2014 was the year that Freddy Daruwala starred in his debut film, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. Toplined by superstar Akshay Kumar, the movie opened to a great response with Daruwala winning raves for his performance as a sleeper cell leader. After Holiday, tall and supremely handsome Freddy is set to play a pivotal part in another big-ticket Bollywood film Race 3, the third instalment of the highly successful movie series, Race. In an interview with Eastern Eye correspondent, Mohnish Singh, the young actor talks elaborately about his new movie, what are his parameters when it comes to choosing scripts and why he has no qualms about playing grey characters in movies! Excerpts...
How is Race 3 similar to its prequels Race and Race 2?
This is a completely different film and has a different star cast. The only people who have been retained are Anil Kapoor along with producer Ramesh Taurani. Plus, Anil Kapoor is playing a different character this time. So, it’s an absolutely different film with a different storyline and has nothing to do with the previous two films.
When we talk about the Race series, action is one feature that does come to our mind. How is action in this film different from previous instalments?
Action is basically a scene that you perform with a lot of fight. Like some films have the same storyline but different scenes, differently directed similarly action is also like that. It has been directed differently, it has been performed with different actors and hence it looks different onscreen. That’s how action is different in this film also. Previous films have not used expensive cars and a lot of guns and stuff like that so much but in this, we have used them.
You have played characters in grey shades before, how will this one be different?
When we as actors work on a character like this, it’s not just a villain for us. On a very superficial level, when asked what he is playing, the answer is, ‘Oh, he is playing a villain’. But when you work as an actor, you have to find out the origin of that character. It’s about the thought process of that character that is making the character look like that. This character is different not in terms of material but in the thought process as well.
Do you think this character would further typecast you, considering the fact that you have already played such grey characters before?
On a very honest level, even if it happens, what is wrong with that? What’s wrong to play a villain? I am an actor, I am here to work. I am not worried about it, it’s just that bigger films have taken me as villains and I am lucky enough to make that niche. Go on ask about the 10,000 models or actors who are waiting to be in my shoes in Bombay who would love to jump into this. I have worked hard to create this niche and I can be a hero if the opportunity arises. The idea is to keep rolling. You never know what comes when? It’s my strength and if I don’t work with my strength, where would I go?
What do you think Salman Khan would bring to this franchise?
He’s got everything, what has he not got? When he comes, he brings other tangents to the film. Tangents like a lot of commercial viability, exposure, a lot of content and his expertise and overview of filmmaking, film viewing and film showcasing. I am sure you would agree to the fact that this Race, before the release, is much more famous than the previous two.
People wished that Saif Ali Khan should have been there in the franchise. What do you think about that?
Anybody can wish anything; some may have wished that this sequel would never have been made. I am just surprised you were talking about Twitter and all these places where people have mentioned it. People say anything. These days, the freedom of speech on digital media has led everybody to speak everything. I mean, if you write up the interviews, you all will have ten comments telling you that you should have done this or that. It’s the freedom of speech that people express their wishes. You see 10% of people mention that we miss Saif Ali Khan, without him the Race is incomplete but 90% of people have accepted this and looking forward to it.
How did you bag this film?
Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director, called me and said, ‘There is this character. Would you like to play?’ It’s a big film, so you are constantly thinking, what needs to be done? What will I have to play? Then he suggested why don’t I go and meet Ramesh Sir? So, when I went and met him, he explained the character and the whole scenario of the film and the magnitude of the film that’s going to be. It was a win-win situation for me.
How was it working with Salman Khan?
Amazing. He will make sure that everybody around him is looked after, people are taken care of and they are in a safe environment. When I say in a safe environment, I don’t mean that you are protected but your interest is protected, your self-esteem is protected, your self-respect is protected and the zest of you and your performance is also, at the same time, protected. He makes sure that whatever take you give could get the best out of you.
Did you ever face any hurdles because of your name?
Yes, I changed my name in the very first film to Farhad. It was a conscious decision. I thought that Freddy Daruwala could not be well received by the audience, so I changed to Farhad. But then I realized that whoever had daru (liquor), they never die of hunger, (laughs). So, I decided to use my last name as well. I had done a lot of modelling as Freddy Daruwala, people knew me as Freddy and there was a lot of brand value that came with that name. So, I was in two minds whether I would or would not use that in films. That’s the reason I changed to Farhad. Unluckily, my character in Holiday did not have a name, and who or what Farhad is, nobody knows. So, I eventually went back to Freddy Daruwala.
What is your thought process when you are approached by a filmmaker for a role?
From the most honest level, I always have three factors in my mind when I accept a film. I want to know about the content, I want to know what my position in the film would be and I want to know the parameters of the film. We work for two things- fame and money. Everybody works for the money though, in this profession, fame is an important factor; this business is built on fame. Predominantly, in the beginning of the career, I think one should only work for making a career. There are two types of work, one that makes career and one that makes money. At the beginning of your work, you want to choose to make your career so that your name becomes prominent and famous then you come to a stage where you ask for more money. So, for that particular fame everything is required. How will you be presented in the film? What is the content? What does your character do? What will you be doing? What will you be seen doing? Every time I am venturing into a film, I make sure I know what I am getting into.
Are you still doing South movies?
Yeah, I did a Telugu film that released this February, and there is also a lot of digital content we do in the current scenario. I am telling everyone and I am telling you guys also that my effort is how do I become a household name? How do I reach up to your standard is my challenge as an actor? Eventually, it’s going to come to a level where people are going to only prefer watching the internet content. So, how as an actor I am going to take advantage of this digital revolution that has been happening?
Do you think the theatrical experience has started fading away in the age of digital media?
Never, theatres have been going on for centuries. Just because digital media is evolving, it doesn’t mean cinema halls are going to shut down or TV shows are going to shut down. Digital does not give you an experience; it gives you a comfort level. Cinema halls give you an experience. Similarly, when you go to watch a play, it’s a 3-dimensional experience that is going live in front of you. There are people actually crying, falling. There is room for errors. I have done theatres and that’s why I am telling you that it’s on another personal level. When you see a play in a theatre, it gives you goosebumps. Theatre is the purest form of art, there is no room for retakes. When you perform, you have to be there. It’s an experience.
Bollywood villains have changed a lot over the years. Now we don’t see villains like Mogambo and Gabbar anymore. What do you think has contributed to this change?
The reason you don’t see those characters is because the content has changed, the scenario has changed and the story showcasing has changed. The content today is about nowness. It’s not how it should be in your imagination. You won’t have villains like Mogambo or Gabbar because those types of people don’t exist. Now villains don’t come riding horses or they don’t shoot with long rifles. So it’s the nowness rather anything else.
Race 3 is scheduled for its theatrical bow on 15th June, 2018.
There’s no question who ruled the night at the 2025 BET Awards. Kendrick Lamar walked away with five trophies, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, paid tribute to Black excellence in music, acting, and sports, and Kendrick made sure his voice and message were front and centre.
Kendrick Lamar accepts Best Album for GNX at the BET Awards in Los AngelesGetty Images
Lamar, Doechii, and a moment that mattered
The GNX rapper also won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and shared the Video Director of the Year award with Dave Free. Accepting his award, Lamar reflected on his long-standing relationship with BET, saying, “They’ve always kept the culture at the core and put me in the middle of it.”
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Rising rapper Doechii also made headlines, not just for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but for calling out former US President Donald Trump. In a fiery speech, she criticised the use of military force to break up protests in LA following ICE raids in Latino communities. “Every time we stand up for our rights, the military is sent in. What kind of leadership is that?” she asked the crowd.
A night of icons and throwbacks
The night wasn’t just about current stars. The BET Ultimate Icon Award honoured Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and gospel star Kirk Franklin for their decades of influence in music, entertainment, and community action. Stevie Wonder presented Foxx’s award as he opened up about his recovery from a 2023 stroke. “When I saw the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, I thought that could’ve been me,” he said.
Mariah Carey celebrates her Ultimate Icon Award with a rare live performanceGetty Images
Mariah Carey, presented her award by Busta Rhymes, lit up the stage with a brief but heartfelt speech. “If you're going to win one of these, it might as well be the Ultimate Icon,” she joked, hinting at the ups and downs of her legendary career.
With Lamar and SZA heading back on tour and voices like Doechii’s rising louder, the 2025 BET Awards proved it is a stage for change.
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Harris Dickinson debuts as Rhode’s first male model in new Glazing Mist campaign
Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s rapidly growing skincare label, has chosen Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson as the face of its new product, the Glazing Mist. Known for his understated performances and growing fashion presence, Dickinson is the first male model to front a campaign for the brand. The new mist, priced at £24 (₹2,520), goes live on 24 June exclusively at rhodeskin.com.
A surprising choice that feels just right
The campaign, shot in stark black-and-white, features close-up visuals of Dickinson misting his face with the Glazing Mist, designed to refresh skin and deliver a natural glow. With ingredients like ectoin, ceramides, and magnolia extract, the formula offers both hydration and barrier support. It has also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Hailey Bieber explained her choice simply: she watched Babygirl, loved Dickinson’s performance, and sensed he could bring the kind of quiet edge she wanted. “I didn’t want it to feel too ‘on-the-nose’ with the film,” she said. “It had to be chic and sporty.” The internet, however, couldn’t resist the connection to Dickinson’s now-infamous milk scene in the film, and fans were quick to point out how the dewy mist echoed that very vibe.
Rhode expands, without changing its DNA
Since its 2022 launch, Rhode has stood out for sleek, limited product drops and a focused digital presence. Its recent £790 million (₹82,950 crore) acquisition by e.l.f. Beauty has only amplified interest in where the brand goes next. While introducing a male face might suggest a shift, Bieber was clear: this isn’t about launching a men’s line but widening the brand’s appeal. “I want everyone to see themselves in Rhode,” she said.
Dickinson’s inclusion reflects a subtle repositioning. Best known for roles in Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and now Babygirl, he has also been a regular in fashion, working with Dior and Loewe.
With this campaign, Rhode continues to evolve clearly, without losing the minimalist identity that made it stand out in the first place.
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HBO’s Harry Potter reboot slammed for casting Italian actress as Indian character Parvati Patil
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot is already under fire, this time for casting Italian actress Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, a character rooted in Indian culture. The announcement has triggered widespread backlash from fans who accuse the makers of side-lining authentic South Asian representation in favour of what many see as surface-level diversity.
Parvati, originally portrayed by Shefali Chowdhury in the films, is one of the few explicitly Indian characters in the Harry Potter universe. The decision to cast someone with no clear Indian heritage has led to heated discussions across platforms like Reddit and X, with fans calling out what they perceive as performative inclusivity.
Fans question why Indian talent was overlooked again
Many online comments have shared similar frustrations: that casting a brown-skinned actor is not the same as casting someone of Indian origin. “They just picked someone who looks brown and called it a day,” one Redditor commented. Another added, “Parvati is not just a name, it’s a direct reference to Hindu culture. It deserved more thought.”
This is not the first controversy to hit the reboot. Earlier announcements like casting Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Arabella Stanton as Hermione also drew criticism from those who felt the series was playing fast and loose with established character identities. Supporters of accurate representation argue that while the intent may be diversity, the execution often feels tokenistic.
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Adding fuel to the fire is the casting history of the original films, where British-Bangladeshi actors Shefali Chowdhury and Afshan Azad played the Patil twins after being discovered through grassroots-level auditions. That sense of grounded authenticity, fans argue, is missing in the current reboot.
HBO's broader casting choices also under scrutiny
Alongside Leoni, HBO announced several other cast members: Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as the Dursleys, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.
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The series, hoped to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, is scheduled to premiere in 2026. But with these early casting calls, many longtime fans feel HBO is missing the mark on cultural nuance—and all this before a single spell has been cast on screen.
The tense deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s New York sex crimes retrial have descended into open conflict. Jurors are reportedly attacking each other, pressuring hold-outs, and improperly considering the disgraced movie mogul’s notorious past, information explicitly banned from their discussions. This internal strife forced the jury foreperson to urgently alert the judge on Monday morning about a “situation which isn’t very good”, casting serious doubt on their ability to reach a fair verdict.
Infighting and forbidden arguments taint deliberations
According to a court transcript, the foreperson painted a grim picture for Judge Curtis Farber. Jurors are “not on the same page”, with some actively “attacking” others in a bid to change minds. Crucially, they are “pushing people” by bringing up Weinstein’s public history, details not presented as evidence during this specific trial.
As per reports, Jurors are in a heated debate during Weinstein retrial deliberationsGetty Images
This is similar to the earlier “playground stuff” reported last week, where one young juror felt unfairly “shunned” and questioned the fairness of the process, though the judge kept him on the panel. The jury itself signalled deep divisions, requesting a reread of “reasonable doubt” rules and guidance on “avoiding a hung jury”.
Mistrial denied, but jury reminded “Stick to the evidence”
Weinstein’s lawyers, citing a “tainted” and “runaway jury”, immediately seized on the turmoil to demand a mistrial. Defence attorney Arthur Aidala argued jurors were “ganging up” and considering “things that were not brought into this trial”. Prosecutors countered that some past context was legally permissible. Judge Farber denied the mistrial but took swift action. He hauled the entire jury back in, sternly instructing them that deliberations must focus only on evidence presented during the retrial concerning the three specific charges, including rape and criminal sex acts involving three women. He reiterated they must disregard anything else they knew about Weinstein.
Weinstein jury divided by heated disputes over forbidden pastGetty Images
The jury ended Monday claiming they were “making progress”, even asking for coffee to fuel further talks and requesting to revisit some testimony. However, the damage from the infighting and forbidden discussions lingers.
Weinstein, 73, already serving a long sentence for a separate California rape conviction, awaits this jury’s verdict on charges stemming from allegations by a former production assistant, an aspiring actress, and a model. This retrial, ordered after his landmark 2020 New York conviction was overturned, remains a critical, though now deeply troubled, chapter in the #MeToo saga he set to fire.
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Charli XCX celebrates a year of Brat’s cultural takeover
It’s been a full year since Charli XCX dropped Brat, and the album’s neon-green grip on pop culture has not loosened. Forget fading summer anthems; Brat feels permanently wired into the now. How did an artist long celebrated for being ahead of the curve finally make the whole world tune in? Well, she did it entirely her own way.
Charli was no newcomer. She smashed charts a decade ago with “Fancy” and penned hits for others. Yet mainstream stardom on her own terms felt elusive until Brat. The rollout was masterful, starting with the divisive “Von Dutch”, then the It Girl-packed “360” video featuring faces like Julia Fox and Chloë Sevigny, who soon became unavoidable.
Charli XCX arrives for the 2025 Met GalaGetty Images
Crucially, she nurtured her core fans (“Angels”) with intimate pop-up shows, birthing the iconic Brat Wall, where teasers about collaborations and the deluxe album kept excitement boiling. When Brat landed, hitting No. 3 in the US and No. 2 in the UK, it was a moment of absolute cultural takeover.
Beyond the music: building a movement
Brat’s fire spread far beyond the songs. A simple tweet : “Kamala IS brat”, saw the US Vice President’s campaign adopt the album’s aesthetic overnight, sparking global chatter. Charli directly addressed fan speculation, confirming “Girl, So Confusing” was about Lorde, then brilliantly working it out with her on a remix weeks later. She refused to let the moment die, dropping a full remix album (Brat and It’s the Same but There’s Three More Songs so It’s Not), featuring everyone from Billie Eilish to underground stars, which pushed Brat to UK No. 1.
Charli XCX performing on stage Getty Images
The Sweat and Brat tours became must-see events, packed with surprise guests. Grammy wins followed, plus SNL, Coachella and film cameos. Even her older song “Party 4 U” surged up the charts years later. Charli questioned at Coachella: “Does this mean brat summer is finally over?” The answer seems clear. Brat wasn’t just a seasonal hit. It was almost like Charli XCX meticulously crafting a phenomenon, proving that staying fiercely true to her vision was the ultimate key to connect with a wide audience.