“I’VE loved cartoons ever since I was a kid and still do so as an adult. They first introduced me to comedy, mostly in the shape of slapstick humour, and now as an adult shows like South Park and Rick And Morty continue to shape my voice. Anyway, here are my top 10 cartoons,” said Tez.
10. Fraggle Rock: Okay, not strictly an animated cartoon I know. And if I’m honest, I couldn’t even tell you what it’s about, apart from some weird puppet-looking things living underground. But what I do know is that it was my favourite thing growing up and the theme tune even now sends me into giddy sentimental rushes. I owe it to my five-year-old self to include it.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Who was your favourite? Initially mine was Leonardo, the leader and all that, but as I got older and understood more of the humour, my favourite was definitely Raphael, the sarky git. It had such an impact on me that even to this day when posh people talk about art and they mention one of the famous Renaissance artists, I hundred per cent think of the Turtles.
8. ThunderCats: Arguably the greatest action cartoon ever created for kids, with an epic theme tune to match. If you were born after 1990 it was most likely before your time, but trust me, it was amazing.
7. Family Guy: The pretender to The Simpsons crown. It’s a fair comparison given that both are based on a single family and the funniest person is the dad. But it holds up on its own, and although I don’t watch it as much as I did when I was at university, it is still very funny and makes me laugh out loud, which is not easy when you do comedy for a living.
6. The Simpsons: Obviously you can’t have a list without including The Simpsons on it. It pioneered a lot of shows we enjoy now. Another classic that is great for all ages. When I was younger, my favourite was Bart, but obviously the best character is Homer. Not only the best in that show, but arguably one of the greatest characters of all-time.
5. Avatar: The Last Airbender: Not enough people have seen this. This is genuinely one of those things that is equally enjoyed by kids and adults. It’s an epic, underwritten by great philosophical musings. Plus it’s so funny! It’d stand up against most sitcoms too.
4. Looney Tunes: Ah man, there’s no way anyone didn’t love this growing up. The adventures of Bugs, Daffy, Speedy Gonzales etc. It was actually very clever and so well-written. I think my favourite storylines were Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Like Tom, I always felt sorry for Wile E! Bless.
3. Rick & Morty: Wow, possibly the best show on TV right now. It’s so clever and out there, I am genuinely envious that anyone could create something this good. I love it, both as a funny cartoon, but also just as a sci-fi show; some of the ideas and concepts are outrageously good.
2. Tom & Jerry: My favourite cartoon when I was growing up. I’m literally watching this on Amazon Prime as I type. I think that I always felt sorry for Tom, even when I was younger. This is timeless entertainment that kids and adults alike have loved over decades.
South Park: This is probably the single thing that has shaped my stand-up the most over the years. I love how edgy and satirical it is, and how indiscriminate it is in its targets. The most irreverent show on TV, probably ever.
(With special mentions also to Animaniacs, Banana Man, Flintstones, He-Man, Hey Arnold, Popeye, Raggy Dolls, Rugrats, Scooby Doo, Super Ted, Trap Door and X-Men)
Comedian Tez Ilyas is currently touring his show Teztify aross the UK. He will be performing his slick, smart, subversive stand-up show as part of Alchemy at Southbank Centre on May 7. Visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk for more. Visit www.tezilyas. com, Twitter & Instagram: @tezilyas for more.
• Thalapathy Vijay turned 51 on 22 June 2025 • Trisha Krishnan’s birthday post shows Vijay with her dog, Izzy • Fans speculate about a relationship as the post goes viral • Trisha’s mother’s reaction adds fuel to the dating buzz
On Thalapathy Vijay’s 51st birthday, co-star Trisha Krishnan shared a seemingly innocent photo that’s now causing quite a stir online. In the picture, Vijay is seen playing with Trisha’s dog Izzy, while she looks on, smiling warmly. The caption, “Happy Birthday bestest” with hug and evil eye emojis, has sent fans into a frenzy, reviving the long-standing rumours of a secret relationship between the two Tamil cinema stars.
Trisha’s post with Vijay and her dog ignites curiosity
While birthday wishes from fans poured in for Vijay, it was Trisha’s post that stood out. The image feels intimate, almost personal. Fans quickly noted that Izzy, the dog in the picture, was adopted by Trisha earlier this year, ruling out speculation that the photo was from an old event like The GOAT success meet. The post has now sparked fresh conversations about their alleged off-screen bond.
Online users have been quick to react. “Okay official now,” one person commented. Another wrote, “This can’t be a coincidence anymore.” Reddit threads have analysed everything from Vijay’s shirt colour to the timeline of Izzy’s adoption to connect the dots.
Trisha’s mother’s response deepens fan speculation
Adding to the chatter, Trisha’s mother, Uma Krishnan, also re-shared the post with heart emojis, confusing fans even further. Many interpreted this as silent approval, while others questioned why she would publicly endorse the photo if there wasn’t more to it.
This isn’t the first time the duo have sparked such talk. Back in 2024, Trisha posted a cosy lift selfie with Vijay on his 50th birthday, and both were later seen attending a wedding in Goa together. Despite growing curiosity, neither has commented on the rumours.
Vijay, married to Sangeetha since 1999 with two children, has always kept his personal life private. As he gears up for his final film Jana Nayagan before stepping into full-time politics, the renewed buzz around his bond with Trisha is keeping both fans and gossip columns on high alert.
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Ezra Miller attends the 'Justice League' photocall
• Ezra Miller made their first major appearance in years at Cannes 2024. • They said their relationship with Hollywood remains “tentative”. • Miller is co-writing a new film with Die My Love director Lynne Ramsay. • They acknowledged remorse for past behaviour and said writing helped during solitude.
After years of controversy and retreat from public life, Ezra Miller has spoken out about their future in Hollywood and the difficult road it took to get here. The actor, best known for roles in Fantastic Beasts and The Flash, attended the Cannes Film Festival in May, marking their first major public appearance in years.
In a candid interview with Italian outlet Lo Speciale Giornale, published on 19 June, Miller described the experience as a “hard re-entry” and admitted their relationship with the industry remains “on tentative grounds”.
Ezra Miller attends the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Bros. "The Flash"Getty Images
Finding comfort in solitude and storytelling
Miller explained their decision to attend Cannes was rooted in loyalty to long-time collaborator and friend Lynne Ramsay, who was premiering her new film Die My Love. “She asked me to come, and if there’s anything I still believe in, it’s devotion to your people,” they said.
The two are now working on a film together, which Miller believes will be their first major creative project since 2023’s The Flash. “I’ve been writing a lot. You can do that in solitude, which has been friendly to me,” they said, reflecting on how time away from the spotlight has allowed them to stay creatively grounded.
Remorse, reckoning, and a slow re-entry
While Miller did not revisit each allegation directly, including arrests and troubling behaviour between 2020 and 2022, they acknowledged the emotional impact of those years. “Not that I don’t hold a lot of remorse for the things I did,” they said, “but I’m really grateful for the lessons that came with that abyss.”
They added that surviving those personal challenges gave them a deeper sense of empathy for others going through similar struggles. “When we survive our crucibles, we gain the ability to reach toward others in theirs,” Miller said.
Ezra Miller attends the Apple Store Soho presentation Getty Images
Though no new screen projects have been officially confirmed, the collaboration with Ramsay signals a cautious but deliberate creative return.
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Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Sardaar Ji 3 set for overseas release only
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.