Do you ask a male cricketer who their favourite female player is?: Taapsee Pannu bats for more recognition for women's cricket
The actor undertook lessons in cricket for six months under four coaches, including former India cricketer Nooshin-Al-Khadeer and physiotherapist Akanksha.
With a common goal of equal recognition for women in their career, much like her current on-screen avatar as Mithali Raj, actor Taapsee Pannu says she plunged into her hardest role of the former Indian women's cricket team captain in the biopic Shabaash Mithu.
Regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers ever, the legendary Indian batter redefined the sport, usually referred to as 'the gentleman's game', in the country.
Pannu, known for filmsPink, Naam Shabana, Mulk, and Thappad, said her and Raj's attempt at making their respective professions a level-playing field for women was the binding force behind the upcoming film.
In our country, there are two religions cricket and films. If you call yourself a cricket-loving nation then you should love women's cricket equally, you are not just a men's cricket-loving nation. Cricket should matter and not gender.
Same way, the gender of the protagonist shouldn't matter. It should be about how the film is. You do pre-booking of a movie if it is a male protagonist but wait for reviews for a female protagonist. That is where I connected to her, the 34-year-old actor told PTI in an interview.
Pannu said she felt "embarrassed" as she was unaware of the former Indian skipper, her journey, and achievements, till Raj expressed her displeasure over comparison to their male counterparts in cricket.
On the eve of the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup, Raj was asked who her favourite men's cricketer was between India and Pakistan teams.
In a sharp retort, she had asked, Do you ask a male cricketer who their favourite female player is?
It is a similar scenario in the film industry, pointed out Pannu, adding that female actors too are often asked these questions.
I have been answering this question for over 10 years. 'Who is your favourite male star? Who do you want to be paired opposite?
I hardly see the male stars answering the (same) question. I felt this will be my connecting thread to her character and from there I will build whatever I need to, to be her, the actor added.
Directed by Srijit Mukherji and written by Priya Aven, the upcoming film is a coming-of-age story of women's cricket in India as witnessed by the most successful woman cricketer. It will chronicle the highs and lows, setbacks, and moments of euphoria of Raj's life.
Last month, Raj ended her glorious 23-year-long run after amassing 7805 ODI runs in 232 matches at an average of over 50. She also scored 2364 runs in 89 T20Is, as well as 699 runs in 12 Tests, including a century and four half-centuries.
From Soorma, Saandh Ki Aankh, and Rashmi Rocket to Shabaash Mithu, Pannu has become the face of sports-based films.
The actor said she took up these films as the stories challenged her and with every movie, the scale got bigger.
In all these films my effort has gone beyond doing that film and learning that sport has been up after every film. After Rashmi Rocket', I had to work harder on this film to learn a sport from scratch. And it has gone bigger for me scale-wise, she said.
Pannu said she has been offered more sports and action films but she rejected all of them. Reason: she wants to up her game.
She had boarded Shabaash Mithu in 2018 when production banner Viacom18 Studios had acquired the rights to make a movie on Raj and had the research material but there was no script.
The actor was required to commit to the film and dedicate time to learning the game of cricket, she added.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is probably going to be the hardest I have worked on the film but then that's the fun part."
Pannu said she had started training for cricket while filming of Looop Lapeta, which released on Netflix in February. Three months before Looop Lapeta came out, Rashmi Rocket had released, a film in which she had played an athlete.
Having worked on these two films, Pannu said she was at her fittest when she dived into Shabaash Mithu and only had to learn the techniques of cricket.
The actor undertook lessons in cricket for six months under four coaches, including former India cricketer Nooshin-Al-Khadeer and physiotherapist Akanksha.
"My introduction to Mithali's playing techniques or what she does and how she felt, was through my trainers, she said, adding, she did not meet Raj in person during filming as she was actively playing cricket then.
Recalling her meeting with the former cricketer before she began work on the film, Pannu said they are "diametrically" opposite as people.
As an actor, Pannu further said she had to restrain her performance as Raj is not an expressive person
?It is not that I see varied expressions on her face like she is feeling happy or is thinking, so you can't gauge it. I had to unlearn. My range of performance is so minimal in terms of expressing, she is not a very expressive person. In two hours, we had to tell her story spanning over 30 years.
Shabaash Mithu, which marks Pannu's first theatrical release after 2020's Thappad, said she is anxious about the audience's reaction to the film.
I value audience reaction and opinion. I never say that I am an actor and I have done my job and that I could do only this much. For me, it matters how they will react and that's why how the box office reacts also matters,? she added.
Also starring seasoned actor Vijay Raaz, Shabaash Mithu will be released in theatres on July 15.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, engaged since 2019 and parents to four-year-old Daisy Dove, are facing intense scrutiny as reports swirl about significant strain in their relationship. Insiders suggest the couple may be heading for a split once Perry’s massive Lifetimes tour concludes in December.
Album stress spills over to home life?
Sources point directly to the tough reception of Perry’s September album, *143*, as a major pressure point. Designed as a “bold, exuberant” celebration of love, the project landed with a thud for many critics. “Katy was deeply frustrated following the reception of her new album,” a source told PEOPLE. “It made her very stressed. Orlando was understanding, but it did cause some tension.”
Disappointing early tour reviews added further strain. Despite the critical noise, Perry’s tour was a success, selling out shows globally, including multiple nights in Mexico and Australia, before hitting the US in July. Perry has historically brushed off critics, famously advised by her therapist that “what anybody thinks about you is none of your business.”
This isn’t the couple’s first major hurdle; they famously split for nearly a year in 2017. Perry recently reflected on that initial breakup, revealing Bloom was more committed early on while she felt she needed to “swim in a different pond.” Their engagement five years ago sparked dreams of a destination wedding, but the pandemic derailed plans. Sources now claim the lack of progress on marriage is a sore point, with Bloom reportedly “over” the delay.
Five years after engagement Perry and Bloom remain unmarriedGetty Images
While they’ve credited couples’ therapy in the past for helping them stay “in tune” amidst busy lives and parenting, recent months reportedly saw them spending significant time apart, with Bloom spotted in Miami last month. Both have acknowledged the inherent challenges of merging their vastly different worlds: Perry’s pop “universe” and Bloom’s acting career.
Representatives for the couple have not commented on the split rumours. For now, Perry focuses on her tour, while the future of one of Hollywood’s most watched relationships hangs in the balance.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Moose Wala’s father Balkaur Singh objects to release of BBC documentary
The BBC World Service has released a two-part documentary on Sidhu Moose Wala, the late Punjabi singer who was shot dead in 2022, despite his father's legal attempts to halt the release. Titled The Killing Call, the documentary went live on YouTube on 11 June, Moose Wala’s birth anniversary, just a day before a scheduled court hearing in Punjab on the matter.
Balkaur Singh, the singer’s father, had approached a Mansa court seeking a stay on the screening. He claimed that the BBC’s release was done without the family’s consent and that the documentary could interfere with the ongoing investigation into his son’s murder. His petition is set to be heard on 12 June. Despite the ongoing legal challenge, the broadcaster proceeded with the online release.
BBC documentary The Killing Call explores the life and death of Sidhu Moose WalaYoutube Screengrab
Family’s legal concerns and BBC’s original plan
According to Singh’s legal team, the documentary features people who are directly mentioned in the FIR related to the killing, including an audio interview with gangster Goldy Brar, the alleged mastermind behind Moose Wala’s assassination. Singh argued that airing such content without court clearance might disrupt the judicial process and violate the family’s right to privacy.
Originally, the BBC had planned to host a private screening of the documentary in a Mumbai cinema on 11 June. However, following the controversy and complaints filed with Maharashtra’s Director General of Police and the Juhu Police Station, the event was cancelled. Instead, the film was uploaded to YouTube for public viewing.
The BBC reportedly sent out invitations for the original screening, claiming the film contained never-before-revealed facts. Singh alleged that the release could damage his son’s legacy and misrepresent events. The family also intended to release their own tribute EP of Moose Wala’s unreleased music around the same time.
The Killing Call traces Moose Wala’s life from his roots in rural Punjab to international music success, while exploring the complex web of fame, politics, and crime that followed him. The first episode highlights his journey and controversies, while the second delves into the events surrounding his murder on 29 May 2022.
Moose Wala was killed while travelling in Punjab without police protection. Over 30 rounds were fired at his vehicle. Brar later claimed responsibility for the murder and remains a fugitive. Nearly three years later, no one has been convicted in the case, which continues to dominate headlines across India and the Punjabi diaspora.
Keep ReadingShow less
From Squid Game season 3 to Stick, these are the biggest shows and films to stream in June 2025
Honestly, this June, your watchlist is about to need a watchlist. Forget the rinse-and-repeat releases because this month, streaming platforms are serving us a cocktail of choices. Whether you're Team Marvel or Team “give me plot twists that slap,” this list brings the crème de la stream. Curated with zero fluff and verified from top entertainment sources, here’s what you need to watch this month, before spoilers eat you alive.
Squid Game – Season 3 (Netflix)
The final round is here. Lee Jung-jae returns for the ultimate face-off in the game that turned capitalism into a slasher film. Will justice be served? Probably not. Will it wreck you emotionally? Absolutely.
Redemption arcs are for quitters, unless you’re Owen Wilson with a golf club and a grudge. In this new sports comedy, washed-up golf pro Pryce Cahill finds a second shot at greatness when he stumbles upon a teenage prodigy, Santi. Coaching the kid might save both their careers or crash them harder than his infamous meltdown. Think underdog story, but with dad jokes, sports rivalries, and just the right swing of heart.
Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney play a mother-daughter duo untangling a violent secret on a secluded Pennsylvania farm. It’s gritty, emotional, and slower than a shotgun reload, but way more explosive.
Back in the kitchen and hotter than ever. Carmy is back with more breakdowns, beef, and beautiful messes. After last season’s cliffhanger, expect Michelin-star levels of stress and storytelling.
Move over, Iron Man. Riri Williams is suiting up and rewriting the tech-hero narrative. With Anthony Ramos stepping in as The Hood, this is Marvel's smartest and sneakiest origin story in years.
If June 2025 proves anything, it’s that streaming isn’t slowing down. Rather, it’s speeding straight into every genre you thought you were tired of and making it feel brand new. So whether you're here for the heartbreak, the brain games, or just unfiltered weirdness, this month doesn’t just entertain, it devours. Get your snacks, clear your calendar, and for heaven’s sake, disable your spoilers.
Now let the binge begin!
Keep ReadingShow less
Kendrick Lamar on stage after winning Best Video for Not Like Us at the 2025 BET Awards
There’s no question who ruled the night at the 2025 BET Awards. Kendrick Lamar walked away with five trophies, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, paid tribute to Black excellence in music, acting, and sports, and Kendrick made sure his voice and message were front and centre.
Kendrick Lamar accepts Best Album for GNX at the BET Awards in Los AngelesGetty Images
Lamar, Doechii, and a moment that mattered
The GNX rapper also won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and shared the Video Director of the Year award with Dave Free. Accepting his award, Lamar reflected on his long-standing relationship with BET, saying, “They’ve always kept the culture at the core and put me in the middle of it.”
— (@)
Rising rapper Doechii also made headlines, not just for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but for calling out former US President Donald Trump. In a fiery speech, she criticised the use of military force to break up protests in LA following ICE raids in Latino communities. “Every time we stand up for our rights, the military is sent in. What kind of leadership is that?” she asked the crowd.
A night of icons and throwbacks
The night wasn’t just about current stars. The BET Ultimate Icon Award honoured Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and gospel star Kirk Franklin for their decades of influence in music, entertainment, and community action. Stevie Wonder presented Foxx’s award as he opened up about his recovery from a 2023 stroke. “When I saw the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, I thought that could’ve been me,” he said.
Mariah Carey celebrates her Ultimate Icon Award with a rare live performanceGetty Images
Mariah Carey, presented her award by Busta Rhymes, lit up the stage with a brief but heartfelt speech. “If you're going to win one of these, it might as well be the Ultimate Icon,” she joked, hinting at the ups and downs of her legendary career.
With Lamar and SZA heading back on tour and voices like Doechii’s rising louder, the 2025 BET Awards proved it is a stage for change.
Keep ReadingShow less
Harris Dickinson debuts as Rhode’s first male model in new Glazing Mist campaign
Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s rapidly growing skincare label, has chosen Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson as the face of its new product, the Glazing Mist. Known for his understated performances and growing fashion presence, Dickinson is the first male model to front a campaign for the brand. The new mist, priced at £24 (₹2,520), goes live on 24 June exclusively at rhodeskin.com.
A surprising choice that feels just right
The campaign, shot in stark black-and-white, features close-up visuals of Dickinson misting his face with the Glazing Mist, designed to refresh skin and deliver a natural glow. With ingredients like ectoin, ceramides, and magnolia extract, the formula offers both hydration and barrier support. It has also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Hailey Bieber explained her choice simply: she watched Babygirl, loved Dickinson’s performance, and sensed he could bring the kind of quiet edge she wanted. “I didn’t want it to feel too ‘on-the-nose’ with the film,” she said. “It had to be chic and sporty.” The internet, however, couldn’t resist the connection to Dickinson’s now-infamous milk scene in the film, and fans were quick to point out how the dewy mist echoed that very vibe.
Rhode expands, without changing its DNA
Since its 2022 launch, Rhode has stood out for sleek, limited product drops and a focused digital presence. Its recent £790 million (₹82,950 crore) acquisition by e.l.f. Beauty has only amplified interest in where the brand goes next. While introducing a male face might suggest a shift, Bieber was clear: this isn’t about launching a men’s line but widening the brand’s appeal. “I want everyone to see themselves in Rhode,” she said.
Dickinson’s inclusion reflects a subtle repositioning. Best known for roles in Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and now Babygirl, he has also been a regular in fashion, working with Dior and Loewe.
With this campaign, Rhode continues to evolve clearly, without losing the minimalist identity that made it stand out in the first place.