MODEL-TURNED-ACTRESS Muskan Verma appeared in adverts and small roles in TV shows before making her big breakthrough with a starring role in acclaimed web series Inspector Avinash, which was headlined by seasoned performers Randeep Hooda and Urvashi Rautela. She has appeared in hit music videos for the songs Baarish and Dil Mera Khenda.
With more interesting projects on the way, Eastern Eye got the talented actress to select 10 web/TV shows she loves.
House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths: It is a web series on Netflix I would recommend. It has only three episodes and is based on a true story about what happened in Burari in 2018 when 11 members of a family were found dead. The docu-series goes beyond what we know about this case from media reporting. House of Secrets will make you realise that talking about mental health is very important because the stigma behind mental issues leads to such tragedies.
Aarya: Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Namit Das, Sikander Kher and all the other performers in Aarya were a treat to watch, with so many strong performances. Especially season two, because Sushmita Sen’s acting is mind blowing while portraying a strong woman. The way she handles all the situations, and her kids, is brilliant. Gripping, detailed and very well written.
The Good Doctor: For its brilliance of idea, writing, acting, and amazing research they have done in the field of science and doctors. Everything is amazing in the show and it’s not about just rambling on about stuff under the excuse of cinematic liberty.
Bhaukaal: This show makes us proud of our police force and all the work they do. The fascinating story will keep you engrossed until the very end. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling cop drama, check out Bhaukaal. The antagonists Pradeep Nagar and Siddhanth Kapoor deliver great performances. Pradeep is fantastic and never loses his accent, even in the most dramatic scenes. The locations, look and dialect of the actors are perfect.
Mirzapur: As much as we adore him in his positive, feel-good performances, it was thrilling to see Pankaj Tripathi in a negative role in this crime thriller. Tripathi is, in my opinion, the best thing that has ever happened to Mirzapur. A big thing that works in Mirzapur’s favour is the simplicity of the story. The ending of both seasons is very unexpected and thrilling. Also, local accents and lesser-known expressions add a tinge of humour, and the rhythm that they impart to a scene appear to have attracted the attention of many viewers.
Friends: The iconic series remains hilarious. Every episode will make you laugh out loud, from Chandler’s brilliant jokes to Joey’s everyday life and pick-up lines. Even though they are all quite different and struggle with different things, Joey, Ross, Chandler, Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe are all wonderful friends. It’s fascinating to see how simple things were in the early 1990s, when technology was not quite as popular. You also cannot ignore the outfits that the characters wear. What a difference a generation can make. Even if you are having a bad day, watching Friends will always make you laugh.
Sacred Games: If you’re scared that Sacred Games would be similar to Bollywood shows you’ve seen, don’t worry, it isn’t. The cast is flawless. Saif Ali Khan has done an incredible job of distancing himself from his celebrity image and portraying a regular Mumbai cop. Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines in the part of Gaitonde, as he always does. Acting, narrative, cinematography, and appealing characters are all everything you could ask for. How beautifully they have described the era when Mumbai was Bombay and covered small details. The director has tactfully managed to narrate Gaitonde’s past story along with the present scenario in such a way that you will be glued to the screen.
The Blacklist: This series is a lot more entertaining than most other shows like it. It moves along at a good speed, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers interested. I like it because each episode introduces a new element and dynamic to the show as a whole, and you’ll never get bored watching it. Each one on the blacklist introduces a new threat or challenge, which I believe is necessary for a good show. The Blacklist shows that life is full of shades of grey and that not everything is black and white. It offers another level of complexity to be a bad person, who does good things, or a good person who does awful things.
Peaky Blinders: The fantastic series has everything to offer and is a great experience to watch. The actors aren’t just portraying roles; they are them. You’ll forget who the real actor is based on how they perform the script. In every frame of the series, Cillian Murphy’s acting is something to admire and learn from.
The Family Man: Highly addictive and consistently engaging action-drama series. This series is entertaining, engaging, and humorous. In terms of casting, except Manoj Bajpayee, there are no other huge names from Bollywood, but the remaining characters make you feel they did justice to their roles. There will be no characters who make you feel ‘extra’. They blend in seamlessly with the series’ mosaic. It’s a treat to watch both the seasons. Can’t wait for season three.
Nearly ten years after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in a Paris hotel, the story is being revisited in a new documentary coming to BBC Three and iPlayer. Titled The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist, the film digs into one of the most talked-about celebrity crimes of the last decade, offering fresh access and unheard accounts from those closely involved in the case.
Kim Kardashian Paris robbery case revisited in new BBC Three documentaryGetty Images
New voices and untold moments from the night that shocked the world
The 45-minute documentary features first-hand interviews with close family friends, French police officers, and journalists who followed the robbery from day one. It takes viewers back to that October 2016 night, when Kardashian was tied up and robbed of jewellery worth millions of pounds inside her private apartment at a luxury hotel during Paris Fashion Week.
The film doesn’t stop at the crime itself. It moves forward to recent developments, including the court case in which Kim finally came face-to-face with her assailants last month. Eight people were found guilty, nearly a decade after the robbery made global headlines.
Kim Kardashian 2016 diamond heist case brought eight people to justice nearly a decade after the robberyGetty Images
Beyond gossip: A look at the cost of digital fame
This BBC Three documentary goes beyond the headlines and Instagram timelines. It examines the role of social media in the robbery, where public posts may have tipped off the thieves, and the emotional fallout Kim faced in the aftermath.
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content at BBC Three, says the film “cuts through the noise and looks at the real-life consequences of being so visible in the digital age.” Firecracker Films, the production company behind the documentary, also hopes the film helps viewers understand how the case was solved and the emotional cost behind the glamour.
Kim Kardashian arrives at the Assize Court for the trial Getty Images
Directed by Ben Bryant and produced by Jessica Sartenaer, The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist will be available on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer later this month. Executive producers include Jes Wilkins and Sam Emmery, and the documentary will be distributed globally by Passion Distribution.
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The Pyramid Stage awaits Sir Rod Stewart’s return after more than two decades
Sir Rod Stewart has called off a series of concerts in the US as he recovers from a bout of flu, just weeks before his anticipated set at Glastonbury Festival. The 80-year-old singer, who was due to perform six shows across Nevada and California in early June, announced that four have been cancelled and two will be rescheduled.
Sharing the update on Instagram, Rod apologised to fans and expressed his frustration at having to take a break. “I’m devastated and sincerely sorry,” he wrote. “I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.” The cancelled dates include multiple shows in Las Vegas and Stateline, Nevada, while the California concerts will now take place in September.
Despite the setback, Stewart’s headline appearance at Glastonbury is still very much on. He’s set to take over the festival’s famous Legends slot on Sunday, 29 June, more than two decades since he last played the Pyramid Stage in 2002. At the time, he performed alongside Coldplay and Stereophonics, but this time he’ll return as the oldest artist ever to headline the Legends slot.
Speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Stewart revealed he was only allocated 75 minutes for his Glastonbury set but has requested an extra 15. “I play for over two hours every night, 90 minutes is nothing,” he said. He also shared that Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, his former bandmate from Faces, will join him for part of the show, making it a mini-reunion.
Cancelled ShowsInstagram/sirrodstewart
Slowing down but not stopping
Though Stewart has hinted that this might be his final major tour, he’s not ready to retire just yet. “This will be the end of big world tours, but I’m not hanging up the mic,” he said. Instead, he’s eyeing more intimate venues for future performances, possibly exploring a swing or Great American Songbook setlist.
Rod Stewart set to reunite with Ronnie Wood at GlastonburyGetty Images
Rod has faced several health issues this year, including strep throat and a recent round of vocal rest. Still, he seems determined to power through Glastonbury with his charm and energy. With hits like Maggie May and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, fans can expect a career-spanning set worthy of the Sunday slot.
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Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun in Atlee pan India epic AA22xA6
Deepika Padukone has officially signed on as the female lead in Atlee’s highly anticipated film with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22xA6. The announcement has come after her controversial exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, making this casting a major talking point in film circles and among fans.
The film’s production house, Sun Pictures, introduced Deepika with a video of her training for what appears to be a fierce action role. Concept sketches depict her as a warrior queen, leaping into battle with a massive axe. The video includes scenes of her practising fight choreography in a motion-capture suit and even riding a CGI horse while wielding a weapon.
The visual cues suggest a fantasy-meets-science-fiction world with Deepika at the centre of it. This will be her first screen outing with Allu Arjun and her second project with director Atlee after the 2023 hit Jawan. The makers are calling it a “magnum opus” and have brought on top international technicians, including VFX experts who have worked on Iron Man 2 and Transformers.
Hollywood-based creators involved in the project have publicly praised the film’s script. From creature designs to large-scale battle sequences, AA22xA6 will be one of Indian cinema’s biggest cross-industry collaborations yet.
Sun Pictures reveals the film logo with a teaser full of actionYoutube Screengrab/ Sun TV
Exiting Spirit, entering strength
Deepika’s casting comes soon after her exit from Spirit, which led to a social media stir. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemed to suggest she made unreasonable demands, sources close to the actor say she simply wanted an eight-hour workday, a choice influenced by her becoming a new mother.
Vanga’s cryptic posts online accused an actor of lacking commitment, but fans and industry insiders were quick to defend Deepika’s professionalism. Some even joked, “She doesn’t need Vanga,” applauding her for choosing stronger projects over toxic work environments. Replacing her in Spirit is Animal star Triptii Dimri.
Director Atlee guides Deepika through motion capture choreographyYoutube Screengrab/Sun TV
With AA22xA6, Deepika is not just stepping into a powerful role on screen, she’s also showing that leading women in the industry can call the shots without compromise.
Identical twins Croo and Sach have gained recognition in the fashion and digital space for their vibrant content, often shot in scenic locations. Heavily inspired by cinema, the ambitious Indian duo make bold style statements with their eye-catching outfits and have big plans ahead.
Eastern Eye asked the rising social media stars to share the 10 things that creatively inspire them most.
Rajesh Khanna’s acting and fashion: The legendary Hindi cinema icon has always been a huge inspiration for us. His romantic aura, unique walk, and killer fashion sense – especially those retro fits – influence a lot of our personal style. We love turning up in vintage clothes because they instantly bring out that old-school Bombay mafia gangster vibe we admire.
Dilip Kumar’s pure acting: There is a reason he is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His raw, natural style is a masterclass for us. We study his expressions and pauses to craft emotion-driven reels. Whether we shoot dialogue-heavy content or silent dramatic clips, his influence is everywhere. He helps us elevate even the simplest concept into something powerful and deeply moving.
Amitabh Bachchan’s persona and vintage style: When the superstar burst onto the scene in the 1970s, his fierce screen presence redefined intensity – and that shapes how we approach high-energy, gritty reel content. We recreate cinematic moments with hard-hitting lines, commanding expressions and dramatic walk-ins. His blazer and sunglasses look and deep baritone also inspire how we style and deliver those punchy, “don’t mess with us” characters on Instagram.
Amitabh Bachchangetty images
The timeless beauty of Madhubala: Often hailed as the most beautiful star of Hindi cinema, Madhubala’s elegance influences how we frame our female leads. Soft lighting, dreamy close-ups and graceful movements – all come from her legacy. We use her timeless charm to blend vintage aesthetics with modern storytelling in our reels.
Madhuri Dixit’s 1990s glamour and dance: The dancing queen made a huge impact in her prime. The multi-talented star’s expressions and dance finesse have definitely inspired our rhythm-based reels. We blend Bollywood thumkas with glamorous visuals and fast cuts – always with her finesse in mind. Her 1990s colour palettes and glam styling also guide how we create fashion transitions in dance reels.
Ranveer Singh’s fashion and attitude: The unique actor’s over-the-top style and wild energy are our go-to when we want to break the internet. Loud outfits, bold moves and unexpected transitions – that is Ranveer’s zone. We love channelling his “no rules” attitude into our fashion-centric reels, adding an unapologetic flair to every frame we create.
Les Twins’ dance and fashion: The French duo – dancers, choreographers, producers, models and designers – have made an impact across multiple creative fields. They completely changed the way we view dance. Their precision, swag and effortless flow inspire us to choreograph sharp, clean and stylish reels. We also love their streetwear aesthetic – it has shaped how we dress, shoot and edit our content with a fresh, global urban vibe.
Ranbir Kapoorgetty images
Shah Rukh Khan’s struggle to stardom: The superstar’s journey really hits home for us. Coming from nothing and building an empire through passion, dedication and relentless hustle – that story is our biggest motivation. We see ourselves in that grind and share the same fire to prove something. Whenever we create reels or any kind of content, we channel his energy – starting small, thinking big and pouring our heart into everything. His romantic intensity, raw vulnerability and on-screen confidence push us to dream bigger and stay true to ourselves. He reminds us that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Ranbir Kapoor’s acting: From the newer generation of actors, Ranbir inspires us with the way he fully becomes his character without ever overdoing it. There is a softness, depth and quiet strength in his performances that we try to bring into our creative reels. His expressions often speak louder than words, and that minimal, emotional style teaches us how to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Instagram: @vaghelabrothers
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Lokesh Kanagaraj set to direct Aamir Khan in a high-octane superhero film
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has officially revealed that he will be teaming up with Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a large-scale superhero action film. The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.
A rare early reveal from Aamir Khan
Aamir is known for picking his projects carefully, usually choosing one at a time, often after his latest release has had its run. But this time, ahead of the 20 June release of Sitaare Zameen Par, he decided to open up about what’s coming next. In a media interaction in Mumbai, he confirmed that he and Lokesh Kanagaraj have signed on to create a superhero film. “It’s a big-scale action film,” Aamir said, adding that while production is still more than a year away, the plan is firmly in place.
Lokesh, known for action-packed Tamil hits like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, has built a reputation for combining stylish action with grounded storytelling. Aamir, who has dabbled in the action genre with films like Ghulam, Ghajini, and Dhoom 3, is expected to bring emotional weight and mainstream appeal to this pairing.
When asked for more details, Aamir smiled and declined to say more, simply stating that the full picture would emerge in time. For now, both actors and fans will have to wait as the film moves towards pre-production.
No PK sequel, but a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic is in the works
During the same interaction, Aamir also addressed speculation about a sequel to PK. “That’s just a rumour,” he said plainly. “I don’t know where that came from.” Instead, he confirmed he will reunite with director Rajkumar Hirani for a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual follow-up to his acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, will see Aamir play a basketball coach working with a team of individuals with special needs. Directed by RS Prasanna and co-starring Genelia D’Souza, the film also introduces ten new actors.
Aamir Khan dismisses PK 2 rumours and confirms biopic on Dadasaheb PhalkeGetty Images
With multiple ambitious projects lined up, including a superhero film, a historical biopic, and the epic mythological saga, Aamir Khan is entering a creatively fertile phase of his career, balancing scale with substance.