NATASHA CHANDEL DISCUSSES ACTING, COMEDY WRITING AND HER DATING PODCAST
by ASJAD NAZIR
TALENTED producer, writer, actress and host Natasha Chandel has established herself as a creative force.
At the heart of that power is an amazing versatility that has enabled her to mix up marvellous projects, including starring roles, a popular dating podcast, hosting a radio show, a pioneering web series and currently writing for Netflix comedy series Mr Iglesias.
Born in Dubai, raised in Toronto and having lived in various cities, the Los Angeles-based creative powerhouse is looking to broaden her horizons even further with more exciting projects.
Eastern Eye caught up with Natasha to talk about her creative journey, dating tips, writing, inspirations and many more.
What connected you to creativity?
As early as I can remember, I loved coming up with a new reality, whether that was playing dress-up as a character, singing or reading a book, where I would imagine the whole story and come up with different endings.
What was your first passion in the creative field?
My first passion was acting. My mom tells a funny story of walking into her bedroom and seeing a two-year-old me crying in front of the mirror. She got worried and asked me what was wrong. I immediately stopped crying and turned to her to say, ‘I just wanted to see what I looked like.’ It’s pretty telling now, in hindsight.
You have worked hard and been able to skilfully balance writing, acting, producing and hosting, but which of the projects has given you the greatest joy?
That’s like picking between your children. But, let’s be real, there is always a favourite. The project I’m most proud of is my web series Mumbai Chopra: Misadventures of An It Girl. I created the show because I was tired of Indian girls being portrayed as passive bystanders in life, being oppressed, forced into arranged marriages, playing the quirky best friend. It was never me, so I had to create a reality I wanted the world to see of us.
It was ahead of its time…
I didn’t realise that what I was doing 10 years ago was so progressive. It was one of the first scripted Indian comedy web series with a female lead, with blind casting, featuring performers from all backgrounds, including trans actors and the differently abled. We broke the fourth wall, had a scripted vlog, all the stuff that big shows use in their formats now. I loved every minute of making that show, even though the workload almost killed me and my name became ‘Mumbai’ for four years.
Where do you draw your inspirations from as a writer?
As a comedy writer, my biggest inspiration is life. Everything I write is social commentary veiled in comedy; it’s stuff I see about human behaviour that makes me laugh or think and then I heighten it. Pop culture is hilarious to me; new ageism, dating obviously and everything in between.
Who is your comedy hero?
I don’t have one hero but there are many comedians I look up to, such as Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Monty Python, Russell Peters and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I love each of their voices, approach and how they broke the mould.
What has the experience of writing for Netflix’s Mr Iglesias been like?
Writing for Mr Iglesias has been amazing and a privilege, honestly. We have a plaque in our room that says, ‘work hard, be nice’, which is literally true on our show. Everyone from the top down are the kind of people who work crazy hard. It’s a truly diverse writers’ room, where everyone’s opinion and input is treated with respect, which isn’t always the case in comedy. I get to laugh for a living, write jokes, tell poignant stories, be surrounded by accomplished storytellers and friends. It’s a dream job. Season 2 will be coming out in 2020 so make sure you catch up on season 1. Yeah, that’s a plug.
Where is the oddest place you have come up with a great idea?
I can’t recall the exact places, but I’ll say from being on the pot to the middle of snogging, in the shower to driving, no place is off-limits for the creative mind.
Tell us about your dating podcast?
Kinda Dating is a comedy dating podcast where celebrities or experts and I break down one dating topic per episode, and try to figure out why the f**k we all have commitment issues. We’ve done nearly 130 episodes, with topics ranging from friends with benefits, addiction and co-dependency to deciphering mixed signals and mistakes single people make. We’ve had some huge brown guests, including Sunny Leone, Russell Peters, Mickey Singh, Humble The Poet, influencers and therapists.
Tell us more…
We’re not an advice show. It’s more of an exploration where we discuss both sides of a topic and our goal is not to help you find a man/woman, it’s to help you get out of your own way and be your best self, so if you find someone, great. But if you don’t, you should also be great.
What are the key dating tips you would give?
Maya Angelou says, ‘when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time’. We don’t want to see the truth because it means we have to make a decision (to stay or go), but take the truth as a gift and the decision as a doorway to get you to the right person faster. Being half a human with someone for an hour of your life is not hard. What’s hard is managing your feelings before and after it, so work on that. Don’t think every bad encounter means you’re going to die alone.
What are the big dating mistakes people make?
Think first, feel later. Most people do the opposite and miss glaring red flags. We’ve all done it. You can still enjoy and be present, but you were given both a heart and a mind, so use them in balance. Be open, be kind, and know that we’re all just trying out there. Put your best foot forward and let go of the past stuff, and don’t be scared if it doesn’t work out. You’ll be okay. I promise.
Is there one dating area you get messages about?
If you got ghosted by someone you’re seeing for less than a month or two, don’t sweat it. Seriously, harping on someone you barely know (even if you think you do) is a waste of time. They showed you who they are; trust it, be cool and move on. And don’t write a hate text. They’re a grown-up, they know what they did, so f**k em, and keep it moving.
Do you have a dream role?
Hands down, I would like to play a Marvel superhero.
Have you made any resolutions for the new year?
I try not to wait till the new year to make changes. I’ve started on some of my personal and professional goals already.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I love the ability of the entertainment industry to reach the masses, to be able to change people’s perspective with the characters and stories we tell/create. When I receive any message that my work made someone laugh or think or make different life choices, I feel purposeful. My personal mission is always to entertain and enlighten, so what I do allows me to give back in a tangible way to me. And it’s fun for me too.
Visit www.natashachandel.com and www.kindadating.com, Twitter: @Natasha_Chandel,
Multiple Aldi products recalled due to metal contamination and undeclared allergens
Affected items include seafood, taquitos, pork carnitas, vitamins, and churro bites
Customers in 37 US states advised to discard or return products
No related illnesses reported to date
Safety warnings prompt widespread Aldi product recall
Aldi has issued a series of product recalls across 37 US states following safety concerns involving undeclared allergens and potential contamination. The supermarket chain, in collaboration with suppliers and federal agencies, is urging customers to dispose of or return specific food and health products for a full refund.
The recalls are part of ongoing efforts to mitigate consumer health risks associated with allergen exposure and foreign matter contamination.
Products under recall
Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Recalled in partnership with Bestway Sandwiches Inc. due to possible metal contamination. Affected 20-oz boxes (UPC 4061459337471) with best-by dates of 07/03/25 and 09/25/25 were sold in 31 states.
Park Street Deli Pork Carnitas
Pulled from shelves on 21 April in association with Cargill Meat Solutions Corp, the 16 oz trays (UPC 4099100029352) were recalled due to metal contamination concerns. Affected use-by dates are 06/30/25 and 07/01/25. Available in 15 states.
Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing
Manufactured by Santa Monica Seafood, this product was recalled on 27 May after undeclared soy was found. Distributed to Aldi branches in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream
Recalled on 4 June by Camerican International after undeclared milk allergen was detected. Available in 13 states including Alabama, Florida, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Welby Vitamin B12
Recalled on 13 June by RV Pharma due to the presence of undeclared peanut allergen. Sold at Aldi stores across 37 states.
Health implications and expert comment
The recalls highlight the severity of risks posed by undeclared allergens. Even trace amounts can trigger significant reactions in allergic individuals.
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director at New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, previously explained to Newsweek: “The allergic response is triggered when the immune system wrongly identifies a harmless substance – like milk or peanuts – as a threat, releasing inflammatory mediators that can have profound effects.”
Aldi reinforced its commitment to customer safety in a public statement: “While ALDI is committed to providing only the best quality at the lowest prices, our top priority is the safety of you and your family.”
What consumers should do
Customers who have purchased any of the recalled items are advised to:
Cease consumption immediately
Discard affected products or return them to Aldi for a full refund
Individuals who have experienced illness or allergic reactions after consuming the products should contact a healthcare provider and report their case to the FDA MedWatch programme.
Ongoing recall updates will be posted on Aldi’s official newsroom and associated government safety sites.
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She is wearing a turquoise dress with a rainforest-themed print featuring monkeys, toucans, and lemurs
Queen Camilla turns 78 and is expected to celebrate privately at home
Official birthday portrait taken at Raymill House, Wiltshire
Outfit features rainforest-themed print; jewellery includes iconic diamond ring
Recent royal duties include state visits, Trooping the Colour, and military engagements
Appointed Vice Admiral of the UK on the same day
Queen Camilla marks birthday with relaxed countryside portrait
A new photograph of Queen Camilla has been released by Buckingham Palace to mark her 78th birthday. The image, captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson, shows the Queen leaning on a metal gate in a field at her private home, Raymill House, in Wiltshire.
She is wearing a turquoise dress with a rainforest-themed print featuring monkeys, toucans, and lemurs. Her accessories include gold drop earrings, her wedding band, a five-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, and a distinctive gold ring composed of circular plaques.
Private birthday after a year of public engagements
Unlike last year, when Queen Camilla carried out official duties on her birthday during the State Opening of Parliament, this year’s occasion is expected to be celebrated in private.
The photo, taken earlier this month, provides a personal glimpse of the Queen in a more relaxed setting, offering contrast to a busy few months of public service.
A year of significant royal activity
Earlier this year, Queen Camilla and King Charles III celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Despite the King’s ongoing cancer treatment, the couple have maintained a strong presence in national and international events.
Recent engagements have included:
Hosting French President Emmanuel Macron during a UK state visit
Attending Trooping the Colour in June
Visiting Canada in May for the opening of the country’s parliament
This week, the Queen also visited a children’s hospice in Devon and HMS Astute, a nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine, docked in Plymouth.
A one-of-a-kind birthday gift from the Royal Navy
While aboard HMS Astute, Queen Camilla received a unique birthday present from Commander Christopher Bate: a roll of clingfilm mounted in a commemorative holder. The material had previously been used to fix a defect in the submarine’s main engines. A plaque on the holder read: “Clingfilm keeping nuclear submarines at sea.”
Camilla appeared amused and appreciative, remarking: “There's nothing more useful, brilliant, how wonderful.”
Royal Navy honour on birthday
On the same day as her visit to HMS Astute, it was announced that Queen Camilla had been appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. The honorary military title recognises her continuing support of the Royal Navy and its service personnel.
The new portrait and the appointment reflect both the personal and public aspects of Queen Camilla’s evolving royal role as she enters her 79th year.
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8 babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from 3 people
Eight babies were born in the UK using DNA from three individuals to prevent mitochondrial disease
The technique combines egg and sperm from parents with mitochondria from a donor egg
Legal in the UK since 2015; results show children are meeting expected milestones
One in 5,000 babies are born with mitochondrial disease; no known cure exists
Newcastle scientists pioneered the technique, now used under NHS specialist service
UK births mark milestone in preventing inherited mitochondrial disease
Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people in a pioneering effort to prevent incurable mitochondrial disease, doctors have confirmed. The technique, developed by researchers in Newcastle, represents a significant breakthrough in reproductive medicine and genetic science.
These births are the first proven cases in the UK of healthy children being born free of devastating mitochondrial disorders thanks to this technique, which has been legal in the country since 2015.
Mitochondrial disease, affecting about one in every 5,000 births, can cause heart failure, seizures, blindness, and early death. The newly available technique offers families affected by the condition the chance to break the cycle and give birth to children without the disease.
How the process works
The procedure involves combining the egg and sperm from the biological parents with healthy mitochondria from a donor egg. Both the mother's and the donor's eggs are fertilised with the father's sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are carefully processed: the nuclear DNA from the parents is transferred into the donor's embryo, which contains healthy mitochondria but had its own nuclear DNA removed.
The resulting embryo is mostly composed of the parents' genetic material but includes a small fraction—about 0.1%—of DNA from the donor. This change is heritable and would be passed on by any female offspring.
Results and reactions
A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that 22 families have undergone the procedure through the Newcastle Fertility Centre. Eight babies have been born so far—four boys and four girls, including a pair of twins—with one pregnancy still ongoing.
None of the children have shown signs of mitochondrial disease and all are developing normally, meeting their expected milestones. One child experienced a self-resolving case of epilepsy, while another is being treated for a non-related heart rhythm condition. Doctors have not linked these instances to the mitochondrial technique.
Parents involved in the programme have chosen to remain anonymous but shared written statements expressing gratitude. "After years of uncertainty, this treatment gave us hope—and then it gave us our baby," one mother said. Another noted: "The emotional burden of mitochondrial disease has been lifted, and in its place is hope, joy, and deep gratitude."
Monitoring and concerns
Intensive follow-up is being carried out to monitor the long-term health of these children. In five cases, no diseased mitochondria were detected in blood or urine samples. In three other cases, between 5% and 20% of faulty mitochondria were identified—well below the 80% threshold typically associated with disease.
While these results are encouraging, researchers emphasise the need for further investigation into how to minimise the transfer of defective mitochondria during the process. "The findings give grounds for optimism," said Professor Mary Herbert of Newcastle and Monash University, "but further research is essential to improve treatment outcomes."
Ethical and legislative landscape
The UK was the first country in the world to legalise mitochondrial donation after Parliament approved the procedure in 2015. This marked a controversial but decisive step in reproductive ethics, as the addition of donor mitochondrial DNA results in heritable genetic change.
Concerns at the time centred around the possibility of creating genetically modified "designer babies". However, scientists and medical professionals involved in the procedure have been keen to stress its limited and therapeutic purpose.
"This is the only place in the world this could have happened," said Professor Sir Doug Turnbull of Newcastle University. "There’s been world-class science, legislation, NHS support, and now we have eight children free of mitochondrial disease. What a wonderful result."
Hope for the future
Families affected by mitochondrial disease have hailed the development as a major breakthrough. Kat Kitto, whose daughter Poppy, 14, lives with the condition, described its impact: "We have a lovely time as she is, but there are moments where you realise how devastating mitochondrial disease is."
Her older daughter Lily, 16, may benefit from the technique in the future: "It's the future generations like myself, or my children, who can have that outlook of a normal life."
The NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, which oversees the procedures, expects demand for 20 to 30 such births annually. The Lily Foundation, a charity supporting families affected by mitochondrial disease, called the births a long-awaited step forward. "For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition," said founder Liz Curtis.
While challenges remain, the birth of these eight children free from mitochondrial disease stands as a landmark achievement in modern medicine—and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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The rollout is part of Sainsbury’s broader Nectar Prices strategy
Sainsbury’s will roll out Your Nectar Prices to physical checkouts nationwide from 25 July.
Scheme gives loyalty members access to personalised discounts based on shopping habits.
Over 17 billion tailored offers generated since launch; £60m saved by customers in the last year.
More than one million shoppers currently use the feature weekly.
Offers now available in-store, online, via app, and soon, at checkout.
Sainsbury's brings personalised loyalty savings directly to the tills
Sainsbury’s will extend its Your Nectar Prices programme to checkouts across the UK starting Friday, 25 July. The move allows Nectar members to receive personalised discounts directly at the tills for the first time, as part of the retailer’s continued investment in digital loyalty.
The supermarket has already issued over 17 billion tailored offers since launching the scheme, with more than one million customers using it weekly. According to the retailer, these offers have helped shoppers collectively save £60 million over the past year.
Previously, Your Nectar Prices was available only through the SmartShop app, Sainsbury’s website, and the Nectar app. Now, with the expansion to checkouts, the scheme becomes more accessible to in-store customers.
How it works
To take advantage of the Your Nectar Prices discounts, customers must be digitally registered with Nectar. Each Friday, users need to “tap to unlock” their personalised deals via the Nectar app or website. Once activated, the offers are automatically applied at checkout – in-store or online.
Shoppers can receive up to 10 tailored discounts per week, based on their regular buying habits. Sainsbury’s estimates these could amount to savings of over £150 annually per customer.
A key milestone in loyalty personalisation
Mark Given, Chief Marketing, Data & Sustainability Officer at Sainsbury’s, commented on the expansion:
“Over the past few years, we’ve made significant strides with Nectar, with Nectar Prices being a big part of that success, bringing great value to millions of customers.
But what really sets us apart is that we’re leading the way by making loyalty personal. Shoppers want to feel recognised and rewarded and while Nectar Prices are for everyone, we know our customers love an offer that is made just for them.”
“Every week over a million customers are making the most of their personalised discounts and, by rolling this out to our checkouts, we’re opening the door for millions more to grab fantastic offers on the items they already purchase and maybe even discover some new favourites.”
Part of the wider Sainsbury Nectar Prices strategy
The rollout is part of Sainsbury’s broader Nectar Prices strategy, which offers savings on thousands of everyday items to all Nectar cardholders. The retailer encourages customers to use both the standard and personalised offers for maximum benefit.
Your Nectar Prices, launched four years ago, covers a wide range of categories including fresh food, household essentials, health & beauty, baby items, and pet care.
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The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed
Kew Gardens will shut its iconic Palm House for up to four years
Grade I-listed building to undergo major restoration as part of net-zero strategy
Gas boilers to be replaced with modern heat pumps
Rare plant collection, including 45 endangered species, to be relocated during works
Palm House and Waterlily House will become the first net-zero glasshouses globally
Historic Palm House to undergo major upgrade
Kew Gardens will temporarily close one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Grade I-listed Palm House, for up to four years as part of an ambitious net-zero redevelopment plan. Opened in 1848, the glasshouse is home to a globally significant collection of tropical plants and houses the world’s oldest potted plant—an Encephalartos altensteinii dating back to 1775.
The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed into the world’s first net-zero glasshouses through a large-scale renovation focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Plans to modernise historic infrastructure
The project, submitted last week to Richmond-upon-Thames borough council, will replace ageing gas boilers—installed more than 100 years ago—with modern heat pumps. These upgrades are designed to help Kew Gardens meet its sustainability targets while preserving the conditions required to house rare tropical species.
Each pane of glass in the structure will be removed and recycled. New, more robust glazing will be fitted using advanced sealants designed to retain heat and humidity, crucial for plant survival.
The Palm House’s iron ribs will also be stripped, repaired and repainted in the original colour used when the structure first opened.
Funding for the scheme will come from a combination of grants and private investment.
Protecting rare and endangered plant life
During the renovation, the entire plant collection—comprising towering palms, passion plants, and 45 species at risk of extinction—will be carefully relocated to temporary glasshouses to ensure their survival.
Tom Pickering, head of glasshouse collections at Kew, described the project as both a dream and a major responsibility. “The aim is to make the Palm House energy efficient while retaining all the magic of what it is today in terms of planting and horticulture,” he said.
Reviving a global icon with modern innovation
Richard Deverell, director of Kew Gardens, emphasised the urgency of the work, saying: “The Palm House and Waterlily House represented the latest in design and build at the time of their construction, but they are showing serious signs of deterioration and are not at all energy efficient.”
“Without urgent work, these iconic listed buildings and the vital tropical plants they protect are at risk of being lost forever,” he added.
Deverell called the project an “epic opportunity” to combine cutting-edge technology with heritage conservation. He said architects, engineers and Kew’s horticultural team have already spent years developing and testing the features that will help secure the buildings’ future.