He said "only men can cheat not women": Somy Ali on rocky relationship with Salman Khan
“In addition to tons of affairs and flings he would constantly belittle me by calling me ugly, stupid and dumb. Not a day went by that he wouldn’t make me feel worthless and small,” she wrote.
Actress-turned-social activist Somy Ali who has often spoken about physical abuse by ex-boyfriend and actor Salman Khan has now broached the topic once again.
The Pakistani-American actor took to Instagram to share a post, where she revealed that she "chose to have affairs" because of the "treatment" meted out to her by the 'Tere Naam' actor.
"I have no qualms in saying that given his (Salman's) treatment of me, I chose to have affairs which essentially defined as a search for someone who would care for me and love me. Someone who would not insult me and would actually be nice to me. Unfortunately, I was unaware that these men were simply using me and I was building a future with each affair while I was simply being used," she wrote.
"When Salman learned of these affairs he had the guts to after beating me saying that I am a man and only men can cheat not women. I was aghast at that statement and the sexism that reeked from it," Somy Ali added.
In the post which had a vintage picture of the 'Yaar Gaddar' actor, featured a long caption alongside it which highlighted all that she had to endure during the 'eight years' she spent with him which she described were "the worst years of my entire existence."
"In addition to tons of affairs and flings, he would constantly belittle me by calling me ugly, stupid, and dumb. Not a day went by that he wouldn't make me feel worthless and small," she wrote.
"He would not acknowledge me as his girlfriend in public for years and when he finally did he would insult me in front of his friends and berate me nonstop," she added.
In addition to the post, Somy also shared a video on Instagram where she alleged that the 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' actor had banned her show 'Fight of Flight' on Discovery Plus.
"Mr. Khan has provoked me by banning my show on Discovery Plus, which was 'Fight of Flight' which enabled us to rescue victims from India. 82% victims we rescued were Indian women. 90% of our dons are Indian men and women," she said in the video.
"Mr Salman Khan has hindered this process by approaching Discovery Plus and banning our show in India. This is why after 20 years it took me the courage to speak up to save the lives of Indian men, women, children, and members of the LGBTQ community. He took this away from us and that is why I spoke up," she added.
The 46-year-old concluded the video by asking the 57-year-old actor to issue a 'public apology' for his alleged misdeeds.
"What I want from Mr Salman Khan is to confess what he did to me and put me through verbal, sexual and physical abuse. And I want a public apology which a narcissistic individual would probably never do," she said.
Somy was last seen on the silver screen in the 1997 film 'Chupp', after which she took to social activism for women's rights in South Asia. She established an NGO named 'No More Tears' in 2006.
She was in a much-publicized relationship with the 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' actor in the 1990s.
Salman, on the other hand, will be next seen in director Farhad Samji's upcoming family entertainer film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan' alongside Pooja Hegde which is all set to hit the theatres on the occasion of Eid 2023.
Apart from that, he also has an action thriller film 'Tiger 3' opposite Katrina Kaif which is all set to hit the theatres on the occasion of Diwali 2023.
Top Boy star Michael Ward, 27, has been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The alleged offences involve one woman and are reported to have occurred in January 2023.
Ward has denied the allegations and says he has cooperated fully with the investigation.
The BAFTA-winning actor is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August.
BAFTA-winning actor Michael Ward, best known for his role as Jamie in the Netflix crime drama Top Boy, has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences, including two counts of rape. The charges stem from an incident reported by one woman, said to have taken place in January 2023.
The 27-year-old actor, originally from Jamaica and currently residing in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was charged by the Metropolitan Police following a review of the evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Ward will appear in court on 28 August at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London.
Top Boy actor Micheal Ward faces rape and assault chargesGetty Images
What charges has Michael Ward been accused of?
According to a statement released by the CPS, Michael Ward faces five charges: two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. All allegations relate to a single woman and are said to have occurred in January 2023.
Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, stated:
“After carefully reviewing the evidence submitted by the Metropolitan Police, the CPS has authorised criminal charges against Michael Ward. These proceedings are now active, and we urge the public to refrain from sharing any potentially prejudicial material.”
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is leading the investigation, added that specialist officers are supporting the complainant throughout the legal process.
Micheal Ward denies rape charges ahead of court appearanceGetty Images
What has Michael Ward said about the allegations?
In response to the charges, Ward issued a public statement through his legal representatives, maintaining his innocence:
“I deny the charges against me entirely. I have fully cooperated with the police during the investigation and will continue to do so. I believe in the legal process and have full faith that my name will be cleared.”
He declined to provide further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
Bafta winner Micheal Ward accused of rape and sexual offencesGetty Images
Who is Michael Ward and what is he known for?
Michael Ward rose to prominence with his breakout role in the 2019 film Blue Story. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jamie in Top Boy, which aired on Netflix from 2019 to 2022. His performance in Small Axe: Lovers Rock earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2021.
In 2020, Ward was awarded the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star Award. He also starred in the critically acclaimed drama Empire of Light in 2022 and is set to appear alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in the upcoming US film Eddington, scheduled for UK release on 22 August.
Outside of his acting career, Ward has been involved in various public events, including a reading at the Princess of Wales’ Christmas Eve carol service and a charity football match for Soccer Aid.
Micheal Ward to appear in court over rape and assault allegationsGetty Images
What happens next in the legal process?
Michael Ward is scheduled to appear before Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August 2025. Until then, the actor remains out of custody. If the case proceeds, it could be moved to a Crown Court for trial.
The CPS has reminded the public and media outlets that the actor is entitled to a fair trial and any commentary or speculation that might influence the proceedings could amount to contempt of court.
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AR Rahman and Sam Altman smile after their meeting at OpenAI office
AR Rahman met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss his AI-driven musical project, Secret Mountain.
The project aims to empower Indian creators through AI and build a global virtual music band.
Rahman envisions an immersive metaverse experience with characters from diverse cultures.
The initiative will use Hedera’s distributed ledger tech and metahuman storytelling tools.
Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has officially announced his collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for his ambitious AI-powered project, Secret Mountain. Sharing an image from their meeting on social media, Rahman described their discussions around using artificial intelligence to uplift and empower Indian creators facing generational challenges.
The project is a unique fusion of AI, immersive storytelling, and global music culture, with Rahman at the helm as its creative visionary. At a time when conversations around AI and creativity are growing louder, this collaboration signals a significant step in shaping how Indian artists interact with future tech.
AR Rahman and Sam Altman smile after their meeting at OpenAI office Instagram/
What is AR Rahman’s Secret Mountain and how does AI power it?
Rahman introduced Secret Mountain in February 2024 via a YouTube video titled Introducing the Secret Mountain. The animated clip narrates the story of Luna, a young woman who escapes the mindless cycle of digital distractions and enters a mystical world filled with musical characters from various cultures, including names like Cara, Ekam, David, and Aafia.
The video hinted at a virtual, metaverse-led musical space that brings together diverse voices across geographies. The project is built using Hedera, a distributed ledger technology known for secure and scalable digital frameworks. Hedera has described Secret Mountain as a “metahuman” project, indicating characters that exist in the digital realm with lifelike features and voices.
Rahman met Altman at OpenAI’s San Francisco office to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to solve creative, cultural, and generational barriers, particularly in India. In his post, Rahman wrote, “It was a pleasure to meet @sama at his office. We discussed Secret Mountain, our virtual global band, and ways to empower and uplift Indian minds to use AI tools.”
OpenAI VP Srinivas Narayanan added that Rahman also held a Q&A session at OpenAI, where he elaborated on his artistic vision and how AI intersects with storytelling and music. Narayanan called Rahman a “true innovator,” highlighting his past work with immersive technologies like VR film Le Musk.
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How will Secret Mountain impact Indian and global creators?
Rahman plans to bring together musicians, singers, and mentors from across the globe, including Ireland, China, Africa, and India onto a single, interactive platform. His core message: music transcends borders, and AI can amplify its reach.
By combining Indian classical sounds with modern AI tools, Rahman hopes to create new opportunities for emerging talent and reshape how global audiences experience music. He also wants to break down technological barriers for Indian creators, offering tools that can support their artistic expression in more accessible ways.
The composer said that while AI can initiate a composition or concept, “the human element, the emotional depth and creativity, remains irreplaceable.”
AR Rahman plans global metahuman band with AI and immersive techScreengrab/goodfellas.studio
What else is AR Rahman working on?
In addition to Secret Mountain, Rahman is collaborating with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. He has also been praised for his work on Chhaava, Kadhalikka Neramillai, and Thug Life. Upcoming projects include Tere Ishk Mein and Peddi.
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh drop a Hindi-Punjabi remix of Sapphire, recorded in Goa
The duo blended English, Hindi, and Punjabi lyrics for the new version
Music video features scenes from Ed’s India tour and a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan
Sapphire becomes first English track to top Spotify India since 2021
British pop star Ed Sheeran has joined forces with Indian playback sensation Arijit Singh for a special multilingual version of his track Sapphire, released today. The remix combines Hindi, Punjabi, and English lyrics and was recorded earlier this year during Sheeran’s India tour.
Ed Sheeran sings in Hindi and Punjabi for Sapphire remix with Arijit Singh Liam Pethick / @liampethickphoto
What’s new in the Sapphire remix with Arijit Singh?
Unlike the original version released last month, this reimagined track includes new vocals by Arijit Singh, who sings in both Hindi and Punjabi. Ed Sheeran, for the first time, also sings a chorus segment using the two Indian languages alongside English.
The track retains its original South Asian percussion elements but adds layers of cultural nuance, fusing vocal styles and languages in a way that celebrates musical collaboration across borders. The song was produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha, top names known for their global pop hits.
Where was Sapphire recorded and what was Ed Sheeran’s India experience?
The remix and original version were both crafted during Ed Sheeran’s visit to Goa and West Bengal earlier this year. Speaking about the experience, Sheeran described it as “a pilgrimage of music” as he travelled to Arijit’s hometown of Jiaganj Azimganj with his father.
In a heartfelt note, Ed shared: “We talked, ate, drank coffee. Arijit taught me how to sing in Punjabi and play the sitar. Then we went on a scooter ride through the town late at night while listening to music.”
He added that the remix version is his personal favourite and one he listens to with his daughters every morning.
The official music video, released last month, features Ed Sheeran performing on rooftops at dawn, wandering through Indian markets, beaches, kitchens, and scenic riversides. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan makes a special cameo appearance.
Also featured are moments from Ed’s trip, including a studio session with Arijit and a visit to AR Rahman’s music school, where Ed performed with local musicians. The video has now crossed 130 million views on YouTube, while the track has exploded on TikTok with over 1.5 billion views.
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance in the Sapphire music video www.easterneye.biz
How has the remix of Sapphire performed so far?
Sapphire made history by becoming the first English-language song to reach No. 1 on Spotify India since 2021, proving the track’s unique regional appeal and Ed’s growing popularity in South Asia.
This collaboration also hints at a deeper musical relationship, with Ed confirming that Arijit Singh may be featured in more songs on his upcoming album Play, set to release on 12 September 2025.
During a recent podcast, Ed said, “I worked a lot with Arijit Singh, who’s really incredible. He told me, ‘If you want the vocals, you’ll have to come to me.’ And I did. It was worth every mile.”
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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.
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.