It took a minute for Malhaar Rathod, then an aspiring teenage actress, to realise what the 65-year-old Indian film producer was asking her to do -- and to make the decision to walk away.
"He claimed he had a part for me and then asked me to lift my top. I got so scared, I didn't know what to do at first," said Rathod, now an up-and-coming television star.
Her experience with what is euphemistically known as Bollywood's "casting couch" culture underlines the challenges facing anyone seeking to break into India's massive, insiders-only film industry, where the #MeToo movement has secured few wins.
After #MeToo triggered the downfall of top Hollywood powerbrokers like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, many women in Bollywood spoke up about their experience of sexual harassment, breaking a long-established culture of silence.
The Indian industry has largely looked the other way however and many of the alleged perpetrators have been able to revive their careers after lying low for a few months.
Movie-mad India is the world's largest producer of films, with around 1,800 releases a year in multiple languages, easily dwarfing Hollywood's output -- but forging a career in the nepotistic industry can be a challenge.
Unlike the children of celebrities who are groomed for stardom and tailor-made debuts, outsiders have to fend off lecherous men and contend with a gruelling routine of auditions and rejections.
- 'Dream come true' -
"It's very difficult to crack Bollywood if you don't have connections. No-one is going to offer you a launch, you have to do small parts and work your way up," actor Paras Tthukral said.
"I have done all kinds of jobs to survive. Worked in a call centre, in corporate gifting, marketing, you name it," Tthukral, who moved to Mumbai in 2008 and has since appeared in two TV shows and a couple of films, added.
"An alternative career would have been easier for sure... but being an actor is a dream come true."
Rathod is one of the lucky ones. After her early brush with the casting couch, she is now a familiar face to Indian viewers, appearing in advertisements for global skincare brands including Garnier and Dove.
The sole breadwinner for a family of five including two younger sisters, she has managed to make inroads into television with a part in the hit show Hostages on India's Disney-owned streaming platform Hotstar.
The 25-year-old is hoping to see that success translate to the silver screen, following in the footsteps of film stars such as Preity Zinta and Deepika Padukone who began their Bollywood career with advertisements.
But she is keenly aware that it could all disappear in a flash.
"Waiting to hear back about roles has given me sleepless nights," she said, adding that she has recently turned to prayer and meditation in a bid to calm her mind.
"You can't have too many expectations, otherwise you will be perpetually disappointed."
For every success story, there are tens of thousands of aspiring actors who fail to make it into the big leagues.
Even so, more and more people are joining their ranks, lining up for auditions in Mumbai's northern suburbs where Bollywood's major studios are based.
- Thrill of acting -
Casting director Girish Hule said the number of actors vying for roles in the adverts he handles has more than doubled since 2014.
"I have even come across doctors and engineers who quit stable jobs because they wanted to act," he said.
"Years go by waiting for the big break. People go back home or take up other jobs in the industry, working as stylists or assistant directors or in casting.
"In some cases, people spend five years, appearing at around 500 auditions and never get an acting job."
The glitz and glamour notwithstanding, finding success in Bollywood comes with plenty of challenges -- from battling sexual harassment to spending months out of work.
"In the beginning, I was too scared to even tell my mom when someone misbehaved, because I thought my family would stop me from pursuing acting," Rathod said.
"I am so glad #MeToo happened here -- before that, it was just going on and no-one was talking about it," she said, referring to sexual harassment in the industry.
For Tthukral, who is well-versed in the ups and downs of the business, the risks are secondary to the thrill of acting, which he compares to a drug.
"My parents don't understand how I live -- they just want me to settle down and run their business.
"Part of me wants that too, it would be an easier life," said the 34-year-old, who moved back to his hometown of New Delhi this summer.
But then he added, "I will return when I have made some money."
"I will be somebody. I don't know when the break will come but it will come."
THE skeletal remains of a girl aged between four and five have been identified among 65 sets of human remains exhumed from a mass grave in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district. The site first came into focus during the LTTE conflict in the mid-1990s.
“The findings of the excavation at the Chemmani mass grave were reported to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on on Tuesday (15) by Raj Somadeva, a forensic archaeologist overseeing the exhumation,” Jeganathan Tathparan, a lawyer, said on Thursday (17).
Earlier this year, the court ordered a legally supervised excavation at the site after human skeletal remains were uncovered during routine development work.
Tathparan said the child’s remains were found alongside school bags and toys. Somadeva informed the court that the remains were those of a girl aged between four and five, he added.
Two additional skeletons are also suspected to be those of children, based on similarities in clothing and anatomical features, the lawyer said.
The Chemmani site first attracted international attention in 1998, when a Sri Lankan soldier testified to the existence of mass graves containing hundreds of civilians allegedly killed during the conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government in the mid-1990s.
An initial excavation in 1999 uncovered 15 skeletons, but no further action was taken until the recent findings.
The gravesite is one of dozens unearthed across the country. Thousands of people died or disappeared during the 26-year civil war, which ended in 2009.
The main Tamil political party, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), in a letter to president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, described the Chemmani mass grave as clear evidence of war crimes and “a genocidal campaign against Tamils”.
The excavation work, which was halted last Thursday (10), is scheduled to resume on July 21.
Amnesty International estimates that between 60,000 and 100,000 people have disappeared in Sri Lanka since the late 1980s.
The Tamil community in Sri Lanka claims that nearly 170,000 people were killed in the final stages of the civil war, while United Nations estimates put the figure at around 40,000.
The LTTE was seeking a separate homeland for Tamils.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy continues with his first ever digital concert tour
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
Keep ReadingShow less
Aakash Odedra recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
AAKASH ODEDRA has been appointed a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, the organisation has announced.
Born in Birmingham and based in Leicester, Odedra is known for combining classical and contemporary dance to reflect British Asian experiences.
He recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
Odedra founded his company in 2011 and has performed over 300 full-length shows in 40 countries. His new work Songs of the Bulbul, which blends kathak dance with Sufi poetry, will be staged at Sadler’s Wells East from 17 to 19 July 2025.
His previous productions at Sadler’s Wells include Mehek in 2024, a duet with Aditi Mangaldas, and Samsara in 2022, presented with the Bagri Foundation.
Aakash Odedra said: “To become an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells feels like the golden gates of dance heaven have opened. It is, in the truest sense, an honour, and I am deeply humbled.”
Sir Alistair Spalding said: “As Aakash goes from strength to strength both as a performer and as a choreographic artist it is a pleasure to bring him to the family of Sadler’s Wells Associate Artists.”
Rob Jones said: “He is an incredible artist who over the years has grown and developed and we’re looking forward to following him on this journey.”
Odedra joins a group of Associate Artists including Akram Khan, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, and others. The appointments were made by Sir Alistair Spalding and Rob Jones.
Keep ReadingShow less
Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”
Fitbit Charge 6 now available for £72 — the lowest price to date
Original retail price: £125
Includes ECG, heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, and a 7-day battery
What is the Fitbit Charge 6 and why is it still relevant?
Launched in 2023 by Google, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains a compelling choice for users wanting a feature-rich fitness tracker without committing to a full-blown smartwatch. While fitness bands have lost some popularity in favour of affordable smartwatches, the Charge 6 retains its appeal thanks to its health tracking capabilities and long battery life.
Where is the best Fitbit Charge 6 deal right now?
The Charge 6 is currently on sale for just £72 — a significant drop from its original price of £125. This new low applies to brand-new, sealed units in the Porcelain/Silver colour option. The deal makes it one of the most affordable advanced fitness trackers currently available.
What features does the Fitbit Charge 6 include?
Despite its compact form, the Charge 6 includes many premium features:
The electrocardiogram (ECG) function to detect irregular heart rhythms
24/7 heart rate tracking with improved accuracy
Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring
Stress tracking and management tools
Sleep analysis and score
Built-in Google Maps and Google Wallet access
Up to 7-day battery life
Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display
These functions are typically reserved for more expensive devices, making the Charge 6 especially attractive at this lower price point.
Will there be a Fitbit Charge 7 soon?
There’s no official word yet from Google on a Charge 7 release. The Charge 6 is now nearly two years old, leading to speculation of a possible update. However, the current model still performs strongly and delivers good value, especially for buyers prioritising health features over apps.
Should you consider buying the Fitbit Charge 6?
If you're after a reliable and easy-to-use fitness tracker, this is one of the best options available under £75. While it lacks the broader app support of devices like the Apple Watch, the Charge 6 excels in essentials: battery life, heart health, and ease of use.
It’s suitable for both Android and iPhone users and is ideal for anyone who wants to monitor their wellbeing without the distraction of a more complex device.
This is a limited-time deal, and availability may vary. Buyers are encouraged to act promptly if interested.