Here's an exciting piece of news for all Rajkummar Rao fans! The actor's Indo-American production, 5 Weddings, has been selected for a grand premiere at the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival.
“We are thrilled!” said elated director Namrata Singh Gujral, who had planned the film in 2008, but had to put it on the backburner after being diagnosed with cancer. “This will be the first time an audience will watch the film so it is exciting but also nerve-wracking.”
The film sees Rajkummar Rao as officer Harbhajan Singh assigned to an American-India journalist travelling through India. Besides Rao, the movie also stars Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri. Hollywood actresses Anneliese Van der Pol, Bo Derek and Candy Clark will be seen essaying supporting roles.
“The film is a colourful mosaic of lost loves, transgender tangles and culture clashes along the heartfelt journey of life, symbolised by the universal ups and downs of a wedding celebration,” said Namrata.
Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao is currently busy with the shooting of his two upcoming Hindi films - Stree and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga. He will shortly be seen in Omerta and Fanne Khan.
Malayalam cinema megastar Mohanlal has had a majestic career filled with magnificent movies that have made a major impact.
With over 300 films to his name – including record-breaking blockbusters, pathbreakers and critically acclaimed masterpieces – he has been a dominant force since the 1980s.
Known for his natural acting style, the cinema icon has inspired generations, entertained millions and left an indelible mark on the Indian cultural landscape. He celebrates his 65th birthday next Wednesday (21).
Eastern Eye marks the occasion with an A-to-Z exploration of his life, career and impressive legacy.
Manjil Virinja PookkaIMDb
A is for acting debut: The first film Mohanlal worked on was Thiranottam (1978), which he co-produced with close friends. Various issues meant the movie took an astonishing 25 years to release. He made his big screen debut as the lead antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
B is for bad guy: The newcomer made such a big impact as an antagonist in his 1980 debut that he was cast as a villain in numerous movies over the next few years. The prolific (see P) actor worked in nearly 50 films between 1981 and 1983.
C is for Company: He was introduced to Hindispeaking audiences in the 2002 crime drama Company, playing a senior police officer opposite Ajay Devgn and Vivek Oberoi in the story of warring underworld dons. Despite winning multiple awards and universal critical acclaim, Mohanlal largely stayed away from Bollywood.
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D is for directorial debut: After a prolific acting career (see P), Mohanlal made his directorial debut with Barroz. He also headlined the mega-budget 2024 fantasy adventure. Unfortunately for him, it was a major box-office failure.
E is for Elanthoor: Mohanlal Viswanathan was born in the village of Elanthoor in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala on May 21, 1960. He is the youngest child of Viswanathan Nair, a former bureaucrat and law secretary with the Kerala government. He grew up at his paternal home in Thiruvananthapuram and later earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
F is for family: He married Suchitra, daughter of film producer K Balaji, on April 28, 1988. They have two children – Pranav and Vismaya. Pranav appeared in a few films, starting with his debut in Onnaman (2001), which starred his father.
G is for giving back: The star is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he founded the ViswaSanthi Foundation – named after his parents – to support underprivileged communities in healthcare and education. He has also served as a goodwill ambassador for AIDS awareness.
H is for honours: With over 140 awards to his name, Mohanlal has received five National Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards and nine Filmfare Awards. He has been conferred with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s fourth and third highest civilian honours. He also holds honorary doctorates and a lieutenant colonel rank in the Indian Territorial Army.
IruvarReddit
I is for Iruvar: Mohanlal’s first non-Malayalam film was the 1997 Tamil drama Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam. Based on the life of MG Ramachandran, he played an actor who becomes a politician. The acclaimed film also marked Aishwarya Rai’s debut,s in a double role. The film won several awards.
J is for Janatha Garage: His most successful Telugu film, Janatha Garage, paired him with NTR Jr in a vigilante action drama. It became one of the highest grossing Tollywood releases and won multiple honours, including a National Award for Mohanlal.
Janatha GarageIMDb
K is for Kireedam: He won his first National Award for this 1989 drama, portraying a young man drawn into violence despite noble intentions. The film struck a chord with audiences and was later remade in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
KireedamIMDb
L is for laughter: Though known for intense roles, Mohanlal has an extensive body of comic work. His first major comic lead was in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), which launched a long-running collaboration with director Priyadarshan that included more than 40 films. Their hit comedies include Boeing Boeing (1985), Chithram (1988), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Kilukkam (1991) and Thenmavin Kombath (1994).
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M is for Mammootty: Rather than being rivals, Mohanlal and fellow Malayalam icon Mammootty share a deep friendship. They have often praised one another and costarred in many films, including 1998 mystery buddy comedy hit Harikrishnans, which had two alternate endings and was the year’s top Malayalam grosser.
N is for name: He was initially named Roshanlal by his maternal uncle Gopinathan Nair, before the family settled on Mohanlal. His father chose not to include the surname ‘Nair’, wishing to avoid caste associations.
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O is for Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil: Mohanlal sang in this 1985 film – one of several where he lent his voice. Others include Kandu Kandarinju (1985), Spadikam (1995), Chathurangam (2002), Balettan (2003), Run Baby Run (2012) and Odiyan (2018).
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P is for prolific: One of the most in-demand and hardest-working actors in Indian cinema across the past 45 years, he has starred in more than 300 films. In 1986 alone, Mohanlal appeared in 36 Malayalam films, including the hits T. P. Balagopalan M.A. and Rajavinte Makan. This has not only given him a wide variety of works, but also brought in big money for the Malayalam movie industry and enabled him to break box office records several times with movies like Chithram (1988) and Narasimham (2000).
Q is for Qatar: The actor is massively popular in the country and has been a regular visitor, including for the FIFA World Cup to watch matches. There is also an official Qatar fan club dedicated to him. R is for record-breaker: The superstar actor has broken box office records multiple times. His 2025 sequel L2: Empuraan became the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time.
R is also for remakes: Mohanlal headlined the mega-hit Malayalam language crime thriller Drishyam in 2013 and its acclaimed sequel in 2021. It has since become the most successfully franchised movie in Indian cinema history, with official remakes in a massive number of languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Sinhala and Chinese. An English language remake was also announced. A third instalment is in production, which will also get remade in multiple languages like the first two.
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S is for stage: Mohanlal is one of the few A-list Indian cinema actors to have successfully acted in theatre plays. These stage triumphs have included headlining Sanskrit language play Karnabharam in 2001, which he starred in free of charge, just for the joy of it. In 2003 play Kadhayattam, Mohanlal performed 10 classic characters and situations from Malayalam literature. Mohanlal collaborated with actor Mukesh for the plays Chayamukhi (2008) and Naga (2015).
T is for television: The actor has successfully hosted all six seasons of reality TV show Bigg Boss Malayalam. The seventh season premieres later this year.
U is for Uncle Bun: The actor transformed himself for the 1991 comedy, which was inspired by Hollywood film Uncle Buck (1989), with him taking on the role of the overweight uncle. His other films inspired by Hollywood included 1995 drama Nirnayam, which was loosely based on The Fugitive (1993).
V is for Vanaprastham – The Last Dance:The 1999 Malayalam drama saw Mohanlal win honours including a National, Filmfare and Kerala State Best Actor trophies. He plays a talented dancer from a lower caste who is judged by society and rejected by his father. The acclaimed dance drama received international acclaim and a National Award for best film.
Vanaprastham – The Last DanceIMDb
W is for wealth: One of the wealthiest actors in India, Mohanlal has regularly commanded high fees and secured major brand endorsements and lucrative TV deals. A big-thinking star, he also runs a large number of successful businesses, including restaurants.
X is for X factor: Being one of the hardest-working leading men in India has enabled Mohanlal to build perhaps the widest and most diverse body of work in Indian cinema. His versatility across genres has defined his career and inspired countless others to follow in his giant footsteps.
Y is for younger days: Mohanlal’s first role was as a sixth grader in a stage play called Computer Boy, where he portrayed a 99-year-old man. In his teenage years, during 1977 and 1978, he was also the Kerala state wrestling champion.
Z is for zodiac: Mohanlal is a Gemini. The star sign’s positive traits include being energetic, clever, imaginative, witty, adaptable, curious and intelligent. Geminis also tend to thrive in different environments and have strong communication skills.
Shah Rukh Khan has never been one to do things halfway. Whether it’s cinema, sports, or business, he’s known to go all in. Now, his latest move, fronting a new campaign for jewellery brand Candere, has fans convinced he’s not just endorsing the label but possibly stepping into the jewellery industry himself.
In recent weeks, Shah Rukh has been spotted flaunting bold accessories like chunky rings, layered chains, and bracelets that stand out. These choices aren’t random. They’re being noticed because they align neatly with his debut in Candere’s glitzy new campaign, where he’s not just a face but seems like the mind behind the mood. From the styling to the tone, the campaign feels unusually personal. It's not the typical celebrity plug.
So, what’s cooking? While neither Shah Rukh Khan nor Candere has confirmed anything beyond a brand partnership, speculation is picking up. Is he investing in the brand? Collaborating on a new line? Launching something of his own? Social media is flooded with guesses.
Shah Rukh is no stranger to business. His production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, is a major player in the film industry. He owns a cricket team. He’s backed start-ups in the tech world. Stepping into the luxury lifestyle space, especially one that aligns with his current image, wouldn’t be out of character.
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Adding to the buzz is news about King, his upcoming film directed by Siddharth Anand. The film will also feature his daughter, Suhana Khan, and includes stars like Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji, who’s reportedly playing Suhana’s mother in a pivotal role. The cast and plot hint at a high-stakes emotional thriller, another big swing from the superstar.
So, is Shah Rukh about to surprise fans with a jewellery line? Possibly. He’s done it before, built something quietly and then revealed it with flair. For now, all we have are hints and a striking campaign. But knowing SRK, the sparkle might just be the beginning of something bigger.
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Cannes red carpet sees iconic reunion of Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal
The Cannes Film Festival this year quietly handed over its most heartfelt moment to two women who once defined Indian cinema’s golden age. Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, both in their late 70s, walked the red carpet for the restored screening of Aranyer Din Ratri, Satyajit Ray’s 1970 film, now brought back to life in 4K. The screening was introduced by Wes Anderson, whose affection for Ray’s storytelling is no secret.
Anderson called the film a “forgotten treasure,” and watching the two original cast members return to celebrate it decades later turned it into more than just a screening but a living memory. “We’re the only ones left,” Sharmila said on stage, gesturing towards Simi, a comment that landed like a quiet tribute to a time now passed.
Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal, Wes Anderson and guests attend the "Highest 2 Lowest" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Originally based on a novel by Sunil Gangopadhyay, Aranyer Din Ratri tells the story of four city men seeking escape in the forests of Palamau. In the film, Sharmila played Aparna, an intelligent and reserved woman; Simi, in stark contrast, portrayed Duli, a spirited tribal girl. The characters’ contrasts mirrored the wide social and emotional gaps Ray explored between urban and rural, class and identity, tradition and change.
The film’s revival was made possible through a six-year collaboration led by The Film Foundation, founded by Martin Scorsese, Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films, and The Criterion Collection. Original film negatives were used, with cooperation from the family of producer Purnima Dutta.
Sharmila’s presence at Cannes also sparked renewed interest in her life beyond the spotlight. A 2021 video of her son Saif Ali Khan resurfaced, where he spoke of her habit of fixing and preserving everything, from old household items to the sprawling Pataudi Palace, which she helped restore. “She runs a home like a finishing school,” he said. “Even the staff trained under her get poached by neighbours.”
Her recent return to Bengali cinema in Puratawn with Rituparna Sengupta signals that her artistry isn’t a thing of the past. It’s ongoing, evolving, but always rooted in grace.
As the Cannes audience applauded the restored film, it wasn’t just nostalgia they were applauding. It was memory, legacy, and the quiet power of those who’ve never needed to shout to leave an impression.
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Aishwarya Rai and daughter Aaradhya land in France ahead of the Cannes 2025 red carpet event
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has once again touched down in France for the Cannes Film Festival, and this time, as always, her daughter Aaradhya is by her side. The duo was seen arriving at Nice Airport, where they were warmly received. A video of their arrival, now circulating widely online, captures Aishwarya chatting warmly with a greeter who hands a gift to Aaradhya before they head off.
Clad in a navy blue trench coat, Aishwarya kept it simple yet elegant. Aaradhya wore an all-black outfit and seemed at ease, exchanging smiles and laughter during the brief encounter at the airport. Despite recent speculation about whether Aishwarya would attend Cannes this year, especially after a video of her dancing with husband Abhishek Bachchan at a wedding in Mumbai, her airport appearance has laid all doubts to rest.
Fans quickly jumped into action online, sharing excitement over her return to Cannes. Comments ranged from “She is back!” to eager anticipation over her upcoming looks. However, not all responses were glowing, with some commenting on her choice of hairstyle.
Aishwarya is expected to walk the Cannes red carpet on 21 and 22 May, marking her 22nd year at the prestigious event. Her first appearance was in 2002 for the premiere of Devdas, where she made headlines arriving in a traditional gold saree, accompanied by Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
As for Aaradhya, her presence at Cannes is no surprise. Aishwarya has often said that her daughter enjoys the experience, not just for the glamour but for the atmosphere and the people she’s grown familiar with over the years. She once shared that Aaradhya understands the significance of the festival and appreciates the world of cinema.
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This year’s Cannes also sees other Indian names on the guest list, including Payal Kapadia on the competition jury, and stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa promoting their film Homebound. Meanwhile, the restored version of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri brings legends like Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal back to the spotlight.
With Aishwarya back on the red carpet, the countdown to her Cannes look has officially begun.
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Taylor Swift’s voice echoes through The Handmaid’s Tale in a surprise Reputation (Taylor’s Version) debut
Taylor Swift’s long-awaited Reputation (Taylor’s Version) finally made its presence known, but not through a press release or streaming platform. Instead, it emerged through the eerie silence of Gilead. The re-recorded version of “Look What You Made Me Do” debuted unexpectedly in the opening scene of the latest episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, catching fans and viewers completely off guard.
The episode begins with Elisabeth Moss’s character, June Osborne, orchestrating a quiet but fierce act of resistance against the regime. As handmaids march through a war-torn street, Swift’s voice cuts through the chaos. The updated track underscores the rebellion, syncing perfectly with the tension and defiance unfolding on screen.
The original 2017 version of the song was a turning point in Swift’s career, born out of public backlash and a media storm. Its reappearance now, in a show about fighting back against oppression, feels deeply personal. Swift’s battle to reclaim her music mirrors the episode’s themes: reclaiming agency, rewriting narratives, and refusing to be silenced.
Moss, also an executive producer of the show, shared how this moment had been years in the making. She revealed she had always wanted to feature a Taylor Swift track but waited for the right moment. “This was it,” she said. “The song, the scene, the story, it all just clicked.” Moss also attended Swift’s Eras Tour last year with castmate Bradley Whitford, making her admiration for the singer no secret.
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For Swifties, this is the clearest sign that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is on the horizon. While fans have spotted hints in everything from merch updates to symbolic fashion choices, this full-length debut feels like the real beginning of the next chapter.
It also marks the latest move in Swift’s ongoing mission to re-record her early albums and reclaim ownership after the rights to her original masters were sold without her consent. So far, she’s re-released Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and *1989*, with Reputation and her debut album left.
Swift’s music has popped up in recent shows and documentaries, but this moment in The Handmaid’s Tale is her strongest re-entry into the Reputation era. It's less of a promo, more of a declaration. The gloves are off.