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.
Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.
Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.
Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum
What did Heidi Klum wear at the Venice Film Festival?
For the opening night on 27 August, Heidi Klum chose a blush pink silk gown featuring corseted boning, a plunging neckline and a sheer bodice. The dress also showcased a dramatic thigh-high slit and hip cut-out, adding a lingerie-inspired edge. She paired the look with diamond chokers and styled her hair in rocker-style waves with new bangs, completing a striking combination of Old Hollywood glamour and modern sensuality.
Arriving at the festival by boat, Heidi shared behind-the-scenes photographs on social media showing her preparation at her Venetian hotel. Her posts included affectionate moments with Leni, with the caption that she was “having the best time with my baby” at the festival.
At just 21, Leni Klum is following closely in her mother’s modelling footsteps. On the red carpet she mirrored Heidi’s gown in a bold black version, also by Intimissimi. The design featured the same sheer corsetry and plunging neckline but offered a slightly younger twist, with symmetrical hip cut-outs and strappy sandals.
Leni accessorised her look with an emerald and diamond necklace, contrasting the darker gown with a pop of colour. She wore her hair in soft waves, echoing her mother’s style while adding her own youthful touch. Together, the pair created a co-ordinated but distinctive appearance that quickly became one of the highlights of the Venice Film Festival’s first night.
Leni Klum mirrors her mother’s red carpet style in a striking black corset gown at VeniceInstagram/heidiklum
Why is the Heidi and Leni Klum appearance significant?
This Venice outing is not the first time the duo have collaborated with Intimissimi. In 2022, Heidi and Leni starred together in a lingerie campaign for the Italian brand, which received mixed reactions. Their latest red carpet moment is seen as an extension of that partnership, bringing the lingerie-inspired designs into a high-profile international film setting.
For Heidi, the event underlined her ongoing relevance in fashion, while for Leni it marked another high-profile step in her rising career. Their joint appearance shows the generational handover in the modelling world, with Leni carving her own identity while still closely linked to her mother’s legacy.
Which other stars were spotted at the Venice Film Festival?
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, which runs from 27 August to 6 September, attracted global stars to Italy’s most glamorous red carpet. Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Julia Roberts were also photographed arriving for premieres, with Roberts making headlines for her quirky cardigan covered in portraits of Italian director Luca Guadagnino.
The festival opened with the premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, a drama exploring political and personal dilemmas in Italy. With its combination of star power, fashion statements and cinematic showcases, Venice once again affirmed its position as one of the world’s most influential cultural events.
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Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara
Ahaan Panday opens up on being ‘wronged’ before his Bollywood debut
Actor admits he spent years in ‘blind optimism’ waiting for launch
Saiyaara has become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history
The Mohit Suri directorial collected £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide
Bollywood newcomer Ahaan Panday has revealed that he felt “wronged” by people in the industry before finally making his long-awaited debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The 27-year-old actor, who comes from the well-known Panday family, said he lived in “blind optimism” for four to five years as projects kept falling through. Despite setbacks, Ahaan maintained that he never became bitter and channelled his struggles into his performance.
Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Why was Ahaan Panday’s debut delayed for so long?
Ahaan was initially expected to be launched much earlier under Yash Raj Films, but several projects were shelved before they could take off. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, he admitted:
“Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, but as an actor, that’s where you take inspiration from. I just kept putting myself into different things. The first four-five years, I was entirely delusional, and people around me could sense it.”
The actor revealed he worked as an assistant director on The Railway Men while waiting for his break, using the experience to keep his morale intact.
Ahaan Panday revealed he worked as an assistant director before landing his debut role Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Did personal struggles affect Ahaan Panday’s journey?
Alongside professional delays, Ahaan also dealt with a personal tragedy; the passing of his grandmother, whom he called his “backbone.” He said she was the only person who called him a hero every day at home and losing her left him shattered.
He recalled: “My confidence started to break after that. The only way I could deal with it was to keep working. To even be on a film set was a privilege. I was never bitter because millions dream of this opportunity.”
This resilience, he said, helped him stay focused until the right opportunity arrived.
How did Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri shape his launch?
Eventually, YRF head Aditya Chopra reached out to Ahaan’s parents, assuring them he would be launched under the banner. That led to Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring fellow newcomer Aneet Padda.
For Ahaan, joining YRF was also deeply personal. His grandmother, who nicknamed him “Raj,” had dreamed of him becoming a Yash Raj hero. “It was instinctive for me to say yes. I grew up on this cinema. My Hindu name is Yash, my sister’s name is Chandni, we were filmy YRF lovers. Somewhere, I did this for her,” he explained.
Released earlier this year, Saiyaara has become a record-breaking success. The romantic drama is now the highest-grossing film headlined by newcomers and the biggest love story in Indian cinema history.
The film has grossed an estimated £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far. Its success has firmly established Ahaan as one of Bollywood’s most promising new actors.
Though the actor has not announced his next project yet, industry watchers believe Ahaan’s grand debut has positioned him strongly for future big-ticket films. With Saiyaara breaking records and his candid reflections on the struggles behind the glamour, Ahaan has become a name audiences are eager to follow.
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Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025
Trumpeter Alison Balsom confirms retirement after 40 years of performing
Her final concert will be the Last Night of the Proms 2025 on 13 September
She will play the Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E flat major for her farewell
The 46-year-old OBE winner cites family and intensity of touring as reasons
Classical trumpeter Alison Balsom retirement news has been confirmed, with the British musician set to step away from performing after one last appearance at the Last Night of the Proms. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s This Cultural Life, she revealed her “last night on stage” will be marked by playing the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, a work she has championed throughout her career. Married to filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes, Balsom said the decision was shaped by her family life and the unsustainable demands of constant touring.
Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025 Getty Images
Why is Alison Balsom retiring after the Proms?
Balsom explained that the trumpet is an instrument that cannot be played “halfway.” Even a short break affects performance standards, making it difficult to sustain at the highest level. She compared recent years to “playing the Wimbledon final and then no tennis,” saying the cycle of intense preparation followed by long gaps is unsustainable.
She emphasised that she wanted to retire honestly, at a point where she still felt in full control of her playing. Touring, she added, had become mentally and emotionally consuming, making it harder to balance with raising a family.
Alison Balsom ends a 40-year career with the Hummel Concerto in E flat majorGetty Images
What will Alison Balsom play at her final concert?
Her farewell performance at the Last Night of the Proms 2025 on 13 September will feature the Hummel Trumpet Concerto in E flat major. The work carries personal significance, as it was the piece that first inspired her when she saw it performed on television as a child.
Balsom previously played at the Proms in 2009 while pregnant, describing that experience as both exhausting and meaningful. Returning to the same stage for her retirement, she said, “I know what I want to say about this piece, but I don’t think I’m going to have anything more to say after this.”
Over four decades, Balsom has established herself as one of the world’s leading trumpet soloists. She has performed with major orchestras, released acclaimed recordings, and won three Classic Brit Awards. In 2016, she was made an OBE for services to music.
Beyond her concert career, she has also been a visible advocate for classical music education, appearing on television and radio to promote the instrument she describes as “the best thing ever.”
Alison Balsom with her OBE which she received from the Prince of WalesGetty Images
What is next for Alison Balsom?
While she is stepping away from performing, Balsom has not ruled out continuing to champion the trumpet in other ways. She said her future would focus more on family life and new opportunities offstage. For now, she sees her retirement as the natural conclusion of a personal journey she has followed “honestly and with authenticity.”
Her final appearance forms part of a Proms season that has also featured performances by Grammy-winner Samara Joy, pianist Yunchan Lim and a Traitors-themed concert. The Last Night of the Proms will be broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC One on 13 September.
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Vishal and Sai Dhanshika at their Chennai engagement ceremony
Actors Vishal and Sai Dhanshika got engaged on his 47th birthday in Chennai
Wedding postponed until the Nadigar Sangam building is completed
Couple first confirmed their relationship in May 2025 at a press meet
Celebrities and fans flooded social media with congratulatory wishes
Tamil cinema stars Vishal and Sai Dhanshika made their relationship official in May, and on Friday, 29 August 2025, the pair celebrated their engagement. The event took place on Vishal’s 47th birthday in Chennai, with close friends and family in attendance. The engagement was widely shared on social media after Vishal confirmed the news on his X handle.
The Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement has now become one of the most talked-about events in Tamil film circles, especially as the couple postponed their wedding until the Nadigar Sangam building’s completion, a cause close to Vishal as General Secretary of the organisation.
Vishal and Sai Dhanshika at their Chennai engagement ceremony Instagram/actorvishalofficial/saidhanshika
When did Vishal and Sai Dhanshika get engaged?
The Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement was held on 29 August 2025, a date that was initially meant for their wedding. The couple chose the special occasion of Vishal’s birthday to mark their new chapter. Traditional Tamil attire marked the ceremony: Dhanshika wore a saree while Vishal opted for a white shirt and vesti, with both donning flower garlands. The event remained a private family gathering, but official photos shared online quickly spread among fans.
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Why was Vishal and Sai Dhanshika’s wedding postponed?
Originally scheduled for the same day, the wedding was postponed after Vishal decided to wait for the completion of the Nadigar Sangam building project. As General Secretary, he stated that marrying after the inauguration felt more meaningful. Speaking at a press meet earlier, Vishal explained, “This cause is important to me, and I want to step into married life once the building is completed.” His decision has drawn respect from industry peers and fans alike, who have admired his commitment to both personal and professional responsibilities.
What did Vishal and Dhanshika say about each other?
Back in May 2025, when the couple made their relationship public, both spoke openly about their bond. Dhanshika revealed she has known Vishal for 15 years and admired his respect and support, particularly during her personal struggles. Vishal expressed gratitude for finding his life partner later in life, saying, “They say God saves the best for the last, and I believe he saved Dhanshika for me.” His heartfelt note after their engagement echoed the same positivity, as he thanked fans worldwide for their blessings and “good vibes.”
On the professional front, Dhanshika awaits the release of Yogi Da, while Vishal is filming Magudam, his 35th project directed by Ravi Arasu, co-starring Dushara Vijayan, Yogi Babu and Anjali. Beyond films, Vishal continues to serve his role in Nadigar Sangam and has kept fans updated on the progress of its building. While the Vishal and Sai Dhanshika wedding is on hold, both actors emphasise they are “feeling positive and blessed” as they step into their engagement phase.
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Sabrina Carpenter unveils Man’s Best Friend with unapologetic lyrics and daring cover art
Sabrina Carpenter says Man’s Best Friend is “not for pearl clutchers”
Album includes nine explicit tracks and provocative artwork
Gayle King interview highlights singer’s unapologetic stance
Seventh studio release follows her Grammy-winning Short n’ Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter has addressed the backlash surrounding her Man’s Best Friend album, making it clear the project embraces explicit lyrics and bold imagery. Speaking to broadcaster Gayle King on CBS Mornings, the pop star said her record is “not for any pearl clutchers.” The 26-year-old explained that the music captures freedom of expression and fun, a theme she wants her fans to embrace despite criticism over her provocative stage visuals and artwork.
Sabrina Carpenter unveils Man’s Best Friend with unapologetic lyrics and daring cover art Instagram/sabrinacarpenter
What is Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend about?
Man’s Best Friend marks Carpenter’s seventh studio album and features 12 tracks, nine of which carry the explicit tag. The project has been produced by Jack Antonoff and was released through Island Records on 29 August. The album artwork itself has been a talking point: it shows Carpenter on her hands and knees while a man pulls her hair. The imagery quickly divided opinion online, with critics calling it unnecessarily provocative while fans praised her for owning her image.
The record follows her 2024 Grammy-winning Short n’ Sweet, which topped the Billboard 200 and delivered hits such as Espresso and Please Please Please. Carpenter told King that this new album expands her playful and self-assured identity in pop music.
The controversy stems from both the lyrical content and the visual presentation. Songs such as Never Getting Laid and My Man on Willpower lean into overt sexual themes. During her Short n’ Sweet tour, Carpenter had already courted debate with lingerie-inspired costumes and suggestive routines, including stage performances of Juno that mimicked sexual positions.
Addressing whether she overshares in her lyrics, Carpenter told King she sees the opposite: “At concerts, I see young women screaming with their friends, and there’s a collective sigh of relief that this is just fun.” She added that even so-called pearl clutchers could find humour in the record.
Carpenter has taken a direct but humorous approach to criticism. In her interview, she admitted her music is not designed for the prudish, yet she softened her stance by suggesting that even sceptics might privately enjoy it. She emphasised that her songs provide connection and lightness rather than being intended as shock value.
She also pointed to the irony of critics focusing only on the most provocative parts of her shows. In a recent interview, Carpenter noted that while audiences highlight her racy Juno routines, her concerts also include ballads and introspective moments.