Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
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.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announced their pregnancy via a joint Instagram post on Wednesday.
The image showed a floral cradle with “Baby on the way” written on it, captioned simply: “Elated ❤️.”
Industry friends including Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Esha Gupta congratulated them.
The couple, who were together for 11 years before marrying in 2021, recently launched their production house, KAMPA Film.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa shared that they are expecting their first child together in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday. The announcement came with a floral-themed image featuring a cradle illustration that read, “Baby on the way,” along with their names. The couple summed up their feelings in one word: “Elated.”
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa smiling during a public appearance earlier this year Instagram/patralekhaa/rajkummar_rao
Couple’s first baby on the way
Rajkummar and Patralekhaa’s quiet reveal drew instant love from fans and colleagues alike. Filmmaker Farah Khan, who knew beforehand, joked in the comments, “Finally the news is out!! I was having a tough time keeping it to myself.” Others like Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Neha Dhupia, and Esha Gupta also sent in their warm wishes.
The duo dated for over 11 years before tying the knot in November 2021. Their relationship began well before they co-starred in CityLights, a 2014 film directed by Hansal Mehta. They've since appeared together in Bose: Dead/Alive and remained one of the industry’s most low-key but admired couples.
Rajkummar Rao will next be seen in Maalik, set for release on 11 July. He plays a gangster in the crime drama, which also stars Manushi Chhillar and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Patralekhaa, last seen in Phule, continues to balance film and OTT roles.
The couple recently launched KAMPA Film, a production banner named using the initials of their mothers’ names. “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling,” Patralekhaa shared. Rajkummar added, “KAMPA is an extension of our love for cinema and each other.”
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Dhurandhar teaser reveals glimpses of Sara and Ranveer’s on-screen pairing
Sara Arjun, once India’s highest-paid child actor, stars opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar.
Started her career at 18 months old and rose to fame with Deiva Thirumagal.
The teaser dropped on 6 July, coinciding with Ranveer’s 40th birthday.
The film has sparked online criticism over the 20-year age gap between the leads.
Once a toddler in detergent ads and later the daughter of Vikram in Deiva Thirumagal, Sara Arjun is now stepping into the spotlight as the female lead in Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama starring Ranveer Singh. The teaser, released on Singh’s 40th birthday, has made waves not just for its slick visuals but also for the casting of Sara opposite the veteran star.
Former child star Sara Arjun cast as Ranveer Singh’s romantic lead in 'Dhurandhar' at age 20 Facebook/Sara Arjun
A childhood spent on sets and screens
Sara Arjun’s introduction to the camera came before she could even speak fluently. Born in Mumbai in 2005 to actor Raj Arjun (Thalaivii, Secret Superstar) and dance teacher Sanya Arjun, she was just 18 months old when she appeared in her first television commercial. By the time she turned five, she had starred in over 100 ads, making her a familiar face in Indian households.
Her big break came in 2011 with Deiva Thirumagal, in which she played a six-year-old caught in a custody battle, alongside Tamil star Vikram. The film earned her both critical praise and public adoration. She went on to appear in Ek Thi Daayan, Saivam, and more recently as the younger version of Aishwarya Rai’s character in Ponniyin Selvan.
Sara Arjun began her screen career before she turned twoInstagram/saraarjun.fan.club
India's richest child star now fronting a major Bollywood film
Sara’s filmography spans Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. By 2023, she was estimated to have earned £950,000 (₹10 crore approximately ), making her one of the highest-paid child actors in Indian film history. Despite her young age, Sara has built an impressive résumé, including roles in 404, Jazbaa, Saand Ki Aankh, and Magic.
Now, Dhurandhar marks a turning point, her first major adult role in a mainstream Bollywood production. While her exact role in the story remains under wraps, she appears throughout the teaser in glimpses: dancing at a nightclub, riding pillion with Ranveer’s character, and sharing an intimate moment with him on the dance floor.
Though Sara’s rise to leading-lady status is being celebrated by many, her pairing with Ranveer Singh has drawn criticism for its age gap. Singh, who made his debut in 2010’s Band Baaja Baaraat, was already a Bollywood name while Sara was still a schoolchild. The 20-year difference between the two actors has reignited Bollywood’s long-standing debate around male leads being cast opposite significantly younger women.
Online users have questioned why Bollywood continues to cast barely-adult actresses opposite middle-aged male stars. “This isn’t casting, it’s conditioning,” one post read. Another pointed out that Dhurandhar began filming two years ago, when Sara had just turned 18.
Written and directed by Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike), Dhurandhar is positioned as a gritty espionage thriller based on real-life incidents. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film also features R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 December 2025.
While the teaser focuses heavily on Singh’s brooding, action-heavy persona, it’s Sara who has become the unexpected centre of attention. Whether the film will address their dynamic meaningfully or skirt the conversation remains to be seen.
For now, Dhurandhar marks a milestone in Sara Arjun’s long, unusual journey, from baby shampoo commercials to a Ranveer Singh-led action saga. Whether this debut will cement her status as Bollywood’s next big star or become a cautionary tale in its age-old casting debate, time and box office numbers will tell.
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Johnny Depp attends the "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" Screening at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Johnny Depp says Warner Bros. asked him to resign from Fantastic Beasts in 2020, but he felt they wanted him to retire.
The actor had just lost a libel case against The Sun, which referred to him as a “wife-beater.”
Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
He has now returned to directing after 20 years with his new film Modì, releasing on 11 July in the UK.
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has opened up about being removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, saying he felt the studio’s request for his resignation was effectively a push into retirement. Depp made the comments in a recent interview while promoting his new directorial project Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
In 2020, shortly after losing a high-profile libel case against The Sun over claims of domestic abuse during his marriage to Amber Heard, Depp was asked to step down from the Harry Potter spin-off series. Speaking about the moment, Depp said, “It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said, ‘We’d like you to resign.’ But what was really in my head was, they wanted me to retire.”
Depp returns to directing with Modì after more than two decadesGetty Images
Depp on his forced exit from Fantastic Beasts
Depp had filmed only one scene for the third instalment, The Secrets of Dumbledore, before Warner Bros. asked him to leave. He announced his exit via Instagram, saying he had “respected and agreed” to the request. However, in hindsight, Depp revealed his private reaction was far less diplomatic: “F--- you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt, you’re gravely mistaken.”
He went on to describe how the fallout from the court case affected his career, saying he had been “shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, cancelled, however you want to define it.”
Depp says being pushed out felt like “they wanted me to retire”Getty Images
Mads Mikkelsen on stepping into Depp’s role
After Depp’s departure, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was cast as Gellert Grindelwald. Speaking at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2022, Mikkelsen admitted replacing Depp was “intimidating,” calling him “an amazing actor.” He said he made a conscious choice not to imitate Depp’s portrayal, as doing so would have been “creative suicide.”
Mikkelsen added that while Depp’s fans were kind, they were also “stubborn,” and he understood their emotional investment in the original casting.
Depp was originally dropped following the 2020 verdict that The Sun’s “wife-beater” headline was “substantially true.” But in 2022, he won a separate US defamation case against Heard over a Washington Post op-ed, with a jury awarding him over £8 million (₹84 crore) in damages. Heard received £1.6 million (₹16.8 crore) in her countersuit.
Reflecting on the legal process, Depp said he felt compelled to fight back publicly: “If I don’t try to represent the truth, it will be like I’ve actually committed the acts I’m accused of. And my kids will have to live with that.”
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroomGetty Images
What’s next for Johnny Depp?
While Depp has kept a relatively low profile in Hollywood since 2020, he’s slowly returning to creative work. He made his live-action comeback in the French film Jeanne du Barry (2023), where he played Louis XV. Now, Modì, his first directorial venture in over two decades, is set to hit UK cinemas on 11 July.
The biographical drama follows Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani over a turbulent 48-hour period in World War I-era Paris. It stars Riccardo Scamarcio, Al Pacino, and Antonia Desplat.
Following Modì, Depp is expected to return to acting in Day Drinker, a Lionsgate action-comedy alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. In the film, Depp plays a mysterious yacht guest with ties to a dangerous criminal underworld.
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Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana
Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly earning £14 million (₹150 crore) for playing Lord Rama in both parts of Ramayana.
Yash, cast as Raavan and also producing, is expected to receive £9.3 million (₹100 crore).
Sai Pallavi will reportedly take home £1.1 million (₹12 crore) as Sita.
Sunny Deol is said to be charging £3.7 million (₹40 crore) for portraying Hanuman.
The upcoming two-part film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is shaping up to be one of the most expensive projects in Indian cinema history. With its Diwali 2026 and 2027 releases already confirmed, all eyes are now on the cast’s sky-high fees.
Though the production house hasn’t officially confirmed individual earnings, multiple media reports, including those from Siasat.com and Republic, have provided a breakdown of what the film's leading stars are reportedly taking home, and the numbers are staggering.
Fans await Ramayana teaser as early reviews spark buzz online Instagram/iamnamitmalhotra
Ranbir Kapoor to pocket £14 million (₹150 crore) for playing Lord Rama
Ranbir Kapoor, who will headline the saga as Lord Rama, is said to be the highest-paid actor in the film. According to multiple industry reports, he will earn £7.5 million (₹75 crore) per instalment, totalling £14 million (₹150 crore) for both parts.
This is the biggest payday of Kapoor's career, far surpassing the £2.5–3 million (₹25–30 crore) he reportedly earned for Brahmastra. His casting as the noble prince has already stirred major buzz online, particularly after the first-look visuals surfaced.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
Yash as Raavan: £9.3 million (₹100 crore) plus producer credit
Kannada superstar Yash, best known for his role in the KGF franchise, is stepping into the role of Raavan. Reports claim he is earning £4.65 million (₹50 crore) for each instalment, a total of £9.3 million (₹100 crore). In addition to acting, Yash is producing Ramayana under his own banner, Monster Mind Creations, giving him a dual stake in the project’s success.
His previous remuneration for KGF 2 was reportedly around £3–3.5 million (₹30–35 crore), making Ramayana his most lucrative role yet.
Yash undergoes intense physical training to play Ravana in Ramayana Instagram/thenameisyash
Sai Pallavi’s biggest pay cheque as Sita
Acclaimed South Indian actress Sai Pallavi is playing Sita, and reports say she is earning £1.1 million (₹12 crore) for the project.
This is a significant jump from her usual range of £250,000–300,000 (₹2.5–3 crore), with her earlier highest-known salary being £500,000 (₹5 crore) for the upcoming Telugu thriller Thandel. With Ramayana, she steps firmly into pan-Indian cinema territory.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey add weight to the ensemble
Veteran actor Sunny Deol has been cast as Hanuman and is reportedly earning £3.7 million (₹40 crore) in total. This figure mirrors what he made for Gadar 2, reinforcing his continued demand in action-heavy roles.
Meanwhile, TV star Ravie Dubey, who will play Laxman, is reportedly being paid between £200,000–400,000 (₹2–4 crore). It’s still unclear whether this is his total fee or per-film amount, but even the lower end marks a substantial step forward in his film career.
Supporting cast and colossal budget
The film will also feature Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, and Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha. Kajal Aggarwal will play Mandodari, while Amitabh Bachchan and Kunal Kapoor are expected to make guest appearances as Jatayu and Indradeva respectively.
Ranbir Kapoor hugs Ravi Dubey after wrap speech on Ramayana set Twitter/Raymond/Cinegeek
Jointly produced by Namit Malhotra (DNEG/Prime Focus Studios) and Yash, Ramayana is being made on a reported budget of £77 million (₹835 crore), though some estimates push that figure past £160 million (₹1,600 crore) when marketing and VFX are included. The background score and soundtrack are being composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, again a rare India-Hollywood collaboration.
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Reality star Humaira Asghar found dead alone in Karachi flat after a year of rent unpaid
Humaira Asghar, 32, was found dead in her Karachi apartment nearly three weeks after her death.
Police discovered her body after executing a court order to vacate the flat over unpaid rent.
Authorities ruled out foul play; an autopsy is awaited to determine the cause of death.
The Tamasha Ghar contestant lived alone and was known for her roles in TV and film.
Humaira Asghar, a Pakistani model and reality TV personality known for her appearance on Tamasha Ghar, was found dead in her Karachi apartment, almost three weeks after her reported death. The 32-year-old, who had lived alone for over seven years, was discovered by police following a court order to vacate her residence due to more than a year’s worth of unpaid rent.
Humaira Asghar appeared at several fashion events before her tragic passingInstagram/humairaaliofficial
Police found Humaira’s body after court-ordered flat eviction
On 8 July, authorities arrived at the residence to carry out a court order related to unpaid rent. When no one answered the door, officers broke the lock and entered the flat, only to find Humaira’s body in an advanced state of decomposition.
South Karachi Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza confirmed to local media that the body appeared to be several days old, suggesting she had died at least two to three weeks prior. Dr Summaiya Syed from the forensic team corroborated that the state of the body indicated a “very advanced stage of decomposition.”
No signs of foul play, but cause of death still unknown
While an autopsy is still pending, police have already ruled out murder as the cause of death. Investigators found no signs of forced entry or struggle, indicating that no foul play was involved.
Officials are now waiting for medical reports to determine the exact cause of death. Until then, police have refrained from speculation, urging the public to avoid jumping to conclusions.
Known for her glamour, Humaira was popular on social media and reality TVInstagram/humairaaliofficial
Humaira Asghar’s rise through reality TV and modelling
Humaira gained national recognition after participating in Tamasha Ghar, Pakistan’s version of Big Brother. Introduced to audiences as a pageant winner, she was initially eliminated in week five but re-entered the show shortly after. She was later removed on day 40 for breaking rules alongside another contestant.
Apart from her reality TV fame, Humaira also appeared in the 2015 Pakistani film Jalaibee, in which she played a model, a role that reflected her real-life career. She had been steadily building a presence on social media and in entertainment circles, often praised for her glamorous persona.
Fans mourn the sudden loss of Humaira Asghar after her body was found in her flatInstagram/humairaaliofficial
Industry mourns, spotlight turns to mental health and isolation
News of Humaira’s death has prompted shock and sadness across the entertainment community, with tributes pouring in online. Many fans and fellow artists have also raised concerns about the lack of support systems for people living alone, particularly in high-pressure industries like entertainment.
The tragic discovery has also sparked a broader conversation in Pakistan about mental health, loneliness, and the need for community, especially for those in the public eye who may suffer in silence.
Humaira’s passing coincides with news of American actor Michael Madsen’s death at age 67, compounding the grief felt across the entertainment world. Like Humaira, Madsen was found dead in his home, though his death was believed to be from natural causes.
Pakistani star Humaira Asghar dies alone at 32 as industry mourns and questions followInstagram/humairaaliofficial
Investigations continue as family, fans await answers
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into Humaira Asghar’s death are ongoing, with a full autopsy expected to clarify the circumstances. Meanwhile, friends, family, and followers continue to express their grief, remembering her as a vibrant personality who left far too soon.
As questions around her final days linger, one thing remains clear: Humaira Asghar’s untimely death has left a void in Pakistan’s entertainment industry and a reminder of the unseen struggles behind public lives.