Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
DASHING Pakistani actor Danial Afzal Khan has shown off his impressive range as a performer in projects including drama serials that have entertained global audiences.
The popular star has never shied away from acting challenges and is looking forward to expanding his horizons further.
Eastern Eye found out more about his inspirations when he picked 10 actors he admires.
He said: “Watching those I have selected in my top 10 has been the school and workshop an actor needs. Also, their work, genius and persona inspire me to keep getting better and better. Of course, there is a huge difference in the medium and work environment, but one can pick on the bits and chunks, and mould them for their own betterment and as an add-on to their skill set.”
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington: Denzel because, well, if not Denzel, then who? Just him being there in
a scene is a scene in itself. The man, his range of emotions, expressions, the originality, and command he has over his craft is just, wow. I can watch his movies any day, any time without knowing the plot or synopsis. Him playing the part is enough.
Russel Crowe: When those magnetic eyes act, they create so much magic on screen. It’s such
a treat to watch his effortlessness in playing those magnanimous characters, pretending to be so ordinary yet acting in such an extra ordinary way.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins: The legendary actor is a ‘Sir’ for a reason. The opening shot of him in
Silence Of The Lambs is enough to understand the depth and command he has over his craft. It still gives me chills whenever I watch that scene. His skill and portrayals are immense.
Benicio del Toro: He is such an enigma. Nobody has really understood how he does what he does, so who am I to say anything? The Del Toro the name is enough.
Robert Downey Jr: I guess the current billions of dollars which Marvel makes is all thanks to Mr Downey. That tells the tale of what amazing magic he has. He is supremely talented, and him just being himself is enough for a great performance. The world even after the end of Iron Man isn’t over Iron Man, all thanks to him. He’s a different breed.
Cillian Murphy: Isn’t it a treat to watch this man deliver his line in his very own Cillian way? Those dead sad expressions – his whole body resonates with it, and you feel it. That man is a genius. Anyone who doesn’t agree can watch him play Tommy (in Peaky Blinders) or The Scarecrow.
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield: I had surprisingly never liked his performances before, but after seeing
him in Hacksaw Ridge, I went back to watch his work. And man, this very ordinary boy next door is a giant when it comes to acting.
Brad Pitt: Well, if there’s one actor who is a treat just to look at, then it is him. He backs that up with his brilliant acting ability. He also has this huge God-given charisma that people don’t see past. The only actor, in my opinion, whom you can watch on screen just because he’s there. He can be dead silent, yet it’s Pitt you have to watch.
Christoph Waltz: When he acts, it’s doesn’t even feel like he’s in the same world or is on the same frequency as normal beings. He’s on another level. And I can’t understand how you get that level of supremacy in your craft.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp: Well, who cannot love Johnny and his work? The innovation, newness and style he brings to his roles, no one comes close. Whether it is Edward Scissorhands, or Captain Jack Sparrow, he has characters you can’t imagine anyone else playing.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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