BEING the son of a legendary singer didn’t stop Yuvraj Hans from following in the giant footsteps of his father Hans Raj Hans into the music industry.
The talented singer has balanced a blossoming career in music with acting in Punjabi films and making a name for himself on the live circuit. The rising Punjabi star hopes to create a legacy just like his father.
Eastern Eye caught up with Yuvraj to talk about music, his dad, future hopes and more...
Growing up, how aware were you of your father’s fame and popularity as a singer?
I was massively aware, as my father is a legend not only in the Punjab but for music lovers across the world. I grew up watching my father perform and seeing crowds of people coming to see him, but overall our upbringing was what you would see in a normal household.
When did you first get connected to music?
I was connected from a very young age as I grew up in a family attached to music from the heart. It was in my bloodstream from early on. (Smiles) I became a sucker for melodious music and still am.
How did your father feel about you following in his footsteps?
My father was very proud. He is my backbone and greatest support. His main aim for me was that I prosper in my studies first, but he has always been very proud of whatever I chose to do in life, including music.
How much of an influence has he been on you musically?
My father has one hundred per cent influenced my music. I have been listening to his music since the beginning. He is my mentor! He is the driving force behind me and my music.
Did you not think it was a giant shadow to leap out of, and weren’t you worried about obvious comparisons?
Yes, I was worried to begin with as being the son of a legend will lead some people to undoubtedly compare me to him. Also, till this day, I am still trying my level best to make him proud and I will continue to do so.
Tell us about your recent song...
My recent release Nachan Ton Pehlan is a modern recreation of my father’s song. It was a really tough job recreating my father’s chartbuster. I tried my best and hope listeners appreciate it.
What is the masterplan going forward in your career?
I’m not the kind to plan ahead. (Laughs) I am definitely not a planner and prefer to go with the flow. I like to keenly observe what is going on in society these days and what my listeners are listening to.
What kind of songs can we expect from you?
I love all types of music, whether it’s a slow romantic number or upbeat bhangra number. I have kept my horizon broad so you can expect everything from me.
What was it like collaborating with your father on the recent release Lekh?
My father is my inspiration so it was the best day of my life. It’s a dream come true. I feel so lucky that I could be a part of this song.
What is the best advice he has given you?
My father had always guided me to listen to my heart.
Who would you love to duet with?
The one and only Padamshri Hans Raj Hans ji! That would be a dream come true.
How much does live performing mean to you?
I cannot explain how I feel when I sing live. It’s the best feeling anybody can get. I am already doing live shows in India at the moment and loving it.
Tell us something about you that not many people know...
I am kind of an introvert and take time to express what I feel for others. I just like to plug in my headphones, listen to soulful music and block the negativity.
What are your biggest passions away from music?
I love travelling and spending time with loved ones. When I am not working on music, I am at home. I also enjoy cooking so much and feel it’s therapeutic.
What songs do you listen to?
I love everything and enjoy listening to all genres.
Apart from your father, which other legends do you admire?
Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab. He was a great singer and a perfect composer. Nobody can compose like him. He is a legend.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
(Laughs) I would like to learn the guitar to impress girls.
If you could ask any singer alive or dead a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
I would like to ask Arjit Singh to sing for me live and also for free.
What inspires you?
Healthy competition inspires me.
Why do you love music?
Because I eat, sleep, walk and breathe music. Whatever I am today, it’s all because of music
Cierra Ortega has exited Love Island USA after a past social media post using a slur resurfaced.
The 25-year-old content creator said she “had no idea” the word was a racial slur.
Ortega apologised to the Asian community and said she accepts being removed from the show.
She revealed her family has been threatened and immigration authorities were called on them.
Cierra Ortega, a contestant on this season of Love Island USA, has publicly apologised after an old social media post containing a racial slur resurfaced, prompting her sudden exit from the popular reality series.
The 25-year-old Los Angeles-based content creator addressed the controversy in a video, expressing regret for using a derogatory term towards Asian people in a post made last year. Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, said she was unaware of the word’s offensive meaning at the time but took full responsibility.
Ortega says she deleted the offensive post after learning it was a racial slurInstagram/cierra.ortega
Ortega says she had “no idea” it was a racial slur
In her nearly five-minute video, Ortega clarified that the post was made in 2024 and deleted as soon as a follower informed her that the word was a racial slur. “I had no idea that the word carried such pain or history,” she said, adding, “If I had known, I would have never used it.”
Describing the video as an “accountability post, not an apology video,” Ortega said she was deeply sorry to the Asian community and anyone she had hurt. She emphasised that ignorance was not an excuse and admitted that her actions had consequences. “Intent doesn’t excuse impact,” she said.
Following her exit from the villa, Ortega revealed that the backlash extended to her family. She claimed they had faced harassment, including death threats and even calls to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “My family doesn’t feel safe in their own home,” she said. “There’s no need to fight hate with hate. I don’t think that’s justice.”
Ortega’s relatives later issued a statement on her Instagram story, saying they understood the anger but condemned the level of harassment. “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. But the threats and attacks go far beyond accountability,” they wrote.
Ortega’s Instagram story Instagram Screengrab/cierra.ortega
Ortega accepts the show’s decision to remove her
Although the episode announcing her departure referred only to “personal reasons,” Ortega said she fully supported Love Island USA’s decision to remove her from the show. “This was a consequence I deserved,” she stated. Her former villa partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, remained on the show and has since recoupled with another contestant.
Ortega insisted she deleted the offensive post immediately after realising its meaning and has since made efforts to educate herself and others around her.
The Love Island USA contestant apologised to the Asian community onlineInstagram/cierra.ortega
Second contestant to leave over resurfaced racist remarks
Ortega is the second contestant to be removed from this season over past racist language. Earlier in the season, fellow islander Yulissa Escobar was taken off the show after an old podcast clip emerged in which she used another racial slur. Escobar also apologised on social media and echoed Ortega’s concerns about the extreme online abuse following her exit.
The backlash faced by both women has raised concerns about the mental health of reality TV participants. Peacock, the NBC-owned streaming platform airing Love Island USA, recently aired an on-screen message urging viewers to stop targeting contestants with threats and harassment.
Love Island USA aired a message urging viewers to stop harassing contestantsInstagram/cierra.ortega
As the show heads towards its finale, the debate continues over how far accountability should go, and at what cost to the people involved.
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Rashmika Mandanna teams up with Allu Arjun again in Atlee’s next
Rashmika Mandanna to star opposite Allu Arjun in Atlee’s big-budget sci-fi project AA22xA6.
The film already features Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur.
Rashmika has completed a look test and body scan in Los Angeles.
Film to release in multiple languages by late 2026 or early 2027.
Rashmika Mandanna is officially part of director Atlee’s highly ambitious sci-fi feature, tentatively titled AA22xA6. With Allu Arjun headlining the project, the casting of Rashmika not only reunites the Pushpa duo but also strengthens what is being called one of the biggest star ensembles in Indian cinema today. The Sun Pictures production already boasts names like Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur, and now Rashmika’s addition has significantly heightened the buzz.
Director Atlee and Allu Arjun brainstorm futuristic concepts with top Hollywood VFX studios in LA Youtube Screengrab
Rashmika Mandanna signs on for her boldest role yet
According to insiders from the production team, Rashmika was approached by Atlee earlier this year and has since completed her look test and digital body scan in Los Angeles. Her role is described as one of the most challenging and distinctive of her career. The film's makers are reportedly working on extensive pre-production tailored to her character, hinting at an unconventional arc that moves far away from her previous on-screen avatars.
This marks Rashmika’s second collaboration with Allu Arjun after the massive success of the Pushpa franchise. However, sources close to the film insist that their dynamic in AA22xA6 will offer audiences something completely new.
Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna attend a promotional event of their upcoming Indian film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' Getty Images
AA22xA6 to explore dual universes and advanced VFX
The project is being mounted on a scale rarely seen in Indian filmmaking. Atlee, who last directed Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan, is said to be drawing inspiration from global visual spectacles like Avatar, crafting a narrative that unfolds across two distinct universes.
Backed by Sun Pictures, the film leans heavily on visual storytelling, with AI-driven VFX and futuristic world-building at its core. The director has reportedly insisted on running post-production in parallel with the shooting schedule to give actors real-time feedback on scenes involving heavy CGI.
Atlee\u2019s and Allu Arjun's\u00a0next promises a grand visual universe with cutting-edge VFX Instagram/filmybaapofficial
Star-studded cast, global ambitions
What sets AA22xA6 apart is its ensemble. Deepika Padukone was the first female lead to be confirmed, followed by industry buzz around Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur. Rashmika’s entry adds further star power, and there’s talk of a fifth female lead also being finalised soon.
Sun Pictures plans to release the film globally in multiple languages, with a theatrical launch expected either by late 2026 or early 2027. The film is currently in production, and the makers are expected to drop a visually striking teaser later this year to kick off their promotional campaign.
Director Atlee guides Deepika through motion capture choreography Youtube Screengrab/Sun TV
What this means for Rashmika and Allu Arjun
Both Rashmika and Allu Arjun are riding high after the record-breaking success of Pushpa 2: The Rule. While Allu is already a pan-India name, Rashmika’s popularity has been steadily rising across Hindi and South Indian markets. This film gives them a fresh canvas to explore a new on-screen equation and further expand their reach among global audiences.
As anticipation builds for AA22xA6, all eyes will be on how Atlee brings together this megastar cast for what could potentially be a landmark moment in Indian science fiction cinema.
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Kajol says star kids face harsher pressure as Ibrahim Ali Khan gears up for Sarzameen
Kajol says today’s star kids face intense pressure to succeed immediately.
She compares their experience to her own, where she had time and space to evolve.
The actor is starring as Ibrahim Ali Khan’s mother in the upcoming film Sarzameen.
Kajol stresses the importance of reinvention and praises new actors for adapting beyond films.
Kajol believes the new generation of star kids in Bollywood are under far more pressure than actors from her era. The actress, who will soon be seen in Sarzameen alongside debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan, said young actors today are expected to prove themselves instantly, and harsh judgement follows if they don’t.
Kajol discusses star kids and the changing rules of BollywoodGetty Images
Star kids today face harsher scrutiny online
According to Kajol, it’s no longer enough to simply enter the industry with a known surname. The expectations are sky-high, and the backlash is immediate. “Whether or not your parents are famous, trolls will criticise you. But people tend to pay more attention when a star kid is involved,” she said in an interview.
She acknowledged that while she had the privilege of time and multiple films to grow into her career, younger actors now operate in what she calls a “do-or-die” environment. “They’re well prepared for it, I’ll give them that. But we could be a little kinder,” she added.
Kajol will play the mother of Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, in the patriotic drama Sarzameen, which will release on JioCinema on 25 July. Ibrahim’s first appearance in Naadaniyan was widely panned, sparking brutal comments online. Kajol’s remarks come at a time when the debate around nepotism and online trolling of celebrity kids is louder than ever.
The Maa actor also spoke about the importance of reinvention in a fast-changing industry. “You have to unlearn what you’ve learned before. Try new things. Keep moving,” she said, emphasising that staying relevant today means doing more than just films.
She pointed out that unlike earlier times, actors now pursue diverse paths to build their brand, from digital content and entrepreneurship to fashion and endorsements. “My kind of longevity might not apply to this generation. But they’re finding their own ways to last,” she said.
Kajol opens up about the pressure today’s actors face in the industryGetty Images
The bigger picture: Criticism, reinvention, and resilience
Kajol’s comments reflect a growing awareness among senior actors about the evolving pressures in Bollywood. With online trolling, increased media scrutiny, and instant judgment shaping careers, young actors, especially those from film families, are constantly navigating a high-stakes space.
Still, Kajol remains optimistic. “They’ll keep doing different films and other things. It won’t just be about the movies anymore,” she said, noting how the meaning of longevity in Bollywood is being redefined.
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Cardi B continues her bold fashion streak with floral runway glamour
Cardi B wore a ruby-red custom Rahul Mishra gown with sculptural 3D flowers at Paris Couture Week.
The outfit followed her earlier dramatic appearance at Schiaparelli in a fringe dress with a live crow.
She’s currently working on her debut album Am I the Drama? and a beauty venture with Revolve.
The look featured diamond accessories, a sculpted bun, and smoky makeup to match the theatrical dress.
Cardi B took her fashion game to new heights in Paris, stepping out in a dramatic Rahul Mishra creation that fused red carpet glamour with runway sculpture. The rapper’s custom-made gown, featuring 3D blooming flowers and a shimmering ruby base, was a highlight at Paris Haute Couture Week, making it one of her most talked-about looks this season.
Cardi B's red gown features 3D sculpted flowers and intricate embroideryInstagram/rahulmishra_7
The Rahul Mishra dress with blooming details
Cardi’s gown, from Rahul Mishra’s autumn 2025 collection, brought together intricate hand-embroidery with sculptural design. The dress, in a deep red shade covered in tiny rhinestones, caught the light with every movement. Beaded detailing mimicked vines climbing up her silhouette, and from behind, eight large flowers unfolded in a wire structure, making her look like a walking floral sculpture.
This bold look came just hours after her appearance at Schiaparelli, where she wore a structured black dress complete with a live crow perched on her arm. But it was Mishra’s floral fantasy that stole attention, and not just for its complexity, but for how effortlessly Cardi carried it.
Rahul Mishra’s couture creation turns heads on the Paris streetsInstagram/rahulmishra_7
A beauty look to match the drama
To complement the outfit, Cardi B kept her beauty choices both elegant and powerful. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun with styled baby hairs, a signature she’s owned over the years. She wore a diamond choker, drop earrings, and a bracelet that added more sparkle without competing with the dress. Her makeup leaned into drama too: smoky eyes, winged liner, and sharp black nails.
Known for pushing boundaries on red carpets, Cardi often prioritises fashion over beauty. “Great outfit. Every time,” she once said, emphasising how first impressions are made by what you wear.
Cardi B steps out in a custom Rahul Mishra dress at Paris Couture WeekInstagram/rahulmishra_7
Album on the way, beauty line next
Beyond couture, Cardi B is focused on finishing her long-anticipated debut album Am I the Drama?, while also preparing to enter the beauty industry with Revolve. Speaking to WWD, she hinted that both ventures are deeply personal, aimed at building a brand that reflects both her roots and spirit.
Whether she’s teasing a new single or stepping out in sculptural fashion, Cardi B continues to command attention, not by playing it safe, but by transforming every appearance into a performance of its own.
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Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa expecting first child, share news with sweet Instagram post
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announced their pregnancy via a joint Instagram post on Wednesday.
The image showed a floral cradle with “Baby on the way” written on it, captioned simply: “Elated ❤️.”
Industry friends including Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Esha Gupta congratulated them.
The couple, who were together for 11 years before marrying in 2021, recently launched their production house, KAMPA Film.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa shared that they are expecting their first child together in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday. The announcement came with a floral-themed image featuring a cradle illustration that read, “Baby on the way,” along with their names. The couple summed up their feelings in one word: “Elated.”
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa smiling during a public appearance earlier this year Instagram/patralekhaa/rajkummar_rao
Couple’s first baby on the way
Rajkummar and Patralekhaa’s quiet reveal drew instant love from fans and colleagues alike. Filmmaker Farah Khan, who knew beforehand, joked in the comments, “Finally the news is out!! I was having a tough time keeping it to myself.” Others like Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Neha Dhupia, and Esha Gupta also sent in their warm wishes.
The duo dated for over 11 years before tying the knot in November 2021. Their relationship began well before they co-starred in CityLights, a 2014 film directed by Hansal Mehta. They've since appeared together in Bose: Dead/Alive and remained one of the industry’s most low-key but admired couples.
Rajkummar Rao will next be seen in Maalik, set for release on 11 July. He plays a gangster in the crime drama, which also stars Manushi Chhillar and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Patralekhaa, last seen in Phule, continues to balance film and OTT roles.
The couple recently launched KAMPA Film, a production banner named using the initials of their mothers’ names. “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling,” Patralekhaa shared. Rajkummar added, “KAMPA is an extension of our love for cinema and each other.”