Talented artist Mika Singh has carved out an internationally successful career from hit songs and winning live performances.
The foundation of his successful 18-year career can be traced back to his musical childhood. Real name Amrik Singh, he was brought up in Patna, India, and is the youngest of six brothers.
Mika’s earliest influences were his parents, which resulted in vast musical exposure for him from a very early age. “I’ve been performing since I was a young kid,” he recalls.
“My memories of music and performing live go back to me being just a few years old. I remember performing at school, at local functions and alongside my parents in the Gurdwara sahib.”
Mika’s passion has turned him into one of the hardest-working artists in India today. He regularly mixes up singing big chart-busters in Bollywood films with composing and having one of the busiest live schedules around.
Although Mika is focused on taking on the next challenge, he looks back fondly at his journey to becoming a world-class live performer.
“For me, performing is an art which is mastered over time. I have been performing for so many years now that it has become second nature to me. I have learned so much over the years, which I am really proud of,” he says.
Having clocked up more air miles than a fleet of pilots, Mika has performed all over the world with his band. The high-energy and unpredictable performances have regularly mixed up the commercial musical genres.
When asked about what the secret of a great live show is, he smiles and says: “The main ingredient is connecting with your audience. Keeping them involved, making them feel as if the performance is completely interactive is the key.”
Mika Singh will be performing with his brother Daler Mehndi for the first time
Later this month, Mika will perform for his UK fans again in what promises to be more explosive shows. These include a big performance at SSE Arena in Wembley on November 27 where the music icon and big brother Daler Mehndi will join him on the bill. Not surprisingly, he is looking forward to reconnecting with his British fans and thrilled to be sharing the bill with his legendary brother for the first time.
“The UK has always been a favourite destination. I have met some of my most wonderful fans in beautiful cities like London, Birmingham and Leeds. I am looking forward to seeing them again. I plan to come there and do what I do best! I am super-duper excited to be tearing up the stage,” says Mika.
Those who have seen him perform know that him tearing up the stage is no idle boast. His high energy stage shows have become the stuff of legend and often Mika doesn’t know what he will be doing next.
“My shows are completely free-styled and nothing is planned. My live band and I improvise each and every performance. That is what makes it exciting for audiences and for me,” he explains.
His growing list of hit songs mean there is no shortage of material for Mika to perform on stage.
“I love singing the songs my fans enjoy the most, and lucky for me, by god’s grace, that has been each and every one! I get various requests at each show, including my hits like Subha Hone Na De, 440 Volt and Jumme Ki Raat, which are some of the favourites,” he reveals.
Being a popular live performer means Mika spends most of his time on the road singing in front of audiences or travelling between concerts. He says the biggest thing he used to miss was home-cooked food, but that is not the case now.
“I travel with my cook now, so I get good home-cooked food on the road too,” he says, laughing.
The high hit rate in Bollywood has subsequently added to the popularity of the singer globally. Asked what the secret of his ability to select fantastic film songs was, he says
confidently: “I don’t select them, the great hit songs select Mika Singh.”
Although he is an accomplished musician himself, Mika doesn’t find it difficult to take instructions and says he has a great relationship with composers. He has worked with the biggest Bollywood music directors, and the result has been massive global hits in high-profile films.
“The music directors never really instruct me. They tell me what they think would sound good, I give my suggestions and then give my best.”
Mika’s biggest passion away from music and a heavy work schedule is wildlife. “I am extremely passionate about animals. I have over 30 beautiful animals at my farmhouse in Delhi.”
The singer and musician is also quite the prankster, and admits to having somewhat of a mischievous streak, which has been apparent on social media, public appearances and in interviews.
That fun side also lights up his concerts in between the songs. “I think that mischievous streak comes from within. I keep myself and people entertained by just being me,” he laughs.
Looking ahead, Mika wants to carry on recording hit songs and delivering winning performances for his fans.
Talking about any unfulfilled ambitions, he says: “There are no unfulfilled ambitions as of now. There are new targets I set to achieve every now and then. I make sure I work towards them and hit the jackpot in everything I decide to do.”
Today, the singer draws inspiration from various things, including one famous celebrity. “My biggest inspiration today is Amitabh Bachchan sir. He never stops, never quits and never gives up. That’s how I wanna be all my life.”
Right now though, the main inspiration and focus for Mika is his live shows in Britain. He finishs off by saying: “You should all come to the UK shows if you want to witness the best of Bollywood music live.”
Mika Singh and Daler Mehendi will perform at SSE Arena, Wembley, in London on November 27. Log onto www.chillitickets.com to find out more and for further tour dates.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.
The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.
Priyanka Chopra calls herself nascent in Hollywood as 'Heads of State' streams on Prime VideoGetty Images
In a chat with PTI, Priyanka said she’s proud of her Indian film career and now wants to build an equally diverse portfolio in the West.
“It’s constant evolution for sure. I would’ve never imagined in 2002, when I did my first movie, that I’d be here today,” she said. “I feel like I’m really nascent in my work in the West. I have a major filmography in India, across genres and with amazing filmmakers. I want to build on that in English-language work too. There’s a lot more to do and explore, and I’m excited to see what unfolds.”
Over the years, Priyanka has taken on major Hollywood roles in Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections, Love Again, and, of course, her breakout lead role in Quantico.
With Heads of State, directed by Ilya Naishuller, she says she had a blast, literally. From gun battles and hand-to-hand fights to explosive helicopter sequences, the film puts her action skills to the test once again.
“I want to be proud of the work I do. I try to choose characters with agency, not just ornamental roles,” she said. “This was a fun movie to do, and I’m really proud of what I did with this character.”
Priyanka Chopra wants to build her English film portfolio after Bollywood successGetty Images
The action-heavy film gave her the chance to collaborate with WWE legend-turned-actor John Cena for the first time, even though they started their careers around the same time in the early 2000s.
“I’ve known of John since his WWE days. He’s so popular in India; it’s hard not to know him,” she laughed. “When he transitioned to movies, I found his choice of roles really interesting. So I was very excited to work with him.”
Priyanka added that Cena is just as funny off-screen as he is on it, something that made their scenes easier and more spontaneous.
“He’s got great comedic timing even in real life. That helps a lot, especially when you're improvising on set.”
Talking about the film’s high-octane stunts, Priyanka gave full credit to the crew.
“Actors are only as good as the teams around us, especially in a movie like this. We had an incredible stunt team and a visionary director who storyboarded nearly every shot. He knew exactly how high a helicopter needed to be or how big an explosion should look. When you’re surrounded by such a solid technical team, you feel confident and capable, no matter which country you’re filming in.”
Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena attend the special screening for "Head of State" Getty Images
The ensemble cast also includes Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, and Sarah Niles. The film is produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard.
As she continues balancing work across continents, Priyanka Chopra says one thing remains unchanged: her drive to grow.
“Success is constant evolution,” she said. “And I feel like I’m just getting started out here.”
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Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"
Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.
Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.
In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”
Liam Gallagher accepts Oasis' award for 'Best Album of 30 Years' Getty Images
Racial slur prompts public response ahead of tour
The post, now deleted, triggered a wave of reactions from fans, some calling the language racist. One user replied, “Liam you can’t say that,” to which Gallagher initially responded, “Why.” After further backlash, another fan warned he could get “cancelled,” prompting Gallagher to retort, “Whatever.” These responses only heightened the controversy before his eventual apology.
The term used by Gallagher has long been condemned for mocking East Asian accents and was especially criticised during the pandemic when anti-Asian hate incidents increased globally.
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Oasis set for comeback after 15-year hiatus
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment for Gallagher. Oasis, the Britpop band he co-founded with his brother Noel, is preparing for a major reunion tour kicking off Friday, 5 July, in Cardiff, Wales. The tour will include over 40 concerts across the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, and Mexico, running through November.
The band split in 2009 after years of personal tensions, but recent announcements, including an upcoming concert film directed by Steven Knight, have fuelled excitement around their long-awaited return.
Liam Gallagher plays to a sell out crowd at the Universal AmphitheatreGetty Images
Fans react with mixed emotions
While some fans expressed disappointment over the singer’s comments, others welcomed his apology and are focused on the upcoming shows. Gallagher has been active on social media in recent weeks, hyping the tour and interacting with fans, including praising a prankster who trolled Green Day with a cheeky rendition of Wonderwall.
Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together in Cardiff for the first time since 2009 Instagram/oasis
As Oasis returns to the stage, the incident may linger, but it remains to be seen whether it will cast a shadow over one of the most anticipated tours of the year.
Michael Madsen was known for blending menace with vulnerability across a 200-film career.
His breakout role as Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs remains one of the most iconic villains in cinema.
Roles in Kill Bill and Donnie Brasco cemented his status as a cult favourite and Tarantino regular.
He also surprised audiences with emotional performances in Free Willy and Thelma & Louise.
Some actors chase stardom. Michael Madsen wasn’t one of them. He didn’t charm you with a smile; he unnerved you with a stare. His voice wasn’t smooth; it was gravel scraped over concrete. He played men who lived in the shadows, spoke in grunts or chillingly calm threats, and carried violence like a familiar tool. But damn, when he was on screen, you couldn’t look away.
Madsen didn’t act tough; he was tough, and not in the movie-star sense. In a real, broken, beautiful way. These 10 roles aren’t just career highlights. They’re pieces of a man who gave us something rare: the truth, hidden in hard men with soft edges.
10 iconic Michael Madsen roles that made him Hollywood’s ultimate tough guy Getty Images
1. Mr Blonde / Vic Vega – Reservoir Dogs (1992)
This was the performance that made people remember his name, and wince at the sound of “Stuck in the Middle With You.” Sadistic but eerily calm, Mr Blonde was cinema’s most unsettling psychopath. Madsen’s slow dance with madness in the torture scene became legend. You couldn’t look away. Iconic doesn’t cover it. This is scripture!
He used to be a deadly assassin. Now he lives in a trailer, sweeping floors at a strip club. Budd is bitter, broke, and tired. But in Madsen’s hands, he wasn’t pathetic, just human. When he tells Beatrix he’s going to bury her alive, you believe it. But you also sense the pain in him, too. This was Madsen showing the flip side of the killer coin, the burnout, the regret, and the dark humour clinging to survival. His reunion with Tarantino after the Pulp Fiction miss was pure magic.
Michael Madsen as Budd aka SidewinderIMDB
3. Jimmy Lennox – Thelma & Louise (1991)
A rare crack in the tough-guy armour. As Louise’s boyfriend, Jimmy was tender and vulnerable. The way he proposed, quietly and without ego, gave the film its emotional anchor. It shattered the typecast before it even fully formed. He could do tenderness and do it damn well. Again, it proved Madsen didn’t need blood or guns to break your heart. Just honesty.
Thelma & LouiseIMDB
4. Glen – Free Willy (1993)
Nobody expected Michael Madsen in a family movie. But he surprised everyone as the gruff but caring foster father who supports a troubled kid and a whale. It was his gentlest role. It was a massive hit, proving his face could sell popcorn to kids, not just nightmares to adults. For a whole generation, this was the first time they saw a different side of him.
Free WillyIMDB
5. Sonny Black’s crew – Donnie Brasco (1997)
Thrown in with Pacino and Depp? No sweat. He wasn’t centre stage in this one, but his presence mattered. Playing a low-key mobster in Al Pacino’s crew, Madsen added quiet threat to every scene. His chemistry with Johnny Depp added tension, always teetering between trust and suspicion. He held his own effortlessly, proving his power wasn’t just in volume, but in chilling authenticity.
Donnie BrascoAlex on Film
6. Detective Bob – Sin City (2005)
Brief, but slick. In Robert Rodriguez’s grim, graphic world, Madsen slipped in perfectly as a shady cop who clearly had seen too much. His dialogue was sharp, his smirk even sharper. He felt like he belonged in that black-and-white world of revenge and ruin. Honestly, we bought it!
Sin CityIMDB
7. Joe Gage – The Hateful Eight (2015)
Stuck in a snowy cabin with strangers, Madsen’s Joe Gage claimed to be writing a memoir. But you never bought it. He was too quiet, too calculating. His stillness screamed suspicion. Tarantino knew what he was doing when he brought Madsen back into the fold. Classic Madsen menace, refined like aged whisky.
The Hateful Eight IMDB
8. Detective Eddie Hall – Mulholland Falls (1996)
Old-school noir suited him. In this 1950s crime story, he played a no-nonsense cop with a worn-out charm. The suits, the cigarettes, the world-weariness, it let him lean hard into that trademark cool. He wasn’t the star, but he owned every scene with brute force and exhausted cynicism that felt lived-in. Pure noir cool.
Mulholland FallsVirtual History
9. Vince – Kill Me Again (1989)
Before Tarantino, there was Kill Me Again. This early role showed flashes of what would become his signature: ice-cold menace and unpredictable rage. This is where the “lethal quiet man” persona truly crystallised. Vince was brutal but controlled, always one bad moment away from exploding. You saw the blueprint of what Tarantino would later amplify into legend.
Kill Me Again
10. Sheriff Hackett – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
A tiny, meta cameo, but oh so perfect. Playing a laconic TV sheriff in Tarantino’s ode to old Hollywood? In Tarantino’s nostalgic love letter to old Hollywood, Madsen turned up as a TV cowboy: raspy, rugged, and perfectly cast. It felt like a quiet goodbye, or maybe a wink to all the dusty sheriffs he could’ve played.
Michael Madsen attends the Closing Ceremony and Fistful of Dollars Screening Getty Images
More than a tough guy
Madsen never chased the spotlight. He just did the work and let the work speak. He gave us characters we didn’t always like but couldn’t forget. He was the terrifying villain you couldn’t forget (Blonde), the weary killer you almost pitied (Budd), and the tough guy who could surprisingly break your heart (Jimmy, Glen).
In a world full of actors trying to be cool, Michael Madsen was cool, because he didn’t try. He just was. That’s why he mattered. And why he always will.
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Katy Perry Orlando Bloom Choose Co Parenting Future After Nine Years
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have ended their nine-year on-off relationship, confirmed via reps.
The couple says the focus has now shifted to co-parenting their daughter, Daisy.
Perry got emotional on stage during the Australian leg of her tour amid split rumours.
Bloom posted cryptic quotes about loneliness and new beginnings.
After weeks of speculation, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have officially confirmed they are no longer together. The singer and actor, who have been in a high-profile relationship since 2016, released a joint statement through their representatives, saying they’ve “shifted” their relationship to focus on co-parenting their daughter. The pair, who got engaged in 2019 and welcomed daughter Daisy Dove Bloom in 2020, had reportedly been living increasingly separate lives in recent months.
Katy Perry Orlando Bloom Choose Co Parenting Future After Nine YearsGetty Images
Couple to continue as co-parents
In the statement released via their representatives, the couple acknowledged the growing media interest in their relationship, clarifying that they’ve been navigating a transition “over the past many months.” They added that their priority remains raising Daisy in a stable and loving environment. “They will continue to be seen together as a family,” the statement read, emphasising their commitment to respectful co-parenting.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom focus on raising their daughter with love and respect Getty Images
Signs of distance: Solo appearances and emotional moments
Bloom recently attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice without Perry, fuelling breakup rumours. Meanwhile, Perry was wrapping up the Australian leg of her Lifetimes world tour. On stage in Adelaide, fans captured footage of the singer holding back tears as she thanked the audience, saying, “Thank you for always being there for me, Australia. It means the world,” before launching into Firework.
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Cryptic social media posts spark rumours
Adding to the speculation, Bloom shared a series of introspective posts on Instagram. One included a Buddha quote: “Each day is a new beginning. What we do today is what matters most.” Others included Carl Jung’s reflections on loneliness and human connection, which fans interpreted as hints at personal turmoil.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom end their long running romance and plan to raise their daughter together as a family
Long road with no wedding in sight
Perry and Bloom first met at a Golden Globes after-party in 2016, got engaged three years later, and welcomed their child in 2020. A wedding had been planned in Japan but was postponed due to the pandemic and never rescheduled. Both have been married before: Perry to comedian Russell Brand and Bloom to model Miranda Kerr. This marks another high-profile chapter closed in both their personal lives.
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Aamir Khan as Dahaa in Coolie revealed in striking black and white poster
Aamir Khan will be seen in a special cameo as Dahaa in Coolie, starring Rajinikanth.
First look dropped on 3 July, showing Aamir in a rugged, pipe-smoking avatar.
Khan said he agreed to the cameo instantly because he’s a longtime Rajinikanth fan.
Coolie releases in IMAX on 14 August and will clash with War 2 at the box office.
Bollywood star Aamir Khan has joined the cast of Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated action film Coolie for a special cameo. The makers revealed Aamir’s first look on 3 July, and fans have been buzzing ever since.
In the poster, Aamir appears as ‘Dahaa’, a gritty, sharp-looking man in a sleeveless vest, glasses, and pipe in hand. The black-and-white image, released by Sun Pictures, presents a darker, edgier version of the actor not seen in recent years. The caption on the post read: “Introducing #AamirKhan as Dahaa, from the world of #Coolie. #Coolie is all set to dominate IMAX screens worldwide from 14 August.”
Aamir Khan sports a rugged look with pipe and vest in Coolie cameoInstagram/cooliemovieofficial
Aamir Khan plays Dahaa in Coolie
Although it’s just a cameo, Aamir’s intense look has left fans expecting a memorable twist. Speaking in an interview, the actor revealed he didn’t even ask for the script before saying yes. “I really enjoyed doing it. I’m a huge fan of Rajini sir. When Lokesh told me he wanted me for a cameo in Rajini sir’s film, I said, ‘Done. I’m doing it,’” he said.
This marks Aamir’s second on-screen appearance post his comeback film Sitaare Zameen Par, which is currently running successfully at the box office.
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Rajinikanth and Lokesh team up for a pan-India action drama
Directed by Kaithi and Vikram maker Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie stars Rajinikanth in the lead, alongside Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir.
The film is said to revolve around high-stakes action with a strong emotional core, typical of Lokesh’s filmmaking style. It has reportedly been made on a massive budget of £35 million (₹375 crore), making it one of the most expensive Indian films this year.
Coolie is set to hit cinemas on 14 August, right before India’s Independence Day, which is a prime release window. But the film will face stiff competition from YRF’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani.
Both films are releasing in multiple languages and aiming for a pan-Indian audience, setting the stage for one of 2025’s biggest box office battles.
Aamir’s latest appearance as Dahaa follows his return to films after a three-year hiatus. His last full-fledged role was in Sitaare Zameen Par, which co-stars Genelia Deshmukh and ten newcomers. The film has earned over £12.6 million (₹135 crore) in India and continues to draw audiences with its emotional storyline.