There is a lot more to Nakuul Mehta than his dashing good looks and ability to deliver a winning performance. The gifted actor is also a trained dancer, popular TV host and someone with a rapidly growing fan base.
He came to prominence with popular TV drama Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaaraand is currently delighting fans with his knockout performance on hit serial Ishqbaaaz, which has consistently topped ratings since going on air last year. The talented all-rounder took a break from a busy schedule to talk about his journey as a performer, Ishqbaaaz, passions away from work, most memorable fan encounter and more.
Were you confident growing up as a kid?
My early years were spent travelling the length and breadth of the country owing to my father serving the armed forces, which also meant I changed 10 schools in twelve years. It made me accepting of people from different cultures and strata of society and also very adaptive to change. These were all traits that really helped me cope with my chosen field of work. On a daily basis I encounter over 150 lives working on my set in various capacities, besides many others who come to watch us shoot on set, media professionals. The list is endless. I think my travels through my early years have given me the confidence and ease to work around all kinds of people with a sense of comfort and peace.
When did you first get connected to performing in front of an audience?
It started with me narrating Santa-Banta jokes in front of my extended family on festive occasions. I managed to always gather an audience. Not sure if they were just being kind to a child or maybe I was funny enough. But that soon developed into me wanting to be on stage whether it was elocution/ debate in school or dance and drama. I believe my Naga Dance performance when I was in my fifth grade in an inter-school competition gave me my first sign of wanting to be connected to performing arts. It also helped that I was painted all blue and not many could tell if I danced amazingly well or sucked.
What made you get immersed in dance during the early days?
Watching Madhuri Dixit dance to Ek Do Teen and songs from Saajan made me want to be as graceful and smooth a dancer. Strangely enough she led me to picking up dance as a six-year-old. However it was training with Shiamak (Davar), Terence (Lewis) and Sandip Soparrkar that eventually further propelled my interest in dancing.
What led you towards acting?
The desire to be another person and feel and empathise with emotions, that weren’t necessarily mine was the driving force. I started with modelling for TV commercials and felt it was the easiest job in the world, which also paid rather well and required very little effort.
However only when I dug my feet into theatre is when I realised the desire to act had to be supplemented with the desire to really work on the craft. It needed way more patience and dedication than my teenage self had ever imagined.
How did you feel facing the camera for the first time?
My first real camera experience was shooting for a Sprite commercial with Satish Kaushik (director).
It felt like a breeze. He pampered me and took such great care of me that I felt I was born to do this. Only to realise later that it wasn’t going to be as simple as I thought.
When would you say you became confident in front of the camera?
I had done a fair amount of advertising and had some cinema experience before I ventured into mainstream TV with Pyar Ka Dard Hai in 2012. I thought everything I did prior to working on my debut TV show gave me the ease and confidence as an actor to hold my ground.
What was the whole experience of hosting for India’s Got Talent like?
To experience some of the best talent India has to offer and travel the country scouting for them has to be one of my fondest TV experiences. Jamming with Bharti was something that I enjoyed immensely and I also made some very close friends with the crew I worked with.
What has been the experience of working on your latest series Ishqbaaaz?
We have just completed a year of filming and to be fair, it has been one of my most challenging yet satisfying experiences as an artist. Jamming with the cast and crew each day in this past year has been a pleasure and taught me so much of my own ability to keep it going in the face of intense work pressures. I also feel far more equipped as an artist having come off a hugely successful show to take on the mantle of playing this role of Shivaay Singh Oberoi, which has been both challenging and hugely rewarding.
You work with great talent?
Yes also getting to work with some very bright talent, off and on camera and learning and evolving through the process is something I look forward to each day. We have a fantastic ensemble cast and it’s a pleasure filming scenes with them each day. However all of this gets multiplied manifold because of the overwhelming love we receive from the audiences for the work we do on the show. We have been the number one show in UK and US from inception and consistently hitting the Top 10 charts in India.
What is the biggest challenge of playing your character?
It has been my most enjoyable character on television, yet. Playing Shivaay Singh Oberoi has been a melange of emotions for me personally. On purely morals and values it’s a character I have many issues with, but to play it without judging it had to be my greatest learning in this process.
How do you cope with the very tough and demanding schedule of television?
I have stopped making a big deal of it and that’s my antidote to working around it. I consider it a professional hazard and just like a specialist doctor or an investment banker find very little time to themselves. In the very same way to be part of a show that is loved all over the country and the world especially with the sub-continental diaspora is both a position of great privilege and responsibility. Hence insane hours are something I consider a small sacrifice for living the dream.
Do you get any free time and if so what are your big passions away from work?
You never get free time, Asjad. One needs to steal time from the daily schedule. I love travelling and however hard it might be I make sure I travel every couple of months, even though it is never more than three days at a stretch. I also love watching cinema and trying different cuisines. It happens much less than I’d like it but I still manage.
What would be your dream role?
I’d love to play a warrior prince at some point of my career. It would be interesting to play a historical character and I am looking forward to that challenge. I would probably need a lot of physical and mental homework, but I’m happy to dive into it.
If you could have worked with any actor living or dead who would it be?
I would give my left arm and right kidney to have worked in the era of Madhubala and Dilip Kumar. If I lived in the west in my past life, jamming with Brando on a film set would have been fantastic.
What is your all time favourite movie?
Pursuit of Happyness is one of my favourite movie experiences. I absolutely love the Smiths in the movie and that climax is something I can keep watching.
Apart from your own, what are your favourite TV shows?
To he honest, when you are filming a TV show, it is rare you get to watch another show. But in the Indian television space, I grew up loving Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. I also am an ardent fan of Entourage and Friends is something I could forever watch.
Can you see yourself returning to your dance roots with stage shows or maybe a reality TV show?
I would love to dance more than I do right now although I don’t see myself taking up a reality show in the near future as my priorities are straight. To act, host and produce.
What is your favourite dance form?
I enjoy Latin ballroom. Although I miss doing the rumba and waltz since very rarely does Indian television or cinema use these forms.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I’m terrible with learning song lyrics. It’s my greatest challenge and fear.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To breathe! And I don’t mean it in just the literal sense of the word.
What inspires you?
Kindness.
What has been your most memorable fan encounter?
This wheelchair-bound old lady I met in London whilst promoting Pyar Ka Dard Hai. She wouldn’t let me go, hugged me and invited me to her home telling me how I was a very important part of her life. I didn’t know how to respond to that warmth and love, but was just thankful for being able to touch her life even without doing anything tangible. That’s the power of good shows and strong characters and I am bloody fortunate to have received them with both my shows, Pyar Ka Dard Hai and now Ishqbaaaz.
Give us a message for your fans.
I don’t have a message, only love and gratitude for them. My constant endeavour is to evolve and be better at what I do and in the process spread love and kindness while we are at it.
Simone Ashley, best known for her breakout role in Bridgerton, won’t have the screen time fans expected in Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film F1. Despite being part of the film’s promotional buzz and having filmed scenes alongside the main cast, Ashley’s role was trimmed down to a blink-and-miss appearance with no dialogue.
Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed the change, stating that the edit came down to tough decisions made during the final cut. Speaking in an interview, he said, “Every movie has more content than it can use. We had to drop two or three storylines for pacing. Unfortunately, Simone’s was one of them.”
Director praises Ashley but fans question repeated sidelining of actors of colour
Kosinski was quick to express admiration for Ashley, calling her “an incredible talent, actress, and singer” and adding, “I’d love to work with her again.” Still, the move has reignited conversations around how actors of colour are often given prominent placement during production and marketing, only to be cut back when the film is finalised.
Ashley has not directly commented on the cut since previews began, but earlier this year, she acknowledged that her role was “very small.” She said, “I’m just grateful to be in that movie. I got to experience many Grands Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again.” She also shared that the filming process felt like live theatre, given how tight and chaotic the schedule was while shooting during actual races.
Director Joseph Kosinski says Ashley’s storyline was cut for pacing and time constraintsGetty Images
The incident has drawn comparisons to Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto’s reduced screen time in Top Gun: Maverick, also directed by Kosinski. Jacinto’s part was heavily promoted but eventually cut down to a wordless cameo. Critics have noted a troubling pattern where actors of colour are regularly used for marketing but sidelined in final edits.
While F1 continues to generate buzz ahead of its 27 June release, Ashley’s reduced role can be seen as emblematic of the industry’s ongoing issues with representation and why more inclusive stories need to come from within.
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Dua Lipa prepares to take over Wembley Stadium with back-to-back shows this weekend
Dua Lipa is heading home. For the first time in her career, the chart-topping pop star will headline Wembley Stadium in London this weekend, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The two-night stop is part of her Radical Optimism world tour, which kicked off in Asia and will continue through the end of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to one of the capital’s biggest gigs this summer.
When, where, and what to expect from Dua’s Radical Optimism shows
Dua performs at Wembley Stadium on Friday, 20 June and Saturday, 21 June. Doors open at 5pm, support acts start from 6pm, and Dua is expected on stage by 8.15pm. Each show wraps up by 10.30pm.
The pop superstar is expected to perform a 22-track setlist, including hits like Levitating, Don’t Start Now, Dance the Night, and New Rules, alongside tracks from her latest album, Radical Optimism. Recent shows have also ended with a taped outro of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody, keeping the energy high as fans exit.
Support acts for both nights include Dove Cameron and Alessi Rose. However, there’s speculation that RAYE and Charli XCX might also make surprise appearances for Dua’s hometown concert.
For those interested in merch, you can shop at the stadium or drop by the official pop-up shop in Shoreditch from 19 to 22 June (11am–6pm).
Dua Lipa on stage performing hitsGetty Images
Tickets, banned items, and travel advice
Tickets are still available through resale platforms like Viagogo, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. Prices range from £55.20 (₹5,800) for resale general admission to £549 (₹57,600) for the official ‘Dua Lipa Gold’ hospitality package. Fans should be cautious, though, since resale tickets might not be valid if the original terms don’t allow transfer. Always check with the original ticket provider.
Wembley has a strict bag policy of only one bag per person, no larger than A4. Also banned are alcohol, large umbrellas, glass bottles, perfume, selfie sticks, and professional cameras. Security checks are mandatory at entry.
When it comes to travel, Wembley Stadium is served by three stations, including Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines), Wembley Stadium (Chiltern Railways), and Wembley Central (Overground and Bakerloo). Check TfL’s website for updates, especially for planned closures or delays over the weekend.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just love a good stadium show, this is set to be a memorable event in London’s live music calendar.
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Any move forward would be entirely dependent on Fincher’s approval of the scripts
Fans of Mindhunter may have reason to hope again. Although the series has been on indefinite hold since 2019, actor Holt McCallany has revealed that discussions have taken place about reviving the story, not as a third season, but potentially as a trilogy of films on Netflix.
Fincher open to film format revival
Speaking to Comic Book Resources (CBR) in a recent interview, McCallany — who plays FBI agent Bill Tench in the series — said he met with director David Fincher several months ago to discuss the show’s future. According to McCallany, Fincher mentioned a possible return in the form of “three two-hour movies”.
“I had a meeting with David Fincher in his office a few months ago,” McCallany told CBR. “He said to me that there is a chance that it may come back as three two-hour movies. But I think it’s just a chance.”
He also clarified that while discussions have taken place, any move forward would be entirely dependent on Fincher’s approval of the scripts. “Writers are working on ideas,” he added, “but David has to be happy with the scripts.”
Long hiatus after season two
Mindhunter debuted on Netflix in 2017 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its depiction of the FBI’s early efforts in criminal profiling. The second season was released in 2019, but plans for a third were paused indefinitely in 2020 when Fincher confirmed he had moved on to other projects.
At the time, Netflix said the series was on “indefinite hold” and released the lead cast — including McCallany, Jonathan Groff (Holden Ford), and Anna Torv (Dr Wendy Carr) — from their contracts, making a return uncertain.
In 2023, Fincher confirmed in interviews that there were no current plans to revive Mindhunter, citing high production costs and limited viewership compared to other Netflix hits.
Possibility still uncertain
McCallany admitted that the idea of a film revival is far from confirmed. “The sun, the moon, and the stars would all have to align,” he said. Still, the news that conversations are happening — and that Fincher is at least open to the idea — has reignited interest in the series.
Whether Mindhunter returns as a limited film event or remains a cult classic with two seasons, the possibility of continuing the story of Tench, Ford and Carr has brought new optimism to its dedicated fanbase. As of now, Netflix has not commented publicly on the reports.
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Ju Haknyeon exits THE BOYZ following controversy surrounding Tokyo lounge meet
K-pop idol Ju Haknyeon has officially left THE BOYZ following explosive allegations connecting him to a former Japanese adult film actress and an ongoing police investigation. While the singer denied involvement in any criminal activity, the controversy has triggered widespread media attention, emotional fallout among fans, and public apologies from the rest of the group.
Scandal breaks: Photos, police reports, and a contract termination
The storm began when images of Ju Haknyeon alongside ex-AV actress Kirara Asuka at a lounge in Tokyo began circulating online. What initially seemed like a private gathering on 30 May quickly spiralled into a scandal, with Korean media suggesting deeper implications beyond a casual meetup. Shortly after, on 18 June, his agency ONE HUNDRED confirmed the end of his contract, citing a "loss of trust."
Within 24 hours, matters escalated. A citizen filed a formal complaint at Gangnam Police Station accusing Ju of violating South Korea’s prostitution law, specifically Article 4, which pertains to arranging sexual services. The report hinted at potential ties with others in the entertainment industry, demanding a broader investigation. In response, the agency’s CEO Cha Ga Won issued a statement accepting responsibility, admitting the company lacked oversight, and apologised to fans.
Ju, in turn, posted a handwritten message denying all allegations. He acknowledged attending a private drinking session on 30 May but stated, “I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activity.” Despite the denial, the damage to his image was irreversible, leading to his removal from the group and all related activities.
THE BOYZ react: Apologies pour in from remaining members
In the aftermath, THE BOYZ members addressed their fandom, THE B, with heartfelt letters. Eric, Kevin, Juyeon, Sunwoo, Younghoon, Q, and others expressed deep remorse, shared personal struggles, and vowed to rebuild trust. They admitted the scandal had weighed heavily on them, with some describing emotional turmoil and fear of losing their fans.
The letters weren’t about defending Ju but about reassuring their audience that they remain committed. Each member promised to reflect, grow stronger, and uphold the group’s values. The group now continues as a 10-member act.
THE BOYZ attend 2022 The Fact Music AwardsGetty Images
Online reactions remain divided, with some fans supporting the group’s decision, while others question the harsh scrutiny idols face, especially over personal relationships. But one thing is clear: THE BOYZ is now in damage control mode, striving to move forward while keeping their fandom close.
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Randhir Kapoor had strongly opposed Karisma’s marriage to businessman Sunjay Kapur
In the wake of businessman Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death on 12 June 2025, attention has turned to Karisma Kapoor’s personal life and her past marriage. The former couple, who tied the knot in 2003, split in 2014 and finalised their divorce in 2016 after a long legal battle. Their marriage had been fraught with tension, and Karisma’s father, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor, had openly voiced his disapproval of the union.
‘She doesn’t need to remarry, she’s content being a mother’
Following their split, Karisma’s name was occasionally linked with businessman Sandeep Toshniwal, though neither ever confirmed a relationship. In a 2017 interview, Randhir Kapoor was asked whether Karisma planned to marry again. He replied that she was happy, settled, and completely devoted to her children, Samaira and Kiaan.
Randhir Kapoor once said Karisma is happy and well-settled as a single motherGetty Images
“I think Lolo is very well settled and happy. I have never discussed marriage with her, but if she ever wants to marry again, she will always have my blessings. That said, I don’t think she wants to. She’s a happy mother and there’s no step in that direction,” Randhir had said. He added that Karisma is an “excellent mother” and that her love for her children seemed to fulfil her completely.
Despite growing speculation at the time about a new chapter in Karisma’s life, Randhir’s words reflected a family that supported her decision to live life on her own terms.
Randhir Kapoor once said Karisma Kapoor may never remarry after divorceGetty Images
‘I never wanted her to marry Sunjay’
Back in 2016, during the divorce proceedings, Randhir had spoken about how he never approved of Karisma’s marriage to Sunjay. “Sunjay is a third-class man. We are Kapoors. We don’t need anyone’s money. He never cared for Karisma. He lived with another woman while giving her nonsense,” Randhir had said.
He added that everyone in Delhi knew Sunjay’s reputation, and he didn’t want to say more. Post-divorce, Karisma won custody of her children. Reports stated that Sunjay paid ₹70 crore (£6.6 million) in alimony and set aside ₹14 crore (£1.3 million) in bonds for the children’s future.
Though Sunjay later married Priya Sachdev, Karisma has remained single. She returned to the screen with selective work but kept her personal life private. Through it all, she’s maintained grace, and, as her father once said, she continues to live life the way she chooses.