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 actor shared a monochrome photo showing her baby bump with husband Vicky Kaushal.
She described the news as the start of the "best chapter" for the couple.
Industry colleagues and fans have flooded social media with congratulations.
Reports suggest the baby is due in the autumn, possibly around Diwali.
Well, it’s finally happened. Katrina Kaif has made her pregnancy announcement that everyone’s been buzzing about for ages. The actor posted a tender picture with Vicky Kaushal, both beaming as they held a polaroid image that clearly showed her baby bump and honestly, the post blew up online within minutes. Their caption talked about them starting the best chapter, and you can just see the happiness radiating from them.
Katrina Kaif reveals pregnancy in a heartfelt monochrome picture with Vicky Kaushal Instagram/katrinakaif/ Getty Images
What does the pregnancy announcement photo show?
Right, so the image is monochrome and has that sort of retro polaroid vibe. Katrina is in a white dress, the bump is right there, and Vicky has his hand gently on it. It is not an overly polished studio shot. It feels more personal, which is probably why it is hitting home with fans.
Now, the big question everyone is asking is when the baby is due. Word is she is in the third trimester already. Some outlets, like Bollywood Hungama, are saying the due date could be around Diwali, so next month. But, typical for these two, they are keeping the exact details under wraps. That is probably smart as it avoids the media frenzy until the little one is actually here.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal celebrate their next chapter in an intimate snapshotGetty Images
How did fans react to the pregnancy announcement?
The comment section on Instagram turned into a celebration. From fellow actors such as Neha Dhupia’s excited all caps message to soon to be father Rajkummar Rao’s congratulations, the industry showed its support. Fans were equally thrilled, speculating on whether a mini Katrina or Vicky is on the way. The overwhelming sentiment was one of shared happiness for the couple.
Fans and colleagues shower love on Katrina Kaif after her pregnancy announcement goes publicInstagram Screengrab/katrinakaif and vickykaushal09
What’s next for Katrina Kaif after this announcement?
It is understood that Katrina Kaif intends to take a proper maternity break once the baby arrives. Sources indicate she plans to be a hands on mother, which means fans might not see her on screen for a while. Her last release was Merry Christmas with Vijay Sethupathi, and no new projects have been officially announced, allowing her to focus entirely on this new chapter.
Sonam Kapoor went for detailed embroidery while Jacqueline Fernandez rocked bold prints
Anamika Khanna's LFW debut mashed up traditional Indian techniques with modern shapes
Both actresses showed how Indian design can work anywhere, not just at weddings
The Hamleys toy store location added a playful twist to the fashion show
You could spot Sonam Kapoor a mile away at that AK|OK show. She had that quiet, expensive look she does so well. Meanwhile, Jacqueline Fernandez practically bounced in with an energy that just fit the whole vibe. Anamika Khanna's London Fashion Week thing wasn't just another runway; it felt like she was making a point. And having these two completely different Bollywood stars there, wearing her clothes? That point landed hard.
Contrasting styles of Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez underline the versatility of Indian heritage fashion Instagram/sonamkapoor/jacquelienefernandez
A study in contrasts: Kapoor's elegance and Fernandez's edge
While Kapoor opted for intricate embroidery on structured tailoring, Fernandez chose bold graphic prints with a relaxed silhouette. Sonam Kapoor's look was a masterclass in refined detail: an asymmetrical coat with delicate, silver-threaded Chikankari embroidery, proving traditional craft could anchor a powerful, modern silhouette. In contrast, Jacqueline Fernandez embraced a more playful spirit. She wore an oversized blazer and shorts ensemble featuring the collection's bold, graphic prints, which drew inspiration from Indian mythology. Two totally different approaches to wearing your heritage on your sleeve. Literally!
Because it wasn't trying so hard. The models were walking around Hamleys. It didn't take itself deadly seriously, which made the craftsmanship actually stand out more. When you're not being shouted at about how 'important' the embroidery is, you can just appreciate that it's beautiful. That's what Sonam and Jacqueline understood. They didn't look like they were wearing costumes for a cultural display. They looked like themselves, just in clothes that happened to have a story behind them. Sonam's outfit whispered, Jacqueline's shouted, but both were speaking the same language.
What's the big deal about showing in London anyway?
It's about the audience, especially in London, where you see ideas travel. Anamika Khanna wasn't just showing clothes; it was like she was testing a theory. Can Chikankari work on a tailored coat? Can mythological prints feel fresh on a blazer?
Seeing both actresses in the front row, looking completely at home in these clothes, answered that question. If Sonam can wear that coat to a London event and look right in place, and Jacqueline can wear those prints without looking out of place, then the theory holds up. It's not about watering things down; it's about letting the craft speak for itself.
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Ambika Mod returns to the stage in the Royal Court’s new play Porn Play
Olivier winner Will Close joins Ambika Mod in the world premiere production.
The play explores a young academic’s secret addiction to violent pornography.
Acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor joins the creative team as movement director.
Performances run from 6 November to 13 December 2025 at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs.
The Royal Court Theatre has unveiled the full company for its upcoming world premiere, Porn Play. Joining the previously announced Ambika Mod is Olivier Award winner Will Close, fresh from his success in Dear England. This new production, a co-production with SISTER, promises a funny and unsettling look at the double life of a high-achieving academic. The creative team also got a significant boost with the involvement of award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor.
Ambika Mod returns to the stage in the Royal Court’s new play Porn Play www.easterneye.biz
What is Porn Play actually about?
Let’s cut through the provocative title. The play centres on a character named Ani, a brilliant academic who seems to have it all: awards, lectures, and a shining career. But beneath the surface, she’s grappling with a secret she can’t control: an addiction to violent pornography.
The story tracks how this hidden compulsion starts to fray her public persona and private relationships. It’s described as honest and unsettling, a proper character study rather than a simple shock-fest. Writer Sophia Chetin-Leuner is making her Royal Court debut with this, and she’s known for digging into complex psychological territory.
Ambika Mod returns to the stage in the Royal Court\u2019s new play Porn Play www.easterneye.biz
Who else is in the cast alongside Ambika Mod and Will Close?
The ensemble is seriously strong. They’ve got Lizzy Connolly, whose stage work ranges from the Donmar Warehouse to the Old Vic, and Asif Khan, a familiar face at the Royal Court and from the recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. It’s a tight four-hander, which suggests an intense, focused piece. Mod, of course, is riding an incredible wave after One Day and This Is Going to Hurt, but this is a return to the stage for her. And with Close’s Olivier Award for Dear England, the casting feels very deliberate, pairing actors known for their detailed, truthful work.
Why is Wayne McGregor’s involvement a big deal for a play?
You see a name like Wayne McGregor, a choreographer for the Royal Ballet and major films, on a play’s creative list, and it makes you look twice. He’s on board as the movement director. That’s not just about arranging a few stage crossings. For a play called Porn Play, which deals with desire, compulsion, and the physical manifestation of a secret life, movement could be absolutely central. How do you physically portray an internal addiction? McGregor’s signature is intelligent, often visceral physical storytelling. His role suggests the production will tell as much through the body as through the text, which is a fascinating prospect. With Josie Rourke directing and Mark Henderson on lights, it’s a top-tier team.
Mark the diaries. Porn Play will be staged in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, the Royal Court’s more intimate space, which feels right for this subject matter. The run is from Thursday 6 November 2025 through to Saturday 13 December 2025 and the press night is set for Thursday 13 November. Given the buzz around the cast and creative team, tickets will likely be in demand. It’s exactly the kind of bold, new writing the Royal Court built its reputation on.
At least seven UK charities dropped the Duchess of York as patron following reports of a 2011 email to Epstein.
The email described the convicted sex offender as a "supreme friend," contradicting her public statements.
Ferguson's spokesperson claims the message was sent on legal advice to counter a defamation threat.
The move is similar to the prior downfall of her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, over his Epstein links.
Sarah Ferguson has seen her philanthropic world unravel after charities cut ties with her over a newly surfaced email describing Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend.” The Duchess of York, once a staple in UK charity circles, now faces huge public backlash, pointing to the fragile line between royal goodwill and scandal. The primary controversy stems from correspondence following Ferguson’s 2011 interview in which she publicly denounced Epstein’s crimes, only to privately send him a conciliatory message.
Sarah Ferguson at an event before ties were cut Getty Images
What did the reported email from Sarah Ferguson actually say?
The content of the email, as reported by The Sun, makes for pretty grim reading. It was sent in 2011, just weeks after Ferguson gave an interview where she apologised for accepting £15,000 from Epstein. In that public statement, she called it a "gigantic error of judgement" and vowed to have "nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again."
The private email, however, struck a completely different tone. She reportedly offered a "humble apology" for linking him to sex abuse scandals. The real kicker was the line where she wrote that Epstein had "always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family." The email, in fact, raises questions about how long Ferguson’s private views may have differed from her public statements.
Julia’s House confirmed Sarah Ferguson will no longer be a patronGetty Images
Why have the charities acted now?
It’s all about timing and appropriateness. For these organisations, their patron's reputation is inextricably linked to their own. Julia’s House, a children’s hospice, was the first to go, stating the reported correspondence made Ferguson’s position "inappropriate." Others followed suit rapidly, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, which had her as a patron for 35 years. That’s a long association to end, which tells you how seriously they view this.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and Prevent Breast Cancer were among the others that cut ties. Their reasoning is simple: the email revelation creates a reputational risk they simply cannot afford. It doesn’t matter when it was sent; the fact that it exists and is now public is enough.
What is Sarah Ferguson's explanation for the Epstein email?
Her team isn’t denying the email’s existence. Instead, they’ve provided context, framing it as a strategic move rather than a genuine change of heart. A spokesperson stated that after her initial interview, Epstein threatened to sue her for defamation. On the advice of her lawyers, she allegedly sent the conciliatory email to "assuage Epstein and his threats." The official line is that she "deeply regrets" ever being associated with him.
Ferguson’s spokesperson says email was sent on legal adviceGetty Images
How does this connect to the wider fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal?
This isn’t the first royal scandal tied to Epstein. The Duke of York’s own association with Epstein led to him being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022. His car-crash BBC Newsnight interview was a pivotal moment. Ferguson, despite their divorce, has remained closely tied to him, and this episode feels like a second wave of the same scandal hitting the family again. It raises uncomfortable questions about the depth and duration of their connections to Epstein long after his crimes were known. For the royals, it’s another unwelcome headache, like a reminder of a scandal that refuses to fade.
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Sai Pallavi slammed for beach swimsuit as fans defend her freedom against double standards ahead of 'Ramayana' role
The actor was targeted by online trolls for wearing a swimsuit during a vacation with her sister.
Fans quickly defended her, stating clothing choice is a personal matter and questioning the critics' expectations.
Pallavi has previously spoken about her decision to avoid short dresses in her film roles.
The actress is preparing for her role as Sita in the upcoming epic Ramayana.
Actor Sai Pallavi has found herself at the centre of an unpleasant online debate after photos from a personal beach getaway surfaced. The Ramayana actress, who has spoken about her stance on modest clothing in films, was criticised for her choice of swimwear. This contrast between her on screen image and private life sparked a fierce backlash from trolls, leading to a defence from her fans who stressed on personal freedom.
Sai Pallavi slammed for beach swimsuit as fans defend her freedom against double standards ahead of 'Ramayana' roleInstagram/saipallavi.senthamarai
What sparked the controversy for the Ramayana actress?
It all started innocently enough. Sai Pallavi’s sister, Pooja Kannan, shared a series of sun soaked images on her Instagram feed from their recent beach holiday. The pictures showed the sisters laughing and enjoying the water, with Pallavi wearing a swimsuit. For most, it was a glimpse of a celebrity enjoying downtime with family. But then, of course, some people on social media latched onto the swimsuit thing. The comments section blew up almost instantly, mostly criticism, which felt pretty harsh. They seemed to hold her to an unrealistic standard based on her film roles, questioning how the actress, who frequently plays traditional characters, could make such a decision in her personal life.
Fans shot back with a simple, blunt message: mind your own business. "Stop intruding in other people’s lives," one wrote. The whole argument boiled down to a basic line: what she does in her professional life is separate from what she does on her own time. People were quick to defend her right to a private life, free from this constant scrutiny. And that’s what makes this whole mess so ironic. Because Sai Pallavi probably has the most publicly known stance on her choice of clothing in films of any actor working today. She’s been crystal clear about it for years. So this attack isn’t just intrusive. In fact, it completely misses the point she’s always made.
Fans rally online to support Sai Pallavi amid swimsuit trollingInstagram Screengrab/saipallavi.senthamarai
What is Sai Pallavi's known stance on clothing in films?
This entire episode feels particularly ironic given Sai Pallavi’s history regarding costumes. She has been consistent and vocal about her decision to not wear short dresses or heavy make-up in her movies. In past interviews, she explained that a personal experience of being objectified after a dance video went viral led to this choice for her professional work. She clarified that this was a boundary she set for her on screen persona, not a judgement on others or a rule for her private life. This recent controversy seems to wilfully ignore that crucial nuance, conflating an actor’s professional principles with her personal freedom.
Beyond the social media noise, Sai Pallavi’s career is moving on an impressive trajectory. She is currently one of the most sought-after actors in Indian cinema. All eyes are on her upcoming role as Sita in director Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated adaptation of the Ramayana, where she will star opposite Ranbir Kapoor. It is a big part, arguably one of the most significant in recent years. The online chatter about a beach holiday does little to overshadow the exciting professional chapter ahead for the actor.
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The new film dives into the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual that anchored the first instalment
Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated prequel to Kantara releases worldwide on 2 October 2025
Trailer teases a blend of folklore, mysticism and high-octane drama
Multi-language launch backed by leading Indian stars positions film as a pan-Indian event
Music by B Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind Kashyap return to the franchise
Three years after Kantara became a cultural phenomenon, director and actor Rishab Shetty has unveiled the trailer for Kantara: Chapter 1. Released on 22 September, the trailer offers a first glimpse of the prequel, which will reach cinemas worldwide on 2 October, coinciding with Dusshera and Gandhi Jayanti.
Folklore at the centre
The new film dives into the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual that anchored the first instalment. Shetty appears in a commanding avatar, with the trailer highlighting an intense trident-wielding sequence set against a rural landscape. The film promises to expand the Kantara universe while retaining its grounding in local tradition and spirituality.
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A pan-Indian launch
To maximise its reach, the trailer was released in multiple languages by some of the country’s biggest stars: Prabhas introduced the Telugu version, Hrithik Roshan unveiled the Hindi edition, Sivakarthikeyan presented the Tamil cut and Prithviraj Sukumaran launched the Malayalam version. The coordinated rollout reflects Hombale Films’ strategy to cement the project as a pan-Indian spectacle.
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Creative team
The production reunites key members of the original’s creative team. B Ajaneesh Loknath returns as composer, providing both soundtrack and score, while Arvind Kashyap handles cinematography. Vinesh Banglan leads production design, promising a rich visual canvas.
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Cast and characters
Alongside Shetty, the film features Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara. The ensemble aims to add depth to the folklore-driven narrative and broaden the cultural scope of the story.
Release plans
Backed by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 2 October 2025. Positioned as both prequel and expansion of the original hit, the film blends mythology, faith and cinematic scale, timed to capture audiences during the festive season.