Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NARGIS FAKHRI ON PLAYING A CHARACTER THAT MIRRORS HER OWN LIFE IN NEW FILM

by ASJAD NAZIR.

5 Weddings and a connection.


SHE may have started off her career in a high-profile Bollywood film, but model turned-

actress Nargis Fakhri has been branching off into interesting directions in recent years, including music and her latest film 5 Weddings.

The American actress plays the lead role in the English language comedy-drama about a

US-based reporter who reluctantly journeys to India to write about weddings and finds loves in an unexpected way.

She stars alongside a strong cast including award-winning Indian actor Rajkummar Rao

as well as Hollywood legend Bo Derek in the interesting-looking release that promises

plenty of laughs.

Eastern Eye caught up with Nargis to talk about her movie 5 Weddings, future plans,

comedy and more.

How do you look back on your film journey?

My journey in film has been a tumultuous one. As in life, this career path has many ups and downs, and you learn through trial and error. It’s also been challenging and exciting, giving me opportunities I never ever dreamed of.

Have you consciously tried to be unpredictable with your choices?

I think being predictable is boring. I like to keep myself on my toes, experiencing and

learning new things. I think the best part about acting is that we are able to do that, becoming different characters and learning about various things through the diverse roles.

What did you like about 5 Weddings?

I remember getting the script one morning and starting to read it, and I just couldn’t put

it down. I felt connected to the character and also the story. It was almost as if I was reading a part of my life.

Who do you play in the film?

I’ve been very lucky to be a part of 5 Weddings. I feel really connected to the character

of Shania as there are a lot of similarities between her and my own life. I love how Shania

is American, but has a multi-ethnic heritage and is forced to connect with her roots, which

ultimately becomes life-changing for her. My life has an almost identical story.

Tell us more about the movie’s story?

In the film 5 Weddings, an American journalist travels to India to cover the colourful vibrancy of Indian weddings, but there is something more serious interwoven with the joy

and fun of these traditional ceremonies.

The film goes beyond the fluff to explore the human component of hijras – a sect of

transgender dancers who have been an integral part of Indian weddings for centuries.

Conflict arises when this journalist decides to delve a little more into the life of a hijra, but

her government-designated liaison officer (Rajkummar Rao) is instructed to keep her

story censored. As the coverage of Indian weddings unfolds, so does a colourful mosaic

of lost loves, transgender tangles and culture clashes along the heartfelt journey of life,

symbolised by the universal ups and downs of a wedding celebration.

What was the biggest challenge you faced with this role?

It was that the character and I were very similar and she had to come to terms with certain

things in her life that affected her so deeply that she had pushed the emotions away, until the day she couldn’t push them away any more. I think because I understood what she was going through and I, like Shania, didn’t want to forgive. So forgiving was really tough

for me while playing this character.

Your favourite moment in the movie?

I really enjoyed working with Rajkummar Rao – not only is he talented, but he is also a great co-actor and a good human. Also working with Namrata (Singh Gujral), our director, was always fun. When you talk about what scenes were a favourite, I would have to say attending the different weddings were fun and working with the hijras too.

What is Rajkummar like as a leading man?

He is lovely and talented. He is very easy to work with and to be around, which makes

work easier and fun.

What is the director like to work with?

Namrata was a dream to work with. She really knows how to get the emotions that she needs out of you. She’s also very funny and fun to work with, yet very in tune with her actors and could empathise with us as actors and the characters. I feel pretty blessed to have the chance to work with Namrata. She’s talented and great to work with. She knows how to take care of her actors.

How much do you enjoy doing comedy?

In real life, a lot of people tell me I’m funny. It’s easy to be funny in everyday situations, but I think doing comedy on screen is a bit tougher. It’s all in the writing and then the timing with actors. But it’s definitely a lot of fun to be a part of a comedy. This film was not a full-on comedy, but definitely has its funny moments.

Will you have a big fat Indian wedding?

I doubt it. I enjoy attending weddings, but I don’t see myself having one or at least not a

big one. I’m pretty simple so wouldn’t want something so extravagant for myself.

What would be the best thing you like about Indian weddings?

I love the food, music and seeing everyone dressed up. And, of course, seeing the bride

and groom happy.

Which has been the most memorable wedding you have attended as a guest?

I think each wedding has something special about it and is very different, so there isn’t one

that stands out. It is not about how much or how big your wedding is, it is about the people

and the atmosphere created on that special day.

What else do you have on the way? 

I have Torbaaz, and we still have a few more days of shooting on it. I’m now based in Los

Angeles and working on a lot of other things.

Will you be exploring the music side more?

Funny, you ask, but yes, that is something I am exploring while I am in LA.

What inspires you?

If I am honest, I will say I lost my inspiration along the way. I think at that moment, what I

realised is that family and loved ones are who inspire and motivate me, and I need to be

with them more as life really just passes us by. Time is priceless and it moves so fast.

Do you have a dream role?

I always thought I wanted to do an action role. But I got a taste of that in Spy and it was lots of fun. I really would like to be a part of an American comedy.

What are your passions away from work?

Right now I’m really enjoying cooking and reading while I’m not working.

Finally, why should we watch 5 Weddings?

It’s a film that addresses a lot of social issues and takes us on a journey of the heart. I’m

sure the way I reacted to my character, a lot of people out there will feel the same.

  • 5 Weddings is in cinemas on October 5.

More For You

Pawan Kalyan OG

Pawan Kalyan’s OG breaks overseas records with sold-out shows days before release

Instagram/ogmovieofficial

Pawan Kalyan’s 'They Call Him OG' sells out world’s second-biggest IMAX in Melbourne in just 2 minutes

Highlights:

  • Advance bookings for They Call Him OG begin overseas with record sell-outs
  • Melbourne IMAX, the world’s second-largest screen, sold out in just 2 minutes
  • Additional shows added in Sydney and Coventry due to massive demand
  • Film marks Emraan Hashmi’s Telugu debut alongside Pawan Kalyan

The anticipation for Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited action film They Call Him OG, popularly called OG, has reached unprecedented levels. Overseas advance bookings opened this week, and within minutes the buzz translated into packed theatres. At Melbourne IMAX, the world’s second-largest cinema screen with 461 seats, tickets sold out in just two minutes. The feat proves both the global demand for OG and the star power of Pawan Kalyan, whose fanbase stretches far beyond India.

Pawan Kalyan OG Pawan Kalyan’s OG breaks overseas records with sold-out shows days before release Instagram/ogmovieofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Sony PS5 livestream

Sony typically announces its events only a few days in advance

Getty Images

Sony’s next PS5 livestream may happen next week, leaker claims

Highlights:

  • Leaker NateTheHate claims a PS5 livestream could take place next week.
  • Confirmation may arrive around 23 September, lining up with the Tokyo Game Show.
  • Event expected to be a State of Play livestream rather than a PlayStation Showcase.
  • Potential first-party reveals include Marvel’s Wolverine, Saros, and a rumoured 2.5D God of War game.
  • Third-party announcements are also expected during the showcase.



Leaker NateTheHate has reinforced earlier reports of an imminent PS5 livestream, now suggesting that the digital showcase could take place next week.

Keep ReadingShow less
Coachella 2026

Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G and a long-awaited Bieber debut — Coachella 2026 rewrites the pop playbook

Instagram Screengrab/coachella

Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter confirmed as Coachella 2026 headliners with Karol G joining the lineup

Highlights:

  • Coachella confirms 2026 lineup with Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G and Anyma headlining
  • Festival runs 10–12 April and 17–19 April at the Empire Polo Club in California
  • Bieber headlines Coachella for the first time after years of guest spots
  • Ticket prices range from £445 (₹47,300) for general entry to over £970 (₹1.03 lakh) for VIP passes

The Coachella 2026 lineup has been released, placing Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G and Anyma at the top of the bill. For Bieber, it marks a long-delayed first full set at the desert festival after years of cameo appearances, while Carpenter returns in a headline role following her recent chart run. Karol G leads Sunday with her Latin pop power, and Anyma brings a high-tech electronic show to close the circle.

Coachella 2026 Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G and a long-awaited Bieber debut — Coachella 2026 rewrites the pop playbook Instagram Screengrab/coachella

Keep ReadingShow less
Apple

Developers can also tap into Apple Intelligence for privacy-protected, on-device features, even offline

Getty Images

Apple rolls out major updates across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV and Vision Pro

Highlights:

  • New “Liquid Glass” design unifies iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
  • Apple Intelligence expands with Live Translation, visual search, and fitness features.
  • iOS 26 introduces call screening, message polls, and Apple Games app.
  • iPadOS 26 brings a new windowing system and productivity tools.
  • macOS Tahoe includes the biggest Spotlight update to date.
  • watchOS 26 adds sleep score and FDA-cleared hypertension notifications.
  • visionOS 26 enhances spatial experiences with widgets, Personas, and 3D content.

Apple unveils updates across its ecosystem

Apple has released significant updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, each now available as a free software update. The releases introduce a new design language called Liquid Glass, alongside expanded Apple Intelligence features, and a wide range of enhancements to apps and services.

A new design with Liquid Glass

For the first time, Apple’s operating systems share a unified design. Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects surroundings and refracts light, is now integrated across apps, icons, and widgets. The design aims to deliver consistency across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, while maintaining unique elements of each platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

India, US to discuss trade issues after tariff hike

INDIA and the United States will hold trade discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday, officials and Indian media reports said, as the two countries look to resolve a tariff dispute.

India currently faces high US tariffs on most of its exports and has not yet been able to reach a trade deal that would ease the pressure.

Keep ReadingShow less