Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Riz Ahmed: I never expected I’d be able to have a career

Riz Ahmed: I never expected I’d be able to have a career

Oscar-nominee and Emmy-winner Riz Ahmed is probably the only actor who has been vocal about the toxic portrayals of Muslim characters in TV and films. A few months ago, he dressed down Hollywood and the wider film industry for portraying Muslim characters in bad light almost every time.

In June, the British actor launched a multi-layered initiative for Muslim representation in media, in partnership with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the Ford Foundation, and Pillars Fund. Powered by USC Annenberg’s new study on Muslim representation in media, the coalition created the Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion, as well as the Pillars Artist Fellowship.


Using research that he was directly involved in commissioning, Ahmed showed how Muslims, who make up almost a quarter of the world’s population, are either “invisible or villains” in cinema.

Talking to a publication, the Sound of Metal (2019) actor said that he is not trying to attack anyone personally by calling out “a collective blind spot”. “If you are going to say something, say it, I guess, right? I am not trying to attack anyone personally; it’s just about trying to call out a collective blind spot. So, am I worried it would have a knockback on my career? I dunno…”

He added, “You know, this is all just a bonus. I never expected I would be able to have a career. They have not noticed I have snuck in. They are going to throw me out any minute. It is probably that kind of thing. Nick all the sweets while you can. Trash the place. Tell them whatever you want. Maybe there is some of that going on.”

Riz Ahmed can be currently seen in Encounter which is out now on Amazon Prime.

More For You

Mohini Dey
Mohini Dey has played with legends across continents and\u00a0now she\u2019s stepping into the spotlight with her own voice
Instagram/dey_bass

Exclusive: Mohini Dey on breaking barriers in music — “I wasn’t hired for being a woman, I was hired because I deliver”

Mohini Dey laughs down the line, a deep, unfiltered chuckle that cuts through the noise. “Ronnie Scott’s? With my band, playing my music? That’s crazy,” she says, still letting it sink in. Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye from Los Angeles, where she recently wrapped a show at the Hollywood Bowl with Willow Smith, the 28-year-old bassist is now preparing for her first headline performance in the UK this July.

For Dey, who grew up riding Mumbai’s local trains with a Walkman and no room for childhood distractions, this moment feels both improbable and hard-earned. It’s the kind of full-circle milestone that doesn’t come from luck, but from surviving, insisting, and showing up anyway.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meenakshi jayan

Meenakshi Jayan receives the Best Actress award at the Shanghai International Film Festival 2025

Meenakshi Jayan wins best actress at Shanghai International Film Festival for Malayalam film 'Victoria'

Quick highlights

• Meenakshi Jayan bags best actress at Shanghai International Film Festival’s Asian New Talent Awards
• Wins for her role in Victoria, the only Indian film in competition this year
Victoria is directed by Sivaranjini J and backed by Kerala’s Women Empowerment Grant
• Jayan prepared for her role by working at a beauty parlour and learning the Angamaly accent

Keep ReadingShow less
Bianca censori

Bianca Censori and Kanye West walking hand in hand in New York City

Instagram/pagesix

Bianca Censori steps out braless in a sheer top and micro shorts during New York outing with Kanye West

Quick highlights

  • Bianca Censori was spotted in NYC on 21 June wearing a sheer top and leather micro shorts.
  • Kanye West dressed in his usual covered-up style with a pop of blue in his shoelaces.
  • The couple’s appearance follows a reconciliation earlier this year after a brief split.
  • Censori has drawn criticism for her increasingly revealing outfits and recent distracted driving allegations.

Bianca Censori turned heads once again as she stepped out in New York City with her husband, Kanye West, wearing a sheer black top with no bra and ultra-short leather shorts. The couple were spotted walking through the city on Saturday, 21 June, continuing their string of public appearances in bold fashion choices and controversial moments.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trisha’s birthday post with Thalapathy Vijay and her dog sparks dating rumours

Trisha Krishnan’s birthday post with Thalapathy Vijay and her dog renews dating rumours

Instagram/trishakrishnan

Trisha’s birthday post with Thalapathy Vijay and her dog sparks dating rumours

Quick highlights

• Thalapathy Vijay turned 51 on 22 June 2025
• Trisha Krishnan’s birthday post shows Vijay with her dog, Izzy
• Fans speculate about a relationship as the post goes viral
• Trisha’s mother’s reaction adds fuel to the dating buzz

Keep ReadingShow less
Ezra miller

Ezra Miller attends the 'Justice League' photocall

Getty Images

Ezra Miller feels "remorse" over past behaviour and hints at Hollywood return

Quick highlights

• Ezra Miller made their first major appearance in years at Cannes 2024.
• They said their relationship with Hollywood remains “tentative”.
• Miller is co-writing a new film with Die My Love director Lynne Ramsay.
• They acknowledged remorse for past behaviour and said writing helped during solitude.

Keep ReadingShow less