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.
Gina Carano reaches settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm after wrongful termination lawsuit.
The actress alleged she was fired in 2021 for voicing right-wing political views online.
Elon Musk funded her legal fight, calling it a commitment to free speech.
Lucasfilm says it is open to working with Carano again in the future.
Former The Mandalorian actress Gina Carano has settled her high-profile lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm, ending a legal battle that began after her 2021 firing from the hit Disney+ Star Wars spin-off. The case, which accused the entertainment giants of wrongful termination and discrimination, was supported financially by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Carano, who played fan-favourite rebel marshal Cara Dune, claimed she was dismissed for expressing right-wing views on social media. One post compared the political climate for US conservatives to the treatment of Jews during Nazi Germany, sparking widespread backlash and the trending hashtag #FireGinaCarano.
Gina Carano ends Disney legal battle with support from Elon MuskGetty Images
What were the terms of the Gina Carano settlement?
The exact details of the settlement have not been disclosed, but court filings show both parties agreed to dismiss the case “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. The lawsuit, originally set for trial in Los Angeles next February, is now formally closed pending the judge’s approval.
Lucasfilm issued a statement describing Carano as “well respected by her directors, co-stars and staff,” adding that they “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together” in the future.
In her own statement, Carano called the resolution “the best outcome for all parties involved” and said she was “excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter.”
— (@)
Why was Gina Carano fired from The Mandalorian ?
Carano’s firing in February 2021 followed a series of social media posts that drew controversy. In addition to her Holocaust comparison, she had mocked mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and echoed unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election.
The lawsuit alleged that male co-stars, including Pedro Pascal, made politically charged posts without facing disciplinary action, and accused Disney and Lucasfilm of applying a double standard based on political alignment.
Carano also claimed she was pressured to meet with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and dozens of LGBTQ+ employees, a meeting she declined, before being dropped from the series and related projects such as Rangers of the New Republic.
In 2023, Musk pledged to cover legal fees for X users who claimed they were discriminated against for their activity on the platform. Carano confirmed that the billionaire followed through on that promise in her case, calling him “a man I’ve never met, who did this Good Samaritan deed for me.”
X issued a statement at the time saying it was “proud to provide financial support for Gina Carano’s lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights.”
Gina Carano resolves legal fight with Disney backed by Elon MuskGetty Images
What’s next for Gina Carano?
While it’s unclear whether Carano will return to the Star Wars universe, Lucasfilm’s conciliatory tone has sparked speculation about future collaborations. The actress, a former MMA fighter, says her “desires remain in the arts” and that she hopes to continue acting.
Meanwhile, The Mandalorian franchise is moving forward with a feature film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, scheduled for release next summer.
MMA Superstar Gina Carano during the Workout/Media Day with Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano at the Legends Mixed Martial Arts Training Centre Getty Images
Carano’s settlement marks the end of a contentious chapter in both her career and the ongoing debate over how Hollywood navigates political expression in the age of social media.
Kylie Jenner shared sultry black bikini photos ahead of her 28th birthday on 10 August.
The reality star posed with a glass of red wine and showed off early luxury gifts from Kris Jenner and Miu Miu.
Fans and celebrity friends, including Hailey Bieber, left comments praising her look.
Kylie also revealed her Kylie Cosmetics mini ‘Cosmic’ fragrance will return for her birthday weekend.
Kylie Jenner is closing out her 27th year in signature style, with a striking black bikini look, a glass of red wine, and a stream of luxury gifts. The beauty mogul and reality TV star, who turns 28 on 10 August, shared a series of photos on Instagram on 8 August showing her soaking up the sun in a plunging tie-front bikini top paired with low-rise black leggings.
The Kardashians star captioned the post, “Last Friday as a 27-year-old,” giving fans a preview of her pre-birthday celebrations. In the carousel of photos, Kylie posed outdoors while holding a wine glass, tousling her hair, and flashing her French tip manicure.
Hailey Bieber was quick to leave a comment, assuring her friend, “28 is better, I promise,” while actress Elle Fanning kept it simple with a fire emoji. Fans also flooded the post with compliments and birthday wishes, with one calling her “the most Leo Leo of our time.”
Kylie Jenner poses in a black bikini ahead of her 28th birthday celebrations Instagram/kyliejenner
What birthday gifts has Kylie Jenner received so far?
Kylie’s pre-birthday spoils were nothing short of extravagant. Her mother, Kris Jenner, surprised her youngest daughter with a custom casino-style poker table complete with a red bow, matching chairs, and personalised playing cards featuring Kylie’s most memorable looks. “Best birthday gift ever!!!!” Kylie wrote on her Instagram Stories, tagging her mom.
Fashion house Miu Miu also joined the celebrations early, gifting Kylie a pink handbag worth approximately £2,500 (₹2,65,000). “Ahhh best birthday ever,” she gushed in her Instagram caption.
Kylie Jenner shows off her birthday gifts Instagram Screengrab/kyliejenner
Kylie Jenner’s summer of bold swimwear looks
The black bikini moment is just the latest in a series of headline-making swimwear posts from Kylie this summer. In May, she vacationed in Turks and Caicos with sister Kendall Jenner, where both showed off a rotation of tiny bikinis. Kylie’s looks ranged from a red rhinestone set to a metallic gold keyhole bikini, each documented in photo carousels for her 400 million-plus Instagram followers.
The Kylie Cosmetics founder also recently unveiled a swimwear collaboration with Frankie’s Bikinis, adding to her growing fashion portfolio.
Alongside her personal celebrations, Kylie is marking her 28th with a treat for her beauty brand’s loyal customers. She announced that mini versions of her Cosmic fragrance, priced at £15 (₹1,600), will be restocked for the birthday weekend. “Mini Cosmic is back this weekend for my bdayyy,” she wrote alongside a clip of a miniature Kylie doll spritzing the perfume.
Kylie’s pre-birthday bikini photos fit into a well-established pattern of her using Instagram as both a personal diary and a curated marketing platform. From candid poolside shots to carefully staged product reveals, her posts routinely attract millions of likes and thousands of comments within hours.
Kylie Jenner enjoys a glass of wine during her pre-birthday poolside shootInstagram/kyliejenner
And while the internet loves to debate her every look, from outfits to luxury purchases, it’s clear the youngest Kardashian-Jenner knows how to keep the spotlight firmly on her. With her 28th birthday just around the corner, fans can expect more celebrations, more glamour, and likely, a few more viral fashion moments.
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Mahesh Babu’s rugged first look from SS Rajamouli’s SSMB29 GlobeTrotter ignites fan excitement
Mahesh Babu shared the first official glimpse from SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited SSMB29 on his 50th birthday.
The film is tentatively titled GlobeTrotter, though its official title is unconfirmed.
Rajamouli promised a “never-before-seen” full reveal in November 2025.
The film reportedly features Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, with high-budget global action sequences.
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu marked his 50th birthday by sharing the first official glimpse from his highly anticipated collaboration with director SS Rajamouli. The project, tentatively titled SSMB29 and hinted at as GlobeTrotter, is shaping up to be a global-scale action adventure.
The poster, unveiled on Saturday, shows a rugged close-up of Mahesh’s chest, partly smeared with blood, dressed in a worn brown shirt. Around his neck hangs a rudraksh mala with a trishul and Nandi pendant, an image loaded with symbolism that has set off fan speculation about his character’s backstory.
Sharing the image on Instagram, Mahesh wrote, “Thank you for all the love… I am eagerly waiting, as you all are, for November 2025 to enjoy the reveal with all of you. #GlobeTrotter.”
The trishul and Nandi pendant in Mahesh Babu’s SSMB29 GlobeTrotter poster sparks speculationInstagram/urstrulymahesh
What is the release date for the SSMB29 first look?
While the official release date for the full reveal has not been disclosed, both Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli confirmed it will arrive in November 2025.
In a statement posted on X, Rajamouli explained that the scale of the project is “so vast” that simple images or press meets would not do it justice. “We are working on something to showcase the essence, depth, and immersive world we are creating. This will be unveiled in November 2025, and we are trying to make it a never-before-seen reveal,” he wrote.
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Who is in the cast of SSMB29 ?
According to reports, SSMB29 features an ensemble cast to match its grand scale. Alongside Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra is said to be playing the female lead, although she has not yet confirmed her role publicly. Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran has already confirmed his involvement, while R Madhavan is rumoured to join the cast.
The film is said to be inspired by African adventure legends, with Mahesh playing a daring explorer. Sources claim that the actor will be performing his own stunts without a body double, raising expectations for the action sequences.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29 Getty Images
Where is SSMB29 being filmed?
Large portions of SSMB29 have reportedly been shot in Odisha, with international locations expected to feature prominently as the story spans multiple continents. The “GlobeTrotter” moniker hints at a globe-spanning narrative, with jungle expeditions, action set-pieces, and a storyline that moves across diverse terrains.
The shoot is set to resume in August 2025, following months of pre-production and planning. Rajamouli, known for blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR, is expected to push the boundaries of scale and technical innovation yet again.
SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29 Getty Images
Fan reactions to the first look
The teaser image sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans flooding social media timelines with birthday wishes and speculation about the plot. Many hailed the rugged new avatar, while others predicted box office domination.
Mahesh Babu\u2019s dramatic new look for SSMB 29 sparks a social media frenzy as fans compare him to Mufasa and a Hollywood action hero Getty Images/ Twitter
“This will break Baahubali and Dangal records,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “Can’t wait for November.” Despite the minimal reveal, the cryptic symbolism has only deepened curiosity around Rajamouli’s latest vision.
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Elon Musk’s Grok AI under fire for generating explicit Taylor Swift deepfakes without prompts
Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok Imagine accused of creating explicit Taylor Swift videos without user requests.
Tests by The Verge revealed “spicy mode” generated sexual content from harmless prompts.
Experts call it “misogyny by design” and warn of gaps in UK’s new age verification law.
Celebrities including Scarlett Johansson and Sydney Sweeney also flagged as victims.
Elon Musk’s AI video generator Grok Imagine is facing intense criticism after reports that its “spicy mode” created sexually explicit deepfake videos of Taylor Swift without being prompted for nudity. The tool, part of Musk’s company xAI, is accused of breaching both ethical safeguards and the UK’s new online safety laws.
The controversy began when The Verge tested Grok’s paid “spicy” setting, which lets users turn still images into videos. A seemingly innocent request: “Taylor Swift celebrating Coachella with the boys” allegedly resulted in AI-generated clips showing the singer removing her clothing and dancing in a thong.
Jess Weatherbed, the journalist who tested the feature, stressed she never asked for explicit material. “It was shocking how fast I was met with it. I never told it to remove her clothing, all I did was select ‘spicy’,” she told BBC News.
Elon Musk’s Grok AI under fire for generating explicit Taylor Swift deepfakes without prompts Getty Images
How Grok Imagine’s ‘spicy mode’ works
Launched for Apple users this week, Grok Imagine allows text-to-image generation and video conversion with four presets: “normal”, “fun”, “custom” and “spicy”. Available via the £23 (₹2,400) SuperGrok subscription, it was marketed as a creative tool but has now been accused of enabling non-consensual pornography.
Reports from Gizmodo found similar results when using prompts involving celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Bell and Timothée Chalamet. In some cases, the AI blocked content with a “video moderated” message, but in others it proceeded without restrictions.
Notably, when testers tried to generate explicit male content, the system would only remove a shirt, stopping short of producing comparable sexualised images, raising concerns over gender bias in the model’s design.
UK lawmakers push for new laws to criminalise non-consensual deepfake pornographyiStock
Experts call for urgent legal enforcement
Clare McGlynn, a law professor at Durham University and a leading voice on online abuse, called the feature “misogyny by design” and said platforms like X, which integrates Grok, could have prevented it. She noted the company’s acceptable use policy already bans depictions of people “in a pornographic manner”, yet the model still defaulted to sexualising women without instruction.
McGlynn has helped draft amendments to UK law that would make generating or requesting non-consensual pornographic deepfakes illegal in all circumstances. Currently, such content is only banned if it involves revenge porn or children. The government has committed to enacting the amendment but has yet to bring it into force.
Baroness Owen, who proposed the amendment in the House of Lords, said: “Every woman should have the right to choose who owns intimate images of her. This case shows why the government must not delay any further.”
Campaigners call for urgent action to protect women from AI-generated abuseiStock
Age verification failure raises UK law concerns
Under UK legislation introduced in July, any platform hosting explicit material must use robust age verification methods. Weatherbed said Grok Imagine only asked for her date of birth, without requiring ID or other proof, before enabling “spicy mode”.
Media regulator Ofcom confirmed AI tools capable of producing pornographic content are covered by the law and said it is monitoring platforms to ensure safeguards are in place, especially to protect children.
The BBC also reported that in January 2024, explicit deepfakes of Taylor Swift went viral on X and Telegram, prompting X to block searches for her name temporarily. The incident was widely seen as a test of the platform’s commitment to preventing non-consensual pornography, a promise now being questioned again.
Under UK legislation introduced in July, any platform hosting explicit material must use robust age verification methodiStock
Musk’s AI under wider scrutiny
The controversy over Grok Imagine adds to growing criticism of Musk’s AI operations. In July, the chatbot drew backlash for praising Adolf Hitler and making antisemitic statements, prompting condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League. Musk later claimed the model had been “significantly improved”.
Elon Musk speaks during live interview with Ben Shapiro at the symposium on fighting antisemitismGetty Images
As the backlash over the latest incident grows, campaigners are calling for faster legal action, stronger content filters and independent audits of AI tools before release. Taylor Swift’s representatives have been contacted for comment, while xAI has yet to issue a public response.
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Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies from melanoma at 48
Brandon Blackstock, talent manager and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, has died at 48 after battling melanoma for more than three years.
His family confirmed he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
The news came a day after Clarkson paused her Las Vegas residency to be with their two children.
Blackstock managed country stars including Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts and was the stepson of Reba McEntire.
Brandon Blackstock, a well-known talent manager in the country music industry and the former husband of Grammy-winning singer and TV host Kelly Clarkson, has died aged 48. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully after a prolonged battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
In a statement released through Starstruck Entertainment, the Nashville-based talent management company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock, the family said:
“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
The news came just a day after Clarkson announced she would be postponing the August dates of her Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, to be fully present for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander.
Brandon Blackstock dies at 48 after three-year melanoma battleGetty Images
What type of cancer did Brandon Blackstock have?
According to reports, Blackstock had been diagnosed with melanoma, a severe skin cancer often linked to excessive ultraviolet exposure. If untreated, it can spread to other organs, making it one of the most dangerous skin cancers.
Fans and friends took to social media to share condolences. Messages included, “So heartbreaking to lose someone so young after such a brave fight” and “Sending love and strength to Kelly and the family during this painful time.”
Born on 16 December 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas, Brandon Blackstock grew up surrounded by the country music scene. His father, Narvel Blackstock, managed some of the biggest names in the industry and was married to country star Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.
Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps, managing artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. He also worked as a television producer and served as an executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show between 2019 and 2020.
Music also played a role in his personal life. He first met Clarkson in 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards, though they began dating in 2012. The couple married in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.
Kelly Clarkson’s former husband Brandon Blackstock dies surrounded by familyGetty Images
Relationship with Kelly Clarkson and divorce settlement
Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed daughter River Rose in 2014 and son Remington Alexander in 2016. However, after nearly seven years of marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalised in 2022.
Despite the split, both maintained a shared focus on co-parenting. Reba McEntire, who was once Blackstock’s stepmother, publicly expressed her love for both during their divorce, urging people to support them through the difficult period.
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Legacy and surviving family
Blackstock is survived by his two children with Clarkson, as well as his two older children, Savannah and Seth, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth. In 2022, he became a grandfather when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake.
Seth Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, and Brandon Blackstock attend STX Films World Premiere of "UglyDolls"Getty Images
Known for his business acumen in artist management and his commitment to his family, Brandon Blackstock leaves behind a legacy in both the entertainment industry and the personal lives of those closest to him.
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Selena Gomez says Taylor Swift played Love Story for her before the world heard it
Selena Gomez says she met Taylor Swift while they were dating Nick and Joe Jonas in 2008.
The pair bonded over their teenage breakups and have been inseparable for 16 years.
Gomez recalls Swift playing Love Story for her before its release.
Both stars continue to support each other’s careers and personal milestones.
Selena Gomez has opened up about the unexpected way she met Taylor Swift, and how a pair of teenage breakups set the foundation for one of Hollywood’s strongest friendships.
Appearing on the Therapuss with Jake Shane podcast on Wednesday, 6 August, the Only Murders in the Building star revealed she first crossed paths with the Eras Tour singer in 2008 when both were dating members of the Jonas Brothers. Gomez was 15 and dating Nick Jonas, while Swift, then 18, was in a relationship with Joe Jonas.
“She and I like to say the best thing we got out of those relationships was each other,” Gomez told Shane. “We became best friends, bonded over the breakup, as girls do. Then we just stuck around for all the ups and downs that came after, and here we are now 16 years later.”
Selena Gomez says Jonas Brothers breakup led to Taylor Swift playing Love Story for her in secretInstagram/selenagomez
How Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift first met
According to Gomez, their first meeting was during what she fondly calls the “crazy curly hair Taylor” era, when Swift wore bracelets stacked all the way up her arm. Both singers were in the early stages of their careers, navigating fame and relationships as teenagers.
While their romances with the Jonas Brothers were short-lived, the two found a lasting connection in each other. “We didn’t know what we were doing back then,” Gomez laughed. “Everything was cute, we were young, and now we can look back and just smile.”
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The secret behind Love Story’s first listen
Gomez also shared a personal memory that underscored the depth of their early bond. Before Love Story became one of Swift’s most recognisable hits, the country-pop star played it for Gomez in a hotel room.
“I remember it vividly. I instantly thought, ‘This is one of the most beautiful songs ever,’” Gomez recalled. Swift at the time confided that she thought it would be her first single, but wasn’t completely sure. The track went on to become a career-defining hit, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift attend The 58th GRAMMY AwardsGetty Images
Supporting each other through the years
Since their Jonas Brothers days, Gomez and Swift have been each other’s most vocal supporters. Swift has praised Gomez’s music, including her recent joint album with fiancé Benny Blanco, while Gomez has celebrated Swift’s major career milestones, from Grammy wins to reclaiming her music masters.
Their friendship extends beyond the stage. Swift recently baked Gomez a loaf of sourdough bread as a playful nod to her “loaf story” with Blanco, a pun on Swift’s 2009 hit Love Story.
Today, both women are thriving in their personal and professional lives. Gomez is engaged to record producer Benny Blanco and continues to expand her acting career, while Swift is in a high-profile relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce and touring globally with her Eras Tour.
Looking back, Gomez says she’s grateful that a teenage heartbreak turned into a lifelong friendship. “She’s been with me through so many ups and downs,” she said. “It’s rare to have that kind of consistency in this industry, and I cherish it.”