Pooja Bhatt, who starred in several successful films back in the 90s such as Dil Hai Ki MantaNahi (1991), Sadak (1991), Border (1997), and Zakhm (1998), is set to make her digital debut with Netflix’s upcoming streaming show Bombay Begums.
Written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, Bombay Begums traces the lives of five ambitious women from different walks of life as they navigate their dreams, desires, and disappointments in modern-day Mumbai.
The team is presently busy promoting the show ahead of its grand premiere on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. While promoting the show, Pooja Bhatt shared her thoughts on the recently announced streaming media regulations in India.
“Regulations are not new to us; we have been dealing with regulations all our lives. In the end, I think, it is the intention of the filmmaker that is communicated to anyone who is regulating you. I have always had a regulator or a censor board in my own heart and head, whatever seemed right to me I put out there, and I am ready to fight to the last breath for. I think strife and regulations actually instigate us to give that much more and come up with new ways to tell our tale. I think it is going to take a lot more than regulations to stop us from telling our stories the way we want to,” said the actress.
Talking about Bombay Begums, director Alankrita Shrivastava had earlier said, “It is the story of glass ceilings shattered, and also of the hearts broken in the process. I have tried to create a world that reflects the realities of urban working women.”
In addition to Pooja Bhatt, Bombay Begums also features Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur, Nauheed Cyrusi, Aadhya Anand, Rahul Bose, Imaad Shah, and Danish Husain on its ensemble cast.
The show is set to premiere on 8th March on Netflix.
Newly restored 4K version to debut at the festival on 16 October
Part of BFI National Archive’s ambitious Black and South Asian Workshop remasters project
Explores 1980s London housing crisis and South Asian migrant experience
Marks a cultural milestone for Retake Film and Video Collective, Britain’s first all-Asian film collective
The long-overlooked 1987 drama Hotel London is set for a fresh spotlight as its 4K remaster world premieres at the upcoming BFI London Film Festival. Spearheaded by the BFI National Archive, the restoration forms part of a major project honouring the groundbreaking Black and South Asian Workshop movement, which redefined British screen culture in the 1980s. The film, directed by Ahmed Alauddin Jamal, vividly portrays the harsh realities of London’s housing crisis while centring the South Asian immigrant experience.
A still from Hotel London showing the Bangladeshi family navigating life in a temporary hotel room www.easterneye.biz
What is the BFI National Archive Black and South Asian Workshop remasters project?
The BFI National Archive has launched an extensive initiative to digitally restore and preserve key works from the Black and South Asian Workshop era, which flourished in the 1980s and 1990s. These collectives, including Retake Film and Video Collective, Sankofa Film and Video Collective, Black Audio Film Collective, Ceddo Film and Video Workshop and Birmingham Film and Video Workshop, used drama, documentary and experimental forms to tell urgent stories about race, class and identity in Britain.
The workshops grew out of the 1982 ACTT Declaration and early backing from Channel 4, creating space for marginalised voices to make and distribute films collaboratively. So far, 14 titles have entered the BFI’s restoration pipeline, with Hotel London being the second to premiere at the festival, following the 4K revival of The Passion of Remembrance in 2022.
Hotel London was originally made in 1987 during the International Year of the Homeless. It follows a Bangladeshi family placed in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation by local authorities, exploring how they navigate bureaucratic neglect, racism and the emotional toll of housing insecurity.
Combining fictional storytelling with video activism, the film depicts the makeshift hotel as a microcosm of 1980s London, showing interactions between diverse communities in precarious situations. Actor Jonathan Pryce appears as an Irish rough sleeper drifting through the city, while dancer Alpana Sengupta and actor Aftab Sachak round out the ensemble cast. The production was shot inside an actual bed and breakfast after extensive research with homeless residents.
‘Hotel London’ 4K remaster premieres at BFI London Film Festival spotlighting Black and South Asian Workshop legacy
Why is Hotel London’s restoration significant?
The 4K remaster of Hotel London is a major step in reclaiming and preserving Britain’s Black and South Asian film heritage. The original 16mm negatives were scanned and restored by Silver Salt Restoration, with sound remastered by the BFI National Archive. This revival not only protects the film’s legacy but also reintroduces contemporary audiences to the ethos of the Retake collective, which was Britain’s first all-Asian film group. Retake championed democratic collaboration, training emerging filmmakers and challenging the invisibility of South Asians on British screens. Their efforts earned them the Arthur Young BFI Award for Independent Film and Television in 1988.
‘Hotel London’ resurfaces in 4K after decades to confront Britain’s housing injustice and lost South Asian screen history
How did the Black and South Asian Workshops change British film?
The Workshops emerged amid 1980s social unrest, when media representation of Black and Asian communities was minimal and often stereotypical. Their issue-driven films disrupted this narrative, inspiring a generation of creatives including John Akomfrah, Maureen Blackwood, Isaac Julien, Menelik Shabazz and D. Elmina Davis.
By offering paid training roles, access to equipment and editorial control, the Workshops opened doors for diverse talent to tell authentic stories. Their influence continues to shape British screen culture, making the BFI’s remastering effort both a cultural and archival milestone.
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Priyanka Chopra Jonas commands NYFW 2025 front row with Mindy Kaling as Nick Jonas looks on proudly
Power couple attend Ralph Lauren’s showcase at Madison Avenue
Priyanka dazzles in sheer skirt and structured blazer ensemble
Nick opts for earthy brown tailored look with relaxed flair
The duo join a star-studded front row including Oprah Winfrey and Jessica Chastain
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas commanded attention as they attended Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week 2025 show on 10 September. Arriving hand-in-hand on Madison Avenue, the pair stopped for photographers before entering the designer’s headquarters. Their appearance at the high-profile event was one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, with Priyanka’s daring outfit and Nick’s understated elegance sparking admiration from fans and onlookers.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas commands NYFW 2025 front row with Mindy Kaling as Nick Jonas looks on proudly Getty Images
What did Priyanka Chopra Jonas wear at New York Fashion Week 2025?
Priyanka opted for a bold yet refined take on power dressing. She paired a sharply tailored grey blazer with a sheer flowing maxi skirt, creating a balance of structure and softness. Instead of a buttoned shirt, she chose to cinch her waist with a wide statement belt, giving her look an edge that stood out on the monochrome-heavy runway backdrop.
Her accessories were deliberately minimal. Delicate hoop earrings and a few rings, while bronzed makeup tones and voluminous, softly waved hair framed her face perfectly. This merge of minimal styling with a high-fashion silhouette reflected her style perfectly, making her one of the evening’s best-dressed attendees.
Nick went for earthy sophistication, donning a relaxed brown suit layered over a crisp white shirt. He added subtle detailing with a patterned tie, matched it with polished brown shoes, and finished off with rimmed sunglasses for a cool, composed vibe.
His tousled curls gave the look a casual softness that contrasted nicely with the tailored suit, making him appear effortlessly stylish beside Priyanka. Their complementary colour palettes, her muted grey tones and his warm browns, created a coordinated yet individualistic statement look.
Nick opts for an earthy brown suit for the event Getty Images
Which celebrities were seen at the Ralph Lauren NYFW show?
The event gathered an impressive front row of fashion and entertainment heavyweights. The couple were seated beside Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea, with industry icons including Oprah Winfrey, Anna Wintour, Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts, Laura Dern and Gayle King also present.
Also in attendance was Mindy Kaling, who sat in the front row at Ralph Lauren’s intimate Spring 2026 presentation on Madison Avenue. Speaking to AP News, Kaling said the brand symbolised the “American dream” for her immigrant parents, adding that the polo logo felt like “the sign of making it.” Photographers singled her out in roundups of the best front-row style, where she was pictured alongside Oprah Winfrey, Usher and the Jonas couple.
Ralph Lauren unveiled their Spring 2026 collection at the showcase, which featured minimalist silhouettes, oversized jackets, fitted dresses and monochrome palettes. Priyanka’s presence was especially fitting, as she has a long-standing association with the brand, notably wearing a custom Ralph Lauren gown for her wedding to Nick Jonas in 2018.
Mindy Kaling attends the Ralph Lauren show Getty Images
Why does Priyanka Chopra Jonas remain a front-row favourite?
Priyanka’s journey from Bollywood star to Hollywood regular has a lot to do with her consistently strong style choices and a willingness to take risks. Her high-profile international projects, from leading Quantico to starring in Citadel and producing The White Tiger, have cemented her as a global figure, making her an obvious pick for designers looking to spotlight influential personalities on their front rows.
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Rick and Morty face their most dangerous hunt yet in Oni Press finale
Oni Press announces Rick and Morty: The End six-part miniseries starting 3 December 2025
The comic marks a dramatic conclusion after more than 100 issues of the hit franchise
Writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artist Jarrett Williams lead the final saga following Rick and Morty vs. the Universe
Rick Sanchez becomes the multiverse’s most wanted as Morty and Space Beth hunt him down
Adult Swim’s cult animated hit Rick and Morty is set to close a major chapter with Oni Press confirming the launch of Rick and Morty: The End this December. The new comic book miniseries will spin directly out of Rick and Morty vs. the Universe and promises a high-stakes finale unlike anything the duo has faced before. Fans searching for details on Rick and Morty The End will now have confirmation that this marks the start of a six-issue showdown.
Rick and Morty face their most dangerous hunt yet in Oni Press finale Instagram/rickandmorty
What is Rick and Morty The End about?
According to Oni Press, Rick and Morty: The End throws Rick Sanchez into his most desperate battle yet. Wanted across every reality, Rick’s bounty has attracted governments, militaries, pirates, mobsters, bounty hunters, and even circus clowns.
The only ones with a real chance of catching him are Morty and Space Beth, but they’re not on the same side. The story sets up a deadly family clash where Morty and Beth must decide whether Rick comes back alive.
The six-part series reunites the creative team from Rick and Morty vs. the Universe. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith, known for Marvel’s Loki, and artist Jarrett Williams, who worked on Speed Force, will continue steering the franchise towards its explosive finale. Oni Press confirmed the first issue launches on 3 December 2025, featuring covers by Dave Bardin, Troy Little, Tom Fowler, and others.
How does it connect to Rick and Morty vs. the Universe ?
The storyline spins directly out of the events of Rick and Morty vs. the Universe, Oni Press’s crossover saga that concluded in October. That series followed Rick and Morty as they battled every universe they had ever crossed, leaving Rick with few allies and no escape routes. The End picks up after that chaos, positioning the finale as a natural continuation of the franchise’s long-running comic arc.
The teaser sparked debate when Oni Press first hinted at “The End.” While Rick and Morty: The End signals the conclusion of Oni Press’s decade-long run of tie-in comics, the animated series on Adult Swim is continuing. The Emmy-winning show, featuring voices from Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Chris Parnell, and Spencer Grammer, remains a central part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s programming. For fans, this comic miniseries is the definitive closing act for Oni Press’s part of the multiverse.
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James McAvoy punched during night out in Toronto and reacts calmly while promoting directorial debut
James McAvoy was punched by a stranger at Charlotte’s Room bar in Toronto while attending TIFF.
The 46-year-old actor was in the city for the world premiere of his directorial debut, California Schemin’.
McAvoy remained calm after the incident and even laughed it off with staff and patrons.
The film follows the true story of Scottish rappers Silibil N’ Brains and their California disguise.
James McAvoy was unexpectedly attacked at a Toronto bar while in the city for the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), sources confirmed. The X-Men star, who was promoting his directorial debut California Schemin’, was reportedly struck by a man being escorted out of Charlotte’s Room bar. Despite the incident, McAvoy kept his composure, reflecting the actor’s calm and collected nature even in unexpected circumstances.
James McAvoy punched during night out in Toronto and reacts calmly while promoting directorial debut Instagram/jamesmcavoyrealdeal
What happened when James McAvoy was attacked in Toronto?
On Monday night, McAvoy was enjoying a casual evening with producers of California Schemin’ when an intoxicated stranger allegedly punched him. According to sources, the man was being escorted out of the bar when the attack occurred, catching McAvoy off guard. Fortunately, the 46-year-old actor did not sustain serious injuries and stayed at the venue, engaging with staff and other patrons afterwards.
Scottish actor James McAvoy unexpectedly attacked at Toronto bar as he handles incident with surprising humour www.easterneye.biz
Why was James McAvoy in Toronto for TIFF?
The Glaswegian star was in Toronto to premiere his first film as a director, California Schemin’. The movie tells the true story of Scottish duo Silibil N’ Brains, who posed as Americans to pursue rap careers in the early 2000s. McAvoy has described the project as an exciting extension of his 30-year acting career, allowing him new creative tools to tell stories on-screen.
Despite being caught off guard, McAvoy reportedly tried to calm the aggressor before bar staff intervened. A source close to the actor told PEOPLE that he “laughed off the incident” and continued chatting with patrons.
The film stars Samuel Bottomley and Seamus McLean Ross as Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, the duo behind Silibil N’ Brains. Based on the book Straight Outta Scotland, it chronicles their attempt to reinvent themselves as California rappers, including tours with Eminem and appearances on MTV. McAvoy has emphasised the film celebrates friendship, ambition, and audacious creativity while remaining rooted in Scottish culture.
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Nina Dobrev juggled dual roles on Vampire Diaries while fighting for fair pay behind the scenes
Nina Dobrev has spoken candidly about her long-running battle for equal pay on hit supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries. In the new book I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries by Entertainment Weekly editor Samantha Highfill, the actress revealed she earned significantly less than her male co-stars despite playing the show’s central role and taking on the added workload of portraying a doppelgänger.
Nina Dobrev juggled dual roles on Vampire Diaries while fighting for fair pay behind the scenes Getty Images
Why did Nina Dobrev earn less than her The Vampire Diaries co-stars?
Dobrev played Elena Gilbert from the start of The CW series in 2009 and later took on the role of Elena’s darker double, Katherine Pierce. She told Highfill that her original contract only covered one character, meaning her expanded workload was not matched with higher pay.
“Candice (King), Kat (Graham), and I were the three lowest-paid series regulars in the first two seasons,” Dobrev explained. “It was tricky because I had to be on set for double the amount of time and memorise twice the number of lines, yet I wasn’t compensated fairly.”
While Somerhalder and Wesley received raises earlier, Dobrev remained on a lower salary tier. She said the studio told her “out of principle” they would not match her pay to the men.
Actress opens up about studio refusing equal pay to match Ian Somerhalder and Paul WesleyGetty Images
Did Nina Dobrev ever achieve equal pay?
According to the book, actors were only able to renegotiate from season three onwards. Dobrev did secure a raise but was still not granted parity with her co-leads. Showrunner Julie Plec confirmed that disputes even led to the studio instructing writers not to use Katherine because it meant additional payment for Dobrev.
“It got really heated,” Plec said. “We were told we couldn’t write Katherine at all. We had to beg to keep the character.”
Dobrev recalled the lack of recognition as “hurtful,” adding: “We shot eighteen-hour days, and I was putting my heart, soul, and sweat into it. Yet I was made to feel my work didn’t matter as much.”
Nina Dobrev returned for the series finale after insisting on pay parity for one episodeGetty Images
What happened when Nina Dobrev returned in the final season?
After leaving in 2015 at the end of season six, Dobrev was asked to return for the eighth and final run. The book reveals the studio initially offered her a fee five times lower than her previous season’s rate.
“I needed to be paid parity to the boys,” she said. “It wasn’t about the money, it was the principle. If it didn’t happen, I couldn’t come back.”
She eventually secured her requested rate but only for one episode, the series finale. Plec said: “She should’ve been making what those boys made all along. To her credit, she stuck to her guns.”
During Vampire Diaries, Nina Dobrev had to memorise double lines and endure eighteen-hour shoot daysGetty Images
What does Nina Dobrev say about the fight for equal pay?
Reflecting on the negotiations, Dobrev said: “For me it was about being equal. The artistry of the show suffered because I couldn’t appear in more episodes, but I’m glad I returned for the goodbye.”
Nina Dobrev reveals 'Vampire Diaries' studio denied equal pay while she played multiple rolesGetty Images
Her stance in fact echoes a broader conversation in Hollywood about gender pay disparity, with several high-profile actresses publicly demanding equal contracts in recent years.