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.
They just announced it on Instagram: Jisoo and Zayn Malik.
Heard that teaser? All whispery vocals and late-night vibes. It teases a secret romance.
This marks the first time Jisoo has done a proper track with a Western artist. It's a big step.
Remember July? Zayn was at that BLACKPINK gig with his child. It all makes sense now.
The song, Eyes Closed, is out now, right in the middle of her world tour schedule.
Nobody saw this coming, seriously. Jisoo from BLACKPINK and Zayn Malik? A duet? They just put the announcement on Instagram, and social media feeds immediately exploded. The song is called Eyes Closed. BLINKs are having a meltdown. Zayn's fans are confused but thrilled, and the comment sections are pure, beautiful chaos.
Jisoo and Zayn Malik pose in the promotional poster for Eyes Closed Instagram/sooyaaa__ and zayn
So, what is the song actually like?
Right, the teaser. It is short. Jisoo's voice is all clear, and then Zayn's comes in with that gritty, just-woke-up sound he is known for. Somehow, it works. The main line is, "we should fall in love with our eyes closed." You get the picture. It is not a happy, dance-in-the-sunshine kind of track. It is the kind of song you play at 2 a.m. when you are overthinking. How did these two even end up in a studio together? Who had that idea?
Okay, think back to July. New York. There were photos. Zayn was just there, at the BLACKPINK concert. He had his daughter Khai with him. He even put up a post afterwards, something like, "thank you, we loved it." We all just scrolled past it. We thought, 'oh, that's nice, he's a fan.' Just a dad taking his child to a show. But now? Yes, that was not just a fun night out. That was the starting point. We should have connected the dots.
Jisoo and Zayn Malik drop Eyes Closed duet teaser hints at an intimate alt-R&B sound between Jisoo and ZaynInstagram/sooyaaa__ and zayn
Why this collab is a seriously big deal
Let us be clear: for Jisoo, this is her first real crossover moment. She is building her own path outside the group, and this is a massive power move. For Zayn, honestly, it is genius. He just unlocked the entire, ridiculously dedicated BLINK fandom overnight. This is strategy. It is two different musical worlds smashing together, and it is going to be huge.
On October 8, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai.
Rani Mukerji welcomed him and hosted a special screening at the studio.
Starting in 2026, YRF will film three major productions in the UK.
The move is projected to create over 3,000 jobs and strengthen cultural and creative ties.
The tour included visits to major UK film organisations such as Pinewood and Elstree Studios.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the bustling YRF studio in Andheri. Bollywood star Rani Mukerji greeted him warmly as they entered the screening room. The visit, part of Starmer’s India trip, centred around YRF’s future UK projects and a potential collaboration between the British and Indian film industries.
Keir Starmer visits Mumbai studio as Yash Raj Films plans UK projects and English DDLJ musical Reuters
What unfolded at YRF
Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani guided Starmer through the sprawling studios. The Prime Minister attended a special film screening and discussed creative collaborations and co-productions, as well as the UK’s deep connection to YRF, home to many classic shooting locations, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Special screening held at YRF attended by Keir Starmer, Rani Mukerji, and CEO Akshaye WidhaniReuters
Bollywood returns to Britain
YRF announced three major productions scheduled to be shot in the UK starting in 2026. These projects are expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs, providing opportunities for local talent and crews. Additionally, Widhani revealed that the English musical adaptation of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, titled Come Fall in Love, will also be produced in the UK.
Starmer observes recording setups and sound stages inside YRF during his India visit Reuters
Cultural and economic impact
Prime Minister Starmer noted that revitalising the film industry brings jobs, investment, and opportunities both in Bollywood and the UK. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the initiative, mentioning the positive effects on the creative industries.
The UK Prime Minister Starmer tours YRF studios Reuters
The visit builds on UK-India film collaborations that began with Slumdog Millionaire, which was both a global and economic success.
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