Jigyasa Singh: ‘Every role presents an opportunity for growth’
The Indian TV serial actress on her acting career and future hopes
By Asjad NazirJul 06, 2024
JIGYASA SINGH has shown off her impressive range as a performer in hit drama serials like Thapki Pyar Ki and its much loved sequel.
Other shows where she has consolidated that special audience connection includes iconic serial Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. This has given her a dedicated fan base that includes over a million Instagram followers and turned the actress into a shining light of Indian television.
Eastern Eye caught up with the popular actress to discuss her action-packed journey, including that huge Thapki Pyar Ki success and future plans.
What was the experience of working on Thapki Pyar Ki like?
Working on Thapki Pyar Ki and its follow-up was an incredible journey. The original series introduced me to a character with a unique challenge - Thapki’s stammer required a lot of dedication and sensitivity to portray her authentically. It was both demanding and fulfilling to bring her story to life and connect with viewers who saw their struggles reflected in her journey.
What was it like returning for Thapki Pyar Ki 2?
Returning for the follow-up series allowed me to dive even deeper into Thapki’s character, exploring her growth and new challenges. The support and enthusiasm from fans was heart-warming, and working with the cast and crew again felt like reuniting with family. It’s been a rewarding experience that has contributed significantly to my growth as an actress.
What was the most memorable moment from the Thapki Pyar Ki journey?
The entire journey of working on Thapki Pyar Ki and Thapki Pyar Ki 2 has been so special that it’s hard to single out just one memorable moment. Each day on set brought its own unique challenges and rewards, from the emotional scenes to the light-hearted moments with the cast and crew. The support from fans and the bond with my colleagues made the experience incredibly fulfilling. Every moment contributed to a tapestry of wonderful memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Why do you think this show has been so loved?
Thapki Pyar Ki resonates deeply with audiences due to its authentic storytelling, relatable characters, and emphasis on themes of acceptance, perseverance, and love. The dedication and chemistry of the cast and crew further enhanced its appeal, creating a compelling and heartfelt narrative that keeps viewers engaged and inspired.
What can we expect next from you?
You can expect me to continue exploring diverse roles and projects that challenge me as an actress and contribute meaningfully to storytelling. Whether it’s on screen or in other creative endeavours, I’m committed to growth, versatility, and connecting with audiences on a deeper level. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and new adventures ahead from me.
Do you have a dream role?
As an actress, I believe every role presents a unique opportunity for growth and exploration. While I don’t have a specific dream role in mind, I’m drawn to characters with depth, complexity, and a compelling journey. Whether it’s a historical figure, a fictional character in a fantasy world, or someone facing real life struggles, my dream role would be one that challenges me to stretch my abilities and connect with audiences on a profound level. Ultimately, I aspire to portray characters that inspire empathy, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact on viewers.
A still from Thapki Pyar Ki 2.
Who would you love to work with?
I’d love to work with visionary directors who push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to storytelling. Collaborating with talented actors who share a passion for their craft would also be a dream come true. Ultimately, I’m excited about the prospect of working with anyone who values creativity, professionalism, and the power of storytelling to inspire and connect with audiences.
Which directors would you love to work with?
It is my dream to be directed by sirs Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap and Rajkumar Hirani.
What about actors?
I would love to share screen space with actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Tabu, Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, Shefali Shah and Rasika Duggal. There are many such wonderful actors whom I love to watch onscreen. Their talent, versatility, and charisma have made them icons in the industry. Working alongside them would undoubtedly be a dream come true. Collaborating with such accomplished actors would not only be a tremendous learning experience, but also a chance to create memorable moments on screen that resonate with audiences for years to come.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
I enjoy a wide range of genres and styles. I appreciate storytelling that engages both the heart and mind. I also enjoy well-crafted comedies that offer a good laugh and break from the everyday stresses. I’m also drawn to visually stunning films that transport me to different worlds and cultures, as well as gripping thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I value diversity in storytelling and enjoy experiencing the creativity and imagination of filmmakers from around the world.
If you could master something new, what would it be and why?
I would love to delve into the world of music production and singing. Creating melodies, arranging tracks, experimenting with soundscapes and giving vocals to it fascinate me. Mastering these skills would open up a whole new avenue for creative expression. The ability to compose, produce and sing would not only be personally fulfilling but also offer endless opportunities for collaboration and artistic exploration.
Why do you love being an actress?
I love being an actor because working on a set with creative people is inspiring. We all aim for the same goal. As an actress, I enjoy becoming a different character every day. It’s like living a new life with unique traits and experiences for those hours on set. I’m thrilled that acting allows me to create special moments for a broad audience. It’s like taking them on a character’s journey. Being part of a creative field and bringing stories to life is exciting, satisfying and inspiring for me.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins Tuesday, 15 July at 9 pm on BBC One.
The 11th series will see a new group of amateur sewers compete for the title.
Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host.
The show continues its popularity with weekly sewing challenges and heartfelt moments.
Great British Sewing Bee 2025 set to return on 15 July
The return date for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 has been officially confirmed. The popular BBC One competition will be back on screens on Tuesday 15 July at 9 pm, bringing with it a fresh group of amateur sewers hoping to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Now in its 11th series, the show has grown into a mid-year television highlight, offering a combination of creativity, technical skill, and emotional storytelling. Hosted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the series follows contestants through a series of themed sewing challenges as they compete for the title of Britain’s best home sewer.
New faces and returning favourites
While the full line-up of contestants for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is yet to be revealed, anticipation is already building. The show is known for its warm tone and close-knit community feel, with viewers often quickly forming favourites among the competitors.
Each episode will once again feature three key rounds: the Pattern Challenge, the Transformation Challenge, and the Made-to-Measure final test. Contestants will need to show flair, precision, and creativity under pressure.
Previous highlights and special episodes
The most recent episode aired was a Christmas special in 2024, featuring celebrity contestants including Ian “H” Watkins from Steps, Kellie Bright from EastEnders, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri, and reality star Charlotte Crosby. The festive-themed episode saw challenges such as making an advent calendar and reworking a children’s onesie, with Kellie Bright emerging as the winner.
Although The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is starting slightly later than previous years, the BBC has confirmed its regular slot, and the series is expected to run weekly through the summer.
What’s next
Details on the specific themes and tasks for this year’s episodes have not yet been released. Fans of the show can look forward to another season of innovative designs, memorable reactions from the judges, and emotional farewells as contestants are gradually eliminated.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of BBC One’s creative competition programming, building on over a decade of sewing success.
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The Odyssey poster features a fractured Greek statue with glowing embers
Universal Pictures releases poster for Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey.
Teaser trailer only available in cinemas before Jurassic World Rebirth.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film set for release on 17 July 2026.
Ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and more.
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is officially delving into mythology. His upcoming film The Odyssey, a retelling of Homer’s epic tale, has just dropped its first poster, and a short teaser trailer is now being shown exclusively in cinemas alongside Jurassic World Rebirth.
The poster leans into the film’s mythological roots, featuring the image of a fractured Greek sculpture engulfed in embers, with the words “Defy the Gods” stamped across the middle. It also confirms the theatrical release date: 17 July 2026.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus in Nolan’s mythological epic
At the heart of this ambitious project is Matt Damon, returning to work with Nolan to play the Greek hero Odysseus. The teaser trailer, currently unavailable online, reportedly shows Damon adrift at sea and includes brief appearances by Tom Holland as his son Telemachus and Jon Bernthal in an unspecified role. This marks the first time Nolan has adapted a classical myth, a shift from his previous grounded, cerebral storytelling in films like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Dunkirk.
Teaser trailer only in theatres—no online release yet
In typical Nolan fashion, the teaser for The Odyssey has not been released online and is only viewable in select cinemas. The 70-second clip features dramatic glimpses of the lead characters and a haunting tone, reaffirming Nolan’s love for the theatrical experience. Leaks of the trailer have surfaced on social media, but Universal is yet to respond or confirm an official online release date.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey poster debuts in cinemas with exclusive teaser trailerGetty Images
Nolan reteams with Universal after Oppenheimer success
Nolan’s The Odyssey follows his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. With a reported budget of £197 million (₹2,080 crore), The Odyssey is Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The film is produced by Nolan’s long-time collaborator and wife, Emma Thomas, and shot using advanced IMAX technology. It continues Nolan’s new partnership with Universal after parting ways with Warner Bros.
Alongside Damon and Holland, the film features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, and John Leguizamo.
With such a high-profile line-up and one of cinema’s most respected directors at the helm, The Odyssey is expected to be one of the biggest releases of 2026.
Deepika Padukone to be honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2026 under the Motion Pictures category.
She is the first Indian actress to receive the recognition, announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The Class of 2026 also includes Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Timothée Chalamet and Miley Cyrus.
Deepika expressed her gratitude on Instagram, calling the moment “Gratitude…”.
Deepika Padukone has been named among the 2026 honourees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Indian actress to receive the distinction. The announcement, made during a live event hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, places her alongside a global line-up of actors, musicians, and broadcasters to be celebrated with their own stars on Hollywood Boulevard next year.
Deepika Padukone to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star Getty Images
Hollywood Walk of Fame committee selects Deepika for Motion Pictures category
Deepika’s name was included in the Motion Pictures category, joining a list of 35 individuals from across entertainment. This year’s selection includes actors Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Rami Malek, and Timothée Chalamet, among others. Past inductee Eugenio Derbez and radio host Richard Blade revealed the names via livestream. The committee evaluated hundreds of entries before selecting honourees based on their artistic contributions, public appeal, and philanthropic work.
Jury Member Deepika Padukone attend the Palme D'or winner press conference Getty Images
Deepika Padukone’s international journey and Hollywood debut
Padukone’s inclusion, in fact, reflects her global appeal. After rising to fame in Bollywood, she entered Hollywood with the 2017 action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, co-starring Vin Diesel. Since then, she has represented Indian cinema on international platforms such as Cannes and the Met Gala. Earlier this year, she featured in Kalki 2898 AD, one of India’s highest-grossing films, and is currently attached to Atlee’s next project alongside Allu Arjun.
Deepika Padukone honoured with Hollywood star in 2026 Getty Images
No, celebrities can’t buy their way into the Walk of Fame
With each announcement, speculation swirls online about whether stars purchase this honour. However, Walk of Fame officials clarified that selections are made through a transparent process. Anyone can submit a nomination, but it must be supported by the artist and meet strict criteria, including a minimum of five years in the industry and verifiable public impact. A sponsor later pays a fee, currently between £59,000 (₹6.2 crore) and £66,000 (₹7 crore), used for maintenance, not for purchase of the star itself.
Deepika Padukone becomes Walk of Fame honouree in 2026Getty Images
Not the first Indian name, but a major milestone for Indian cinema
While Deepika’s recognition marks a landmark for Indian women in cinema, she is not the first Indian to appear on the Walk. That honour goes to Sabu Dastagir, a Mysore-born actor who became a Hollywood sensation in the 1930s and received his star in 1960. Nevertheless, Padukone’s inclusion underscores a new era of global visibility for Indian actors.
Charlize Theron revealed she recently slept with a 26-year-old and called the experience “really f---ing amazing”.
The actress made the candid admission during her appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast.
Theron spoke about her distaste for dating apps and why she’s happy being single.
Her latest film, The Old Guard 2, is now streaming on Netflix.
At 49, Charlize Theron says she’s enjoying a new sense of freedom, and it includes some unexpected, thrilling experiences. The Oscar-winning actress recently spoke about a sexual encounter with a 26-year-old that she described as “really f---ing amazing”, during her guest appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper. Promoting her new Netflix film The Old Guard 2, Theron got candid about her dating life, past relationships, and how her forties have brought her a refreshing shift in perspective.
Charlize Theron poses with her Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role during the 76th Annual Academy AwardsGetty Images
Sex and confidence after 40
When Cooper asked Theron to share her best sex advice, the actress hesitated before opening up. “I’ve probably had three one-night stands in my entire life,” she admitted. “But I did just recently f--- a 26-year-old, and it was really f---ing amazing.” She explained the encounter came from a newfound liberation: “I think it’s because I found this freedom in my forties where I’m like, ‘Oh my god.’”
Charlize Theron stars in "The Cider House Rules"Getty Images
No patience for dating apps or industry matches
Theron, who’s been romantically linked in the past to Sean Penn and Stuart Townsend, had strong opinions about online dating. Calling it a “clown show”, she criticised everything from selfies in closets to Burning Man pictures. She also dismissed the idea of dating fellow actors, saying it doesn’t work for her. “I don’t think dating someone in my industry is a smart thing,” she told Cooper.
Charlize Theron attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "The Old Guard 2" Getty Images
Comfortable without a relationship
The Mad Max: Fury Road star, a single mother to daughters Jackson and August, said she’s happy not being in a relationship. “There’s this notion that someone like me must be missing out,” she said. “But I’m not.” She made it clear she isn’t seeking marriage either. “I want long-term commitment. I just don’t need to get married,” she said, adding that fears around being stuck may be part of her hesitation.
Charlize Theron during the 2010 Soccer World Cup Final Draw Getty Images
Juggling sex, motherhood and a career
Theron pointed out how hard it is to find time for romance while raising two children. “Who has f---ing time for dates and waxing and make-up?” she laughed. “I’ve got two children that have to go to school.” Her daughters, now 12 and 9, were adopted in 2012 and 2015. She often jokes about how unimpressed they are by her career, even after visiting her on the set of The Old Guard 2.
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Ranbir Kapoor appears as Lord Ram for the first time in the Ramayana teaser
The teaser offers the first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravan.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana will release in two parts during Diwali 2026 and 2027.
The film features music by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman and action by Hollywood stunt legends.
With a reported budget of £78 million (₹835 crore), it’s the most expensive Indian film to date.
The much-awaited teaser for Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Yash as Ravan, is finally out, though viewers will have to wait longer to see actual scenes from the film. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the teaser opts for a stylised introduction to the mythological world rather than full footage, with only fleeting glimpses of the lead characters revealed at the very end.
Ramayana teaser out featuring Ranbir Kapoor and YashYoutube Screengrab
A grand reveal without footage
The nearly three-minute teaser introduces the film’s mythological backdrop, tracing the cosmic balance maintained by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It culminates in the visual build-up of the Ram-Ravan conflict, described as “the war to end all wars.” Viewers get a few seconds of Ranbir as Ram and Yash as Ravan, but no narrative footage yet.
Fans noticed the teaser’s stylistic similarity to the Game of Thrones title credits, with scrolling names and grandeur, rather than traditional scene previews. The glimpse was launched across multiple Indian cities and even showcased at Times Square, clearly indicating the producers’ international ambitions for the film.
With a budget of £78 million (₹835 crore), Ramayana is now the costliest Indian film ever made, surpassing Kalki 2898 AD and Adipurush. Alongside Ranbir and Yash, the film stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Yash, also co-producing the film, recently said Ravan was the only character he would have agreed to play in a mythological story. “There’s vast scope to present him in a very different way,” he shared in a media interaction.
Adding to the project’s scale are composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, scoring the film together. Zimmer, known for Inception and Interstellar, brings global texture to the soundtrack, along with Rahman’s spiritual depth.
Stunt choreography will be led by Terry Notary (Avatar) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road), promising action battle sequences grounded in emotion.
Yash in discussion with stunt director Guy Norris during Ramayana shoot Twitter/@SumitkadeI
Two-part release set for Diwali 2026 and 2027
The film will be released in two parts, with the first instalment expected to hit cinemas during Diwali 2026 and the second in 2027. Touted as “Our Truth, Our Story,” Ramayana aims to retell the ancient epic with visual grandeur while staying rooted in its moral and cultural legacy.