SINGER SHREYA SHARMA ON HER SONG, HOPES AND HEROES
by ASJAD NAZIR
SHE may be most known for her breakout hit The Prada Song, but Shreya Sharma has done a lot more beyond that and added to her impressive list of songs with newly released single Ladka Baiman.
The rising star is trained in both Hindustani classical and opera, but has drawn inspiration from contemporary singers like Neha Bhasin, Rihanna, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez. She has combined those commercial influences with a naturally singing ability to become one of the most exciting new artists in Indian music.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shreya for a free-flowing conversation about music, her empowering new song, inspirations and future hopes.
What first connected you to music?
I guess it would be when I really started learning music. My first music teacher was visually impaired and even though he pressed my fingers too hard on the harmonium, I could still feel his passion. I could sense that music had kept him alive and happy. Since then, it sort of became my safe place and that’s how I got connected.
Which of your songs is closest to your heart?
All of them are! I guess Prada will always have a special place in my heart because it got me noticed. But I love all my songs. I am especially fond of Ladka Baiman, because the track has so many emotions compressed in one song.
You are a versatile singer, but which genre do you enjoy the most?
I’m a sucker for Indian r’n’b pop. I also love Latin pop influenced Indian songs. I think those are the genres where I really enjoy myself.
You have done some amazing cover versions, but which has been your favourite?
It’s got to be Tip Tip Barsa Pani! Rishabh and I worked on this track closely, and the vibe of it was so cool! It had this kind of retro theme and the guitars worked really well. Plus, it’s a 90’s song and you really can’t take 90’s music out of a 90’s kid!
What is the plan going forward?
I’m working on another track called Tera Nasha, which draws some influence from the house music genre. There’s a saxophone in it and sonically, I think it’s very interesting. The video is also really cool, so I’m very excited.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a young artist?
Social media is a bit of a challenge. I’m an old soul and forget to post consistently, and it’s my biggest weakness. There’s a huge market there and because of my bad habits, I end up not using it to its fullest potential.
Who would you love to work with?
I’m obsessed with Akull and Mellow D. I think they make a really powerful pair. The production, composition and lyrics are so fresh and cool. I really want to work with them. I am also a die-hard Vishal and Shekhar fan. I’d slay a rabbit to work with them. Well, not really. Rabbits are cute! That being said, each person in our industry has something unique that they bring to the table. Music is a collaboration and I want to work with everybody who wants to collaborate and create music with me.
How did you feel after the release of your brilliant new single Ladka Baiman?
I felt great, but I was nervous at the same time. My first video had a massive star, Alia Bhatt, in it and now it’s just me. It was nerve wracking, but I’m happy that people like it.
Who are you hoping connects with this song?
I’m hoping young women connect with the song! I think this song is more than just a break-up song. It’s about realising your worth and moving on to something/some place or someone who values you.
What music dominates your own playlist?
Bollywood! Bollywood! Bollywood!
Who is your musical hero?
It would have to be AR Rahman. In every film or album, we see a new version of his genius. It’s truly amazing.
If you could master something new in music, what would it be?
I never learnt production and I think it would be cool to know how to produce and make your own beats and music. So, if I could suddenly master something, then it would definitely be production.
If you could ask a question to any music artist, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you ask?
I’d love to sit down with Kishore Kumar and have a lengthy conversation about his creative process and how he would come up with such lively songs.
What inspires you?
My parents inspire me. My dad is the most hard-working man I know. He’s a doctor and has been working non-stop during the pandemic and my mom has also been putting herself at risk. They’ve also been extremely supportive throughout my career.
Why do you love music?
Because it transcends everything, including language, race and cultural divides. It unites people and heals. I’ve always turned to music when I’ve been dealing with stuff, and I truly believe music is one place where borders have no meaning.
Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram the most meaningful role of his career during his final-day speech.
Ramayana: Part 1 shoot wraps after an extensive schedule led by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, is seen sharing an emotional hug with Ranbir on set.
The film is set to release in cinemas during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.
The filming of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has officially come to an end. Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the ambitious mythological film, delivered a heartfelt speech during the wrap ceremony, calling it the most significant role of his career. A now-viral behind-the-scenes video captures Ranbir hugging his co-star Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, as the cast and crew celebrated the emotional milestone.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
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Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram his most meaningful role
In a clip circulating on social media, Ranbir Kapoor can be seen standing before the full cast and crew on the final day of the shoot. Addressing the team, he expressed deep gratitude for being part of what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime” project. “Portraying Lord Ram has been the most meaningful role of my life,” he said, standing beside Ravi Dubey, who portrays Lakshman. Ranbir also thanked co-stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and others, acknowledging their contribution to the massive production.
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Director Nitesh Tiwari also addressed the gathering with an emotional speech, which was met with cheers and applause. Videos from the day show a close-knit crew cutting a cake and capturing candid moments, one of which was Ranbir embracing Ravi in a warm hug.
Ramayana Part 1 set for Diwali 2026 release
With filming now complete, Ramayana: Part 1 is set to enter post-production. The star-studded cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, with Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG handling visual effects.
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The first instalment is expected to hit theatres during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 planned for a Diwali 2027 release. An official poster reveal is expected on 3 July, as anticipation builds for what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological sagas.
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Ensemble Festival 2025 returns to Royal Docks with bold new outdoor shows
Ensemble Festival 2025 to be held on 26–27 July at Royal Victoria Docks, London.
Free outdoor event featuring circus, dance, street art and physical theatre.
Highlights include new works by Sadiq Ali, Vidya Thirunarayan and Miss High Leg Kick.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of organisers Certain Blacks.
This summer, London’s historic Royal Victoria Docks will transform into a hub of vibrant outdoor performance as Ensemble Festival 2025 returns on 26 and 27 July. Presented by arts organisation Certain Blacks, the free weekend event features an interesting line-up of new circus, dance and street theatre works, while also celebrating a decade of championing diverse and underrepresented artists.
Set across two full days, the Ensemble Festival 2025 programme includes exciting new commissions such as Tell Me by Sadiq Ali Co., a Chinese pole circus piece tackling HIV stigma, and Holy Dirt, a visceral collaboration between director David Glass and Indian artist Vidya Thirunarayan.
Vidya Thirunarayan in Holy Dirt brings myth and ritual into raw physical form The Clay Connection
The festival also sees the return of audience favourite Miss High Leg Kick with Palais de Danse, a multi-sensory throwback to the 1950s dance hall era. Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise brings together Indian classical movement with contemporary dance to explore memory, ancestry and women’s resilience. Other acts range from aerial theatre in Hug by Levantes Dance Theatre to climate-themed installations like Hydropunk by Artizani and Tenderfoot Theatre.
Sadiq Ali's pole performance explores HIV stigma with athletic graceLuke Whitcomb
Certain Blacks marks 10 years of championing diversity
2025 is a milestone year for Certain Blacks, the East London-based organisation behind Ensemble Festival. Known for spotlighting talent from across socio-economic, ethnic, gender and neurodiverse backgrounds, Certain Blacks has become a vital force in the UK arts scene.
Sadiq Ali delivers a daring upside-down act in his powerful show Luke Whitcomb
“Our aim has always been to bring diverse artists from the margins into the mainstream,” said artistic director Clive Lyttle. “This year’s Ensemble Festival reflects that, with a powerful mix of voices and perspectives, many being showcased on this scale for the first time.”
Ensemble Festival forms part of Without Walls, a major UK network that supports ground-breaking outdoor performance. As one of its partners, Certain Blacks plays a key role in shaping new work for public spaces across the country.
Dancers in Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise connect movement with memoryJohn Evans
The festival remains accessible with step-free access and dedicated facilities, and also continues its commitment to sustainability with green practices across production.
TikTok is testing a new one-way messaging feature called bulletin boards.
Jonas Brothers, People magazine, and Paris Saint-Germain among early testers.
The feature mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels but may expand further.
Only creators can post; followers can react with emojis but not comment.
TikTok is trialling a new feature called bulletin boards, allowing select creators and brands to send direct broadcast-style messages to their followers, similar to Instagram’s broadcast channels. The Jonas Brothers, football club Paris Saint-Germain, and People magazine are among the first to test the tool, which shows TikTok’s growing focus on creator-fan intimacy beyond its traditional feed.
TikTok’s new tool mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels
Unlike regular TikTok posts that rely on algorithms or viral reach, bulletin boards aim to offer a more direct communication path. Only the creator can post updates, which may include text, videos, or images, while followers can respond with emoji reactions but cannot comment. The format is clearly inspired by Instagram’s broadcast channels, launched in 2023, where artists and influencers routinely share behind-the-scenes content and personal messages.
The new bulletin system was first spotted by marketing strategist Christina Garnett, who shared screenshots via Threads, showing how fans are invited to follow these boards. Once subscribed, users receive notifications whenever a creator sends out a new update.
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Big-name creators signal broader rollout plans
Early involvement from mainstream acts like the Jonas Brothers indicates TikTok is positioning bulletin boards as a premium tool for high-engagement fanbases. With creators constantly seeking ways to reach audiences without relying on the platform’s unpredictable feed algorithm, the feature could become a valuable line of direct communication.
It is also a clear move in the current trend of social platforms “borrowing” each other’s best features: Instagram mimicked TikTok’s short-form videos with Reels, while TikTok introduced Stories in 2022. Now, it is returning the favour with this broadcast-style tool.
People's Bulletin boardICYMI
The key question remains whether TikTok will differentiate its version with interactive additions like polls, which Instagram already offers. But for now, bulletin boards could offer artists and brands a streamlined way to share announcements, tour updates, and exclusive previews straight to their superfans’ inboxes.
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Scarlett Johansson wins praise in Jurassic World Rebirth as reviews split over story and mutant dinosaurs
Jurassic World Rebirth, starring Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, releases on 4 July.
Twitter reactions praise the cast and visuals but criticise the film’s story and lack of emotional depth.
Rotten Tomatoes score stands at 54% from 95 reviews; Metacritic rates it 53.
Some fans applaud the Spielberg-style thrills, others feel it strays too far with mutant dinosaurs.
Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest addition to the iconic dinosaur saga, has sparked intense debate online ahead of its 4 July release. With Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey leading the cast, early Twitter reviews show a split audience, some impressed by the action and spectacle, others disappointed by the story’s direction and use of genetically altered dinosaurs.
Mixed response to mutant dinos and CGI-heavy action
Many fans on X agree that Johansson delivers a commanding performance. “She’s shot like a star, presented like a star,” one viewer wrote, praising her as the film’s standout. Jonathan Bailey also earns praise for a subtle emotional moment that resonated with viewers.
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However, critics aren't holding back. Film critics called the film “the dullest entry yet,” while others labelled it “flat and emotionless.” Some appreciated the “mutated dinos and thrilling set pieces” but slammed the pacing and dialogue.
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One viewer described the movie as “a monster-sized adrenaline ride” and praised its nostalgic tension, likening it to Jaws. Another drew comparisons to Alien: Romulus, applauding the darker horror elements, while some fans felt the movie “just ends with no momentum.”
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Rotten Tomatoes score reflects fan divide
With a current Rotten Tomatoes rating of 54% and a Metacritic score of 53, Jurassic World Rebirth becomes the third consecutive film in the franchise to be rated ‘rotten’. Still, it fares better than Fallen Kingdom (47%) and Dominion (29%).
Despite the criticism, major UK outlets gave it four and five stars, with one calling it “easily the best Jurassic in a decade.” Whether the mixed reviews will impact box office numbers remains to be seen, past entries have shown strong ticket sales despite critical setbacks.
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Mystery woman kissing Harry Styles at Glastonbury revealed as Ella Kenny
• Harry Styles was seen kissing a woman at Glastonbury 2025 in a viral video
• The woman has now been identified as London-based producer Ella Kenny
• The pair were dancing and kissing in the VIP section early Saturday morning
• This is Styles’ first public romance since his split with Taylor Russell in 2024
Harry Styles made headlines over the weekend after being filmed kissing a woman in the VIP section of Glastonbury Festival 2025, and now, the mystery is solved. The woman has been identified as London-based producer Ella Kenny, according to a report by The Sun.
The 31-year-old singer, best known for Watermelon Sugar and As It Was, was spotted at the festival in Somerset early Saturday morning, dancing closely with Kenny before sharing a kiss that lasted nearly 12 seconds. Eyewitnesses described the pair as "inseparable" and "very familiar with each other", adding to speculation that this may not have been a first-time encounter.
Harry Styles attends Spotify Celebrates The Launch of Harry Styles' New AlbumGetty Images
Harry Styles’ Glastonbury kiss with Ella Kenny grabs attention
Styles arrived at the festival around 1:45 a.m. on 28 June with friends, including long-time collaborator Kid Harpoon. Not long after, Ella Kenny reportedly joined the group. The two were seen chatting, dancing and sharing kisses on the cheek before eventually making out in full view of others in the VIP area.
One witness claimed the chemistry between the two was undeniable. “Harry only had eyes for her,” they said. “They looked like they’d known each other a while.” Neither Styles nor Kenny has commented publicly on the moment or their relationship.
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Who is Ella Kenny? Meet the producer linked to Harry Styles
Ella Kenny is a visual and experiential producer based in London, working at creative studio Noir. Her LinkedIn lists experience across high-end fashion and arts projects, but until now, she’s kept a relatively low public profile. That changed when footage of her kiss with Styles began circulating online, prompting fans to ask: “Who is she?” The kiss is the first time Styles has been publicly linked to anyone since his 2024 breakup with actor Taylor Russell. Before Russell, he dated Olivia Wilde, with whom he had a high-profile two-year relationship.
Harry Styles leaves following the funeral of singer Liam Payne Getty Images
While neither party has confirmed the nature of their relationship, the chemistry on display suggests this may not have been just a fleeting festival moment. Whether it's the start of something new or simply a weekend romance, fans will be watching closely, and Styles, as always, remains firmly in the spotlight.