Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed lists The Warrior (2001), Maqbool (2003), and The Lunchbox (2013), as the films that made him a fan of screen icon Irrfan Khan whose legacy he believes is still being understood.
The Sound of Metal (2019) star has time and again professed admiration for Irrfan, one of India's finest and most versatile actors who died after a battle with a rare form of cancer in April 2020.
In January, Ahmed paid rich tributes to the late actor in his acceptance speech when he won the best actor honour for Sound of Metal at the Gotham Awards 2021.
In a Zoom interview with PTI from Los Angeles, Ahmed spoke fondly about Irrfan's legacy as an actor and how he played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Indian film industry and the West.
“I think Irrfan’s legacy is still being understood. I don't really think there had been an actor like him until he came along. By that, I mean someone who seamlessly managed to bridge Bollywood and Hollywood, independent films and commercial films, in two languages and across the two biggest film industries in the world,” the 39-year-old British-Pakistani actor said.
“I don't think that there's been any like that before him or since, and that's something quite profound when you really think about the impact of that culturally. He has made the world a slightly smaller place. He made it a more joined-up place,” he added.
Riz Ahmed, who has built a rich body of work in cinema with his films and shows like The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012), Nightcrawler (2014), Rogue One (2016), Venom (2018), and The Sister Brothers (2018), said Irrfan's magic existed in "his grace, his dignity and his power as an actor".
He believes Khan was one of those gifted artistes who could slip into any character and at the same time, offer a glimpse of their own self. “Just those eyes... I remember seeing him for the first time in The Warrior. I remember seeing him in The Lunchbox. I remember seeing him in Maqbool. I remember seeing him in Life of Pi (2012). And each time, the way that he could just be so unapologetically himself and still transform. That's the realm of actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman who can transform while still revealing themselves," Ahmed said.
The actor said he considers Irrfan a "guiding light" for a generation of people. "I think he's really a guiding light for a whole generation of people around the world. I think we were lucky to have been alive in a time when he was creating."
Ahmed said he has been ardently following Indian cinema and its many screen icons since his childhood. "Whether you go back to Dilip Kumar or to the current date when you have Nawazuddin (Siddiqui). I think there's like Aamir Khan in the middle. I think there is obviously such an amazing kind of rich history of incredible screen icons. That is so exciting. I have grown up watching and always take an interest in their work,” Ahmed said.
He stressed that he is looking forward to more Indian talent that will "bridge those two worlds and those two industries”. "I think we're going to see more of that going forward. Certainly, this is the kind of thing I'd like to make more in my company Left Handed Films," the actor added.
Ahmed currently stars in filmmaker Michael Pearce's sci-fi drama Encounter, directed by Michael Pearce. The film, which also features Octavia Spencer, Lucian-River Chauhan, and Aditya Geddada, will start streaming on Prime Video from December 10.
Qawwali remains popular with cross-cultural audiences, but very few get the chance to experience one of the world’s oldest music genres in its purest form. Whether it is the diluted style seen in Bollywood adaptations or fusion with contemporary sounds, the tradition is often watered down.
Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers Qawwali Group stand apart from that commercialised crowd, presenting the Sufi genre in its most authentic style. The five talented brothers – sons of the late qawwali icon Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal – belong to a remarkable lineage that traces directly back to the first group formed by the genre’s founding father in the 13th century.
Currently on a UK tour, the group delivered a stunning stage performance that confirmed their brilliance. Unlike most qawwali ensembles that rely on one or two lead singers, all five brothers took turns leading, gracefully exchanging vocal passages to produce a timeless, mesmerising sound. The power, passion and grace of their high-energy performance shone through as they delivered beloved classics such as QaulQalbana, Rang and Naat Shareef. The concert opened in high gear and gained momentum with each composition, before culminating in a thunderous rendition of Mast Qalandar.
They also performed khayal and tarana-style qawwalis, alongside pieces deeply rooted in mysticism. Accompanied by a superb percussionist, their sound remained untouched by modern influences, yet felt completely relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Their tour continues across the UK until mid-July, and they are certain to keep transporting audiences back in time through a forward-looking, spiritually rich performance – the kind few qawwali acts worldwide can deliver. The only downside? The show had to end. It felt as though the group were just getting started – they could have easily played for several more hours.
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In the Fearless documentary, Windrush generation women reflect on their lives in post-war Britain
They were the nurses, cleaners, activists, and everyday heroes who arrived in Britain with little more than courage and determination. Now in their 80s and 90s, six women who helped rebuild the UK after the Second World War are finally getting their due in Fearless, a powerful new documentary that brings their remarkable stories to the big screen.
Launching on Windrush Day (22 June), the film will tour select cinemas across London through July, with post-screening Q&As featuring the directors and cast. It celebrates the lives of Sheila Daniel, Aileen Edwards, Maggie Kelly, Anne Gaché, Nashattar Kang, and Nages Amirthananthar, women of Caribbean, Irish, and South Asian descent who came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation and beyond.
These women, once young migrants navigating hostility, isolation, and discrimination, found strength through solidarity and built lives that left a lasting impact. From taking part in historic strikes like Grunwick to surviving the aftermath of the Notting Hill riots, their personal journeys are woven into the wider political and social fabric of the country.
Drawing on rare archival footage and emotional interviews, Fearless preserves their legacy. But beyond that, it challenges the invisibility that has long plagued immigrant women in British history books. This is more than nostalgia, it is a necessary act of recognition.
A still from Fearless showing archive footage interwoven with first-person storiesMcasso/ Screengrab
Bold stories told by those who lived them
The documentary comes from husband-and-wife filmmaking duo Damian Paul Daniel, a BAFTA-nominated cinematographer, and Noella Mingo, a director of Guyanese-British heritage passionate about amplifying overlooked voices. Their production company, They’re Watching Us, focuses on stories that defy expectation, and Fearless is no exception.
Screenings are scheduled at The Rio in Dalston (22 June), Bertha Dochouse (29 June), Genesis in Whitechapel (1 July), and The Lexi in Kensal Rise (16 July). Each screening includes a post-film conversation with the team.
At its heart, Fearless is a tribute to courage, resilience, and the quiet force of women who shaped a nation, even when history tried to forget them.
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Akshay Kumar Prabhas and Mohanlal join forces for the grand saga Kannappa
The buzz around Vishnu Manchu’s epic film Kannappa is steadily building, and now, fans finally have a date to mark. The official trailer of the much-awaited mythological action drama is set to release on 13 June, just two weeks before its global theatrical premiere on 27 June.
Star-studded ensemble brings myth to life
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa promises to bring a larger-than-life story rooted in devotion, action, and spiritual legend. The film is based on the life of the legendary Shiva devotee Kannappa, and the cast lineup is packed with big names. Alongside Vishnu Manchu in the lead, the film features major stars like Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal, and Arpit Ranka, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
The trailer, set to release on 13 June, is expected to offer a first look into the film’s scale, its visual storytelling, and the unique treatment of its devotional themes. Though the production team is keeping footage under wraps, industry insiders say viewers can expect a complete cinematic world built with grand visuals and intense performances, with some surprise cameos that are still being kept tightly under wraps.
Produced by Vasaraa Entertainment Worldwide, Kannappa has been in the works for several years and is positioned as one of the most ambitious mythological films in recent times. Bringing together action, emotion, and spiritual themes, the film seeks to bridge traditional lore with mainstream appeal. From high-end VFX to elaborate sets and costumes, the makers have invested heavily in creating a spectacle for the big screen.
The trailer launch on 13 June is expected to kickstart the final phase of promotions ahead of the film’s worldwide release on 27 June. With a stellar cast and an emotionally rich narrative at its core, Kannappa is being touted as a potential game-changer for the mythological genre in Indian cinema.
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A bee flew into his mouth and stung him while he was on the field
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent industrialist and polo patron, passed away at the age of 53 in the United Kingdom after reportedly suffering a heart attack during a polo match. Kapur was also known for being the former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor.
Tragic incident on the polo field
The incident occurred during a polo match where Kapur was representing his team, Aureus. According to reports, a bee flew into his mouth and stung him while he was on the field, triggering a fatal heart attack. Despite the rapid arrival of medical assistance, he could not be revived.
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Kapur, who had a deep love for the sport, was playing against team Sujan, led by hotelier Jaisal Singh, at the time of the incident.
Business legacy
Sunjay Kapur was the son of the late Surinder Kapur, founder of the Sona Group, an influential player in India’s automotive components industry. After joining the family business in 2003, Sanjay played a key role in its expansion and global outreach. He served as chairman of Sona Comstar, a company known for its focus on electric vehicle parts manufacturing.
Educational background
Born into a prominent business family, Kapur was educated at The Doon School in Dehradun and later attended the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Corporate Strategy and Human Resources, in London.
Personal life and marriages
Kapur's personal life often attracted public attention. He was married three times. His first marriage was to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, which ended in 2000.
He married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple had two children—Samaira and Kiaan—before separating in 2016. They remained committed to co-parenting their children.
Following his divorce, Kapur married Priya Sachdev, a model-turned-entrepreneur. The couple welcomed a son, Azarius, in 2018. Priya also has a daughter, Safira Chatwal, from a previous marriage.
Passion for polo
Beyond business, Kapur was deeply involved in polo, both as a player and patron. His team, Aureus, was part of various domestic and international tournaments, showcasing his commitment to the sport.
Sunjay Kapur is remembered for his contributions to Indian industry and his passion for polo. His sudden death has left the business and sports communities in shock.
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Dua Lipa confirms engagement to Callum Turner after months of speculation
After months of speculation, Dua Lipa has officially confirmed her engagement to British actor Callum Turner. The pop star shared the news in a recent interview, calling it an emotional and meaningful step in their relationship.
The couple, who have been together for over a year, first met in London and reconnected a year later under unexpected circumstances. Dua described their journey as one filled with “sliding doors moments,” including discovering they were reading the same book the night they re-met.
The story behind the ring that has everyone talking
Lipa’s engagement ring, now a regular feature on her social media, has sparked plenty of buzz. But behind the sparkle was an extremely thoughtful gesture. Turner collaborated with Dua’s sister, Rina, and her closest friends to design the piece. Set on a bold gold cigar band, the centre diamond, likely an old European cut, is estimated to be worth between £160,000 and £216,000 (₹1.6 crore to ₹2.2 crore).
“I’m obsessed with it,” Dua admitted. “It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you that well.” She praised Turner for creating something deeply personal instead of following traditional trends.
Dua Lipa opens up about her future with Callum Turner in a recent interviewGetty Images
Fans first suspected something was up during Christmas 2024, when Dua posted a photo wearing the ring. But it wasn’t until the interview that she finally confirmed the news, saying, “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting.”
No wedding plans yet, but the excitement is real
Dua is currently on her Radical Optimism world tour, while Turner is filming the sci-fi series Neuromancer for Apple TV. Despite the excitement, they haven’t set a date yet.
“I’ve never really thought about what kind of bride I’d be,” Dua shared. “But now, all of a sudden, I’m wondering, what would I wear?”
Callum Turner and Dua Lipa at the Met Gala Getty Images
The couple is in no rush, choosing instead to enjoy this new chapter quietly. “It’s the decision to grow old together,” she said, “and that feels really special.”