Deepshikha Deshmukh is one of the most successful producers in Bollywood. She has backed movies like Sarbjit, Madaari, Jawaani Jaaneman, Coolie No. 1 and others. She is married to politician Dhiraj Deshmukh and has two lovely kids, Vansh and Diviyanaa.
Today, on Mother’s Day, we interacted with Deepshikha and spoke to her about her equation with her kids, how she balances her professional and personal life, changes in her life due to the pandemic, and a lot more…
Being a mother is surely the best feeling a woman goes through. When you became a mother, what was the first thing that came into your mind?
Yes, I can’t agree more on that. Being a mother is the purest and most beautiful feeling in the world. When one becomes a mother, the first thing that comes to mind is if my baby is safe. The first few minutes are all about that because everyone else checks the baby while you are on the bed in the operation theatre. After that, you feel overwhelmed and you feel a kind of love that you've never experienced before. When I was young, I always thought I couldn't love anyone more than I loved my parents until I met Dhiraj (Deshmukh) and after I got married, I felt that there was nothing beyond that but all that changed when I became a mother. It was a love that I had never experienced before, the most beautiful kind. So yes, when you are a mother, all you want to do is love your kids unconditionally and protect them from everything. Their well-being matters the most to you.
Your kids are very young, but do they know about Mother’s Day, and is there anything special they do for you on this day?
My daughter Diviyanaa is five and a half, and my son Vansh is going to be seven next month. They are aware of Mother's Day and for the last two years, they have been making the cutest cards for me. It feels beautiful because their handwriting is getting better and their sentences are more formed now. It is wonderful to receive cards from them where they express their love for me with their little doodles and drawings on it which is just so pure. It feels lovely. Last year on Mother's Day, there was a lockdown and we were in Latur. With the help of Dhiraj, both the kids had a full-fledged breakfast prepared for me in bed. They gifted me flowers in a bowl. They decided the entire menu, there were eggs and bread, and as overwhelming it was, it was also the most beautiful feeling ever and something which I'll never forget.
What kind of a mother are you? Are you a strict or a lenient mother?
I think there is a very thin line between the two. There are times when you have to be strict. But I believe in making the kids agree on what I want to do in a lenient way and I make sure that at the end, they are happy. You have to be patient with kids. Though yes, there are times when you have to be strict and put your foot down. So, I dabble between a little bit of both and believe in gentle disciplining
How was your relationship with your mother when you were growing up?
My mother has always been my best friend. I tell her everything. Ever since I was in the 8th standard, I would come to her and tell her what happened in school. I just found it comforting to tell her all that was happening. She was always very patient with me and kept the door open for communication which I intend to do with Divyanaa. I want to be that person who she would first want to come and tell how her day was or ask for an opinion. I hope I can be that mother who can maintain that balance of being a mum and also a best friend, just like my mum is to me.
When a woman is professionally doing well, there’s a mentality in society that she doesn’t give much time to kids and family. What do you have to say about this mindset that people have?
People talk about what they want to. As a woman, one knows how much time and effort goes into balancing your personal and professional life. There are times when they both overlap with each other. And for me, my kids are my priority, and no matter what time of the day they need me, I am always there for them. Technology is a boon when it comes to that because whether it is face time or Whatsapp, my kids are connected to me literally every minute of the day. There is also a little routine that I have always followed with them. I make sure that I am with them when they wake up in the morning, from their morning time to their breakfast before they start their online classes or when they used to head off to school previously. Once, they are done with their classes, they play a bit. By the time it’s time for dinner, I am back home from work. So that way, they don't miss me at all, in fact, they don't even know that Mumma is away and if they need me at any given point of time, they video call us, and both Dhiraj and I are there for them.
But yes, it is disheartening to see that people have a mindset that working mothers don’t give time to their kids. I can say this for all the mothers, that all of us always feel guilty about something or the other, there is self-doubt of if we are not doing enough for our children because as mothers, we want to keep doing more and better for our kids. Also, I believe when women support each other, we feel a lot more encouraged. I wish people understood that every mother in her own capacity is already doing the best that she can for her children.
In the last one year, life has changed due to the pandemic especially for mothers because the routine of kids has changed, they are mostly at home and schooling is also happening online. So, how are you managing the situation?
It is true that due to the pandemic, our routines have changed. Managing this new life was challenging initially because there is no line between your work and there is full-time school. I have two children, so two different classes going on at the same time from 9 am to 3 pm. We do have people at home to help but children still need their mother every single moment and as a mother, you also want to be there for them as these are their growing years and you understand how difficult it is for them to not be able to have teachers explain certain things to them in person. Sometimes, it gets exhausting and you feel extremely overwhelmed with the amount of things that you have to do and manage. But, the love that they give you makes you want to do it all much better. Because at the end of the day, when you see your kids smiling and laughing, you feel content from within. Their love makes it all worth it.
What do you have to say about the second wave of Covid-19 in India as it has affected a lot?
To say that it is extremely scary would be an understatement. It is disheartening to watch the news every morning and see news about another variant coming in, different mutations, vaccines, shortage of oxygen, hospitals running out of medicines, and medical supplies. I think it is extremely disturbing especially for a parent because there is news about the third wave which would be hitting soon and would affect a lot more children this time. I am hoping that there is light at the end of this tunnel and we are going to be over this really soon. I pray for the best for everyone and wish for better days while keeping my loved ones safe and happy.
Lastly, any message you want to give out to all the mothers on this Mother’s Day.
I want to tell all the mothers out there that you all are brilliant. You all are such superheroes. You have done a fabulous job in keeping your families safe. I know it is not easy to keep them safe, well-fed, protected, and positive in such difficult times. It is challenging and can be extremely overwhelming for us women. But I just want you to know that you are amazing. Please give yourselves a little pat on your back because you deserve it. Please don't forget to love yourselves as well and to take out some ‘Me time’ every day for yourselves. Wishing all the wonderful mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day.
Trailer is geo-blocked in India; film to release overseas on 27 June.
Netizens accuse Diljit Dosanjh of being “anti-national”.
Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 will not be screened in Indian cinemas. Instead, the film will only be released in international markets on 27 June, after calls for a boycott intensified online due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors, particularly Hania Aamir. The move follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and renewed enforcement of the entertainment industry’s ban on cross-border collaborations.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), requesting that Sardaar Ji 3 be denied clearance. Their objection stems from the casting of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, at a time when India-Pakistan relations are strained following the April attack that left 26 people dead.
In line with government directives discouraging any partnerships with Pakistani artists, the makers dropped plans for a domestic release. Director Amar Hundal’s film now gears up solely for an international audience.
Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was also blocked in India after she allegedly made anti-India comments post-Operation Sindoor. The incident added fuel to the controversy already surrounding the film.
Trailer blocked in India, Diljit faces social media heat
On 22 June, Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer on Instagram, writing: “Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27 June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The YouTube trailer, however, is not accessible in India due to geo-blocking. While teasers and songs remain available, the trailer featuring Hania prominently has been restricted.
Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit as a ghostbuster exorcising spirits from a haunted UK mansion. Hania Aamir plays a fellow ghost hunter, while Neeru Bajwa adds a romantic twist. But the film’s quirky humour has been overshadowed by the strong online backlash.
Many netizens called Diljit “shameless,” accusing him of prioritising career over country. Some even demanded his removal from upcoming films like Border 2. For now, Sardaar Ji 3 heads to a global audience, leaving behind a fierce debate in its wake.
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We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well
After a smash-hit UK debut, India’s most-watched crowd-work comedy duo is back – and this time, they’re armed with an even wilder new show. Abishek and Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House invites audiences into a bizarre world where you can anonymously confess your darkest deeds and most questionable opinions.
Staged at Soho Theatre in London from July 21–25, the show will then head to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. It promises their signature fast-paced crowd work and razor-sharp improvisation. With no two shows ever the same, they aim to make every night unrepeatable and unforgettable. Eastern Eye caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about comedy chemistry, on-stage secrets and their biggest influences.
What made you two want to team up?
Abishek: We come from similar backgrounds, consume similar content, and laugh at each other’s jokes. A middle-class upbringing, a love for theatre, and a shared passion for the same kind of humour brought us together.
Did you both expect to become such a successful double act?
Nirmal: It struck me early on during touring. Initially, we’d do 20 minutes each and then come together for the final 20, which audiences really enjoyed. We soon realised our on-stage chemistry worked. We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well. (No innuendo intended.)
What’s been your most memorable moment as a duo?
Nirmal: After every show, we’d go out with some audience members and ask them to show us around their city. I think our last day at Edinburgh Fringe was epic – we were up till 4 am dancing, drinking pints, with a flight back to India at 8 am. Total chaos. Abishek: Touring internationally will always be a core memory. I’ll never forget our first show in Dubai – it felt so surreal. We genuinely felt taller than the Burj Khalifa that day!
How would you describe your brand of comedy?
Abishek: We do a lot of crowd work and improv. Our biggest strength is our physical comedy, combined with (self-proclaimed) impeccable chemistry on stage.
What drew you to interactive comedy?
Nirmal: I love stand-up, but it takes a year or two to build a solid hour. Audience-interactive shows let us flex our improv muscles and keep it fresh every night. We never ran out of shows this way. And repeat audience could enjoy our shows too. It’s liberating – we get to respond to the exact moment we’re in. And we love being surprised by the crowd.
What’s the biggest challenge of interactive comedy?
Abishek: You never know how a joke will land. You have to read the room well and only prolong an interaction if the person is clearly enjoying it.
With no two shows ever the sameInstagram/ theabishekkumar
How much of your routine is planned in advance?
Nirmal: The beginning, middle, end, and format are always set. But that’s it. We’ve built our shows on the road, so we keep adding and experimenting with new bits.
What’s the secret to great improvisation?
Abishek: Ride the scene’s energy – no matter how dumb the premise sounds. Go with the flow. BS with full conviction!
How do you stay in sync on stage?
Nirmal: It’s muscle memory at this point. I know when he’ll take a punchline or jump in, and he knows when I’ll interrupt. It’s built over time by doing this again and again.
What has performing in the UK been like?
Abishek: Amazing. We’ve toured the UK multiple times now, and every visit feels like coming home, thanks to the huge Indian diaspora.
How do UK audiences compare to those in India?
Nirmal: I love our international audiences – they come for a sense of familiarity. They’re away from home, and our references, language, and vibe create that comfort. For at least an hour and a half, it feels like home.
The beginning, middle, end, and format are always setInstagram/ theabishekkumar
Do you have creative differences – and how do you manage them?
Abishek: We do, but we don’t shy away from tough conversations. We’re brutally honest with our feedback and open to change. That’s the healthy part of this duo.
Tell us an embarrassing secret about each other.
Nirmal: When Abishek is sleep-deprived, he goes full chaos mode – like an elephant about to mate. He starts doing sixth-grade-level pranks on everyone around. This is a 30-year-old man. Abishek: Nirmal has to poop before every show. The moment the announcement plays, he’s off to the loo.
Who are your comedy heroes?
Abishek: Robin Williams, Russell Peters, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Ricky Gervais... and Indian legends like Nagesh and Crazy Mohan, who’ve had a huge influence on me. Nirmal: Kanan Gill, Rahul Subramanian, Kenny Sebastian, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle.
Why should people come to your London shows?
Nirmal: To feel like you’re in South India for a whole hour. It’s better than the North. (I say this in jest.) I could have said I’m joking, but I had to say jest, didn’t I? It is a nice word though.
Abishek & Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House at Soho Theatre in central London from July 21-25. www.sohotheatre.com
Grenfell Uncovered, Netflix’s new feature-length documentary about the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, has been widely praised by reviewers and early viewers for its serious and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of the UK’s worst modern tragedies.
Directed by Olaide Sadiq, the film retraces the events leading up to the fire that claimed 72 lives and sparked a national reckoning over building safety, housing policy, and corporate responsibility.
Reviewers highlight structured storytelling and emotional impact
Critics have noted that while the film does not introduce new findings beyond what was already published in the 2024 final report of the Grenfell Inquiry, it succeeds in conveying the scale and depth of the disaster to a global audience. Several reviewers praised the documentary’s editing, with The Guardian calling the timeline “agonisingly well-paced” and noting its ability to balance personal accounts with broader systemic failings.
The film weaves together the first 999 call, testimony from bereaved families, and a detailed exploration of decisions made by companies and public authorities. Reviewers have drawn attention to how the documentary contrasts human loss with what the inquiry called a “merry-go-round of buck-passing” by corporations and officials.
Personal stories placed at the centre
The emotional core of Grenfell Uncovered, according to several reviews, lies in the personal testimony from those who lost loved ones. These are presented alongside findings about companies such as Arconic and Celotex, which the public inquiry found engaged in “systematic dishonesty” in relation to the cladding materials used on the tower.
Critics have said the film powerfully illustrates how profit motives, weak regulation, and political decisions intersect with devastating human consequences.
Praise for Netflix’s decision to commission the documentary
Media observers have commended Netflix for producing a one-off film on such a politically sensitive topic at a time when many streaming platforms are opting for safer, more commercial programming. Some called it a “rare act of public-interest filmmaking” and noted that, despite global trends favouring true crime and celebrity-driven content, Grenfell Uncovered focuses on accountability and justice.
- YouTubeYouTube / Netflix
Political figures featured in the film
The film includes an interview with former Prime Minister Theresa May, who addresses criticism of her response to the fire, particularly her decision not to meet survivors during her first visit to the site. Reviewers have pointed out that while May has previously expressed regret, the interview adds weight to the film’s broader themes of inaction by those in power.
Other institutions, including the Cameron government, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Fire Brigade, are also examined in relation to their roles in the lead-up to and aftermath of the fire.
A reminder, not a revelation
While some reviewers noted that the documentary does not reveal much beyond what was already known, they argue that it is an important retelling for audiences who may not have followed the inquiry closely. In this context, critics say the film succeeds in its aim: to remind viewers of the tragedy’s preventability and the need for lasting change.
Grenfell Uncovered is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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Priyanka Chopra opens up about an on-set injury while filming Heads of State
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has opened up about a minor but shocking accident that occurred while filming her new action-comedy Heads of State, which premieres on Prime Video on 2 July. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor recalled how she injured her face during a high-intensity scene, losing a piece of her eyebrow in the process.
The incident took place during a rainy stunt scene that required her to fall and roll on the ground as the camera closed in. “The camera operator came in a little closer, I came in a little closer, and boom! The matte box hit me right here,” she said, pointing to her eyebrow. “It took out a chunk. I was lucky it didn’t take my eye.”
Despite the bleeding cut, Priyanka didn’t halt filming. Instead, she reached for surgical glue, patched herself up on set, and wrapped up the day’s shoot. “I didn’t want to come back and shoot in the rain again,” she joked.
In the film, Chopra plays Noel Bisset, a sharp MI6 agent pulled into chaos after a diplomatic mission unravels. She stars opposite John Cena and Idris Elba, who play the heads of state she’s tasked with protecting. The actor shared that her character does a fair amount of the heavy lifting when it comes to action, including hand-to-hand combat and stunts.
While discussing the film, Chopra also spoke about the off-screen dynamics with her co-stars. She revealed that Cena and Elba hadn’t met before the shoot, so she stepped in to ease the introductions. “I was like the buffer. I had to make sure we didn’t just start punching each other,” she laughed.
She also mentioned how the set was filled with laughter, banter, and plenty of pranks, most of them aimed at her. “I guess I was the easy target,” she admitted.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State features an ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, and Sarah Niles. The film will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Up next, Chopra is set to appear in SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and The Bluff, where she plays a reformed pirate.
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Priyanka Chopra enjoys traditional Indian feast at Vikas Khanna’s NYC hotspot
Priyanka Chopra Jonas found a taste of home far from home this week. The global star, alongside her manager Anjula Acharia and friends, enjoyed a memorable meal at Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's New York City restaurant, Bungalow.
Honouring heritage and handicrafts over dinner
Khanna shared a touching glimpse into the evening on Instagram. He focused on the restaurant's beautifully adorned glass ceiling, explaining its deeper meaning. "Everyone asks why we decorate it daily when some might not notice," Khanna wrote. His reason was personal: "It’s not just for guests below, but for loved ones watching over us from above. Today, I adorned it especially for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas."
The gathering doubled as a tribute to the upcoming Rath Yatra festival and specifically honoured the skilled artisans of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Videos showed Khanna tying traditional Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyanka and Anjula's wrists as a meaningful cultural gesture. The rainy NYC backdrop added to the intimate atmosphere.
A satisfied star and return visits
The Indian feast clearly hit the spot. Priyanka reshared a video from Anjula showing Chef Khanna expertly serving dishes, captioning it simply: “Still in a food coma. You’re the best host, Vikas.” Pictures revealed a relaxed Priyanka dressed smartly in a black dress and matching blazer, posing happily with Khanna and her group. This was her second return trip to Bungalow; she previously dined there last year with her husband Nick Jonas, thanking Khanna then for "a taste of home."
While young daughter Malti Marie was mentioned in Khanna's heartfelt caption about the ceiling dedication, she wasn't visible in the shared photos or videos. Fans can next catch Priyanka on screen in the action film Heads of State, streaming on Prime Video 2nd July, where she stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.