ONE of the youngest music stars to have emerged during lockdown is a 13-year-old Scottish DJ named Beats By Jay.
Real name Jay Singh, the talented teenager, who was born and raised in Glasgow, has been delighting online audiences with his dynamite DJing skills on explosive musical sets.
“I was 11 years old when I first started to DJ, fusing the sounds of bhangra with hip hop, grime, r’n’b and even Afro beats. It started with a bit of fun on an iPad and quickly turned into a passion,” explained Jay.
He now hosts popular online shows and is being compared with some of Scotland’s best DJs. Having been surrounded by Punjabi music and culture from a young age, the youngster comes from a musical family and credits them for helping him find his DJing passion.
He said: “I’m forever grateful for having parents and family around me that push me, and support me to pursue my interests in music, but also remind me that my school education comes first, and how to best balance out my time between studying and practicing my mixing and scratching skills.”
Although he is too young to play at the big nightclubs, the youngster has honed his skills by playing at events organised by his family and friends, along with practicing at home and showing off his skills with online streams.
“I saw lockdown as providing me an opportunity. We couldn’t meet our friends, family or even play sports in person, so instead I used DJing to reach out to people and put out positive vibes through music,” Jay explained.
That love for entertaining audiences and a desire to DJ, combined with his mind-blowing ability to mix commercial music, is setting up the youngster for a big future. However, Jay said he isn’t looking too far ahead and for now just wants to entertain audiences.
“Who knows what’s next for me and where this will take me, but I take inspiration from the likes of Tru Skool, Panjabi MC, DJ Frenzy, Glasgow’s very own DJ Bobby B and any many more. I hope to follow in their footsteps.”
Tune into live sessions from Beats By Jay on Instagram: @beatsbyjay07 and Facebook: @Beats By Jay
Trailer is geo-blocked in India; film to release overseas on 27 June.
Netizens accuse Diljit Dosanjh of being “anti-national”.
Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 will not be screened in Indian cinemas. Instead, the film will only be released in international markets on 27 June, after calls for a boycott intensified online due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors, particularly Hania Aamir. The move follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and renewed enforcement of the entertainment industry’s ban on cross-border collaborations.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), requesting that Sardaar Ji 3 be denied clearance. Their objection stems from the casting of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, at a time when India-Pakistan relations are strained following the April attack that left 26 people dead.
In line with government directives discouraging any partnerships with Pakistani artists, the makers dropped plans for a domestic release. Director Amar Hundal’s film now gears up solely for an international audience.
Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was also blocked in India after she allegedly made anti-India comments post-Operation Sindoor. The incident added fuel to the controversy already surrounding the film.
Trailer blocked in India, Diljit faces social media heat
On 22 June, Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer on Instagram, writing: “Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27 June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The YouTube trailer, however, is not accessible in India due to geo-blocking. While teasers and songs remain available, the trailer featuring Hania prominently has been restricted.
Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit as a ghostbuster exorcising spirits from a haunted UK mansion. Hania Aamir plays a fellow ghost hunter, while Neeru Bajwa adds a romantic twist. But the film’s quirky humour has been overshadowed by the strong online backlash.
Many netizens called Diljit “shameless,” accusing him of prioritising career over country. Some even demanded his removal from upcoming films like Border 2. For now, Sardaar Ji 3 heads to a global audience, leaving behind a fierce debate in its wake.
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We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well
After a smash-hit UK debut, India’s most-watched crowd-work comedy duo is back – and this time, they’re armed with an even wilder new show. Abishek and Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House invites audiences into a bizarre world where you can anonymously confess your darkest deeds and most questionable opinions.
Staged at Soho Theatre in London from July 21–25, the show will then head to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. It promises their signature fast-paced crowd work and razor-sharp improvisation. With no two shows ever the same, they aim to make every night unrepeatable and unforgettable. Eastern Eye caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about comedy chemistry, on-stage secrets and their biggest influences.
What made you two want to team up?
Abishek: We come from similar backgrounds, consume similar content, and laugh at each other’s jokes. A middle-class upbringing, a love for theatre, and a shared passion for the same kind of humour brought us together.
Did you both expect to become such a successful double act?
Nirmal: It struck me early on during touring. Initially, we’d do 20 minutes each and then come together for the final 20, which audiences really enjoyed. We soon realised our on-stage chemistry worked. We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well. (No innuendo intended.)
What’s been your most memorable moment as a duo?
Nirmal: After every show, we’d go out with some audience members and ask them to show us around their city. I think our last day at Edinburgh Fringe was epic – we were up till 4 am dancing, drinking pints, with a flight back to India at 8 am. Total chaos. Abishek: Touring internationally will always be a core memory. I’ll never forget our first show in Dubai – it felt so surreal. We genuinely felt taller than the Burj Khalifa that day!
How would you describe your brand of comedy?
Abishek: We do a lot of crowd work and improv. Our biggest strength is our physical comedy, combined with (self-proclaimed) impeccable chemistry on stage.
What drew you to interactive comedy?
Nirmal: I love stand-up, but it takes a year or two to build a solid hour. Audience-interactive shows let us flex our improv muscles and keep it fresh every night. We never ran out of shows this way. And repeat audience could enjoy our shows too. It’s liberating – we get to respond to the exact moment we’re in. And we love being surprised by the crowd.
What’s the biggest challenge of interactive comedy?
Abishek: You never know how a joke will land. You have to read the room well and only prolong an interaction if the person is clearly enjoying it.
With no two shows ever the sameInstagram/ theabishekkumar
How much of your routine is planned in advance?
Nirmal: The beginning, middle, end, and format are always set. But that’s it. We’ve built our shows on the road, so we keep adding and experimenting with new bits.
What’s the secret to great improvisation?
Abishek: Ride the scene’s energy – no matter how dumb the premise sounds. Go with the flow. BS with full conviction!
How do you stay in sync on stage?
Nirmal: It’s muscle memory at this point. I know when he’ll take a punchline or jump in, and he knows when I’ll interrupt. It’s built over time by doing this again and again.
What has performing in the UK been like?
Abishek: Amazing. We’ve toured the UK multiple times now, and every visit feels like coming home, thanks to the huge Indian diaspora.
How do UK audiences compare to those in India?
Nirmal: I love our international audiences – they come for a sense of familiarity. They’re away from home, and our references, language, and vibe create that comfort. For at least an hour and a half, it feels like home.
The beginning, middle, end, and format are always setInstagram/ theabishekkumar
Do you have creative differences – and how do you manage them?
Abishek: We do, but we don’t shy away from tough conversations. We’re brutally honest with our feedback and open to change. That’s the healthy part of this duo.
Tell us an embarrassing secret about each other.
Nirmal: When Abishek is sleep-deprived, he goes full chaos mode – like an elephant about to mate. He starts doing sixth-grade-level pranks on everyone around. This is a 30-year-old man. Abishek: Nirmal has to poop before every show. The moment the announcement plays, he’s off to the loo.
Who are your comedy heroes?
Abishek: Robin Williams, Russell Peters, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Ricky Gervais... and Indian legends like Nagesh and Crazy Mohan, who’ve had a huge influence on me. Nirmal: Kanan Gill, Rahul Subramanian, Kenny Sebastian, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle.
Why should people come to your London shows?
Nirmal: To feel like you’re in South India for a whole hour. It’s better than the North. (I say this in jest.) I could have said I’m joking, but I had to say jest, didn’t I? It is a nice word though.
Abishek & Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House at Soho Theatre in central London from July 21-25. www.sohotheatre.com
Grenfell Uncovered, Netflix’s new feature-length documentary about the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, has been widely praised by reviewers and early viewers for its serious and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of the UK’s worst modern tragedies.
Directed by Olaide Sadiq, the film retraces the events leading up to the fire that claimed 72 lives and sparked a national reckoning over building safety, housing policy, and corporate responsibility.
Reviewers highlight structured storytelling and emotional impact
Critics have noted that while the film does not introduce new findings beyond what was already published in the 2024 final report of the Grenfell Inquiry, it succeeds in conveying the scale and depth of the disaster to a global audience. Several reviewers praised the documentary’s editing, with The Guardian calling the timeline “agonisingly well-paced” and noting its ability to balance personal accounts with broader systemic failings.
The film weaves together the first 999 call, testimony from bereaved families, and a detailed exploration of decisions made by companies and public authorities. Reviewers have drawn attention to how the documentary contrasts human loss with what the inquiry called a “merry-go-round of buck-passing” by corporations and officials.
Personal stories placed at the centre
The emotional core of Grenfell Uncovered, according to several reviews, lies in the personal testimony from those who lost loved ones. These are presented alongside findings about companies such as Arconic and Celotex, which the public inquiry found engaged in “systematic dishonesty” in relation to the cladding materials used on the tower.
Critics have said the film powerfully illustrates how profit motives, weak regulation, and political decisions intersect with devastating human consequences.
Praise for Netflix’s decision to commission the documentary
Media observers have commended Netflix for producing a one-off film on such a politically sensitive topic at a time when many streaming platforms are opting for safer, more commercial programming. Some called it a “rare act of public-interest filmmaking” and noted that, despite global trends favouring true crime and celebrity-driven content, Grenfell Uncovered focuses on accountability and justice.
- YouTubeYouTube / Netflix
Political figures featured in the film
The film includes an interview with former Prime Minister Theresa May, who addresses criticism of her response to the fire, particularly her decision not to meet survivors during her first visit to the site. Reviewers have pointed out that while May has previously expressed regret, the interview adds weight to the film’s broader themes of inaction by those in power.
Other institutions, including the Cameron government, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Fire Brigade, are also examined in relation to their roles in the lead-up to and aftermath of the fire.
A reminder, not a revelation
While some reviewers noted that the documentary does not reveal much beyond what was already known, they argue that it is an important retelling for audiences who may not have followed the inquiry closely. In this context, critics say the film succeeds in its aim: to remind viewers of the tragedy’s preventability and the need for lasting change.
Grenfell Uncovered is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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Priyanka Chopra opens up about an on-set injury while filming Heads of State
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has opened up about a minor but shocking accident that occurred while filming her new action-comedy Heads of State, which premieres on Prime Video on 2 July. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor recalled how she injured her face during a high-intensity scene, losing a piece of her eyebrow in the process.
The incident took place during a rainy stunt scene that required her to fall and roll on the ground as the camera closed in. “The camera operator came in a little closer, I came in a little closer, and boom! The matte box hit me right here,” she said, pointing to her eyebrow. “It took out a chunk. I was lucky it didn’t take my eye.”
Despite the bleeding cut, Priyanka didn’t halt filming. Instead, she reached for surgical glue, patched herself up on set, and wrapped up the day’s shoot. “I didn’t want to come back and shoot in the rain again,” she joked.
In the film, Chopra plays Noel Bisset, a sharp MI6 agent pulled into chaos after a diplomatic mission unravels. She stars opposite John Cena and Idris Elba, who play the heads of state she’s tasked with protecting. The actor shared that her character does a fair amount of the heavy lifting when it comes to action, including hand-to-hand combat and stunts.
While discussing the film, Chopra also spoke about the off-screen dynamics with her co-stars. She revealed that Cena and Elba hadn’t met before the shoot, so she stepped in to ease the introductions. “I was like the buffer. I had to make sure we didn’t just start punching each other,” she laughed.
She also mentioned how the set was filled with laughter, banter, and plenty of pranks, most of them aimed at her. “I guess I was the easy target,” she admitted.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State features an ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, and Sarah Niles. The film will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Up next, Chopra is set to appear in SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and The Bluff, where she plays a reformed pirate.
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Priyanka Chopra enjoys traditional Indian feast at Vikas Khanna’s NYC hotspot
Priyanka Chopra Jonas found a taste of home far from home this week. The global star, alongside her manager Anjula Acharia and friends, enjoyed a memorable meal at Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's New York City restaurant, Bungalow.
Honouring heritage and handicrafts over dinner
Khanna shared a touching glimpse into the evening on Instagram. He focused on the restaurant's beautifully adorned glass ceiling, explaining its deeper meaning. "Everyone asks why we decorate it daily when some might not notice," Khanna wrote. His reason was personal: "It’s not just for guests below, but for loved ones watching over us from above. Today, I adorned it especially for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas."
The gathering doubled as a tribute to the upcoming Rath Yatra festival and specifically honoured the skilled artisans of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Videos showed Khanna tying traditional Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyanka and Anjula's wrists as a meaningful cultural gesture. The rainy NYC backdrop added to the intimate atmosphere.
A satisfied star and return visits
The Indian feast clearly hit the spot. Priyanka reshared a video from Anjula showing Chef Khanna expertly serving dishes, captioning it simply: “Still in a food coma. You’re the best host, Vikas.” Pictures revealed a relaxed Priyanka dressed smartly in a black dress and matching blazer, posing happily with Khanna and her group. This was her second return trip to Bungalow; she previously dined there last year with her husband Nick Jonas, thanking Khanna then for "a taste of home."
While young daughter Malti Marie was mentioned in Khanna's heartfelt caption about the ceiling dedication, she wasn't visible in the shared photos or videos. Fans can next catch Priyanka on screen in the action film Heads of State, streaming on Prime Video 2nd July, where she stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.