Every day, Indian octogenarian Kaleem Ullah Khan wakes at dawn, prays, then ambles about a mile to his 120-year-old mango tree, which he has coaxed into producing more than 300 varieties of the beloved fruit over the years.
His footsteps quicken as he draws nearer and his eyes light up as he peers closely at the branches through his spectacles, caressing the leaves and sniffing the fruits to see if they are ripe.
"This is my prize of toiling hard in the scorching sun for decades," the 82-year-old said in his orchard in the small town of Malihabad.
"For the naked eye, it's just a tree. But if you see through your mind, it's a tree, an orchard, and the biggest mango college in the world."
The school dropout was just a teenager when he conducted his first experiment in grafting or joining plant parts to create new mango varieties.
He nurtured a tree to produce seven new kinds of fruit, but it blew down in a storm.
But since 1987, his pride and joy have been the 120-year-old specimen, a source of more than 300 different types of mango, each with their own taste, texture, colour and size, he says.
One of the earliest varieties he named "Aishwarya" after Bollywood star and 1994 Miss World beauty pageant winner Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. To this day, it remains one of his "best creations".
"The mango is as beautiful as the actress. One mango weighs more than a kilogram (two pounds), has a tinge of crimson to its outer skin and it tastes very sweet," Khan said.
Others he named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket hero Sachin Tendulkar. Another is "Anarkali", or pomegranate blossom, and has two layers of different skin and two different pulps, each with a distinctive aroma.
"People will come and go, but the mangoes will remain forever, and years after, whenever this Sachin mango will be eaten, people will remember the cricketing hero," said the father of eight.
Famed fruit
Standing nine metres (30 feet) tall, his treasured tree has a stout trunk with wide-spreading, thick branches that yield a pleasant shade against the Indian summer sun.
The leaves are a patchwork of different textures and smell. In some places, they are yellow and glossy, and in others, a dark, dull green.
"No two fingerprints are the same, and no two mango varieties are similar. Nature has gifted mangoes with traits like humans," Khan said.
His method for grafting is intricate and involves diligently slicing a branch from one variety, leaving an open wound into which a branch from another variety is spliced and sealed with tape.
"I will remove the tape once the joint becomes sturdy, and hopefully, this new branch will be ready by next season and bear a new variety after two years," he explained.
Khan's skills have won him numerous accolades, among them one of India's highest civilian honours in 2008, as well as invitations to Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
"I can grow mangoes even in a desert," he says.
Climate threat
India is the largest producer of mangoes, accounting for half the global output. Malihabad, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, has more than 30,000 hectares of orchards and accounts for nearly 25 per cent of the national crop.
Mostly owned by families for generations, the orchards are a mango lover's paradise, with the best-known variety possibly the melt-in-the-mouth Dasheri, named for the nearby village where it originated in the 18th century.
But farmers are worried about climate change, with a heatwave this year destroying 90 per cent of the local crop, according to the All-India Mango Growers Association.
The number of varieties has also fallen, which Khan blames on intensive farming techniques and the widespread use of cheap fertilisers and insecticides.
Growers also plant too many trees packed too tightly together, leaving no space for moisture and dew to settle on the leaves, he says.
But he still has a good life, he says.
"I recently moved into a new house inside the farm to be closer to my beloved tree, which I'll keep working on till my last breath."
Remember when people sneered, "TikTokers? Making movies?" Yeah, toss that script. This isn’t about going viral anymore; it’s about building empires. What started as 15-second clips is now turning into major movie deals, studio projects, and executive producing credits. These creators have crossed over into film and television, landed record deals, voiced animation characters, and in some cases, even produced their own films.
Studios aren’t casting these creators for clout; they’re handing them keys. Why? Because they walk in with what Hollywood’s starving for: armies of fans who actually give a damn!
Here are 10 TikTok stars who didn’t stop at going viral. Instead, they turned their popularity into serious Hollywood power.
1. Charli D’Amelio (157M followers)
From TikTok to Apple TV+ and Disney+
She went from dancing in her room to being the face of a new generation. Charli’s three-season run on The D’Amelio Show gave her fans a closer look at her life, and it worked. More than 70% of her audience followed her to new projects. Now, she’s leading Apple TV+’s The Studio and producing dance films for Disney+. She’s not just performing; she’s making decisions behind the camera too.
Addison broke into acting with He’s All That, which went #1 in 78 countries on Netflix. She followed it up with a role in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving, showing she can go from high-school cute to slasher scream. With a seven-figure, multipicture deal with Netflix and an upcoming movie with Ryan Reynolds (Animal Friends), she’s clearly not here for just a cameo.
Bella’s journey is proof that one viral video can indeed start a new life. Her hit single Build a Btch crossed 500 million streams, but she didn’t stop at music. She voiced a character in DC League of Super-Pets and is now creating her own anime series for Crunchyroll, involved in every creative decision. It’s not just about fame for her; it’s about building a whole world.
Bryce has always been polarising, and that hasn’t changed in Hollywood. He’s co-starring in Skillhouse, a horror film produced by 50 Cent, but the drama hasn’t stayed on screen. A legal fight over creative control made headlines, and yet, his name keeps getting bigger. Like it or not, people are watching.
Hannah made her name on Vine and YouTube before TikTok, and now she’s turning all that into big-screen moments. She joins Bryce in Skillhouse and even voiced a version of herself on The Simpsons. She’s not trying to go viral anymore; she’s building a career that stretches far beyond short clips.
Rudy didn’t wait for someone to give him a role; he made his own. His Amazon Prime film Música is based on his life, and he wrote, directed, and starred in it. His next two films focus on immigrant stories, and he’s changing how stories are made: TikTok polls helped decide the movie ending, which saved 60% of marketing spend. He’s reinventing indie film, with Gen Z in the front row.
Often living in the shadow of her sister, Dixie’s making her own lane. Her song Be Happy made it to the Billboard charts, and she voiced a lead in StarDog and TurboCat. Alongside Charli, she co-led The D’Amelio Show. She might not be loud online, but she’s working, and it clearly shows.
Loren was once TikTok’s most-followed creator. Now, she’s starring in Netflix’s After Ever Happy and has over 1 billion music streams under her belt. Signed to Virgin Records, she’s one of the few to find real success in both music and acting, without ever losing her online edge.
Noah was a Division I soccer player before TikTok, and now he’s acting in indie movies like The Influence and appearing in an HBO Max reality series. He’s not chasing roles for fame; he’s choosing ones that let him grow, and it’s showing in the way his audience sticks around.
She made her mark with makeup and dance, but Avani’s acting résumé is growing fast. She starred in Bixler High Private Eye on Hulu and voiced a role in Netflix’s Marmaduke. She also won the 2019 Streamy for “Dance Creator of the Year.” She’s quietly becoming a reliable face in teen films, and producers are taking notice.
This isn’t about influencers "breaking into" Hollywood. It’s about Hollywood breaking open. These creators aren’t guests anymore; they’re building their own tables. Horror films. Rom-coms. Animation. Music. Production deals. They keep it real, know their fans like family, and won’t apologise for taking space.
It’s easy to dismiss viral fame as a trend. But these ten prove otherwise. They didn’t just ride a wave; they built boats. And now they’re steering them straight into Hollywood.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
The announcement comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, prepares for nationwide protests on August 5, marking two years since his arrest.
PAKISTAN has announced the creation of a new national paramilitary force, raising concerns among opposition parties and human rights groups about its possible use for political repression.
The new force will be called the Federal Constabulary and will be formed by restructuring an existing paramilitary unit currently operating along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, state minister for the Interior Talal Chaudhry said at a press conference in Faisalabad on Monday.
According to a copy of the amended law cited by Dunya News TV, the Federal Constabulary will be tasked with internal security, riot control and counter-terrorism duties.
The announcement comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, prepares for nationwide protests on August 5, marking two years since his arrest.
Past protests since Khan’s arrest in August 2023 have at times turned violent and disrupted life in Islamabad for days.
"This will be a new force. This will be a stronger force. We need this force for internal security," Chaudhry said. He added that President Asif Ali Zardari had already approved amendments to the law to implement changes in the paramilitary structure.
Chaudhry said the Federal Constabulary will replace the Frontier Constabulary (FC), which previously recruited only from tribal areas in the northwestern province. He said training of the new force will align it with other national law enforcement agencies.
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said the new force should be discussed in parliament.
The force "should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents, as has been previously witnessed when the government applied such laws against a large number of the PTI leadership and supporters," Bukhari said.
Haris Khalique, secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, also expressed concern.
"We are alarmed by the changes being made to the security and law enforcement structure of the country without any debate in parliament," Khalique said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation platform highlights the growing demand for cross-platform experiences
Forza Horizon 5 has reportedly sold over 2 million units on PS5 within its first month
The figure is based on public projections from Alinea Analytics
The game topped PlayStation Store charts in Europe and placed in the top 3 in North America
The PS5 version launched in 2025, with cross-platform features introduced by Turn 10 Studios
Racing title reportedly reaches 2 million PS5 sales in one month
Forza Horizon 5 has reportedly achieved over two million unit sales on PlayStation 5 in its first month following release. The figure was shared by Turn 10 Studios game designer Harrison B. on LinkedIn, where they stated they had contributed to cross-platform features that enabled the title’s PS5 success.
The statement, spotted by Bluesky user Timur222, has gained attention online. However, Harrison later clarified that the two million sales figure is not new data but based on public projections published by Alinea Analytics.
Designer credits cross-platform support for strong sales
In the LinkedIn post, Harrison stated:
“Created cross-platform feature designs enabling Forza Horizon 5 (PS5, 2025) to sell 2 million units in one month on PS5 alone.”
The designer later reached out to VGChartz to clarify the source of the sales number, stating:
“The 2mil figure is based off of public projections... it is not unfortunately new news. Appreciate y’all’s passion for the franchise tho!”
While not official sales data, the figure aligns with the title’s strong performance on the PlayStation platform since its launch.
Howdy! Saw an article of yours that has incorrect info attributed to me. The 2mil figure is based off of public projections from here, it is not unfortunately new news: alineaanalytics.com/blog/ps_may_...Appreciate ya'lls passion for the franchise tho!
Forza Horizon 5 continues momentum with global success
Ahead of its PS5 release, Forza Horizon 5 had already surpassed 45 million players globally, based on the in-game Hall of Fame leaderboard. The game, originally exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms, expanded its audience with the 2025 PS5 release.
In its launch month, Forza Horizon 5 topped the PlayStation Store charts across Europe. In the US and Canada, it ranked third—still a significant showing for a title previously unavailable on the platform. It remained in the top position across both regions for the month of May.
No official Sony or Microsoft confirmation
As of now, neither Microsoft nor Sony has officially confirmed the PS5 sales figure. However, the success of Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation platform highlights the growing demand for cross-platform experiences and the potential for Microsoft’s first-party titles to find new audiences beyond Xbox.
Keep ReadingShow less
The showroom, located in Mumbai, was inaugurated by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and opened to select visitors on Tuesday. (Photo: X/@Dev_Fadnavis)
TESLA opened its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking its entry into the country as the electric vehicle company looks for new customers amid declining sales in the United States and Europe.
The showroom, located in Mumbai, was inaugurated by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and opened to select visitors on Tuesday. It will be open to the general public starting Wednesday.
Inaugurated Tesla’s first-ever Experience Centre in India at BKC, Mumbai, today.This is not just the inauguration of an Experience Centre ; it’s a powerful statement—Tesla is here, and it’s chosen the right city and the right state: Mumbai, Maharashtra!"… pic.twitter.com/4ilfAHCEoO — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 15, 2025
Tesla is currently offering its Model Y vehicle in India and plans to begin deliveries of a more affordable variant later this quarter.
"This is the first launch of Tesla in India. It marks a huge milestone for Tesla globally," said Isabel Fan, the company's senior regional director. She added that charging stations will be set up soon in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Despite heavy rains, many onlookers gathered outside the Mumbai showroom to see the cars on display.
Tesla has expressed interest in entering the Indian market for several years but delayed its plans due to high import tariffs on electric vehicles.
Elon Musk had earlier described India as having "more promise than any large country" but has criticised its import duties, calling them among the "highest in the world".
The Indian government has said that it will consider lowering import taxes on electric vehicles if global automakers commit to significant investment and local manufacturing.
Tesla has not yet announced any plans to build a manufacturing plant in India.
According to local media reports, Tesla will initially sell cars imported from China.
As a result, the Model Y in India starts at around $70,000 on-road, as listed on the company's website, compared to the US price of $37,490 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.
Tesla's launch in India comes at a time when the company is facing slowing demand globally. The electric vehicle market, once led by Tesla, is now highly competitive, with rivals including BYD and other Chinese manufacturers.
India is the world’s third-largest car market, but Tesla is not expected to see large volumes in the near future due to the relatively early stage of the country’s electric vehicle sector and the high prices of its models.
Sales of electric vehicles in India reached about 100,000 in 2024, which is less than three per cent of total car sales.
Soumen Mandal, senior analyst at Counterpoint, said Tesla’s pricing puts it out of reach for most Indian buyers and places it in competition with luxury car brands.
"We don't expect Tesla to play the volume game right away given the price tag," Mandal told AFP.
"We project 500-700 units sold in initial months and then that to taper off to 200-300 (per month)."
India is currently in talks with the United States on a trade deal, which includes discussions on reducing tariffs on automobiles.
In February, Elon Musk held a one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Fans celebrate Vidya Balan’s makeover while critics question shift from body positivity message
Vidya Balan debuts a bold new look for The Peacock Magazine’s July cover.
The actor's transformation has received both praise and criticism online.
Some fans hailed it as a refreshing style change; others questioned the shift from her past body positivity stance.
The shoot comes on the heels of Vidya’s recent film success in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
Bollywood actor Vidya Balan has sparked a flurry of reactions online after her striking new avatar on the cover of The Peacock Magazine’s July 2025 edition. Known for championing traditional handloom saris and body positivity, the 46-year-old’s dramatic transformation, complete with a bold pink sequin dress and short, styled hair, has left the internet dazzled.
The look, part of a cover story titled A Force to Reckon With, was shared on 14 July by the magazine and Balan herself. It marks a significant departure from her signature earthy elegance and instead leans into high-fashion glamour.
Vidya Balan sets internet abuzz with glam makeover as few fans question her weight loss journeyInstagram/thepeacockmagazine
The Peacock cover that turned heads
Styled in a flamingo pink ombré gown covered in sequins, Balan paired the ensemble with a feather-trimmed stole and statement jewellery. Her newly cropped hair, styled in a sleek bob with soft waves and blonde highlights, added to the overall transformation. The makeup was equally polished: glossy mauve lips, shimmered eyelids, and highlighter-accented cheekbones.
While some fans celebrated the fresh styling, many were simply shocked by the actor’s appearance. “She looks stunning, finally styled the way she deserves,” read one popular comment. Another added, “This look gives serious movie star energy, we need more of this from her.”
Vidya Balan’s high-glam cover sparks praise and pushback over evolving beauty standardsInstagram/thepeacockmagazine
Praise and backlash over her weight loss
But it wasn’t all praise. A small section of social media questioned the actor’s visible weight loss, especially in light of her past interviews where she openly criticised the industry’s obsession with size and looks.
Comments poured in expressing concern. “Didn’t she once say women shouldn’t have to shrink themselves to be accepted? What happened to that?” one Reddit user asked. Others accused her of abandoning her earlier message of embracing natural bodies. “It’s her choice, but when you become a symbol of body positivity, the expectations change,” one tweet read.
The debate brings back conversations around the pressure on public figures, especially women, to constantly evolve, often in response to the industry’s narrow beauty standards.
Fans compare Vidya’s latest shoot to her past saree-clad appearancesGetty Images
How Vidya explained her weight transformation
In an earlier interview, Vidya Balan had spoken candidly about her weight journey. She clarified that her weight loss wasn’t the result of intense gym routines but rather due to treating an underlying inflammation through dietary changes. “I realised I wasn’t just carrying fat; it was inflammation,” she had said.
Still, the timing of the transformation, paired with the glam-heavy shoot, has prompted questions about whether public figures can maintain a consistent message on body image while navigating an industry known for its harsh scrutiny.
Vidya Balan’s glam transformation for Peacock Magazine sparks online debate over body imageGetty Images
A strong year on the professional front
While the online chatter continues, Balan’s professional graph remains strong. She was recently seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, alongside Kartik Aaryan and Madhuri Dixit, which grossed over £38 million (₹400 crore) at the box office. Her performance in the romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar also earned critical acclaim.
As The Peacock Magazine features her as a cinematic force who continues to shape mainstream Bollywood, the larger question remains: can actors redefine their image without being held hostage by past narratives?