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.
Diljit Dosanjh made his Met Gala debut in 2025 in a Maharaja-inspired look by Prabal Gurung.
The singer said he cried upon imagining the look, which paid tribute to Punjab and Sikh identity.
He revealed Shakira unintentionally helped him get past security with his kirpan.
Met Gala staff initially asked him to leave the ceremonial sword behind, calling it a “weapon.”
Diljit Dosanjh’s first appearance at the Met Gala wasn’t just about fashion; it was a deeply personal moment tied to his culture, identity, and an unexpected helping hand from Shakira. Speaking in an interview, the Punjabi singer and actor revealed how he managed to take his kirpan, a ceremonial sword, into the event despite strict rules, and how the Colombian pop icon unknowingly played a key role.
Diljit Dosanjh and Prabal Gurung attend the 2025 Met Gala Getty Images
Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala look was a tribute to Punjab
Diljit said he had a clear vision for his Met Gala debut: to represent Punjab and the Sikh community on one of fashion’s grandest stages. Styled by Prabal Gurung, his ivory sherwani and embroidered cape featured Gurmukhi script and a map of Punjab. He wore a turban and had originally planned to carry his kirpan only for backstage photos.
But the emotional weight of the look struck him while sitting in his vanity van, leading to tears. “It wasn’t about me going there; it was about Punjab going there,” he said. “That thought made me cry.”
He also mentioned how the outfit was incomplete without the kirpan, a symbolic and religious element, though Met Gala organisers initially told him he couldn’t take it on the carpet due to security restrictions.
As Diljit was preparing to enter the venue, he realised the kirpan was still with him in the car. “I thought, I’ll hand it over if someone asks,” he recalled. But then came a twist! Shakira was walking ahead of him in an elaborate outfit full of metal elements. Her presence caused the metal detector to beep, drawing attention to her rather than those around her.
Seizing the moment, Diljit walked in right behind her with the kirpan hidden under his cape. “If we get caught, we both will,” he joked. Thanks to the distraction, no one checked him, and the kirpan became part of the moment he had dreamt about.
Fahadh Faasil confirmed he was in talks with The Revenant director Alejandro González Iñárritu for an international project.
The actor said the filmmaker had concerns about his accent and suggested a four-month stay in the US for training.
Faasil declined as the production was unwilling to cover the cost, adding he “didn’t feel the fire” to pursue it.
He emphasised that his creative journey is rooted in Malayalam cinema and he prefers to evolve within it.
Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, fresh off the success of Maareesan, has opened up about an unusual chapter in his career: an offer to work with Academy Award-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu. Known for films like Birdman and The Revenant, the Mexican filmmaker had considered Faasil for a role in his upcoming Hollywood project.
In a recent interview with Cue Studio, the actor revealed that discussions reached the stage of a video call with Iñárritu. However, the collaboration fell through when the director raised concerns about Faasil’s English accent. The production suggested that Faasil spend several months in the United States to work on speech training, an arrangement that required him to relocate at his own expense.
“They wanted me to stay in the US for three or four months to perfect the accent,” Faasil explained. “But they weren’t ready to pay for that. That’s why I skipped it. Otherwise, I would have gone running. The commercial aspects of it wouldn’t have worked out. I didn’t feel that kind of fire for it.”
Fahadh Faasil says no to Alejandro González Iñárritu film over unpaid accent training Instagram/CueStudio
Was it rejection or a realisation?
Addressing whether the episode was a rejection, Faasil said he does not see it that way. “I spoke to him on a video call. It might be during that conversation that he also realised, ‘Oh, this isn’t the guy I’m looking for.’ These things happen. I’ve lost many films at such stages,” he admitted.
The actor stressed that missing out on a Hollywood project has not dampened his confidence. Instead, he sees it as part of the natural course of his career.
What stands out from his comments is how firmly Faasil anchors his artistic journey in Malayalam cinema. “All the magic in my life happened here in Malayalam. Even in the future, if any new changes were to happen, I want them to come from Malayalam. I don’t think I will leave Kerala for that. If a project emerges that redefines me in some way, I want it to be in Malayalam,” he said.
It is clear that for Faasil, global recognition is not about leaving his roots behind but about the quality of work produced at home. His outlook, in fact, reflects a broader shift where Malayalam cinema has gained worldwide acclaim for its strong storytelling and performances.
While Faasil did not name the project, reports suggest it may be Iñárritu’s untitled film starring Tom Cruise, slated for release in October 2026. The movie also features Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie Wilde. Billed as a high-stakes drama about the “most powerful man in the world” racing against time to save humanity, it is among the most anticipated Hollywood releases.
Had Faasil been part of the cast, it would have marked a rare crossover for a Malayalam star into mainstream global cinema.
Fahadh Faasil says he wants to retire as a cab driver in Spain Instagram/fahad_nazrin
Fahadh Faasil’s upcoming projects
On the home front, Faasil is preparing for the release of Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, a comedy directed by Althaf Salim. The film, scheduled to hit theatres on 29 August, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lal, Revathi Pillai, Vinay Forrt, and Anuraj OB.
The actor continues to be one of the most versatile names in Indian cinema, with acclaimed performances in 22 Female Kottayam, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Aavesham, and Joji. Even without Hollywood credits, his body of work is celebrated both in India and abroad.
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Ducky Bhai arrested in Lahore over gambling app promotions
Popular Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, real name Saad ur Rehman, arrested at Lahore airport.
Accused of promoting illegal gambling apps including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game.
Court granted National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a two-day remand for further probe.
FIR cites fraud, electronic forgery, spamming, and cheating charges under PECA and Pakistan Penal Code.
Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, whose real name is Saad ur Rehman, was arrested on Sunday morning at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore while allegedly attempting to leave the country. The arrest was carried out by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused him of promoting unregistered gambling and betting applications through his online platforms.
The 27-year-old content creator was later presented before a judicial magistrate, who approved a two-day physical remand and directed the agency to submit a complete investigation report by Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
YouTuber Saad ur Rehman taken into custody for online betting linksYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Why was Ducky Bhai arrested?
According to the First Information Report, the case was registered by the state via NCCIA Lahore under sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as sections 420 (Cheating) and 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR alleged that Rehman promoted several betting platforms, including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game, through his YouTube channel and social media accounts. Authorities claimed that these promotions encouraged the public to invest their money in gambling apps that were not registered in Pakistan.
The complaint said many users lost money after being misled into believing they could earn quick profits. It further alleged that Binomo and other apps failed to deliver promised returns, with investigators calling it a “fraudulent scheme.”
Ducky Bhai escorted to court in Lahore after his arrest over gambling app promotionsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Evidence presented in court
Officials stated that the inquiry began on 13 June 2025 following a tip-off that social media influencers were involved in promoting illegal betting apps. The NCCIA’s complaint included 27 video links from Ducky Bhai’s channel, some of which have since been deleted.
During his arrest at the airport, Rehman’s mobile phone was seized. Investigators claimed they recovered WhatsApp chats and payment records linked to Binomo promotions. Preliminary findings also suggested that he had been working as a “country manager” for Binomo, allegedly receiving payments without proper authorisation from Pakistan’s State Bank or Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The NCCIA maintained that the promotions were not just misleading but also financially damaging for thousands of followers who trusted the influencer.
Ducky Bhai accused of promoting Binomo and other gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
What happens next?
The Lahore court’s approval of a two-day physical remand allows the cybercrime agency more time to gather evidence. The agency is expected to submit a detailed report on 19 August 2025. Well-known lawyer Zain Ali Qureshi represented Rehman during the hearing.
This is not the first time the YouTuber has faced legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, he was booked for reckless driving on the motorway and was granted protective bail by the Lahore High Court.
If found guilty under PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code, the charges could carry serious financial penalties and prison terms.
YouTuber Ducky Bhai faces investigation for illegal gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Wider crackdown on gambling app promotions
The arrest is part of Pakistan’s broader clampdown on illegal gambling and betting schemes being advertised by influencers. Authorities have warned that promoting unregistered apps violates national cybercrime laws and leaves unsuspecting citizens vulnerable to fraud.
Officials have indicated that other social media influencers and YouTubers could also face investigation if found to be involved in similar promotions.
Crackdown on gambling apps intensifies across PakistaniStock
With Ducky Bhai being one of Pakistan’s most-followed YouTubers, his arrest has sparked debate online about influencer accountability and the risks of monetising content through questionable endorsements.
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Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren share their views on the future of James Bond
Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, says the next James Bond “has to be a man”.
Dame Helen Mirren agrees, stating Bond “just doesn’t work” as a female character.
Both actors previously criticised the franchise for sexism but now believe a male lead keeps Bond’s identity intact.
Speculation continues over who will replace Daniel Craig, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner among frontrunners.
The future of James Bond continues to dominate film debates as former 007 star Pierce Brosnan and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren both argued that the next incarnation of the spy must remain male. Their comments are a clear shift from earlier years, when Brosnan had suggested it was time to hand the role to a woman.
Speaking to Saga magazine, Brosnan, who fronted the franchise in four films between 1995 and 2002, said he is eager to see “a new man” take on the part after Daniel Craig’s exit in No Time to Die. “Oh, I think it has to be a man,” said the 72-year-old Irish actor. “I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character.”
Mirren, his co-star in the upcoming film adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, echoed the view. “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else,” said the 80-year-old star.
Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren attend the "MobLand" Global PremiereGetty Images
Why Pierce Brosnan changed his mind on a female Bond
Brosnan once championed the idea of a woman stepping into 007’s tuxedo. In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he called it “exhilarating” and urged producers to “put a woman up there.” His reversal comes as Amazon-MGM, which now controls the franchise, prepares to relaunch Bond with director Denis Villeneuve at the helm.
Despite his change of stance, Brosnan insisted his affection for the franchise remains. “I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.''
Pierce Brosnan reignite the female Bond debate ahead of franchise rebootGetty Images
Helen Mirren’s feminist take on Bond and sexism in the franchise
Mirren has long spoken about gender in the Bond universe. In earlier interviews, she criticised the “profound sexism” baked into Ian Fleming’s stories and the films that followed. She argued that real-life female spies, from the French Resistance to the British Secret Service, showed remarkable bravery and deserved recognition on screen.
Yet Mirren now maintains that Bond’s cultural identity is inseparable from being male. “So many women have worked in that world. Is it more realistic to show them? Absolutely. But Bond is fantasy, not realism,” she said, stressing that her stance does not weaken her feminist convictions.
Helen Mirren joins Brosnan in backing a male successor for the 007 roleGetty Images
Who will be the next James Bond?
Since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021, speculation about his successor has been relentless. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for Bullet Train is widely regarded as the frontrunner. Masters of the Air actor Callum Turner and Saltburn star Jacob Elordi are also rumoured contenders.
Other names circulating include Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, James Norton, Theo James, and Paul Mescal. While no official casting has been confirmed, producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have hinted that the announcement will define the franchise for the next decade.
Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007 Getty Images
What’s next for the James Bond franchise?
The upcoming film will be scripted by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and directed by Denis Villeneuve. Amazon MGM Studios has promised a “fresh” take on the character while honouring Bond’s six-decade legacy.
Jeff Bezos\u2019 post on next James Bond shakes the internet after Amazon\u2019s takeover of franchise Instagram/007
Whether the producers stick with tradition or surprise audiences with an unexpected choice, Brosnan and Mirren’s comments reinforce the argument that 007’s identity remains rooted in masculinity, at least for now. Until the official reveal, the debate over whether Bond could ever be reimagined as a woman is likely to continue fuelling headlines as much as the spy’s next mission.
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Sophie Turner admitted kissing Harington felt “vile” despite their strong sibling bond from Game of Thrones
Sophie Turner revealed kissing Kit Harington in their new gothic horror The Dreadful was “vile.”
The actors spent eight seasons as siblings Sansa Stark and Jon Snow on Game of Thrones.
Turner, who is also a producer on the film, suggested Harington for the role despite their sibling-like bond.
The film has yet to receive an official release date but features Turner, Harington, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laurence O’Fuarain.
Sophie Turner has admitted that kissing her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington for their new gothic horror film The Dreadful was far from romantic. Speaking during her recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the actress said the scene was so uncomfortable that both she and Harington were “retching.”
Turner, who played Sansa Stark across eight seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones, explained that while she and Harington have not shared the screen since 2019, their sibling-like relationship remained intact. That history made their romantic scenes in The Dreadful especially challenging.
Sophie Turner says kissing Kit Harington in The Dreadful was a vile experienceGetty Images
Why Sophie Turner cast Kit Harington despite the challenge
Turner is not only starring in The Dreadful but also serving as a producer. When writer-director Natasha Kermani asked who she envisioned as the male lead, Turner immediately thought of her former on-screen brother.
“I sent the script to Kit, and he came back saying, ‘Yeah, I’d love to, but this is going to be really weird, Soph,’” Turner told Meyers. At first, she didn’t understand his hesitation. “Then I went through the script again and it’s just kiss, kiss, sex, kiss. And suddenly I realised, oh right, that’s my brother.”
Despite the discomfort, both agreed that the script was strong enough to take on the challenge.
For Turner and Harington, the first scene they had to shoot together was a kiss, which proved to be even more awkward than they anticipated. “We put it out of our minds, and then when it came to shooting, we were both retching. It was vile. Honestly, the worst,” Turner said.
She even compared the experience to a scene in her upcoming thriller Trust, in which she had to share a room with cockroaches and rats crawling over her. “And kissing Kit was still worse,” she admitted.
Sophie Turner reveals she and Kit Harington were retching while filming kiss sceneGetty Images
What is The Dreadful about?
Set during the 15th century amid the Wars of the Roses, The Dreadful follows Anne, played by Turner, who lives with her mother-in-law Morwen on the outskirts of society. Their fragile existence is disrupted when a man from Anne’s past, portrayed by Harington, returns and sets off a dangerous chain of events.
The film also stars Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, Laurence O’Fuarain, and Jonathan Howard. While an official release date has not yet been confirmed, the gothic horror has already drawn attention thanks to Turner and Harington’s casting.
The Dreadful Poster IMDB
Turner and Harington’s lasting Game of Thrones bond
Both actors became household names through Game of Thrones, where they were introduced as members of the Stark family. Although later seasons revealed Jon Snow’s Targaryen lineage, viewers still saw Sansa and Jon as siblings, making their romantic scenes in The Dreadful all the more different.
Turner herself acknowledged how strange it was, even joking to Vogue earlier this year, “Sorry guys, it’s weird for all of us.”
For fans of the HBO series, the reunion of Sansa Stark and Jon Snow on screen is already generating curiosity. Whether audiences see the chemistry or share Turner’s discomfort remains to be seen when The Dreadful finally premieres.
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Ryan Reynolds teases Deadpool’s Avengers connection with graffiti artwork on Instagram
Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, but not as an Avenger.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his role after Reynolds teased it on Instagram.
The film will release on 18 December 2026, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom.
Wolverine and other X-Men characters are still expected, though not officially confirmed.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is preparing for its biggest crossover since Avengers: Endgame, and Ryan Reynolds has just reignited fan excitement. After weeks of speculation, reports now confirm that Deadpool will feature in Avengers: Doomsday. However, unlike Thor, Doctor Strange, or Spider-Man, Wade Wilson won’t be lining up with the Avengers team.
The news follows a cryptic Instagram post from Reynolds showing the Avengers “A” marked with Deadpool-style graffiti, fuelling speculation that Marvel’s most unpredictable hero would return.
Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool confirmed for Avengers: DoomsdayGetty Images
Why isn’t Deadpool part of the Avengers lineup?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Deadpool will indeed be part of Avengers: Doomsday, but not as an Avenger. Sources suggest his role will remain separate from Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, keeping in line with his outsider persona.
This approach also makes sense from a storytelling perspective. Deadpool’s chaotic nature and fourth-wall-breaking humour are very different from the tone of the Avengers franchise, making him better suited as a wildcard in the multiverse narrative rather than a core team member.
Reynolds himself has previously joked that Deadpool’s story would “end” if he ever became an Avenger, calling it Wade Wilson’s ultimate dream-come-true scenario.
What role will Deadpool play in Avengers: Doomsday?
While Marvel Studios has not revealed plot details, industry insiders suggest that Deadpool may link the Avengers with the X-Men and multiverse storylines. His last film, Deadpool & Wolverine, grossed over £1 billion (₹10,500 crore) worldwide, making him one of Marvel’s most profitable characters.
Given that the graffiti symbol Reynolds shared resembles the “Void’s Resistance” logo from Deadpool & Wolverine, fans believe his new mission could tie directly into Avengers: Doomsday.
The film’s confirmed villain, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, will unite the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and possibly the X-Men against his multiverse army. Deadpool’s ability to jump between realities makes him an essential player in the upcoming conflict.
One of the biggest fan questions is whether Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. The ending of Deadpool & Wolverine teased the duo continuing their adventures together, suggesting that Logan’s return is highly possible.
So far, Marvel has kept Wolverine’s involvement secret, but Reynolds’ confirmed role increases the chances of Jackman joining him. Channing Tatum has also been confirmed to reprise Gambit, adding to speculation that Doombreaker (the rumoured multiverse resistance lineup) could be forming on screen.
Marvel Studios has shifted its release calendar several times, but Avengers: Doomsday is now scheduled for 18 December 2026. Originally planned for May 2026, the delay pushed Avengers: Secret Wars to December 2027.
The film is currently in production in London, and while Marvel has kept set leaks under tight control, occasional images have hinted at large-scale battle sequences and surprising team-ups.
Since Endgame, Marvel has struggled to replicate its earlier momentum. Many fans and critics argue that the franchise has become fragmented, with too many storylines running at once. Bringing in Deadpool, a proven box-office powerhouse, signals Marvel’s attempt to restore confidence and unify audiences ahead of Phase Six’s finale.
Reynolds’ Deadpool is not just a comedic addition; he’s a bridge between Marvel’s different universes, from Fox’s X-Men to the Disney-led Avengers and Fantastic Four. His presence ensures Avengers: Doomsday will appeal to both long-time fans and new audiences.