Rapper Raja Kumariis on a roll. After singing the Jawan theme for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian-American singer has now come up with a song 'Sherni Aayi' from Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya 3.
The song's video shows Sushmita Sen in a fierce avatar as Aarya Sareen. Raja Kumari undoubtedly roars with her powerful vocals.
Heaping praise on Raja Kumari, Sushmita said, "Raja Kumari is a strong woman full of power, almost like the most fitting partner in crime for Aarya. Her incredible talent perfectly matches and compliments Aarya's innate strength and resilience. Working on this together felt like a celebration of strong women everywhere. In the real world, I feel Aarya and Raja Kumari could make for an unbeatable pair, one that no one can mess with. For me, this isn't just a song; it's an anthem and a clear declaration of inner strength and fearlessness."
Raja Kumari also shared her experience collaborating with Sushmita.
"Shooting for the music video for Sherni Aayi was a different experience altogether! This is the first time I have collaborated with Sushmita Sen and have always heard about the kind of aura she brings to the set - and witnessing this in person was just beautiful. The kind of positivity that she brings, lights up the entire shoot and that's exactly what happened during the shoot of Sherni Aayi! I have always admired Sushmita Sen's strength and being a part of this music video for Disney+ Hotstar's Aarya was like a dream come true for me. Even more so because it's about two strong women coming together to inspire strength and power and I truly stand for that! Even as I sang these lyrics, I got goosebumps as I could feel the power that Aarya embodies. This anthem is a tribute to all the shernis out there, embracing their own uniqueness and facing challenges head-on," she shared.
Aarya 3, which is co-directed by Ram Madhvani, is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Lauren Sánchez didn’t need a red carpet to mark her pre-wedding celebration, just a close circle of friends and the charm of Paris. Days before tying the knot with Jeff Bezos, the former TV anchor turned aviation entrepreneur spent a laid-back but lavish weekend in the French capital with a dozen women she calls her pillars of strength.
The guest list was anything but ordinary. Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, and a few other familiar faces from business, entertainment, and media joined Sánchez for what looked like a celebration of sisterhood rather than a spectacle. Over the course of two days, the group dined at chic spots like Lafayette’s and cruised through the city on a private boat, all while keeping things relatively low-key by celebrity standards.
From clinking espresso martinis to dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire, the vibe was expensive, chill, and relaxed. The celebration wrapped with a surprise vanilla meringue cake and laughter under the Paris sky.
Sánchez shared heartfelt moments on Instagram, calling her friends “the women who’ve lifted me up and shaped my heart.” The photos, mostly in black and white, showed candid rooftop laughs and cosy robe moments, far from the polished party shots one might expect.
Inside Lauren Sánchez’s Paris bachelorette Instagram/laurenwsanchez
Her outfit choices, too, while expensive, leaned into romantic minimalism. A short white Oscar de la Renta dress with 3D florals and a vintage pink Chanel bag added soft glamour to the weekend.
Heartfelt moments and low-key glam defined Sánchez’s pre-wedding celebration in Paris Instagram/laurenwsanchez
Sánchez and Bezos, who went public in 2019, got engaged in 2023 on board his yacht Koru, where he proposed with a rare 20-carat pink diamond worth approximately £15 million (₹160 crore). Their wedding is expected in June on the coast of Venice, Italy, although they’ve been tight-lipped about the specifics. Italian officials have already reassured locals that the ceremony will not disrupt the city.
A candid moment with Sánchez and her closest friendsInstagram/laurenwsanchez
Beyond the headlines and designer outfits, Sánchez’s celebration in Paris was about a woman pausing to honour the relationships that helped her grow, before stepping into a new chapter as Mrs. Bezos.
Ever walked into a cinema, popcorn in hand, all hyped for a big new Hindi release – only to realise, halfway through, that you have seen the exact same story before, just in another language? That weird sense of déjà vu has become all too familiar for Bollywood audiences in recent years, with one remake after another. Many are based on South Indian hits.
From Vikram Vedha to Shehzada, Bholaa to Selfiee, Bollywood seems to be treating South Indian blockbusters like a catalogue to borrow from. But here is the problem – most of them did not work. Not just with critics, but at the box office too. Which raises the obvious question: if the originals were such big hits, why can’t the Hindi versions strike gold?
The numbers do not lie Let us look at the figures.
The Tamil film Vikram Vedha (2017) was made on a budget of £103,695 (₹11 million) and earned £5.66 million (₹600 million). It had strong writing, originality, and standout performances. The 2022 Hindi remake starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, despite slick production, was a costly misfire.
Bholaa, a remake of Kaithi, leaned too heavily on visual effects and forgot the raw, gritty storytelling that made the original shine. Made for £8.8 million (₹1 billion), it only grossed £9.7 million (₹1.1 billion) worldwide. Compare that with Kaithi, made for £2.2 million (₹250 million), which earned over £9.3 million (₹1.05 billion) – without big stars or CGI. This pattern keeps repeating itself.
Selfiee, based on Malayalam hit Driving Licence, flopped. Shehzada tried to replicate the success of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and failed miserably. Sarfira, based on Soorarai Pottru, came and went without impact. Even Baby John (a version of Theri) and Deva (inspired by Mumbai Police) could not turn strong originals into Hindi box office hits.
Ajay Devgn in Bholaa
Star power is not enough These numbers paint a clear picture: the remakes are not connecting. But what about star power? Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan – surely such big names should guarantee success? Unfortunately, it is not that simple anymore.
Audiences are smarter now. Thanks to streaming platforms, dubbed versions and social media buzz, many have already seen the originals – or at least know the storyline. So when the Hindi version arrives, it often feels stale.
Hrithik Roshan in Vikram Vedha
What is missing from the remakes? Successful films rely on many elements – chemistry between the leads, emotional tone, pacing – things you cannot script or transplant.
Take Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. The chemistry between Silambarasan TR and Trisha felt electric, rooted in the film’s deeply emotional story of unrequited love. The Hindi remake Ekk Deewana Tha, with Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson, lacked that connection.
Okkadu had raw energy, with Mahesh Babu anchoring the emotional weight. Ghilli, its Tamil counterpart, had similar intensity with Vijay’s charismatic presence and high-octane action. But the Hindi version Tevar lacked the same punch and raw emotion.
Similarly, Theri worked because of Vijay’s stardom, Atlee’s direction, and its emotionally driven story. Baby John has not captured that same feeling.
Mahesh Babu in Okkadu
Audiences want originality Here is the real kicker – audiences are not rejecting South Indian cinema. In fact, they are embracing it. Baahubali 2, the Pushpa and KGF franchises, RRR, Kantara – all became massive pan-India hits. The appetite for regional content is real.
What people are rejecting is lazy filmmaking – the idea that simply changing the language, inflating the budget, and casting a big Bollywood name is enough.
What works today is originality. Films like 12th Fail and Article 15 resonated because they told new stories. Even blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan succeeded by playing to their own strengths – not copying someone else’s.
RRR
A call for change So what should Bollywood do? The answer is simple: focus on originality.
Stop leaning on South Indian remakes. Start backing fresh, innovative stories that speak to today’s diverse audience. The success of South Indian films lies in their ability to connect emotionally, to create real characters and tell untold stories. Bollywood needs to find that magic again.
In the end, remakes may seem like a safe bet – but they are not always the solution. Why settle for déjà vu when you can create something unforgettable?
The audience has evolved. Maybe now, it is time the industry asked itself: has it?X: @GeorgeViews
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Ananya Panday gets candid about body shaming on Lilly Singh’s podcast
Ananya Panday is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s also tired of being stuck under a microscope. In a recent chat with Lilly Singh on her podcast Shame Less, the actor spoke honestly about the constant criticism of her body and the double standards women face in the film industry.
Ananya recalled the early days of her career when, at 18, she was mocked for being too thin. Terms like “chicken legs” and “matchstick” were thrown at her regularly. “They said I had no boobs, no butt, like a flat-screen,” she shared. Fast forward a few years, and as her body naturally changed, new rumours popped up, but this time accusing her of undergoing cosmetic surgery. “Now they say I’ve had my butt done. You can never win,” she said.
What hits harder for Ananya is that this scrutiny often comes from other women. “The harshest comments I get are from women. I rarely see this happening to male actors,” she said, pointing out the gender gap in how public figures are judged.
But Ananya doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility either. She admitted that Bollywood films, including some of her own, have pushed unrealistic beauty ideals. “We’ve shown women waking up with perfect hair and makeup. That’s not real life. I’ve been part of that narrative, and I’m trying to be more aware of it now,” she said. Off camera, she tries to keep things real, reminding her followers that what they see on screen isn’t always the truth.
This honesty is, in fact, a shift in Ananya’s journey, from someone who once felt pressured to fit in, to an actor willing to question the norms she’s grown up with. Her recent work also reflects that change. From light-hearted romances to more grounded roles like her turn as a lawyer in Kesari: Chapter 2, Ananya is clearly making deliberate choices.
Women in the public eye are constantly judged, but it’s time to break that cycle. “If I talk about it, maybe one other girl will feel less alone,” she said. That, perhaps, is the quiet power behind her loudest statement yet.
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Angelina Jolie stuns in a strapless nude gown on the Cannes 2025 red carpet
After a long break from the Cannes spotlight, Angelina Jolie stepped back onto the red carpet, quietly commanding attention without theatrics. It’s been nearly 14 years since she last appeared at the French film festival, but her recent appearance shows she never really left the scene, she just chose when to re-enter it.
At the premiere of Ari Aster’s Eddington during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Jolie arrived in a strapless white and silver gown designed by Brunello Cucinelli, a label she often turns to for its classy, minimalist elegance. The look was elevated with diamond accessories from Chopard, adding just enough sparkle without overwhelming her understated style.
Jolie keeps it classic in Brunello Cucinelli with Chopard diamonds for Eddington premiereGetty Images
The nude-toned dress was detailed with subtle embroidery and featured a structured A-line silhouette. Its fitted bustier, square neckline, and flowing hem were all about clean lines and classic femininity: nothing flashy, just well-crafted. Her choice of accessories followed the same theme: a pear-shaped diamond pendant, teardrop earrings, and a striking ring.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, parted to the side, and her makeup was balanced with wine-toned nails, muted smoky eyes, a soft pink lip, and feathered brows that framed her face.
The actress makes a graceful return to Cannes after 14 years awayGetty Images
Jolie took on the role of Trophée Chopard godmother this year, an honour that involves presenting an award to two emerging talents in cinema: Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett. The award celebrates the future of film, and Jolie’s presence felt fitting. Over the years, stars like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Charlize Theron have taken on this role, and Jolie now joins that distinguished list.
For the Trophée Chopard dinner, Jolie wore a simple one-sleeved gown with a slit, paired with ankle-strap heels and silver earrings. She kept her makeup light and her hair down, opting for ease over excess.
Angelina Jolie interacting with fans Getty Images
Though she’s been away from the Cannes red carpet, Jolie hasn’t been out of sight. Her recent film Maria, based on opera legend Maria Callas, kept her on the awards circuit earlier this year. She also made headlines as a producer of the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which went on to win big at the 2024 Tony Awards.
Jolie keeps her style effortless for Cannes 2025Getty Images
Angelina Jolie’s Cannes appearance was a glorious comeback. But more than that, it was a quiet reminder of who she is: a woman of style, substance, and selective presence.
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Vijay Deverakonda prepares for a powerful transformation in Kingdom
With Kingdom set to release on 4 July, anticipation is soaring as fans gear up to witness Vijay Deverakonda in a never-seen-before action avatar. Gone are the days of brooding romance, this time the young heartthrob steps into the shoes of a fierce warrior navigating a war-torn world, blending raw emotion with brute strength. The audience is bracing for high-intensity combat, epic battle sequences, and a performance that redefines Vijay as a full-blown action star. Kingdom isn’t just a film, it’s a bold new chapter in his cinematic journey. Ahead of the release of the much-anticipated film, here are five reasons why Vijay Deverakonda is the ultimate action hero we’ve been waiting for.
Vijay Deverakonda steps away from romance and into full throttle action
1. From romantic rebel to battle-hardened hero
Fan-favourite performances in Arjun Reddy (2017) and Dear Comrade (2019) showcased Vijay’s raw vulnerability and brooding intensity. However, over the past few years, he’s been quietly honing stunt skills and fight choreography, preparing for a seismic shift into high-octane storytelling.
2. Sculpted physique & rigorous training
Under the guidance of top trainers, Vijay has added lean muscle and explosive agility, perfect for hand-to-hand combat sequences. Reports confirm he’s performed many of his own stunts, training in mixed martial arts, parkour, and weapon handling to bring authenticity to every punch and leap.
The actor showcases raw intensity in a war torn cinematic world
3. Kingdom: the 4 July game-changer
Set in a fictional kingdom besieged by rival factions, the film follows Vijay’s character, a battle-scarred warrior fighting for survival and justice. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom promises jaw-dropping set pieces, large-scale warscapes, and a hero who bleeds for his cause. This isn’t just another star vehicle, it’s Vijay’s statement that he’s ready to headline blockbuster action franchises.
4. A line-up of high-voltage projects
Deverakonda’s tentatively titled SVC59 is rumoured to blend espionage thrills with high-speed chases, with Vijay playing an undercover agent tasked with stopping a global cyber-threat. On the other hand, his VD14 is tipped as a gritty, street-level thriller; this film explores the underbelly of organised crime in South India, Vijay as a lone wolf vigilante.
Fans await Vijay Deverakonda’s next chapter as an action hero
Industry insiders say Vijay is mapping out a five-film arc that transitions him fully into action-hero territory, complete with recurring characters and interconnected storylines.
5. Beyond the screen: the man behind the muscles
Born 9 May 1989, in Hyderabad, Vijay made his feature debut in the rom-com Nuvvila (2011) before rising to pan-Indian fame. Apart from being a successful actor, he is also a philanthropist who launched The Deverakonda Foundation, a non-profit organisation, in April 2019.
Vijay Deverakonda is ready to take 2025 by storm with bold new roles
He has multiple Filmfare South Awards, including Best Actor for Arjun Reddy, plus Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list inclusion in 2023, where he was estimated to have earned around £740,000 (₹7.75 crore).
Whether you first fell for him as the tortured lover or admired his off-screen generosity, 2025 is the year Vijay Deverakonda cements himself as the action superstar we’ve all been waiting for. Buckle up because the ride’s about to get explosive!