Though most of the films on her resume are either in Tamil or Telugu, actress Rakul Preet Singh has also made a strong impression in Bollywood with movies like Yaariyan (2014) and the recent blockbuster De De Pyaar De (2019). The actress is currently busy promoting her next Bollywood outing Marjaavaan which reunites her with Aiyaary (2018) co-star Sidharth Malhotra. Also starring Tara Sutaria and Riteish Deshmukh in principal roles, the romantic action film features Rakul in the role of a prostitute, a character which she has never attempted before.
In the run-up to the release of Marjaavaan on 15th November, Eastern Eye catches up with Rakul Preet Singh in Mumbai and tries to know more about her character in the film, what led her to take it up, how she manages to juggle Bollywood and other film industries down South so efficiently, and much more. The actress also opens up about how things have changed for her professionally after the runaway success of De De Pyaar De. Excerpts…
How different is Marjaavaan from your previous Bollywood films?
Marjaavaan is completely different from my previous Hindi films. The film came to me when I was shooting for De De Pyaar De. Milap Zaveri’s selling point to me for the film was that my character is like Rekha of Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Tabu of Jeet (1996) and Chandramukhi of Devdas (2002). He said, ‘I know this is a two-heroine project and you might think why you need to do it, but listen to the script once.’ Then I heard the script and felt that these kinds of roles were popular in the 90s. In the recent past, and in our generation, we have not seen a role like this.
When you see Aarzoo’s character, you find there is ‘nazakat’, ‘sher-o-shayari’ and ‘adah’ attached to her character. So, Aarzoo is a prostitute, but she is very head-strong. She is fearless. It is a very strong character. When Milap narrated it to me, I thought that even though it is smaller in length, as there are other things also like action, and there are two girls, it is a very impactful role. I thought when will I get a chance to do something like this in Hindi films. And also, De De Pyaar De was very different from this, so people will get to see a versatile side to me. In De De…. I played the girl next door, a western girl. Here in Marjaavaan, I am playing a prostitute who wears these Indian saris and all. Also, there are some heavy dialogues involved. That’s what attracted me to the film.
How do you bring conviction to a role like this?
So, I went to a bar to observe bar girls, just to see their body language and how do they stand while talking to people or looking at them. They do not sit the way we sit. So that, I think, helped me a lot in getting the body language of Aarzoo right. The rest of the things like ‘sher-o-shayari’ and dialogues, that we learnt during reading sessions with Milap.
Did you feel any pressure when Milap compared your character with that of Rekha in Muqaddar Ka Sikander and Madhuri Dixit in Devdas?
Theirs are very iconic characters. Milap has been saying it everywhere. Even at the trailer launch, he kept saying that I am his Rekha in the film. When people go to see the film and even if 1% of them feel so, that will be my biggest satisfactory point. I know that they are legendary and I am nowhere close to them and I don’t even want to compare myself with them. They are them. We look up to them. I share my birthday with Rekha Ji though (smiles).
You started your career in Bollywood before exploring the South Indian film industry. How do you see your journey from Bollywood to South and then South to Bollywood?
I love the journey. I came with nothing, you know. I was someone who was not from the industry, I did not grow up on a dose of films, I had no training in acting. Nothing. Not even one percent of it. Even if I was an outsider, I was not signed by somebody to give me that guidance. Guidance was not there. It was a constant self-growth and finding your own way, I would say.
People think that I went to South after doing Yaariyan. It is not true. I shot Yaariyan and two days after finishing it, I started shooting for my first film in Telugu. But Yaariyan took 1 year to release and my debut film in Telugu happened to release four months before Yaariyan. Venkatadri Express turned out to be a big hit and suddenly I had a lot of offers from South. Since Yaariyan was yet to release, I thought to do those films. I thought I would shoot those films and then come back to Bollywood. I did not know that after the release of your film, you have to be in Bombay, meet people, and all. Nobody would tell me that you are supposed to do that. So, I continued working down South. I started getting bigger films with some of the bigger stars. They gave me a lot of love. I got emotionally attached with the industry because those films just put me on a pedestal suddenly. Then I thought that it makes sense to do the work that you are getting rather than leaving it and trying to find something that you don’t have yet. I thought that when people see me enough, I would get filtered projects.
Rather than me going door to door in Bombay and again starting the struggle all over, I continued working there and then I learnt what I like, where I need to improve as an actor, etc. That growth really helped me. After that, I was supposed to do MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) but that did not happen because they postponed the schedule because Sushant Singh Rajput’s hair length took time and I was shooting for other film and could not change my dates at all. So, I did not do the film. I had also shot for a film called Shimla Mirchi with Rajkummar Rao but it stuck and did not release. That gap would not have come otherwise.
So, when the makers of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story were making Aiyaary, they called me up and asked me if I had dates. I said I would definitely do the film. That’s how Aiyaary happened. When I was shooting for that film, I got De De Pyaar De. So, there was not a break per say; it was very organic and I was constantly working. From 2013 to 2019, I have done almost 30 films.
Yes, this is my second film with him after Aiyaary. Nobody talks about that film because it did not work, it did not click with the audience. Very few people liked it. It was a different film.
Do you feel that you have got something to prove with Marjaavaan?
No, I do not think it works like that. If I start thinking that I have to prove to the world, I can keep getting sucked into that deep abyss. There is no end to that. I got the role, I liked the role, I did it to my hundred percent honesty, and now you won’t see me nervous the Friday it releases on. Whether my film works or does not work, I will be smiling with the same smile, because there is no point thinking why did not it work. You have got to move to your next project.
Has the success of your last Hindi film De De Pyaar De changed anything in your life or career?
I think it would have changed something, in the form of the scripts that have come my way after its release, maybe. I have signed 4 films in Hindi. In South, I am doing Indian 2 in Telugu and one in Tamil. We are just waiting for the production houses to announce my Hindi films. For one of the 4 Hindi films, I start shooting immediately after Marjaavaan. So, I think the kinds of scripts that I have got are interesting and with good, performance-oriented roles. I think that credit goes to De De Pyaar De because it opened up that avenue.
Popular actor Shivam Khajuria has showcased his impressive talent in top TV serials such as Molkki, Mann Sundar and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
He is currently displaying that range in the hugely popular drama Anupamaa, earning wide acclaim. Away from the small screen, the television star is also a passionate cinema lover. He shared his all-time favourite films with Eastern Eye.
Rockstar: This musical struck a chord with me like few others ever have. Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Jordan was raw, flawed and deeply human. The emotional intensity, combined with AR Rahman’s soul-stirring music, made the film unforgettable. It was not just a love story – it was a journey through pain, passion and transformation. Despite its imperfections, it revealed a side of Bollywood I had never seen – bold, poetic and heartbreakingly real.
Rockstar
A Few Good Men: This acclaimed courtroom drama was a game-changer for me. The performances by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore were outstanding. The moral complexity and intensity of the trial – and the way justice was questioned – left a deep impact. It even made me briefly consider a career in law. A classic example of storytelling done right.
James Bond movies: The James Bond series was a big part of my childhood. I was fascinated by Bond’s style, intelligence and smooth confidence. From sleek cars and high-tech gadgets to exotic locations, each film was an escape into a thrilling world of espionage. That iconic introduction – “Bond, James Bond” – never got old. These films made me fall in love with cinematic flair and unforgettable characters.
Final Destination movies: This is one of the few horror franchises that genuinely creeped me out while keeping me hooked. The way fate played out in twisted, unpredictable ways was both terrifying and clever. Each death scene was creatively executed, and I constantly wondered what bizarre turn would come next. These were not just horror films – they were suspenseful, imaginative, and a chilling reminder that we cannot always outrun destiny.
Se7en: This haunting crime thriller is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll. The gritty visuals and slow-building tension led to a shocking climax that left me speechless. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman delivered exceptional performances. It explored the darkest sides of human nature in a way that was disturbing, powerful and unforgettable.
A still from a James Bond film
Gangs of Wasseypur: This film redefined Indian cinema for me. It was gritty, raw and unapologetically honest. A crime saga set against the backdrop of coal mafia rivalries, it felt more real than fictional. Anurag Kashyap’s bold direction and layered storytelling, combined with stellar performances, made it unforgettable. It was not just a film – it was an experience.
Border: This iconic army drama was my first real dive into war cinema, and it moved me deeply. It depicted not only the battlefield action but also the emotional struggles of soldiers and their families. The music, camaraderie and heartbreaking losses captured the true essence of patriotism and sacrifice. It made me appreciate the strength of those who serve the country.
The Sixth Sense: This psychological thriller completely blew my mind. The storytelling, the atmosphere and that unforgettable twist at the end were pure cinematic brilliance. I still remember the chill I felt during the final reveal. It was not just a thriller – it was a psychological deep dive that changed the way I watch films. A masterclass in suspense and detail.
Interstellar
3 Idiots: Every Indian student relates to this film in some way. It was humorous, emotional and thought-provoking. It challenged the rigid education system and encouraged viewers to pursue passion over pressure. Aamir Khan’s performance stood out, but the entire cast brought warmth and relatability to the story. It made me laugh, cry and reflect – more than just entertainment, it was a life lesson.
Interstellar: This is more than a science fiction film – it is an emotional journey through time, space and human connection. The way it combines complex scientific concepts with deeply personal storytelling is extraordinary. The visuals are breath-taking, the soundtrack is unforgettable, and the exploration of time as a dimension is mind-bending. It made me think, dream and feel. For me, it comes close to being a perfect film.
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Parle Patel has been a magnetic force in entertainment for nearly 15 years, combining laughter, language and layered identity into sketches, stage shows, radio and social media reels.
The “all-round entertainer”, best known as a fierce champion of Gujarati culture, has gained a loyal global following that spans from London to the heartlands of India.
This year, the popular British talent added another significant milestone to his creative journey by making a winning debut in Gujarati cinema with the film Umbarro. With a unique blend of humour, heart and heritage, Patel has added another huge chapter to an inspiring story of proudly representing his community.
Eastern Eye caught up with the great British hero to discuss his creative journey, film debut, inspirations and future plans..
In Gujarati film Umbarro
How do you reflect on your creative journey? I take stops throughout the year to reflect on what I have done creatively and see if it aligns with my values and aspirations. This includes time away from the UK to reflect. I also think about inspiring figures I look up to and see if I can build on what I have taken on board from them.
You have always championed Gujarati culture. How important is that to you? My main aim was always to speak up for those not properly seen within our Gujarati community. I started making comedy because not enough was being said, explored or celebrated about us. After nearly 15 years, it is not just about ethnicity or religion, but about representing anything you feel is not seen or heard. Now, it is also important for me to celebrate other Gujarati artists and talent too, by highlighting them through my platforms.
You have done diverse work from the online space to theatre, but which has been closest to your heart? All of them have bits of my heart. Each has helped me in different ways. YouTubing and being online showed me you can just start with yourself and build an audience – especially now, when people need that community. It built a worldwide audience. I never thought people in India would like my content, or that I would be doing shows in the US. And getting recognised on a tiny island in Thailand? The power of the internet is mind-blowing.
What about radio and theatre? Theatre is just as good, but different. Hearing everyone laugh together, or the silence during a serious bit, is so raw and real. You know what has made them laugh. Online, you get ‘lol’, or emojis, which is not the same. Radio is another world, with just the voice. It is massively challenging making comedy or saying what I think without the face or acting. Each one is different, but they all fit together – like bits of me, Parle.
How does all your amazing previous work compare to working in a Gujarati film produced by a company from India? With digital content, it is a one-man team, but in film, there is an entire cast and crew helping you stay energised. There are also random people or guests who have come to watch the shoot. So, it is a very different environment, where you really learn to focus with so much going on around you. The team was like a family – so warm and helpful. My fantastic director was so supportive. He never made me feel like this was my first feature film.
How did you feel when you got that film offer? It was really exciting. To work for a director, Abhishek Shah, whose work I am immensely inspired by – like Hellaro, which was a superhit globally. Also, for this role, I had to specifically represent British Gujaratis, and that was going to be fun.
Thumbnail from his social media reel
Tell us about Umbarro and your character. The film follows the lives of seven Gujarati women from different walks of life, travelling to London on a tour. Each lady has a different backstory that needs healing. It beautifully shows that there is no one type of Gujarati woman and has a beautiful element of sisterhood. They help one another through issues like grief, loss and relationships, but also empower each other. I was playing Simran, a half-Punjabi and half-Gujarati. That was where the humour stemmed from. All our characters were on a journey, and had gender-neutral names, which is important when there is not that much representation.
What was your most memorable moment from this Gujarati film journey? A few special things happened. What really struck me was how much the team persevered without ever complaining. Freezing night shoots, a 12th take – everyone just rallied with pure dedication to Gujarati storytelling. Then connecting with senior actors and legends, who knew my UK comedy stuff? It was heart-warming and humbling when they asked my opinion. The Northern Lights also appeared during a shoot, which felt like a sign and blessing. That was unforgettable.
How much do you love that Gujarati cinema has been on the rise? I am so happy and grateful that directors in the industry have not given up or stopped. They are so passionate about the Gujarati language. For ages, I felt like the only one who cared. But then this ‘renaissance’ happened after that lull since the golden oldies. There is often a bias against our regional films. People say, ‘I cannot speak Gujarati, so I will not watch’, but they happily watch a series like Squid Game with subtitles. Surely, it’s about the story?
You have worked on so many different mediums and platforms. What is the plan going forward? With so many things happening globally, I feel my audience is really hungry for more online content. People want to connect, feel a sense of community, and escape as well. In the beginning, I was almost told off for making escapist content. But I think it is important to help people escape the stresses of day-to-day life and laugh at relatable funny things. So, everyone is definitely going to see more online content. It is how people from remote locations get to connect with Gujarati language, comedy and culture.
What about other platforms? I will go back to the stage in some capacity. I really hope to connect with people who want to collaborate and are also passionate about telling authentic stories – especially ones about British Gujaratis, Asians, Hindus and Indians here in the UK. There is so much more that is waiting to be told. I just want to keep representing.
Are you hoping to work in more films? I would love to work in more films. I will always push myself and audition for roles that I feel I can play. I will always try my best to take training and learn more about each medium.
What inspires you creatively? It can be a spark from anywhere. But proper inspiration comes from stories – my own life and family. During tough times, you remember the bad stuff, right? But later, you can choose how to look back – grief, drama or comedy. I pick comedy. It is a human superpower. Turning sad memories into funny ones, adding my ‘masala’. It may not be funny at first, but give it a day or two. That is being a comic – spinning the mundane. Loads of my videos are just everyday stuff, heightened a bit.
Tell us about the family aspect. My parents are a massive inspiration. Dad put me in front of the camera first and taught me how to frame a shot. Mum has always been sharp, witty and has a love for Gujarati dance. I grew up around that. They are proper powerhouses, making me see the funny everywhere. My partner shows me the funny in stuff I would miss. Being with someone who loves comedy and theatre unlocks so much. We get through the mad times by just laughing.
Instagram: @planetparle
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Jungkook under fire for wearing Make Tokyo Great Again cap at BTS concert rehearsal
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.