Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.
Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.
Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_
Shooter linked to Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International
Harjit Singh Laddi, a wanted terrorist on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) list, said he and another operative, Toofan Singh, were behind the shooting. Laddi is associated with the banned organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which the Canadian government recognises as a terrorist group.
In a social media statement, Laddi said the attack was a reaction to a past comedy sketch where a character wore traditional Nihang Sikh attire while delivering humorous lines. “These were considered offensive and hurt religious sentiments,” he wrote. “No spiritual identity should be ridiculed under the pretext of comedy.”
Laddi also claimed the Sikh community had reached out to Sharma’s team seeking an apology but received no response.
Kaps Cafe Instagram Story Instagram Screengrab/thekapscafe_
Café issues emotional statement, vows to stay open
Kap’s Café, operated by Sharma’s wife Ginni Chatrath, had only opened on 4 July. Following the attack, the café released a statement on Instagram expressing heartbreak over the violence but reinforced their commitment to the community.
“We opened Kap’s Café with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking,” read the post. “We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up.” The message ended with a note of gratitude to supporters and a promise to continue operating: “Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Café remains a place of warmth and community… see you soon, under better skies.”
Kaps Cafe Instagram Story Instagram Screengrab/thekapscafe_
According to Surrey Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the 8400 block of 120 Street around 1:50 am on July 10. Bullet damage was found on the cafe’s exterior while staff were still inside. No injuries were reported.
While no arrests have been made, Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi publicly claimed responsibility for the shooting in a social media post. Police have not officially confirmed his involvement. Authorities continue to investigate potential links to terrorism, organised crime, or extortion, and are also examining whether this incident may be connected to other recent threats involving Indian-origin individuals in Canada.
The shooting comes amid already strained relations between India and Canada over Khalistani separatist activities. In 2023, the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey led to diplomatic fallout after Canada alleged Indian involvement.
Harjit Singh Laddi, believed to be residing in Germany, is accused of masterminding multiple violent acts in Punjab, including the April 2024 killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar. Indian authorities have placed a reward of £8,630 (₹10 lakh) for information leading to his arrest.
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
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Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.
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SS Rajamouli, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati share a moment at the Baahubali reunion event
SS Rajamouli announces Baahubali: The Epic, combining the two original films into one cinematic saga.
The re-edited version will release in theatres globally on 31 October 2025.
The runtime is expected to cross five hours, sparking fan excitement and jokes online.
Reunion photos featuring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli shared on the film’s 10th anniversary.
A decade after Baahubali: The Beginning redefined Indian cinema, director SS Rajamouli has announced a reimagined release of the entire saga. Titled Baahubali: The Epic, this special two-part combined film will hit theatres on 31 October 2025, offering fans a seamless version of the grand story that began in 2015.
Team Baahubali reunites a decade after the first film’s releaseInstagram/baahubalimovie
Rajamouli brings Baahubali back with a new vision
On the 10th anniversary of the original film, Rajamouli shared the news on X, alongside a new poster. He wrote, “Baahubali… The beginning of many journeys. Countless memories. Endless inspiration.” He added that this milestone would be celebrated with Baahubali: The Epic, combining The Beginning and The Conclusion into one cinematic experience.
The re-cut version will feature updated transitions and potential new edits to streamline the narrative, according to early reports. Produced by Arka Media Works, the film will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.
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What to expect from the re-edited Baahubali
While the storyline remains unchanged, the combined runtime sparked curiosity when ticketing platform BookMyShow listed it at 5 hours and 27 minutes. The post was later deleted, but not before fans took screenshots and turned it into a meme fest. One user joked, “Yedhi maranam? 5hrs 27min runtime maranam,” mimicking Prabhas' famous dialogue.
Responding to the buzz, the film’s official X account wrote, “No worries! We won’t take up your whole day. It’ll be around the same time as an exciting IPL match.”
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A franchise that transformed Indian cinema
Baahubali: The Beginning and its 2017 sequel were not just box office hits, they were milestones. The first film earned around £61 million (₹650 crore) globally, while Baahubali 2: The Conclusion grossed £168 million (₹1,788 crore), making it one of India’s highest-grossing films.
The series featured Prabhas as Sivudu and Amarendra Baahubali, alongside Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj and Nassar. The gripping storyline, elaborate sets, and visual effects turned it into a national obsession, most memorably with the cliffhanger, “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?”
To celebrate the ten-year milestone, the cast and crew reunited on 10 July 2025. Photos from the event showed Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli laughing and reminiscing. Ramya Krishnan was also present, while MM Keeravani performed a song from the film, adding to the nostalgia. Notably, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia were missing from the reunion.
The official Instagram handle of the Baahubali franchise shared heartfelt photos and wrote, “A journey that brought us together as one family… And memories we will cherish forever.”
While fans flooded comment sections asking for a third instalment, Rajamouli remains focused on his next big project, SSMB 29, reportedly starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
For now, Baahubali: The Epic promises a cinematic celebration of a story that changed the scale of Indian filmmaking. Whether you’ve watched it once or a dozen times, this new version is set to offer a fresh perspective on a tale that became part of pop culture history.
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Poster of the upcoming Superman film releasing on July 11
James Gunn’s Superman reimagines the hero as a symbol of the immigrant experience.
Former Superman actor Dean Cain and conservative commentators criticise the film as "too woke."
Cain argues that Hollywood is rewriting classic characters to fit modern political agendas.
Gunn defends his interpretation, saying the story champions kindness and inclusion.
James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman has already been caught in a political storm. The director’s depiction of the Man of Steel as a metaphor for the immigrant experience has drawn criticism from right-wing voices, who accuse Hollywood of turning the iconic superhero into a tool for political messaging.
New ‘Superman’ movie sparks backlash for portraying hero as immigrant symbol Instagram/superman/reald3d
Gunn calls Superman ‘The story of America’
In a recent interview, Gunn described Superman as an immigrant who “came from other places and populated the country,” framing the nearly century-old comic book hero as a symbol of the American melting pot. The new film, he added, is about “basic human kindness”, a value he believes is being lost in today’s culture. For Gunn, this fresh take is less about politics and more about restoring a sense of empathy.
Director James Gunn attends the red carpet for the Superman movie premiereGetty Images
Dean Cain says Superman is becoming too political
Dean Cain, who portrayed Superman in the ’90s TV series Lois & Clark, sees things differently. In a video interview, Cain accused Hollywood of going too far with “woke” reinterpretations of legacy characters. While acknowledging Superman’s extraterrestrial roots, he warned that reshaping classic icons to reflect modern ideologies risks diluting their core values.
“The ‘American way’ is immigrant friendly, tremendously so,” Cain said, “but there are rules.” He cautioned against celebrating immigration without acknowledging its complexities, arguing that unlimited inclusion could lead to societal collapse.
Dean Cain accused Hollywood of going too far with “woke” reinterpretationsGetty Images
Right-wing backlash gains momentum
Cain isn’t alone in his criticism. Fox News host Jesse Watters mockingly suggested that the new Superman now stands for “truth, justice, and your preferred pronouns,” while other conservative voices took issue with the film’s social messaging. Some have gone as far as to claim the hero’s cape should bear gang symbols if he’s being used to push a political narrative.
The reaction highlights how even fictional characters can become lightning rods in America’s ongoing culture wars. Immigration, especially, remains a divisive topic, intensified by recent enforcement policies and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric under Donald Trump’s influence.
While critics decry the film as ideological, those involved in Superman are standing firm. Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern in the movie, downplayed the outrage, saying, “It’s just a movie.”
Sean Gunn, the director’s brother and a cast member in the film, offered a more forceful defence: “Yes, Superman is an immigrant. If you don’t like that, you’re not American.” For the cast and creators, the backlash isn’t a deterrent. In fact, it’s proof that the story still resonates and provokes thought.
Gunn’s Superman releases internationally this week and hits U.S. theatres on Friday, 11 July. Despite the controversy, early reviews are favourable, with many praising its emotional core and even the updated relevance.
But as the debate rages on, one thing is clear: this version of Superman isn’t just about capes and villains, it’s about what it means to belong in a country still struggling with the question of who gets to call it home.
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Justin Bieber returns with Swag album exploring marriage struggles and mental health
Justin Bieber surprise-released his seventh studio album, Swag, on Friday, 11 July.
The 21-track album explores themes of family, faith, and mental health.
Collaborations include Gunna, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, and Eddie Benjamin.
Album includes viral quote, “I’m standing on business,” from recent paparazzi incident.
Justin Bieber has stunned fans by releasing a surprise new album titled Swag, marking his return to music after four years. Released on Friday (11 July), the 21-track album signals a clear shift in tone for the pop star, who has drawn inspiration from his roles as a husband and father, as well as his spiritual beliefs.
The album comes shortly after a string of cryptic social media posts and fan speculation about Bieber’s mental health, triggered in part by a viral video of him confronting paparazzi on Father’s Day. The now-infamous line from the clip, “I’m standing on business,” has become a catchphrase among fans and is directly used in the track Butterflies.
Justin Bieber breaks silence with surprise album Swag amid fan concern over mental healthGetty Images
Swag marks Justin Bieber’s seventh studio album
Swag is Bieber’s first full-length release since Justice (2021), which topped charts globally. The new record presents a rawer and more introspective voice, according to sources close to the singer, and signals a move away from the polished pop of his previous albums.
The project includes collaborations with a diverse lineup of artists, including Gunna, Cash Cobain, Sexyy Red, Eddie Benjamin, and Marvin Winans. Tracks such as Therapy Session, Dadz Love, and Forgiveness explore intimate personal experiences, while others like Daisies hint at marital ups and downs.
A source told People magazine that the album is “darker, more vulnerable, and less polished” than Bieber’s past work, though not depressive. “It’s much deeper. Fans will notice the genre shift immediately.”
Several tracks on Swag appear to reflect Bieber’s personal struggles. In Daisies, he sings, “Falling petals, do you love me or not?”, a line many fans believe hints at tensions in his marriage to Hailey Bieber.
The couple’s relationship has drawn intense public attention in recent months. Justin previously shared a post celebrating Hailey’s Vogue cover while candidly admitting they had argued that day, which led to renewed media speculation.
Despite this, the album’s tone remains centred around commitment and faith. Songs like Devotion and Soulful reveal a continued emphasis on Bieber’s Christian beliefs, which have been central to his recent music and public image.
The phrase, “I’m standing on business,” which Bieber said while confronting a photographer, has been embraced by fans online and repurposed for Swag’s rollout.
Billboards teasing the album popped up in New York’s Times Square, Los Angeles, and even Reykjavík in the days leading up to the surprise drop, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. Bieber also posted an Instagram Reel revealing the track list on a massive screen in NYC.
Many fans believe this subtle, meme-driven marketing campaign was intentional. One wrote on X: “We called him unemployed and with nothing to do, and now he’s feeding us like this? Thank you, Justin.”
Fans and fellow artists react to Bieber’s musical return
The response to Swag has been overwhelmingly positive online. Listeners have praised both the emotional depth and sonic variety of the album. “SWAG isn’t just a title, it’s a mission statement,” one fan tweeted. Others commented on its therapeutic quality, with tracks like Therapy Session and Forgiveness resonating especially strongly.
US rapper Big Sean joined in the celebrations, commenting, “Yes!!!!” on Bieber’s Instagram post announcing the album. With streaming now live on Spotify and Apple Music, Swag is set to make a major impact.
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HYBE Cine Fest 2025: How HYBE Cine Fest 2025 is India’s K-pop soft launch
You step into your local PVR today. The smell of popcorn hits you, but instead of previews for the latest Bollywood hit, the lobby is a sea of ARMY Bombs and CARAT Bong light sticks. Fans in TXT tees are swapping photocards. Someone’s already belting out a LE SSERAFIM chorus into a mic at the pop-up Noraebang station. Inside Screen 3? It isn’t a film, but a full-blown K-pop concert. Thousands of voices scream every word of BTS’s Dynamite, and tears well up during Jungkook’s solo. But this isn’t Seoul. It’s Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, all this weekend. And HYBE? They’re taking notes, big ones!
What is Hybe Cine fest?
HYBE Cine Fest 2025 is a three-day cinema event (from 10 to 12 July) that brings some of the biggest K-pop concert experiences to the big screen across India. Organised by South Korean entertainment giant HYBE in partnership with PVR INOX and Trafalgar Releasing, the fest features full-length concert films from BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, and Katseye. Expect stadium-level production with cinematic visuals, surround sound, and collective fan chants, everything fans love about a K-pop concert, recreated inside a cinema.
HYBE didn’t pick India at random. It’s a calculated move. The company has confirmed it will open an Indian office in Mumbai or Delhi by September or October 2025. This festival is a soft launch, a proof-of-concept to test the waters. By partnering with PVR INOX and global distributor Trafalgar Releasing (which brought in over 260,000 fans during the Latin American edition), HYBE is laying the groundwork for bigger things. With India’s entertainment market projected to grow from £22.9 billion to £32.2 billion (₹2.45 trillion to ₹3.45 trillion) by 2028, the timing is no accident.
HYBE isn’t just here to screen films. This is step one in a long-term strategy:
Live concerts: The biggest fan demand. Data from this weekend supports the case for bringing TXT, ENHYPEN, or SEVENTEEN to Indian stages post-2025.
Local talent & collaborations: HYBE’s upcoming Indian office could scout homegrown talent or spark Indo-Korean music projects, similar to what HYBE America did with Katseye.
Lifestyle takeover: Pop-up merch counters are only the beginning. HYBE wants to control K-pop fashion, fan experiences, and digital platforms (like Weverse) in India.
Expect ticket prices between £7.50–£14 (₹800–₹1,500), depending on location and seat type. Morning and midday weekday shows are filling up fastest, so book early if you want the full fan-crowd vibe.
While Indian ARMYs, CARATs, MOAs, and ENGENEs lose their voices this weekend inside packed theatres, HYBE’s executives are wide awake, analysing ticket data, fan turnout, and social media buzz. Every chant, every Noraebang sing-along, every sold-out show is a datapoint fuelling their next big move.
HYBE Cine Fest 2025 is more than a weekend spectacle. It’s a strategic push to embed K-pop deep into India’s entertainment ecosystem. The concert films are just the beginning, the real goal is long-term cultural presence, local talent scouting, and eventually, massive live tours. The light sticks are lit. The playbook is open. And HYBE’s Indian takeover has officially begun.