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.
Fans speculate about a possible collaboration after Demi comments “obsessed!” on Charli’s video.
TikTok’s latest trend has found its ultimate power duo in Demi Lovato and Charli XCX. The two singers have each shared videos set to a sped-up mashup of Lovato’s 2008 hit This Is Me from Camp Rock and Charli’s 2024 single *360*, giving fans a double dose of pop star vibes.
Lovato’s video oozes theatrical flair; she struts into frame, fingers through her hair, mouthing the mashup’s dramatic beats before dropping to the floor under flashing paparazzi lights. Charli’s take is just as committed but with a mischievous edge, matching Lovato’s crawl-to-camera moment before breaking into laughter and tossing her sunglasses toward the lens.
Demi Lovato and Charli XCX fuel collaboration rumours with trending TikTok mashup Getty Images
Why is the ‘This Is Me’ x ‘360’ mashup trending?
The mashup works because it bridges two very different pop moments. This Is Me is a millennial nostalgia anthem, tied to the Disney Channel era that launched Lovato’s career. *360*, on the other hand, is modern, with Charli’s signature club-ready swagger.
By combining heartfelt teen movie earnestness with futuristic pop confidence, the track has struck a chord with TikTok creators looking for both drama and irony. Lovato and Charli embracing it back-to-back has only amplified the trend’s reach.
Charli’s video begins with her stepping out of a trailer in oversized sunglasses and a flowing black dress, delivering the same strut and floor moment as Lovato but with playful exaggeration. After rolling around in mock chaos, she leaps up and grins at the camera, a clear wink to viewers.
Lovato didn’t hold back either. Her clip has been described by fans as “performance art meets pop star power,” with its moody lighting, slow hair flips, and a paparazzi-style crawl toward the lens.
When Demi commented “obsessed!” on Charli’s post, it instantly fuelled speculation about a potential remix or live duet. Many TikTok users are now asking if the two will bring the mashup to the stage.
Where are Demi Lovato and Charli XCX in their careers right now?
The timing of the videos comes during busy professional periods for both singers.
Lovato recently delivered a major throwback moment during the Jonas Brothers’ JONAS20 tour, joining Joe Jonas on stage at MetLife Stadium to perform Gotta Find You and This Is Me, 15 years after the movie’s premiere. The performance was met with roaring nostalgia from fans who grew up watching Camp Rock.
Charli XCX, meanwhile, has been balancing music with film. She appeared at Norway’s Oslo Pix Film Festival to introduce Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, sharing how the movie’s themes of love, art, and family resonated with her long after the screening.
While neither artist has confirmed any joint project, the playful back-and-forth and public display of mutual admiration suggest that a collaboration isn’t out of the question. The mashup itself is already being streamed in fan-made edits, and some producers are pushing for an official release.
For now, the viral challenge has given fans exactly what they want: two confident, self-aware pop stars leaning into their own images while having fun with each other’s work. It’s part nostalgia trip, part modern pop spectacle, and TikTok’s algorithm can’t seem to get enough.
Daniel Day-Lewis stars in Anemone, his first film since 2017’s Phantom Thread.
The film is directed and co-written by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
World premiere set for New York Film Festival, 26 Sept – 13 Oct 2025.
Co-stars include Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, and Samuel Bottomley.
After walking away from Hollywood in 2017, three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis is returning to the big screen in Anemone, a family drama co-written with and directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The comeback project will premiere at the 2025 New York Film Festival before heading to cinemas in October.
This is the first time audiences will see Day-Lewis in a feature film since Phantom Thread, which he had declared would be his last. His unexpected return has generated huge interest, not only for his performance but for the unique father-son collaboration behind the camera.
Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen with ANEMONE directed by Ronan Day-Lewis Instagram/danieldaylewisthegoat
What is Anemone about?
Set in Northern England, Anemone follows middle-aged suburban man Stephen, played by Sean Bean, who leaves his comfortable life to seek out his estranged hermit brother, portrayed by Day-Lewis. The brothers are bound by a painful, unresolved history marked by political and personal trauma.
The official synopsis describes the story as an “emotional powerhouse” that navigates strained family bonds, long-buried secrets, and the possibility of redemption. Supporting roles are played by Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green. Cinematographer Ben Fordesman brings the drama to life with wide, atmospheric visuals.
Day-Lewis shocked the film industry when he announced his retirement shortly before the release of Phantom Thread. At the time, he issued a rare statement saying he would “no longer be working as an actor” and offered no further explanation.
In a later interview, he admitted the decision came from a deep, personal need to step away: “I didn’t want to get drawn back into another project. The impulse to quit became a compulsion. I need to believe in the value of what I’m doing; lately, it wasn’t enough.”
His withdrawal from acting added to his mystique, given his reputation as one of the most selective and immersive performers in cinema.
Daniel Day Lewis speaks onstage during the National Board Of Review 2024 Awards Gala Getty Images
When will Anemone be released?
Anemone will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival, which runs from 26 September to 13 October 2025. Focus Features will release the film in select US cinemas on 3 October, followed by a wider release from 10 October. UK release dates are expected to follow.
The film is already drawing attention as a major awards season contender, with industry watchers eager to see if Day-Lewis’ return could put him back in the race for a fourth Best Actor Oscar.
Daniel Day-Lewis’ legacy in film
Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Day-Lewis remains the only performer to have won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). Known for his method acting and long preparation periods, his limited filmography has only heightened his reputation.
His return in Anemone is a rare reappearance from a performer who once seemed determined never to face the camera again. With the added layer of working alongside his son, the project merges personal and professional storytelling in a way that is certain to intrigue both critics and audiences.
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Geeta Basra returns to cinema in Rakesh Mehta’s Mehar
Geeta Basra makes her big-screen comeback after nearly a decade with Punjabi drama Mehar.
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rakesh Mehta, the film explores love, redemption, and second chances.
Basra says the role resonated deeply, inspiring her return to acting.
The actress hopes to challenge stereotypes about married women and mothers in lead roles.
British Bollywood star Geeta Basra is stepping back into the spotlight after almost nine years, taking on the lead role in Mehar, an emotional Punjabi film by award-winning director Rakesh Mehta. Known for her roles in The Train, Dil Diya Hai, and Lock, Basra had taken a break from films to focus on family life, motherhood, and other ventures, including television appearances and modelling.
With Mehar, she embarks on what she calls “a new chapter” in her career, with more projects already in the works. “When Mehar came to me, I just couldn’t say no,” she said. “It’s such a deep and meaningful story, with a powerful message that speaks directly to the heart.”
Geeta Basra returns to cinema in Rakesh Mehta’s Mehar Geeta Basra returns to cinema in Rakesh Mehta’s Mehar
What is Mehar about?
Set against the rural backdrop of Punjab, Mehar follows the journey of Karamjit, a man fighting to restore his dignity as a father, husband, and son. The film weaves together themes of love, family, and redemption, presenting a universal story that audiences across cultures can relate to. Mehta’s direction brings together realism with strong emotional beats, supported by soulful music that enhances the storytelling.
Basra revealed that the script’s emotional depth and strong family values were the driving forces behind her decision to return to acting. “As an artist, you wait for a film that resonates with you on every level, and Mehar is exactly that,” she said. “It’s a blessing to be part of something that I know will connect with families everywhere.”
Her portrayal in Mehar is expected to showcase a matured range of emotions, shaped by her own life experiences over the past decade. This, she believes, makes her performance more authentic and relatable.
Beyond her on-screen role, Basra is using this comeback to address long-standing biases in the film industry. She wants to challenge the notion that married women or mothers can’t play central roles in major films.
“Women with life experience can deliver the most authentic performances, especially in family dramas,” she said. “Producers need to create strong, complex characters for women, regardless of their personal lives. That’s one of the reasons Mehar felt like such a natural fit for me.”
As one of the few British-born actresses to build a successful career in Indian films, Basra’s journey holds particular significance for aspiring actors from diverse backgrounds. She sees her return as a message to others who may have stepped away from their careers for personal reasons.
“I hope my journey shows that you can focus on what matters most and still return to your passions with even more purpose,” she said. “If Mehar inspires just one person to keep believing in their dreams, I’ll feel my job is done.”
Geeta Basra says married women can headline major films as she returns to Punjabi cinemaInstagram/geetabasra
With Mehar, Geeta Basra is not just making her comeback, but also reshaping conversations about women’s roles in cinema. The film’s release is set to mark an emotional and inspiring milestone for both the actress and audiences looking for stories with heart and honesty.
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Ellie Goldstein and George Clarke bring history and online star power to Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast
Ellie Goldstein becomes the first full-series contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
YouTuber George Clarke also joins the line-up, confirming his participation on BBC Radio 1.
The cast includes Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, La Voix and Chris Robshaw.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer from 20 September 2025.
Ellie Goldstein and George Clarke have both been confirmed as celebrity contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, adding fresh personalities to a line-up that mixes soap stars, athletes and online creators. Goldstein makes history as the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full series, while Clarke brings his large social media following and podcast audience to the ballroom.
Goldstein rose to international attention after starring in campaigns for Gucci Beauty and Adidas and becoming the first model with Down syndrome on the cover of British Vogue. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said joining Strictly felt like a dream and that she was “ready to do it with glitter, glamour, and make some magic on that dancefloor.” Clarke, known online as George Clarkey, confirmed his place on BBC Radio 1, joking he has “no idea what he’s doing” but is “excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.”
Ellie Goldstein and George Clarke bring history and online star power to Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast Instagram/georgeclarkeey/Getty Images
Who is George Clarke and what will he bring to Strictly
George Clarke built his profile on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram with comedic clips and candid commentary. He co-hosts the Useless Hotline podcast, which has grown into live shows across the UK. Producers will be betting on Clarke’s online audience to bring younger viewers to the Saturday night programme and to inject a different kind of energy into rehearsals and performance weeks.
How does Ellie Goldstein’s casting change Strictly’s landscape
Goldstein’s casting is a notable moment for representation on British television. From Mattel’s Barbie partnership to a Vogue cover and acting work on CBBC’s Malory Towers, she has steadily expanded the idea of who belongs in fashion and media. Her presence on Strictly will test how mainstream entertainment supports and spotlights performers with learning disabilities during live television.
What else do viewers need to know about the 2025 line-up
The 23rd series, airing from September through December on BBC One and iPlayer, pairs celebrities with professional dancers and will feature themed weeks and the Blackpool special. Confirmed names include Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, La Voix and Chris Robshaw. Which professionals each celebrity will be partnered with will be revealed on launch night.
Will the BBC make changes behind the scenes for safety and welfare
Following previous controversies around dancer conduct, the BBC has emphasised welfare measures this year, adding chaperones in rehearsal rooms and extra welfare producers and training. Those steps are expected to be particularly important as the show works with a wider range of performers, including those who may need additional support during rehearsals and live shows.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on 20 September 2025, and pairings will be announced on the launch show. Goldstein has already named Nikita Kuzmin as her dream partner, while Clarke has promised a hectic but fun training period. Between Goldstein’s breaking barriers and Clarke’s digital reach, the 2025 line-up looks set to broaden the programme’s audience and the types of stories it brings to the dance floor.
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Ambika Mod opens up about facing typecasting even after her One Day breakout role
Ambika Mod says she’s still asked to audition for stereotypical “brown” roles despite One Day success.
The British Indian actor compared her experience to her white co-star Leo Woodall’s diverse opportunities.
She has also addressed racism and misogyny in audience reactions to her work.
Mod’s recent projects include Black Bag and The Stolen Girl.
Ambika Mod, who rose to global attention with Netflix’s hit adaptation of One Day, says she continues to face the same narrow casting offers that she did early in her career. The British Indian actor revealed she is often approached for “brown” roles such as doctors, dentists, or rookie police officers, despite having proven her range in a widely praised lead performance.
“It’s just the industry and the way our society works,” Mod explained. “You either get asked to audition for brown roles, which are usually the doctor, the dentist, the policewoman.” She contrasted this with the career trajectory of her One Day co-star Leo Woodall, who has gone on to lead major projects including Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Apple TV+ thriller Prime Target.
Ambika Mod opens up about facing typecasting even after her One Day breakout role Getty Images
What kind of roles is Ambika Mod being offered?
Mod says that even after the breakthrough success of One Day, she is still invited to read for limited, stereotypical characters.
“Even in the past year and a half, I have been asked to audition for the rookie cop who investigates the story of the two interesting white leads,” she said.
Her comments bring to light an ongoing conversation in the entertainment industry about the lack of diversity, not just in casting, but in the types of narratives available to actors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Ambika Mod still gets rookie cop roles after Netflix hit One DayGetty Images
How racism and misogyny shape public perception of her work
Beyond casting rooms, Mod has faced prejudice from audiences as well. She said she has read “unsavoury” remarks about herself online, which she believes are rooted in racism and misogyny.
In an earlier interview, she described how conversations about her work often focus on her ethnicity rather than her craft. “When people talked about my white co-star’s performance, they would often talk about his acting and the quality of his work, whereas with me, not all the time, it was about how amazing it was that I’m brown, and what a change-making casting choice it was. I would think, ‘What about my performance and my work?''
Career after One Day: Ambika Mod’s recent projects
One Day, based on David Nicholls’ bestselling novel, told the decades-spanning story of two university students whose one-night meeting shapes the rest of their lives. The Netflix series became one of the platform’s most-watched titles globally during its release week, making stars of both Mod and Woodall.
Since then, Mod has expanded her portfolio with high-profile projects. She starred in Steven Soderbergh’s 2025 spy thriller Black Bag, sharing the screen with Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, and Pierce Brosnan. She also took on the role of journalist Selma Desai in The Stolen Girl, a tense thriller distributed by Disney+.
Ambika Mod says brown actors are still offered limited roles like doctors or rookie copsGetty Images
Why Ambika Mod’s comments matter
Mod’s candid remarks resonate with many actors of colour who struggle to break free from industry stereotypes. While her career is on an upward trajectory, her experiences show that representation is not just about increasing the number of diverse faces on screen, but also about giving them complex, leading roles.
Actor Ambika Mod reveals struggles with brown role stereotypesGetty Images
Her decision to speak openly may encourage more conversations about systemic bias in casting, as well as the need for storytelling that reflects a broader range of experiences.
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Jennifer Aniston opens up about the emotional toll of Perry’s struggles
Jennifer Aniston reveals the Friends cast felt they had been “mourning” Matthew Perry years before his 2023 death.
Perry, best known as Chandler Bing, died aged 54 from the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Aniston says she is “glad he’s out of pain” after his long struggle with addiction.
Five people have been charged in connection with the actor’s death.
Jennifer Aniston has shared a deeply personal reflection on her late Friends co-star Matthew Perry, saying the cast had been “mourning” him long before his sudden death in October 2023.
Perry, who famously played Chandler Bing for ten seasons, died at 54 from the “acute effects of ketamine.” His passing came after decades of battling addiction, a fight he documented in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Aniston recalled how she and fellow cast members Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc supported Perry throughout his life. “We did everything we could when we could,” she said. “But it almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight. As hard as it was for all of us and for the fans, there’s a part of me that thinks this is better. I’m glad he’s out of that pain.”
Jennifer Aniston opens up about the emotional toll of Perry’s struggles Getty Images
What Jennifer Aniston said about Matthew Perry’s final days
Aniston revealed that she had been texting Perry on the morning of his death and that he seemed “happy” and “healthy.” She told Variety in 2023: “He had quit smoking, he was getting in shape, and he was happy, that’s all I know. He wasn’t in pain. He wasn’t struggling.”
The Morning Show star previously posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from Friends and a text message Perry had once sent her. In her caption, she wrote: “Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day… sometimes I can almost hear you saying, ‘Could you BE any crazier?’”
Perry’s openness about his struggles made his death even more poignant for fans. Over his lifetime, he entered rehab 15 times and once estimated he had spent about £5.4 million (₹57.6 crore) trying to get sober.
In his memoir, Perry explained how his appearance on Friends reflected his substance use: “When I’m carrying weight, it’s alcohol; when I’m skinny, it’s pills; when I have a goatee, it’s a lot of pills.”
Aniston was often the castmate who checked in on him the most. Perry told Diane Sawyer in 2022 that she “reached out the most” and that he was “really grateful” for her support.
Jennifer Aniston shares a heartfelt memory of Matthew Perry and their enduring friendshipInstagram/jenniferaniston
Legal developments in Matthew Perry’s death
In August 2024, five people were charged in connection with Perry’s death, including doctors accused of supplying him with ketamine outside medical guidelines. One of them, Dr Salvador Plasencia, pleaded guilty last month to four counts of distribution of ketamine and faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on 3 December.
Prosecutors said Perry had become addicted to intravenous ketamine while seeking treatment for depression and anxiety in late 2023. When his clinic refused to increase his dosage, he allegedly turned to outside suppliers.
Doctor charged in Matthew Perry death admits to illegally supplying ketamine Getty Images
The enduring bond of the Friends cast
Following Perry’s death, the Friends cast released a joint statement describing themselves as “a family” and promising to speak more when they were ready. Aniston says the loss still feels raw: “He made all of us laugh, and laugh hard. We loved him deeply. We were always the six of us.”