TALENTED TV star Varun Kapoor has made a name for himself with a series of winning performances and won admirers globally. These include Jessica Vanessa Mamani Piluy from Sao Paulo and Deboleena Gupta from Kolkata who run a fan club dedicated to him, which was originally created by Preeti. Eastern Eye caught up with them to find out more.
What made you set up the fan club?
When Preeti set it up, Varun was slowly making a mark on TV but wasn’t on any social platform. The fan club was created to connect fans with his latest work and boost further excitement around him.
Tell us about your fan club...
Team Varun Kapoor was the first fan club on social media dedicated to the actor. We have every kind of information. We share news, unknown details, photos, videos, articles, interviews and more. Our main agenda is to spread love and promote Varun.
What has been your best moment?
It’s difficult to choose one memorable moment, but him mentioning about his fan clubs in various interviews and conveying thanks for supporting him are surely our fondest memories. Apart from that, him getting well-deserved awards for his work have been fond memories. Everything related to him and his success is special to us.
What is the favourite thing you like about Varun?
Asking a fan why they love their idol is unfair. But a simple answer is we love him because he is Varun Kapoor. He is a simple, dedicated and humble human being. He has no greed for limelight or stardom, but believes only in hard work. That’s what makes him even more special to us. Our idol is not just a celebrity, but an artist of learning and improving.
What do you think is the greatest work Varun has done?
Each piece of work has its own beauty and essence, which adds up to make him a better version of what he was before. If we have to choose, Sanskaar in hit show Swaragini and Kabir from Humse Hai Life are personal favourites, purely for his great performances.
Tell us an interesting fact about Varun...
Some interesting facts include he has OCD, so can’t bare to be around mess and wants everything in place as it is. He is obsessed with paneer and loves it. He is a big time prankster, but loveable while doing it.
What is your definition of a true fan?
It’s difficult to define a true fan as each love their idol in a unique way whether on social media or everyday life. A true fan understands how their idol thinks, shows them respect and accept facts about them. Even if you don’t see it, your idol will feel the love. Varun is not on social media but he will acknowledge you as a fan through any other possible interactions. True fans may never meet each other but will remain connected to their idols.
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.
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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.
They were the nurses, cleaners, activists, and everyday heroes who arrived in Britain with little more than courage and determination. Now in their 80s and 90s, six women who helped rebuild the UK after the Second World War are finally getting their due in Fearless, a powerful new documentary that brings their remarkable stories to the big screen.
Launching on Windrush Day (22 June), the film will tour select cinemas across London through July, with post-screening Q&As featuring the directors and cast. It celebrates the lives of Sheila Daniel, Aileen Edwards, Maggie Kelly, Anne Gaché, Nashattar Kang, and Nages Amirthananthar, women of Caribbean, Irish, and South Asian descent who came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation and beyond.
These women, once young migrants navigating hostility, isolation, and discrimination, found strength through solidarity and built lives that left a lasting impact. From taking part in historic strikes like Grunwick to surviving the aftermath of the Notting Hill riots, their personal journeys are woven into the wider political and social fabric of the country.
Drawing on rare archival footage and emotional interviews, Fearless preserves their legacy. But beyond that, it challenges the invisibility that has long plagued immigrant women in British history books. This is more than nostalgia, it is a necessary act of recognition.
A still from Fearless showing archive footage interwoven with first-person storiesMcasso/ Screengrab
Bold stories told by those who lived them
The documentary comes from husband-and-wife filmmaking duo Damian Paul Daniel, a BAFTA-nominated cinematographer, and Noella Mingo, a director of Guyanese-British heritage passionate about amplifying overlooked voices. Their production company, They’re Watching Us, focuses on stories that defy expectation, and Fearless is no exception.
Screenings are scheduled at The Rio in Dalston (22 June), Bertha Dochouse (29 June), Genesis in Whitechapel (1 July), and The Lexi in Kensal Rise (16 July). Each screening includes a post-film conversation with the team.
At its heart, Fearless is a tribute to courage, resilience, and the quiet force of women who shaped a nation, even when history tried to forget them.
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Dua Lipa confirms engagement to Callum Turner after months of speculation
After months of speculation, Dua Lipa has officially confirmed her engagement to British actor Callum Turner. The pop star shared the news in a recent interview, calling it an emotional and meaningful step in their relationship.
The couple, who have been together for over a year, first met in London and reconnected a year later under unexpected circumstances. Dua described their journey as one filled with “sliding doors moments,” including discovering they were reading the same book the night they re-met.
The story behind the ring that has everyone talking
Lipa’s engagement ring, now a regular feature on her social media, has sparked plenty of buzz. But behind the sparkle was an extremely thoughtful gesture. Turner collaborated with Dua’s sister, Rina, and her closest friends to design the piece. Set on a bold gold cigar band, the centre diamond, likely an old European cut, is estimated to be worth between £160,000 and £216,000 (₹1.6 crore to ₹2.2 crore).
“I’m obsessed with it,” Dua admitted. “It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you that well.” She praised Turner for creating something deeply personal instead of following traditional trends.
Dua Lipa opens up about her future with Callum Turner in a recent interviewGetty Images
Fans first suspected something was up during Christmas 2024, when Dua posted a photo wearing the ring. But it wasn’t until the interview that she finally confirmed the news, saying, “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting.”
No wedding plans yet, but the excitement is real
Dua is currently on her Radical Optimism world tour, while Turner is filming the sci-fi series Neuromancer for Apple TV. Despite the excitement, they haven’t set a date yet.
“I’ve never really thought about what kind of bride I’d be,” Dua shared. “But now, all of a sudden, I’m wondering, what would I wear?”
Callum Turner and Dua Lipa at the Met Gala Getty Images
The couple is in no rush, choosing instead to enjoy this new chapter quietly. “It’s the decision to grow old together,” she said, “and that feels really special.”