Talented actress Harshita Gaur made such an incredible impact with her debut TV serial Sadda Haq that she gained acclaim globally and got herself a cult following.
The rising star has become a powerful role model for her adoring fans and was voted the highest placed newcomer in Eastern Eye’s annual list of the 50 Sexiest Asian Women for 2016.
The fan’s favourite has now set herself up for even bigger projects in the future and looks likely to take the leap to the big screen. We caught up with Harshita to find out more about her. The down-to-earth actress also spoke about acting, Sadda Haq, future hopes, inspirations and more...
Tell us about the first time that you fell in love with acting?
(Smiles) I think I had fallen in love with acting one month after my show Sadda Haq ended, when I was badly missing it. Before that I think it was a long infatuation, but now that has become an eternal love.
Sadda Haq was your debut serial. What was it like facing the camera for the first time?
I was happy, excited, and have to admit a littlescared. (Laughs) It was exactly similar to what you feel on a rollercoaster ride, especially when suddenly going down the steep part.
When did you truly become confident in front of the camera?
I think I will only be able to answer this question after a lot of work I would have done, and I hope to do a lot of great work in the future. I am confident but it is always mixed with a little nervousness, which excites me instead. I see that nervousness as a positive because it actually saves me from being over-confident.
Did you ever imagine Sadda Haq would become such a cult show and your character Sanyukta Aggarwal would become so popular?
No I never imagined that at all, even though I was confident about the show. But in the beginning I never imagined or apprehended it would become such a success. Congratulations to the whole team for all their hard work.
Why do you think Sadda Haq did so well?
The story was amazing and connected really well with audiences. It was supported brilliantly by the producers and justified fantastically by the cast.
What are your fondest memories of the show?
The series gifted all of us working on it with so many magical moments. If I had to narrow it down, I would say when we were shooting outdoors in Film City for the entire village series.
What was it like working with yourco-star Param Singh?
It was amazing to work with Param, he is a brilliant co-actor. We would do a lot of reading and rehearsal before our scenes. We shared such a comfort level with each other that improvisations was never a problem because we understood the other person’s emotion at that time in that scene.
Do you think that it ended too soon and would you go back to it?
I think it ended pretty much at the right time, but yes I would want to go back for some more time for sure.
Sadda Haq was popular with fans, but which series have you loved?
I loved watching Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
Tell us about your current project?
(Smiles) So everyone has been asking me this question, which gives me immense pleasure as it shows how much my audience wants to see me back. I just want to tell all of them that I am just taking my time to do something that I really want to do. To be honest, sometimes I don’t like something, sometimes I am not liked, and sometimes good things that I have in hand take a lot of time to materialise. Even I want to be back soon! Let’s hope for the best. I am sure my fans want to see me bigger and better.
Talking of bigger, is cinema something that interests you?
Cinema is the only thing that interests me currently. Let’s see what the future holds.
What would be your dream role?
As an actor, you can’t have just one dream role because there are an infinite number of characters that one can play. But I do want to do something that sets as a good example for generations to come.
There are a lot of biopics being made; which real life character would you love to play?
I can’t name just one woman, but let’s say somebody who has been a combination of both soft and strong. Maybe someone like Rani Laxmibai in a film.
Which leading man from anywhere in the world would you love to be romanced by on-screen?
I think Bollywood actors are the best romantic actors in the world. If I had to choose one, I would love to be romanced by Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen. His eyes are just magical when it comes to romancing on-screen.
Tell us something about you that not many people know...
I think I have spoken a lot about myself in interviews, so people know pretty much everything about me as I am an open book. But I guess lately what many people don’t know is I am training in martial arts and enjoying it tremendously.
How did you feel being the highest placed newcomer in Eastern Eye’s 2016 list of 50 sexiest
Asian women in the world?
I felt like a sexy Indian woman who is loved by the people for her work, even beyond geographical boundaries.
What, according to you, makes a woman sexy?
The power in her eyes, the confidence in her voice, the innocence in her smile, and the elegance in her body language is what makes a woman sexy.
A lot of guys are in love with you. But what would it take for a man to impress you?
Humility will be the biggest quality of a man that would impress me.
How much do your fans mean to you?
Fans are everything for a performer. We work to make our audience happy and my well-wishers are just incredible. I would like to send a big hug to all of them.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me in so many ways. It could be my own life experiences or yours.
You always look amazing; what are your fashion inspirations?
(Laughs) I don’t think that I have a great fashion sense, nor do I follow the latest fashion trends. I just know how to look presentable. So I kind of manage with that the best I can.
Why do you love acting?
Acting is all about the feeling of being someone else momentarily. It allows you to see yourself through someone else’s window, and hence you not only discover about the other person you are portraying, but in the process you get to know yourself more also. It’s a beautiful process and profession.
Would you like to give a message to your fans?
I just want to say to all my fans that I love you. Thank you so much for loving and appreciating me. I know that you want to see me back on screen soon. I promise that I will never disappoint you and always work hard. Muah!
Ed Sheeran’s latest single, Sapphire, is out now, and it marks a new chapter in his musical journey. With the Indian rhythms, rich storytelling, and unexpected star power, Sapphire is a big cross-cultural leap for the British singer-songwriter.
A musical journey through India with Arijit and SRK in the spotlight
Bringing together the soulful voice of Arijit Singh, choreography by Bollywood icon Farah Khan, and a surprise appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, the song celebrates global connection. Recorded during Sheeran’s visit to India earlier this year, Sapphire captures the spirit of collaboration and joy. From a sitar-laced melody to Arijit's vocals, the track has the feel of a summer anthem rooted in shared sounds and stories.
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance in the Sapphire music video
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, traces Sheeran’s journey across India, starting on a rooftop at sunrise and winding through beaches, bustling markets, and backlot film sets. There is even a stop at A.R. Rahman’s music school, where he jams with young musicians. One standout moment was a studio session with Arijit and a bike ride around his hometown.
In his own words, Ed says, " Sapphire was the first track that really gave me direction for the album. I finished it in Goa with some amazing Indian musicians. Getting Arijit on board was the missing puzzle piece. We even recorded a Punjabi version that drops soon; it’s one of my favourites on the record."
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh in India
New album Play coming this September and live shows sell out instantly
Sapphire is part of Sheeran’s upcoming album Play, releasing on 12 September 2025. After closing the Mathematics era, this album sees him experimenting with sounds from India and Iran.
In other exciting news, Sheeran’s homecoming gigs in Ipswich, his first UK headline shows since 2023, sold out immediately. Taking place at Portman Road Stadium in July, the three-night run will feature guests like Tori Kelly, James Blunt, and Busted. A portion of ticket sales will go to The Live Trust, a new fund aimed at supporting grassroots music professionals.
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Badshah reacts to backlash over controversial Dua Lipa comment
Rapper Badshah found himself in hot water after a social media post about global pop sensation Dua Lipa. What started as a simple tweet, her name with a heart emoji, quickly spiralled into chaos when a fan asked if they were collaborating. Badshah's response? "I'd rather make babies with her bro."
Badshah's viral response to the comment under his tweet Twitter Screengrab
The backlash was instant. Critics called the remark objectifying and disrespectful, forcing Badshah to clarify. Trying to douse the fire, he later posted, "I think one of the most beautiful compliments you can give a woman you really admire is to wish for her to mother your children. Meri soch nahi, tumhari soch saamne aayi hai." But the clarification didn't sit well with many, who criticised him for doubling down rather than acknowledging the issue. "Since when did that qualify as a compliment?" one user wrote, while others called it tone-deaf and entitled.
— (@)
Honey Singh joins the fray with a sarcastic jab
As the debate raged on, Badshah's longtime rival, Honey Singh, couldn't resist chiming in. Reacting to the rapper's explanation on Instagram, Singh dropped a sarcastic "Genius 😂👏👏," clearly mocking the justification. Fans caught the dig immediately, with some laughing at the not-so-subtle jab between the two, who've had a rocky relationship for years.
Badshah had previously expressed a desire to end their feud, but Singh's latest comment suggests the tension isn't fading anytime soon. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to make headlines, whether for his dramatic weight loss, rumoured romance with Tara Sutaria, or this latest controversy. One thing's clear: Badshah knows how to stay in the spotlight, but not always for the right reasons.
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Anurag Kashyap reacts sharply to Ted Sarandos’ remarks on Sacred Games
Anurag Kashyap is known for being outspoken, and this weekend he made headlines again, this time taking aim at Netflix’s top boss Ted Sarandos. The filmmaker lashed out after Sarandos questioned the streaming platform’s early approach in India, particularly their decision to kick things off with Kashyap’s gritty crime drama Sacred Games in 2018.
During an interview on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast People by WTF, Sarandos said he may have chosen a more “populist” route if he could go back, admitting the series was perhaps too novel for the Indian market at the time. The comments didn’t sit well with Kashyap, who fired back on social media, calling Sarandos “the definition of dumb” and sarcastically suggesting the platform should’ve launched with traditional “saas-bahu” content instead.
Kashyap takes aim at Netflix’s shift to mass-market content
Kashyap’s reference wasn’t just casual; it came at a time when Netflix India has partnered with Balaji Telefilms, led by Ektaa Kapoor, best known for her highly successful daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The filmmaker’s post read: “He should have started with Saas Bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now. I always knew tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb is what I didn’t know.”
The post sparked debate online, with even singer-actor Lisa Mishra chiming in to support Kashyap, saying that everything on OTT today is “derivative… specifically of Sacred Games.”
Kapoor, without naming Kashyap, responded via Instagram by accusing unnamed artists of being classist. She defended soap operas, claiming they gave a voice to Indian women and were even studied by international researchers. Her post ended with a call for inclusivity and “graciousness.”
Ekta Kapoor's story Instagram screengrab/ektakapoor
A clash of content ideologies in India’s OTT landscape
Sacred Games, co-directed by Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and starring Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was a landmark moment for Indian streaming content. Though it didn’t continue past two seasons, it opened doors for darker, more experimental storytelling in Indian OTT.
Sarandos’ comments appear to suggest that while Sacred Games earned critical acclaim, it may not have been the right commercial launchpad for Netflix in India. Kashyap, however, sees the platform’s current pivot toward formula-driven programming as a step backward.
Ted Sarandos talks about Sacred Games for Netflix IndiaGetty Images
This very public disagreement brings to light a bigger conversation in the entertainment industry, between art that challenges and content that simply sells.
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Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stage
Billie Eilish appears to have confirmed her latest romance in the most cinematic way possible, with a champagne-fuelled kiss on a sunny balcony in Venice. The singer was spotted with actor and musician Nat Wolff, and the intimate moment has fans convinced that the long-rumoured pair are now officially a couple.
In photos circulating online, the Chihiro singer and Wolff are seen locking lips while casually dressed in matching grey T-shirts, enjoying champagne and sunshine in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
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A long-rumoured connection comes into focus
While this is the first clear public display from the duo, Eilish and Wolff’s bond goes back a while. They worked together on her music video Chihiro, which she directed. Around the same time, Nat and his brother Alex opened for her during the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour in 2024.
Fans first started speculating about their closeness earlier this year when the two were seen leaving the iHeart Music Awards together and later on a night out in New York City. Although both had previously described their friendship as platonic, there seemed to be more under the surface.
Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stageGetty Images
In past interviews, Wolff described their connection as one of shared understanding, particularly around living with Tourette syndrome, a condition both have spoken about. “It’s rare to find people you don’t have to explain yourself to,” Wolff once shared, adding that he and Eilish could just “be” around each other.
Keeping it private until now
Eilish has openly said she regrets how much she’s shared about her personal life in the past. In an interview, she stated she wanted to keep her dating life and sexuality out of the spotlight going forward.
A kiss in Italy sparks fresh buzz around Billie Eilish’s love lifeGetty Images
“I wish no one knew anything about my dating life,” she said. “And I’m never talking about who I’m dating ever again.”
Still, their recent public outing in Venice may signal a quiet shift in that. Whether or not they’ll speak out, the photos seem to say plenty.
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The cast of Maybe Happy Ending celebrates their big night at the Tony Awards
South Korea just scored a historic milestone at the Tony Awards, with the musical Maybe Happy Ending bagging six trophies, including Best Musical and Best Lead Actor. The show, centred on two ageing helper robots living on the edge of Seoul, left the awards night buzzing. Korean entertainment, long a force in film, television, and music, is now making serious inroads into Western theatre too.
From Seoul to Broadway: A story born in two languages
Maybe Happy Ending wasn’t always destined for the bright lights of Broadway. It first opened in a small Seoul theatre in 2016, a result of a local arts foundation’s programme. Co-created by South Korean lyricist Hue Park and American composer Will Aronson, the story explores loneliness, connection, and memory through the eyes of obsolete robots. Written in both Korean and English, the piece has been reimagined several times since its debut.
Darren Criss, known to many as a Glee star, played Oliver and took home his first Tony for the role. His co-star Helen J Shen portrayed Claire, the other robot. Together, they brought the emotional weight to a futuristic love story that’s more human than it sounds.
While the robots explore feelings in a near-future Seoul, the show managed to preserve distinct Korean elements like Jeju Island and the traditional plant pot hwabun on the Broadway stage, something fans celebrated online.
A cultural shift, decades in the making
With this win, South Korea joins the rare club of nations with major victories across all four major American entertainment awards, including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and now Tonys. From Parasite to Squid Game, and now Maybe Happy Ending, Korean creators are no longer breaking into the global scene, they’re leading it.
The success also validates years of quiet work in South Korea’s theatre scene. Original musicals like Marie Curie and The Great Gatsby have made appearances in the West End and on Broadway, but Maybe Happy Ending marks the first time a Korean musical has truly swept the Tonys.
As one critic noted, more than awards, it’s about shifting global perspectives. Korean musicals are no longer export hopefuls. They’re now centre stage.