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.
Laurence Fox has been charged with a sexual offence after allegedly sharing an explicit image of TV personality Narinder Kaur on social media without her consent.
The former actor and politician is accused of posting an upskirt photo of Kaur, a broadcaster known for her appearances on Good Morning Britain and GB News, in April 2024. The image, taken by paparazzi over 15 years ago, resurfaced on Fox’s social media account, sparking outrage.
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Kaur described the incident as "deeply humiliating" in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. A day after sharing the photo, Fox issued a public apology but insisted he was not responsible for the existence of the image.
Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, Fox has now been formally charged. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 24 to face a charge under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which criminalises the sharing of intimate images without consent.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the charge, stating: "A man has been charged with a sexual offence following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Laurence Fox, 46, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 24, 2025. The charge relates to an image that was posted on a social media platform in April 2024."
Narinder Kaur calls the alleged upskirting incident “deeply humiliating” on social mediaGetty Images
Upskirting, which involves taking or distributing images taken under a person’s clothing without their consent, was made a specific criminal offence in 2019. Those convicted can face up to two years in prison and may be placed on the sex offenders register.
Since the charge was announced, Fox has reacted defiantly online, dismissing the case as “ridiculous” and claiming it demonstrates bias in the justice system. He has vowed to challenge the accusation, calling it “malicious nonsense.”
The Metropolitan Police confirm charges against Laurence Fox under the Sexual Offences ActGetty Images
Kaur has not made a public statement on the latest development but has engaged with posts supporting her on social media.
Fox, who previously worked as a presenter for GB News, was dismissed from the channel in October 2023 following controversial comments about journalist Ava Evans. His transition from acting to politics has been marked by public controversies, including an unsuccessful campaign for London mayor and the formation of the Reclaim Party.
The upcoming court hearing will determine the next steps in the case, with potential legal consequences for Fox if found guilty.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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