Tarun Khanna has been a familiar face on Indian television for two decades now. He made his first big television splash as Sameer in Star Plus’ Kabhi Aaye Na Judaai (2001-2003). The actor then went on to play a variety of characters in several successful shows.
He is also known for playing Lord Shiva in more than half-a-dozen mythological shows, including Karmaphal Daata Shani (2016-2018), Paramavatar Shri Krishna (2017-2020), and RadhaKrishn (2018-present).
“I think it is a privilege to get into that costume. Every time I do it, I thank God that I am doing that role,” Khanna told Eastern Eye when we caught up with him on the sets of his upcoming web-show Geisha.
In this interview, Tarun Khanna spoke with us about his new show Geisha, what he would not like to remember about 2020, the mediocrity of television content, why he has no plans of quitting television despite its content losing its shine day by day, and much more.
How was 2020 for you?
I did not shoot for three months. I last shot on 18th March and resumed shooting on 22nd June, 2020. So, I did not shoot for three months and four days, to be more precise, which was actually a welcome break. I got a lot of time to spend with my family. My son recently turned 7 and it was the first time when I spent full three months with him. It was heaven for me.
What would you not like to remember about 2020?
I am unhappy with the way things have been handled. The government screwed up everything. It was not helping people out. People did not get their salaries for three months or so. And when organisations finally started paying their employees, there was a 50% cut in salaries. What did our government do about it? Was there any reduction in rent during such unprecedented times? Did the government step in and made it necessary for all landlords to slash their rent by 50%? Did it bring petrol prices down by 50%? So, what did our government do? There was a time when I was very much in favour of our government. But now, I have realised that it is just taking care of its vested interests, and I am not at all happy.
Tell us something about your upcoming show Geisha?
A new streaming media platform called Digiflix is coming up very soon. Geisha will premiere on that platform. I think the team is planning to launch the platform in April, and they are creating a bank of around 9 shows. They have already produced two shows; Geisha is third in the line. The makers are very new, but they are working very professionally. I do not feel that I am working with new people.
What are you playing in Geisha?
Geisha is a thriller where I am playing a cop, who is investigating a case, which is the crux of the story. My character name is Rajveer Shekhawat. He is a 40-year-old unmarried cop. He has no shortcomings as such, but he is not married. He is frustrated because of the same and his frustration leads to a number of comic situations as well.
Even after playing a variety of characters on television, the audience mostly remembers you for your mythological roles. Do you feel that television stereotypes actors easily?
Yes, of course. The level of mediocrity that you find on Indian television is something that you do not find anywhere else in the world. Indian television is more mediocre than our government. I am amazed at the mediocrity of Indian television shows. I have one question for all creative directors that what are you guys doing? I am not saying that the entire industry is like that. There are some good people as well.
What do you hate most about TV?
The stupidest thing that you can notice in Indian shows is that only the male and female leads are born with brains and the rest of the cast is shown as a brainless and senseless lot. If the police have arrived to investigate something, they will talk only to the bahu who is the protagonist. The rest of the family members will keep standing around her, looking nonplussed. I ask you where does this happen? This can happen only on Indian television. I wonder how our innocent audience falls prey to such content. They perhaps do not know the makers are building bungalows after bungalows by churning out such crap shows. I feel why the producers who have loads of money and power cannot make something good. I am happy to see them grow and build new bungalows, but is it not their responsibility to make at least a few good shows that they can feel proud of?
Do you think that streaming media is going to pose a serious threat to television?
Television is already on its deathbed. Budgets for television shows have been slashed. Trust me, TV will become redundant in five years. The way streaming media platforms are expanding their market, television is bound to shut up its shop sooner or later. It’s a do-or-die situation for television. The makers will have to wake up and smell the coffee. If they do not act now and improve their content quality, nobody can stop their fall. They are making such crap shows I cannot tell you.
Is there no silver lining?
There are some makers who do try to make good shows and stand out from the crowd. For example, Tony Singh and Divya Singh of DJ’s Creative Unit. In 2003, they produced a show called Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi which kind of revolutionised the entire content landscape on Indian television. People tried to replicate its success but no show could create the kind of impact Jassi… did. The makers reason that they make what the audience likes to watch. I am of the opinion that if you do not make good shows, how can the audience’s taste improve. They do not have great shows to choose from.
Streaming media is the way forward, according to you.
The only issue I find with OTT platforms is that they rely too much on flop film actors. They should know for a fact that the audience rejected them in films for a reason. How can their magic work in streaming shows if it failed to do any wonder in films? If they were so talented, why did not their charm work on the silver screen? Actors who failed in films are joining OTT in a big way. Another issue, according to me, is casting directors casting themselves in shows. At times, casting is completely wrong and misfit. A girl who cannot even act was playing a superstar in a high-profile show I watched some time ago.
Is there any actor who really impressed you in a web show?
Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal. Ali Fazal is a powerhouse of talent. He is a very good actor who can give several so-called superstars a run for their money. They cannot even stand before him. He is at that level. That boy has got serious talent. The same goes for Pankaj Tripathi. He is a household name today. He is modern-day’s Naseeruddin Shah.
Is television going to take a backseat for you?
No, not at all! My kitchen still runs from RadhaKrishn which I do on Star Bharat. To play the role of Lord Shiva is a privilege. He is the God of Gods.
Let me tell you an interesting story. There was this big-ticket show on Lord Shiva which I had auditioned for. I did not get the part, the other guy who auditioned with me did. Later, I was cast to play Ravan in that very show. I played the part with full honesty. However, I would always think why did not I get to play Shiva? Where did I lack? Later, I realised it was God’s plan that I played Ravan. I changed the way people would normally look at the character of Ravan before. Earlier, there was this perception that Ravan should look like a devil with a paunch and all. I was the first actor to play Ravan who did not look like a proverbial demon. Then they got the idea that good-looking actors can also play a villain like Ravan convincingly. You just have to paste a moustache. After that, I went on to play Shiva on eight television shows. I think it is a privilege to get into that costume. Every time I do it, I thank God that I am doing that role. I will never say no to television.
Anurag Kashyap is heading back to the big screen with Nishaanchi, a gritty drama that explores love, betrayal, crime, and redemption through the story of two brothers on divergent life paths. The film, which has been in the making since 2016, is set to release in theatres on 19 September 2025.
Nishaanchi is backed by Amazon MGM Studios and produced by Ajay Rai and Ranjan Singh under Jar Pictures, in association with Flip Films. The cast features Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Vedika Pinto, and marks the acting debut of Aaishvary Thackeray. The project, Kashyap says, finally found its footing when Amazon MGM came on board as a passionate partner.
Kashyap first penned Nishaanchi in 2016, but it remained on the back burner until the right studio partnership came along. The director explained that he waited to make the film "the way it should be" and was seeking collaborators who trusted his vision fully. That support, he said, came in the form of Amazon MGM Studios, who “believed in the film and stood by us like a wall.”
Anurag Kashyap returns with crime drama NishaanchiInstagram Screengrab/ amazonmgmstudiosin
He describes Nishaanchi as an emotional rollercoaster steeped in raw human themes like lust, crime, power, betrayal, punishment, and the hope for redemption. It’s not just a crime thriller; it’s a film that pulls you into the consequences of choices made and paths taken. Calling it a throwback to his early years as a filmmaker, Kashyap said the entire process: working with a fresh cast, a dedicated crew, and a committed studio, felt like a full-circle moment.
Amazon MGM places big bet on theatrical storytelling
Nikhil Madhok, head of India originals at Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, called Nishaanchi one of the key titles in their theatrical slate. He highlighted the film’s "intricately woven story" filled with layered characters and unpredictable twists. He also praised the film’s music, calling it a standout aspect of Kashyap’s creative storytelling.
With Nishaanchi, Kashyap returns to the space that made him a global name, with films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, and Psycho Raman that earned acclaim at international festivals like Cannes. This new film hopes to strike the same chord, both in India and beyond.
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Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper turn heads on double date with Gigi Hadid and Ines de Ramon in Manhattan
Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper stepped out with their girlfriends, Ines de Ramon and Gigi Hadid, for a double date in New York City, adding a splash of glamour to the city’s nightlife. The two Hollywood stars, both known for keeping their private lives fairly low-key, were photographed leaving Cote Korean Steakhouse in Manhattan on the evening of 13 June.
Their partners, both dressed chicly yet effortlessly, walked hand in hand with their famous beaus, making this a rare public outing.
From bromance to double date: Brad and Bradley make it a night to remember
Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper have shared a close friendship over the years, with Brad even crediting Cooper for helping him get sober. During an awards speech in 2020, Pitt openly thanked The Hangover star, saying, “I got sober because of this guy, and every day has been happier since.”
Brad, dressed in a shiny blue button-down shirt and black velvet trousers, was seen holding hands with Ines de Ramon, who wore a soft beige off-the-shoulder dress and nude heels. Meanwhile, Cooper kept things relaxed in a black T-shirt and jeans, with Gigi Hadid beside him in a casual white tee, silver trousers, and a denim jacket. The couples strolled out of the restaurant smiling, seemingly unfazed by the flashing cameras.
Pitt and de Ramon were first linked in 2022 after his long separation from Angelina Jolie. They kept their romance under wraps until making their red-carpet debut together at the British Grand Prix in July 2024. Pitt later shut down online speculation that their appearance was timed for film promotion. “No, dude, it’s not that calculated,” he said.
Gigi and Cooper go public while Brad moves forward post-divorce
Gigi Hadid made her relationship with Cooper social-media official in April on her birthday. She shared a photo of the couple kissing, calling herself “lucky to be 30” and expressing gratitude for love, motherhood, and life’s ups and downs. The supermodel co-parents daughter Khai with ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik, while Cooper shares an eight-year-old daughter, Lea, with Irina Shayk.
Brad, having recently finalised his lengthy divorce from Angelina Jolie, appears to be moving into a calmer phase of life. His next big-screen appearance will be in F1, set to release on 27 June, co-starring Javier Bardem and Damson Idris.
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Raveena Tandon boards Air India flight days after AI171 crash
Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon flew with Air India just days after the airline’s London-bound AI171 flight crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming 270 lives. Her flight experience, shared through heartfelt Instagram posts, offered a glimpse into the quiet grief and emotional strength of passengers and crew still processing the tragedy.
‘A solemn journey’: Raveena shares moving message from flight
On Monday, Tandon boarded an Air India flight and shared images of herself on board, along with a message that reflected the sombre atmosphere. “The crew’s welcoming smiles were tinged with sadness,” she wrote. “Silent passengers and crew bonding with unspoken condolences and subtle confidence. Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. A wound that will never heal.”
Her words came days after the 12 June crash of AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which plunged into the B.J. Medical College hostel just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The devastating accident killed 241 people on board and 29 others on the ground. Only one person, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, survived with minor injuries. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Tandon added, “New beginnings… to rise and fly again against all odds… a will to overcome and be strong again. Jai Hind.”
Support for crew grows as investigation continues
Tandon isn’t the only public figure to express support for Air India. Comedian Vir Das also took to social media days earlier, calling the airline’s crew “the best in the sky,” acknowledging the immense emotional toll on them. “I cannot imagine how hard it is for them to do their job right now, having lost their own,” he wrote on X.
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, too, spoke about her emotional experience on an Air India flight following the crash. “I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as I buckled my seatbelt,” she shared, echoing the collective grief felt by many.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recovered the flight’s black boxes and is investigating. Air India and the Tata Group have announced compensation packages of £95,000 (₹1 crore) for families of the deceased and £23,750 (₹25 lakh) as interim relief.
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Doctor charged in Matthew Perry death admits to illegally supplying ketamine
A California doctor accused of supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine in the final weeks of his life has agreed to plead guilty to drug distribution charges. Dr Salvador Plasencia, one of five people charged in connection with the Friends star’s fatal overdose, will formally enter his plea in the coming weeks, according to federal authorities.
Perry, who was 54 when he died in October 2023, had long battled addiction. Though he was legally using ketamine to treat depression, prosecutors say Plasencia and others illegally provided him with more doses than prescribed.
Matthew Perry pictured during a public appearance in 2023Getty Images
Texts show doctor mocked Perry and saw opportunity to profit
Court filings reveal that Plasencia supplied Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, lozenges, syringes, and even visited the actor’s home twice to inject the drug himself. He also trained Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to administer it when he wasn’t around.
Prosecutors uncovered a disturbing message Plasencia sent to fellow doctor Mark Chavez, who has also pleaded guilty, mocking Perry as a “moron” and asking how much they could get from him financially. The two met in Costa Mesa to exchange vials that were later sold to Perry for £3,600 (₹3,82,000).
Dr Salvador Plasencia is expected to plead guilty to illegally supplying ketamine to Matthew PerryGetty Images
The scheme extended beyond the doctors. Erik Fleming, a friend of Perry’s, admitted to acting as a middleman. Meanwhile, Iwamasa also entered a plea deal for his role in helping supply the drug.
Dealer accused of supplying fatal dose still awaits trial
One person hasn’t yet accepted a plea deal. Jasveen Sangha, accused of being a major ketamine dealer, allegedly gave Perry the dose that killed him. She remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty.
Plasencia’s plea deal includes no guaranteed sentence but carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. He had originally been set to stand trial alongside Sangha this August.
Court documents reveal Dr Salvador Plasencia mocked Matthew Perry in text messagesGetty Images
Matthew Perry’s tragic death shocked fans around the world. Known best for playing Chandler Bing, his struggles with addiction stretched back to his time on Friends. The Los Angeles medical examiner ruled his cause of death as ketamine toxicity, raising serious concerns about the underground market surrounding off-label treatments for mental health.
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Nicholas Galitzine teases his He-Man transformation with a shadowy behind-the-scenes image
Nicholas Galitzine has officially finished filming for Masters of the Universe, and to mark the moment, he gave fans a shadowy glimpse of his transformation into the iconic He-Man.
Taking to Instagram, the Red, White & Royal Blue actor shared a silhouetted image of himself in full He-Man gear, writing, “It’s been the role of a lifetime, and I put everything into it.” Though the costume details remain under wraps, the photo hints at the classic battle attire, loincloth, gauntlets, and the legendary Power Sword in hand.
The actor didn’t just slip into a role; he reshaped himself entirely. In a previous interview, Galitzine shared that he was eating nearly 4,000 calories a day and lifting heavy weights to bulk up for the physically demanding part. Playing both Prince Adam and his alter ego He-Man meant embracing not just the look but also the legacy of a pop culture titan.
“There's not much I can show you,” Galitzine teased, “but I am so proud of the film we’ve made.” His Instagram post thanked the cast and crew, clearly hinting at an intense and collaborative shoot.
Fans react to Galitzine’s physical transformation for his role as Prince Adam and He-ManGetty Images
The film, directed by Bumblebee filmmaker Travis Knight, brings to life Mattel’s classic toy line and 1980s animated series. The updated script is by Chris Butler, based on earlier drafts by David Callaham and the Nee brothers.
A star-studded cast and a legendary tale returns
Galitzine leads an ensemble that includes Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, and Hafthor Björnsson as Goat Man, among others.
The story follows a young Prince Adam, who crash-lands on Earth and is separated from his mystical sword. Years later, he returns to Eternia, unlocks his hidden identity, and embraces his destiny as He-Man to stop Skeletor from conquering Castle Grayskull and the universe.
Nicholas Galitzine wraps Masters of the Universe filmingGetty Images
The long-awaited reboot comes on the heels of Mattel’s Barbie success and will now be released under Amazon MGM Studios. With Masters of the Universe slated for a 5 June 2026 theatrical release, fans of the franchise and Galitzine are eagerly waiting to shout, “By the power of Grayskull!” once again.