Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My top 10 acting moments - Ragevan Vasan

Stage debut: The first time I went on stage was a real moment. I was eight and played Mr Twit in the school book character competition. I wrote a speech, threw sweets at the children and had everyone in fits of laughter. The next year I went too far and played a character who couldn’t speak English. I refused to communicate with my teachers; I was method acting before I knew it.

School days: My acting skills came in handy at school, especially when I didn’t want to go to class. I would pretend to be really sick (usually a very loud cough or a stomach bug). I’d cause such a massive distraction that they’d have to chuck me out of the lesson. Terrible kid. I probably shouldn’t be proud of this, but if you could convince the teachers at my school, you could convince anyone.


University days: I met my closest friends at Bristol University, many of whom are creatives -- actors, writers, directors, producers and script developers. They constantly inspire me with their talent. University was a safe place to just create without any financial worries or external critical judgment. My favourite productions were The Cracks In My Skin and Festen, which Nel Crouch directed and designed using only existing materials from the theatre.

Andrew Scott: I’m mentored by actor Andrew Scott. It happened through an initiative with IdeasTap – an arts charity, which unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore. He has always been so supportive, especially when I started out. I remember working on a monologue from Jez Butterworth’s The Winterlings. He really helped me unlock a physicality, which he drew completely from the text. He was also great with general life advice; I owe loads to him.

The first: I think anyone’s first professional job always stands out. I played ‘T’ in Hurling Rubble At The Sun by Avaes Mohammed (Park Theatre, London, 2015). It was a massive opportunity to get to lead this incredibly taut and intense play. The experience allowed me to immerse myself creatively and gave me the confidence to know that working as an actor was a real possibility.

Love: Actors are sometimes required to workshop ideas for new projects. I was lucky to work with Alexander Zeldin on Love for the National Theatre. The play was about temporary accommodation during Christmas (devised with the actors). He creates a very focused environment for you to improvise. I love improvisation and feel most comfortable in these moments. It was exciting to work with someone who also trusts that process.

Save Me: Playing Gavin in Lennie James’ Save Me (Sky Atlantic). I remember reading Lennie’s scripts and being floored by his combination of accurate human dialogue with a thrilling narrative. Working with people like Stephen Graham and Susan Lynch was so easy as they’re so instinctive. It was effortlessly directed by Nick Murphy; he really captured the distinct, textured world of South London. I felt like I’d found my people on that project.

Dumbo: Working on Tim Burton’s Dumbo was special. As a kid, I would watch Edward Scissorhands religiously at my cousin’s house during family parties. Spending six months on a blockbuster set was like wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. The legend Roshan Seth played my uncle. Watching him, Tim and other actors like Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell work was inspiring; they all have an enthusiastic and kind work ethic.

I Wanna Be Yours: I’ve just finished I Wanna Be Yours, a play by Zia Ahmed. We went on a UK tour and ended at the Bush Theatre. The play looks at an inter-racial relationship through conversational dialogue, magical realism and poetry. I played Haseeb; the character was complex and his journey throughout the play was incredibly nuanced. I related so personally with the character’s experience and performing it felt cathartic. A rare gift.

The support: My teachers saw that I shone during school plays and encouraged me into local weekend drama classes. At these places, I was introduced to stage schools like Italia Conti, ArtsEd and organisations like National Youth Theatre. I won scholarships to all these places (which stem from the Arts Council). My professional  ‘moments’ couldn’t have happened had it not been for this funding. I hope young people continue to get these opportunities.

Ragevan Vasan is a British actor 

More For You

Fifth Harmony comeback 2025
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Getty Images

Fifth Harmony stuns Dallas with comeback at Jonas Brothers gig while Camila Cabello performs solo in Sydney

Highlights:

  • Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
  • Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
  • Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
  • Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia

US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.

Fifth Harmony comeback 2025 Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Heidi Klum

Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival

Instagram/heidiklum

Heidi Klum Venice Film Festival look with daughter Leni reignites criticism over mother-daughter lingerie fashion partnership

Highlights:

  • 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 Klum Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum

Keep ReadingShow less
Ahaan Panday

Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara

Instagram/ahaanpandayy

Ahaan Panday says Bollywood wronged him and admits he was delusional before 'Saiyaara' broke box office records

Highlights:

  • 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

Keep ReadingShow less
Alison Balsom retirement

Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025

Getty Images

Alison Balsom retirement confirmed as Proms star quits after saying trumpet career feels unsustainable with family life

Highlights:

  • 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 retirement Alison Balsom prepares for her final bow at the Last Night Of The Proms 2025 Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
​Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement on his 47th birthday takes fans by surprise

Vishal and Sai Dhanshika at their Chennai engagement ceremony

​Vishal and Sai Dhanshika engagement on his 47th birthday takes fans by surprise

Highlights:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less