Manoj Bajpayee is set to essay the role of an army officer in the upcoming film Aiyaary which is helmed by Neeraj Pandey. Talking about Neeraj Pandey’s films, Manoj said to a leading Indian daily, "If you say Special 26 and A Wednesday is his kind, then what is Ouch? Somewhere Neeraj has the ability to surprise you with the craft of storytelling which is very new. I don’t see it at all happening (elsewhere)."
Adding further, he said, "He doesn’t succumb to all those stereotypical mainstream formula but still manages to intrigue you with a story which is so unique. Every time we work, not even one line (in the script) is wasted. So that doesn’t give you the liberty to go ahead and add your own few things because when he is writing each and every word, even the formation of dialogue is such that you can’t really change it. You know, I have tried many times to change the formation, but it didn’t work."
On being asked about his experience working with the younger actors, Manoj said, "How to compete with them by staying young! That’s a tough task (laughs). This generation is supposed to do various things that we were not. We really had to work hard to find one information. And here they are who have grown up watching world cinema, their knowledge is immense. I really feel they are far ahead when it comes to information and knowledge. Sitting with them, observing them, once you just surrender to them, you learn so much, you suddenly realize that you have to know so much. Though there is no comparison but what we can do is, we can up our game when it comes to learning few things from them."
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran to headline SS Rajamouli’s next big-budget film
Shooting for SSMB 29 begins in mid-July in Tanzania’s Serengeti, followed by South Africa
Tanzanian report leaks plot details: a globe-trotting explorer unravels ancient secrets
Film reportedly mounted on a massive £89 million (approx. ₹970 crore) budget, one of India's costliest projects
Director SS Rajamouli is set to begin filming a new schedule of SSMB 29, his much-anticipated project starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. Reports from Tanzania suggest the crew will kick off shooting in Serengeti by the third week of July. The action-adventure, which also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, is said to be based on classic African exploration tales, with a twist of mythology and mystery.
The buzz around SSMB 29 has only grown after Tanzanian publication The Citizen not only confirmed the upcoming shoot in East Africa but also leaked key details about the plot. The film is being made on a staggering budget of £89 million (approx. ₹970 crore), putting it among India’s most expensive cinematic ventures.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29 Getty Images
What is the story of SSMB 29?
According to reports, SSMB 29 follows a daring explorer who sets out on a perilous mission through uncharted territories in Africa. Described as being influenced by Indiana Jones and classic adventure films, the protagonist faces nature’s fury, cryptic legends, and a powerful adversary while uncovering a long-lost secret capable of altering the fate of the world.
Tanzanian media described the story as: “Think ancient legends, wild landscapes, and edge-of-your-seat thrills.” Mahesh Babu is expected to portray the rugged central character, making this his most physically demanding and globally ambitious role yet.
Mahesh Babu’s dramatic new look for SSMB 29 sparks a social media frenzy as fans compare him to Mufasa and a Hollywood action hero Getty Images/ Twitter
Where is SSMB 29 being shot?
The new schedule begins in Serengeti, Tanzania in mid-July, with the crew expected to move to South Africa shortly after. Earlier, parts of the film were shot in Koraput, Odisha, particularly at Talamali Hilltop.
There’s also buzz that the production may recreate ancient Indian cities, particularly Kashi (Varanasi), on elaborate sets in Hyderabad. While the African setting dominates the current narrative, past reports hinted at a mythological layer rooted in Indian history and a Lord Shiva lore.
SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29 Getty Images
Who else is in the cast of SSMB 29 ?
Aside from Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film features Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in a major role. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting R. Madhavan may join the ensemble cast, adding further star power to Rajamouli’s already stacked team.
Chopra, who has been working predominantly in the West, confirmed in an interview that she’s returning to India for this project. “I miss Hindi movies and I miss India so much. I’m working in India this year, and I’m really excited about that,” she said.
Priyanka Chopra calls 'SSMB29' her homecoming as she reunites with Indian cinema Getty Images
Why is Rajamouli keeping quiet about the film?
Unlike his high-profile promotions for Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli has adopted a low-key strategy for SSMB 29. The project was quietly launched with a puja ceremony in Hyderabad earlier this year, and there has been no official word from the director about the storyline or cast additions.
During a screening of RRR in Japan, Rajamouli did express enthusiasm about introducing Mahesh Babu to international audiences. “His name is Mahesh Babu… he is very handsome. Hopefully, we finish the film fast and I’ll bring him here. I’m sure you’ll love him,” he told fans.
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Angel the new Love Island bombshell set to dump a contestant in shock twist
New bombshell Angel Swift, 26, enters Love Island as part of a shock twist
The aesthetics practitioner from Kent says she’s ready to turn heads and split couples
Her arrival could immediately send another girl home
Fans speculate Angel will target Ty, threatening Lauren’s place in the villa
A dramatic shake-up is on the horizon for Love Island as Angel Swift, a bold new bombshell, is set to enter the villa, bringing with her the power to send one contestant packing.
The latest episode of ITV2’s hit dating show ended with a cliffhanger as Shakira read out a surprise text announcing that “the party was far from over.” Moments later, a teaser revealed Angel’s imminent arrival, with narrator Iain Stirling hinting at an explosive twist. The 26-year-old salon owner from Maidstone is not only joining the game late but may be replacing someone the moment she steps in.
Angel Swift enters Love Island with power to dump rival as dramatic twist stuns villaInstagram/ angeliqueswift
Who is Angel Swift and what does she do?
Angel Swift is a 26-year-old aesthetics practitioner and entrepreneur. She owns AngelFace, a salon in Maidstone, Kent, that offers services like fillers, microneedling, and hair extensions.
Known for her confidence, Angel calls herself a “20/10” and insists she’s ready to shake things up. “That’s what I’m in there for,” she said when asked about breaking up couples. “I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone’s head.”
With her ambition and unapologetic energy, Angel seems determined to make an impact from day one, and she’s not worried about stepping on toes to get what she wants.
Angel’s arrival isn’t just another bombshell entry, it’s tied to a ruthless elimination. According to insider reports and fan speculation, she’ll be asked to choose one of the male Islanders to couple up with immediately. That decision will leave the boy’s current partner single and instantly dumped from the villa.
This unexpected format has viewers on edge. One fan posted on X, “Oh damn, I feel like it’s either Toni or Shakira leaving tomorrow ‘cause the bombshell is gonna have to steal one of the boys.”
Others expressed their anxiety about who might be going home. “Apparently a girl has already left the villa today, and I’m very concerned that this new bombshell is going to couple up with Harrison and leave Toni dumped,” one viewer shared.
Angel has her eyes on Ty, a tall, athletic Islander currently coupled with Lauren. Their relationship has been shaky following Harrison’s decision to ditch Lauren for Toni, leaving Lauren emotionally vulnerable.
Angel’s interest in Ty could be the final blow to that connection. “I’m looking for someone family-oriented, with a nice smile and good body,” Angel said. “I’ve been single for a year. I’m ready for something real.”
Whether Ty is open to the new arrival remains to be seen, but with Angel’s confidence and the villa’s volatile energy, things could change fast.
Earlier in the episode, the Islanders took part in a rodeo-themed challenge where they ranked themselves based on viewer opinions. Questions included who the most attractive couple was and who seemed the most strategic or inactive.
The results ruffled feathers, especially for Dejon and Meg. Emma emerged as the voice of reason during the task and even offered Dejon some advice on coming across as more genuine.
But all that drama faded into the background once the text about the bombshell dropped, marking a new, unpredictable phase of the show.
With Angel’s arrival and an imminent dumping, Love Island is heading into stormy waters. Who will stay, who will go, and who’s about to fall for the new girl? Friday night’s episode holds the answers.
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Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot caught on Coldplay kiss cam during Boston show
Coldplay’s kiss cam at Gillette Stadium unexpectedly captured Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in a seemingly intimate moment with HR head Kristin Cabot.
Both executives, reportedly married to other people, were seen reacting nervously when spotlighted.
Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” prompting online uproar.
The clip has gone viral across TikTok and X, with social media speculating on a workplace romance.
What was meant to be a fun crowd interaction during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium turned into a viral public scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. A kiss cam segment led to a highly uncomfortable moment that’s now exploded online, sparking affair allegations and potential professional fallout.
Viral video from Coldplay concert sparks internet speculation of workplace affairReddit
Who is Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and why is he trending?
Andy Byron, CEO of the £1 billion (₹10,800 crore) software firm Astronomer, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after being captured in a close, seemingly affectionate moment with Kristin Cabot, his company’s top HR executive. The footage was aired live on Coldplay’s kiss cam during their Boston concert, where Byron and Cabot were seen together, arms wrapped around each other.
Andy Byron’s LinkedIn profile image LinkedIn
As soon as the camera caught them, both reacted in visible panic. Byron pulled away and tried to hide behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face. The awkwardness of the moment was made worse when frontman Chris Martin remarked from the stage, “Oh look at these two... either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The crowd erupted in laughter, but online, the situation took a more serious tone.
How did the Coldplay kiss cam video go viral?
Within hours, the clip hit social media platforms like X and TikTok, where it racked up millions of views. Users were quick to speculate that the two executives were engaged in an extramarital affair. Comments ranged from mocking to furious, with many tagging Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, in sympathy posts.
— (@)
Some viral comments included:
“You wouldn’t act like that unless you had something to hide.”
“Imagine your affair being exposed by Chris Martin in front of 60,000 people.”
“Their reaction confirmed everything. They outed themselves.”
The video has since been dubbed by users as the “Coldplay Cheater Cam,” and has led to wider conversations around workplace relationships.
What do we know about Kristin Cabot?
Kristin Cabot, who joined Astronomer less than a year ago, describes her role as Chief People Officer as one focused on trust and employee engagement. Her own LinkedIn bio says she “wins trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants”, a line many have now highlighted ironically in light of the scandal.
Though Cabot’s marital status hasn’t been officially confirmed, internet sleuths pointed out she appears to wear a wedding ring in her profile photos. Neither she nor Byron have made any public statements since the video surfaced.
Kristin CabotThe Sun
Will Astronomer respond to the alleged affair?
As of now, Astronomer has not released a formal response. The company, headquartered just a few hours from the concert venue, is known for its Astro platform, a data orchestration tool powered by Apache Airflow used by several Fortune 500 firms.
With two of its most senior executives now under intense public scrutiny, calls are growing online for the company to investigate the incident, especially given HR policies around internal relationships.
Coldplay has continued with its tour dates, but this Boston show may be remembered more for its unintended drama than its music. Meanwhile, Byron and Cabot have not been seen in public or online since the video’s release.
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Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy continues with his first ever digital concert tour
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”