British-Indian-Pakistani actress and activist Jameela Jamil has added another feather to her cap. The Good Place (2016) actress has been credited as the director of the music video for her boyfriend British singer James Blake’s latest single “Famous Last Words” from his new album, Friends That Break Your Heart.
Shortly after the video’s release, Jamil took to social media to reveal that she was initially hesitant to announce her association with the music video, saying that the “internet is so much harsher on women.”
“Because the internet is so much harsher on women, we held back on saying I directed James’ last video. But now that people like the video on its own I can say that I loved dreaming up this idea and then directing it, with my friend Chris, and an amazing crew for James Blake,” she wrote on Twitter.
Blake promptly responded to the tweet and wrote, “You killed it.”
Aside from directing the music video, Jamil also helped produce the song.
She has a number of writing credits on Blake’s fifth studio album. Shortly after the album’s release, Jamil took to social media to slam critics questioning her production credits. “A lot of mostly women insisting I could not possibly have actually worked on my boyfriend’s music, and that he must have just credited me to be nice,” tweeted Jamil in response to the social media critics.
“I was a DJ for eight years and studied music for six years before that. You are part of the problem of why women don’t pursue producing,” she added.
She followed up her statement on Instagram, writing: “An additional hilarious side to this misogyny is that they only don’t believe in my musical input when they love the songs. If they don’t like a song then suddenly, I CAN produce and it’s all my fault, and I produced the whole thing alone!”
Meanwhile, Jameela Jamil next will be seen in the Disney+ series She-Hulk, which is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
In a world where beauty standards often favour youth, Elizabeth Hurley is turning the tide. The 59-year-old model and actress recently claimed the title of the world’s sexiest woman, topping Maxim's Hot 100 list and outshining younger stars like Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Margot Robbie, and Rihanna. This win is not just about her timeless appeal but also about challenging conventional ideas about beauty and age.
Maxim’s Hot 100 list, which began crowning the top spot as the “world’s sexiest woman” in 2021, has typically featured younger celebrities. However, Elizabeth Hurley took the title, proving that style and charisma don’t come with an expiration date. As the oldest to ever hold the title, she made waves for defying stereotypes about age and attractiveness.
Timeless beauty and confidence define Elizabeth Hurley’s careerGetty Images
Elizabeth Hurley first made headlines in the late 1980s with small roles in British films, but her big break came in 1994 when she appeared at the London premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in a daring black Versace dress. The bold look made her a global sensation, and she continued to make a mark with roles in films like Austin Powers and Bedazzled.
Beyond her on-screen presence, Hurley’s journey as a model and entrepreneur has been remarkable. She launched her swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, nearly two decades ago, emphasising creative control and maintaining a niche appeal. Despite offers to expand, she chose to keep the brand small and personal, a decision that kept it both profitable and fulfilling.
Elizabeth Hurley champions self-confidence and breast cancer awarenessGetty Images
Even as trends changed, Hurley remained unapologetically herself, focusing on what made her feel good rather than chasing industry standards. She often speaks about the importance of self-acceptance and confidence, emphasising that women of any age should feel comfortable wearing what they love.
Hurley’s advocacy goes beyond fashion. As a long-time global ambassador for Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Campaign, she’s dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected. Her commitment to staying relevant while giving back makes her success all the more inspiring.
Elizabeth Hurley attends the 2025 Breast Cancer Research Foundation's 'Hot Pink Party'Getty Images
Elizabeth Hurley’s recognition as Maxim’s sexiest woman isn’t just a win for her but a win for women everywhere who refuse to be defined by age.
Anita Rani, the popular TV presenter, has always felt like she’s on the outside looking in. Growing up in Bradford during the 1980s, just a few miles from the Brontë sisters’ hometown of Haworth, she couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to these iconic literary figures. Rani’s new Sky Arts documentary, The Brontës by Anita Rani: Sisters of Disruption, isn’t just a historical retelling but a journey that intertwines her own story with that of the famous sisters.
Anita Rani's Sky Arts documentary highlights the rebellious spirit of the Brontë sistersGetty Images
From a young age, Rani was surrounded by the Brontës’ legacy. At her all-girls’ school, the portrait of the Brontë sisters by Branwell Brontë was a familiar sight, and their stories felt personal, especially since she grew up walking the same windswept moors they once did. The documentary takes Rani back to those roots, exploring the spirit of rebellion that connected her with the Brontës from a young age. To her, they weren’t just quiet, knitting women. They were fierce disruptors who challenged norms and made their voices heard. It’s this strength that resonated with Rani, who always longed to break out of traditional expectations.
Rani’s upbringing was shaped by her parents’ struggles as Punjabi immigrants who set up a textile factory in Bradford. Despite the hardships, her father encouraged her to break stereotypes. Unlike many traditional Indian fathers, he took her to the pub at 15 and taught her to play pool, something Rani credits for her ability to navigate the TV industry today.
Anita Rani shares how her upbringing shaped her connection with the BrontësGetty Images
The Brontë sisters, like Rani, were outsiders in their own way. Rani’s documentary highlights how their stories are more than just gothic romances; they are tales of women pushing against the world’s constraints. The film also touches on modern issues, like using Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall to support domestic abuse survivors. Rani’s own sense of disruption is echoed in the Brontës’ fight for female autonomy and identity.
Reflecting on her journey, Rani admits that her teenage self never realised how much the Brontës’ spirit matched her own. It wasn’t just about loving Wuthering Heights or identifying with Heathcliff. It was about finding a voice and taking ownership of her story.
Today, Rani continues to challenge stereotypes, inspired by the Brontës’ rebellious legacy. As she considers getting a tattoo that reads ‘Sister of Disruption,’ it’s clear that she’s not just telling their story but living it.
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Ana de Armas keeps it professional despite romance speculation with Tom Cruise
The buzz surrounding Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas shows no signs of slowing down. The duo has been seen together on numerous occasions, from casual outings to high-profile events, fuelling rumours of a budding romance. Yet, both stars remain tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship, leaving fans guessing.
At the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Cruise couldn’t help but compliment Ana de Armas, who stars in the upcoming John Wick spinoff, Ballerina. Speaking to Access Hollywood, the 60-year-old actor praised her talent, calling her a “force” and applauding her ability to balance drama and comedy effortlessly. He seemed genuinely impressed by her on-screen presence, describing her work with Keanu Reeves as captivating.
While Cruise’s words have sparked speculation, Ana de Armas has been cautious about addressing the rumours. In an interview, she acknowledged working with Cruise on several projects, expressing excitement but maintaining a professional tone. She also shared her admiration for his dedication to stunts and action scenes, admitting that while she couldn’t match his level, she understood the thrill.
The two have been spotted together multiple times, from a Valentine’s dinner in London to attending David Beckham’s birthday party. A source hinted that Cruise might have developed feelings for de Armas, describing him as “smitten.” However, the relationship seems to be in its early stages, with de Armas reportedly taking things slow.
Despite the intrigue, both stars are focused on their professional lives. Cruise has been promoting the latest instalment of Mission: Impossible, while de Armas gears up for the release of Ballerina. The rumoured couple’s public appearances, though frequent, have mostly been linked to their work commitments.
Whether it’s a blossoming romance or just a strong friendship remains uncertain. For now, Cruise’s admiration for de Armas seems genuine, but whether it translates into a romantic relationship is anyone’s guess.
As they continue collaborating on multiple projects, the world will just have to wait and see if this Hollywood pairing turns out to be more than just a professional bond.
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Anu Aggarwal says casting couch in Bollywood is overhyped, defends practice
Anu Aggarwal, best known for her iconic role in the 90s film Aashiqui, recently stirred controversy with her comments on the casting couch in Bollywood. In a recent interview, she questioned why the issue is treated as a big deal, sparking a mix of reactions from the public and industry insiders.
During the interview, Anu expressed that the casting couch is not exclusive to the film industry, arguing that similar dynamics exist in various professional settings like corporate offices and banks. She questioned why people act surprised or outraged when it comes to the film industry, saying, “Why are we pretending? Where does it not exist?” Anu asserted that relationships between men and women have existed throughout human history, suggesting that such interactions are often part of life.
She also reflected on her own journey in Bollywood, clarifying that despite maintaining close relationships with her directors, including Mahesh Bhatt, she had never faced a casting couch situation. According to Anu, the real issue lies not in the existence of such situations but in failing to use one’s potential. “If you didn’t make it, what’s wrong with that? Not using your potential is what’s truly wrong,” she stated.
Anu’s remarks have sparked debates on social media, with many questioning the implications of normalising the casting couch. Some critics argue that equating consensual relationships with exploitative situations is problematic, as it overlooks the power imbalance and coercion often involved. Others feel that Anu’s comments reflect a dated mindset that fails to address the actual problem of abuse and manipulation within the entertainment industry.
As Bollywood continues to grapple with issues of exploitation and power dynamics, many believe that public figures should be more cautious about how they address such sensitive topics. Defending or downplaying the casting couch not only risks normalising inappropriate behaviour but also undermines the courage of those who have come forward with their stories.
Anu Aggarwal’s statements have undoubtedly sparked conversations about ethics and power in Bollywood. While some appreciate her honesty and refusal to sugarcoat, others believe her perspective fails to acknowledge the harsh realities faced by many aspiring actors. The debate around her remarks also highlights the larger issues of the ongoing struggles to create safer and more respectful workplaces within the film industry.
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Thug Life trailer trends as Kamal Haasan’s romantic scenes with Trisha and Abhirami sparks age gap debate
The trailer for Thug Life, Kamal Haasan’s long-awaited collaboration with Mani Ratnam, is out, and it’s got the internet talking, but not for the reasons the makers expected. While the film’s scale, cast, and gritty gangster setup have excited fans, a few scenes in the trailer have stirred up a heated discussion on social media, particularly around Haasan’s romantic moments with co-stars who are nearly three decades younger.
In one scene, the 70-year-old Haasan shares a kiss with actress Abhirami. In another, he’s shown in a romantic setting with Trisha Krishnan. While this isn’t the first time Indian cinema has paired older male actors with younger women, the discomfort this time seems more vocal. Viewers, especially on Reddit, have pointed out the age difference between Haasan and his leading ladies, with some calling the scenes unnecessary and others joking about the optics.
Comments like “Trisha is just three years older than Shruti Haasan (Kamal’s daughter)” and “Only 30 years apart; practically soulmates!” reflect the sarcasm and criticism being directed at the film’s casting choices. Some even questioned whether these scenes were essential to the story or just another attempt to maintain a mass-hero image.
However, not everyone is offended. Some users argued that the discomfort comes not from the age gap itself but from the context in which it’s shown. “If the storyline addresses the age difference and it’s relevant to the plot, it makes sense,” one person wrote. “But when it’s brushed aside and presented like a regular love angle, that’s when it feels off.”
Thug Life follows the journey of a gangster who mentors a boy who eventually becomes a powerful figure himself, played by Silambarasan. The trailer hints at a father-son-like bond set against a backdrop of crime, betrayal, and loyalty. The ensemble cast also features Sanya Malhotra, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Pankaj Tripathi, and more. AR Rahman handles the music, with cinematography by Ravi K Chandran.
This marks Haasan and Ratnam’s first film together since Nayakan (1987), making Thug Life one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year. But while the film’s core may be about power and legacy, it’s the personal dynamics that are currently dividing viewers. Whether that helps or hurts the film at the box office, only time will tell. Thug Life hits cinemas on 5 June.