Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has already delivered one of its most talked-about moments: a nine-minute standing ovation for Die My Love, a dark and intimate drama led by Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
Directed by Scotland’s Lynne Ramsay, the film is in the running for the Palme d'Or and has made a powerful impression on critics and festivalgoers alike. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel of the same name, the story delves into the emotional turmoil of a new mother battling postpartum depression and creeping psychosis.
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson reunite on the red carpet for their Cannes premiere Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence plays Grace, a woman unravelling at the seams, while Pattinson stars opposite her as Jackson, her husband caught in the emotional crossfire. LaKeith Stanfield also delivers a strong performance in a key supporting role.
The film premiered on 17 May to an overwhelming reception. Ramsay, visibly emotional, thanked her cast on stage, saying, “I’m so overwhelmed. Thanks to these amazing actors. I’ve got to get it together, I’ll see you in a minute.” Even Stanfield was seen wiping away tears, moved by the reaction from the crowd.
Die My Love cast received extended applause from the Cannes audienceGetty Images
Produced by Lawrence under her banner Excellent Cadaver, alongside Justine Ciarrocchi, Martin Scorsese, and others, the film marks her return to serious drama after her 2023 comedy No Hard Feelings. This is also her first appearance at Cannes since becoming a mother for the second time earlier this year.
There was a lighter moment on the red carpet too when Pattinson accidentally stepped on Lawrence’s trailing gown, leading to shared laughter and a quick apology from the actor.
A red carpet moment as Robert Pattinson shares a laugh with Jennifer LawrenceGetty Images
However, the night wasn’t without mishaps. A palm tree fell on a producer during the festivities, causing injury and leading to a temporary shutdown of part of the Croisette.
Despite the chaos, Die My Love has emerged as a standout at Cannes this year, both for its raw subject matter and strong performances. With such a response, the film is now being seen as a serious contender not only for the Palme d’Or but also for the upcoming awards season. A theatrical or streaming release date is yet to be announced.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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