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.
• Hailey Bieber says she suffered postpartum haemorrhage and nearly died giving birth to her son Jack • Doctors had to induce labour after she leaked amniotic fluid at 39 weeks • She opened up about battling body dysmorphia and online hate during recovery • Hailey addressed divorce rumours and praised Justin as an “extraordinary father” despite his ongoing mental health issues
Hailey Bieber has opened up about her traumatic childbirth experience, revealing that she nearly died during the delivery of her first child with Justin Bieber. Speaking to Vogue Italia, the model and RHODE founder recalled the terrifying moment she began to bleed uncontrollably after her son, Jack Blues Bieber, was born.
Doctors had induced labour during her 39th week after she started leaking amniotic fluid, a situation that quickly escalated. “I had complete faith in my doctor,” she said. “But I was bleeding a lot. And people die. That’s a thought that crosses your mind.”
The 28-year-old said the birth was the most physically painful thing she has ever endured, but her only focus was ensuring Jack was safe.
Hailey Bieber reveals she suffered postpartum haemorrhage after deliveryGetty Images
What caused Hailey Bieber’s emergency labour and postpartum bleeding?
Hailey explained that her labour didn’t go as expected. After her water started leaking prematurely, doctors used oxytocin to trigger contractions and a Foley balloon, a device inserted to widen the cervix to speed up the process.
While she was relieved to deliver a healthy 8-pound baby, things took a drastic turn afterward. She began haemorrhaging heavily, a condition known as postpartum haemorrhage, which can lead to severe complications or death if not treated immediately.
Despite the fear, she credited her medical team for saving her life and called the entire experience “deeply humbling.”
Hailey Bieber addresses divorce rumours and Justin’s mental healthGetty Images
Did Hailey Bieber face body image issues after childbirth?
Postpartum recovery wasn’t just physical for Hailey. She revealed that she struggled with body dysmorphia, made worse by the constant scrutiny and hateful comments online.
“People kept saying we were getting divorced or that I looked awful after the baby,” she said. “It messes with your mind. You start believing some of it, even when you know it’s not true.”
Hailey said she often found herself doom-scrolling through tabloids looking for hurtful stories about her marriage, something she admits was self-destructive.
Hailey Bieber says motherhood nearly killed her and speaks on recoveryGetty Images
How is Justin Bieber coping with fatherhood and mental health?
Hailey praised Justin’s response to fatherhood, calling him a “natural” and “extraordinary father.” However, she also hinted at his ongoing struggles with mental health, saying he’s still navigating through a rough phase.
“He told me, ‘I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of,’” she said. “But he’s also dealing with things that the public doesn’t see.”
Hailey dismissed reports that they are splitting or relocating due to stress. “People make up stories every two days. It’s exhausting,” she said, adding that living in Los Angeles has become difficult due to constant paparazzi intrusion.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber attend the premiere of YouTube Original's "Justin Bieber: Seasons"Getty Images
Why Hailey Bieber is choosing to speak out now
Through it all, Hailey said she felt compelled to speak openly about motherhood, both the beauty and the brutality of it.
“So many women go through this quietly. I want to be honest about how hard it is,” she said. “Motherhood is amazing, but it’s also raw, painful, and terrifying. And that’s okay to say out loud.”
As she continues to raise her son and support her husband, Hailey said she’s more grounded than ever. “This is my real life,” she said. “Not the headlines. Not the rumours. Just this.”
You know what’s worse than silence? The kind of silence that sounds like applause. Applause for a director who’s known for "launching careers." Praise for a superstar who’s worshipped on-screen but whispers vile things off it. This is the silence that kept Bollywood’s casting couch culture alive for decades.
Forget the dance numbers and the dreamy close-ups. Strip away the sequins, and you often find something ugly festering in Bollywood's shadows. An ugly tradition that’s still thriving. It’s not new. It’s not gone.
But something is shifting.
Bollywood begin to say no to powerful predatorsiStock
Not because some studio rolled out a policy or because men suddenly found a conscience. The shift is because women, real, working, talented women decided they were done keeping secrets. Not just for themselves, but for every other girl sitting in an autorickshaw on her way to a dodgy audition, thinking "Maybe this one will be different."
Let me tell you, these aren't gossip tidbits. These are stories of courage, shame, dignity, and rage. Here's what Bollywood didn’t expect: women who wouldn't just say no but say it out loud.
Surveen Chawla: The one who refused to break
Imagine this: You're married. You think you've earned some respect. Then, sitting in a director's office in Mumbai, discussing work, he lunges to kiss you. That was Surveen's reality. Not once, but multiple times. From being sexually harassed as a child to enduring repeated casting couch proposals, even after marriage, her journey is a full-blown testament to what women face in Indian cinema. She pushed him back. She shouted. She got out. But saying "no" cost her. Roles vanished. Opportunities dried up. She felt so filthy, so dirty just stepping outside her door, she almost quit acting altogether. That’s the price of dignity in this game.
Surveen Chawla recounts a post-marriage assault that nearly made her quit the industryInstagram/surveenchawla
Isha Sharvani: The one who walked away
You know Isha; graceful, poised, electrifying on screen. Then a superstar, the kind of name that makes headlines. He looked at Isha Sharvani, a talented dancer and actress, and didn't see her skill. He saw an object. His demand was blunt, brutal: "Sleep with me." That’s it. No subtlety. Just the raw abuse of power. Isha didn't bargain. She didn't play the game. She packed her bags and walked straight out of Bollywood. The mental strain, the constant fear, it wasn't worth the spotlight. She chose peace over the poison.
Isha Sharvani walked away from Bollywood after a superstar made an indecent demandInstagram/isha.sharvani
Jamie Lever: The industry kid who found out no one’s really safe
Think being a legend's kid buys you safety? Think again. Being Johnny Lever’s daughter didn’t shield Jamie. A man claiming to be an international director asked her to strip on camera for an audition. Jamie said no. Slammed that virtual door shut. Later, she realised it was pure blackmail bait. The shock wasn't just the request, it was realising her famous father's shadow meant nothing to these predators. The lesson was brutal: No one is safe. Not even the ones you think are untouchable. This industry eats its young.
Jamie Lever recounted the experience of realising how even being Johnny Lever’s daughter couldn’t shield herInstagram/its_jamielever
Barkha Singh: The one calling out exploitation in your inbox
Think the casting couch only happens in dimly lit offices? Think again. Barkha Singh, fresh off acclaim in Criminal Justice 4, opened her inbox. There it was: an email dangling a role in a South Indian film. The catch? A "compromise." Just like that. No meeting. No pretence. A cold, digital proposition reducing her talent to a transaction. It’s disgusting. It’s cowardly. And Barkha called it out. Loud and clear. This is the new age of coercion, digital and disguised. And Barkha made sure it didn’t stay hidden behind a screen.
Barkha Singh exposed digital casting couch tactics through a disturbing film offer emailInstagram/barkhasingh0308
Saiyami Kher: The one who saw the face of a female predator
Saiyami Kher was just 18, fresh into the Telugu scene, when a female agent leaned in. "You’ll have to compromise for roles." Compromise. A slick word for selling yourself. Saiyami refused. Flat out. But it stuck with her. Because exploitation isn’t always from men. And “support” doesn’t always come from women. Her story rips off another layer: Exploitation doesn't wear a gender.
Saiyami Kher recalled being pressured by a female agent to compromise for roles early in her careerInstagram/saiyami
This isn’t a trend. It’s a reckoning
They tried to make the casting couch a norm. A rite of passage. Something you whispered about but never challenged. But these women, they shattered the mould. The old story was silence. The new story is these women writing their own endings. Resisting. Walking away. Calling it out. Setting boundaries. On their terms.
They are not anomalies. In fact, they’re the beginning of something bigger. And no, this isn't a happy ending. Because there isn’t one. Not yet.
Sure, there's talk of change since #MeToo. More awareness, maybe some awkward HR seminars. But Surveen nailed it: Fear has to become the predator's problem, not the prey's. We need actual teeth: enforced policies, unions with backbone, real legal consequences. Not just whispers of "time's up," but concrete action that makes the cost of harassment too damn high.
What looks like a conversation can often carry unspoken threats in the world of castingiStock
This isn't about gossip. It’s the weight, the shame, and the words that cut deeper than offers.
This is the part where I should say "the industry is changing."
But is it?
Maybe. Slowly. Unevenly.
For every Surveen, there are a dozen others too scared to speak. For every Barkha, a hundred emails still land in inboxes daily. But something is undeniable now: the silence has lost its grip.
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Prithviraj Sukumaran reveals how Rajamouli uses scale as storytelling in SSMB 29
SSMB 29 is an upcoming jungle adventure featuring Mahesh Babu, directed by S.S. Rajamouli
Prithviraj Sukumaran joins the cast alongside Priyanka Chopra
Sukumaran calls Rajamouli a master of “scale as canvas”
The actor also addressed trolling faced by Ibrahim Ali Khan in a separate interview
SSMB 29, the much-anticipated collaboration between Mahesh Babu and visionary director S.S. Rajamouli, continues to generate massive buzz across Indian cinema circles. The jungle-themed action adventure, currently in production, boasts a star-studded cast including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, making it one of the biggest PAN-India spectacles in the works.
In a recent interview, Prithviraj Sukumaran offered a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on Rajamouli’s directorial style. “Scale can never be the story; it’s just the canvas,” the Malayalam superstar explained. “Rajamouli sir chooses large backdrops because he excels at telling a story through big, visual strokes.”
This subtle but telling remark sheds light on what sets Rajamouli apart, not just his ability to deliver grand visuals, but his commitment to narrative depth.
What is SSMB 29 about, and why is there so much hype?
While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, industry insiders describe SSMB 29 as a high-octane, jungle-based action-adventure rooted in mythology and survival themes. With Mahesh Babu leading the charge, and Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra playing key roles, the project is shaping up to be a high-concept action drama meant for global appeal.
Given Rajamouli’s track record, Baahubali and RRR being massive box-office and streaming hits, the anticipation is sky-high. The film is expected to push cinematic boundaries much like his previous ventures.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29 Getty Images
Why Prithviraj’s Rajamouli remark matters
Prithviraj’s praise for Rajamouli cuts deeper than surface-level flattery. In calling scale “just a canvas,” he, in fact, points to the director’s rare ability to balance spectacle with substance, something often lost in big-budget filmmaking.
Rajamouli is known for building emotional arcs into massive story worlds. Whether it’s Amarendra Baahubali’s journey or Komaram Bheem’s rebellion in RRR, the characters never get lost in CGI or grandeur. Sukumaran’s comment suggests that SSMB 29 will follow a similar formula: world-building that never loses sight of the story’s heart.
Prithviraj calls Rajamouli a master of visual storytelling in SSMB 29Instagram/therealprithvi
Prithviraj also defends Ibrahim Ali Khan amid criticism
In a separate interview, Prithviraj also weighed in on the backlash faced by his Sarzameen co-star Ibrahim Ali Khan for his Netflix debut Nadaaniyan. Responding to the criticism, he said, “If Shah Rukh Khan sir can still be criticised, why can’t Ibrahim Ali Khan be criticised?”
The actor pointed out that even industry giants like Mohanlal and Mammootty continue to face criticism in Kerala. “There’s nothing bigger than that to understand this never ends. You just keep trying. It never gets easier.”
He added that Ibrahim is “one of the most well-prepared debutants” he has worked with and praised the young actor’s dedication. “The camera really loves him,” he said.
There’s no official release date yet, but production is currently underway. Given the scale and ambition of the project, a late 2025 or early 2026 release seems likely.
SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29 Getty Images
Until then, fans will have to wait for more official updates, but with Rajamouli at the helm and a powerful cast in place, SSMB 29 already promises to be one of Indian cinema’s biggest cinematic events.
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Kamal Haasan says Maareesan made him laugh and reflect as Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu return with bold new roles
Kamal Haasan praised Maareesan as a film that “dances between wit and depth” in a social media post.
The Tamil comedy thriller stars Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu, directed by Sudheesh Sankar.
Kamal noted the film’s humour, emotional core, and commentary on societal issues.
Maareesan is set for theatrical release on 25 July 2025.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has given his stamp of approval to Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu’s upcoming Tamil film Maareesan, calling it a refreshing mix of comedy, social insight, and strong performances.
The highly anticipated comedy thriller, directed by Sudheesh Sankar and written by V Krishna Moorthy, is set to release in theatres this Friday. Kamal took to his X account to praise the film, describing it as the kind of cinema he naturally gravitates towards both as an audience member and a filmmaker.
Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu team up for an emotional road film in MaareesanInstagram/supergoodfilms
What did Kamal Haasan say about Maareesan?
In his review, Kamal Haasan wrote, “Watched Maareesan – a film that dances effortlessly between wit and depth, leaving me laughing, thinking, and admiring its craft. Had a wonderful conversation with the team to congratulate them on this delightful creation.”
He further added, “Beneath its humour lies a socially conscious lens on human emotion and a keen gaze at the darker shadows of our society. The kind of inventive, spirited cinema I naturally gravitate towards, both as a viewer and a creator.”
Kamal’s review has sparked more interest around the film, with fans praising his support and expressing eagerness to watch it on opening day.
— (@)
What is Maareesan about?
Maareesan tells the story of Dhaya, played by Fahadh Faasil, a thief who sets out to rob an elderly man, Velayudham, played by Vadivelu, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. What begins as a heist turns into an unexpected emotional journey for both characters. The film mixes humour with social reflection, examining themes of trust, memory, and transformation.
The film also features a strong ensemble including Kovai Sarala, Vivek Prasanna, PL Thenappan, Sithara, Renuka, Livingston, and Krishna. Music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography is by Kalaiselvan Sivaji, and editing by Sreejith Sarang.
Apart from the unusual pairing of Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu, Maareesan has caught attention for its unique plot and Kamal Haasan’s public endorsement. Both Fahadh and Vadivelu were previously seen together in Maamannan (2023), which earned £4.9 million (₹52 crore) at the box office. Their chemistry and acting prowess have set expectations high for this new collaboration.
Director Sudheesh Sankar is also known for weaving socially relevant themes into commercial cinema, and Maareesan appears to follow that legacy. The backing of Super Good Films and a robust technical crew only adds to the film’s appeal.
Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu in a still from MaareesanInstagram/supergoodfilms
When and where will Maareesan release?
Maareesan will hit theatres on 25 July 2025, clashing with other major releases including Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen’s Thalaivan Thalaivii, and Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu. Despite the competition, the early buzz and positive word of mouth may give Maareesan an edge, especially among fans of strong storytelling and socially conscious cinema.
With Kamal Haasan’s ringing endorsement and a compelling mix of humour and emotions, Maareesan is poised to be one of the most talked-about Tamil films this month.
As Dear Comrade turns six, fans are drawing comparisons with Vijay Deverakonda’s upcoming biggie Kingdom (Saamraajya), and honestly? The parallels are hard to ignore. From intense roles to trailer release timing, here’s what’s got everyone talking.
6 years after Dear Comrade, Vijay Deverakonda brings back the fire in Kingdom
1. Same date, same energy
Dear Comrade hit theatres on 26th July 2019, and this year, the trailer of Kingdom drops on the same day, 26th July. Coincidence? Maybe. But fans are already calling it a strategic full-circle moment in Vijay's career.
2. The return of intense Vijay
Back in Dear Comrade, Vijay delivered one of his most emotionally raw performances: brooding, aggressive, and deeply vulnerable. From what we’ve seen of Kingdom so far, he’s back in beast mode. Long hair, fierce eyes, that signature slow-burn rage. It’s vintage Deverakonda.
3. Chemistry vs. chaos
While Dear Comrade gave us the unforgettable Vijay–Rashmika pairing, Kingdom seems to shift focus from romance to rebellion. But there’s one common thread: high-stakes emotion. Whether it’s love or legacy, Vijay sure knows how to turn the heat up.
4. From comrade to king
If Dear Comrade was about fighting for love, Kingdom looks like a fight for power. The titles alone: “Comrade” vs. “Kingdom”, suggest an evolution. From a revolutionary rebel to someone stepping into legacy, it feels like a cinematic transformation.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom mirrors Dear Comrade in more ways than one
Coming soon
Kingdom (Saamraajya) hits theatres on 31st July 2025, just five days after Dear Comrade’s anniversary and the trailer drop. Whether it mirrors the emotional pull of Comrade or takes things to a whole new level, we’ll find out soon enough.
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Alice Cooper reunites original band after 52 years with posthumous Glen Buxton track and new album ‘The Revenge of Alice Cooper’
Alice Cooper releases The Revenge of Alice Cooper on 25 July with original band members
First full studio album together since 1973’s Muscle of Love
Features a posthumous appearance by late guitarist Glen Buxton
Includes 16 tracks with lead singles Black Mamba and Wild Ones
Rock’s most theatrical villain is staging his most surprising resurrection yet. At 77, Alice Cooper has reunited with the original lineup of his namesake band for The Revenge of Alice Cooper, their first full studio album together since 1973. Released on 25 July, the album marks a powerful comeback that revives their signature ‘70s shock-rock sound while delivering fresh energy for longtime fans.
The new 16-track album reunites Cooper with surviving bandmates: rhythm guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith, in what many are calling a long-overdue return. Notably, the album also features a posthumous guitar solo by Glen Buxton, the band’s original lead guitarist who passed away in 1997.
Alice Cooper with original band members Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and Michael Bruce backstage during Music Biz 2017Getty Images
What is The Revenge of Alice Cooper about?
The album is a return to the macabre, theatrical storytelling that made the band legendary in the early 1970s. Produced by Bob Ezrin, a longtime collaborator behind hits like School’s Out and Billion Dollar Babies, The Revenge of Alice Cooper leans into gothic glam, vintage horror tropes, and guitar-heavy anthems.
The tracklist includes songs like Wild Ones, a fast-paced throwback co-written by Dunaway, and Kill the Flies, which echoes the madness of The Ballad of Dwight Fry. The band also pays tribute to their past with What Happened to You, which features unreleased guitar parts recorded by Buxton before his death.
While Buxton’s legacy looms large, new lead guitarist Gyasi Heus fills the void with raw garage rock energy that honours Buxton’s original style. Though not as wild-eyed, Heus holds his own, especially on standout tracks like Up All Night and Black Mamba, the latter of which features a cameo by The Doors’ Robby Krieger.
Ezrin’s production ensures the album sounds as gritty and layered as the band’s early catalogue, combining slick musicianship with theatrical storytelling, a formula that influenced acts like Kiss and David Bowie.
How does Alice Cooper reflect on his career and legacy?
Speaking ahead of the release, Cooper said the band chemistry “felt exactly the same” despite the decades apart. “We accidentally made a 1975 album,” he joked. Known for playing the villain onstage, Cooper also revealed a personal side: a golf-loving grandfather and preacher’s son who’s been sober for 42 years.
“I wanted Alice to be terrifying,” he said, “but I didn’t mind if he slipped on a banana peel.” He also credited his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheryl, for helping him get clean. “She still plays Marie Antoinette on stage, still dances better than any 20-year-old.”
Alice Cooper performs with 3 original band members Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith during Music Biz 2017Getty Images
Why is The Revenge of Alice Cooper trending now?
Interest in legacy rock acts has surged in recent years, with nostalgia driving record vinyl sales and older artists dominating festival lineups. The return of Cooper’s original band taps into that demand, offering not just a revival but a fresh reminder of their cultural imprint.
From teenage misfits to rock trailblazers, the Alice Cooper Group’s comeback album bridges past and present. As Cooper puts it on the album’s closing track, See You on the Other Side: “I know someday we’re gonna play together again.” After half a century, that day has finally come.