Nikitin Dheer, who is known for his performances in movies like Jodhaa Akbar, Ready, Dabangg 2, Chennai Express, and others, will next be seen in Shershaah. The actor plays the role of Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia.
Dheer has only played negative roles in his previous movies, and while talking to us he revealed that Shershaah is a very special film for him.
The actor said, “Shershaah is a very special film for me, it’s the first time I am attempting to play a positive character. I am playing an Indian Army soldier in it and it’s a matter of great pride and honour for me to do something like this. It’s something off my checklist to be able to be a part of a film like this, to be able to wear the army uniform and be a part of a Dharma (Productions) film. We have a fantastic director in Vishnu Varadhan; he is like a poet on the screen. He has so much passion for what he does. I am really excited to watch the film and to see how people react to it.”
Shershaah is a biopic on Captain Vikram Batra, and Sidharth Malhotra plays the lead role in it. When we asked Nikitin about his experience of working with Sidharth, the actor said, “It was a fantastic experience. I know Sidharth even before he became an actor. We used to go to a common gym, and we were gym friends. From there till today and being able to work with him, it was just a fantastic journey, and he hasn’t changed at all as a human being, and I love that about him. We have some great interactions in the film, so it was just amazing to work with him and I am hoping to work with him again very soon.”
Shershaah was slated to hit the big screens in July 2020, but due to the pandemic, the film was postponed. Later, the makers decided to release it in July this year, but due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India that didn’t happen.
Now, the movie is getting a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video.
When we asked Dheer if he is disappointed that the film is getting a direct-to-digital release, he said, “Not disappointment, but yes, we were all hoping for it to come in theatres because some films have a canvas that is meant for theatres, especially a war film of this magnitude. So, when you watch it on the big screen with your family, the whole excitement is different, and that is what we have grown up watching."
"But, we have been through extraordinary times in last two years and it’s totally understandable that why the production house has taken this decision. So, in the light of the current scenario, I am just excited that our film is finally coming out. We have waited two years for it. We had finished shooting in 2019, it was due to come in 2020, and it’s coming out now, so the fact that it’s coming out is very exciting,” he added.
Shershaah will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on 12th August 2021.
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.
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Jameela Jamil says Pixar’s Elio brings a fresh message of empowerment for kids across the globe
At a time when the world feels chaotic and heavy, Disney Pixar’s Elio arrives with a message that couldn’t be more relevant: kids matter, and they’re stronger than they realise.
The animated film, which had its star-studded premiere in Los Angeles this week, follows an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador in outer space. Directed by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, Elio is Pixar’s first feature with a Mexican-Dominican lead, voiced by Yonas Kibreab. His character’s journey from an outsider on Earth to a confident connector among aliens mirrors what many young people feel today: lost, overlooked, and searching for belonging.
Elio’s release comes as immigration protests sweep through Los Angeles and the Latino community finds itself under pressure. For co-director Sharafian, the film taps into a very current feeling of hopelessness.
“At the start, Elio sees the world in a bleak way, and a lot of us feel that,” she said on the red carpet. “But through space and friendship, he sees Earth a bit differently by the end. That shift, that spark of hope, is what we want to pass on.”
Zoe Saldaña, who plays Elio’s aunt, added that the film encourages children to express vulnerability and parents to respond with understanding rather than control. “A child knows who they are. Our job as adults is to love them unconditionally as they figure it out,” she said.
Yonas Kibreab and Jameela Jamil attend the World Premiere of Disney and Pixar's "Elio" Getty Images
Jameela Jamil: ‘The world feels broken, but kids can fix it’
British actress and activist Jameela Jamil, who voices Ambassador Questa in the film, didn’t hold back when describing the film’s importance.
“We need hope, because the world is a dumpster fire right now,” she said. “Young people are constantly told they have no power. But this film reminds them that they do.”
Jameela Jamil attends the Los Angeles premiere of Disney Pixar’s ElioGetty Images
She added that Elio speaks to kids directly, urging them not to wait for fame or influence to make a difference. “You don’t need to be a politician or a celebrity to change things. Just care, and act.”
Elio opens in UK and Indian cinemas on 20 June, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
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The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well
As HBO prepares to bring Harry Potter back to screens with a new television adaptation, excitement is high around the casting of Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as the iconic trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. But amid the buzz, a quiet voice of caution has emerged. Chris Watson, father of original Hermione actress Emma Watson, is urging parents and the industry to tread carefully when it comes to child stardom.
Chris Watson is not speaking as a critic or industry insider but as someone who watched his daughter grow up inside a global franchise. Emma was nine when she landed the role of Hermione Granger, and what followed was a decade of public attention that reshaped her life. Her father remembers the shift vividly. “Her homework would go back to school on motorbikes,” he once said, pointing to the surreal logistics fame forced on them.
Emma, who has since spoken openly about the emotional toll of growing up famous, has described feeling “terrified” and “inadequate,” and even envying her peers for being able to do ordinary things, like knowing their favourite colour or forming friendships without public scrutiny. It’s this experience that Chris is drawing from when he warns: “As a parent, you have to be scared.”
Fame at a young age comes with a price
The context this time is different. The casting process for the HBO reboot reportedly involved sifting through 30,000 applicants. The new trio are young and relatively unknown, just like their predecessors were in 2001. But the digital world they’re entering now is far more invasive. Every post, photo, or comment is dissected in real time, exposing young actors to criticism, trolling, and unwanted attention, far beyond the limited press tours of 2001.
Chris Watson, Emma’s father, and other insiders warn of the emotional toll facing today’s young starsGetty Images
Emma’s journey: Blueprint and cautionary tale
Emma Watson was nine when she won the part of Hermione. Almost overnight, their whole family life bent around filming schedules. Chris Watson deliberately downplayed Hollywood’s glamour at home. He “doesn’t actually watch films” to prevent Emma from believing the character defined her. He insisted Warner Bros. respect her schoolwork and spare time. Yet the pressure still mounted.
Emma later admitted she struggled with guilt in therapy and suffered “vertigo” from constant public attention. At 18, invasive paparazzi shots were published within hours of her birthday, while her co-stars faced parallel battles. Daniel Radcliffe used alcohol to cope, arriving on set "still drunk" and "dead behind the eyes," while Rupert Grint felt reduced: "I felt like I only knew how to do one thing: play Ron."
From online hate to AI threats, the rebooted Wizarding World may be more dangerous than magicalGetty Images
2025’s more perilous journey
The AI Boggart- Generative AI and deepfakes now make non-consensual, manipulated images or videos a real threat. These digital illusions can damage reputations and cause emotional harm in ways the original cast never encountered.
The Rowling Snare- With J.K. Rowling as executive producer, her polarising views on transgender rights hover over the series. Despite assurances they won’t influence the storyline, the new actors will be drawn into cultural debates and pressured to take sides.
Although he never offered a bullet-point plan, his comments cut straight to the heart of what matters:
"As a parent, you have to be scared" “While there are many upsides, nothing is perfect and you have to recognise there are going to be downsides you could not have imagined.” His frank admission underlines the need to stay vigilant and prepared for unexpected challenges.
Keep home life sacred “It certainly helped that I don’t actually watch films... the studio and everybody else knew that this was not Emma’s whole life, and that she had homework to do, she played a little bit of cricket as well.” Here, Watson shows how he maintained normal routines including school, family time and sports to prevent Emma’s identity from merging with Hermione Granger.
Reach out and share hard-won experience “If they want to talk to someone who’s been through this… I would be more than happy.” By offering mentorship to the new parents, Chris emphasises that open communication and shared support are vital tools in safeguarding young actors.
Unlike the early 2000s, today’s child stars face nonstop scrutiny, digital dangers and cultural controversyGetty Images
Alumni perspectives: Lessons from child stars past
Several former young actors have shared insights that accentuate Chris Watson’s warnings. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) recalls feeling “adored and trapped” when the cameras stopped but expectations didn’t. Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker) describes how relentless attention led to severe anxiety. Their stories make it clear that the hardest effects often come once filming wraps up.
Behind the excitement of the reboot lies a harsh reality many child stars never escapeGetty Images
The ethical dilemma: Joy versus risk
Prospect Magazine asks whether it is ethical to place children in an environment rife with digital threats and guaranteed controversy. Can the magic of Hogwarts justify this gamble? HBO’s Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praise the trio’s “wonderful” talent, and Rowling herself endorses them. But raw talent alone offers no protection.
Hollywood’s history with child stars reads grimly: Judy Garland fed amphetamines, Macaulay Culkin abused, Star Wars' Jake Lloyd broken by bullying. Can this cycle end? Chris Watson offers more than warnings; he’s extending mentorship to the parents.
Hogwarts is calling but fame’s dangers are louder for Harry Potter’s new trioGetty Images
Real magic: Protecting childhood
The return of Harry Potter also raises broader questions about corporate priorities. With J.K. Rowling returning as executive producer, a figure who now carries both creative authority and controversy, the series enters a more complex media landscape. Will the focus stay on the storytelling, or will the new stars be caught in wider debates?
For now, Dominic, Arabella, and Alastair are at the start of a journey that will define their adolescence. Whether that journey is empowering or overwhelming will depend not just on their talent, but on how well they’re protected behind the scenes. Chris Watson’s voice may not be the loudest in the room, but it carries weight, built on lived experience, and a simple truth: children in the spotlight still deserve a childhood.
With a massive music collection spanning several decades, multi-genre DJ and music producer DJ Funky T found it challenging to narrow down just 10 songs he loves. Also known as Tony Hayer, his favourites range from Michael Jackson, Dr Dre and Fleetwood Mac to Bollywood, Punjabi, Hindi, Sufi and more. Some of these diverse influences feature in his own track Tu Meri Rani Si.
Before revealing his choices, he said: “The following golden tracks have stood the test of time. It was a hard call, as many more songs could have made this list. So, in no particular order from my current conscious memory, I present 10 Indian songs I love. Check them out and enjoy.”
Chand Sifarish from Fanaa: This Bollywood track, headlined by Aamir Khan and Kajol, starts with a cheesy rock guitar but quickly transforms into a dynamic blend of beats, choppy tablas, rich harmonies, sitars and an addictive whistling motif.
Neuke Phadin Jawanan by Panjabi MC: A 2003 hit that borrows rhythm styles and melodies from Maxi Priest’s Wanna Be Close To You. It features lyrics by Lal Chand Yamla Jatt, a classic 1990s urban swing beat, as well as a fantastically groovy chorus built around tumbi plucking melodies.
Indian Dance by Kray Twinz ft Elephant Man: A powerhouse club anthem marked by the Kray Twinz’ signature sound. This thrilling blend of hard bashment and traditional gidha boliyan rides a thunderous bassline and features ragga legend Elephant Man.
Addi Mardi by Malkit Singh: This timeless party favourite tells the story of a man smitten with a girl and wanting to dance with her. From the start, it delivers plucky guitars, a cheeky bassline and a fast reggaetón-tinged rhythm. Guaranteed to lift the mood every time.
Akhiyaan by Vee/Jay Kahn: A beautifully produced love song by the exceptional Vee, younger brother of Hunterz. The track blends a spiritual mood with high production value, hypnotic melodies and subtle Sufi elements that uplift and soothe.
Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodhaa Akbar: AR Rahman delivered one of my favourite Sufi songs in this Bollywood film. He composed and sang it himself. The touching song about the relationship with a higher power is picturised beautifully, with dancers reaching up to the sky, as if to be holding God’s hand.
Discovery by Shammi Pithia: Taken from his album Cosmic, this track is very spiritual sounding. The healing song performed and produced by Shammi Pithia has world-class flute melodies. This song can both make or break you, dependent on your mood. But either way, it will leave you feeling touched.
Gutt Sapni by Jhinda Music ft Captain: The fabulous sounding track featuring Punjabi singer Captain has great keys composition, dynamic drum beats and a magnificent mixdown finish. Captain has a similar singing energy to Malkit Singh, but with his own contemporary twist. The track has terrific tumbi melodies throughout.
O Mere Dil Ke Chain from Mere Jeevan Saathi: This 1972 RD Burman composed film song sung by Kishore Kumar is an absolute classic. It personally takes me to my childhood days when everyone’s parents, including mine, played it. A huge all-time classic favourite Hindi song written with sweet, innocent love lyrics.
Tere Liye from Veer Zaara: The late legend Lata Mangeshkar along with top singer Roop Kumar Rathod. Enough said. This classic Bollywood track is an absolutely beautiful piece describing the heartache between two people deeply in love.
Qawwali remains popular with cross-cultural audiences, but very few get the chance to experience one of the world’s oldest music genres in its purest form. Whether it is the diluted style seen in Bollywood adaptations or fusion with contemporary sounds, the tradition is often watered down.
Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers Qawwali Group stand apart from that commercialised crowd, presenting the Sufi genre in its most authentic style. The five talented brothers – sons of the late qawwali icon Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal – belong to a remarkable lineage that traces directly back to the first group formed by the genre’s founding father in the 13th century.
Currently on a UK tour, the group delivered a stunning stage performance that confirmed their brilliance. Unlike most qawwali ensembles that rely on one or two lead singers, all five brothers took turns leading, gracefully exchanging vocal passages to produce a timeless, mesmerising sound. The power, passion and grace of their high-energy performance shone through as they delivered beloved classics such as QaulQalbana, Rang and Naat Shareef. The concert opened in high gear and gained momentum with each composition, before culminating in a thunderous rendition of Mast Qalandar.
They also performed khayal and tarana-style qawwalis, alongside pieces deeply rooted in mysticism. Accompanied by a superb percussionist, their sound remained untouched by modern influences, yet felt completely relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Their tour continues across the UK until mid-July, and they are certain to keep transporting audiences back in time through a forward-looking, spiritually rich performance – the kind few qawwali acts worldwide can deliver. The only downside? The show had to end. It felt as though the group were just getting started – they could have easily played for several more hours.