Chakrabarti cheers Life of Pi’s big wins at Olivier awards
By AMIT ROYApr 11, 2022
ACCLAIMED Asian director Lolita Chakrabarti and her team were celebrating on Monday (11), after the West End play, Life of Pi, scooped five awards at the prestigious Laurence Olivier awards the previous night (10).
The stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s Booker Prize-winning novel has won the Best Actor accolade for Hiran Abeysekera and Best New Play for writer and director Lolita Chakrabarti at the theatre awards at the Royal Albert Hall in central London
on Sunday (10).
In her acceptance speech, Chakrabarti she said the continued success of Life of Pi was a “testament to the story” created by Martel, and described it as an “absolute modern classic”.
She noted his “graciousness in giving me the freedom to tell the story as I wanted”. “He said, ‘I don’t know about theatre, you do what you do and have the book,’” Chakrabarti told the audience.
Lolita Chakrabarti with the Best New Play award (credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
“I think that understanding of other forms of artistry and his generosity has made the film what it was and the play what it is. It all comes down from his book really.” Some months ago when Martel and Chakrabarti discussed Life of Pi after press night at Wyndham’s Theatre, the author confessed he almost preferred the stage version.
On Sunday night, Chakrabarti also thanked her husband, actor Adrian Lester. “When I started writing, he was my biggest fan and encouraged me completely. When all the doors were shut, he said, ‘Keep knocking, because they’ll open,’” she recalled.
Asian actor Abeysekera plays Pi Patel, a 16-year-old who journeys across the Pacific Ocean for 227 days with a 450lb ferocious Royal Bengal tiger, Richard Parker, who are the only survivors from a shipwreck. The tiger had come from a zoo in Pondicherry, south India.
Abeysekera performs on stage with the cast of Life of Pi (credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
In an emotional speech, Abeysekera, the show’s undoubted star who is on stage for the entire length of the two-hour performance, said he was “overwhelmed” to win Best Actor. He also admitted taking on the lead role of Pi was initially “quite a scary proposition” as the book was so beloved, but said cast members realised they had “something special” after their first dress run. Abeysekera also paid tribute to his home country of Sri Lanka, which he said was going through a “tough time now... I think of you and wish I was there with you”.
The seven puppeteers who skilfully manoeuvre the mock-up of the tiger – three are required at any one time to handle the animal’s head, heart and hind – were jointly named Best Supporting Actor, the first time this has happened in the history of the Olivier awards. The prize was picked up by Fred Davis, Daisy Franks, Tom Stacy, Romina Hytten, Scarlet Wilderink, Tom Larkin and actor Habib Nasib Nader, who provides the voice of the tiger and appears as a cook as well.
Hytten, who first started learning puppetry as an 11-year-old, dedicated the award to all puppeteers.
She said: “Shout out has to be given to War Horse – three of us in this team were in War Horse. It helped put puppetry in the realm of a character that the audience can relate to. This award feels so much bigger than just the seven of us – it’s for all puppeteers.”
Stacy echoed her sentiments: “We’re not just the first puppets to win, but the first to have been nominated for the award. As a tiger team, it couldn’t feel more right and it’s exciting for the future of theatre.”
Finn Caldwell (left) and Tim Hatley withthe Best Set Design award (credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Puppet designers for the show, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, previously spoke to the Telegraph about the portrayal of Richard Parker, saying that just being nominated for the award would open doors for other puppet shows in future.
“We’ve been hoping for a reaction like the Olivier awards for so long”, said Caldwell, puppetry and movement director.
He added that the National Theatre’s production of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse helped to change the image of puppetry, although there were still challenges. He said: “The ‘p-word’ is difficult. When I hear the word ‘puppet’ I flinch – I assume people are making associations with Punch and Judy. It’s not glamorous. It’s hard to go, ‘Hey, I’m a puppeteer’. I think all that’s now changing, though. If you say, “I was the tiger last night”, the reaction you may well get is ‘Oh, my god!’”
Tim Lutkin (left) and Andrzej Goulding with the Best Lighting design award (credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The pair revealed they researched for the show by studying videos of animals and taking trips to London zoo. They created the tiger puppet from foam, plywood, aluminium and nylon, with elasticated bungee cords for the joints.
In the Best Set Design category, Life of Pi also won awards for Tim Hatley for Design and Finn Caldwell for Puppets. For Best Lighting Design, the Life of Pi winners were Tim Lutkin and Andrzej Goulding. The play, which has survived two stoppages caused by the pandemic, is currently being performed at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End.
The novel was also adapted into a film in 2012 which starred Suraj Sharma and won four Oscars. Life of Pi represents British theatre at its best, but it goes deeper than entertainment for its poses a fundamental question: is there a God?
After watching the two-hour play, the audience is encouraged to believe that there is, although, to be sure, people are left to make up their own minds.
The cast of Life of Pi on stage (credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Pi tells his story in flashback from a hospital bed after he and Richard Parker wash up in Mexico at journey’s end. The boat’s previous occupant had been a hyena which had been killed by the tiger. But this seemed like natural justice because the hyena had devoured a zebra, Black & White, and a much loved orangutan, Orange Juice.
Pi’s account of “co-habitation” with a tiger is just not believed by a Mr Okamoto, who has come from Japan to debrief the boy, the only survivor after the sinking of the Tsimtsum. This was the Japanese ship ferrying the Patel family zoo from Pondicherry in south India to a new life in Canada.
But the alternative account was horrific, which was that the hyena, zebra and orangutan had represented the ship’s chef, a sailor and Pi’s mother, Amma. The chef had killed and eaten the sailor and Amma, and Pi, in turn, had killed their killer. Whether he, too, had engaged in cannibalism is left unsaid.
“Which is the better story?” asks Pi.
When the novel came out in 2001, Martel received a two paragraph note from the White House, which said: “My daughter and I just finished reading Life of Pi together. Both of us agreed we prefer the story with animals. It is a lovely book — an elegant proof of God, and the power of storytelling. Thank you.” It was signed Barack Obama.
Siddharth to co-star with Freida Pinto in Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth
Series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection
John Wells and Madhuri Shekar leading the adaptation with Ritesh Batra directing two episodes
Cast includes Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, Sarayu Blue, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig
Actor Siddharth has joined Freida Pinto in Unaccustomed Earth, Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s celebrated short story collection. The new drama, combining elements of family conflict with romance, marks Siddharth’s latest international outing. With Pinto leading the cast, the series promises to bring Lahiri’s themes of migration, love, and identity to a global audience.
Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories Getty Images
What is Unaccustomed Earth about?
The Netflix series adapts Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of stories, weaving them into an eight-part narrative set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It follows the life of Parul Chaudhury played by Freida Pinto, a devoted wife whose world unravels when a long-lost love resurfaces, sparking a scandalous affair within a close-knit Indian American community.
Described by the streamer as an “epic, soapy drama,” the show explores themes of belonging, generational conflict, and the push and pull between tradition and individual desire.
Siddharth takes on the role of Amit Mukherjee, a Bengali American raised in Cambridge. Known as the dependable friend everyone turns to in moments of crisis, Amit is warm-hearted yet struggles to find stability in both work and relationships.
According to Netflix, Amit’s life begins to spiral just as his relationship starts to look promising, with the unexpected return of his lost love setting off a chain of emotional conflicts. This layered character gives Siddharth the opportunity to bring both depth and vulnerability to the story.
Actor Siddharth's Instagram postInstagram Screengrab/worldofsiddharth
Who is behind Unaccustomed Earth on Netflix?
The series is being spearheaded by Emmy-winning producer John Wells alongside playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar. Wells serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer, while Shekar joins him as co-writer and co-producer.
Indian filmmaker Ritesh Batra will direct the first two episodes, with additional episodes helmed by Nisha Ganatra. The project is produced under John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Lahiri herself is also attached as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to her original text.
Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning Unaccustomed Earth comes to Netflix with a global ensemble castGetty Images
When will Unaccustomed Earth release on Netflix?
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Unaccustomed Earth. The show is currently in production and will join the streamer’s growing list of South Asian stories with international appeal.Lahiri’s works have been adapted for the screen before, most notably The Namesake directed by Mira Nair and starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn. With an ensemble that also includes Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema, expectations are high for the series to deliver another culturally rich story with global resonance.
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Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit
Swift’s legal team denies claims she agreed to a deposition
Justin Baldoni sought to question her over friendship with Blake Lively
Judge ruled Baldoni missed the deadline to schedule her questioning
Swift’s lawyer says she has “no material role” in the case
Taylor Swift’s lawyer has confirmed the singer has not agreed to a deposition in the ongoing It Ends With Us lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, shutting down claims made by Baldoni’s legal team. The pop star was named as a potential witness due to her close friendship with Lively, but her counsel insists she has no connection to the allegations. The high-profile legal battle has drawn global attention as it moves towards trial.
Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit Getty Images
Why did Justin Baldoni want Taylor Swift’s deposition?
Baldoni’s lawyers argued that Swift’s long-standing friendship with Lively made her a “key witness” who could offer insight into private communications between the two actors during the film’s production. They claimed she had agreed to appear for questioning after October due to prior work commitments, referencing the rollout of her forthcoming album.
However, Swift’s attorney Douglas Baldridge refuted this in a court filing, stating that she never agreed to sit for questioning and was only contacted about it three days prior. He stressed that if forced, she could only make time during the week of 20 October, but this would be contingent on the court’s direction, not voluntary consent.
Taylor Swift has "no material role" in legal case, says lawyerGetty Images
What did the judge say about the Taylor Swift deposition bid?
Judge Lewis J. Liman denied Baldoni’s request to extend the discovery deadline to include Swift’s deposition. He ruled that Baldoni’s legal team “failed to demonstrate appropriate diligence” after waiting until this week to approach her representatives, despite having months to do so.
The judge confirmed that the discovery schedule requires all depositions to conclude by the end of September, meaning Baldoni has lost the chance to question Swift as part of the pre-trial evidence process.
Bryan Freedman, speaks to the press at US District Court after a pre-trial hearing in New York on February 3, 2025Getty Images
How has Taylor Swift responded to being named in the lawsuit?
Swift’s team has criticised Baldoni for trying to pull her into what they call a “media spectacle” despite her having no role in the case. Baldridge wrote that “since the inception of this matter, we have consistently maintained that my client has no material role in this action.”
Lively’s lawyers shared this view, accusing Baldoni of attempting to generate tabloid coverage by involving Swift. They also opposed extending the discovery period, saying any scheduling issues were caused by Baldoni’s delay, not Swift’s unavailability.
Taylor Swift and Blake Lively prior to Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City ChiefsGetty Images
What is the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit about?
The legal clash began in December when Lively accused Baldoni, her co-star and director on It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign after she complained. Baldoni denied the claims and countersued for defamation, but the judge later dismissed his countersuit as legally invalid.
U.S. judge rules Blake Lively\u2019s harassment claims were legally protected speech Getty Images
The case is heading to trial in March 2026 with only Lively’s original allegations remaining. The court previously allowed Baldoni limited access to Lively and Swift’s text messages during the discovery process but has now closed the door on deposing Swift.
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Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.
He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.
“Discussions have been going on in a positive atmosphere with seriousness since March. It is progressing, and both the countries are satisfied with the progress,” Goyal told reporters. On Wednesday, he had also said that India is in “active dialogue” with the United States.
Trump this week said there would be “no difficulty” for the two countries to reach a successful conclusion and that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Modi in the coming weeks. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote he was “pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations.”
Modi responded on X, welcoming Trump’s statement and expressing confidence that the negotiations would help unlock the potential of the partnership. He said India and the US are close friends and natural partners and are working to conclude the discussions at the earliest.
The two countries have completed five rounds of negotiations since March. The sixth round, scheduled to take place in India last month, was deferred after Washington imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over purchases of Russian crude oil.
The aim of the pact is to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the current USD 191 bn. Trade ties have been strained due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50 per cent import duty on Indian goods from August 27. The move has hit exports from labour-intensive sectors such as shrimp, textiles, leather and footwear. India has described the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.
Talks have also been delayed over US demands for greater access in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. India has said repeatedly that it will not compromise the interests of small and marginal farmers and cattle rearers.
The US is India’s largest trading partner. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods was USD 131.8 bn, with India’s exports at USD 86.5 bn and imports at USD 45.3 bn. The US is also the third-largest investor in India, with foreign direct investment of USD 76.26 bn between April 2000 and June 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows.
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(With inputs from agencies)
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West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)
A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.
West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.
Chief Supt Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
The first suspect has been described as white, with a shaved head and of heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second man was also white, wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Police said the incident is being treated as isolated and urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 798 of September 9.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators reportedly told the woman: “You don't belong in this country, get out.” Dabinderjit Singh of the group said the attack happened “in broad daylight on a busy road” and criticised politicians for failing to condemn it.
Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan said on X the case was “a truly horrific attack” and that police were treating it as a hate crime and working “extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace.”
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Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral
Viral clipping claimed Aamir Khan called his cameo in Coolie “a big mistake”
The image showed fabricated quotes criticising the role and script
Fact checks confirm no credible record of Aamir making such remarks
Despite mixed reactions, Coolie has crossed £41.75 million (₹500 crore) globally
Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed stars, has become the subject of a viral claim alleging he regretted his cameo in Coolie. The Rajinikanth starrer, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featured Aamir in a brief special appearance. Social media posts claimed Aamir called the cameo “a big mistake”, but fact checks have found no evidence he ever said this. The controversy surfaced as the film continues its strong box office run.
Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral Instagram/sunpictures
Did Aamir Khan really call his Coolie cameo a mistake?
The viral image doing the rounds online showed a newspaper-style clipping with quotes attributed to Aamir Khan, allegedly saying he “can’t figure out what his character was meant to do” and that it was “badly written.”
However, no verified news outlet or interview carries these remarks. The clipping has no byline, date, or publication name. Media watchdogs flagged inconsistencies in formatting and language, suggesting the content was fabricated. Reputed entertainment portals have confirmed that Aamir has not made any public comment criticising his cameo.
— (@)
What has Aamir Khan actually said about his cameo in Coolie ?
During Coolie’s promotional phase, Aamir had spoken positively about appearing alongside Rajinikanth. He described the experience as “loads of fun” and revealed he agreed to do it purely out of admiration for the veteran star.
Known for his perfectionist approach, Aamir also clarified at the time that he had not read the full script before saying yes. He emphasised that the cameo was a gesture of respect, not a creative collaboration, and that he was not involved in shaping the film’s storyline.
Despite the trolling around Aamir Khan’s appearance, Coolie has performed strongly. Industry trackers report that the film has grossed over £41.75 million (₹500 crore) worldwide. In India alone, the action thriller has earned around £28.05 million (₹336 crore), with Tamil Nadu contributing nearly £12.52 million (₹150 crore), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana around £5.84 million (₹70 crore), Karnataka £3.76 million (₹45 crore), and Kerala £2.09 million (₹25 crore).
The film opened to record-breaking figures over the Independence Day weekend before seeing a drop in weekday collections. Its overseas business has remained solid, pushing it into the year’s top-grossing Indian films.
False attributions like this can damage reputations and distort public opinion. In this case, the fake quote risked suggesting friction between Aamir Khan and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, or disappointment with Rajinikanth’s project.
— (@)
Neither Aamir nor his team has issued an official response yet, but sources close to the actor stress that he has no regrets about the cameo. The fabricated claim shows how easily misinformation can spread when presented in seemingly authentic formats.