More than class, caste divide makes things complicated in India: Ashim Ahluwalia
The Indian show had raised some eyebrows for its intimate scenes but Ahluwalia shared their team worked with an intimacy coordinator, whose primary job was to ensure that actors felt comfortable.
Class showrunner Ashim Ahluwalia says the Netflix show, an adaptation of the popular Spanish series Elite, gave him a chance to explore the rich and poor divide through the lens of class and caste.
The eight-episode show, which premiered on February 3, is set in a fancy Delhi school and opens with a murder before taking viewers to the lives of the rich students and the three slum children who have joined the school.
The series has been directed by Kabir Mehta and Gul Dharmani.
Ahluwalia said he wanted to make a feature film about teenagers for some time so when he got the offer to adapt the series, he realised that it would translate well in an Indian setting.
"The conflict between the rich and poor kids felt very relevant to our country. I also wanted to show another side of India which many people may have heard about but never seen or experienced,” the filmmaker told PTI in an interview.
“Here (in India) other than class, there is also caste that makes things more complicated. Also, the role of parents and families in their children’s lives is very different from Europe, so I wanted the parents to play a much bigger role," he added.
The filmmaker, known for his films Miss Lovely and Daddy, said he was keen to highlight the caste divide and social media humiliation – both entrenched in India -- through the series.
"The way younger people in urban India live through social media was also important to me as the original show didn’t have too much of that – humiliation online became a key subject,” The National award-winner said.
Ahluwalia said he consciously chose to dig deeper into the lives of people from the lower rungs of society, unlike the original series, “Elite”, which is set amongst the wealthy.
“I decided to change the name (also) from ‘Elite’ to ‘Class’ as I wanted to make something that was less about elite society and more about the way different classes interact. That was more interesting to me.” Claiming that “Class” is one-of-its-kind young adult series being made in India, Ahluwalia felt it is important to bring to the fore the problems faced by the youth.
“I’m hoping it becomes a benchmark in terms of real conversations that we need to have about what young people experience.
"Our society, like any other, is going through a lot of turmoil and it’s good to engage with real-life sometimes rather than pretend nothing is happening. I didn’t want to make something easy that could be easily forgotten,” he added.
Class features an ensemble cast including Gurfateh Pirzada, Anjali Sivaraman, Ayesha Kanga, Chayan Chopra, Chintan Rachchh, Cwaayal Singh, Madhyama Segal, Moses Koul, Naina Bhan, Piyush Khati and Zeyn Shaw.
The Indian show had raised some eyebrows for its intimate scenes but Ahluwalia shared their team worked with an intimacy coordinator, whose primary job was to ensure that actors felt comfortable.
“We worked closely with Aastha (Khanna), our intimacy coordinator, she was present on set to make everyone feel secure but also was a great help, to prepare actors for what to expect even before going into production,” the “Miss Lovely” director added.
Ahluwalia cited the example of his first movie “Miss Lovely”, which was about two brothers who produce B-grade horror films in the mid-1980s, and added that normalized adult themes.
“Nobody had ever dealt with that kind of stuff back then, so I’m not really new to these themes. The more we normalize adult themes, the more adult we can be as a society.
"So, for me, the less this stuff is buried under the carpet, the more conversation, the better. But you have to be understanding and not voyeuristic or exploitative.” The director's upcoming film projects include an international feature and a cinematic adaptation of a Danish murder novel.
“There is an international film, and one is based in Mumbai, a kind of wild thriller with two female stars. It is based on a Danish crime novel,” Ahluwalia informed.
Asked if he is hesitant to be working on a mainstream Hindi film, he said, “Probably, unless I really connect with it somehow. I just need to be able to make something I believe in for it to be any good.”
You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.
Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.
Then somewhere between the late-night raves, the 2 AM ska-techno-klezmer, and the silent sobbing during Lewis Capaldi’s return, it hits you: Glastonbury isn’t just about who’s playing. It’s about who you become when you’re here.
Festival goers at Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
1. The Pyramid Stage Whisper: Is Jarvis REALLY Back?!
That prime-time slot at 6:15 PM listed as "Patchwork"? Nobody’sbuying it. Everyone thinks it’s a secret Pulp reunion. The rumour mill is wild,and SecretGlasto is dropping heavy hints.Ester from Norwich has been waiting at the front since earlymorning. She said, “If it’s not Pulp, I’m starting a riot. Or just crying intomy warm cider.”Could it really be Pulp, after 30 years? Backup guesses areHAIM or Chappell Roan, but the Pulp energy is strong. So, don’t miss it!
Pyramid Stage crowd swells ahead of the mystery Patchwork act rumoured to be Pulp Instagram/glastofest
2. Kneecap & the firestorm: Music, politics & “everyone is welcome”
Irish rap trio Kneecap hit the West Holts stage at 4 PM and stirred up big controversy. One of the members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is out on bail for serious charges linked to Hezbollah.
PM Keir Starmer criticised their booking, and a leaked letter from music execs added pressure.
But Glastonbury stood firm. Emily Eavis said, “Everyone is welcome here.” Over 100 artists, including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., and even the rumoured Pulp, signed a counter-letter in support.
The BBC will still air the set live (though it might delay it on iPlayer). Expect pro-Palestine chants, strong emotions, and a packed crowd. Arrive early!
Kneecap welcome as political tension surrounds their setGetty Images
3. Survival mode: Glasto in the heat
It’s 26°C today, with 30°C expected tomorrow. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat alert. Stay safe:
• Drink water often. There are over 800 taps, so use them.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keep reapplying.
• Find shade, like on Dragon’s Tail hill or other quiet zones.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, fainting.
Saturday night is packed, and you’ll need to choose carefully:
• Neil Young & Chrome Hearts (Pyramid, 10 PM): Classic songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man.” He’s unpredictable but a true Glastonbury icon.
• Charli XCX (Other Stage, 10:30 PM): Wild Brat energy, chaos, and late-night dancing. The Other Stage is bigger this year but getting there will be tough, so take a side route.
• Doechii (West Holts, 10:45 PM): Experimental and innovative. If you want something new and exciting, she’s the one to catch.
No easy choices here. Just decide what kind of night you want.
• Fat Dog (2 AM set): A wild mix of ska, techno, and klezmer. Already being called “show of the weekend.”
• Lorde : Did a surprise morning set at Woodsies, performing tracks from her upcoming album Virgin.
• The Binnies : 17,000 hand-painted bins around the site. Artist Sarah Lawrence painted one “for someone who never got to Glastonbury.” Powerful stuff, right?
• Lewis Capaldi : Came back to the Pyramid stage Friday. He pushed through and finished songs he’d struggled with before. Said, “I’m f---ing back, baby.” Huge moment.
• South East Corner (Afternoon): Busy with day raves. Expect big crowds.
•Kneecap (4 PM, West Holts): It’ll be packed. Have a backup plan: Bob Vylan is on at 2:30 PM.
• Kate Nash (9 PM, Left Field) and Scissor Sisters (10:30 PM, Woodsies): Very likely to be one-in, one-out entry. Get there early.
• Charli XCX : Main routes will be packed. Use alternate paths to avoid the jam.
Crowds of festival-goers fill the pathways during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
7. A look at what’s coming: Sunday & beyond
• Sunday Showdown: Olivia Rodrigo (Pyramid, 9:45 PM) vs. The Prodigy (Other Stage, 9:45 PM). Two different generations, one final choice.
• 2026 Fallow Year: No Glastonbury next year. The land and the cows are taking a break. Emily Eavis said they packed “two years into one” for 2025. So make this one count!
The heart of it all (a different kind of sign-off)
Glastonbury 2025 isn't just a festival. Right now, in the dusty, sun-baked field, it feels like the whole messy, beautiful, infuriating, glorious world squeezed into one place.
Jarvis Cocker might step into the light after decades. A band plays under a political storm cloud, testing what "welcome" really means. An old man sings about gold hearts while a pop futurist throws a Brat party across the way. Kids paint bins for loved ones gone.
We’re all sweating buckets, navigating human rivers, and maybe crying during Capaldi.
It’s contradictions crashing together. It’s the sheer, exhausting effort of being here, present, in the heat and the noise and the magic. It’s imperfect. It’s overwhelming. It’s political. It’s personal. It’s a hundred thousand stories colliding under a relentless sun.
That’s the Glastonbury paradox. It asks everything of you: your stamina, your choices, maybe even your convictions.
And in return? It gives you this: the pure, unfiltered, slightly chaotic pulse of right now. Hold onto it. Because in this field, today, everything feels possible.
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Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007
Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.
The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.
As Amazon gears up to relaunch the James Bond franchise, Variety reports that actors Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are front-runners to play the iconic spy. The studio is reportedly focused on casting someone under 30, a significant shift from previous 007s, signalling a new direction for the long-running series.
Daniel Craig poses as James BondGetty Images
Denis Villeneuve to direct Bond reboot under Amazon MGM
With Dune and Arrival filmmaker Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director, the 26th James Bond film is set to begin a new chapter under the Amazon MGM banner. Villeneuve’s appointment is a major creative change, especially since producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently handed over creative control to Amazon following a £1 billion (₹10,400 crore) deal.
While no actor has signed on, Variety notes that the new Bond is unlikely to appear in cinemas before 2028. Villeneuve is still working on Dune: Messiah, which is expected in 2026, pushing the Bond production further down the line.
James Bond casting shortlist revealed with Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson in leadGetty Images
Tom Holland, Elordi and Dickinson emerge as possible 007s
Tom Holland, known for playing Spider-Man, had earlier pitched a “young Bond” origin story to Sony, though it never materialised. Harris Dickinson, praised for Triangle of Sadness and his Cannes-featured directorial debut Urchin, has expressed interest, calling it a role “you’d be a fool to not entertain.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi, the only non-British contender, has seen a meteoric rise with Euphoria and Priscilla. Despite his Australian roots, producers are reportedly open to casting him, following precedent set by George Lazenby.
Is this the youngest James Bond yet as Tom Holland Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi lead casting rumoursGetty Images
All three actors have packed schedules, and no official talks have taken place. Still, the buzz suggests that Amazon is keen to reinvent 007 for a younger generation, with Villeneuve at the helm and a fresh face in the tux.
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Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
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Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury