DIANA PENTY TALKS ABOUT CINEMA AND HER NEW PRISON SET FILM LUCKNOW CENTRAL
By Asjad Nazir
MODEL turned actor Diana Penty made a stunning debut in Bollywood hit Cocktail (2012) and then took four long years before she starred in her follow-up film Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016), despite being massively in demand. The strikingly beautiful star is hoping to make it a hat trick of hits with a her third feature, Lucknow Central, which is a prison set musical drama about inmates forming a band and ultimately trying to escape.
She plays a strong NGO worker and enjoyed the challenge of being the only female in the male dominated movie. Eastern Eye caught up with Diana via phone in Mumbai to talk about her interesting cinematic journey, Lucknow Central, movies, passions and future plans.
What are you doing right now?
Today I am sitting at home because it is pouring down with rain in Mumbai. It is completely flooded so I had something in the morning to do, but cancelled it as I didn’t want to get caught in the rain and stuck on the road. So I am sitting in my living room watching the rain. I am chilling.
You made a stunning debut in 2012. Why has someone so gorgeous and talented as you only acted in two films in five years?
It will be four very soon, Asjad. I have two releases by the end of the year. I am looking forward to that. I think it took me a while between the first and second film to find what I wanted to do next. I wanted to be double sure I did something I believed in and not just something for the heck for it. I took my time because I was in no rush and it didn’t bother me it was taking long. I kind of told myself to just keep the faith. I don’t like rushing into things, but it worked for me even though I know it’s not the conventional way to go about things. But I have no regrets. Going from the shy demure Meera in Cocktail to the crazy loud mouthed Happy was not just challenging for me, but gave me the opportunity to prove I can play different kinds of characters. It gave me the opportunity to prove myself to others and to myself as well.
You are clearly very picky, what did you like about your new film Lucknow Central?
I loved the story first of all. I loved the fact that it is based on true events. There is something inspiring about stories based on true events, especially ones that get made into films. That is what I found with this story as well. When Ranjit (Tiwari) the director narrated it to me for the first time I instantly knew I wanted to be part of this film because it was such a powerful script.
What about your role?
The character I play is completely different from the other two that I have played. So again that gave me a certain kind of variation and something different to do. I have never played an NGO worker before and she is not a loud mouth, but has a quiet strength to her. She is a very focused, determined girl who knows the difference between right and wrong and fights for right so it just gave me something different to play with. At the end of the day she is a very real and relatable character. I guess the role and script were the things that made me want to do it.
Were you not afraid you would get sidelined in a movie that is predominantly about men in prison?
(Laughs) In fact I think that worked to my advantage because first of all, I am the only woman in the film and the whole scheme of things because it is set in a men’s jail and obviously there are not going to be many women around. To play a woman in a predominantly male film, and a strong woman too, is what also made me inclined towards the role. It gave me the opportunity to be that woman who stands up for right in a male dominated world. I actually think that gave my character more strength and it’s what appealed to me actually.
Do you have a favourite moment in the movie?
There are a lot of beautiful moments in the film actually, which you will have to wait to watch. I wouldn’t want to ruin it by telling you about it before.
Did you learn anything new while doing this film?
I did, actually. I learned quite a bit on this film being surrounded by a super talented cast like Farhan Akhtar, Ronit Roy, Deepak Dobriyal, Rajesh Sharma, Inaamulhaq and everyone else. Literally every single person is fabulous. They are all great actors and I am the most junior actor in the cast. Everybody else is really experienced, so for me there was a lot to learn from all of them. I picked up a lot of small things observing them and being in the same scene. Besides that, Ranjit is a phenomenal director, who managed to bring out the best in me. Given the space and role I had to play he knew exactly what he wanted from this character because he has been with this story for very long now. He just pointed out a few things to me in terms of my performance and stuff that helped me improve myself. So overall, yes it was a great learning experience.
How is Farhan Akhtar as a leading man?
He is a thorough professional and is multi-talented. He is great as an actor, producer, writer, director, musician and singer. You name it and he is good at it. So it was a bit intimidating at the beginning because I thought I really needed to prove myself and was on set with these great actors like him and must not make any mistakes. But it wasn’t like that. Once we started shooting everyone was really good with everyone. I felt there was a lot to learn. He was extremely professional and always ready with his lines; he is a great actor and so subtle, real and naturally brings out the best in you as a co-actor. It worked beautifully.
Do you have a master plan? I am hoping there isn’t a huge gap after your forthcoming two film releases.
(Laughs) There will be no big gaps. LucknowCentral releases on September 15 and my next film Parmanu releases on December 8. I am reading a bunch of scripts so will hopefully be signing something soon.
Lucknow Central is based on real events, but if you could star in a biopic who would you love to play?
I haven’t really thought of it. There are so many! When I think of biopics I am thinking sportsperson, a RAW agent, actors, political figures, there are so many interesting ones. A biopic is a biopic, it doesn’t matter what the period or figure is.
If you could be romanced by any leading man from the east or west, who would it be?
Oh wow I haven’t thought of that one either. Honestly speaking, for me it is all about the script. So I don’t have answers for these types of questions. I read a script and then decide whether I want to be a part of this, if you know what I mean. So that is my priority.
What are your big passions away from work?
I love reading and spend a lot of time doing that. I like listening to music, travelling, photography and working out. I have been doing a pilates course that I take very seriously. I love walking around with my camera, usually travel photography, playing around with different settings, shooting on manual mode and that kind of thing.
What movies do you like watching yourself?
I love real movies. For some reason I enjoy watching movies that are based on true stories. Also, when I read a script like that it appeals to me for the same reason. I like thrillers and action a little bit. Rom coms are for when you are having a heavy day and want to unwind. Different genres of movies for different moods!
Have you got used to so many men being completely besotted by you?
(Laughs) I am hearing this for the first time. Really I don’t have people coming up to me saying that.
Why should we watch Lucknow Central?
Because it is a great film, a great script, made with a lot of heart and soul. It’s about hopes and dreams. It’s about no matter what situation you are in, you can always realise your hopes and dreams. You just have to keep the faith. That is one of the main reasons to watch it because it is a feelgood film.
Why do you love cinema?
It gives me the opportunity to play different characters and do things I obviously would not have the ability to do in my real life without people thinking I was a little crazy. Then you can come home and be yourself. It’s fun to play with different characters and add certain things of your own. To tell stories, entertain people, make them laugh, make them cry. It’s a great medium to reach so many people and influence them, hopefully in a positive way.
At a time when the world feels chaotic and heavy, Disney Pixar’s Elio arrives with a message that couldn’t be more relevant: kids matter, and they’re stronger than they realise.
The animated film, which had its star-studded premiere in Los Angeles this week, follows an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador in outer space. Directed by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, Elio is Pixar’s first feature with a Mexican-Dominican lead, voiced by Yonas Kibreab. His character’s journey from an outsider on Earth to a confident connector among aliens mirrors what many young people feel today: lost, overlooked, and searching for belonging.
Elio’s release comes as immigration protests sweep through Los Angeles and the Latino community finds itself under pressure. For co-director Sharafian, the film taps into a very current feeling of hopelessness.
“At the start, Elio sees the world in a bleak way, and a lot of us feel that,” she said on the red carpet. “But through space and friendship, he sees Earth a bit differently by the end. That shift, that spark of hope, is what we want to pass on.”
Zoe Saldaña, who plays Elio’s aunt, added that the film encourages children to express vulnerability and parents to respond with understanding rather than control. “A child knows who they are. Our job as adults is to love them unconditionally as they figure it out,” she said.
Yonas Kibreab and Jameela Jamil attend the World Premiere of Disney and Pixar's "Elio" Getty Images
Jameela Jamil: ‘The world feels broken, but kids can fix it’
British actress and activist Jameela Jamil, who voices Ambassador Questa in the film, didn’t hold back when describing the film’s importance.
“We need hope, because the world is a dumpster fire right now,” she said. “Young people are constantly told they have no power. But this film reminds them that they do.”
Jameela Jamil attends the Los Angeles premiere of Disney Pixar’s ElioGetty Images
She added that Elio speaks to kids directly, urging them not to wait for fame or influence to make a difference. “You don’t need to be a politician or a celebrity to change things. Just care, and act.”
Elio opens in UK and Indian cinemas on 20 June, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
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Apple iPhones are seen inside India's first Apple retail store in Mumbai, India, April 17, 2023.
NEARLY all iPhones exported by Foxconn from India between March and May were shipped to the United States, according to customs data reviewed by Reuters.
The data showed that 97 per cent of Foxconn’s iPhone exports during this period went to the US, significantly higher than the 2024 average of 50.3 per cent.
This marks a shift in Apple’s export strategy from India, which earlier supplied iPhones to several destinations including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Britain. Now, India-made devices are being directed almost exclusively to the US market.
Between March and May, Foxconn exported iPhones worth 3.2 billion US dollars (around 2.35 billion pounds) from India, with most shipments heading to the United States. In May 2025 alone, shipments were valued at nearly 1 billion dollars (around 735 million pounds), the second-highest monthly figure after the record 1.3 billion dollars (around 955 million pounds) in March.
Apple declined to comment, and Foxconn did not respond to a Reuters request for a statement.
Tariff pressure
US president Donald Trump on Wednesday said China would face 55 per cent tariffs under a plan agreed in principle by both countries, subject to final approval. India, like many US trading partners, faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff and is negotiating to avoid a 26 per cent “reciprocal” levy that Trump announced and then paused in April.
In May, Trump criticised Apple’s increased production in India. “We are not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well, we want you to build here,” he said, recalling a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
In the first five months of 2025, Foxconn exported iPhones worth 4.4 billion dollars (around 3.23 billion pounds) to the US from India. This already exceeds the 3.7 billion dollars (around 2.72 billion pounds) shipped in the whole of 2024.
Export push
Apple has been accelerating its iPhone shipments from India to reduce dependence on China amid rising tariffs. In March, the company chartered aircraft to move iPhone 13, 14, 16 and 16e models worth roughly 2 billion dollars (around 1.47 billion pounds) to the US.
Apple has also urged Indian airport authorities to reduce customs clearance time at Chennai airport, a key hub for iPhone exports in Tamil Nadu, from 30 hours to six hours, Reuters has reported.
“We expect made-in-India iPhones to account for 25 per cent to 30 per cent of global iPhone shipments in 2025, as compared to 18 per cent in 2024,” said Prachir Singh, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research.
Tata’s role
Tata Electronics, another Apple iPhone supplier in India, shipped nearly 86 per cent of its iPhones to the US during March and April, the customs data showed. Data for May was not available.
The Tata Group company began exporting iPhones in July 2024. During 2024, 52 per cent of its shipments went to the US, according to the data. Tata declined to comment.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has promoted India as a smartphone manufacturing hub. However, high import duties on mobile phone components continue to make domestic production more expensive than in many other countries.
Apple has historically sold over 60 million iPhones annually in the US, with approximately 80 per cent made in China.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well
As HBO prepares to bring Harry Potter back to screens with a new television adaptation, excitement is high around the casting of Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as the iconic trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. But amid the buzz, a quiet voice of caution has emerged. Chris Watson, father of original Hermione actress Emma Watson, is urging parents and the industry to tread carefully when it comes to child stardom.
Chris Watson is not speaking as a critic or industry insider but as someone who watched his daughter grow up inside a global franchise. Emma was nine when she landed the role of Hermione Granger, and what followed was a decade of public attention that reshaped her life. Her father remembers the shift vividly. “Her homework would go back to school on motorbikes,” he once said, pointing to the surreal logistics fame forced on them.
Emma, who has since spoken openly about the emotional toll of growing up famous, has described feeling “terrified” and “inadequate,” and even envying her peers for being able to do ordinary things, like knowing their favourite colour or forming friendships without public scrutiny. It’s this experience that Chris is drawing from when he warns: “As a parent, you have to be scared.”
Fame at a young age comes with a price
The context this time is different. The casting process for the HBO reboot reportedly involved sifting through 30,000 applicants. The new trio are young and relatively unknown, just like their predecessors were in 2001. But the digital world they’re entering now is far more invasive. Every post, photo, or comment is dissected in real time, exposing young actors to criticism, trolling, and unwanted attention, far beyond the limited press tours of 2001.
Chris Watson, Emma’s father, and other insiders warn of the emotional toll facing today’s young starsGetty Images
Emma’s journey: Blueprint and cautionary tale
Emma Watson was nine when she won the part of Hermione. Almost overnight, their whole family life bent around filming schedules. Chris Watson deliberately downplayed Hollywood’s glamour at home. He “doesn’t actually watch films” to prevent Emma from believing the character defined her. He insisted Warner Bros. respect her schoolwork and spare time. Yet the pressure still mounted.
Emma later admitted she struggled with guilt in therapy and suffered “vertigo” from constant public attention. At 18, invasive paparazzi shots were published within hours of her birthday, while her co-stars faced parallel battles. Daniel Radcliffe used alcohol to cope, arriving on set "still drunk" and "dead behind the eyes," while Rupert Grint felt reduced: "I felt like I only knew how to do one thing: play Ron."
From online hate to AI threats, the rebooted Wizarding World may be more dangerous than magicalGetty Images
2025’s more perilous journey
The AI Boggart- Generative AI and deepfakes now make non-consensual, manipulated images or videos a real threat. These digital illusions can damage reputations and cause emotional harm in ways the original cast never encountered.
The Rowling Snare- With J.K. Rowling as executive producer, her polarising views on transgender rights hover over the series. Despite assurances they won’t influence the storyline, the new actors will be drawn into cultural debates and pressured to take sides.
Although he never offered a bullet-point plan, his comments cut straight to the heart of what matters:
"As a parent, you have to be scared" “While there are many upsides, nothing is perfect and you have to recognise there are going to be downsides you could not have imagined.” His frank admission underlines the need to stay vigilant and prepared for unexpected challenges.
Keep home life sacred “It certainly helped that I don’t actually watch films... the studio and everybody else knew that this was not Emma’s whole life, and that she had homework to do, she played a little bit of cricket as well.” Here, Watson shows how he maintained normal routines including school, family time and sports to prevent Emma’s identity from merging with Hermione Granger.
Reach out and share hard-won experience “If they want to talk to someone who’s been through this… I would be more than happy.” By offering mentorship to the new parents, Chris emphasises that open communication and shared support are vital tools in safeguarding young actors.
Unlike the early 2000s, today’s child stars face nonstop scrutiny, digital dangers and cultural controversyGetty Images
Alumni perspectives: Lessons from child stars past
Several former young actors have shared insights that accentuate Chris Watson’s warnings. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) recalls feeling “adored and trapped” when the cameras stopped but expectations didn’t. Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker) describes how relentless attention led to severe anxiety. Their stories make it clear that the hardest effects often come once filming wraps up.
Behind the excitement of the reboot lies a harsh reality many child stars never escapeGetty Images
The ethical dilemma: Joy versus risk
Prospect Magazine asks whether it is ethical to place children in an environment rife with digital threats and guaranteed controversy. Can the magic of Hogwarts justify this gamble? HBO’s Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praise the trio’s “wonderful” talent, and Rowling herself endorses them. But raw talent alone offers no protection.
Hollywood’s history with child stars reads grimly: Judy Garland fed amphetamines, Macaulay Culkin abused, Star Wars' Jake Lloyd broken by bullying. Can this cycle end? Chris Watson offers more than warnings; he’s extending mentorship to the parents.
Hogwarts is calling but fame’s dangers are louder for Harry Potter’s new trioGetty Images
Real magic: Protecting childhood
The return of Harry Potter also raises broader questions about corporate priorities. With J.K. Rowling returning as executive producer, a figure who now carries both creative authority and controversy, the series enters a more complex media landscape. Will the focus stay on the storytelling, or will the new stars be caught in wider debates?
For now, Dominic, Arabella, and Alastair are at the start of a journey that will define their adolescence. Whether that journey is empowering or overwhelming will depend not just on their talent, but on how well they’re protected behind the scenes. Chris Watson’s voice may not be the loudest in the room, but it carries weight, built on lived experience, and a simple truth: children in the spotlight still deserve a childhood.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for thunderstorms across parts of eastern and south-eastern England, in effect from 20:00 BST on Friday to 05:00 on Saturday. The affected area spans from Eastbourne in East Sussex to Cromer in north Norfolk.
The warning indicates a high risk of disruption, with flash flooding, power cuts, and hazardous travel conditions expected. The Met Office warns that flooding of homes and businesses is likely, and delays or cancellations to bus and rail services are possible due to surface water and lightning strikes.
Heavy rain and strong winds forecast
According to the forecast, some locations within the amber zone could see between 30mm and 50mm of rainfall, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 40–50mph. There is a heightened risk of frequent lightning and intense downpours, leading to flash floods and dangerous driving conditions.
The affected area spans from Eastbourne in East Sussex to Cromer in north NorfolkGetty Images
The Met Office said fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life. People are advised to remain indoors during the worst of the weather and avoid unnecessary travel. Where travel is essential, extreme caution is urged.
Public urged to prepare
Residents in affected areas are being encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbours, especially those who may require assistance with food or medication. The Met Office recommends staying updated with local forecasts, charging electronic devices in advance, and securing outdoor furniture or loose items.
Yellow warnings cover wider region
Alongside the amber alert, several yellow thunderstorm warnings have also been issued:
South-west England and Wales: 14:00–23:59 on Friday
Eastern and south-eastern England: 19:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday
Wales, western and northern England, and Scotland: 00:00–18:00 on Saturday
Heavy rain and thunderstorm warningBBC
Although yellow warnings indicate a lower risk than amber, the severity of thunderstorms could still be high in isolated areas. The warning for Saturday covers more of the UK as the storm system moves westward.
Heatwave peaks before storms arrive
The weather alert comes as Friday could become the hottest day of 2025 so far, with temperatures possibly hitting 30°C around the Norwich area. This would surpass the previous high of 29.3°C recorded at Kew, London, on 1 May.
Elsewhere across East Anglia and south-east England, temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high twenties, which is about 7–10°C above the seasonal average.
Cooler weekend ahead
With rising humidity and atmospheric instability, the thunderstorms are expected to mark the end of the hot spell. Saturday will bring cooler conditions, with temperatures dropping to the low to mid-twenties in the east and the high teens across other parts of the UK.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and has advised the public to follow the latest forecasts and travel updates.
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Shergill and his accomplices were arrested on different dates in 2020
THE head of an organised crime group who claimed he was a male escort while masterminding an international operation to import cocaine into the UK has been sentenced to 21 years and three months in jail.
Kulvir Shergill, 43, from the West Midlands, told National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators he made a living through male escort bookings, teaching martial arts and working as a personal trainer.
However, an NCA investigation showed Shergill’s crime group imported around 250kg of cocaine with a street value of £20 million between February 26 and April 24, 2020. The gang used the encrypted communications platform EncroChat in order to arrange the drugs deals.
Shergill and his accomplices are “directly responsible for the horrendous consequences Class A drugs (banned) have among our communities,” said Rick Mackenzie, NCA operations manager. “Proceeds of crime proceedings have been started and all identified assets owned by the defendants have been frozen and are currently under restraint. The NCA will work with our partners at the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] to ensure that any money made from their drug enterprise is recovered.”
Shergill arranged premises for class A drugs to be delivered to in the UK using the EncroChat handle “orderlyswarmer”, the investigation found. He would liaise with contacts in the Netherlands over impending deliveries, before his group distributed them around the country.
Shergill and his accomplices were arrested on different dates in 2020. He initially denied smuggling class A drugs, but eventually admitted the offence.
On September 20 last year, Shergill was jailed at Birmingham crown court. The news can now be reported after the last member of his gang, 43-year-old Jagdeep Singh, was jailed for the same offences last week.
Singh was an electrician by trade, and was tasked with taking receipt of drug deliveries and acting as a warehouseman. At the time of his arrest in April 2020, he was in possession of 30kg of high-purity cocaine.
He has now been sentenced to six years and eight months behind bars.
Three other gang members were also sentenced last September – Khurram Mohammed, 37, jailed for 14 years and four months was Shergill’s second-in-command and a trusted worker.
Shakfat Ali, 38, who travelled around the UK on behalf of the group and is believed to have delivered drugs, was jailed for 16 years and nine months; while Mohammed Sajad, 44, a trusted member of the group, was jailed for 16 years.