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.
Lady Gaga is gearing up for a massive global tour in 2025, bringing her latest album, Mayhem, to fans across North America, Europe, and the UK. Dubbed the Mayhem Ball tour, this marks her first major arena tour in seven years, offering a more immersive and theatrical experience than her previous stadium concerts.
Gaga’s journey begins in Las Vegas on July 16, 2025, with back-to-back performances at the T-Mobile Arena. From there, she will make her way across the United States and Canada, hitting major cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, and Seattle. Fans can expect a high-energy show featuring tracks from Mayhem, which recently debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
After wrapping up the North American stretch, Gaga will head to the UK, where she is set to perform three nights at London’s O2 Arena (September 29, 30, and October 2) before moving to Manchester on October 7. The European leg includes stops in Stockholm, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Lyon. The tour concludes with three grand performances at Paris’s Accor Arena on November 17, 18, and 20.
Tickets for North American shows go on presale starting March 31, with an exclusive artist presale launching April 2 at noon local time. General ticket sales open on April 3.
Lady Gaga’s first major arena tour in seven years promises an immersive and theatrical experience for fansGetty Images
For UK and European fans, Mastercard presales for select shows begin on March 31. Additional presales will take place throughout the week, with general sales kicking off on April 3 at noon local time.
Lady Gaga has promised that the Mayhem Ball tour will be unlike anything she has done before. While she has dominated stadiums in the past, this time she aims to create a more intimate connection with her audience. “I wanted to design a show where every fan feels part of the performance,” she shared in a statement. “This tour is all about blending high-energy music with live theatrical storytelling.”
With tickets in high demand, the Mayhem Ball tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest live events of 2025Getty Images
With her signature avant-garde fashion, unique choreography, and chart-topping hits, the Mayhem Ball tour is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated live music events of the year. Fans eager to witness Gaga’s electrifying presence on stage should secure their tickets quickly before they sell out.
NFL star Travis Kelce set to give Taylor Swift an unusual engagement present
His horse Swift Delivery lines up for a £2m (₹20.8 crore) race in Kentucky
The four-time winning horse is co-owned with Gary Barber and Team Valor International
Fans and racing circles are watching closely after the couple’s engagement announcement
American football star Travis Kelce's engagement news has sparked worldwide attention, but the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has another reason to celebrate. His racehorse, aptly named Swift Delivery, will run in the £2 million (₹20.8 crore) Mint Millions Invitational at Kentucky Downs next month. Coming just weeks after Kelce confirmed his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, the timing has added to the buzz.
Travis Kelce engagement gift could include £2m racehorse win for Taylor Swift Instagram/taylorswift/killatrav
What is Travis Kelce’s horse Swift Delivery?
Kelce co-owns Swift Delivery with Hollywood producer Gary Barber, Team Valor International, and the Zoldan family. Trained by Canadian Hall of Famer Mark Casse, the four-year-old has already won four races, most recently the Grade 3 Seagram Cup at Woodbine this month. Ridden by jockey Patrick Husbands, the horse powered two lengths clear of Dresden Row, marking its most impressive performance yet.
Barry Irwin, founder of Team Valor International, revealed: “We’re pretty pumped about him. He’s a graded winner now and will tackle the Kentucky Downs mile next.”
Travis Kelce kisses Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII Getty Images
How much is the Mint Millions Invitational worth?
The Mint Millions Invitational, set for 6 September at Kentucky Downs, carries a staggering £2m (₹20.8 crore) prize fund, making it one of the richest turf races in America. It sits alongside other top contests such as the Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes on the same card.
A victory for Swift Delivery would not only be financially rewarding but would also add symbolic weight, as it coincides with Kelce’s personal milestone, his engagement to Swift. Many fans see the racehorse as an unusual but meaningful extension of their love story.
Travis Kelce celebrates his engagement to Taylor Swift while his horse Swift Delivery prepares for a £2m race in Kentucky Getty Images
Why is Travis Kelce linked to horse racing?
Kelce’s involvement in racing began when he joined Team Valor International syndicates earlier this year. The group has a strong track record, famously owning Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner. Co-owner Gary Barber, a former MGM chief executive, also produced the Oscar-nominated Seabiscuit film, further connecting the group to racing and entertainment.
The Zoldan family, who run Phantom Fireworks, have partnered with Team Valor for nearly four decades, backing several champions across international turf. With such experienced partners, Kelce has quickly found himself part of a major operation.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pictured together at Amerant Bank Arena Getty Images
Will the engagement boost interest in the race?
The answer appears to be yes. When news of Kelce’s stake in Swift Delivery first broke, Irwin said it attracted unprecedented attention. “I grew up in Hollywood, I’m used to celebrities, but I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s on a different level,” he said.
Now that the Travis Kelce engagement is confirmed, both sporting and celebrity media are likely to follow the Kentucky Downs race closely. For Swifties, the idea of Kelce potentially gifting his fiancée a winning racehorse purse worth millions has become an irresistible storyline.
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Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance
Palash Sen’s son Kinshuk Sen stars in Aditya Chopra’s Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical
The UCLA graduate plays Kuljeet, originally portrayed by Parmeet Sethi in the 1995 classic
The stage show has travelled from the US to the UK, earning praise from diverse audiences
Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London and shared a personal memory with Kinshuk
Kinshuk Sen, son of celebrated singer Palash Sen, has stepped into the spotlight with Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ musical, Come Fall in Love. The UCLA graduate, who once pursued cognitive science, now plays the role of Kuljeet in the global stage adaptation of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In a recent conversation, he shared how the journey from research labs to live theatre unfolded, and what it meant when Shah Rukh Khan recognised him with a message linking back to his father.
Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance Getty Images/ Instagram/kinshuksen
What is Kinshuk Sen’s role in the DDLJ musical?
Kinshuk Sen plays Kuljeet, the tough antagonist in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. The character was originally played by Parmeet Sethi in Aditya Chopra’s 1995 blockbuster. Sen’s version comes alive in English-language songs and live performances that are staged with full-band accompaniment, making the role both musically and physically demanding. “It’s nonstop dancing and singing, completely live, no backing tracks,” he explained, noting the challenge of keeping energy levels high for every performance.
The stage adaptation Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical wins international acclaim
How did Kinshuk Sen get cast in Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ musical?
Sen’s casting story reflects chance and persistence. While working in Los Angeles, he received an audition request from his manager and sent multiple tapes for consideration. By the time he applied, most of the cast had already been chosen, but his talent secured him a place. “When I learnt that Aditya Chopra and Vishal-Shekhar were involved, my jaw dropped,” he recalled. The news of his selection arrived unexpectedly while shopping with his family, leaving them “stunned on the couch for five minutes” in disbelief.
The stage adaptation has travelled from San Diego to Manchester, presenting the Bollywood classic to audiences who may not have seen the original. With 18 original English songs, the show introduces Indian culture and storytelling to international viewers while delighting South Asian audiences with its familiarity. Sen said the response has been “phenomenal,” adding that British and American audiences embraced the production with equal enthusiasm. “Desis are thrilled to see themselves represented, while others are blown away by the grandeur,” he noted.
What did Shah Rukh Khan say to Kinshuk Sen during rehearsals?
A highlight of Sen’s journey came in London, when Shah Rukh Khan made an unannounced visit to a rehearsal. The cast performed for him, and Sen found himself at the centre when the song ended. Khan praised the performance and then shared a memory from his early career, revealing that Palash Sen once sang for him in a musical production. “I had goosebumps. It felt like destiny,” Sen recalled. Khan encouraged him warmly: “Tu bas yeh karta reh (just keep at it).” For Sen, the exchange linked his past, his family, and his present role in a way he never expected.
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Chris Columbus says leaked photos of Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot felt like déjà vu
Original Harry Potter director Chris Columbus says leaked set photos of HBO’s series left him unimpressed.
Columbus noted Hagrid’s costume looks “exactly the same” as Robbie Coltrane’s in the films.
The filmmaker said he felt déjà vu, asking “What’s the point?” of the reboot.
HBO’s Harry Potter remake is set to debut in 2027, with Nick Frost playing Hagrid.
Chris Columbus, the director who first brought Harry Potter to the big screen, has questioned the point of HBO’s upcoming television reboot after seeing set photos of Hagrid. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus said the images reminded him too closely of his own work, raising doubts about why the Harry Potter reboot was necessary at all. His comments have reignited discussion about how faithfully the new series should mirror the original films.
Chris Columbus says leaked photos of Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot felt like déjà vu Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial/ Getty Images
Why did Chris Columbus criticise the Harry Potter reboot?
Columbus, who directed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, said he was struck by how little seemed to have changed in the HBO production. Referring to leaked pictures of Nick Frost as Hagrid, he explained: “I’m seeing these photographs and he’s wearing the exact same costume we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like, what’s the point? I thought everything was going to be different, but it’s more of the same.”
He admitted that while it was flattering to see his original design carried forward, it left him with a strong sense of déjà vu.
‘Harry Potter’ reboot slammed by Chris Columbus as pointless after Hagrid costume looks unchangedGetty Images
Who is playing Hagrid in the HBO Harry Potter series?
British actor Nick Frost, best known for films such as Shaun of the Dead, has taken on the role of Rubeus Hagrid in the new Harry Potter reboot. The late Robbie Coltrane famously originated the character in the film franchise, becoming a fan favourite.
Columbus revealed he recently spoke with Frost and admitted it felt “surreal” to see another actor in the role, especially as he was close friends with Coltrane. The new costume design, which mirrors the original, has sparked debate online about whether HBO is playing it too safe.
Nick Frost takes on the role of Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter HBO seriesInstagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial
What can fans expect from the HBO Harry Potter series?
Unlike the films, the HBO reboot will adapt each book across a full season, allowing the show to explore characters and subplots left out of the cinema versions. One example Columbus highlighted was Peeves the poltergeist, a comic figure from J.K. Rowling’s novels who never made it to the big screen due to technical challenges.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu have also joined the ensemble. The show is currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK and is expected to premiere in 2027.
The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images
Has Chris Columbus moved on from Harry Potter?
Despite his criticisms, Columbus was clear that he harbours no envy towards the new creative team. “Jealous? No. It’s time to move on,” he said, adding that he was proud of his films but did not want to revisit the franchise.
Columbus is currently promoting his latest project, Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling crime novels. He also recently voiced disappointment at J.K. Rowling’s public stance on transgender rights, calling her views “very sad.”
For him, the Harry Potter reboot is both a reminder of his legacy and a sign that the wizarding world will continue to be reimagined for new generations, whether or not all fans agree with HBO’s choices.
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Kalyani Priyadarshan says Lokah: Chapter One marks a bold new chapter for Malayalam cinema
Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra in Lokah: Chapter One, Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero
She credits Dulquer Salmaan for backing a risky, big-budget sci-fi fantasy
The actress also stars opposite Fahadh Faasil in the comedy Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, releasing a day later
She reflects on juggling contrasting roles and the influence of her filmmaker father, Priyadarshan
Kalyani Priyadarshan has opened up about her most challenging year yet, with two vastly different films releasing within days of each other. Speaking about her experience, the actress credited Dulquer Salmaan for taking a bold gamble on Lokah: Chapter One, a £10 million (₹105 crore) production that marks Malayalam cinema’s first-ever female superhero movie. Alongside the excitement, she admitted to battling nerves while shifting between the sci-fi fantasy and the slapstick comedy Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, which co-stars Fahadh Faasil.
Kalyani Priyadarshan says Lokah: Chapter One marks a bold new chapter for Malayalam cinema Instagram/kalyanipriyadarshan
What makes Lokah a landmark in Malayalam cinema?
In Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra, Kalyani plays the first female superhero of the Malayalam screen, a performance that demanded stillness and restraint. Directed by Dominic Arun and shot by cinematographer Nimish Ravi, the film builds a futuristic universe rarely attempted in the industry.
Kalyani stressed that such a production was only possible because of Dulquer Salmaan’s involvement as producer. “You need to appreciate that we have people like Dulquer backing such a film. It takes a lot of courage to spend so much time and money on something like Lokah,” she said, highlighting how the actor-producer has followed in his legendary parents’ footsteps as a risk-taker.
The actress shot both films almost simultaneously, moving from the tightly controlled performance in Lokah to the exaggerated comedy of Odum Kuthira. She described the transition as a “blessing in disguise.”
“At first, I felt nervous attempting over-the-top humour because it’s easy for audiences to criticise,” she explained. “But after working on Lokah, where I couldn’t even blink too much, returning to Odum Kuthira felt like freedom. It was like a pressure tap being opened.”
This ability to adapt, she said, came from growing up watching her father Priyadarshan direct films across multiple industries and genres.
Kalyani Priyadarshan & Fahadh Faasil in the comedy Odum Kuthira Chadum KuthiraInstagram/kalyanipriyadarshan
What are Kalyani’s cinematic influences?
Despite the futuristic setting of Lokah, Kalyani admitted she is not new to the genre. She grew up watching dystopian dramas like Gattaca and mainstream blockbusters like The Avengers. That background, she joked, was inevitable given her film family roots.
She also spoke about learning on the job in earlier projects like Thallumaala, which she signed without fully understanding the script. Only after watching the final cut did she realise its complexity. “When I finally got it, I felt I could have done so much more,” she said.
How does she view her father Priyadarshan’s legacy?
Reflecting on her father’s influence, Kalyani said she had normalised hard work because of his relentless approach to filmmaking. While she admits she can switch off after a film, unlike her father, she believes he will never retire. “He feels restless without work. Even when he’s unwell, he’ll keep directing. He’s not built to stop,” she said.
Her admiration extends beyond family. Kalyani cited Kilukkam (directed by Priyadarshan), Kanchivaram in Tamil, and Hera Pheri in Hindi as favourites, noting how each shaped her understanding of cinema.
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Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner reunite on the poster teasing The Twilight Saga return to theatres
All five Twilight films will return to theatres this October.
Lionsgate teases the re-release with a “Forever Begins Again” campaign.
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner star in the iconic franchise.
The saga grossed more than £2.6 billion (₹27,400 crore) worldwide.
The much-loved Twilight Saga is making its comeback, with Lionsgate announcing a limited Twilight Saga return to theatres this October. The studio teased the re-release with a nostalgic campaign featuring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, giving fans the chance to relive one of the most loved film series of the 2000s.
The Twilight Saga’s iconic love triangle returns to the big screen after more than a decadeInstagram/twilight
When is The Twilight Saga returning to theatres?
Lionsgate confirmed that all five films in the franchise will return to select theatres across the US this October. The announcement was made through the official social media accounts of the studio, which acquired Summit Entertainment in 2012. A graphic featuring Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner alongside the words “Forever Begins Again” sent fans into a frenzy.
Though exact release dates have not yet been revealed, Lionsgate promised further details shortly. The move allows long-time fans to revisit the saga on the big screen while also introducing a new generation to Bella, Edward and Jacob’s story.
What films are included in The Twilight Saga re-release?
The re-release includes all five original films based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels:
Twilight (2008)
New Moon (2009)
Eclipse (2010)
Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
The series follows Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, as she navigates her love for vampire Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson, and her bond with werewolf Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner. The films became a cultural phenomenon, with “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” debates dominating fan conversations for years.
How successful was The Twilight Saga at the box office?
The first Twilight film, released in November 2008, was made on a modest budget but became a global hit, grossing £320 million (₹3,370 crore). Over the course of five films, the franchise went on to earn more than £2.6 billion (₹27,400 crore) worldwide.
The popularity of the saga not only transformed its cast into international stars but also influenced a wave of supernatural-themed romances in Hollywood and beyond. Even today, Twilight memes, rewatches and fan theories remain a regular feature online.
Fifteen years since the first film, the Twilight Saga return to theatres shows how enduring the story remains. Director Catherine Hardwicke reflected on its success in 2023, noting that its exploration of first love resonated deeply with audiences.
Catherine Hardwicke’s iconic teen romance is set to stir fans all over again this OctoberGetty Images
The saga’s mix of romance, supernatural drama and teen angst continues to appeal to both older fans who grew up with the films and younger viewers discovering them for the first time. With the October re-release, fans can once again experience iconic moments, from Edward saving Bella in the rain to the Volturi showdown, in a way streaming platforms cannot replicate.