Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
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Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.
All five Twilight films will return to theatres this October.
Lionsgate teases the re-release with a “Forever Begins Again” campaign.
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner star in the iconic franchise.
The saga grossed more than £2.6 billion (₹27,400 crore) worldwide.
The much-loved Twilight Saga is making its comeback, with Lionsgate announcing a limited Twilight Saga return to theatres this October. The studio teased the re-release with a nostalgic campaign featuring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, giving fans the chance to relive one of the most loved film series of the 2000s.
The Twilight Saga’s iconic love triangle returns to the big screen after more than a decadeInstagram/twilight
When is The Twilight Saga returning to theatres?
Lionsgate confirmed that all five films in the franchise will return to select theatres across the US this October. The announcement was made through the official social media accounts of the studio, which acquired Summit Entertainment in 2012. A graphic featuring Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner alongside the words “Forever Begins Again” sent fans into a frenzy.
Though exact release dates have not yet been revealed, Lionsgate promised further details shortly. The move allows long-time fans to revisit the saga on the big screen while also introducing a new generation to Bella, Edward and Jacob’s story.
What films are included in The Twilight Saga re-release?
The re-release includes all five original films based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels:
Twilight (2008)
New Moon (2009)
Eclipse (2010)
Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
The series follows Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, as she navigates her love for vampire Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson, and her bond with werewolf Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner. The films became a cultural phenomenon, with “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” debates dominating fan conversations for years.
How successful was The Twilight Saga at the box office?
The first Twilight film, released in November 2008, was made on a modest budget but became a global hit, grossing £320 million (₹3,370 crore). Over the course of five films, the franchise went on to earn more than £2.6 billion (₹27,400 crore) worldwide.
The popularity of the saga not only transformed its cast into international stars but also influenced a wave of supernatural-themed romances in Hollywood and beyond. Even today, Twilight memes, rewatches and fan theories remain a regular feature online.
Fifteen years since the first film, the Twilight Saga return to theatres shows how enduring the story remains. Director Catherine Hardwicke reflected on its success in 2023, noting that its exploration of first love resonated deeply with audiences.
Catherine Hardwicke’s iconic teen romance is set to stir fans all over again this OctoberGetty Images
The saga’s mix of romance, supernatural drama and teen angst continues to appeal to both older fans who grew up with the films and younger viewers discovering them for the first time. With the October re-release, fans can once again experience iconic moments, from Edward saving Bella in the rain to the Volturi showdown, in a way streaming platforms cannot replicate.
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Aditya Chopra (right) with his father, Yash Chopra
BOLLYWOOD filmmaker Aditya Chopra was last Thursday (21) named among the nominees of the UK Stage Debut Awards for his Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, performed at Manchester’s Opera House earlier this year.
Chopra delivered a blockbuster in 1995 with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, popular as DDLJ, with Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead roles. It was adapted to a theatrical production and had its UK premiere in May.
Chopra reprised his role as director of the English stage production, which revolves around the love story of Simran and Roger.
Shah Rukh Khan visits the cast of Come Fall in Love The DDLJ Musical during rehearsals in London Danny Kaan
“This year’s nominees embody the future of British theatre, and I can’t wait to celebrate their achievements,” said Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage theatrical publication.
“This year there are several individuals with south Asian heritage being recognised for their excellence in directing: among the nominees is Amit Sharma for Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde (in the Best Creative West End Debut category),” said the awards panel in a statement.
Also nominated are Adam Karim for Guards at the Taj at the Orange Tree Theatre, London, and visionary Indian filmmaker Aditya Chopra for Come Fall In Love at Manchester’s Opera House, who are both in the running for the best director category, the statement added.
John Alford, 53, is accused of sexually abusing two girls aged 14 and 15 at a Hertfordshire party in 2022.
Charges include sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and assault by penetration.
Prosecutors allege both girls were drunk when the incidents occurred.
Alford, whose real name is John Shannon, denies all allegations.
The trial is taking place at St Albans Crown Court.
Former London’s Burning actor John Alford is on trial accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls at a house party in Hertfordshire on 9 April 2022.
The 53-year-old, from Holloway, north London, faces four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old and two charges involving a 15-year-old girl, including sexual assault and assault by penetration. He has denied all the charges.
Opening the case at St Albans Crown Court, prosecutor Julie Whitby told jurors that Alford, charged under his real name John Shannon, was “in no doubt” both girls were under 16.
Jurors heard that Alford and another man, the father of a third girl, arrived at the house in the early hours of the morning. Alford later returned from a petrol station with a bottle of vodka.
The prosecution said he asked the 14-year-old to sit on his lap, behaviour she described as “a bit strange”, before the alleged assaults took place in the garden and later in a toilet.
In a police interview played to the court, the girl said: “He raped me”, claiming she asked him to stop several times. She also told officers it was the first time she had had sex.
A 15-year-old girl also accused Alford of sexual assault. The court heard that both alleged victims had consumed “a fair amount of vodka” on the night in question and did not immediately disclose the incidents.
The matter came to light after the 15-year-old’s mother made a report to police two days later.
In a statement given to police, Alford denied the allegations, claiming one of the girls had told him she was 17 and had tried to kiss him. He insisted: “At no point did I touch her in any sexual way whatsoever.”
He also alleged that the two girls were attempting to extort money from him, but prosecutors said no evidence to support this claim was found on phones seized from either the complainants or the defendant.
The case continues at St Albans Crown Court, where jurors will hear further evidence in the coming days.
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Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have been listed in the complaint as brand ambassadors of Hyundai
An FIR has been registered in Bharatpur against Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Hyundai officials.
A local resident alleges his Hyundai Alcazar SUV, bought in 2022, developed major defects.
The case includes fraud and conspiracy charges under IPC and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Both actors, Hyundai brand ambassadors, are accused of misleading consumers.
Neither Shah Rukh Khan nor Deepika Padukone’s teams have responded yet.
Legal case filed in Bharatpur
Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone are facing legal trouble after an FIR was filed against them in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The complaint, registered on 25 August at Mathura Gate police station, also names six Hyundai officials.
The case stems from allegations made by Kirti Singh, a Bharatpur resident, who claimed his Hyundai Alcazar SUV, purchased in 2022 for more than ₹23 lakh, developed serious technical issues within months. He further alleged that repeated attempts to get the company to address the problems were unsuccessful.
Court intervention leads to FIR
Singh initially approached police but his grievance was not registered. He then moved the court, which directed police to take action. Following this, an FIR was lodged under sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The named Hyundai officials include Managing Director Anso Kim, COO Tarun Garg, Malwa Auto Sales Pvt Ltd Managing Director Nitin Sharma and Director Priyanka Sharma.
Brand ambassadors named in complaint
In addition to Hyundai executives, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have been listed in the complaint as brand ambassadors of Hyundai. The petitioner argued that by endorsing the brand, the actors promoted a defective product and misled consumers.
As of now, neither Khan nor Padukone’s representatives have issued a statement regarding the FIR.
Upcoming projects for the actors
Away from the controversy, both stars have busy film schedules. Shah Rukh Khan will next appear in King alongside his daughter Suhana Khan, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film reportedly features a large ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Deepika Padukone.
Padukone was most recently seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. She will next star in Atlee’s sci-fi action project AA22xA6, alongside Allu Arjun.
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Swift’s choice of So High School—widely believed to be inspired by Kelce—added a personal touch
Taylor Swift announced engagement to American footballer Travis Kelce via Instagram.
Kelce proposed in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, surrounded by floral displays.
Swift showcased a cushion-cut diamond ring from Artifex Fine Jewellery.
Fans and celebrities, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, reacted with excitement.
Taylor Swift confirms engagement with Instagram Post
Taylor Swift has announced her engagement to American football player Travis Kelce, sharing the news on Instagram with a carousel of images and the caption: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.” The post, accompanied by her ballad So High School, quickly went viral, gaining more than 18 million likes within hours.
The photos show Kelce on one knee, Swift wearing a Ralph Lauren halter-neck dress and a Cartier watch, and the singer flashing her cushion-cut diamond engagement ring. According to reports, the ring was purchased from Artifex Fine Jewellery, with prices beginning at around $29,000 (£21,500).
A garden proposal in Missouri
Kelce’s father, Ed, revealed to ABC’s News 5 Cleveland that the proposal had taken place nearly two weeks earlier in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He explained that his son arranged a private moment in a garden before dinner, where he asked Swift to marry him.
The setting featured roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums and anemones, styled to evoke a “hidden secret garden” according to celebrity florist Jeff Leatham.
A nod to fans through music and captions
Swift’s choice of So High School—widely believed to be inspired by Kelce—added a personal touch. Fans noted that the caption itself echoed an inside joke from the Swiftie community, where the couple have been affectionately likened to an English teacher and a gym teacher.
Dr Iona Murphy, an English literature lecturer and Swift fan, described the post as a “full-circle moment”, noting the lyrical reference and nod to fandom culture.
Global reaction from fans and public figures
Fans around the world reacted with delight, sharing videos of themselves screaming, crying, or celebrating in disbelief. Many described Swift’s announcement as a “pop emergency”, with some joking that they were celebrating their “close friend’s” engagement.
Public figures also joined in: the Prince and Princess of Wales liked the post, while US President Donald Trump wished the couple well despite past criticism of Swift. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay playfully congratulated the pair on Instagram, writing, “From one ring to the next… congrats @killatrav & @taylorswift !”
Swift’s love life has long fascinated both fans and the media, often reflected in her music. This engagement feels different, according to fans, because Kelce is seen as a partner who embraces her success rather than being intimidated by it.
One fan account holder told the BBC: “We’ve seen a lot of boyfriends over the years, some we liked and some we didn’t. Travis loves her proudly, and that’s what makes fans so happy.”