Detailing her brush with postpartum depression, Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto has said she used to cry a lot and feel alone months after she gave birth to her son in 2021.
The actor, now based out of Los Angeles, first talked about her postpartum struggle in an Instagram post last year.
In the podcast "It Sure Is A Beautiful Day" with Catt Sadler, Pinto said the condition hit her at the time when she was slowly trying to get back to work.
"It really hit me after the first three months. In the fourth month when I flew back to LA, and I was ready to kind of dip my toe back into work, the anxiety really started building. I was feeling like 'I can't do this, what have I done, the baby's always screaming'. I remember crying so much and feeling so alone and my parents had just about left to fly back to India..." she said in the clip shared on her official Instagram page.
The 38-year-old actor, who shares 18-month-old son Rumi-Ray with photographer Cory Tran, said her husband encouraged her to seek professional help.
"... My husband was like you need to start seeing a therapist. The things you were saying and the things you are doing it is also feeling very self-sabotaging. You need the sleep but you are sitting up trying to fix things and plan things," she recalled.
"And the fact that I can say today it is so normal. It was horrible, but I'm happy I went through that because I can relate better..." Pinto added.
In the caption to her Instagram post, she wrote: "I had a very candid conversation with @iamcattsadler about one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. We covered big topics surrounding my postpartum journey, marriage, and career on her podcast 'It Sure Is A Beautiful Day'."
The actor waited years to debut under YRF despite other offers
Ahaan is set to star in two more YRF films, including an upcoming action project
Ahaan Panday is off to a flying start with Saiyaara, which opened on 18 July with a remarkable £1.9 million (₹21 crore) collection on Day 1. Backed by Yash Raj Films (YRF) and directed by Mohit Suri, the film has positioned Ahaan as a promising new face in Bollywood. His patience and commitment to YRF reportedly impressed producer Aditya Chopra so deeply that insiders now claim he sees Ahaan as the “new Ranveer Singh” within the studio.
Ahaan Panday earns Aditya Chopra’s trust with Saiyaara, called the ‘new Ranveer Singh’ by YRF insidersInstagram/ahaanpandayy
Why Aditya Chopra compares Ahaan Panday to Ranveer Singh
A trusted source close to YRF revealed that Ahaan Panday’s debut was delayed multiple times due to changes in project planning. Despite being given the option to exit his contract, the 27-year-old chose to remain with the studio. A source quoted in Deccan Chronicle said, “Adi offered to release Ahaan from his contract. But Ahaan said, ‘No sir, I will wait as long as it takes.’”
His unwavering loyalty has drawn parallels with Ranveer Singh, who began his Bollywood career with YRF’s Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010 and maintained a close mentor-mentee relationship with Chopra during his early years.
Saiyaara is now the highest-grossing debut film of the year Instagram/yrf
What’s next for Ahaan Panday after Saiyaara success?
With Saiyaara now past the £9.2 million (₹100 crore) mark within four days, Ahaan’s popularity has soared. However, the young actor isn’t jumping ship. As per reports, he is bound by a three-film contract with YRF and has already begun discussions for his next film with the banner.
Sources suggest his next outing will be action-packed, continuing YRF’s tradition of grooming male leads for action commercial roles. “Even before Saiyaara released, big production houses approached him. But Ahaan is staying with YRF,” the insider confirmed.
Saiyaara earns £1.9 million on Day 1, becomes Mohit Suri’s biggest openerInstagram/ahaanpandayy
How Saiyaara became a surprise box office hit
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara is said to be an unofficial adaptation of the Korean romance A Moment to Remember. The film stars Ahaan as Krish Kapoor, a rising musician, and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a soft-spoken lyricist.
The movie was released with zero pre-release promotions, relying entirely on word of mouth. Still, it outperformed several romantic hits, including Half Girlfriend and Ek Villain. It also topped the opening day figures of Aashiqui 2, Mohit Suri’s previous blockbuster.
Apart from Ahaan and Aneet, the film features Rajesh Kumar, Varun Badola, and Shaad Randhawa in supporting roles.
With a strong debut, a loyal working relationship with the banner, and a comparison to Ranveer Singh already circulating, Ahaan Panday seems poised to become YRF’s next major face.
Chopra’s decision to stick with Ahaan through years of delay, and the actor’s own decision to wait, shows a mutual trust not often seen in today’s industry. Whether he can match Ranveer’s trajectory remains to be seen, but Saiyaara’s success has certainly given him the right start.
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Kanye West rape accuser says she is in hiding after swatting and threats
Lauren Pisciotta, Kanye West’s former assistant, has gone into hiding after accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking.
Her amended lawsuit includes claims of rape, harassment, stalking, and being a victim of swatting incidents.
West, also known as Ye, denies all allegations and labels them “fantasy fiction.”
The civil case is set to return to court in the US next month, while Pisciotta’s lawyer says she fears for her safety.
Lauren Pisciotta, the former personal assistant to rapper Kanye West, has reportedly gone into hiding after filing explosive legal claims of sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment against the artist. Pisciotta’s attorney, Arick Fudali, told the BBC that the 36-year-old has scrubbed her online presence and is now living in fear as the civil case builds momentum in court.
West, who now goes by the name Ye, has dismissed all the claims in the lawsuit, calling them “fantasy fiction.” The case is scheduled to be heard in a US court next month.
Kanye West’s former assistant says he raped her and tried to silence herGetty Images
Who is Lauren Pisciotta and what does her lawsuit allege?
Lauren Pisciotta began working for West in 2021. In June 2024, she filed a civil suit accusing him of sexual harassment, stalking, wrongful termination, and breach of contract. In an updated filing on 10 July 2025, Pisciotta expanded the claims to include sex trafficking and rape, alleging a pattern of escalating abuse throughout her time as his employee.
One of the most disturbing claims involves an alleged incident during the production of West’s DONDA album. According to the filing, West entered her hotel room under the pretence of needing a shower, then exited the bathroom naked and raped her orally.
Ye accused of rape and racism by ex-assistant now in hiding before trialGetty Images
What is swatting and how was it used against her?
The updated lawsuit accuses West of orchestrating “swatting,” the act of making false emergency calls to dispatch law enforcement to someone’s location. Pisciotta claims that just six days after filing her original complaint, her home was raided by armed police from the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office following a false report that she had murdered her mother.
She also says she was subjected to multiple unprompted police visits and received anonymous threatening phone calls warning her not to pursue legal action.
Kanye West lawsuit claims include rape swatting antisemitism and workplace abuseGetty Images
What are the claims of racism and antisemitism in Ye’s workplace?
Pisciotta’s lawsuit alleges that West frequently exposed his staff to antisemitic and racist behaviour. She claims he routinely used antisemitic slurs, interrogated employees about their religious background, and even demanded staff draw swastikas in the workplace.
Her lawyer further elaborated in a podcast appearance, stating that West has publicly referred to himself as a “walking Me Too” figure and released a song titled Heil Hitler. Fudali argued that West’s public comments give credibility to the private behaviour described in the lawsuit.
West has denied all the allegations, and his legal team has strongly pushed back on Pisciotta’s credibility. A spokesperson told USA Today that this is the fourth iteration of her complaint, with each version contradicting the previous one. The latest update, they claimed, is a “breathless new instalment of fantasy fiction.”
“We stand ready to annihilate Ms. Pisciotta’s tall tales before a jury, an exoneration so inevitable that even she, lost in her fog of fantasy, must surely see it coming,” the spokesperson said.
— (@)
While West’s team has not responded directly to media inquiries following the most recent court filing, the rapper’s past social media posts and controversial lyrics are expected to be presented during the trial as circumstantial evidence.
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Fahadh Faasil says he wants to retire as a cab driver in Spain
Fahadh Faasil says he still wants to retire as an Uber driver in Barcelona, an idea he first spoke of in 2020.
Says driving gives him clarity, peace, and solitude; calls it “a beautiful idea”.
Barcelona is his dream city because of its anonymity and rhythm.
Actor is currently promoting his bilingual comedy-thriller Maareesan, which has received praise from Kamal Haasan.
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has once again confirmed that his retirement dream has nothing to do with the spotlight. In a recent interview, Fahadh said he still plans to retire as an Uber driver in Barcelona, an idea he first mentioned five years ago, and one he says still brings him clarity and joy.
“I still very much think about it,” he said. “Driving someone to their destination feels beautiful.”
The actor, who’s known for avoiding the limelight off-screen, added that driving helps him slow down and think, and that retirement for him isn’t about disappearance, but about choosing peace, routine, and anonymity.
Fahadh explains why he prefers being offline and why emails might soon be the only way to reach himInstagram/fahadhfaasil._official
Why Fahadh Faasil wants to drive an Uber in Barcelona after retiring
Fahadh Faasil’s retirement plan may sound unconventional for a film star, but it’s been consistent. Back in 2020, while promoting C U Soon, he had casually revealed his dream of retiring as an Uber driver in Spain. This week, he said the desire hasn’t faded, and in fact, feels more grounded now than ever.
“That will only happen once people are done with me. But jokes aside, the idea of driving someone from one place to another, that’s a beautiful idea,” he said.
The actor added that he finds the act of driving deeply personal. “It’s something I still enjoy a lot. That’s my time for myself. And it’s really good for thinking while driving.”
Fahadh Faasil embraces minimalism as he distances himself from smartphones and social mediaInstagram/fahad_nazrin
What makes Barcelona the ideal retirement city for Fahadh?
Fahadh has said that it’s not just the job that matters, it’s also the city. Barcelona, with its pace, privacy, and streets full of motion, feels like the perfect place for him to fade into routine life without public attention.
He explained that retirement for him isn’t a dramatic exit from cinema, but a shift in lifestyle. “It’s not about running away from fame,” he said. “It’s about choosing when and how to be seen.”
In his view, being an Uber driver allows him to stay present and observe life in motion, without needing to perform.
Fahadh Faasil plans to retire as an Uber driver and be reachable only by email Instagram/fahad_nazrin
Fahadh on driving as meditation: “Whenever I get the chance, I take the wheel”
The actor shared that he continues to drive whenever he gets the opportunity, whether at home or abroad. “There, here, everywhere… whenever I get the chance, I take the wheel,” he said.
Driving, for Fahadh, is not just transportation. It’s a rare space where he can think, reset, and just be. That quiet, repetitive motion is something he looks forward to embracing full-time someday.
This perspective, in fact, is a contrast to many celebrities who move into production, endorsements, or digital ventures post-retirement. Fahadh, however, is drawn to simplicity and a slower pace.
Fahadh Faasil says luxury isn’t about smartphones as he rejects digital noise and dreams of a quiet life in Barcelona.Instagram/film_club2018
What’s next for Fahadh Faasil before retirement?
Before he swaps scripts for steering wheels, Fahadh Faasil has more stories to tell. He’s currently promoting Maareesan, a bilingual Tamil-Malayalam comedy-thriller co-starring Vadivelu. The film has already received strong early feedback, with Kamal Haasan himself praising its right balance of humour and storytelling.
Fahadh has also made headlines recently for using a rare £9,300 (₹10 lakh) Vertu phone and saying he wants to be reachable only by email by 2026.
Still, when asked about what the future looks like, he circles back to the same image: a car, a quiet street in Barcelona, and a sense of purpose in simply driving someone home.
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Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan selected for world premiere at TIFF 2025
Huma Qureshi-led Bayaan will premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2025
Only Indian film selected for TIFF’s prestigious Discovery section
Directed by Chauranga filmmaker Bikas Ranjan Mishra
Produced by Shiladitya Bora; also features Chandrachur Singh and Sachin Khedekar
Actor Huma Qureshi’s upcoming thriller Bayaan has secured a spot in the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) coveted Discovery section, making it the only Indian film featured in that category this year. Directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, the film is set to premiere this September and places Indian independent cinema firmly on the global stage.
Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan selected for world premiere at TIFF 2025 Instagram/iamhumaq
What is Bayaan about and why is it significant?
The film is a character-driven police procedural that explores themes of power, religion, and institutional bias through the eyes of a woman embedded in the justice system. Qureshi plays the lead role, a character she describes as someone navigating "forces much larger than herself" in a deeply flawed system.
In a statement, Qureshi called Bayaan a “timely and powerful story” that gave her the chance to portray a complex woman caught in the crossfire of structural injustice. “There are few scripts that stay with you beyond the set. Bayaan is one of them,” she said, also noting her role as Executive Producer on the project.
The film was developed through Film Independent’s Global Media Makers residency in Los Angeles and supported by the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Bayaan is helmed by writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, known for his critically acclaimed feature Chauranga. The script was shaped during Mishra’s LA residency, where he received mentorship from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and guidance from industry veterans like Jeff Stockwell and Ruth Atkinson.
The film is produced by indie cinema champion Shiladitya Bora under Platoon One Films, in collaboration with Madhu Sharma (Summit Studios), Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta, and Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films (Switzerland).
“This is exactly the kind of script I look for—bold, moving, and globally resonant,” Bora said, calling TIFF the “ideal launchpad” for Bayaan.
BAYAAN, all set to have its World Premiere at TIFF 2025Instagram/iamhumaq
Who stars in Bayaan alongside Huma Qureshi?
Along with Qureshi, Bayaan features Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra in key roles.
The film’s creative team includes editor A. Sreekar Prasad (RRR), cinematographer Udit Khurana (A Hunt for Veerappan), composer Ajay Jayanthi (Black Warrant), and costume designer Shilpi Agarwal (Indian Predator).
Why TIFF’s Discovery section matters for Indian cinema
TIFF’s Discovery section has a track record of spotlighting emerging global filmmakers, having previously introduced the world to the likes of Christopher Nolan, Alfonso Cuarón, and Barry Jenkins.
For Indian cinema, Bayaan’s selection represents more than just festival recognition; in fact, it signifies international validation of nuanced, socially conscious storytelling that often struggles for visibility in commercial spaces.
Qureshi shared her excitement in an Instagram post, writing, “I took a bet on this film. No safety nets. No studio deals. Just belief. This is a win for all of us.”
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All past and future South Park episodes will now stream exclusively on Paramount+
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone sign a new five-year deal with Paramount Global.
The deal, worth £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore), includes 50 new episodes and exclusive streaming rights.
All 26 past seasons will move from HBO Max to Paramount+.
Season 27 premieres 23 July on Comedy Central, followed by streaming on Paramount+.
After months of negotiations and behind-the-scenes legal tension, South Park will now officially stream on Paramount+. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a massive £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) deal with Paramount Global, ensuring the future of the long-running adult animation for another five years.
The agreement includes 50 brand-new episodes, with all 26 previous seasons moving to Paramount+ globally. The show's 27th season, which was delayed due to contractual disagreements, premieres on Comedy Central this week, followed by streaming availability the next day.
South Park fans call out Paramount Plus for pulling the show worldwide Variety
Why is South Park moving to Paramount+?
The shift from HBO Max to Paramount+ marks a significant win for the latter in the streaming wars. With HBO Max previously holding domestic streaming rights in a £385 million (₹4,000 crore) deal, Paramount’s move regains control of one of its most valuable franchises.
The company now has both the back catalogue and future episodes, giving it exclusive streaming control worldwide. According to industry insiders, the deal’s high valuation also acts as an advance against streaming revenue, making it a strategic long-term investment for Paramount and its global platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, Comedy Central will remain the first broadcaster of new South Park episodes. Each episode will then stream on Paramount+ in the US and globally the following day.
In total, the deal guarantees 50 new episodes across five seasons. Parker and Stone’s studio, Park County, also retains a unique clause entitling it to about 50% of streaming revenue, one of the main reasons why the duo continue to secure record-breaking deals.
Despite previous legal threats and public frustration over delays, the new contract aligns the show’s creative future with Paramount+ as the central hub.
South Park creators ink a multi-billion deal following delayed Season 27 premiere Amazon
What caused the delay in South Park season 27?
Season 27 was originally slated for 9 July but was pushed to 23 July due to delays in finalising the contract. A major source of friction was the involvement of incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell and the influence of Skydance Media, which is in the process of acquiring the company.
Park County accused Shell of interfering with negotiations involving Warner Bros Discovery and Netflix. The creators even brought in high-profile attorney Bryan Freedman during the dispute, showing the seriousness of the standoff.
Paramount reportedly settled for a shorter, five-year term at £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) after shelving a larger, 10-year proposal due to Skydance’s reservations about long-term streaming investments.
Fans can expect new weekly episodes starting 23 July on Comedy Central. This deal also paves the way for more South Park content to live exclusively on Paramount+, potentially including new specials or spinoffs.
In a joint statement, Parker and Stone said they were “grateful for the trust placed in us” and promised to “build something special” with the extended deal. Chris McCarthy, Paramount’s co-CEO, hailed them as “creative forces” who continue to push boundaries and deliver global hits.
With this agreement in place, Paramount+ strengthens its library and stakes a major claim in the adult animation space, while South Park remains one of the most profitable and culturally resonant TV shows of its generation.