Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress who captured the world’s heart as Wonder Woman, is no stranger to embodying strength and resilience. But beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Gadot’s life has been marked by personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From her time serving in the Israeli Defense Forces to balancing motherhood with a booming career, Gadot’s story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to her values.
From soldier to superhero
Long before she donned the iconic Wonder Woman armor, Gadot’s journey began in Rosh HaAyin, Israel. At 18, she was crowned Miss Israel, but her path took a turn when she served two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a combat fitness instructor. This experience, she has often said, instilled in her a sense of discipline and resilience that would later define her career.
“The army wasn’t just about physical strength; it was about mental toughness,” Gadot shared in a 2020 interview. “It taught me how to push through challenges and never give up, no matter how difficult things get.”
After her military service, Gadot pursued a career in law but soon found herself drawn to acting. Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious franchise. However, it was her portrayal of Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, in the DC Extended Universe that catapulted her to global stardom. The role resonated deeply with audiences, not just because of Gadot’s physical prowess but because of the compassion and strength she brought to the character.
Balancing stardom and motherhood
While Gadot’s career has been on a meteoric rise, her most cherished role remains that of a mother. She and her husband, real estate developer Jaron Varsano, are parents to three daughters: Alma (born in 2011), Maya (born in 2017), and Daniella (born in 2021). Gadot has often spoken about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood, describing it as a “beautiful juggling act.”
“Being a mother is my greatest joy, but it’s also my biggest responsibility,” Gadot said in a 2022 interview. “I want my girls to grow up knowing that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, but also that family always comes first.”
Gadot’s commitment to her family is evident in the way she prioritizes her time. Despite her busy schedule, she makes it a point to be present for her children, whether it’s attending school events or simply spending quality time at home. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being there,” she said. “Those little moments—reading a bedtime story, cooking together, or just laughing—those are the things that matter most.”
A voice for women’s empowerment
Gal Gadot donned the iconic Wonder Woman armorGetty images
Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman has made her a symbol of female empowerment, but her advocacy extends far beyond the screen. She has been a vocal supporter of gender equality, using her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting women worldwide. In 2020, she produced and starred in Wonder Woman 1984, a film that celebrated the strength and resilience of women.
“Wonder Woman is more than just a character to me,” Gadot explained. “She represents the power of compassion, courage, and the belief that we can make the world a better place. I feel a responsibility to carry that message forward in my own life.”
Gadot has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting organizations that provide aid to women and children in crisis. “I’ve been fortunate to have so many opportunities in my life, and I believe it’s important to use that privilege to help others,” she said.
Overcoming challenges with grace
Despite her success, Gadot’s journey has not been without its challenges. In a candid Instagram post, she opened up about the difficulties of navigating the pressures of fame and the constant scrutiny that comes with it. “There are days when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders,” she wrote. “But I’ve learned to lean on the people I love and to remind myself of what truly matters.”
Gadot’s legacy serves as a reminder that we all have the power to be heroes in our own livesInstagram/ gal_gadot
Gadot’s ability to remain grounded and authentic in the face of adversity is a testament to her strength of character. She credits her family and close friends for keeping her grounded. “At the end of the day, it’s not about the accolades or the fame,” she said. “It’s about the love and connections we share with the people around us.”
A legacy of strength and compassion
Gal Gadot’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering compassion. From her humble beginnings in Israel to becoming a global icon, she has proven that true strength lies not in physical power but in the ability to rise above challenges with grace and humility.
As she continues to inspire millions around the world, Gadot’s legacy serves as a reminder that we all have the power to be heroes in our own lives. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, standing up for what we believe in, or simply being there for the people we love, we can all make a difference.
In the words of Wonder Woman herself, “It’s not about what you deserve; it’s about what you believe. And I believe in love.”
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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