executive Patrick Holland admitted that past HR procedures were “not robust,” but said steps had been taken in recent years to improve reporting systems. He described the report as “uncomfortable reading” and apologised to those affected.
The BBC also acknowledged institutional failure. “We accept more could and should have been done sooner,” a spokesperson said. “We apologise to everyone impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.” The broadcaster added that his conduct was “below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.”
Gregg Wallace seen filming prior to being removed from the show Youtube Screengrab
Wallace's autism diagnosis draws backlash from disability groups
Wallace’s attempt to link his conduct to autism has been criticised by neurodiversity organisations and charities. Seema Flower, founder of BlindAmbition, said that using autism to justify inappropriate actions was “unacceptable and harmful.” Other disability advocates shared the sentiment, warning against conflating neurodiversity with misconduct.
The report acknowledged Wallace’s diagnosis and said his neurodiversity might explain some behaviour, particularly issues with social cues and reliance on humour as a “masking” technique, but made clear it was not a justification. Wallace himself stated he did not wish to “hide behind” his diagnosis.
BBC confirmed it will not work with Wallace againGetty Images
MasterChef future uncertain as BBC weighs unaired season
A decision is still pending on whether the last season of MasterChef, which was filmed with Wallace before his departure, will be aired. The BBC has said it will consult with participants before making a final call.
Wallace, once a defining presence on British food television, had hosted various editions of MasterChef for nearly two decades. His exit marks a rare public reckoning for behind-the-scenes behaviour in the UK’s entertainment industry.
Wallace claimed he was scapegoated amid a toxic production cultureGetty Images
The report also substantiated two allegations against other unnamed individuals on the production team, one involving racist language and the other swearing. Banijay says disciplinary action in those cases is underway.
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Pedro Pascal shuts down age criticism after being cast as Mister Fantastic
Pedro Pascal is cast as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, making him the oldest actor to play the role.
Some Marvel fans criticised his age, claiming he’s too old to portray the superhero.
Pascal responded at a London fan event, saying the negativity "comes with the territory."
The Marvel reboot releases in cinemas on 25 July 2025 and features Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Julia Garner.
Pedro Pascal is brushing off the online criticism surrounding his casting as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, saying he’s focused on meeting fan expectations, even if some think he’s too old for the role. The 50-year-old The Last of Us star, who will soon join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the stretchy genius Mister Fantastic, addressed the backlash at a fan event in London. Many social media users had argued that Pascal was miscast due to his age, but the actor says he’s learned to take the criticism in stride.
Pedro Pascal addresses fan backlash over playing Reed Richards at 50Getty Images
Pedro Pascal responds to ‘too old’ remarks
During a media interaction, Pascal admitted the negativity around his casting had affected him more than usual. “Sometimes the outside will find you no matter how much you try to protect yourself from it,” he said. “It just comes with the territory.” He added that his heightened nerves were likely tied to the legacy and love fans have for the character. “These stories only exist because of how much people care about them, and I felt that responsibility more than usual.”
Despite the noise online, Pascal emphasised that he’s putting everything he has into the role. “The only way to meet expectations is to give it all my focus, all my heart, my body, and my soul. That’s what I’ve done.”
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Marvel’s new take on the First Family
Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), Fantastic Four: First Steps will reintroduce Marvel’s First Family in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired universe. The film is separate from previous versions and aims to establish a new corner of the MCU. Pascal’s co-stars include Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner will portray the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson plays Galactus. Robert Downey Jr. is expected to return as Doctor Doom in later instalments.
Pascal follows in the footsteps of Ioan Gruffudd, Miles Teller, and John Krasinski, who all played Reed Richards in earlier Fantastic Four adaptations. At 50, Pascal is the oldest to take on the role. Gruffudd was 31, Teller 28, and Krasinski 42 during their respective stints.
Some fans have pointed out that in the original Marvel comics, Reed Richards was in his mid-30s when he gained his powers, while Sue and Johnny Storm were in their 20s and teens. However, the upcoming film doesn’t strictly follow those age references, and the entire main cast is older than their comic counterparts.
Still, Marvel seems to be aiming for emotional depth and performance over precise comic book accuracy, a trend that’s become more common in recent adaptations.
A role unlike any other
Despite his success in The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us, Pascal said that playing Mister Fantastic feels uniquely demanding and exciting. “This is the best time of my life,” he told fans at the event. “I’m having an amazing time, and I hope that comes through in the film.”
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Kangana says she isn’t equal to a labourer, mother or Mukesh Ambani
Kangana Ranaut says the concept of equality has created a “generation of morons”.
Claims she’s not equal to Ambani, her mother, or even a labourer.
Her current views contradict her 2018 stance on gender equality in cinema.
Actor-MP to appear in a psychological thriller with R. Madhavan.
Kangana Ranaut has courted controversy again, this time with her take on equality. In a recent interview, the actor-turned-politician called the modern idea of equality “a delusion”, claiming it has produced a generation that overestimates itself. The Queen star, now an elected MP from Mandi, also argued that no one is equal to anyone, citing herself, Mukesh Ambani, her mother, and even daily-wage workers as examples of how everyone plays unique roles in society.
Kangana Ranaut speaks on equality and her role as a ParliamentarianGetty Images
‘A child isn’t equal to a woman, and I’m not equal to Ambani,’ says Kangana
In a candid chat with Times Now, Kangana said, “Since the world has started believing that we are all equal, we’ve only produced a generation of morons.” She illustrated her argument by comparing herself to others: “I am not equal to Ambani ji, and he is not equal to me; I have four National Awards. I am not equal to my mother. When I sit next to a labourer, I feel they have far more tolerance than me.”
Ranaut believes this blind chase for equality has blurred the lines between respect and entitlement. “People don’t admire their seniors anymore. They think they’re born perfect,” she said, blaming the notion for younger generations avoiding promotions because they don’t want more responsibilities.
Kangana Ranaut calls equality a flawed idea, claims it’s ruining work ethic in today’s youthGetty Images
Contradicts her earlier views on feminism and gender parity
Kangana’s statements sharply contrast with her previous public opinions. Back in 2018, during a Cannes panel moderated by Prasoon Joshi, she had argued for equal status in the film industry. “An actor and actress do the same job. Why shouldn’t they get equal recognition?” she had said.
She had also described feminism as “compensation” for a flawed society, stating, “Feminism is medicine for a sick society,” and pushed for equal pay and opportunities in male-dominated Bollywood. At the time, she championed the cause loudly, even claiming she rejected films with major male stars like the Khans and Kapoors to stand her ground.
Kangana Ranaut says belief in equality has created a ‘generation of morons’ in viral Times Now interviewGetty Images
Recent backlash for Mandi disaster response
Kangana is also under fire for her comments about the limits of her powers as a Member of Parliament. When asked why she hadn’t provided financial relief to flood-affected areas in Mandi, she told ANI, “I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any cabinet post. Our role as MPs is limited to raising concerns.”
Her remarks didn’t sit well with many constituents, but she later clarified that her intent was to “tell people the reality” of how bureaucratic systems work. “I will make sure the Centre helps. I have my limitations, but my party and I will fulfil our promises,” she said.
Kangana Ranaut blames equality for entitlement culture, says no two people are equalGetty Images
On the professional front, Kangana will reunite with Tanu Weds Manu co-star R. Madhavan for a psychological thriller. She is also slated to appear in Sita: The Incarnation, directed by Alaukik Desai, and Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, a socio-political drama helmed by Manoj Tapadia.