After winning raves for his debut performance in Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Hindi movie Beyond The Clouds (2018), newcomer Ishaan Khatter faces the audience once again with his second Bollywood outing Dhadak. Helmed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Karan Johar, the musical romantic film is an official remake of cult Marathi language movie Sairat (2016). In this interview with Eastern Eye correspondent, Mohnish Singh, Ishaan opens up about Dhadak, how he bagged Beyond The Clouds, and what kind of preparations he did to glide into the skin of Madhukar, the character he essays in Dhadak.
Tell us something about your character in Dhadak?
My character’s name is Madhukar Bagla. He is about 19 years old. He is born and brought up in Udaipur. He is one of the leading characters in the film. He is a boy who is very unambitious and happy and content with his life. He is perhaps naïve. He has not seen too much of life but he is a smart kid and, at the same time, he has this uncorrupted nature and certain innocence to him. He falls head over heels in love with this girl and that dictates the trajectory of his life from then on.
How much do you think you relate to your character in the movie?
I think this character was more from departure than who I am in real than even my previous characters. There are certain things, of course, that I identified with, but most of this character, I think, I had to discover. So, I won’t say he is very similar to me.
How much have you evolved as an actor since you worked on Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi (2005) as a child artist to now when you are playing male leads in films?
I, actually, was never meant to be part of the film (Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi). That film was never a serious foray into acting. It was just like an exercise, I would say. Then I grew up and I grew much more serious about cinema, very passionate about it. I started studying it. I started watching a lot of films. I did a theatre course. I trained as a dancer and attended various workshops. Then I got the opportunity to do my first film Beyond The Clouds. I would call Beyond the Clouds my first film.
How did you come to get Beyond The Clouds?
Majid Majidi met me because casting director Honey Trehan had worked with me before on Udta Punjab (2016). He was the second unit and casting director there. He remembered me from then and he remembered this particular incident that reminded him of me when he was casting for Beyond the Clouds. Actually, for the longest time, he couldn’t put a finger on it, he kept thinking that he knew this boy but he didn’t remember and later that memory came to him and he called me up and through him, I met Majidi sir.
What was the incident?
There was this incident where one day - call it an act of destiny - I was three minutes late to come down to the hotel where the team of Udta Punjab stayed. Every day, we had to report an hour and a half before and this one day something went wrong with the printer and I didn’t make it down on time and the car left without me. I was not kept on set as a punishment by a very strict AD but what happened was that there was this big 12-foot wall which I thought I was capable of scaling. So, I started doing this run-up and started skipping and jumping to get on the other side of the wall. I didn’t manage for half an hour but I persisted and this old gentleman came to me and advised me how to jump it properly. So, I tried his technique and it worked and I climbed up. Honey Sir happened to be there watching this entire half an hour of struggle and saw my persistence and for some reason through recollecting that determination, he remembered and called me up to see this film and character and told me to come and meet him.
Coming back to Dhadak, how was the whole process of learning the mannerism for your character since he hails from Udaipur?
I think first things first everything came from the text itself. Shashank Khaitan had written a very vivid script and he presented the first half to us before we started shooting and then chronologically we did the second half. We started with a lot of reading because we are using a Mewari dialect in this. He wanted us to do a lot of reading. In fact, we would read all the characters’ dialogues so that we could learn it on the tip of our tongue and there is an ease to the manner of speaking. I did some research on my own part for the language to understand a little bit more of the intricacies. I met with a gentleman from Jaipur. Where we really got lucky was when we got to travel with Shashank to Rajasthan twice during the making of the film.
Other than the dialect, were there any other changes to accommodate your character?
There was a lot of physical elements that we were able to define because we got a lot of references. We lightened the hair a little bit, use contacts because they have light eyes in Mewar. I got my ear pierced. They have these very characteristic earrings, so we picked up these earrings from Jaipur. I was very skinny after Beyond the Clouds, so they wanted me to put on some weight. We spent a lot of time in Rajasthan which really benefited us because we got a sense of the place and got comfortable with the environment and we became pretty consumed into the day to day life.
How many times did all of you see Sairat on which Dhadak is based?
Each of us had seen it twice before we started shooting, then Shashank made it a point to tell us to stop watching the film before we started preparing for this one because he didn’t want either one of us to be too influenced by the performances in that film.
Rumours are swirling that Shah Rukh Khan may soon headline India’s most expensive film yet, with a whopping £28.5 million (₹300 crore) offer reportedly on the table. The production house behind the buzz? Mythri Movie Makers, the banner that backed Pushpa and Rangasthalam. If true, this would be SRK’s biggest payday ever.
Mythri Movie Makers eye massive collaboration with SRK for their next big ventureGetty Images
A historic pay packet or just industry chatter?
Multiple outlets suggest that Mythri is in talks with SRK for a £28.5 million (₹300 crore) deal, a figure unprecedented in Indian cinema. The film is also said to be directed by Sukumar, whose skill in bringing together commercial appeal with deep storytelling made Pushpa a national sensation.
Early reports estimate the film’s overall budget could touch £95 million (₹1,000 crore), factoring in Khan’s fee, large-scale production elements, and a full-blown pan-India marketing campaign. If accurate, this would make it the most expensive Indian film ever made, surpassing RRR, Ramayana, and Adipurush in terms of scale and ambition.
But there’s a twist: according to sources, no meeting has yet taken place between Shah Rukh and Mythri. Sources close to the actor claim he is entirely focused on King, his upcoming action film with daughter Suhana Khan and director Siddharth Anand. As per this report, SRK will only start exploring new projects towards the end of 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan may become India’s highest-paid actor with this upcoming filmGetty Images
Sukumar’s direction, Mythri’s ambition, but what’s next for SRK?
If the project with Mythri Movie Makers does move forward, it could redefine how pan-India films are conceived, taking advantage of Bollywood’s reach with South India’s storytelling prowess. Sukumar’s directorial vision paired with SRK’s stardom might be the crossover moment Indian cinema has long awaited.
However, it’s important to note that nothing has been officially announced. The speculation may be premature, especially since SRK is currently tied up with King, expected to start production in early 2026. Until he wraps that, other projects remain on hold.
Pan-India film with ₹1000 crore budget reportedly being planned with Shah Rukh KhanGetty Images
For now, fans are watching closely. Whether or not this massive collaboration materialises, the very idea that Indian cinema is inching toward £95 million (₹1,000 crore) productions, with actors commanding £28.5 million (₹300 crore) fees, is itself proof that the stakes have never been higher.
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Elizabeth Hurley poses nude in a field to mark her 60th birthday
Elizabeth Hurley isn’t holding back as she steps into her sixties. On 10 June, the Bedazzled star celebrated her milestone birthday by posting a nude photo taken in a field, using nothing but her pose and a necklace. In the caption, she reflected on an emotional and eventful year, describing it as a “wild ride” and revealing she’s “in love” with country star Billy Ray Cyrus.
Alongside the image, Hurley highlighted three major personal landmarks: 30 years working with Estée Lauder, 20 years of her swimwear label Elizabeth Hurley Beach, and her new romance. “Feeling very blessed and grateful for having the best friends and family in the world,” she wrote.
Hurley and Cyrus find love after reconnecting post-divorce
Hurley and Cyrus met on the set of the 2022 holiday film Christmas in Paradise. Although there was some sparks at the time, they lost touch and reconnected in 2024, after Cyrus ended his short-lived marriage to singer Firerose. It was Hurley who reportedly reached out during his divorce, a message that led to a deeper connection.
By April 2025, the pair made their relationship public on Instagram. The singer later posted a birthday message calling Hurley “the love of my life.”
Hurley confirms her relationship with country singer Billy Ray CyrusCosmopolitan
The couple also made a red carpet appearance together in Rome on 24 May, further confirming the romance. While Cyrus has faced strained relationships with some of his children, particularly daughter Miley, reports suggest he’s trying to rebuild those ties. Miley, who cut off contact with her father in 2023, has softened her stance, recently saying that while it was difficult at first, “everyone deserves to be happy.”
Family support and healing amid past drama
Hurley’s son, 23-year-old Damian, commented warmly on her birthday post, calling her his “best friend forever.” Friends and celebrities, including Heidi Klum and Sarah Michelle Gellar, also sent their love. Meanwhile, insiders say Cyrus is now prioritising family time and hopes his relationship with Hurley marks a new chapter, both personally and publicly.
Damian Hurley calls his mother his best friend in a birthday tributeGetty Images
As Hurley embraces 60 with confidence, she seems set on making this decade her boldest one yet.
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Enrique Iglesias returns to India with a massive concert planned in Mumbai
After more than a decade, Enrique Iglesias is finally returning to India. The Spanish superstar, best known for global hits like Hero, Bailamos, and Rhythm Divine, is scheduled to perform in Mumbai on 30 October 2025 at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC. This will be his first show in India since 2012, when he toured Pune, Gurugram, and Bengaluru as part of his Euphoria world tour. The upcoming concert is part of Iglesias’s current global run and will take place just before his Abu Dhabi stop.
Organised by EVA Live and BEW Live, the Mumbai gig promises a packed venue with over 30,000 fans expected. According to organisers, Iglesias will perform a setlist spanning his three-decade-long career, mixing early 2000s classics with recent hits. EVA Live’s founder Deepak Chaudhary called the show a “historic moment,” highlighting India’s growing appetite for iconic international acts. “The enthusiasm among fans is real. This show is about celebrating that global connection through music,” he said in a statement.
Indian fans gear up for Enrique Iglesias’ comeback performance after 13 yearsGetty Images
The production team has hinted at a full-scale arena experience, with elaborate visuals, lights, and staging tailored for a large-scale outdoor show. The concert will also offer special curated experiences for Mastercard users, including backstage access and artist interactions.
Tickets, presale access and how to register
Registrations are now open on the District App, with tickets to be released in phases. The first phase of Mastercard-exclusive presale starts on Friday, 20 June at 12 pm IST via Priceless.com, and ends on Sunday, 22 June at 12 pm IST.
A second Mastercard-only window will open on 22 June (12 pm IST) and close by 27 June (12 pm IST), this time on the District App. General sales will go live on 27 June at 5 pm IST.
Enrique Iglesias confirms Mumbai concert with career-spanning setlistGetty Images
Fans have been thrilled about the announcement online. “A dream come true,” one user posted. “No Delhi show but I’m booking tickets to Mumbai anyway,” wrote another. Following a string of recent high-profile international shows in India, from Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Maroon 5, Enrique’s return is another big win for Indian concertgoers.
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom spark split rumours as insiders cite album stress and wedding delays
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.
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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.