Promoting her new offering Race 3, the irresistibly beautiful actress Jacqueline Fernandez reveals why it’s of utmost importance to be extremely clear about your character in a franchise like Race to be able to look convincing to the audience. The actress is about to complete a decade in the industry, but her confidence shows she has pretty much understood the game and its risks and perks. In this cosy chat, the actress tells our correspondent about her preparations she did to pull off her role in the movie, her journey over the years and the great Bollywood director she is dying to work with. Excerpts...
After Race 2 (2013), you play a pivotal role in Race 3 too. What was your preparation like for the latest instalment of the successful series?
Doing action films is not my forte, but I understand this brand, I understand this cinema, I understand this genre because I was there in Race 2. I had to train a lot to get into the skin of my character. I had to understand what my character is doing. I did a lot of workshops. I had a lot of discussions with Remo and Salman because if you are not clear about your character in a film like Race, it’s really difficult to be convincing to your audience. So, we had to be really really careful about how each character was portrayed. I learnt a little bit of action also.
We saw you perform some high octane action sequences in Race 2. What kind of action is going to be there in Race 3?
This time, the action is very different from what you saw in Race 2. In Race 2, it was more of choreography; it was glamorised. But in Race 3, the action is a lot more handheld. I believe, no one would have seen a girl doing handheld action in any film before. It has always been like very soft and delicate. In Race 3, what I actually like is that action has become very raw. Even for girls, it has become more raw and real. So, to learn that, I had to do a little bit of training because that’s not easy.
Did you use any body-double or you performed all action sequences on your own?
We have used no body doubles. We have done all the action because it was shot too close to have a body double. Having said that, there were body-doubles to check things before the scenes were shot. But during the shot, there was no body-double. We had to do everything on our own.
Race (2008) and Race 2 was helmed by Abbas-Mustan whereas Race 3 has been directed by Remo D’souza? How are they different as directors?
They are completely different. Abbas-Mustan have done many thrillers like Race. Thriller is in their entire blood. It’s there in their genes. For Remo, it’s a very different type of cinema. He is used to his dance films. We tried to do something different in A Flying Jatt (2016) though. In terms of stylizing and attitude and stuff, Remo is the perfect choice to continue the brand forward because he understands style. But I do know that he did work really hard in this genre because it’s new for him. For anything that’s new to someone, one needs to put in a lot more efforts. He is one of the coolest directors I have ever worked with.
Jacqueline, you are about to complete a decade in Hindi cinema. How do you see your journey over the years?
My growth in Bollywood has been slow but steady. I am taking my little time. I know a lot more is yet to be done. A lot more is yet to be achieved. There were days where I had no films. I was not signing anything. I was not doing anything. I just wanted to wake up and work every day. Having this job (acting) to go to is a blessing for anyone.
There is still a lot I want to do. There are a lot of directors I want to work with. There are a lot of characters I want to play. There is a lot that I want to accomplish. But I know these things take time. I know they come to you when you are most deserving of it. So, till the time I feel I am deserving, I don’t feel right even doing stuff like that. So yeah, I am very patient that way (laughs).
Who all are the directors on your wishlist?
(Sanjay Leela) Bhansali. I am dying to work with him.
Any particular reason that you want to work with him?
The reason is that the first Hindi film that I saw was Devdas. This was in 2002, I clearly remember. And honestly speaking, at that point of time, I had no plans of coming to India and become an actress. I was watching Cannes Film Festivals’ telecast on TV where almost everyone was talking about this film Devdas. I was like, ‘What’s this?’ Then I got a DVD and watched the film. It was such an unbelievably incredible film. I was mesmerized by its costumes and scale. After Devads, I watched Asoka (2001) because of Shah Rukh and Kareena. They were so cool and so nice in the movie. Right after Asoka, I watched Black (2005), which was again a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial. After watching Devdas and Black, I was like, ‘What an amazing guy; he is making such amazing films!’ He still makes amazing films. He is a dream director. He is bigger than everything.
Have you ever told Sanjay Leela Bhansali that you want to work with him?
Yes, many times. Just recently at Sonam’s wedding, I told him I want to work with him (laughs).
Are there any plans for marriage?
No, I don’t even have a boyfriend. Who should I get married to then?
You are learning Kathak these days. Are you enjoying it?
I love Kathak. For me, it’s a major stress buster. I just love it. I don’t get a lot of free time to go and attend classes, but whenever I have some time, I make it a point to go and learn. I do one or two classes with my Guru and then come back and workout for some time. It is one of my favourite experiences.
Why did you opt for Kathak only, there are many other dance forms that you could have learnt?
Other dance forms, I know. I know hip-hop, I know pole dancing and many more forms of dance. But I did not know Kathak or any other Indian classical dance form. I like learning new things, so I picked Kathak.
Race 3 is running successfully in cinemas near you.
Choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue’s rental car was broken into on 8 July in Atlanta.
Five hard drives with Beyoncé’s unreleased music, show visuals, and setlists were among the stolen items.
Police tracked the location of missing devices and issued an arrest warrant, but no suspect has been publicly named.
The incident occurred two days before Beyoncé’s four-night tour stop at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Just two days before Beyoncé was set to take the stage in Atlanta for her Cowboy Carter tour, a major security breach rocked her team. Unreleased music, private show material, and luxury items were stolen from a rental vehicle used by her choreographer and dancer, police confirmed.
Atlanta authorities say the break-in happened on 8 July around 8 pm in a parking garage near Krog Street Market. The SUV, a black Jeep Wagoneer, was briefly left unattended by choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue while they grabbed food. When they returned, the rear window had been smashed, and two suitcases containing sensitive material were missing.
Beyonce attend the Louis Vuitton's Menswear Ready-to-wear Spring-Summer 2026 collectionGetty Images
Jump drives contained unreleased Beyoncé music and show visuals
The stolen items included five hard drives loaded with unreleased, watermarked tracks by Beyoncé, as well as detailed visual plans and setlists for her ongoing Cowboy Carter tour. According to the official police report, the drives held both past and upcoming show footage, material Beyoncé typically keeps under tight wraps to avoid leaks.
Also taken were personal laptops, designer clothing, and Apple AirPods. A tracking ping from the AirPods helped police briefly locate a suspect vehicle, which moved across several zones in Atlanta. While fingerprints and CCTV footage were collected from the scene, it’s not yet clear if any of the stolen contents have been recovered.
Beyoncé continued her Cowboy Carter tour in Atlanta despite the setbackGetty Images
An arrest warrant has been issued, but no suspect named
Police have issued an arrest warrant, but the name of the individual involved has not been publicly disclosed. Officers reportedly stopped a "suspicious" individual near the pinged AirPods location, but no official confirmation of an arrest has followed.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities relying on fingerprints, surveillance footage, and digital tracking from the stolen devices. Beyoncé’s team has not released any public statement so far.
Beyoncé’s choreographer and dancer reported sensitive materials missing from their rental carGetty Images
Beyoncé has a history of tight security around her unreleased music
Known for her secrecy around new projects, Beyoncé’s entire approach to album releases has revolved around maintaining complete control over when and how her music is heard. Her 2013 self-titled album dropped without warning, revolutionising the “surprise release” strategy.
In more recent years, fans even refused to leak her 2022 album Renaissance when it briefly appeared online early, a gesture Beyoncé acknowledged with gratitude. In that context, this Atlanta theft is particularly damaging, threatening to derail the rollout of potential future material.
Beyoncé’s team hit by major theft in Atlanta as unreleased music goes missingGetty Images
Cowboy Carter tour continues as planned despite setback
Despite the incident, Beyoncé carried on with her Atlanta residency at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, performing across four nights from 10 to 15 July. Her husband Jay-Z made a surprise appearance during one of the shows, and the tour remains on track to conclude in Las Vegas on 26 July.
The Cowboy Carter album, released earlier this year, marked Beyoncé’s bold entry into country music while celebrating its Black roots and went on to win the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Christopher Grant and Diandre Blue, both longstanding collaborators, remain active members of the Cowboy Carter tour team. Grant has worked with artists like Shakira, while Blue featured prominently alongside Beyoncé in a Super Bowl ad earlier this year tied to the album’s release.
As the tour progresses, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see whether Beyoncé addresses the theft or modifies any show elements as a result of the stolen material.
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Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism
Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will be released in two parts on Diwali 2026 and 2027.
Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the combined budget is over £375 million (₹4,000 crore).
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol, with music by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
It will use AI dubbing and IMAX-scale VFX from Prime Focus for a global cinematic release.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is officially the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a staggering production budget exceeding £375 million (₹4,000 crore). Confirmed by producer Namit Malhotra, the two-part epic is being developed at nearly £400 million, placing it alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest projects in terms of scale and ambition.
The project, backed entirely by Malhotra’s team without outside investment, is being hailed as a landmark cultural and cinematic moment for India. With its use of cutting-edge technology, an international musical collaboration, and a cast of some of the country's biggest names, Ramayana is being positioned as a visual retelling of India’s most revered epic for global audiences.
Fans await Ramayana teaser as early reviews spark buzz online Instagram/iamnamitmalhotra
VFX, AI dubbing and a grand IMAX vision
Malhotra, who is also the CEO of Prime Focus, the VFX house behind Inception, Dune, and Interstellar, is bringing the same scale of production to Ramayana. From AI-powered dubbing to ensure effortless multilingual release to custom-built IMAX-ready visuals, the film is expected to be a technological leap for Indian cinema.
The use of AI dubbing marks a first for India, with actors’ voices being translated seamlessly across languages without additional recording, potentially revolutionising how pan-India films are made.
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Star-studded cast to bring the epic to life
Leading the film is Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravan. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, with support from Ravi Dubey, Lara Dutta, and Vikrant Massey. Although Amitabh Bachchan’s name has been linked to the project, his role has not been officially confirmed.
The story will unfold across two instalments, with Part 1 slated for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 arriving in 2027. Sources suggest the first part may end with the pivotal ‘Sita Haran’ episode, though plot specifics remain tightly under wraps.
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Zimmer and Rahman to compose original soundtrack
Adding further weight to the project is its musical team, Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Their collaboration for Ramayana is in fact a rare union of East and West and is expected to deliver a stirring, cinematic score that matches the film's scale.
A motion poster launched earlier this month gave fans the first animated glimpse of the characters and set the tone for the scale of storytelling. The visuals, backed by a teaser of the original score, have already begun building buzz among audiences.
AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie Instagram/arrahman
A cultural milestone, not just a blockbuster
For Malhotra, this film goes beyond box office numbers. Speaking on Prakhar Gupta’s podcast, he said, “This isn’t just about money. It’s about telling the greatest story ever told, and doing it in a way the world has never seen.” He added that while the budget may seem large, it’s still more cost-effective than many comparable Hollywood tentpoles.
The producer also emphasised the deeply personal nature of the film, calling it a tribute to India's heritage. “This is a story that every Indian knows. Now it’s time the world sees it too,” he said.
With production fully underway, Ramayana is poised to become a milestone not only in Indian filmmaking but also in how ancient narratives are brought to screen with new-age tools.
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Dominic McLaughlin spotted in full Hogwarts costume as filming begins in the UK
Dominic McLaughlin unveiled as the new Harry Potter as HBO’s TV reboot begins filming.
Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout confirmed as Hermione and Ron.
Series to release in 2027, one season per book over a decade-long plan.
John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Katherine Parkinson join the ensemble cast.
Production is officially underway for HBO’s long-awaited Harry Potter series, with the first image of 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin in costume as the Boy Who Lived. The reboot marks a return to Hogwarts nearly 14 years after the final film in the original movie franchise wrapped, and it promises to revisit each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, with one season dedicated to each book.
The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images
New Harry Potter cast includes young British actors and seasoned stars
The lead trio, McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, were chosen from a pool of tens of thousands of children in an extensive casting process. HBO revealed the three in May, and now a wider ensemble has been confirmed.
Among the new faces joining the world of wizards are Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as wandmaker Ollivander. Other key characters have been recast with prominent British actors, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
Series to be “faithful adaptation” with new creative vision
The reboot is being described by HBO as a “faithful” retelling of Rowling’s original books but with more space and time to explore the stories in detail. Francesca Gardiner, best known for her work on Succession and Killing Eve, serves as the showrunner and writer. Longtime HBO collaborator Mark Mylod is on board as director for multiple episodes and will also serve as executive producer.
The series is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, the same location used for the original film series. Costume designer Holly Waddington, who recently won an Academy Award for Poor Things, has joined the production, while Killing Eve’s Laura Neal is part of the writers’ room.
While HBO has confirmed the first season will cover The Philosopher’s Stone, the network has not revealed whether subsequent seasons will continue yearly. However, executives have hinted at a decade-long rollout, aligning roughly with the timeline of the books’ original publication. The series will stream on HBO and HBO Max (or Max where available) and is expected to debut sometime in 2027, thirty years after the first Harry Potter book was released.
The reboot arrives at a time when the franchise’s popularity remains strong, thanks to its films, video games, and stage production The Cursed Child. The new series is being positioned as a way to introduce Hogwarts to a new generation while offering long-time fans a deeper, more expansive adaptation.
The Harry Potter reboot becomes the most expensive TV show ever Amazon
What else is known about the production?
In addition to familiar characters, the new series will introduce younger versions of beloved Hogwarts students, such as Draco Malfoy (played by Lox Pratt), Parvati Patil (Alessia Leoni), Seamus Finnigan (Leo Earley), and Lavender Brown (Sienna Moosah). Lucius Malfoy will be played by Johnny Flynn, while Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley step in as Vernon and Petunia Dursley.
HBO has also reportedly brought back Framestore, the VFX company behind the original movies, to recreate the magical world for television.
Despite the controversy surrounding Rowling’s recent public views, HBO has reaffirmed her involvement as an executive producer, suggesting that the show will still be grounded in the spirit of her original world-building, even as it brings in a diverse and updated cast.
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Azealia Banks has taken to social media to share screenshots of direct messages
• Azealia Banks posts screenshots of alleged messages from MMA fighter Conor McGregor • Claims include receipt of unsolicited nude photos • Original tweets removed by platform for violating content rules • McGregor has not publicly responded
Azealia Banks accuses Conor McGregor of sending explicit photos
Azealia Banks has taken to social media to share screenshots of direct messages and alleged nude photos reportedly sent by MMA fighter Conor McGregor. The posts, which surfaced on 14 July, included explicit images and suggestive messages. The authenticity of the content has not been independently verified, and McGregor has not commented publicly.
Removed PostsX/ Azealia Banks
Removed PostsX/ Azealia Banks
Removed PostsX/ Azealia Banks
Banks posts screenshots and criticises McGregor
The screenshots shared by Banks appeared to show McGregor sending explicit images, including one with a caption referencing lifting weights. In one of her tweets, Banks questioned the motive behind the alleged messages, writing, “How are you really going to sexually harass me with the potato farmer dick then threaten me not to tell?”
She further claimed that the pair had been exchanging “unsolicited nudes” since 2016, adding that she had never met McGregor in person. The rapper also made a reference to his birthday and mocked speculation about his potential political ambitions in Ireland.
Platform removes content and suspends Banks
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The original tweets, which featured the explicit photos, were taken down by X (formerly Twitter) for violating its guidelines. Banks later revealed that her account had received a 12-hour suspension as a result. She acknowledged the penalty on Instagram, writing, “Got me. It’s been fun.”
McGregor remains silent
She further claimed that the pair had been exchanging “unsolicited nudes” since 2016Getty Images
Conor McGregor, who has been in a relationship with Dee Devlin since 2008, has not issued any public statement regarding the alleged messages or photos. There has been no confirmation from his representatives about the claims made by Banks.
A poignant evening unfolded at The Chambers, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, where storytelling met soul-searching in an unforgettable conversation between Bollywood icon Manisha Koirala and creative visionary Manish Tiwari. Hosted by Here & Now 365, the event wasn't just a rendezvous of film lovers and cultural figures; it was a moment of collective pause, reflection, and renewed strength.
Actress, activist, and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala’s presence radiated both dignity and depth. Her journey, marked by painful valleys and soaring recoveries, became a guiding light for everyone in the room.
“Resilience isn’t a heroic burst,” Manisha said softly, “it’s a series of small choices, made moment by moment.”
These words captured the essence of a woman who had once faced death and emerged with more life than ever before. Her candid recounting of her diagnosis, treatment, and emotional tumult was far from a scripted memoir; it was raw, real, and quietly transformative. “When the doctor told me I had ovarian cancer, I thought, ‘This is it. I’m going to die.” The room fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by her own calm voice. “But by the grace of God, I didn’t. I learned to live again.”
Now cancer-free for over a decade, Manisha wears her scars not as symbols of suffering, but of survival. “Cancer taught me how fragile life is, and how full of grace it can still be.” Her message to the community was loud and clear: take nothing for granted, guard your health, value your people, and embrace life… not with fear, but with fullness.
A life shaped by legacy and loss
Manish Tiwari opened the conversation by tracing her journey from Nepal, born into the influential Koirala family, known for producing four Prime Ministers, to the dazzling heights of Indian cinema. Raised partly in Banaras, partly in Kathmandu, Manisha’s early life was woven with politics, activism, and cultural richness. But the cinematic leap came unexpectedly. “I hadn’t even finished Class 12,” she laughed, “and suddenly I was standing next to Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar on a film set!”
She described her debut with wide-eyed wonder, calling it “Alice in Wonderland… but scarier.” Though she had no background in acting, her performances quickly earned critical and commercial success. Yet fame, she said, was only one layer of the journey. “I burned out. I was working 18 to 19 hours a day… no holidays, no boundaries. Slowly, I started making bad films. I lost direction.”
When stardom faded, the soul spoke louder
And then came her diagnosis. “It shattered my world,” she admitted. From being the darling of millions to lying in a New York hospital, confronting her mortality, the fall was brutal. But the rise was even more beautiful. Her account of choosing life again of surrendering, healing, and seeking purpose, brought moist eyes and standing applause.
Throughout the talk, she emphasised how the real journey began after her illness. “I’m a Koirala woman — strong, stubborn, a little rebellious. Our women worked the fields and shaped history. That fire is in my blood.” She spoke about feminism, finding meaning in the roles she played, and how her heart sought characters that carried purpose.
“Even if the film didn’t do well, it didn’t matter. If the script opened my eyes, if it moved something in me, that’s what I lived for.”
For the soul, not the spotlight
She admitted to hitting rock bottom, professionally and personally, and spoke of rebuilding her identity from “minus and zero”. But never once did she sound bitter. Instead, there was acceptance. Grace.
Manisha also touched on Nepal’s political instability with cautious honesty. “I love my country deeply. But I worry- there’s a longing for dignity, for stability. We need to rebuild institutions, not just governments.”
A masterclass in living
The audience, a mix of diaspora professionals, art lovers, and well-wishers, sat rapt. They didn’t just meet a film star that evening. They met a truth-teller, a woman who had faced darkness and brought back light.
Her final takeaway? “Life is here today and gone tomorrow. So live it — fully, bravely, kindly.”