AN INTERESTING career has seen Pritam Singh mix up hosting, acting and appearing on reality TV shows. He continued to mix things up with his most recent film project Flight, which is an action thriller set in the skies.
The multi-talented Indian star is looking to carry on exploring new horizons and was in good spirits when Eastern Eye caught up with him for a quickfire catch up.
How does hosting compare to acting?
Both hosting and acting have their own charm. In hosting, I give my personality but in acting I give characters a personality. I enjoy both.
You have done varied projects, but which have you enjoyed most?
I enjoyed Bigg Boss thoroughly and then Boss Cricket League. Both had no script to follow. It was one’s wit and sense of humour that was required. Although for others Bigg Boss is all about fights, for me it was about enjoying the process and entertainment.
How does your new movie Flight compare to other projects you have done?
The script of Flight is altogether different. A bunch of friends came with the passion of making the film and no payment was given. Only food on set was provided. But it was a good initiative.
Tell us about Flight and the character you play?
Flight is a suspense thriller. I play a pilot in the film. I won’t reveal many details. You must go watch it.
What can we expect next from you and do you have a dream role?
Every role is a dream role because whatever I do is different from other projects. About what I am doing next, it depends on what I pick up next. Lots of talks are going on.
Who would you love to work with?
I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan sir and Anil Kapoor sir. I have been a huge fan of their work. I would love to be a part of Mr Sanjay Gupta’s movies. It’s just my beginning. All the makers are in my dream list.
Who is your own acting hero?
Irrfan Khan is my hero. Nobody can match him.
What kind of movies do you enjoy and do you have a favourite?
Recently, I have been watching lot of crime thrillers and they have become my favourites. Otherwise, I like rom-coms and want to work in one. My favourite films include Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Padosan, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Chak De India, Taare Zameen Par, Sholay, Ram Lakhan and so many more.
You spoke about going through bad times during the pandemic. How did you get through it and what has lockdown taught you?
I adapted to the situation. When acting doors were closed, I opened a biryani kitchen and ran it for a year. I only stopped it now when offers started pouring in again. Lockdown taught me that only basics are required to live life. Luxury can be bought only for superfluous lifestyles.
What inspires you?
Autobiographies of legends and achievers inspire me a lot. I hardly read a book, but if I am reading any, then I know it must be very inspiring
Tens of thousands of devotees gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford over the weekend for the annual Sri Krishna Janmashtami festival, one of the most important dates in the Hindu calendar.
The celebrations began on Saturday (16) and continued throughout Sunday (17) , with organisers estimating that more than 50,000 visitors attended across the two days. The programme included darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, devotional singing, thought-provoking dramas, dance performances, exhibitions, and talks. Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant festival bazaar, a food court offering Indian delicacies, children’s activities, and free vegetarian meals (prasadam) served throughout the day.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
At the New Gokul Farm, devotees had the chance to feed and worship cows and oxen, while young people engaged with the Pandava Sena youth group. The popular Radharani Café served freshly prepared dishes, and the Farm Shop offered organic produce grown on site. Special shuttle bus and park-and-ride services ensured smooth access for visitors from Stanmore and Harrow & Wealdstone stations.
Saturday’s celebrations were briefly disrupted when an administrative error led to more tickets being released than the temple site could safely accommodate. This forced organisers to cancel entry between 3pm and 4pm and caused traffic congestion in the area.
In a statement, the temple apologised for the “serious and regrettable mistake” and assured devotees that stronger safeguards are being introduced to prevent a repeat.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Temple President Her Grace Visakha Dasi reflected that “Janmashtami 2025 at Bhaktivedanta Manor was unique. Alongside devotional exhibits, powerful dramas, insightful talks, and delicious prasadam, we also got an unexpected glimpse of how extraordinarily popular the Manor is. Due to an administrative error, too many free tickets were released, which led to traffic jams. We won’t let that happen again, but it showed us that we may need more days to allow eager pilgrims to celebrate Janmashtami with us.”
The festival was supported by more than 1,000 volunteers, who dedicated countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Despite Saturday’s disruption, Sunday’s programme ran smoothly and was described by many attendees as “an atmosphere saturated with bhakti and optimism.”
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Distinguished guests included the Indian High Commissioner Mr. Vikram Doraiswamy and the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Andy Prophet, who joined devotees in marking the occasion.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, donated by Beatles star George Harrison in 1973, is now one of Europe’s most significant Hindu temples, attracting worshippers from across the UK and beyond.
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London. A five-day Shiv Katha has begun at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash, with prayers offered for their eternal peace. The programme, running from 18 to 22 August, is being led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji with recitations by PP Shri Jogi Dada, and attended by devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad.
Opening the Katha, Shri Jogi Dada called it both a spiritual gathering and a heartfelt tribute to the passengers of the Ahmedabad–London flight. “Mahadev’s darshan equals a pilgrimage. It is inspiring to see the younger generation engaging in bhakti, which is vital for preserving our heritage."
Guruji spoke on the eternal energy of Shiv Shakti and chetna (consciousness). “Shiva is not just a deity but the ultimate consciousness. Through Shiv Katha we awaken inner energy and spread vibrations of peace across the world. May the departed souls attain eternal peace, and may their memories guide us towards compassion and unity,” he said.
The inaugural day saw the presence of Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Shri Maheshbhai Bhatt, Dhruvbhai Bhatt and Rajendrabhai Thakkar. The evening concluded with Aarti and a sacred Rudrabhishek, performed in memory of the crash victims.
The birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated on 16 August 2025 at Siddhashram Dham. The Janmashtami festivities brought together hundreds of devotees who immersed themselves in bhajans, dances, and spiritual discourses from early morning until well past midnight.
The evening programme began at 8 pm, with devotional songs and cultural performances filling the ashram with joy and reverence. In his address, His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji underlined the enduring relevance of Krishna’s life and teachings. “Krishna symbolises the triumph of dharma over adharma, truth over illusion, and love over hatred. Human life is a divine chance to practise compassion, service, and good karma,” he told the gathering.
As the clock struck midnight, marking Krishna’s birth, the temple resounded with chants of “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!” A touching highlight followed when Guruji performed a symbolic ritual with a child dressed as Baby Krishna, evoking the innocence and divinity of the Lord.
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The influence of internet and TikTok culture on modern English
Cambridge Dictionary adds words influenced by internet and TikTok culture.
New entries include “skibidi”, “delulu”, “tradwife”, “broligarchy”, “mouse jiggler” and “work spouse”.
Lexicographers say they only include terms with long-term staying power.
Words reflect the growing impact of online culture on everyday English.
Cambridge Dictionary reflects TikTok’s influence
The Cambridge Dictionary has added a series of new words that highlight the influence of internet and TikTok culture on modern English. Among the latest entries are “skibidi”, “delulu” and “tradwife”.
Colin McIntosh, the dictionary’s lexical programme manager, said: “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.”
What the new words mean
Skibidi – defined as a term that can mean “cool” or “bad”, or be used with no real meaning, often as a joke. Popularised by the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, it is widely used among children and teenagers. Example: “What the skibidi are you doing?”
Delulu – an abbreviation of “delusional”, defined as believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to. Originating in K-pop fandoms more than a decade ago, it has surged on TikTok with phrases such as “delulu is the solulu”.
Tradwife – short for “traditional wife”, referring to women who promote conservative gender roles online, celebrating homemaking and supporting their husbands. The dictionary notes the term is “especially used for women who post about this lifestyle on social media”.
Other notable additions
Broligarchy – a blend of “bro” and “oligarchy”, describing a small group of wealthy, powerful men in the tech industry who have or seek political influence.
Mouse jiggler – a device or piece of software, popularised in the post-pandemic era, used to make it appear that someone is working when they are not.
Work spouse – a workplace term describing two colleagues who support and trust each other closely.
Broader context
The inclusion of these terms reflects wider social and cultural debates. Commentators have described words such as skibidi as emblematic of chaotic internet humour, while the tradwife movement has attracted criticism for promoting regressive gender roles.
Despite generational divides over their value, lexicographers stress that these additions demonstrate how digital culture continues to reshape the English language.
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Rekha Mistry displays a colourful harvest from her kitchen plot
REKHA MISTRY, who grew up with her Indian parents in Zambia and came to Britain when she was 19, appeared as a co-presenter on BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World last Friday (8), thereby confirming her growing status as the UK’s most prominent celebrity Asian gardener.
She was introduced by lead presenter Monty Don, who said: “We’re going up to Derbyshire now to join Rekha in her veg garden.”
Married with three children, she moved with her family from Harrow in London to the Peak District in Derbyshire in 2023.
Last week, she began her stint by saying: “I have always found such joy in growing my own fruits and vegetables, and this year, I’ll take you through how I sow it, grow it, and most rewarding of all, how I cook with it. I love coming up into the garden at this time of the year. There is so much going on.”
She went on: “I’ve got the beans, I’ve got the squash, I’ve got kale. But what’s really making me happy is this plant, the blackcurrant. It is full of fruit this year; blackcurrants are such a good fruit. You can make jam with them. You can make cordials. You can put them in desserts. But the best thing is you can freeze them as well. When it comes to blackcurrant, you can pick them one by one, but I find it much easier to prune whole stems once the fruit is ripe. It saves time, and it’s good for the plant, too, encouraging new stem growth, giving next year’s harvest a head start. After a bit of pruning, it’s time for a bit of sowing.”
What’s remarkable about Rekha is that she a self-taught gardener whose life was changed by working on an allotment after 25 years as a company director in a bathroom showroom business. She went back to study with the Royal Horticultural Society and gained a diploma in horticulture. In 2015, she appeared on the BBC’s Big Allotment Challenge. Her debut book, Rekha’s Kitchen Garden: Seasonal Produce and Gardening Wisdom from One Woman’s Allotment Year, has proved to be a best seller. She has a following of 100k plus on Instagram.
Mistry with potatoes from her garden
The RHS has been trying to widen its appeal, most recently with the help of Eastern Eye, but in a quiet way, Rekha has become a role model for the British Asian community, in particular.
Last week, she talked on Gardeners’ World about growing a variety of fennel called Sweet Florence – fennel is a popular ingredient in many Indian recipes.
She said: “It has that aniseed flavour, if you like that and use it in salads. You can cook with it, and it looks good, too.”
Using a tool called a dibber, a pointed wooden stick that makes holes in the ground for planting seeds, seedlings or small bulbs, she showed how leek seeds could be sowed: “I’m just dibbing holes about two centimetres deep, and that will just help them anchor in. I’m going to sow three seeds a hole, it’s called station sowing.”
The best of the three seedlings that come up, she would keep, “the other two come out”.
“Now, once I’ve sown the seeds,” she told viewers, “I will give it a good watering, so that for the next few weeks, I will make sure that this pot doesn’t dry out and let them grow in a nice sunny spot with a bit of shade towards the end of the day. Fennel plants don’t like big swings in temperature.”
She offered practical advice as she turned her attention to potatoes and leeks: “I’m keeping a close eye on the potatoes and around now I like to pinch off the flowers, so the plant put all its energy into the spuds, not into the seeds. It’ll be a while before the main crop is ready, but the early ones, they’re just right for lifting. Just harvest what you see to begin with, but then fork in again, because you never know, there just might be one or two hidden in there, and you don’t want to lose those. Be gentle. The soil that the early potatoes have left behind is full of goodness.”
This was where she planted her leek seedlings: “Space is at a premium at this time of the year. It’s all about keeping the garden ticking along. All I did was clear this soil, make sure there were no potatoes left, dug it over a little bit, raked it over, and then watered it, just so that it’s nice and soft. So when I do make the dibbing holes, the holes remain rather than the soil going down. What I’ve done is I’ve made sure my holes are 15 centimetres in depth, at the same time, 15 centimetres in length.”
She explained: “This variety of leeks is called Musselburgh. It does very well whatever part of the country you’re in. So what I tend to do is just tease them apart and always go for the thickest stem, tease them through, pop them in some water, wash the compost off. See how long the roots are, cut them off. Now, the only reason why I’m cutting these roots off to just a few centimetres is when I am putting them into the dibbed hole, I don’t want the roots to then come upwards. I want them to go downwards, and that way I know the plant will settle itself in. What I’ll do next is water the holes, not throw the soil in. By doing that, the soil is gently covering the leek. It’ll slowly fill up the hole, but it’ll also start growing at the same time without getting any grit between the leaves.
“Now continue watering every few weeks, just so that they can establish themselves. And I know that I will have a crop from September until January. The idea of growing your own is the freshness. There is nothing fresher than something being pulled out of the earth there and then and straight into the kitchen.”
Mistry stands beside her allotment sign
She then focused on “what’s ready. Now, I’m harvesting some of my summer cabbage, and this one’s coming along beautifully, and so are my onions. These are my main crop variety called Paris Silverskin, and if left to grow to full size, they’ll be great for pickling and storing over winter. But I’m going to pick them now as spring onions – perfect for salads, stir fries and garnishing dishes. They’re delicious and mild compared to cooking other varieties. I’ll leave the rest to grow bigger for later on – (I have) one sowing, two harvests.
“It keeps the kitchen stocked and the garden working. I’m taking my freshly harvested vegetables and making a sambar (the south Indian dish) of warm cabbage, with mustard seeds and fresh chilli sprinkled with ground coriander and cumin; a potato salad with spring onion and a bit of sharpness from my homemade pickled beetroot; and for dessert, blackcurrant sponge. At this time of the year, there is so much going on if you plan your garden right. There are so many options that you can choose from. This really is plot to plate. So satisfying, so delicious.”
She finished off by tucking into her ohso-English blackcurrant sponge. Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick and even Donald Trump would love it that the word “diversity” had not escaped Rekha’s lips.