The conversations on nepotism in Bollywood can never go out of fashion, but the topic gets some incredible amount of traction just before a star-kid is about to dive into showbiz. If that has always been the case, then how can Ananya Panday be left alone? The daughter of well-known actor Chunky Panday debuts in Hindi cinema with Student of the Year 2. The teen drama has been produced by movie mogul Karan Johar, who has always been accused of nepotism. But the newcomer is not worried about who thinks what about her. She just wants people to accept her and her talent.
Ahead of the release of Student of the Year 2, Eastern Eye sat down with Ananya Panday for a conversation on her dream launch, her idol and ex-student of SOTY franchise Alia Bhatt and, of course, her upcoming projects.
The debutante also reacts to the success of other star-kids like Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan.
The first question to you is that what is that one question you don’t want people to ask you?
Hopefully, about nepotism. I hope people don’t ask me about that, because I want them to accept me and my talent in general. I want that the audience loves me. So, I hope people don’t ask me about nepotism, even after the release of the film.
Do you think that SOTY 2 is the best launch-pad for you?
I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I remember I was just 15-year-old when I watched the first Student of the Year. My parents were going to the screening of the movie. It was scheduled for 11 p.m. I wasn’t allowed to go, but I begged my parents to take me along. I was sitting on the floor at the screening and then I saw Alia on the screen. In that very moment, I decided I wanted to be this. I wanted to be Alia. I wanted to be Shanaya (the character played by Alia Bhatt in Student of the Year). I wanted to do a film like Student of the Year. I wanted to be a Dharma Productions’ heroine. I prayed so much to Universe that one day I finally got to audition for the film.
What was your reaction like when you were told about being finalized for the film?
After my first audition, I had to do another audition. At the same time, I was doing some workshops with Puneet Malhotra. Frankly speaking, they did not tell me in one go that I was finalized for the film. The project got delayed too, for a year or so. But as they were about to begin production, it started sinking in slowly and slowly. So, it took a lot of time to believe that, actually. I still can’t believe I am a part of this film.
Was it tough to match up to Tiger Shroff’s energy level?
I am not even half of Tiger; he practises so much. When we were in our teen, we used to be a part of the same dance class. However, his talent did not rub off on me. He is indeed a brilliant dancer. When you see him practise, you also kind of feel motivated to do some practice. But even then I won’t ever be able to match up to his level. However, I tried my best.
Do you think you can match up to ex-student Alia Bhatt’s talent?
I don’t think so. Alia is a flawless actor. She has given so many phenomenal films like Gully Boy (2019), Raazi (2018) and Highway (2014). I cannot compete with her. When she joined the industry, she was also very raw. People liked her rawness and unpreparedness. So, I think, I am also raw. Alia and I haven’t done any acting classes. Tiger is a huge star; he has done so many hit films. Tara has also done Disney shows. But I haven’t done anything. So, that rawness makes us similar in some ways.
How did you train yourself before entering films?
As I said, I haven’t taken any acting classes. But I opted for Hindi instead of Spanish in my school because by that time I had realized that Hindi would help me in the long run in life. I have also learnt Kathak, something that I like a lot. But like the previous students, I didn’t assist anybody on a Dharma film’s set. I have assisted only in one film and that is Raees (2017). It’s an Excel Entertainment film. I was working as a runner. My job was to get the secondary cast from their van and take them to the set. I enjoyed doing that. I did that job in between my board exams.
Whose idea was that?
It was very much my idea because I had never gone to my father’s sets. I had not interacted with many directors in childhood. So, I wanted to know what I see on the screen, how is that made. That experience helps you a lot in life.
How did your parents react to the trailer of the film?
My dad never visited me on the sets. Even my mom came only once, just to see my first shot. After that, she never visited again. They didn’t even see the rushes. The first content which they saw was the trailer of the film and that too on YouTube. Before that, they hadn’t seen anything. At the trailer launch, I was attending the event, while they were watching it on YouTube. They are very sweet. They watch the trailer of my film around 12-13 times a day. They have downloaded it. Before going to bed, they watch it and when they get up in the morning, they watch it again. Their reaction is very sweet.
My dad has not given me any advice, because he wants me to handle things my way. He feels whatever I am doing is just right. Having said that, I have learnt a lot from his behaviour. After observing him, I have realised that he never let the success or failure affect him much.
Before I was born, he was a huge star. And after my birth, he took a break from films. He has seen a lot of phases in his life, but nothing changed him as a human being. He has been so nice to everyone. So, that’s what I want to learn from him.
What have you inherited from him?
I think I have inherited his sense of humour. His Hindi is very good, but I lag there.
How do you feel when you see star-kids like Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan, who were launched last year, have been accepted so well by the audience?
I feel charged up. They are my friends. So, when my friends do well, I also feel motivated. I think it’s very important that new faces are launched in the industry. It brings a lot of freshness. So, when I see them doing well, I feel I should do well too. Talking about competition, it’s fun. Look at the Student of the Year franchise! It’s about competition and it’s so much fun. Competition is motivating.
Tell us about your friendship with Suhana Khan (Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter) and Shanaya Kapoor (Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter)?
So, Suhana, Shanaya and I have grown together. We are like siblings. When we were kids, we used to play acting games. I used to copy my mother; Suhana would copy hers. We used to gossip about one another’s moms.
Is Suhana also joining films?
Suhana is a brilliant actor. I think you can watch her plays’ videos on YouTube. I hope she comes into films because she is so talented.
Tell us something about your next film, Pati Patni Aur Woh.
Yeah, so the film is coming in December. The basic idea of the film has been taken from B.R. Chopra’s Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978). There are Kartik (Aaryan), Bhumi (Pednekar) and I. It’s not a remake. Just the basic idea has been taken from the original film. The same production house is producing it. It’s going to be today’s film, a very relatable and young film.
Jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial sends fifth note to judge.
Concern raised about one juror’s ability to follow instructions; judge advises deliberations to continue.
Jurors request transcripts of Cassie Ventura and Daniel Phillip’s testimonies.
Combs faces five charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, and could face life in prison.
Jurors in the high-profile criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have raised new concerns as deliberations continue, sending a fifth note to the judge questioning whether one juror can follow instructions. The jury also asked to review key testimonies from singer Cassie Ventura and witness Daniel Phillip, signalling the complexity and weight of the decision they face.
Diddy trial jury raises alarm over juror and demands key witness testimoniesGetty Images
Jury seeks witness transcripts in Diddy sex trafficking trial
On the second day of deliberations, the jury asked to review four specific pieces of testimony: three from Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and one from male stripper Daniel Phillip. The requests relate to critical events, including an incident at the InterContinental Hotel and a Cannes Film Festival encounter.
The defence and prosecution are currently negotiating which parts of these testimonies should be submitted to the jury. Combs, who has denied all charges, remained in court as the latest note was read and legal teams reconvened.
The jury’s focus on testimony details suggests they are carefully weighing evidence linked to the most serious allegations, including coerced sexual encounters allegedly orchestrated by Combs as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy.
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at federal courtGetty Images
Concerns over juror raise questions during deliberations
Just hours into the first day of deliberations, the jury sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian expressing concern that one juror “cannot follow” legal instructions. That juror, reportedly a scientist by profession, had earlier described the trial as a “good break” during voir dire.
Judge Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberating, reminding them of their duty to follow court instructions. Legal experts say such internal jury issues can complicate proceedings but are not uncommon in high-stakes trials.
Sean 'Puffy' Combs arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court in 2001Getty Images
If found guilty, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. The charges include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting women for prostitution. The trial, now in its final phase, has drawn intense public interest and influencer coverage outside the Manhattan courthouse.
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Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Sardaar Ji 3 set for overseas release only
Sardaar Ji 3 rakes in £275,000 (₹3 crore) on opening day in Pakistan, surpassing Sultan.
Diljit Dosanjh responds to backlash: “When we shot the film, everything was fine.”
Film was not released in India due to controversy over Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s casting.
Worldwide opening weekend collection touches £1.6 million (₹18.1 crore).
The Punjabi-language horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has become the highest-grossing Indian film ever released in Pakistan. Despite being banned in India, the film grossed £275,000 (₹3 crore) on its opening day and £825,000 (₹9 crore) over the first weekend in Pakistan alone.
The movie was released internationally on 27 June but did not receive clearance in India due to political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Its success across the border has reignited debates around cross-border cultural collaborations and censorship.
Sardaar Ji 3 Pakistan box office collection sets new benchmark
Despite ongoing tensions and a ban on Indian films in Pakistan since 2019, Sardaar Ji 3 was cleared by the Pakistani censor board and released nationwide. The opening day collections broke the previous record held by Salman Khan’s Sultan, which had earned £265,000 (₹2.9 crore) on day one in 2016.
Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading cinema distributor in Karachi, called it “the best opening for any Indian or Pakistani film in recent years,” adding that school holidays and the lack of quality cinema had contributed to packed halls.
Diljit Dosanjh shared videos of audience reactions from Pakistan on his Instagram, celebrating the overwhelming support while refraining from commenting directly on the boycott in India.
Diljit Dosanjh defends overseas release, says “situation changed after shoot”
The controversy stems from the casting of Hania Aamir, which violated the Indian film workers’ ban on Pakistani artists. Actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly defended Dosanjh, criticising attempts to scapegoat him for political gain.
Speaking in an interview, Dosanjh clarified, “We shot the film in February when everything was fine. After the attack, the producers knew they couldn’t release it in India. They’ve spent a lot on this film, and releasing it overseas is the only way to recover costs.”
Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram the most meaningful role of his career during his final-day speech.
Ramayana: Part 1 shoot wraps after an extensive schedule led by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, is seen sharing an emotional hug with Ranbir on set.
The film is set to release in cinemas during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.
The filming of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has officially come to an end. Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the ambitious mythological film, delivered a heartfelt speech during the wrap ceremony, calling it the most significant role of his career. A now-viral behind-the-scenes video captures Ranbir hugging his co-star Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, as the cast and crew celebrated the emotional milestone.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
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Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram his most meaningful role
In a clip circulating on social media, Ranbir Kapoor can be seen standing before the full cast and crew on the final day of the shoot. Addressing the team, he expressed deep gratitude for being part of what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime” project. “Portraying Lord Ram has been the most meaningful role of my life,” he said, standing beside Ravi Dubey, who portrays Lakshman. Ranbir also thanked co-stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and others, acknowledging their contribution to the massive production.
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Director Nitesh Tiwari also addressed the gathering with an emotional speech, which was met with cheers and applause. Videos from the day show a close-knit crew cutting a cake and capturing candid moments, one of which was Ranbir embracing Ravi in a warm hug.
Ramayana Part 1 set for Diwali 2026 release
With filming now complete, Ramayana: Part 1 is set to enter post-production. The star-studded cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, with Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG handling visual effects.
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The first instalment is expected to hit theatres during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 planned for a Diwali 2027 release. An official poster reveal is expected on 3 July, as anticipation builds for what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological sagas.
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Ensemble Festival 2025 returns to Royal Docks with bold new outdoor shows
Ensemble Festival 2025 to be held on 26–27 July at Royal Victoria Docks, London.
Free outdoor event featuring circus, dance, street art and physical theatre.
Highlights include new works by Sadiq Ali, Vidya Thirunarayan and Miss High Leg Kick.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of organisers Certain Blacks.
This summer, London’s historic Royal Victoria Docks will transform into a hub of vibrant outdoor performance as Ensemble Festival 2025 returns on 26 and 27 July. Presented by arts organisation Certain Blacks, the free weekend event features an interesting line-up of new circus, dance and street theatre works, while also celebrating a decade of championing diverse and underrepresented artists.
Set across two full days, the Ensemble Festival 2025 programme includes exciting new commissions such as Tell Me by Sadiq Ali Co., a Chinese pole circus piece tackling HIV stigma, and Holy Dirt, a visceral collaboration between director David Glass and Indian artist Vidya Thirunarayan.
Vidya Thirunarayan in Holy Dirt brings myth and ritual into raw physical form The Clay Connection
The festival also sees the return of audience favourite Miss High Leg Kick with Palais de Danse, a multi-sensory throwback to the 1950s dance hall era. Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise brings together Indian classical movement with contemporary dance to explore memory, ancestry and women’s resilience. Other acts range from aerial theatre in Hug by Levantes Dance Theatre to climate-themed installations like Hydropunk by Artizani and Tenderfoot Theatre.
Sadiq Ali's pole performance explores HIV stigma with athletic graceLuke Whitcomb
Certain Blacks marks 10 years of championing diversity
2025 is a milestone year for Certain Blacks, the East London-based organisation behind Ensemble Festival. Known for spotlighting talent from across socio-economic, ethnic, gender and neurodiverse backgrounds, Certain Blacks has become a vital force in the UK arts scene.
Sadiq Ali delivers a daring upside-down act in his powerful show Luke Whitcomb
“Our aim has always been to bring diverse artists from the margins into the mainstream,” said artistic director Clive Lyttle. “This year’s Ensemble Festival reflects that, with a powerful mix of voices and perspectives, many being showcased on this scale for the first time.”
Ensemble Festival forms part of Without Walls, a major UK network that supports ground-breaking outdoor performance. As one of its partners, Certain Blacks plays a key role in shaping new work for public spaces across the country.
Dancers in Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise connect movement with memoryJohn Evans
The festival remains accessible with step-free access and dedicated facilities, and also continues its commitment to sustainability with green practices across production.
TikTok is testing a new one-way messaging feature called bulletin boards.
Jonas Brothers, People magazine, and Paris Saint-Germain among early testers.
The feature mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels but may expand further.
Only creators can post; followers can react with emojis but not comment.
TikTok is trialling a new feature called bulletin boards, allowing select creators and brands to send direct broadcast-style messages to their followers, similar to Instagram’s broadcast channels. The Jonas Brothers, football club Paris Saint-Germain, and People magazine are among the first to test the tool, which shows TikTok’s growing focus on creator-fan intimacy beyond its traditional feed.
TikTok’s new tool mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels
Unlike regular TikTok posts that rely on algorithms or viral reach, bulletin boards aim to offer a more direct communication path. Only the creator can post updates, which may include text, videos, or images, while followers can respond with emoji reactions but cannot comment. The format is clearly inspired by Instagram’s broadcast channels, launched in 2023, where artists and influencers routinely share behind-the-scenes content and personal messages.
The new bulletin system was first spotted by marketing strategist Christina Garnett, who shared screenshots via Threads, showing how fans are invited to follow these boards. Once subscribed, users receive notifications whenever a creator sends out a new update.
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Big-name creators signal broader rollout plans
Early involvement from mainstream acts like the Jonas Brothers indicates TikTok is positioning bulletin boards as a premium tool for high-engagement fanbases. With creators constantly seeking ways to reach audiences without relying on the platform’s unpredictable feed algorithm, the feature could become a valuable line of direct communication.
It is also a clear move in the current trend of social platforms “borrowing” each other’s best features: Instagram mimicked TikTok’s short-form videos with Reels, while TikTok introduced Stories in 2022. Now, it is returning the favour with this broadcast-style tool.
People's Bulletin boardICYMI
The key question remains whether TikTok will differentiate its version with interactive additions like polls, which Instagram already offers. But for now, bulletin boards could offer artists and brands a streamlined way to share announcements, tour updates, and exclusive previews straight to their superfans’ inboxes.