Mahira Khan opens up about bipolar disorder diagnosis and clinical depression
She talked about the backlash she faced following the 2016 Uri attacks and how the situation took a toll on her mental health and eventually led to her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Well-known Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who has also starred alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 Bollywood film Raees, has opened up about the backlash she faced following the 2016 Uri attacks and how the situation took a toll on her mental health and eventually led to her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
In an appearance on the FWhy podcast, a tearful Mahira spoke about the backlash that she experienced after Raees, saying, “That year was rough. The same year Raees released was the same year Verna released, and the same year the whole picture thing happened, and it broke me. It was unexpected. I’d finished the film. It was going just fine. Then suddenly this attack happens, and politically, everything gets political. It’s always political. With India, it’s always political. But the fact that it would get this messy…”
She also spoke about how she would receive threats and really negative tweets. “Constant tweets, constant. In fact, I would get calls and very scary ones. The only thing I wanted was, okay fine, I can’t go to India to promote it, I can’t enjoy this, but I hope it releases in my country. Because I knew that people would rush to the cinemas to watch it, he (Shah Rukh Khan) is really loved here. That was heartbreaking. It brought on an anxiety that I have always had inside me, the depression, it came to the surface.”
She further added, “I ended up in a psychiatrist’s office, and she said, ‘We’ll talk about everything later, but I need you to know that you have manic depression’. This is the first time I’m saying that, I don’t know if I should. It’s been six-seven years, and I’ve been on anti-depressants. I tried leaving them in the middle, and I went into a very, very dark space.”
Mahira also described how she felt when she was at her lowest after she decided to stop taking her medicines. “Last year, I was bad, I was in bed… I remember, very well that I couldn’t even get up from my bed to go to the bathroom. I was that bad, it was that dark. I remember praying, ‘I promise you Allah, if you show me even this much hope or light, I will take it and I will run with it.’ And when he did, and when I went back on my medicines, I woke up feeling like, ‘Oh my god, I feel like I can smile, feel lighter’.”
Alia describes her bond with Ranbir as a natural, best-friend dynamic from the start.
She admits they love trolling each other more than anyone else.
The actress reveals becoming parents to Raha has fundamentally changed their relationship.
She predicts Ranbir will be an intensely overprotective father as Raha grows up.
Their intimate home wedding was chosen because they are self-confessed homebodies.
Let's be honest, everyone wanted to know what finally convinced Alia Bhatt to marry Ranbir Kapoor and she just spelled it out. During a recent talk show appearance, she didn't bother with vague, poetic answers. She got straight to the point and the answer had nothing to do with a grand fairytale. It was far more basic than that, and honestly, it makes complete sense.
Alia Bhatt reveals the real reason she said yes to Ranbir Kapoor and it will surprise you Getty Images
What is Alia and Ranbir's relationship really like?
Alia basically said what she and Ranbir have is far more real. "Ranbir and I have a natural friendship," she said. That's the bedrock of it all. "I married him because he is wonderful to me and also as a human being." And then she mentioned the trolling. "One hundred per cent the person I love trolling the most is him and the person he loves trolling the most is me."
Alia Bhatt shares rare insights about her marriage to Ranbir KapoorGetty Images
Why did Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor have a home wedding?
Everyone expected a massive Bollywood wedding for them, at a palace somewhere. But they did the complete opposite. Alia explained their thought process behind the decision. "We are homebodies, very socially awkward. We just wanted the closest people in our lives with us. I did not want to be attending to people at our wedding." They considered other venues, but ultimately decided to keep it personal. "We said we'll go on holiday to those places instead."
Parenthood has deepened Alia and Ranbir’s connectionGetty Images
How has becoming parents changed them?
The arrival of their daughter, Raha, has fundamentally shifted their dynamic. Alia stated plainly that things are totally different now. Where they were a couple before, they have solidified into a proper unit. It’s a deeper, more entrenched kind of partnership. And looking ahead, Alia can already foresee the comedy. She joked that she can easily imagine a future where Ranbir, the doting dad, is literally kicking out any boy who dares to come to their house to see Raha. The overprotective father role seems to be his next big performance.
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Eric Dane battles ALS with courage for the sake of his daughters
The Euphoria actor is leaning on family and friends for support during this difficult chapter.
Dane recently travelled to Washington DC to fight for more government funding for ALS research.
He spoke openly about his personal motivation, which centres on his two young daughters.
He is determined to keep working, having returned to filming after his diagnosis went public.
His condition has presented clear physical challenges, including a decline in muscle function.
These days, you’re more likely to find Eric Dane in a government building than on a film set. The Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy star was just spotted in Washington D.C., but he wasn't there for a shoot. Turns out he was there for something far more critical, diving headfirst into the fight for ALS awareness after his own diagnosis. This new mission is intensely personal, a push for policy changes that might finally make a difference for people living with this progressive neurological disease.
Eric Dane battles ALS with courage for the sake of his daughters Getty Images
What is the latest on Eric Dane's health?
Friends of the actor say the diagnosis has been devastating, frankly. You can see it. Recent photos from a Washington DC airport showed him using a wheelchair and he reportedly struggled with his speech when approached, his voice gruff as he told a photographer to "keep the faith." It’s a tough update for fans who’ve followed his career. He’d already mentioned in June that he was down to one functioning arm, so this seems part of a difficult progression.
— (@)
Why did Eric Dane go to Washington DC?
He wasn't there for a premiere. Dane met with California congressman Eric Swalwell, teaming up with the organisation I AM ALS to lobby for the Act for ALS, a piece of legislation that broadens patient access to clinical trials. He argued that doctors are often slow to give an ALS diagnosis, which then blocks patients from joining these vital trials.
Euphoria star Eric Dane faces ALS with determination and strength Getty Images
What is driving Eric Dane in his ALS battle?
Ask him what keeps him going and the answer is immediate: his daughters. In a TikTok clip that’s been making the rounds, his voice is clear. "I wanna ring every bell." He’s talking about his daughters, Billie and Georgia, who he shares with Rebecca Gayheart. He told Swalwell point-blank "he needs to see them finish college, walk down the aisle, all of it so I’m gonna fight until the last breath on this one." That’s the fuel right there.
Lahore-based alt-jazz band fuses South Asian classical, jazz, and hip-hop.
Sarangi virtuoso Zohaib brings centuries-old tradition into modern grooves.
UK debut at Union Chapel won over South Asian diaspora audiences.
Barbican show promises richer textures, extended improvisation, and cinematic moments.
Collaboration with legends like Ustad Noor Bakhsh bridges generations and heritage.
Let's get one thing straight: you can't pin Jaubi's sound down. It's a mash-up, sure: Hindustani classical rhythms, the freefall of jazz, hip-hop's grounding beat. But for them, it's never about genre. It's all gut feeling. Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye ahead of their Barbican show on 3 October, the Lahore-based band opened up about their philosophy, their roots, and why improvisation feels like a conversation, not a performance.
Why “whatever” is more than a name, it’s their musical philosophy
It all starts with the name: Jaubi. It's Urdu for "whatever." Or "whoever."
"It's a philosophy," they say. "It means that when we sit down to create, we're not thinking, this has to be jazz, or this needs to sound like traditional South Asian classical music. We're just expressing what feels true in that moment." In an industry that feeds on neat boxes, that's not just a name; it's a rebellion.
This philosophy manifests in a sound that connects cosmic dots. It's the yearning of John Coltrane crashing into the beat science of J Dilla and the narrative flow of Nas. At its heart is the soulful cry of the sarangi, played by Zohaib, a seventh-generation carrier of that rare lineage.
So how do you honour centuries of tradition while plugging it into a modern context?
"We're conscious of honouring the tradition," they explain. The goal isn't forced modernisation. "The goal isn't to modernise the sarangi, but to create a dialogue between past and present, showing it can exist alongside a bassline or drum loop without losing its soul. In that way, the tradition is protected by being kept alive and relevant, not locked away."
Jaubi brings centuries-old sarangi to modern beats
The intimate, human centre of Nafs at Peace
This dialogue is captured perfectly on their album Nafs at Peace. The album cover, a photo of Ali Riaz Baqar's mother praying, is its intimate, human centre. The title track sonically maps an inner journey. "It begins sparse and unsettled—loose rhythms, open spaces, almost like a mind in turmoil... By the end, everything locks together in harmony. It's not triumphant, but a calm and quiet resolution."
This raw, honest sound wasn't lab-grown. Their seminal session with UK jazz figure Tenderlonious and pianist Marek Pędziwiatr was a one-day, improvised gamble.
Jaubi: the band proving South Asian music can break every rule
"We weren't sure how these worlds would meet: Marek's piano, Tenderlonious' sax, our tabla, guitar, and sarangi." The initial anxiety was palpable. But then, the first notes. A response. An instinctive conversation began. "About halfway through the day, we hit a deep groove, a moment where everyone locked in and that's when we knew it was working. From there, the sessions flowed effortlessly."
For Jaubi, the path of a song is never pre-destined. "The melody always leads for us and everything else builds around it," they say of their writing process. "When I write, I usually start with a melodic idea... From there, the vibe naturally takes shape. We never force it into a category but we just follow where the melody wants to go."
Lahore’s sound goes global with Jaubi’s improvisation
Finding a sense of pride in heritage
This 'whatever' philosophy is resonating powerfully far from home. Nobody knew how their UK debut at Union Chapel would go over. But the reaction? It cracked the place open. "The response was overwhelming, particularly from the South Asian diaspora. Many people came up after the show saying it felt like hearing the sounds of their childhood reimagined in a new way." One conversation crystallised their mission: "Someone who said they'd never seen the sarangi on a stage like that before. They felt proud and emotional, like their heritage was being celebrated rather than just preserved."
Now, they're preparing for the Barbican. "We are expanding the live setup with richer textures, more percussion, deeper bass, and space for extended improvisation. It will feel bigger and more immersive, almost cinematic at times." The moment they want to etch into memory? "If there is one moment I hope people carry with them, it is A Sound Heart. When we play it live, there is a point where everything aligns, and you can feel the whole room breathing with the music."
Sharing the bill with legends like Ustad Noor Bakhsh and Amrit Kaur is a lesson in itself. "Playing alongside them feels like being part of a living tradition… What we take away most is their sense of presence. They do not rush, they let the music breathe. It reminds us to listen closely and to focus on expression rather than complexity."
Jaubi: redefining South Asian music, one note at a time
Looking to the future
This entire journey is rooted in Lahore, a city they describe as "alive with sound right now," pointing to a vibrant underground scene and artists like Maanu, Natasha Noorani, and the Mekaal Hasan Band.
Looking ahead, the legacy they want, true to their name is about opening doors. "In the next decade, we hope Jaubi's legacy is about possibility." It always comes back to doors left unlocked. A way for traditions to breathe new air, for jazz maps to include Lahore, and for some kid somewhere to think, "I can do that too."
Their final word on it? "We want younger musicians to feel free to experiment, whether they pick up a centuries-old instrument or make beats on a laptop. If our journey inspires even a few people to take risks and create something honest, then we have done our job."
Catch them on 3 October at the Barbican. Listen for the point where it all clicks into place. It's the sound of "whatever" finding its perfect, unforgettable voice.
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His status not only as a cinematic icon but also as a successful entrepreneur
Shah Rukh Khan’s net worth reaches approximately £1.04 billion, marking his entry into the billionaire club.
Tops the Hurun India Rich List for Bollywood stars.
Wealth primarily driven by Red Chillies Entertainment and IPL franchise ownership.
Global real estate holdings and luxury lifestyle complement his business ventures.
From actor to billionaire
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has officially joined the billionaire club for the first time, according to the Hurun India Rich List 2025. With a net worth of approximately £1.04 billion, Khan now holds the top spot among Bollywood actors, cementing his status not only as a cinematic icon but also as a successful entrepreneur.
Khan’s journey from modest beginnings in Delhi to international superstardom is well documented, but it is his business acumen that has pushed him into billionaire territory. Over the years, he has leveraged his fame into multiple ventures, spanning production, sports, and luxury lifestyle investments, making him a notable figure in both the entertainment and business worlds.
Red Chillies Entertainment: The backbone of wealth
A significant portion of Khan’s fortune stems from Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company he co-founded in 2002. The company has produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films while expanding into visual effects, animation, and digital media. Today, Red Chillies employs over 500 people and is considered one of India’s leading production houses.
“The company was always about creating quality cinema while embracing technology,” industry insiders say. “Khan’s vision and persistence have made it a business as well as a creative hub.”
Sports ventures and global assets
Khan’s wealth is also supplemented by his ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League, which has become one of the league’s most successful and valuable franchises. The team’s success has provided both financial gains and a strong cultural presence.
In addition to cinema and sports, Khan owns luxury properties around the world. His Mumbai residence, Mannat, is valued at approximately £16.7 million. He also owns homes in London, Beverly Hills, Dubai, and a farmhouse in Alibaug. His luxury car collection includes a Bugatti Veyron (£1 million), Rolls-Royce Phantom (£790,000), and Bentley Continental GT (£273,000). These assets reflect his global lifestyle while complementing his business portfolio.
Bollywood’s wealth landscape
The Hurun India Rich List 2025 shows a growing trend of actors transforming their fame into substantial financial empires. Following Khan are Juhi Chawla and family (£649 million), primarily from Knight Riders Sports; Hrithik Roshan (£180 million), through his fitness brand HRX; Karan Johar (£156 million) of Dharma Productions; and Amitabh Bachchan and family (£136 million) from various investments.
A personal perspective
Despite his immense wealth, Khan remains grounded. Close collaborators note that his happiness is derived from family and the joy of creating stories that connect with people, rather than from material possessions. His rise to billionaire status underscores how creativity, perseverance, and business acumen can intersect, inspiring both aspiring actors and entrepreneurs alike.
Shah Rukh Khan’s inclusion in the billionaire club marks a landmark in his illustrious career, illustrating the evolution of a film star into a global business icon, while highlighting the potential for success beyond the silver screen.
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Tilly Norwood, a fictional actress, introduced by London-based studio Particle6
SAG-AFTRA slams debut of AI-generated “performer” at Zurich film conference
Union says replacing human actors with synthetic characters threatens livelihoods
Tilly Norwood, a fictional actress, introduced by London-based studio Particle6
Talent agents reportedly showing interest, but industry experts remain sceptical
Backlash over synthetic debut
The debut of a computer-generated “actress” called Tilly Norwood has sparked strong criticism from Hollywood’s performers’ union, SAG-AFTRA, which has condemned the replacement of real actors with digital stand-ins.
Norwood was unveiled at a film industry conference in Zurich over the weekend, appearing in a short parody video about an AI-generated television show. Created by London-based studio Particle6, the character was presented as a fresh-faced, twenty-something newcomer with a British accent, brown hair, and her own social media profile.
Dutch actor-producer Eline Van der Velden, who founded Particle6, told attendees the project was beginning to attract interest from talent agencies and that an industry deal was likely within months.
Union pushes back
SAG-AFTRA, which represents more than 160,000 actors, recording artists, and performers, swiftly issued a statement rejecting the move.
“Creativity is, and should remain, human-centred,” the union said. “The union is opposed to the replacement of human performers by synthetics.”
Officials also noted that Norwood’s creation relied on training data built from the work of countless actors who were neither asked for permission nor compensated.
“To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor,” the statement added.
A digital star in waiting?
Particle6 has produced a series of synthetic characters, with Norwood pushed as the breakout figure. In one social media post, the character declared: “I may be AI generated, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now. I am so excited for what’s coming next!”
Van der Velden defended the project, calling Norwood a “creative work” rather than a replacement for humans. “Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity,” she wrote on Instagram.
In a more provocative remark earlier this year, Van der Velden suggested her ambition was for Norwood to become “the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.”
Industry scepticism
Not all industry observers are convinced. Yves Bergquist, director of AI in media at the University of Southern California’s Entertainment Technology Center, dismissed the excitement as exaggerated.
“There is a lot of understandable nervousness and fear out there about talent being replaced,” he said. “But judging from my daily interactions with Hollywood executives, there is zero interest from serious people in developing entirely synthetic characters. Scarlett Johansson has a fan base. Scarlett Johansson is a person.”
A wider debate
The controversy comes just months after performers and writers raised concerns about the impact of automation on jobs during contract negotiations with studios and streaming services. While computer-generated imagery has long played a role in film-making, the idea of synthetic performers crossing into mainstream storytelling has fuelled fears over the erosion of creative labour.
For SAG-AFTRA, the launch of Tilly Norwood is not simply a publicity stunt but a warning of how easily digital experiments can shift into questions about rights, recognition, and the value of human artistry.