As the “champagne” carpet was rolled out, the 2023 Oscars saw the latest trends in fashion as showcased by A-list stars and celebrities.
India had a successful run at the awards, with SS Rajamouli’s movie, RRR, winning Best Original Song for 'Naatu Naatu,' and The Elephant Whisperers taking home the award for Best Documentary Short Film.
Actress Deepika Padukone was a presenter at the event. She wore two of her ambassador brands, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. The actress wore a black off-shoulder velvet gown that featured a mermaid silhouette and matched it with velvet gloves. She accessorised the outfit with exquisite diamond jewelry, including a statement necklace from Cartier, with a pear-shaped yellow diamond in the centre.
Indian actress and producer Deepika Padukone attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
To complete her look, Deepika opted for a centre-parted messy bun, winged eyeliner, a nude pink lip shade, kohl-lined eyes, subtle nude eye shadow, feathered brows, rouged cheeks, and a dewy base.
At the Vanity Fair after-party, she opted for a pink mini dress with short sleeves and a V-neckline that highlighted her décolletage. She paired the dress with black stockings and kept the black gloves from her Oscars outfit.
One standout feature of her after-party look was the black broad belt that she wore with the dress, creating a sophisticated silhouette.
The dress was designed by New York-based Naeem Khan, who was also tagged in Deepika's Instagram post.
To complete her ensemble, she wore pointed black stilettos and accessorised with diamond earrings from Cartier. She opted for a messy bun, blue eyeliner, well-groomed eyebrows, contoured cheeks, and nude lips.
Sharing the pictures on her social media handle she captioned them, "And then the after."
For the Academy Awards, RRR actor Ram Charan was dressed in a bespoke three-piece ensemble by Shantanu & Nikhil, styled by Nikita Jaisinghani. The outfit included an asymmetrical kurta, straight-fitted pants, and a bandhgala jacket adorned with golden buttons.
Ram Charan & his wife Upasana - Image Credit: Instagram
The actor completed the look with a golden brooch, a trimmed beard, and a sleeked-back hairdo. His attire paid homage to his Indian roots and freedom fighters with a black bandhgala jacket featuring a badge of buttons.
His RRR co-star, Jr NTR, opted for a Gaurav Gupta outfit styled by Ashwin Mawle and Hassan Khan. The bandhgala kurta featured a gold-embellished tiger motif on one shoulder and an angrakha-style neckline.
Jr NTR - Image Credit: Instagram
The actor paired it with matching pants and a rugged beard, completing the look with a pulled-back hairdo. Jr NTR’s bandhgala kurta featured a striking gold embellished tiger motif, paying homage to India's national animal.
Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Ram Charan’s wife, also attended the event to support Team RRR's nomination. She was clad in a stunning sustainable ivory silk saree, specially crafted by Hyderabad-based designer Jayanti Reddy, using handwoven silk spun from recycled scraps. To complete the look, she carried a handmade potli made from scraps that complemented her silk saree, and wore an intricately crafted Lilium neckpiece that apparently had been in the making for the past four years.
The exquisite Lilium piece was part of a collection of life-size flowers designed by avant-garde Mumbai-based jewellery designer Bina Goenka, and was skillfully made using the highest quality natural gemstones, including pearls and approximately 400 carats of high-quality gems.
SS Rajamouli, the director of RRR, donned his signature look of a kurta and dhoti at the Oscars, standing out from the crowd of formal suits and tuxedos.
For the prestigious event, Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, the Naatu Naatu singers, were dressed in traditional kurta-pyjama sets. They captivated the audience with a live performance of their song.
Kartiki Gonzalves and Guneet Monga, from The Elephant Whisperers, also added an ethnic touch of glamour at the ceremony. Kartiki chose to wear a vibrant gown with a sheer overlay by Rahul Mishra, while Guneet opted for a traditional Benarasi saree.
Kartiki Gonzalves and Guneet Monga, from The Elephant Whisperers - Image Credit: Instagram
Comedian Lilly Singh turned heads with her pink trouser suit, featuring a trench coat layered on top of a silky pink top and flared bottoms at the Oscars.
Canadian YouTuber Lilly Singh attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
British Asian star Riz Ahmed sported Prada's latest oversized collar shirt, fresh off the 2023 catwalk and Malala Yousafzai arrived in style, donning a silver floor-length gown by Ralph Lauren that featured a head covering and a neatly ruched side waist.
Malala Yousafzai and her husband Asser Malik - Image Credit: Instagram
British actor Riz Ahmed attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Mindy Kaling chose a stunning laser-cut white dress by Vera Wang, featuring detached sleeves.
US actress Mindy Kaling attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
And David Byrne, along with Mala Gaonkar, stood out from the tuxedo-clad crowd with a tailored Nehru collar suit.
Scottish-US singer David Byrne (L) and US businesswoman Mala Gaonkar (R) attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley looked lovely with her bold and striking sequinned dress, which featured shimmering fabric, two decorative bows, and a daring thigh-high slit. Her stunning aquamarine gown was designed by Harris Reed for Nina Ricci, from the fashion label's Fall/Winter 2023 collection. The British-American designer was appointed as the brand's creative director in 2022 and is renowned for his subversive and gender-fluid styling.
British actress Simone Ashley attends the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Prior to the awards, Priyanka Chopra Jonas looked stunning at the South Asian Excellence Awards for the Oscars , donning an all-white lehenga designed by Falguni Shane Peacock. The outfit consisted of a two-piece set featuring a sheer corset, an embellished and body-hugging maxi-skirt, and an Ostrich feather coat.
According to the site high heel confidential, Mindy also graced the South Asian Excellence event on Thursday (09) evening, dressed in a sari designed by Falguni and Shane Peacock.
Jacqueline Fernandez in a purple saree along with Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas and other celebs - Image Credit: Instagram
Meanwhile, Jacqueline Fernandez attended the pre-Oscars get-together, representing the cast and crew of Tell It Like A Woman in a glamorous purple saree followed by a midnight blue trouser suit.
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has raised questions over the future of his vast wealth and who stands to inherit it. Best known in the public eye for his marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Kapur leaves behind a family spread across three marriages — including two children with Kapoor.
Global business, personal fortune
Kapur was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, commonly known as Sona Comstar, a global automotive components firm headquartered in Gurugram, India. He took charge of the company after the death of his father Dr Surinder Kapur in 2015 and steered it to significant success, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company was listed on the Indian stock exchange in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2.95 billion, according to Bloomberg.
At the time of his death on 13 June in London, Kapur's personal net worth was estimated at around £980 million ($1.2 billion), with most of it tied to his stake in the company.
Family and children
Kapur was married three times. His first marriage, to designer Nandita Mahtani, ended in 2000. From 2003 to 2016, he was married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira, now 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple have a six-year-old son, Azarias.
Inheritance and past settlements
There has been no official word from the family or company about the contents of Kapur’s will or the structure of his estate. However, reports suggest that under Indian inheritance law, his current wife Priya Sachdev would manage the estate unless otherwise specified in a will.
According to earlier reports from ANI in 2016, during divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor, Kapur had purchased bonds worth around £1.3 million (₹14 crore) each for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds reportedly generate a monthly income of around £9,400 (₹10 lakh) for each child — a move seen as part of his legacy planning.
As part of the divorce settlement, a family property in Mumbai was also transferred to Karisma Kapoor, who retains full custody of the two children.
Uncertain future
While the details of Kapur’s current estate plan are not public, Indian media reports suggest his sisters may take on management roles within Sona Comstar. The company has said that business operations remain unaffected and pledged to uphold his legacy.
For now, it remains unclear how his estimated £980 million fortune will be distributed among his heirs.
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Aamir Khan addresses love jihad allegations and shares rare details about his family
In the lead-up to his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has addressed a long-standing controversy that has trailed him for years: allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted ‘love jihad’ and disrespected religion. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor finally offered his side of the story, calling the accusations “baseless” and “misinformed”.
“When two people fall in love and decide to marry, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a human connection,” Aamir said, firmly rejecting the label of ‘love jihad’.
‘PK’ wasn’t against religion, it warned against blind faith: Aamir clarifies intent
Back in 2014, PK sparked debate for showing a Hindu woman in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused the film of mocking religious beliefs. Responding to this, Aamir said the film respected all faiths and was never intended to ridicule anyone’s beliefs.
“We respect every religion deeply. PK was about being cautious of those who misuse religion to exploit people. This kind of manipulation exists in all communities,” he explained. He stressed the film’s core message: don’t fall for those who use faith as a tool for fear or financial gain.
Aamir Khan defends PK and calls out misuse of religion to create divisionGetty Images
Aamir also addressed questions about his children’s names. Despite being married to Hindu women Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, his children carry Muslim names like Ira, Junaid, and Azad. “My wives chose the names. There was no pressure from me,” he said, adding with a smile, “Husbands don’t always get their way.”
‘Humanity over headlines’: Aamir gives personal examples to challenge narrative
To further break down the ‘love jihad’ myth, Aamir pointed to his own family. “My sister Nikhat is married to Santosh Hegde, Farhat to Rajeev Dutta, and my daughter Ira to Nupur Shikhare, all Hindu men. Will you call that love jihad too?” he asked.
He urged people to look beyond religion when it comes to relationships, calling love a personal choice that transcends labels. “When two minds connect, it’s above any religion. It’s about humanity,” he said.
Aamir says real love is a human bond not a conspiracy Getty Images
Aamir also addressed criticism for delaying his response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The actor clarified that he isn’t active on social media and said the timing of his statement and the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par was purely coincidental.
Sitaare Zameen Par hits cinemas on 20 June.
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5 moments from the Kantara 2 shoot that shocked fans and halted filming
The shoot of Kantara 2 has been anything but smooth. What was meant to be a spiritual sequel to one of Kannada cinema’s biggest hits has instead been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents, including a drowning, a boat capsizing with Rishab Shetty on board, and even environmental fines. While the production team insists filming is on track, the number of on-set mishaps has left fans concerned and questioning the safety standards behind the camera. Here's a timeline of five serious events that disrupted the shoot.
A minibus ferrying around 20 junior artists back from set rolled over near Jadkal, Karnataka. Initial reports pointed to injuries. Hombale Films quickly countered, insisting it wasn’t their official transport and no one was seriously hurt. Filming pushed ahead almost immediately. The conflicting accounts left questions hanging about crew safety during transit.
A lunch break tragedy (7–8 May 2025)
The shoot took its darkest turn during a break at the Kollur Souparnika River location. Junior artist M.F. Kapil, just 24, went for a swim off-duty. Strong currents swept him away. Hours later, his body was recovered. Production halted. While the makers stressed this happened off-set and was a "personal accident," the death of a young crew member cast a long shadow over the production. A police probe followed.
Off-set losses (May–June 2025)
Within weeks, two more deaths struck, though not directly tied to set conditions. Comedian Rakesh Pujare succumbed to a cardiac arrest in May. Then, in June, mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju collapsed on set with chest pain, dying en route to the hospital. While health-related, each incident highlighted the importance of on-call medical support.
Massive set destruction & environmental fines (Early 2025)
Months before the drownings and boat capsize, the team faced a different kind of blow. A massive, expensive set built for the film was utterly destroyed by fierce, unexpected storms and relentless rain. To compound the problem, the crew later drew flak and fines from forest officials, accused of disrupting habitats and illegally dumping waste during their work.
Boat capsize at Mani Reservoir (16 June 2025)
The most recent jolt came with the boat capsizing incident at the Mani Dam reservoir. While filming a scene, the vessel, overloaded with Shetty and crew, overturned, plunging everyone into the water. Shallow depths prevented fatalities, but equipment was lost, production stopped, and safety protocols came under intense scrutiny. Police are investigating overloading as a likely cause.
Each setback, from overturned vehicles to environmental pushback and sudden fatalities, has tested Kantara 2’s planners and crew. While no further fatalities have occurred since 15 June, production delays and budget increases are almost inevitable. The team now faces the dual task of maintaining its ambitious 2 October 2025 release date while ensuring every member can work without fearing for their safety.
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Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
Chart-topping singer Jay Sean has been announced as the headline performer for this year’s Middlesbrough Mela, and he’s set to bring the party after dark. In a historic first, the 2025 edition of the UK’s longest-running multicultural festival will introduce a Saturday evening concert headlined by the Down hitmaker, marking a major moment in the Mela’s 35-year legacy.
The festival, which takes place on 16 and 17 August at Middlesbrough’s Albert Park, expects over 50,000 visitors across the weekend. But all eyes will be on Saturday night, when the park transforms into a concert-style arena from 6pm onwards, with Jay Sean taking the stage in a ticketed evening slot curated by BBC Asian Network presenters.
Fans are expected to travel nationwide for Jay Sean’s UK exclusive performance
South Asian trailblazer returns to UK stage
Jay Sean, widely regarded as one of the most successful British Asian artists of all time, made history by becoming the first South Asian artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100. His chart dominance in both the UK and US in the late 2000s helped redefine South Asian representation in mainstream pop.
In 2024, he launched his own record label, 3AM Entertainment, under Virgin Music Group to champion emerging South Asian talent. Now, his return to UK stages for this exclusive Middlesbrough Mela performance has created major buzz, with organisers expecting fans to travel from all corners of the country.
The 35th edition of Middlesbrough Mela promises music food and cultural festivities
Festival Director Kash Patel called Jay Sean’s appearance “a game-changer” and said it reflects the energy and cultural pride that the Mela has come to represent. “Jay Sean’s legacy goes beyond music. He’s inspired generations of British Asians. Having him here is a proud moment for Middlesbrough,” he added.
The first wave of discounted tickets, priced at £15 (₹1,600) plus booking fee, is now live exclusively for Tees Valley residents, with general sales to follow. VIP Golden Circle packages, offering perks like fast-track entry, priority viewing, and complimentary food and fairground rides, are also available via the official Middlesbrough Mela website and Skiddle.
Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
The Mela’s free daytime programme remains packed with live music, dance, street food, shopping stalls, a funfair, and activities for all ages. Community members, performers, and local businesses are also invited to get involved through stalls, advertising, or volunteering.
US singer Chris Brown launched the UK leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour in Manchester on Sunday, just days before he is due in court over a grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge. The 36-year-old artist performed at the Co-op Live arena, marking his 20th year in the music industry.
Brown was arrested in Greater Manchester last month in connection with an alleged assault during a previous visit to the UK in 2023. He is accused of attacking a music producer with a tequila bottle at a nightclub in London. The incident is said to have taken place during his last UK tour. Brown has been charged with GBH and is currently on bail.
‘Thank you to the jail’, singer jokes on stage
Addressing fans during Sunday’s performance, Brown joked about his recent time in custody. “Thank you for coming and supporting me,” he said, before adding, “And thank you to the jail. It was really nice.” The comment was met with cheers from the audience, who had earlier watched a montage of Brown’s career highlights — including footage from outside Manchester Crown Court during his arrest.
The video package, which showed both his achievements and controversies, appeared to be a deliberate acknowledgement of his legal troubles. The singer has previously faced legal issues in the United States, but continues to maintain a large fan base internationally.
Bail set at £5 million
Brown was released after agreeing to a £5 million security fee. He had been held in custody for nearly a week before the court granted bail. A security fee serves as a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court, and can be forfeited if bail conditions are breached.
As part of his bail terms, the judge permitted Brown to continue with his scheduled performances. He resumed his tour with a show in Amsterdam before heading to the UK.
Upcoming court appearance in London
Brown is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in London on Friday, 21 June, alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a 38-year-old US artist known as HoodyBaby. Both are facing charges in connection with the alleged nightclub assault.
So far, no plea has been entered by Brown or Akinlolu.
Tour continues across UK stadiums
Following his Manchester shows, Brown will perform in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium on Thursday. After his court hearing on Friday, he is scheduled to appear at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
The tour will continue with stadium shows in Birmingham and Glasgow, followed by two additional arena dates in Manchester. The Breezy Bowl XX tour celebrates two decades of Brown’s career, which began with his debut single Run It! at age 16. On Sunday, he opened the Manchester show with the hit and went on to perform several of his UK top 10 singles, including Turn Up The Music, With You, and Don’t Wake Me Up.
Brown recently won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2025 BET Awards, held in Los Angeles.