UNSTOPPABLE STAR SURBHI CHANDNA DISCUSSES HER WINNING SUPERNATURAL SERIES AND FUTURE HOPES
by ASJAD NAZIR
POPULAR actress Surbhi Chandna has had a rapid rise in recent years and become one of the most bankable Indian TV stars.
She is continuing her winning small screen success with a starring role as Bani Sharma in supernatural drama Naagin 5 and carries forward the impressive legacy of the hit show.
The award-winning star has been shooting under strict Covid-19 restrictions for the fifth season and has won praise for her new sexy snake woman avatar.
She has also been working long hours on the highly demanding show, but is happy to entertain audiences during the difficult lockdown.
Eastern Eye caught up with Surbhi Chandna after a long day of hard work to speak about Naagin 5, her fans, future hopes and working during the time of coronavirus.
How do you feel when you start a new project?
There is a lot of excitement when I start a new project and multiple butterflies in my tummy because I come from a certain schooling and way of performing, and it is not necessary that every set I go to is going to follow the same pattern of performance, acting, direction or even lighting. I knew the kind of schooling I come from is not exactly the way they make shows like Naagin, which are very interesting fantasy-based shows. So, the excitement to learn something new is there.
How do you approach a new character like Bani Sharma in Naagin 5?
When I am offered a particular project, I don’t do a lot of research. I am actually an impulsive person, which often makes me an impulsive performer. I think all the magic happens when you are on set. When you have a scene, you of course, study it. You are taught to read the scene, and remember your lines and cues of whoever is in the scene. But I feel the scene has to happen on set. A lot of actors do all the planning beforehand, but the magic only happens when the camera rolls. It doesn’t even happen in the rehearsal, which is a touch up on the lines.
It is interesting you say that, tell us more…
My approach for a new character is on set. I believe in magic and in being raw. With Naagin 5, I have left back my previous show experiences behind and on this set I am as raw as can be. Asjad, I feel people relate to such raw characters and actors more. There is relatability to that innocence. So everyday I go on set, I won’t use the word blank as I study my scene, of course, but I surrender myself to the director.
What has the experience of shooting in the times of Covid-19 been like?
It is not easy shooting in such trying times. I am more worried for my family who is back home. So, every time I am at shoot or done with it, my only concern is my parents. Initially, when I started off there was a lot of fear, but I feel we can’t stop and be selfish, thinking only about ourselves. I see this entire unit which is working so hard, and I don’t think we can just fold our hands and sit at home. We can’t let our entertainment industry suffer. We see people sitting at home and enjoying episodes we are offering them. So kudos to the TV industry!
You must be working under strict precautions…
We are taking amazing precautions and follow strict rules. Everyone is following it, including hair and makeup artists being in their PPE kits. There are temperature and oxygen level checks. No stone is left unturned. So you are a bit relieved. One also has to take care of the body’s immunity level and eat right. So, we are doing everything possible.
What is the biggest challenge of playing this character?
Initially, I thought it’s a subject I am not very sure I can relate to and if I fail to relate to something I am doing, it won’t translate well onscreen. But I see that my season of Naagin 5 has so many interesting twists and turns. The way the story is moving forward is so interesting. Everyday I look forward to it and want to know what I will be doing next. There is excitement, even though the show challenges me big time. There are so many interesting sequences in different settings. I have learned so much, and I know I will learn a lot more on this show.
What other challenges are you facing?
(Laughs) The biggest challenge is sacrificing on food. I am a big foodie. I have to think of the sequences and think about what I am going to be wearing. I might not eat just to fit into my Naagin outfit. Now, I don’t treat it like a challenge, because I think I am liking myself being sexier.
What can we expect from this character?
With my character Bani Sharma, everyday, I am discovering a new trait in her. I am enjoying playing her. Of course, she is bold, fierce and strong. She isn’t some damsel in distress. If she has to save someone she will and she will express herself. It is like nothing I have done in the past. I am getting to know her more deeply everyday and loving her.
Does the amazing success of previous Naagin seasons put pressure on you?
Yes, of course, it does put a lot of pressure. That is the reason I was a little apprehensive in the beginning. There has been a different flavour to every season of the show, including this one. It is extremely different. The reason I signed up for the show was the story, and I am enjoying it a lot.
So, what would you say about Ekta Kapoor as a producer?
I hated not meeting EK for a narration. Every show she starts, they all get together at the Balaji house and have a narration with EK. I regret not having that time because of Covid-19. So, I only had a zoom meeting with her. Of course, in the past we have tried working on projects, but they would kind of start and stop. I didn’t know if I would be fortunate enough to work with her and today, I am doing Naagin 5. I think any actor’s dream or the first thing on their wishlist is to work with Balaji. I am looking forward to a long association because I have always wanted to work with EK. I find her so stunning. I mean what a woman! I can just go on about her.
You looking stunning in the series, how have you decided the look?
Thank you. There is a lot going into the look to make it look stunning. I am not going to lie. I have a stylist/designer, and a creative, and both of them and I get together and decide how to make Banni look stunning. A lot of hard work goes into it. But we enjoy doing it and will make Bani look even hotter in the future. So, fans can look forward to it.
What is the acting plan going forward?
I am ready to take what my life has to offer, all with open arms. There is no set acting plan right now. But I only want to grow. I think I want to just keep growing, better my craft and better myself as a performer. That is the reason I believe in rawness. I believe that every successful show I do, I am not going to carry that baggage to the next show. I am always going to be as raw as I can be. And I think that is only going to help me improve my work. I don’t know what I will do in the future, but for now I am enjoying the space I am in. So the acting plan for now is this.
Has the Covid-19 lockdown changed you in anyway?
I don’t know if the lockdown has changed me in anyway, but I valued the couple of months I had with my mum and dad. It had been a while and I spent that quality time with my parents. I think they are at this age where they need their kid around, and I valued those few months with them. Now, I am not seeing them so often, as by the time I am home they are sleeping, and then I leave early the next morning. So I have very erratic working hours, but I miss that period of spending time with them.
How much does the fan support mean to you?
My fan support means everything to me. I am not going to deny it. I am what I am because of them. They boost me, they love me, they criticise me if they have to and if they find faults they will. They will fight with me if they have to. I don’t even call them fans, I call them family! I am what I am because of them.
Why should we tune into Naagin 5?
It is such a strong and good-looking cast, but apart from that, the storyline is really gripping. This season is so different from all the previous ones. I think I am enjoying doing what I am doing with all my conviction. I am seeing so much love that is coming towards every character on Naagin 5. I am thinking that the audiences are accepting us, in a very short span. I think eventually we will only get better and better. So, everyone should just tune in and watch the show for the gripping storyline and great cast.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.