IT IS a project that has been a quarter of a century in the making, but Indian American filmmaker Mira Nair is finally about to start shooting BBC TV’s $20m adaptation of Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy on location in India.
The novel, which was published in 1993, is one of the longest in the English language, with 1,349 pages and 591,552 words. With more than a hundred characters, many of whom are related to each other, the novel is set in early 1950s India, with the country approaching its first general election in 1951-52.
There are four families involved in the saga: the Mehras, Kapoors, Chatterjis and Khans. But at its heart there is a simple and universal story: Mrs Rupa Mehra is trying to find a suitable match for her nineteen-year-old daughter, Lata, who is discovering she has a mind of her own.
It is all summed up in the opening line: “‘You too will marry a boy I choose,’ said Mrs Rupa Mehra firmly to her younger daughter.”
The BBC has decided that modern Britain is ready for a six-part drama in which there are no European characters – a tale in which everyone is Indian. And not even British Indian,
but Indians from India.
Nair has an excellent track record as a director with films such as Mississippi Masala, Kama
Sutra: A Tale of Love, The Namesake, Salaam Bombay! and her most successful movie,
Monsoon Wedding.
Asked about the size of the cast for A Suitable Boy, she said: “Last tally is 109 actors – it might go down or go up. 80-90 per cent have been cast. But I can’t disclose the names until all deals are done.”
However, it is known Naseeruddin Shah, who starred in Monsoon Wedding, is likely to
be included, along with Tabu, who was in The Namesake, an adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s
book. Nair is also keen on the Bengali actress, Paoli Dam.
“I have one Asian actor from the UK – he is just brilliant, and he has no English accent,” she said.
“He has got an Indian accent, but it would not be a problem with accent. Actors in the UK are also very proficient and they could lose the accent, I am sure. There was actually no need to go beyond the incredible fertility of India with actors.”
She seems to have settled on who will play Lata.
“We are just about to finalise her this week. And until I do that, I won’t mention her. But she is just beautiful, she just imbues the spirit of a girl on the edge of finding out who she is.”
Nair admitted that she had wanted to make A Suitable Boy from the moment it was published. “I have loved the book like a piece of my heart, really from the very moment it was written and I read it. But I also knew Vikram while he was writing it, so I definitely saw it cooking.
“But I was so beautifully unprepared for the depth and the expanse of it and the feeling when I finished that I had lost the company of my best friend in that book. So, I read
it again – I was really in love with that book because it spoke of our lives and also of
the lives our parents had lived.
“I wanted to make A Suitable Boy from the moment it was written. I didn’t get the rights.
So we wrote a microcosmic response to A Suitable Boy in making Monsoon Wedding.
“I feel very much that I have returned to the maa-baap seriously in making A Suitable Boy.
And I am just so happy it’s finally going to be shot because it has been a long effort to get here.”
She explained why she considered the project to be radical. “It’s really quite radical even in the western sense and the world of television because it’s the ‘crown and brown’ – it is how I sell it. And it really is that. It has that magnificence and sweep except it is about us.”
She will be based for the next six months in Delhi. Where will she shoot? “A lot in Lucknow, in and around Lucknow and Kanpur and in Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh.
“We are building no sets. It is entirely on location in different homes and places. I want it to feel extremely real and not like visiting a little TV series. That’s the joy of it – that (1950s) India can still exist although it has been difficult because it has changed so terribly.”
She appears delighted with the screenplay written by Andrew Davies, whose credits include everything from Bridget Jones’s Diary to War & Peace and Les Miserables.
“I think it is very skilful - Vikram and I had a lot to do with it. So it is not just something that’s handed down; it’s something that has come together collaboratively. But Andrew is the master of the craft which is so necessary in distilling such a novel into six hours. I am totally excited by the distillation.”
Seth is involved. “Definitely. I just spent a few days with him in Salisbury and he is a friend and an absolute dear.”
Nair realises that A Suitable Boy represents a landmark project in many ways – “I am happy to be the messenger of good news.”
The teaser offers the first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravan.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana will release in two parts during Diwali 2026 and 2027.
The film features music by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman and action by Hollywood stunt legends.
With a reported budget of £78 million (₹835 crore), it’s the most expensive Indian film to date.
The much-awaited teaser for Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Yash as Ravan, is finally out, though viewers will have to wait longer to see actual scenes from the film. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the teaser opts for a stylised introduction to the mythological world rather than full footage, with only fleeting glimpses of the lead characters revealed at the very end.
Ramayana teaser out featuring Ranbir Kapoor and YashYoutube Screengrab
A grand reveal without footage
The nearly three-minute teaser introduces the film’s mythological backdrop, tracing the cosmic balance maintained by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It culminates in the visual build-up of the Ram-Ravan conflict, described as “the war to end all wars.” Viewers get a few seconds of Ranbir as Ram and Yash as Ravan, but no narrative footage yet.
Fans noticed the teaser’s stylistic similarity to the Game of Thrones title credits, with scrolling names and grandeur, rather than traditional scene previews. The glimpse was launched across multiple Indian cities and even showcased at Times Square, clearly indicating the producers’ international ambitions for the film.
With a budget of £78 million (₹835 crore), Ramayana is now the costliest Indian film ever made, surpassing Kalki 2898 AD and Adipurush. Alongside Ranbir and Yash, the film stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Yash, also co-producing the film, recently said Ravan was the only character he would have agreed to play in a mythological story. “There’s vast scope to present him in a very different way,” he shared in a media interaction.
Adding to the project’s scale are composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, scoring the film together. Zimmer, known for Inception and Interstellar, brings global texture to the soundtrack, along with Rahman’s spiritual depth.
Stunt choreography will be led by Terry Notary (Avatar) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road), promising action battle sequences grounded in emotion.
Yash in discussion with stunt director Guy Norris during Ramayana shoot Twitter/@SumitkadeI
Two-part release set for Diwali 2026 and 2027
The film will be released in two parts, with the first instalment expected to hit cinemas during Diwali 2026 and the second in 2027. Touted as “Our Truth, Our Story,” Ramayana aims to retell the ancient epic with visual grandeur while staying rooted in its moral and cultural legacy.
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Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto confronts Riri Williams in the Ironheart finale
• Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, debuts in the final episode of Marvel’s Ironheart.
• The villain tempts Riri Williams with the resurrection of her deceased friend Natalie.
• Mephisto was long rumoured to appear in WandaVision, but Marvel kept his reveal for a surprise.
• Fans are speculating Mephisto could become a major supernatural threat across upcoming MCU phases.
After years of online fan theories and false alarms, Marvel Studios has officially introduced Mephisto into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and not in the way anyone expected. The demon-like villain makes his first on-screen appearance in the season finale of Ironheart, shifting the tone of the tech-focused series into something much darker and supernatural.
Sacha Baron Cohen debuts as Mephisto in Ironheart finaleGetty Images
A surprise debut for a long-awaited Marvel villain
Mephisto’s arrival in Ironheart comes after years of speculation dating back to WandaVision in 2021. Many fans believed the shape-shifting demon was pulling the strings in Westview, but those theories led nowhere. Instead, Marvel has chosen Riri Williams’ show to mark Mephisto’s real entry into the MCU in a move that adds an unexpected mystical layer to the young inventor’s story.
Played by Sacha Baron Cohen, Mephisto appears as a slick, enigmatic figure who offers Riri a Faustian bargain. In exchange for helping her defeat Parker Robbins (The Hood), he promises to bring her late friend Natalie back to life. However, Natalie’s disturbing appearance at the episode’s end, veins blackened and soul clearly altered, suggests the cost of this deal will be far greater than Riri expects.
Sacha Baron Cohen’s performance leaves a strong impression
Cohen's portrayal is already drawing praise for its unpredictability. Alternating between British and American accents and casually referencing deals with figures like Ringo Starr and business moguls, his Mephisto is both humorous and menacing. The character’s playful menace and layered charm fit neatly into the MCU’s evolving tone, one that’s gradually embracing darker, supernatural arcs.
By making deals rather than declaring war, Mephisto reflects the comic book version of the character created in 1968 by Stan Lee and John Buscema. In the comics, Mephisto thrives on deception and trade-offs, often appearing when a hero is at their weakest emotionally.
While Ironheart may seem like an odd choice for Mephisto’s debut, it cleverly bridges Marvel’s tech-heavy legacy with its supernatural future. The deal between Riri and Mephisto could have ripple effects across multiple franchises. For instance, Mephisto’s comic book ties to Spider-Man: One More Day and Ghost Rider make him a logical fit for future MCU instalments like Avengers: Doomsday or the rumoured Midnight Sons project.
Some fans even speculate that Mephisto could become a central antagonist across Phase 6 and beyond, perhaps rivalling the impact of Thanos or Doctor Doom.
The finale leaves Riri marked by the consequences of her deal, quite literally, as black markings begin to spread on her skin. With no official announcement of a second season yet, her arc may continue in larger team-ups or crossover events.
But one thing is clear: Mephisto is no longer a running gag or fan theory. He’s real, he’s dangerous, and he’s only just begun.
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Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas attended Day 3 of Wimbledon 2025
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas attended day 3 of Wimbledon 2025 on 2 July, joining a host of celebrities at the iconic London event.
The couple were spotted smiling and sharing a rare PDA moment inside the exclusive Parkside Suite at No. 1 Court.
Priyanka also posed with John Cena, her co-star from Heads of State, which hit cinemas a day earlier on 1 July.
Their London appearance comes after a private date night and screening for the Amazon Prime Video action-thriller.
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and musician Nick Jonas made a striking appearance at Wimbledon 2025 on Tuesday, 2 July, as they joined a string of celebrities on day 3 of the world-famous tennis tournament. The couple turned heads in coordinated outfits and shared a rare display of affection while seated in the elite Parkside Suite at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas photographed at the Wimbledon 2025Getty Images
Priyanka Chopra shares Wimbledon moment with Nick Jonas and John Cena
Chopra, dressed in a crisp white sleeveless shirt dress with an A-line cut, matched the classic Wimbledon dress code, while Jonas looked polished in a double-breasted navy blazer, light blue shirt and white trousers. The duo, who live in New York with their daughter Malti, were seen smiling, chatting and holding hands as they watched the match.
Adding to the buzz, Priyanka was also photographed catching up with her Heads of State co-star John Cena. Their action-packed political thriller, also featuring Idris Elba and Jack Quaid, premiered in London just a day earlier on 1 July. In the film, Chopra plays a skilled MI6 agent trying to protect the US President and British Prime Minister amidst a global crisis.
John Cena, Shay Shariatzadeh, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas at Wimbledon 2025Getty Images
Familiar faces return to Wimbledon
Priyanka and Nick are no strangers to the Wimbledon spotlight. The couple attended the event last year too, with Jonas later sharing a sweet photo captioned, “Beautiful day out at the tennis with my ❤️.” Other stars spotted this year included Leslie Mann, Dominic Cooper, Tom Daley and Dave Grohl, adding a celebrity buzz to day 3 of the tournament.
Just hours before their Wimbledon outing, the couple attended a special screening of Heads of State in London. Chopra opted for a dramatic brown fringe dress and wore her hair in a sleek bun with curtain bangs, while Jonas kept it sharp in a navy suit.
Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena attend the special screening for "Head of State" Getty Images
Priyanka on balancing fame and family
In an earlier interview, Chopra opened up about shielding her three-year-old daughter Malti from the public eye. “I’ve developed a tough hide when people talk about me,” she said. “But it’s so painful when they talk about my daughter… this chapter of my life is about her too.” The actress has been selective about appearances, balancing a high-profile career with family time.
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Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh told him he could not even say a line properly on Sarkar set
Abhishek Bachchan said he was “petrified” during his first scene with Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar.
After the shoot, Amitabh scolded him in the car, saying, “Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.”
The 2005 political thriller marked their first major film together.
Abhishek will next be seen in Kaalidhar Laapata, premiering on 4 July on Zee5.
Abhishek Bachchan has opened up about a nerve-wracking experience from the sets of Sarkar, where his father Amitabh Bachchan gave him a blunt lesson on acting after their very first scene together. Speaking in an interview, Abhishek recalled the tension and pressure he felt on the first day of the shoot back in 2004 and the silence that followed until a sharp comment from his dad shattered it.
Abhishek Bachchan reveals Amitabh crushed him with brutal remark during Sarkar shootGetty Images
Abhishek on filming Sarkar with Amitabh Bachchan
Sharing the memory, Abhishek said, “The first time we shot together was for Sarkar. Ramu [Ram Gopal Varma] said we’d do test shoots and then I could move on to Bunty Aur Babli. I was sweating and panicking. All I had to do was turn around and say ‘Ji?’ but I was shaking.”
That small scene turned into a big moment. After the shoot wrapped, Abhishek waited in his vanity van, hoping to leave after Amitabh. But instead, Amitabh came knocking, suggesting they head home together.
Amitabh Bachchan told me I cannot deliver dialogues Abhishek recalls painful Sarkar momentGetty Images
The silent car ride and a scolding to remember
According to Abhishek, the ride home was filled with complete silence. “He was just staring ahead. When we reached home and the staff got out, he finally turned to me and said, ‘Isiliye maine itne saal mehnat karke tumhe padhaya likhaya? Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.’ I felt like I had killed someone. He just destroyed me.”
It was a moment that stayed with him, marking one of his earliest lessons in the industry from someone who demands nothing less than perfection, even if that someone is your father.
Abhishek Bachchan opens up about working with Amitabh Bachchan on SarkarGetty Images
A turning point in their on-screen journey
Sarkar, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, was released in 2005 and went on to become a major hit. Loosely inspired by The Godfather, the film featured Amitabh in a role of political power and Abhishek as his loyal son. The success of the film led to two sequels: Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
The real-life father-son dynamics added emotional depth to the film, especially considering how different they were from their on-screen relationship. While the characters bonded through unwavering loyalty, the reality behind the scenes was far more intense, at least in the beginning.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh humiliated him after one line went wrong on Sarkar setGetty Images
What’s next for Abhishek Bachchan
Now, 25 years into his acting career, Abhishek has carved his own path, gradually earning praise for performances in films like Guru, Manmarziyaan, and Dasvi. His next project, Kaalidhar Laapata, will premiere on Zee5 on 4 July.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh left him shaken after first scene together in Sarkar Getty Images
Though the early days were rocky, especially under the towering shadow of a legend like Amitabh Bachchan, this behind-the-scenes story shows just how seriously the Bachchans take their craft, and how a tough first lesson may have set the tone for Abhishek’s journey in cinema.
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BTS attend Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2020
• BTS will release a new group album in spring 2026, followed by a world tour. • All seven members have now completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. • The announcement was made during their 1 July livestream, their first group appearance since 2022. • The band will begin regrouping in the U.S. this month to start production.
BTS have officially confirmed their long-anticipated comeback. The global K-pop phenomenon announced that a new group album will be released in spring 2026, alongside a worldwide tour, marking their first full-group activity since 2022.
The announcement came during a 30-minute livestream on 1 July via Weverse, which saw all seven members including Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, together on air for the first time in nearly three years. Their hiatus began in late 2022 as each member enlisted for South Korea’s mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest, was discharged in June 2024, while the final group members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook completed service in June 2025. Suga, who served alternative duty, finished on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members RM and V react after being discharged from a mandatory military serviceGetty Images
BTS album to reflect 'original mindset'
“We’ll begin working closely together from July,” the group shared during the livestream. “Since this is a group album, it’ll reflect everyone’s input. We’re going into it with the same mindset we had when we first started.”
The 2026 release will be BTS’ first studio album since BE in 2020 and their first full-group project since the 2022 anthology Proof, which became South Korea’s best-selling album of that year with nearly 3.5 million copies sold.
V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY AwardsGetty Images
Tour to follow new album release
Alongside the album, BTS confirmed plans for a global tour, though exact dates and cities have not been revealed. The tour will be their first since Permission to Dance on Stage, which drew more than 4 million fans across in-person shows and digital broadcasts during the post-pandemic period.
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“We’ll be visiting fans all over the world. Please look forward to it,” RM said, as fans flooded Weverse with excitement. The stream drew over 7.3 million real-time views.
Economic impact and global success
BTS' return is more than just a musical event, it’s almost like an economic force. Before their hiatus, the group contributed over £3.2 billion (₹33,600 crores) annually to South Korea’s economy, amounting to roughly 0.2% of the country’s GDP, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. They remain the most-streamed group on Spotify and were the first K-pop act to top both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Artist 100 charts.