SINGER-SONGWRITER ANANYA BIRLA ON MUSIC, HER LATEST EP, PASSIONS AND FUTURE PROJECTS
by ASJAD NAZIR
Rapidly-rising star Ananya Birla has quickly blazed a musical path and left a trail of fire with hot tracks that have lit up the charts.
The Mumbai-born singer and songwriter has gone from playing low-key gigs around London to performing at major international festivals, releasing songs that have been streamed over 160 million times and becoming the first homegrown artist to go platinum with an English track in India last year.
The 24-year-old recently released her debut EP Fingerprint, which shows off an impressive range on four terrific tracks that blend influences ranging from electro to r’n’b.
Masterminded by top international producers, the EP also contains her recent single Blackout, which features two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, Vector and WurlD.
She also runs mental health initiative MPower and set up an organisation to help empower women in the Indian countryside.
Eastern Eye caught up with Ananya Birla to talk about music, lyrics, her latest EP, inspirations and passions away from music.
What first connected you to music?
I have felt deeply connected to music. I remember being little and just watching and listening to my mother, as she played this classical Indian instrument called the santoor. Through school and university, music was my constant; it was like my best friend. Whenever I was having a tough time, I would turn to music and it helped me get through. It still does. I hope my music can do the same for other people.
How did you feel when your first song released?
It was totally surreal. Before that I had been performing at low-key open nights and random small gigs, so releasing a track with a major label behind me was a massive shift. More than anything I was excited that I got to connect emotionally with such a large audience.
You have mixed musical genres, has that been a conscious decision?
I like to think of my music as pop, spiked with other genres like rap, r’n’b and electro. Today’s world is fluid and musical boundaries are becoming more and hazier with time. My mood can shift from being really happy to going into dark places. I think my music reflects that. Certain songs like All Night Long bring the first side to prominence, while a song like Love Suicide was inspired by the latter. I prefer to go into the studio and express myself, and my mood as I am feeling that day.
Which one of your songs has been closest to your heart?
Love Suicide, which is on my EP. We were having a listening session to shortlist the tracks for the EP at Universal Music’s office, and when Love Suicide played, I burst into tears because the experience behind the song was so fresh in my mind and it just brought everything up.
What has been the most memorable moment of your musical adventure?
I’d have to say the first time a song went platinum. It was a kind of an earth-shattering moment for me. I felt like I had proved how excited people back home could be about embracing international sounds and that the dominance of film music is fading.
Tell us about your latest song Blackout?
For a while, I’d been hoping to incorporate hip hop more explicitly into one of my tracks, and this single is the result. I hooked up with Vector and WurlD, these amazing hip hop artists from Lagos through Universal Music Group. The song is basically about chilling out and taking a step back from the hectic modern world. I’m super proud of it.
Who are you hoping connects with the song?
We all feel overwhelmed sometimes, and this song is for anyone who just feels like everything is a bit much. It was a good lesson for me. I used to struggle to balance my business, MPower and music, but I’ve finally learned the importance of savouring every
passing moment, instead of racing blindly to the finish line.
This song, like your others, is lyrically strong; how important is that to you?
My songs are a form of self-expression. My lyrics are deeply personal. I write about the stuff I’m going through in my life; the highs and the lows. It’s all authentic to me. When music has its roots in something real, it feels so much more alive and audiences really connect with it; no matter who they are or what their background is.
Tell us about your new EP?
It is called Fingerprint because it is deeply personal to me, bound to my identity and experiences. I was lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing artists, like DJ Buddha and my long-time producer Anders (Mood Melodies). I’m so excited to share it with the world.
Tell us, what was the biggest challenge of putting it together?
Sometimes when I live with a song for a long time, I tend to obsess over it, and it can get challenging to take a step back and be objective. I worked on the songs for over a year, and having to select just four from a bank of so many that I had poured my heart into was not an easy task. I learned a lot about myself during the process.
What can we expect next from you?
I’m so grateful to be working with Island Records in the UK, alongside UMG, which means I have access to a way bigger audience, as well as brilliant artists from all over the world. I’m super excited about that. I’m going to be doing a lot of touring too, both in India and internationally.
The expectations around you increase with each song; does that put pressure on you?
Inevitably it does, yes. But I am still growing as an artist, and with each release, I’m gaining more and more confidence. It’s been such an amazing journey.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Eminem. That sometimes surprises people, but growing up, he was a total hero of mine. I know all of his lyrics. Technically, he’s just such an amazing rapper. But more than that, I love the way he’s able to communicate human experiences in a totally raw and universal way. His music is able to touch anyone, and that’s something I aspire to.
What inspires you musically?
I can get inspired by anything. I’m on the lookout for that next great hook, or a phrase that gets stuck in my head, that I just have to turn into a lyric. I am also inspired by everyday experiences and people I meet.
What songs dominate your own playlist?
At the moment Better by Khalid and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish.
Tell us, who have been your greatest musical influences?
On the lyrical side of things, one of my biggest influences has been Ed Sheeran’s songwriting - his ability to tell a story through his songs is incredible.
If you could ask any alive or dead artist any question, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I just have to ask Beyonce how she dances so beautifully in such high heels. I’d ask John Mayer how he does his solos, and I’d ask Kurt Cobain about the inspiration behind Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Tell us something about you not many people know?
I tripped and fell at an event in front of David Cameron and Halle Berry. Hands down, one of the most embarrassing moments ever.
What are your big passions away from music?
Aside from my music career, I run a mental health initiative, MPower, with my mum. We campaign to stamp out the stigma around mental illness in India and provide worldclass care for people living with mental health issues, who are ignored and discriminated against. I have a passion for building businesses that are a force for good, which is why I set up Svatantra. It is an organisation which aims to empower women in the Indian countryside by helping them grow their own businesses. I wanted to create a platform which encourages women to fulfil their potential and achieve independence.
Why do you love music?
Music has the power to connect people. It has no borders and can bring people together, regardless of their nationality, gender or sexuality. I love that it can be this amazing positive force. Nothing makes me happier than a fan getting in touch, saying one of my tracks helped them through something. That’s why I got started in the first place. I am still in awe of its power. Music has the power to take anyone through the toughest of experiences, like it did with me.
Simone Ashley, best known for her breakout role in Bridgerton, won’t have the screen time fans expected in Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film F1. Despite being part of the film’s promotional buzz and having filmed scenes alongside the main cast, Ashley’s role was trimmed down to a blink-and-miss appearance with no dialogue.
Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed the change, stating that the edit came down to tough decisions made during the final cut. Speaking in an interview, he said, “Every movie has more content than it can use. We had to drop two or three storylines for pacing. Unfortunately, Simone’s was one of them.”
Director praises Ashley but fans question repeated sidelining of actors of colour
Kosinski was quick to express admiration for Ashley, calling her “an incredible talent, actress, and singer” and adding, “I’d love to work with her again.” Still, the move has reignited conversations around how actors of colour are often given prominent placement during production and marketing, only to be cut back when the film is finalised.
Ashley has not directly commented on the cut since previews began, but earlier this year, she acknowledged that her role was “very small.” She said, “I’m just grateful to be in that movie. I got to experience many Grands Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again.” She also shared that the filming process felt like live theatre, given how tight and chaotic the schedule was while shooting during actual races.
Director Joseph Kosinski says Ashley’s storyline was cut for pacing and time constraintsGetty Images
The incident has drawn comparisons to Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto’s reduced screen time in Top Gun: Maverick, also directed by Kosinski. Jacinto’s part was heavily promoted but eventually cut down to a wordless cameo. Critics have noted a troubling pattern where actors of colour are regularly used for marketing but sidelined in final edits.
While F1 continues to generate buzz ahead of its 27 June release, Ashley’s reduced role can be seen as emblematic of the industry’s ongoing issues with representation and why more inclusive stories need to come from within.
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Dua Lipa prepares to take over Wembley Stadium with back-to-back shows this weekend
Dua Lipa is heading home. For the first time in her career, the chart-topping pop star will headline Wembley Stadium in London this weekend, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The two-night stop is part of her Radical Optimism world tour, which kicked off in Asia and will continue through the end of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to one of the capital’s biggest gigs this summer.
When, where, and what to expect from Dua’s Radical Optimism shows
Dua performs at Wembley Stadium on Friday, 20 June and Saturday, 21 June. Doors open at 5pm, support acts start from 6pm, and Dua is expected on stage by 8.15pm. Each show wraps up by 10.30pm.
The pop superstar is expected to perform a 22-track setlist, including hits like Levitating, Don’t Start Now, Dance the Night, and New Rules, alongside tracks from her latest album, Radical Optimism. Recent shows have also ended with a taped outro of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody, keeping the energy high as fans exit.
Support acts for both nights include Dove Cameron and Alessi Rose. However, there’s speculation that RAYE and Charli XCX might also make surprise appearances for Dua’s hometown concert.
For those interested in merch, you can shop at the stadium or drop by the official pop-up shop in Shoreditch from 19 to 22 June (11am–6pm).
Dua Lipa on stage performing hitsGetty Images
Tickets, banned items, and travel advice
Tickets are still available through resale platforms like Viagogo, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. Prices range from £55.20 (₹5,800) for resale general admission to £549 (₹57,600) for the official ‘Dua Lipa Gold’ hospitality package. Fans should be cautious, though, since resale tickets might not be valid if the original terms don’t allow transfer. Always check with the original ticket provider.
Wembley has a strict bag policy of only one bag per person, no larger than A4. Also banned are alcohol, large umbrellas, glass bottles, perfume, selfie sticks, and professional cameras. Security checks are mandatory at entry.
When it comes to travel, Wembley Stadium is served by three stations, including Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines), Wembley Stadium (Chiltern Railways), and Wembley Central (Overground and Bakerloo). Check TfL’s website for updates, especially for planned closures or delays over the weekend.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just love a good stadium show, this is set to be a memorable event in London’s live music calendar.
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Any move forward would be entirely dependent on Fincher’s approval of the scripts
Fans of Mindhunter may have reason to hope again. Although the series has been on indefinite hold since 2019, actor Holt McCallany has revealed that discussions have taken place about reviving the story, not as a third season, but potentially as a trilogy of films on Netflix.
Fincher open to film format revival
Speaking to Comic Book Resources (CBR) in a recent interview, McCallany — who plays FBI agent Bill Tench in the series — said he met with director David Fincher several months ago to discuss the show’s future. According to McCallany, Fincher mentioned a possible return in the form of “three two-hour movies”.
“I had a meeting with David Fincher in his office a few months ago,” McCallany told CBR. “He said to me that there is a chance that it may come back as three two-hour movies. But I think it’s just a chance.”
He also clarified that while discussions have taken place, any move forward would be entirely dependent on Fincher’s approval of the scripts. “Writers are working on ideas,” he added, “but David has to be happy with the scripts.”
Long hiatus after season two
Mindhunter debuted on Netflix in 2017 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its depiction of the FBI’s early efforts in criminal profiling. The second season was released in 2019, but plans for a third were paused indefinitely in 2020 when Fincher confirmed he had moved on to other projects.
At the time, Netflix said the series was on “indefinite hold” and released the lead cast — including McCallany, Jonathan Groff (Holden Ford), and Anna Torv (Dr Wendy Carr) — from their contracts, making a return uncertain.
In 2023, Fincher confirmed in interviews that there were no current plans to revive Mindhunter, citing high production costs and limited viewership compared to other Netflix hits.
Possibility still uncertain
McCallany admitted that the idea of a film revival is far from confirmed. “The sun, the moon, and the stars would all have to align,” he said. Still, the news that conversations are happening — and that Fincher is at least open to the idea — has reignited interest in the series.
Whether Mindhunter returns as a limited film event or remains a cult classic with two seasons, the possibility of continuing the story of Tench, Ford and Carr has brought new optimism to its dedicated fanbase. As of now, Netflix has not commented publicly on the reports.
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Ju Haknyeon exits THE BOYZ following controversy surrounding Tokyo lounge meet
K-pop idol Ju Haknyeon has officially left THE BOYZ following explosive allegations connecting him to a former Japanese adult film actress and an ongoing police investigation. While the singer denied involvement in any criminal activity, the controversy has triggered widespread media attention, emotional fallout among fans, and public apologies from the rest of the group.
Scandal breaks: Photos, police reports, and a contract termination
The storm began when images of Ju Haknyeon alongside ex-AV actress Kirara Asuka at a lounge in Tokyo began circulating online. What initially seemed like a private gathering on 30 May quickly spiralled into a scandal, with Korean media suggesting deeper implications beyond a casual meetup. Shortly after, on 18 June, his agency ONE HUNDRED confirmed the end of his contract, citing a "loss of trust."
Within 24 hours, matters escalated. A citizen filed a formal complaint at Gangnam Police Station accusing Ju of violating South Korea’s prostitution law, specifically Article 4, which pertains to arranging sexual services. The report hinted at potential ties with others in the entertainment industry, demanding a broader investigation. In response, the agency’s CEO Cha Ga Won issued a statement accepting responsibility, admitting the company lacked oversight, and apologised to fans.
Ju, in turn, posted a handwritten message denying all allegations. He acknowledged attending a private drinking session on 30 May but stated, “I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activity.” Despite the denial, the damage to his image was irreversible, leading to his removal from the group and all related activities.
THE BOYZ react: Apologies pour in from remaining members
In the aftermath, THE BOYZ members addressed their fandom, THE B, with heartfelt letters. Eric, Kevin, Juyeon, Sunwoo, Younghoon, Q, and others expressed deep remorse, shared personal struggles, and vowed to rebuild trust. They admitted the scandal had weighed heavily on them, with some describing emotional turmoil and fear of losing their fans.
The letters weren’t about defending Ju but about reassuring their audience that they remain committed. Each member promised to reflect, grow stronger, and uphold the group’s values. The group now continues as a 10-member act.
THE BOYZ attend 2022 The Fact Music AwardsGetty Images
Online reactions remain divided, with some fans supporting the group’s decision, while others question the harsh scrutiny idols face, especially over personal relationships. But one thing is clear: THE BOYZ is now in damage control mode, striving to move forward while keeping their fandom close.
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Randhir Kapoor had strongly opposed Karisma’s marriage to businessman Sunjay Kapur
In the wake of businessman Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death on 12 June 2025, attention has turned to Karisma Kapoor’s personal life and her past marriage. The former couple, who tied the knot in 2003, split in 2014 and finalised their divorce in 2016 after a long legal battle. Their marriage had been fraught with tension, and Karisma’s father, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor, had openly voiced his disapproval of the union.
‘She doesn’t need to remarry, she’s content being a mother’
Following their split, Karisma’s name was occasionally linked with businessman Sandeep Toshniwal, though neither ever confirmed a relationship. In a 2017 interview, Randhir Kapoor was asked whether Karisma planned to marry again. He replied that she was happy, settled, and completely devoted to her children, Samaira and Kiaan.
Randhir Kapoor once said Karisma is happy and well-settled as a single motherGetty Images
“I think Lolo is very well settled and happy. I have never discussed marriage with her, but if she ever wants to marry again, she will always have my blessings. That said, I don’t think she wants to. She’s a happy mother and there’s no step in that direction,” Randhir had said. He added that Karisma is an “excellent mother” and that her love for her children seemed to fulfil her completely.
Despite growing speculation at the time about a new chapter in Karisma’s life, Randhir’s words reflected a family that supported her decision to live life on her own terms.
Randhir Kapoor once said Karisma Kapoor may never remarry after divorceGetty Images
‘I never wanted her to marry Sunjay’
Back in 2016, during the divorce proceedings, Randhir had spoken about how he never approved of Karisma’s marriage to Sunjay. “Sunjay is a third-class man. We are Kapoors. We don’t need anyone’s money. He never cared for Karisma. He lived with another woman while giving her nonsense,” Randhir had said.
He added that everyone in Delhi knew Sunjay’s reputation, and he didn’t want to say more. Post-divorce, Karisma won custody of her children. Reports stated that Sunjay paid ₹70 crore (£6.6 million) in alimony and set aside ₹14 crore (£1.3 million) in bonds for the children’s future.
Though Sunjay later married Priya Sachdev, Karisma has remained single. She returned to the screen with selective work but kept her personal life private. Through it all, she’s maintained grace, and, as her father once said, she continues to live life the way she chooses.