The actor discusses his distinguished acting career and future hopes
By Asjad NazirMar 08, 2024
TALENTED television star Gurpreet Singh has delighted audiences with memorable performances in hit drama serials such as Kahiin To Hoga, Saarrthi, Mahabharat, Porus and the recently concluded ChandJalne Laga.
The diverse roles he has played have showcased his impressive range as an actor and contributed to his strong body of work. He is now looking forward to taking on more challenges and was happy to discuss his experiences with Eastern Eye.
The versatile performer also spoke about Chand Jalne Laga, the best advice he ever got, his future hopes and something not many people know about him.
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
It has been marked by continuous learning, adapting to varied roles, and embracing the challenges that each project brings. Every character I’ve portrayed, whether in movies, TV serials, or commercials, has left an indelible mark on my growth as an actor, shaping me into the artist I am today. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue this journey, exploring new horizons and evolving with each opportunity that comes my way.
Which of the characters you played has been closest to your heart?
While every character holds a special place, portraying Sujal Garewal in Kahiin To Hoga was particularly satisfying. Sujal’s depth and emotional journey resonated profoundly with me, making it a memorable and cherished role.
Which role has challenged you the most?
The most demanding role for me was Ambiraj in Porus. Portraying a negative character with intricacies and shades demanded a nuanced approach, pushing me to explore the depths of my acting abilities. I had to train to be like a warrior and learn horse riding, swimming and sword fighting for the role.
What was the experience of acting in Chand Jalne Laga like?
Working on Chand Jalne Laga has been a captivating journey. The show’s unique narrative and intense storyline kept me engaged and invested. The collaborative spirit of the team, coupled with the character dynamics, made this project a fulfilling and enriching experience. I wish I had more time with the show, as it wrapped up sooner than expected.
How would you describe your character in Chand Jalne Laga?
Prakash Singh Rathod, my character in Chand Jalne Laga, had intricate layers and shades. As the stepfather of the lead, Prakash navigated the complexities of being connected to an illegitimate child of his wife, adding a unique dimension to the narrative. As the negative lead, Prakash was enigmatic and unpredictable, contributing to the suspense and intrigue of the storyline.
It’s been an exhilarating challenge to bring Prakash to life on screen.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
I appreciate narratives that offer a blend of compelling storytelling and strong character development. I enjoy exploring diverse genres, from intense dramas to thought-provoking thrillers. Well-crafted performances and engaging plots have always captured my interest.
What is your dream role as an actor?
A dream role is aiming for a character who pushes my acting abilities to new limits, while also making a meaningful contribution to the cultural and artistic aspects of storytelling.
It involves stepping into unexplored territories by taking on roles that have substantial depth and leaving a lasting impact on the audience through the actor’s portrayal of compelling and complex characters.
Who would you love to work with?
I am eager to collaborate with prestigious production houses in the television industry, such as Balaji Telefilms and Swastik, among others. These renowned production houses have consistently delivered exceptional content. I am keen to explore opportunities that align with their creative vision. Working with such esteemed entities would not only broaden my artistic horizons, but also contribute significantly to the vibrant world of television storytelling.
Tell us something that not many people know about you?
One lesser-known fact about me is my passion for photography and sketching. In the middle of hectic schedules, I find solace in capturing moments through my lens and drawing portraits. This pastime allows me to express my creativity beyond the realm of acting.
What was the best advice you have ever received?
To stay true to my craft, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. It’s a reminder that the journey of an actor is a continuous evolution and every experience contributes to personal and professional growth.
Why do you love being an actor?
Being an actor allows me to step into different lives, experience a myriad of emotions and connect with diverse audiences. The ability to evoke feelings and provoke thoughts through my performances is a powerful and fulfilling aspect of this profession. It’s an exploration that constantly surprises, challenges and, above all, brings joy to both myself and those who resonate with the stories we tell.
PinkPantheress cancels her Thursday night slot at Glastonbury’s Levels stage.
Electronic act Roza Terenzi will now perform from 10:30 pm to midnight.
Organisers confirmed cancellation was not due to crowd concerns.
PinkPantheress still scheduled for Friday’s Woodsies stage set at 7:30 pm.
PinkPantheress has withdrawn from her Thursday night appearance at Glastonbury Festival just days before the event kicks off. The British pop star was set to perform a 30-minute set on the Silver Hayes Levels stage, but organisers have now confirmed a schedule reshuffle with Roza Terenzi taking over the late-night slot.
Glastonbury schedule shuffled as PinkPantheress exits early slot
Festival organisers announced that PinkPantheress, whose real name is Victoria Beverley Walker, will no longer perform her planned 11 pm set on the Levels stage this Thursday. Roza Terenzi has been confirmed as her replacement, performing a longer set from 10:30 pm to midnight, between DJ slots from Confidence Man and Marie Davidson.
Despite fan speculation that overcrowding concerns prompted the change, Glastonbury clarified that the decision had nothing to do with capacity or safety. “The artist was simply no longer able to make this performance,” a spokesperson stated, assuring attendees that PinkPantheress will still take the Woodsies stage on Friday evening at 7:30 pm.
An escape artist performs during the first day of the Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm Getty Images
Online, fans responded with a mix of disappointment and relief. “Was going to be dangerously rammed,” one user posted on Reddit, pointing to the risk of packing a major act into a smaller venue.
Rising star still set for Friday show after sudden switch
PinkPantheress shot to fame via TikTok and has since built a strong following with her nostalgic yet fresh sound, putting together 2000s R&B samples with bedroom pop aesthetics. She’s earned three Brit Award nominations and landed in the UK top 10 charts for both singles and albums.
While this isn’t the first time the 24-year-old artist has pulled out of performances: she cancelled her 2024 tour dates citing health reasons, her Friday Glastonbury show remains unchanged.
With Glastonbury set to kick off on 26 June, the final schedule is still being pieced together, and festival-goers are now keeping an eye out for more surprise changes and hidden acts.
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Keerthy Suresh expands to Bollywood with Baby John, eyes pan-India presence
Keerthy Suresh debuted in Bollywood with Baby John alongside Varun Dhawan
Won the National Award for her portrayal of Savitri in Mahanati
Working with major stars like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Dhanush
Fronting bold female-centric films like Revolver Rita
Making her Hindi OTT debut with YRF’s Akka
Fresh off her Hindi film debut in Baby John opposite Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh is making her presence felt beyond the southern film industries. The National Award-winning actor, who has long been a familiar face in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, is now entering Bollywood and OTT spaces with calculated moves.
1. National recognition at just 26
Keerthy Suresh’s breakthrough came with Mahanati (2018), where she portrayed Telugu cinema legend Savitri. Her performance earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, making her one of the youngest winners in recent times. The role, praised for its depth and restraint, established her as a serious performer with pan-Indian appeal.
Keerthy Suresh made her Hindi film debut in Baby John opposite Varun DhawanInstagram/keerthysureshofficial
2. She’s held her own alongside the biggest names
In an industry still dominated by male-led blockbusters, Keerthy has managed to carve her space. She’s worked with top stars like Rajinikanth (Annaatthe), Vijay (Sarkar, Bairavaa), Dhanush (Vaathi/Sir), and Mohanlal (Geethaanjali). Her ability to stand out even in mass entertainers shows both her star power and screen presence.
The Mahanati star is now stepping into pan-India roles across film and OTTInstagram/keerthysureshofficial
3. Bollywood debut with Atlee’s Baby John
Following in the footsteps of Nayanthara, who starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, Keerthy made her Hindi film debut in Baby John, produced by Atlee. Paired with Varun Dhawan in this high-budget action film, she made her official entry into Bollywood with a project that ensures visibility beyond the southern audience.
From Tamil and Telugu hits to Hindi cinema — Keerthy Suresh’s range continues to growInstagram/keerthysureshofficial
4. She’s fronting genre-bending female-led films
In Revolver Rita, Keerthy plays the lead in a quirky action-comedy that’s already drawing attention for its unconventional tone. As more female stars demand roles beyond the love interest or sidekick, Keerthy is taking the lead—quite literally—in shaping what female-driven commercial cinema can look like.
National Award winner Keerthy Suresh is among the few South stars making a crossover on her own termsInstagram/keerthysureshofficial
5. Expanding reach with OTT and Hindi projects
Keerthy is set to headline Akka, an upcoming Hindi-language web series produced by YRF Entertainment. It marks her OTT debut and a strategic step toward a pan-India presence. There’s also talk of her being cast opposite Rajkummar Rao in a new Hindi film (budgeted at £5 million [₹50 crore]), which, if confirmed, will further cement her transition into the national spotlight.
Keerthy Suresh’s slow and steady rise to pan-India fameInstagram/keerthysureshofficial
With her pan-India projects across theatrical and streaming platforms, Keerthy Suresh is emerging as the next big name to watch—one that doesn’t rely on hype but builds steadily through range and conviction.
Saaniya Abbas is going to hell – and she is taking us with her.
Well, not literally. But in Hellarious, her blisteringly bold stand-up debut at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Dubai-based comedian dives headfirst into the kind of topics that might make more cautious comics sweat. These include divorce, cultural taboos, internet fame, and the eternal question of whether your mother was right about that fiery afterlife.
In a groundbreaking moment for the UAE comedy scene, Saaniya becomes the first local stand-up to present a full solo hour at the Fringe – bringing her signature mix of sharp storytelling, cheeky irreverence, and personal confession to the world’s biggest stage. From a convent school in New Delhi to going viral post-divorce, her life has been filled with contradictions – and punchlines.
Eastern Eye caught up with Saaniya ahead of her history-making run to talk comedy, chaos, her new show, being fearless on stage, and crafting jokes in a colonoscopy waiting room.
Saaniya Abbasgetty images
What first connected you to comedy?
After a painful post-pandemic divorce, I randomly signed up for a comedy workshop (mostly to break up the daily routine of staring at my wall). I started writing jokes about everything I was going through. Watching that pain turn into laughter was easily the best high I have ever had. After that, I was hooked. Now, the worse life gets, the better the material.
Did you ever imagine becoming so popular?
I was a Harry Potter-obsessed nerd in school with thick glasses that covered most of my face. I was bullied relentlessly. It has always been hard for me to make friends, as I am socially awkward. So no, I never imagined being associated with the word ‘popular’.
How do you reflect on your action-packed comedy journey?
From the outside, it probably looks more glamorous than it really is. In truth, it has been a constant juggle – balancing a full-time job, stand-up, and content creation. It feels like I am working three jobs at once. On top of that, I am managing relationships and a dog who needs to poop at the worst possible times. It is a lot! A lot of hard work, late nights, and sacrifices. The grind is the hard part. But the moment I step on stage, everything else melts away. That is when it all makes sense.
Saaniya Abbasgetty images
How much are you looking forward to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I spent four days at the Fringe last year just to get a feel for it. It was the wildest, most overwhelming four days of my life – in the best way possible! I left knowing I had to be part of it. I have been manifesting this moment ever since.
Tell us about your show.
Hellarious is the culmination of the past four years of my life. It began as a tight 10 minutes of divorce jokes, and then I built the story around it – backwards and forwards. Who was I before it all? Why does that make what happened even funnier? What came after? It explores how the identity I was born into shaped my story, and how that story is now shaping the identity I want to create. It is a cathartic confession filled with tongue-in-cheek observations, cultural chaos, and some good old-fashioned oversharing.
Does being at such a huge festival with countless shows put pressure on you?
It is the no-breaks part that is intimidating. I have toured all over the UK before, but I always had some lovely rest days in between to catch my breath. The Fringe is a whole different beast: daily shows for a month, no days off. What if I get sick? I am basically overdosing on vitamins at this point, trying to build an immune system that can survive both the Scottish weather and my own anxiety.
How would you describe your brand of comedy?
My comedy is deeply personal. It is my story. Most of my jokes are so specific to my experience that nobody else can tell them. It is narrative-driven, with cheeky observations, and if you listen carefully, there is a quiet point simmering underneath it all. I want people to laugh, yes, but I also want them to see me. To realise they are part of my story too.
Is it fair to say that you are a fearless comedian?
The word ‘fearless’ is subjective. I am scared of unpredictable things – like tripping over a mic cord or confronting a heckler only to realise it is my ex-boyfriend’s mum from Year 7. Anything can happen. But when it comes to saying what I want on stage, I am not afraid. I trust my voice, and I trust my jokes. That said, I live in the Middle East, so there are things I cannot say. I may be brave, but I am not an idiot. I do not want to go to jail or get deported. But at the Fringe? Oh, those jokes are absolutely coming out.
But do you ever get nervous before going on stage?
No, I feel excited.
Do you know if a joke will work beforehand or only after you have performed it live?
A joke can feel hilarious in my head, kill in conversation, and then absolutely flop on stage. On the flip side, I have pitched jokes to friends who gave me the blankest expressions imaginable. But something in my gut says, ‘No, this will land.’ And more often than not, I am right. It is an instinct you develop – like a muscle, one awkward silence at a time.
Saaniya Abbasgetty images
Have you ever felt like you are revealing too much about yourself on stage?
Such a great question! When you do personal, narrative-style comedy, everything in your life starts to feel like fair game, especially when you are pulling from pain. But then one day, you try a new joke on stage and something just feels off. Maybe it is too soon. Maybe it is never going to be funny. You only find out by doing it. It is all trial and error. Everything in my show is something I have sat with, processed, and chosen to share. I will not say it if I am not ready to own it.
Has being funny ever got you out of trouble?
Not yet. Believe me, I have tried. Sadly, the cops at Dubai airport did not share my sense of humour. But hey, that story made a great bit. So, silver lining!
Who is your own comedy hero?
I adore Ricky Gervais. I think he is just so funny and real. He does not give a sh*t. I hope I am like him when I am old.
Where is the strangest place you have come up with a joke?
In the waiting room, right before my first colonoscopy.
What do you not find funny as a comedian?
I think some people are quite mean on stage. There is a big difference between being cheeky and just being cruel. I do not like that energy. It feels bitter and lazy, and it is not for me.
What inspires you creatively?
I am an art director by profession, so I have always lived in the world of art, design, books, music, and poetry. I grew up immersed in all of it, and those influences still fuel me. When it comes to comedy, I do not just see it as joke-telling. I see it as a performance. There is rhythm, wordplay, aesthetic, and even a bit of quiet poetry woven through the chaos.
Why should we all come to your Edinburgh Fringe show?
Because if all goes to plan, I will make you laugh. Or at the very least, smile. Maybe even cry a little. You will definitely leave feeling less alone. Also, I spent an absurd amount of money on these posters, so honestly, I really need you to come.
Govinda announces his film Duniyadari, marking his return after a 6-year break.
The actor posted a dance rehearsal video on Instagram teasing his next project.
Fans flooded the comments with support as the video crossed 11 million views.
His earlier Avatar casting claim resurfaced after wife Sunita Ahuja’s recent remarks.
Govinda is gearing up for a big-screen comeback with his next film Duniyadari, six years after his last cinematic outing. The actor shared a short video on Instagram where he’s seen rehearsing a dance routine, sparking excitement among fans who grew up watching his energetic performances.
Govinda’s new film Duniyadari begins with dance rehearsals
On Wednesday, Govinda posted a behind-the-scenes rehearsal clip with the caption, “Doing rehearsal for my forthcoming film Duniyadari.” Though the plot and team details remain under wraps, this glimpse alone has generated over 11 million views. In the video, he performs a smooth dance step, hinting at the signature moves fans associate with his earlier films.
The video received an overwhelming response, with fans calling him the “real superstar” and “Hero No. 1 forever.” Govinda was last seen in Rangeela Raja in 2019, directed by Sikander Bharti. His return marks a long-awaited moment for audiences who have missed his distinct style on screen.
Old Avatar claim resurfaces after Sunita Ahuja's YouTube remarks
Amid buzz around Duniyadari, an old controversy involving Govinda has made a comeback. Years ago, the actor claimed he had been offered the lead in James Cameron’s Avatar but turned it down. This topic came up again recently when his wife, Sunita Ahuja, appeared on Uorfi Javed’s YouTube channel.
Bollywood actor Govinda with his daughter Tina and wife Sunita at the Pinkvilla Style AwardsGetty Images
When asked about the claim, Sunita appeared surprised, saying she had never heard of such an offer. “I’ve been with Govinda for 40 years and I don’t know when this supposed meeting with the Avatar director happened,” she said. “I don’t lie and I don’t support what isn’t true.”
Whether true or not, the Avatar conversation has once again drawn attention to Govinda just as he begins his new chapter in Duniyadari.
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Lila Moss steps out in a sheer top and ruffled skirt at Paris Fashion Week
• Lila Moss, 22, wore a see-through black top to the Saint Laurent menswear show in Paris on 24 June • She styled the daring piece with a ruffled high-low skirt, stilettos, and a brown belt • The model has followed in her mum Kate Moss’s footsteps since her runway debut in 2021 • She’s set to raid Kate’s wardrobe for Glastonbury Festival, which begins tomorrow
Lila Moss made a bold appearance at Paris Fashion Week, wearing a sheer black top that turned heads at the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show. The 22-year-old model, daughter of Kate Moss and Jefferson Hack, paired the see-through top with a dramatic ruffled hem skirt, showing off both her legs and fashion confidence.
Lila Moss poses in a bold Saint Laurent ensemble at the menswear showcaseGetty Images
Lila Moss channels fearless fashion at Saint Laurent show
At the Paris Fashion Week event on 24 June, Lila opted for a look that was both risk and refinement. Her outfit featured a sheer, long-sleeved top worn without a bra, at times partially covered by her blonde hair and a mullet-style skirt that added texture and movement. Completing the outfit were sharp black stilettos and a wide brown belt that cinched the look together.
Lila’s style choice, in fact, resembles the fearless fashion moments once made iconic by her mother Kate Moss, who herself appeared in a similar sheer Saint Laurent outfit in March this year. The resemblance between the two, both in fashion sense and features, has not gone unnoticed by fans.
Lila Moss strikes a pose in stilettos and a dramatic high-low skirtGetty Images
Model reflects on Kate’s influence and Glastonbury plans
As Lila carves her own path in fashion, she’s still closely connected to her mum’s legacy. She’s graced runways for Miu Miu, covered British Vogue, and starred in campaigns for Marc Jacobs and Victoria’s Secret. But away from the catwalk, she’s just as likely to be raiding Kate’s wardrobe.
Speaking to Vogue Australia, Lila admitted she’s already picked out pieces from her mother’s closet for Glastonbury Festival, which kicks off tomorrow. “I’ll borrow a T-shirt months in advance,” she said, adding that she enjoys experimenting with styles she wouldn’t wear elsewhere.
Excited for this year’s line-up, highlighting artists like Neil Young and Fontaines D.C., Lila’s hoping to avoid the festival’s famously muddy grounds. “I’ve never experienced a super-muddy Glastonbury,” she confessed. “I’m praying I don’t this year.”