Recipient of two National Film Awards, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee is unfazed by the business of his movies. He just believes in doing his job well and moving on to the next projects. Last seen in a washout film called Missing (2018), the talented actor is now gearing up for his next Satyamev Jayate. Also starring John Abraham and debutante Aisha Sharma, the action entertainer enters screens on 15th August. Recently, our Mumbai correspondent, Mohnish Singh, met the maverick actor for a candid conversation on his new film, failure of his much-publicized espionage drama Aiyaary (2018) and much more.
How was it working with John Abraham in Satyamev Jayate?
John Abraham is a really good guy. We get along very well. It’s a nice thing when you have a great tuning with your co-stars as it makes the working experience all the better. Then you look forward to working with each other every day when you are shooting. Shooting is a tough task. If we are not getting along well, then it becomes quite torturous. But I have been quite lucky that most of the co-actors I worked with, we had a good time shooting with one other. Though with John, it was special because he comes from a very humble background. He is so rooted, so real. It makes the whole experience quite memorable.
In the last few films of yours, we have mostly seen you as an officer. Is it intentional?
You are not playing a uniform, you are playing the character. All of you are journalists, but your characters are not the same. All of you are different. All of you have something unique. I try to find the person. I try to find the character interesting. If it is interesting, what does uniform have to do with it? It is always about the character you are playing, which has to be interesting.
You usually play grey characters in films. Do they attract you more?
See, I personally feel that no human is a hero or a villain. All of us have our grey sides and that is why grey interests me because it's more human, more life-like. Nobody is a hero and nobody is a villain. If there is a good guy, there is some kind of grey area which can always be questioned and this is what I try to look for in any character. This is what I have been trying all of these years. It is a difficult choice but at the end of the day, if you are making one character very positive, that means you are doing complete injustice to that character and if you are making one character too dark, too villainous that means you are not doing justice to the character.
What film in your career is the most memorable to you?
None of my films has given me the recognition that Satya (1998) had given me. After Satya, my only focus is the kind of films I want to do and not be tempted by the money that I was offered. I am so happy that later on because of my choices, space was created for many actors and they were recognized for their works.
Many tried to recreate films like Satya, but no one could ever do so. Why do you think they failed?
The film that has happened, it has happened. If you ask me, nobody can make Deewaar (1975). Deewaar is Deewaar. The film that has gained cult status, you can only copy it. You cannot create the same magic. You can’t create the same magic because when that original was made, the situation was completely different. When Satya was made, people couldn’t imagine that these types of characters will be written or performances can happen this way. So, those films, all the actors, that storytelling, the music, everything is something that was not happening during that time.
Would you ever like to do a biopic film again?
I would like to do a biopic of Aligarh (2016) kind or Budhia Singh (2016) kind, you know, talking about common people because they are my heroes. They go through the struggle and grind and they go through it every day. They are managing their lives. They are educating their children, surviving this difficult world. I would love to associate myself with those kinds of people.
Is there any kind of character that you would want to play or you have been wanting to play?
No there is nothing like that. What I thought, it happened. I did it all. Right now, I am looking for new directors, new kind of storytelling, and a script that hasn’t yet been made in India. That is something only a new director can bring. The old directors could not do that. A new director which has a hunger in him can do it. He will have a one of a kind script and I am looking for that.
Aiyaary did not do so well at the box office, but your acting was praised in all the reviews. How does that make you feel?
Aiyaary has been mistreated. Aiyaary is a great film and I am very proud of that film and it is one of the best performances of my life and one of the best works I took up. I think it is a superlative film and I am very happy with my performance in it. Whether a film doing well or not doing well is concerned, you are talking to an actor whose most of the films are flops and after 24 years, I am still here talking to you about my next film. So, my existence in this industry, my career proves that you just have to focus on your work and do a good job and you will be here whether your films make ₹100 crore or not, it does not matter.
Do you think as an actor the freedom of speech and expression has been hindered by the politics in filmmaking?
There is no politics. Politicians are only encouraged by these fringe communities. Like, an organisation has been made and to make it famous and themselves famous either I can do some good work and let the society know about what we can help with or I’ll start throwing stones at anybody who is passing by or at anything which is already famous like a celebrity. When a stone is thrown at somebody or something which is already celebrated, people will talk about it, an easy way to stardom. Then the politicians use that to gain popularity. It’s a chain, they feed off each other and we are the victims. Creativity is something that has always been hampered. It has always faced obstacles and yet creativity moves over and keeps moving on.
Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
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Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement
Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.
The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.
Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision
What is causing the Eurovision 2025–2026 crisis?
The main trigger is Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Casualty figures reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry exceed 64,000 Palestinians by September 2025, drawing international scrutiny. Several European countries argue that Israel’s presence in a major cultural event like Eurovision would appear to normalise the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, Israel insists participation is purely cultural and unrelated to politics.
What countries are boycotting Eurovision over Israel?
So, which nations are taking this stance? The movement gained its most significant momentum with Spain's announcement. Its public broadcaster, RTVE, issued a decisive statement, confirming an overwhelming vote to withdraw. The organisation cited Israel's military actions in Gaza and stated it could not, in good conscience, "look the other way." This move is particularly consequential as Spain is one of the "Big Five" major financial contributors to the contest.
They were swiftly followed by Ireland’s RTÉ, which deemed participation "unconscionable" given the situation in Gaza. Public broadcasters in the Netherlands and Slovenia subsequently aligned with similar positions. Iceland's broadcaster has also indicated it is considering its position, formally "reserving the right" to withdraw. This is not a peripheral protest but a movement emerging from within the contest's core European membership, raising questions about which other countries may follow.
How is the EBU handling the Eurovision boycott calls?
The European Broadcasting Union faces an immense challenge. Its standard operating procedure of promoting unity through music appears insufficient for this geopolitical dilemma. The gravity of the situation can be seen in its unprecedented decision to delay the standard deadline for participation confirmations to mid-December 2025. This extension is dedicated to extensive consultation with all member unions in an effort to find a viable resolution that preserves the contest's integrity.
Concurrently, the EBU has been forced to publicly deny reports from Israeli media outlets suggesting it had advised Israel to withdraw voluntarily to avoid a "humiliating elimination," calling these claims false.
Is this Eurovision situation similar to Russia's exclusion?
This comparison forms the crux of the debate for many. The 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine established a clear precedent; the EBU justified its decision by stating Russia's participation would "bring the competition into disrepute."
Boycott advocates now argue that the same standard must be applied consistently, questioning why Israel's actions in Gaza do not merit an identical response. The EBU will likely attempt to differentiate the cases based on nuanced legalities of membership and the operational independence of the respective national broadcasters. However, in the court of public and political opinion, the perception of a double standard is a significant threat to the EBU's credibility.
What are the arguments for and against the boycott?
Proponents of the boycott base their position on principles of human rights and conscience. They stress the extensive civilian casualty figures reported by authorities in Gaza, alongside assessments from UN agencies, to argue that Israel’s inclusion on a cultural platform constitutes a form of normalisation of the ongoing conflict.
Conversely, opponents of a boycott contend that cultural events must remain separate from political disputes. They caution that excluding a nation’s artists could veer into prejudice and stress that the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, operates with editorial independence, unlike the state-controlled media of Russia. There is no clear, unambiguous resolution that will satisfy all parties.
What happens if Israel is allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026?
Should the EBU permit Israel's participation, an immediate and consequential withdrawal of several key members is all but certain. The loss of Spain, a major funder, would represent a serious financial and credibility blow. The subsequent absence of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and potentially others would noticeably diminish the contest's scale and diversity.
Furthermore, the event itself would likely become a focal point for large-scale protests, potentially disrupting the broadcast and overshadowing the musical competition, further alienating segments of its global audience.
What happens if Israel is excluded from Eurovision?
An exclusion would trigger a different but equally severe crisis for the EBU. It would face vehement accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly from Israel and its allies. The move could prompt legal challenges and potentially lead to Israel's permanent withdrawal from the union.
It would also establish a new and far-reaching precedent for excluding countries involved in international conflicts, fundamentally transforming Eurovision from an inclusive cultural space into an institution that makes overt political judgements.
The future is decidedly uncertain. The EBU is confronted with a dilemma where any decision carries significant negative consequences. The upcoming General Assembly in December is going to be a tense and potentially historic meeting. While some have speculated about a compromise, such as Israel participating under a neutral banner, the EBU has denied pursuing this option.
The underlying truth is that Eurovision has always been intertwined with politics, from historical participation under authoritarian regimes to contemporary voting blocs. The current crisis has simply stripped away the glittering façade, forcing a direct confrontation with this reality. The contest's future will depend on navigating a path that may not exist, balancing its ideals against an increasingly polarised world.
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Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan announced as lead in Narendra Modi biopic titled Maa Vande.
The film will focus on the Prime Minister's early life and bond with his mother.
A pan-India release is planned for 2026 with a major technical crew attached.
Mukundan is currently riding high on the success of his brutal action film Marco.
Malayalam cinema actor Unni Mukundan is stepping into the biggest role of his career. He has been officially cast as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming biographical film Maa Vande. The project, announced on the PM's 75th birthday, promises a fresh look at Modi's formative years. Instead of another political portrait, the filmmakers are zeroing in on his personal journey and the profound influence of his mother.
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan
Who is Unni Mukundan and why was he cast?
If you're not deep into Malayalam films, that name might not ring a bell. But down south, he is a proper lead star. He has been working for over a decade, starting off with smaller roles, having a hit with Mallu Singh, and then breaking through with last year’s Malikappuram.
And then Marco happened, a violent film that crossed the £1.2 million (₹100 crore) mark. The actor can portray devotion and then deliver a brutal action scene. Perhaps that versatility is what the filmmakers wanted. Adding to that, he actually grew up in Ahmedabad. He mentioned in a post that he knew Modi as his "Chief Minister" back then. That personal connection is probably a massive factor.
What will the Narendra Modi biopic Maa Vande be about?
The official line is that it traces his journey from childhood to becoming the leader of the nation. But the tagline gives the real focus: "The Anthem of a Mother." So, this is not going to be a policy-by-policy rundown. It is about his relationship with his late mother, Heeraben Modi.
That is the fresh angle, the human story behind the politician. How that relationship shaped him is the emotional hook. It connects with people on a different level. The filmmakers are planning a 2026 release, and it is set to be pan-India, in multiple languages including English.
The crew list is stacked. It is being directed by Kranthi Kumar C.H. and produced by Veer Reddy M. under Silver Cast Creations. The technical team is impressive: KK Senthil Kumar is on camera, the cinematographer of Baahubali. The music is by Ravi Basrur, editing by Sreekar Prasad, and production design by Sabu Cyril. It is clear that this is not a low-effort cash-in. The A-team from Telugu and Malayalam industries has been brought together to mount this project properly. Serious resources are being invested to ensure it looks and sounds huge.
No. Vivek Oberoi played him in a 2019 film directed by Omung Kumar, which was also called PM Narendra Modi. That film focused more on his political rise. Maa Vande seems to be carving its own niche by going back to the start, focusing on his personal roots. It will be interesting to see how they differentiate it. For Mukundan, it is a massive opportunity. After the physicality of Marco, this role is about capturing Modi’s essence, voice, and posture. It is the biggest challenge of his life, no question.
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Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release
Bobby Deol has heaped praise on Aryan Khan, calling him a talented actor who could have easily chosen to be in front of the camera. The veteran star, who features in the newcomer’s directorial debut 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood', said the show’s teaser confirmed his belief that Shah Rukh Khan’s son has a natural screen presence. Deol also opened up about the young director’s meticulous and passionate approach to filmmaking.
Bobby Deol says Aryan Khan has fearless spark and rare talent as The Bastards of Bollywood gears up for Netflix release Instagram/iambobbydeol/redchilliesent
What did Bobby Deol say about Aryan Khan’s acting?
Let's get this out of the way first. Everyone who saw that teaser had the same thought: can Aryan Khan act? Well, Bobby Deol reckons he absolutely can. He didn’t just direct; he apparently performed every part for his cast. Deol told reviewers that Aryan would act out scenes, even mimicking a journalist’s lisp, to show his actors exactly what he wanted.
“Itna talented hai woh bachcha!” Deol exclaimed. He even phoned Aryan after the teaser dropped to say he’d miss seeing him perform on screen. The big takeaway? He looks like his dad, sure, but Bobby insists “he is totally different.”
Oh, absolutely. That’s the word everyone uses. Bobby didn’t sugar-coat it; he called Aryan a “tough taskmaster.” Deol admitted there were moments the cast wondered why they were doing so many takes, but later saw it brought out their best work. It seems that famous Khan perfectionism is a family trait.
Aryan’s focus was apparently unshakeable. Seven-hour narrations? No problem. Chaos on set? He never lost his cool. For a 27-year-old debutant, that’s pretty rare air. He lived and breathed this project, and his conviction was apparently infectious.
How does Bobby Deol feel about Aryan Khan personally?
This is where it gets interesting. Beyond the professional respect, Bobby’s tone shifts to something almost paternal. He openly talked about feeling “fatherly emotions” on set. He knows the pressure of being a star kid, calling it “not an easy task” to step out of the shadow of the “biggest Indian superstar in the world.”
But he sees a fearlessness in Aryan. He mentioned meeting him a year before the project and sensing a special “spark” and a fire to achieve something on his own terms. It’s not just about a famous surname, but about the person determined to carve his own path, and Bobby clearly respects that.
The upcoming Netflix series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, is a satirical dive into the inner workings of the Hindi film industry. It follows an outsider, Aasman Singh, navigating the brutal and glamorous world of Bollywood. Bobby Deol plays a top superstar named Ajay Talwar who is desperate to orchestrate a grand launch for his daughter, played by Sahher Bambba.
The show is a mix of sharp, self-aware humour and a gripping narrative. With a cast including Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa, it’s one of the most anticipated Indian web releases this year. Mark your diaries for its premiere on September 18.
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Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness
The star revealed she was constantly judged for her career and clothing choices.
Malaika said she felt free when she stopped explaining herself to others.
She now sees confidence as moving forward with grace despite self-doubt.
The actor and model insists the only narrative that matters is her own.
Malaika Arora has defiantly addressed the lifetime of criticism she has faced for her personal and professional choices. The actor and model, known for her impeccable fitness and fashion sense, said being labelled “too bold” is something she now wears as a crown. In a new interview, she opened up about her journey to unshakeable self-acceptance and shutting out the noise.
Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness Getty Images
What has Malaika Arora said about the criticism she faces?
It seems there is very little Malaika has not been judged for. She laid it all out in a chat with The Hindustan Times, stating, “I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships, you name it.” That constant scrutiny from the public and media would be enough to make anyone second-guess themselves.
But her approach changed completely when she decided to stop engaging with it. She called the moment she quit explaining herself the moment she truly felt liberated. Her philosophy is pretty straightforward now: “The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.” It is a powerful shift from being defined to doing the defining.
Malaika Arora owns every label from bold to outspoken and calls them her strength Getty Images
How does Malaika Arora respond to being called 'too much'?
Honestly, she has turned it into a strength. Those very criticisms have become a part of her identity, and she owns them completely. “I have been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now,” she stated.
She even has a sharp, modern clapback for her detractors: “If I am ‘too much’ for someone, they are probably not enough for me.” This mindset is not just for show. It feeds into everything she does, from her fashion collaborations to her fitness brand. She has never followed a template, believing real confidence is when you “stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”
Malaika Arora insists the only story that matters is the one she writes herself Getty Images
Does Malaika Arora ever experience self-doubt?
Absolutely. It is a reminder that confidence is not about being bulletproof. She is human, after all. Malaika was candid about the fact that self-doubt “never really disappears,” admitting there are days she questions herself just like anyone else. The key difference now is how she handles those moments. Instead of meting out self-criticism, she practises kindness. For her, confidence is not the absence of doubt but the ability to “move forward with grace despite it.”
This nuanced take is a far cry from the perfect, curated images we often see, making her stance all the more relatable to her fans who navigate their own insecurities.
Malaika Arora says she stopped explaining herself and found true freedomGetty Images
What is the core of Malaika Arora's confident mindset?
It all boils down to ownership. Her recent work as the face of a beauty campaign titled Own It felt less like a job and more like telling her own life story. She has had to fight labels and expectations her entire career. This is not about arrogance; it is about a quiet certainty in her own choices.
Whether it is balancing motherhood with her career or navigating public relationships, she trusts her gut. Her message is clear: stop letting outside opinions write your story. The greatest freedom comes from writing it yourself, unapologetically and on your own terms.