Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘I got to be a great warrior’

DASHING actor Ankit Bathla describes his journey as a fulfilling one because it has enabled him to entertain audiences, play varied characters and learn along the way.

With an impressive number of projects under his belt, the small screen star is now looking for more challenges.


Eastern Eye caught up with Ankit Bathla to talk all things television.

Which of your projects has given you the greatest joy?

My recent stint in Paramavatar Shri Krishna gave me great joy because it was something absolutely different to what I have been doing in the past. Playing Arjun gave me great joy because I was able to live the life of a warrior, who is larger than life. It was also very different because of the costume, jewellery, hair and makeup, so all put together, it was a wonderful experience.

What was the greatest challenge while working on that recent show?

The costume is uncomfortable, and you have to do things out of your comfort zone because on a regular show we don’t do archery or ride horses. We don’t talk in the typical difficult Hindi, but in the original style of speaking, so it is a challenging show. But I really loved it because I got to live the life of a great warrior.

Tell us about your current project?

I recently finished a music video with Times Music, and it has given me great joy. It’s a small shoot, but very interesting and a great respite from the regular shows.

What is the master plan going forward?

The master plan is, of course only known by my master, which is God. I don’t have any plans for the future. I just want to keep entertaining people and do good work. I also want to anchor some shows, as I have hosted live events.

What’s your dream role?

For me, every role is a dream because I try to take up roles different from the ones I have done in the past. I have been lucky enough to be offered different roles every time so that’s getting me to my dream role every time. I don’t know my exact dream role, but I am looking forward to doing more and more challenging roles.

Who is your acting hero?

My acting hero is Mr Amitabh Bachchan! He has shown extreme variation in character and emotions. Also, whatever I have read about him, it is all about his positive attitude, punctuality and dedication, despite being a mega-star, so he is my role model. He is also making a great difference to humanity.

What do you enjoy watching on TV?

I’m watching Netflix series Lucifer and think the story is amazing. It has a really interesting character and is just a beautiful series, which involves a lot of emotions.

What inspires you?

When I see my mom smile and when she says I am so proud of you.

Why do you love being an actor?

I love everything about being an actor, from the makeup, lights and costumes to the whole aspect of rehearsing lines, and most importantly, playing a character which you are not in your real life. As an actor, we get the opportunity to live a different life and subsequently get to do so much, which would not be possible if you lived just one life.

More For You

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

‘Harry Potter’ filming in London sparks anger as locals claim no consent for Privet Drive remake

Highlights:

  • A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
  • Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
  • Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
  • Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Justin Bieber at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles

Justin Bieber makes surprise entry at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles

Instagram/justinstournews

Justin Bieber shocks guests with wedding surprise for Indian bride in Los Angeles as fans call it the best gift

Highlights

  • Justin Bieber makes unexpected appearance at an Indian wedding in Los Angeles
  • Bride and guests left delighted as the pop star mingled and posed for photos
  • Videos and pictures of the moment spread widely online, with fans praising him
  • The singer recently released his new album Swag featuring multiple collaborations

Pop icon Justin Bieber surprised an Indian bride at her wedding in Los Angeles, turning her big day into an unforgettable celebration. The Justin Bieber wedding surprise quickly spread across social media, with photos and videos showing the star smiling, mingling with guests, and posing with the bridal squad. His warm gesture has been hailed by fans, with many calling it the best wedding gift ever.

Justin Bieber at an Indian bride\u2019s wedding in Los Angeles Justin Bieber makes surprise entry at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles Instagram/justinstournews

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif

Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain

Instagram/priyankachopra

Farhan Akhtar says ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ will happen but drops bombshell that Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif may exit

Highlights:

  • Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
  • Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
  • Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
  • Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.

Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra

Keep ReadingShow less
Fifth Harmony comeback 2025
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Getty Images

Fifth Harmony stuns Dallas with comeback at Jonas Brothers gig while Camila Cabello performs solo in Sydney

Highlights:

  • Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
  • Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
  • Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
  • Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia

US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.

Fifth Harmony comeback 2025 Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Heidi Klum

Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival

Instagram/heidiklum

Heidi Klum Venice Film Festival look with daughter Leni reignites criticism over mother-daughter lingerie fashion partnership

Highlights:

  • Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
  • The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
  • Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
  • The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.

Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.

Heidi Klum Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum

Keep ReadingShow less