SS Rajamouli's RRR shows no sign of slowing down. After bagging a nomination at the 95th Academy Awards, the film has now been nominated in the Critics Choice Super Awards in the Best Action Movie category, along with Top Gun: Maverick and Bullet Train.
Also, Ram Charan and Jr NTR are competing with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the Best Actor category.
The nominees were announced on Critics Choice Awards' site on February 23. The winners will be announced on March 16.
Last month in January, the team RRR bagged an award under the Best Original Song category at Golden Globes Awards 2023.
Meanwhile, Ram Charan recently appeared on the Good Morning America show, where he opened up about RRR's mega success.
"It (RRR) is about friendship, great brotherhood, camaraderie, and the relationship between these two characters. And I think it is one of the finest writings of my director Rajamouli, he is known as the Steven Spielberg of India," he said.
On the show, Ram Charan also hinted that Rajamouli is up for directing an international project. The actor said, "Everybody calls him that, and I hope he's going to make his way to the global cinema very soon, with the next film."
In her own words, the London-based artist shares 10 defining moments that turned glitter into grit, pain into power and creativity into connection.
Shreena Patel has built a vibrant, shimmering world with her signature metallic-sparkle acrylics, one canvas at a time. A graduate of the prestigious University of the Arts London, the London-based abstract artist has earned acclaim both in the UK and internationally, creating bespoke pieces for celebrities, private collectors and public institutions.
But behind the glittering finishes and spiritual symbolism lies a deeper story – one of passion, purpose and personal resilience.
From a childhood curiosity about the minds behind masterpieces to becoming a multi-award-winning artist herself, Shreena’s journey is marked by colour, courage and community. Whether speaking on stage at Diwali on the Square, raising funds through her work, or spotlighting invisible illnesses like ulcerative colitis, her art has always been more than decorative. It is deeply personal and powerfully connective.
Now, for the first time, Shreena shares 10 of her most memorable artistic milestones. Each moment reveals not only her growth as a creator but also her unwavering belief in art as a force for joy, healing and change.
Shreena Patel
Artwork displayed at Hyde Park Corner station
Seeing my Ganesh artwork displayed at Hyde Park Corner station during South Asian Heritage Month was a pinch-me moment. To have commuters and tourists pause in a busy London station to take in my art, rooted in identity, culture and colour, made me feel truly seen. It was public, powerful and proof that South Asian stories belong in mainstream spaces.
Being featured in British Vogue was an unexpected yet unforgettable milestone. Just a few years after Art By Shree was born, seeing my work and story in one of the world’s most iconic fashion publications validated my creativity in a whole new light. It bridged the gap between contemporary style and ancient symbolism and reminded me that tradition and trend can coexist beautifully.
Shreena Patel's work
Painting for celebrities I have had the honour of creating bespoke paintings for celebrities, including Bollywood actors, music artists and famous cricketers, who connected with the spirituality and vibrancy of my work. Each commission has been personal and meaningful, not just because of who they are, but because of the shared energy and intention behind the art. It is surreal knowing my pieces live in the homes of people I once only watched on screen.
Shreena Patel's work
Winning awards and artistic recognition
Winning awards and being recognised as an artist, particularly in Parliament and at the Eastern Eye ACTAs, gave me the confidence to own my creative journey. These acknowledgements are not just about trophies. They are reminders that the risks I took, the pain I turned into paint and the stories I chose to tell matter. Every accolade reflects years of growth, grit and heart.
Raising money for charities and temples
Art with purpose has always been my North Star. Whether raising money for temples close to my heart or supporting charities doing life-changing work, I have been blessed to use my creativity to give back. Each canvas sold for a cause reminds me that art can be a force for good – a way to serve, uplift and unite communities.
Being invited by Neasden Mandir’s head swami for Diwali and PSM10 Being personally invited by Yogvivekdas Swami at Neasden Mandir to take part in the Diwali and 100 Years of Pramukh Swami Maharaj celebrations was an emotional high. To be recognised in such a sacred and historic space was beyond humbling. It felt like a spiritual homecoming, where my art and my faith met in perfect harmony during a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Speaking on the centre stage at Diwali on the Square, in front of the Mayor of London, was a surreal and proud moment. I spoke about art, culture and the power of community spirit. To then gift my large Ganesh canvas to the winner of the rangoli competition was the perfect way to honour creativity and celebrate our shared cultural pride in a truly public way.
Shreena Patel's work
Collaborating with Nitin Ganatra OBE
Collaborating with the incredible Nitin Ganatra OBE for a charity auction was a joyful and meaningful experience. Aligning our talents for a cause greater than ourselves reminded me why I started painting in the first place. It is always special when creative worlds come together, especially when it helps raise funds and awareness for those in need.
Uplifting the next generation
Helping the next generation find their creative voice means everything to me. Whether through workshops, mentoring or simply showing them that success can look different, I aim to be the representation I did not see growing up. Especially for young South Asians, I want to say: your stories, your art and your dreams are valid – and so needed.
Shreena Patel's work
Raising ulcerative colitis awareness through art
Living with ulcerative colitis has not been easy, but it has shaped my art and mission. Through creativity, I have turned pain into power and raised awareness about invisible illnesses in ways words never could. Painting became therapy, advocacy and storytelling. If my journey inspires even one person with UC to keep going, then every brushstroke has been worth it.
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Anusha Mani’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. Revered as the velvety voice behind Bollywood chartbusters like Lazy Lamhe, Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na, and the irrepressibly catchy Gulaabo, she has carved out a distinctive niche for herself as a singer, lyricist, and now actress.
With a foundation in Indian classical and Carnatic music, and a career launched by a serendipitous meeting with Shankar Mahadevan, Anusha’s rise to prominence has been a blend of talent, timing, and tenacity.
Over the years, she has lent her voice to everything from big-ticket Bollywood productions to indie projects, explored diverse languages and genres with ease, and even penned lyrics for memorable tracks like Dil Mein Jaagi. But her creative curiosity did not stop at the recording studio. In 2025, Anusha stepped into the world of acting with her web series debut Hai Junoon, embracing a new challenge that once seemed unimaginable.
In this candid conversation with Eastern Eye, Anusha reflects on the unpredictability of her career, the joy of reinvention, the songs closest to her heart, and the passion she has discovered in front of the camera.
How do you reflect on your journey in music?
It has been extremely unpredictable and gratifying at the same time. I never intended to become a playback singer, and my journey has been a sum total of chance meetings with the right people at the right time. Each experience has led me to the next chapter. The disappointments and failures have taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and living in gratitude. I do not take anything I have for granted anymore.
What has been your most memorable moment on your music journey?
Meeting Shankar Mahadevan ji with my demo and getting called the very next day to sing for Johnny Gaddar is by far my most memorable moment. I had no expectations, no self-belief that this would happen. It changed my life in a very drastic way, in that I started believing in myself more and began taking more chances in life.
Which of your songs has been closest to your heart?
It is hard to pick just one. I have many that are close to my heart. Lazy Lamhe because it was the biggest hit of the year and put me on the map as a playback singer. Gulaabo because it gave me a fresh start of sorts and a lot of love from listeners. Dil Mein Jaagi from Dev D because I got to write the song too. I think it is impossible to pick just one.
Does your approach as a singer change between different languages?
The only thing that changes is the time it takes to get the words right and understand the meaning of the lyrics – which words to emphasise, getting the pronunciation correct, and so on. There are wonderful language supervisors and lyricists who really help you perfect the language. Sometimes you focus so much on pronunciation that you lose the emotion. I like to speak the lines out first, loudly like a conversation, a few times before singing them to get comfortable with the words.
What inspired you to go into acting?
To be honest, it was not inspiration but pressure from my team and family that pushed me to give it a shot. I always thought acting was not my cup of tea. It was a running conversation for over a decade with my husband, who kept insisting I was made to be on screen. It is strange how he saw something in me that I never did. I said yes thinking it would be a good experience to try something new.
What has the experience of acting in Hai Junoon been like?
From not wanting to act to now feeling so passionately about it, life has changed drastically for me over the past year. I had the most wonderful time playing my character – learning the dialogues, going to set, watching the collective effort that goes into making each scene. It felt like learning a new skill for the first time, with fascination and awe for the craft. It has blown my mind and made me respect actors and film crews so much more.
Anusha Mani
What is the biggest thing you learned while working on this show?
My biggest life lesson has been to never say no without giving something an honest shot. I would not have done this show if I had listened to the voice that kept doubting myself. I cannot be the naysayer in my life. Changing that perspective has been hard, but it has also given me a new purpose.
Is the plan now to balance acting and music?
Absolutely. I am in the middle of recording new singles while also doing meetings and auditions. It is a long process and only time will tell how things turn out. I just want to enjoy the journey and soak it all in.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
I love animals. I sponsor a camel in an equine rescue place in Karnataka called The Backwater Sanctuary. Zoha, who runs the place, is just incredible, and I feel privileged to contribute in the smallest way. I also enjoy working out – going to the gym and weight training with my trainer is very therapeutic for me. (Smiles) Other than that, because our lives are so hectic, doing absolutely nothing with my husband is something I am very passionate about.
What music dominates your own personal playlist?
Oh, it is a strange mix of Marathi natya sangeet, ghazals, Bollywood songs by some of my favourite composers like AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Pritam. Then there is John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Sting, and some film scores. It is an odd blend and gets played during both cardio and naps on flights.
You have sung, written songs, and acted – is there anything else you would love to do in the creative field?
If I can do these three things properly, with constant growth and learning, that will be enough for now. I am not someone who always wants to keep working. I value quality time with family, alone time, playing with my dog, and just pausing every now and then to be still. Life cannot always be about doing something.
What inspires you?
Stories of resilience, patience, and focus, but also stories of kindness, empathy, and working for the greater good. My brother is a huge inspiration for the way he leads his life with empathy and focus. My husband inspires me every day. I learn patience and kindness from him. Even my house help, whom I call my house manager – she is particular and punctual every single day and has never complained in 12 years. She is very inspiring to me. There is something to learn from almost everyone if you are willing to look around and stay open.
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
INDIA has declined a request from the United Nations aviation agency to allow one of its investigators to observe the probe into the Air India crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad on June 12, Reuters reported, citing two senior sources familiar with the matter.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had offered to provide assistance by sending one of its investigators, following the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner earlier this month. It was an unusual move, as ICAO typically deploys investigators only upon request from the country leading the investigation.
In this case, ICAO had asked Indian authorities to allow the investigator already present in India to join the probe as an observer, the sources told Reuters. However, Indian officials refused the offer. Times Now was the first to report this development on Thursday.
The civil aviation ministry said on Thursday that the flight recorder data was downloaded around two weeks after the crash.
Some safety experts had earlier raised concerns over the delay in the analysis of the black box data and a lack of information on the progress of the probe. The first combined black box unit was recovered on June 13, and a second set was found on June 16.
It is still unclear whether the black boxes are being read in India or the US. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also participating in the investigation. The Indian government has held only one press conference so far, where no questions were taken.
According to global aviation norms under "Annex 13", a decision on where to read the flight recorders should be made immediately if the information obtained could help prevent similar accidents in the future.
An unnamed aviation ministry official said earlier this week that the ministry is "following all the ICAO protocols." The official also said that media representatives have been sharing updates on major developments.
Most air accidents result from a combination of factors. A preliminary report is expected within about 30 days of the crash.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.
The couple, who have been engaged since 2023, arrived earlier this week and are hosting a welcome event ahead of their expected Friday wedding ceremony. The celebrations are reportedly set across Venice’s most luxurious venues, with the final reception on Saturday.
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave the Aman Hotel in Venice ahead of their wedding Getty Images
Celebrities, billionaires, royals: a who’s who of wedding guests
Familiar faces are pouring into Venice. Kim Kardashian made a headline-grabbing entrance at Marco Polo Airport, followed by sisters Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner, along with matriarch Kris Jenner. Oprah Winfrey, joined by Gayle King, arrived in a summery outfit and was spotted greeting fans as she left her hotel. Leonardo DiCaprio tried to go unnoticed in a baseball cap but was quickly recognised by photographers.
Kardashians seen boarding a boat ahead of the evening celebrations in VeniceGetty Images
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tom Brady, Karlie Kloss, Orlando Bloom, and even royalty like Queen Rania of Jordan were seen making their way to the festivities. Guests are staying in top-tier hotels like the Gritti Palace and Aman, where rooms overlook the Grand Canal.
Oprah Winfrey wave to fans while heading to the welcome event Getty Images
Venice residents push back against the mega-event
While the city is buzzing with glamour, not everyone is celebrating. Local activists have criticised the event for highlighting the growing gap between Venice’s global appeal and its local struggles. A protester scaled a flagpole in St Mark’s Square, unveiling a banner reading, “The 1 per cent ruins the world,” targeting the excessive nature of the celebration.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gesture in direction of Bezos' lookalike from the taxi boatGetty Images
The wedding, estimated to cost between £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore), may not dent Bezos’s £182 billion (₹18.1 lakh crore) fortune, but it has sparked debates about overtourism and inequality in one of Europe’s most fragile heritage cities.
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Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of F1 at Times Square in New York
Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz home in LA was broken into late Wednesday night.
Three intruders reportedly entered through a window and ransacked the property.
Pitt was in London for the F1 film premiere alongside Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.
LAPD confirmed a burglary but has not disclosed what was stolen.
Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was burgled late Wednesday night while the actor was overseas promoting his new film F1. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, three individuals broke into the residence located in the Los Feliz area around 10:30 pm by entering through a front window.
Brad Pitt at the F1 premiere in London before the burglary was reported Getty Images
Brad Pitt’s LA home targeted in late-night break-in
The LAPD described the scene as having been “ransacked,” though they have not revealed the nature or value of the stolen items. Pitt was not home during the incident, as he was attending the London premiere of F1, accompanied by co-star Tom Cruise and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton.
The property, which Pitt purchased in 2023 for a reported £4.3 million (₹45.6 crore), is a three-bedroom house tucked near Griffith Park, surrounded by thick foliage and fencing for privacy. Though authorities initially withheld the homeowner’s name, the address matches records linked to the Oscar-winning actor.
Brad Pitt walks in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand PrixGetty Images
LAPD investigates celebrity burglary as theft details remain unclear
While police are continuing their investigation, no arrests have been made yet. Officials have yet to confirm exactly what was taken during the burglary or the estimated worth of the stolen items. Pitt’s representatives have not issued any statement on the matter so far.
This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile burglaries in the area. Over recent months, other celebrity homes, including those of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, have been targeted in similar break-ins.
Brad Pitt attends the "Wolfs" red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival Getty Images
Incident follows stalking case at Jennifer Aniston’s home
The break-in at Pitt’s residence comes weeks after a man was arrested for driving his car into the front gate of Jennifer Aniston’s Bel-Air home. The intruder, charged with stalking and vandalism, breached her property while she was present. Fortunately, no harm was reported, and her security team quickly intervened.
As the LAPD looks into the latest break-in, concerns about the safety of celebrity homes in Los Angeles continue to rise. Pitt, meanwhile, remains focused on promoting F1, which released globally this week.