Starring superstar Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles, the forthcoming Hindi feature film Bharat has been in the news ever since its official announcement a couple of months ago.
While we keep reading something or the other about the movie almost every day, fans got really excited when reports came out that Katrina Kaif will also play an important role in the flick.
Katrina and Salman Khan have together delivered a couple of blockbusters in the past, the most recent one being the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial Tiger Zinda Hai (2017). When the fans heard the rumours that the hit duo is coming together once again, they couldn't keep calm. However, Kat’s recent interview with an Indian daily might break their hearts.
In her recent interview with a leading daily, Kaif rubbished all rumours which stated she would be there in Bharat.
“I am not a part of that film. My next is Remo D’souza’s film with Varun (Dhawan), which I am going to start work on after wrapping up Aanand L Rai’s film, Zero. There is still a little bit of work left to complete that film. I should start work on the dance film by the last quarter of the year."
Before Zero, Kat will be seen in Yash Raj Films’ Thugs Of Hindostan, co-starring Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Fatima Sana Shaikh in the principal cast.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s return to the Cannes red carpet in 2025 wasn’t just about fashion, but a mix of poise, heritage, and a small moment of real-life awkwardness that she turned into grace.
For her second red carpet appearance this year, Aishwarya arrived in a dramatic black gown paired with an ivory Banarasi brocade cape. The cape, handwoven in Varanasi, bore a powerful Sanskrit verse from the Bhagavad Gita. It was a rare and classy mix of traditional craftsmanship meeting high fashion, with spiritual thought stitched into the very fabric.
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But red carpets aren’t always smooth. While posing with Helen Mirren and Cara Delevingne, Helen accidentally stepped on the flowing cape, causing it to slip slightly from Aishwarya’s shoulder. Cameras captured the moment, one that could have easily become a wardrobe mishap. Instead, Aishwarya responded with calm. A soft alert to Helen, a smile, a quick adjustment, and she was back in pose as if nothing had happened. Helen apologised immediately, and the two moved on with mutual respect and warm gestures.
The dress itself, titled Heiress of Clam by designer Gaurav Gupta, was no ordinary outfit. It shimmered with silver, gold, and charcoal accents meant to reflect a cosmic design. Embellished with micro-crystals, the gown caught light like stardust. Aishwarya’s makeup was minimal and powerful, with classic red lips, soft waves, and a dewy glow that added to the timeless feel.
Aishwarya Rai’s cosmic black gown glows under Cannes lightsInstagram/gauravguptaofficial
The highlight, however, wasn’t just the sparkle or the silhouette, it was the message on the cape: “You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the results.” That choice in fact rooted her red carpet moment in something deeper than surface glamour.
Fans on social media couldn’t get enough, praising her style, grace, and the way she navigated the cape incident. Some joked that Helen cleared the way for Aishwarya’s look to shine; others called her the true “red carpet queen.”
In a festival filled with international stars, Aishwarya managed to leave a mark that wasn’t just about fashion but also about dignity, culture, and quiet strength. After nearly two decades of representing India at Cannes, she continues to do it in her own way: unapologetically, beautifully, and on her own terms.
With his brooding charm, striking screen presence, impressive acting ability and fiercely loyal fan base, Vivian Dsena has carved a niche for himself on Indian television.
From playing the intense Rishabh Kundra in Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon to the vampire Abhay Raichand in Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and the emotionally complex Harman in Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Dsena has always picked roles that challenge the norm – and he has done it all on his own terms.
Most recently, he entered the popular reality show Bigg Boss after years of turning it down, and made a strong impression on viewers.
Eastern Eye caught up with the massively popular star, who shuttles between Mumbai and Bahrain, to reflect on his journey. He also spoke about what truly matters in life, family, creative inspirations, his dream role, the one thing he wants to master, the secret of a good performance, his loyal fanbase and why he likes being unpredictable.
Vivian Dsena getty images
You have always done everything on your own terms. How do you reflect on that career journey? Conviction is the most important thing for an actor. With every project, I had to convince myself that I could play the character and look the part. Only then would I say yes. That’s why I’ve always been selective. God has also been kind. I’ve had four shows on air as a lead, and by God’s grace, all were successful. So yes, conviction has played a huge role in my career.
Did you decide early on to prioritise quality over quantity? It just happened by chance. I was someone in the right place at the right time – although there’s been a lot of hard work behind it. But they say when something is destined for you, sometimes you walk towards it, and sometimes it walks towards you. I think I chose the right roles at the right time. Heartfelt thanks to God and my lovely viewers.
They asked you every year to do Bigg Boss, and you always refused. What changed? My wife and I were talking about work. She said, “Baba, you need to step out of your comfort zone. You’re not going back to another daily soap, so why not try Bigg Boss?” I asked, “Are you sure?” But she was the one who convinced me. It was mainly Nouran who encouraged me to do the show.
How do you look back on your experience on Bigg Boss? It was a fantastic experience – something I achieved as a person. There were moments when I felt anxious or angry, like anyone would, but I managed to control myself while living in that house.
What did you learn about yourself in that setting? Bigg Boss is about survival of the fittest. In life, you meet all kinds of people – some kind, some who teach you something, and some you’d prefer not to meet again, but destiny brings them into your life. That’s how life is – full of such encounters – and it carries on, even after a show like Bigg Boss.
Would you have done anything differently? No, I wouldn’t. That’s who I am and how I’ve always been. We all grow into the people we are. Asjad, you’ve known me for nearly 16 years — since I first started playing lead roles. I’ve changed a lot over time. I’m a father now. Life teaches you constantly.
You’re known for being unpredictable. What’s your plan next? (Laughs) I think that unpredictability is what people love about me – and I enjoy it too. It’s like that line from The Devil’s Advocate, where Al Pacino says, “I’m a surprise. They don’t see me coming.” That surprise element keeps things exciting and keeps me energised. What I can share, as a brother, is that there are some projects coming up – including web shows I’m in talks for. Hopefully, you’ll see me in a new kind of role soon.
Vivian Dsenagetty images
What inspires you creatively? My fans. They made me who I am. I still remember when you first contacted me because of fan demand. I was surprised that people in London knew me! I even asked you, “Do people in London know who I am?” So yes – it’s always been the audience that inspires me.
You have an incredibly loyal fan base. What does that love mean to you? It means a lot. It keeps me creatively alert. More than just loving them back, I feel responsible towards them. I owe it to them to work hard, explore new characters, avoid repetition, and be a good role model.
Is there one role you haven’t played but would love to? Yes – I’d love to play a rock star. That’s one character I really want to take on in a well-written story.
You’ve stayed away from films so far. Is that still your choice? Right now, there’s a lot to focus on – non-fiction TV and web shows – so that’s where my attention is. But if a good film came along, I wouldn’t rule it out. You can do just TV and OTT and still survive – and thrive! By God’s grace and my fans’ love, I’ve survived for 17 years without doing a film. Inshallah, I’ll continue to do so.
You’re widely seen as a very good actor. What’s the secret to a strong performance? Thank you, brother – it means a lot coming from you, since you’ve seen my whole journey. For me, it starts with connecting to the character. If I can’t feel it, I won’t take it. There have been shows where I said no right after the narration because I couldn’t relate to the character. You need to understand the role – and believe in it completely.
What are your biggest passions away from work? Spending time with my family. I live in Mumbai, and they’re in Bahrain, so whenever I get the chance, I travel to be with them. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life outside work.
If you could master one new thing, what would it be? Skydiving has always been on my bucket list. But it can wait – there are other things to focus on first.
And your wife would never let you do it. She wouldn’t stop me – but once I master it, she definitely won’t come with me. And she won’t let the kids join me either.
What’s your idea of happiness today? What I’ve realised in 36 years is that we all work hard for our families – for the people waiting for us at home. The deepest contentment comes from family and their comfort. That’s where real happiness lies.
You’ve become a strong role model for the younger generation. There’s a difference between being popular and being a responsible celebrity. A popular person says things to please the crowd. A responsible celebrity says things that add value to society. That’s the difference – and I believe in leading by example.
What advice would you give young people starting their careers? Never give up. There will be moments when it feels like everything is falling apart. But when you think it’s the end, it’s actually not. It’s the beginning of a new journey – one you can’t see yet.
Why do you love being an actor? Because I believe this is what I do best – by God’s grace and with the love of my fans.
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Charli XCX strikes a pose backstage after her big Ivor Novello win
Charli XCX, known for her music and rebellious spirit, has just been named Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. Held at London’s Grosvenor House, the ceremony recognised the people behind the music, including those who write the lyrics, shape the melodies, and craft the tunes that stick with us. And this year, it was Charli’s moment.
In a cheeky acceptance speech, she quoted lyrics from her own song Club Classics: “I wanna dance to me, me, me…” and followed it up by saying, “I’m hardly Bob Dylan.” But behind the humour was a clear truth: she’s worked hard to create something uniquely her own. Her 2024 album Brat captured both chaos and honesty, mixing club-ready beats with raw questions about fame, identity, and relationships. It was not just a hit on the charts; it sparked a wider cultural moment. Even the word “brat” made it into the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Charli XCX posing after winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 IvorsGetty Images
The Ivors, now in their 70th year, celebrate excellence in songwriting, voted for by fellow songwriters. That makes this recognition feel especially real. Brat may not have won Best Album, that went to Berwyn for Who Am I, but Charli’s influence on pop this past year is undeniable. Her music has been everywhere, with her songs reportedly played over 50 times a day across UK airwaves.
The awards also spotlighted new and rising talent. Lola Young won the Rising Star Award, thanks to the success of her gritty hit Messy, while Myles Smith’s Stargazing took home the award for the most-played song of the year. Orla Gartland’s intimate ballad Mine was named Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Sans Soucis won Best Contemporary Song for Circumnavigating Georgia.
Elsewhere, U2 were honoured with a lifetime fellowship, Brandon Flowers of The Killers won the special international award, and Robbie Williams was celebrated as a music icon.
As Charli XCX said herself, a good song isn’t just about melody; it’s about having a point of view. And with Brat, she’s made hers loud and clear.
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Salman Khan's Bandra residence witnessed two trespassing attempts in just 24 hours
Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai, faced two security breaches this week after a man and a woman tried to enter his building on separate occasions. Both individuals have since been taken into custody by the Bandra police and booked for trespassing.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday morning when 23-year-old Jitendra Kumar Singh, who had travelled from Chhattisgarh, was found lingering near the actor’s residence. When asked to leave by security personnel, Singh became agitated and smashed his phone. Later that evening, he managed to sneak inside the Galaxy Apartments compound by following a car into the premises. Security guards apprehended him before he could reach the actor and handed him over to the police. During questioning, Singh reportedly said he just wanted to meet Khan, but security wouldn't let him in.
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Less than 24 hours later, a second breach occurred. Early Wednesday morning around 3:30 am, 36-year-old Isha Chhabra from Khar managed to enter the same apartment complex. Claiming she had been invited, she went up to the actor’s flat and rang the doorbell. Salman Khan was reportedly at home at the time. The building’s staff quickly intervened and called the police after verifying she had no invitation.
Police are now investigating whether either of the intruders had help from someone inside the building. Officers are also reviewing security protocols at Galaxy Apartments, particularly since the actor has been under serious threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
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This isn’t the first time Khan’s safety has come under question. Last April, two men on a bike fired shots outside his home. That attack, allegedly orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, led to increased protection for the actor, including a Y-plus security detail. Additional measures, including surveillance upgrades and tighter building access, were introduced following that incident.
Tight security at Galaxy Apartments questioned after back-to-back intrusionsGetty Images
Khan, while promoting his upcoming film Sikandar earlier this year, admitted that the tight security has affected his daily life. He mentioned that he rarely steps out unless it’s for a shoot, and even then, he travels strictly between the set and his home.
With these latest incidents, questions are once again being raised about whether even Y-plus security is really enough.
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Fans react to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s new Omega campaign with Bond speculation
The search for the next James Bond might be nearing its end, and fans think the latest clue is too obvious to ignore. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was long considered a top contender for the role, has just been announced as the new face of Omega, the luxury watch brand that’s been part of Bond’s look since GoldenEye in 1995.
The announcement, made by Omega on Instagram, shows Taylor-Johnson touring the brand’s headquarters in Switzerland. Fans quickly picked up on the Bond connection, with many commenting that this looks like a carefully placed breadcrumb. “What secret agent do we know wears an Omega?” one user asked. Others simply welcomed him with, “Hello, Mr Bond.”
Omega watches have been a signature accessory for James Bond for nearly 30 years. Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig both wore Omega during their time as 007, so this new partnership has naturally sparked talk that Taylor-Johnson is next in line.
The actor, best known for roles in Bullet Train, Kick-Ass, and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter, hasn’t confirmed anything. When asked earlier this year about the Bond rumours, he dodged the question, focusing instead on promoting his current projects. But he did speak highly of Omega, calling their craftsmanship “impressive” and the factory visit “awe-inspiring.”
Even his wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, teased the idea in a recent interview, saying he’d be “great” in the role. Former Bond Pierce Brosnan agrees, having worked with Aaron in the 2009 film The Greatest. Brosnan praised him as “charismatic” and “bold”—qualities essential for Bond and said he’d be an excellent fit.
Despite the excitement, the role isn’t officially his. Other names like Theo James, Henry Cavill, and James Norton are still in the mix, with betting odds shifting frequently. Amazon MGM now oversees the franchise, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are driving the reboot forward, though no casting announcements have been made yet.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson keeps quiet on Bond role but the clues keep adding upGetty Images
Still, if this Omega partnership is more than just a branding move, fans might already be looking at their new Bond. Whether it’s clever marketing or an actual hint, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is firmly in the spotlight.