Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Riz Ahmed reveals a specific mantra he follows when it comes to choosing his projects

Riz Ahmed reveals a specific mantra he follows when it comes to choosing his projects

Riz Ahmed has always made distinctive choices in his career, which have helped him cement his position as a creative force to reckon with. But do you know that Ahmed, who is the first Muslim and the first South Asian actor to win a lead acting Emmy Award, has long followed a specific mantra when it comes to picking up his assignments?

Talking about the same, the actor tells a leading publication, “I want to know, ‘Does it stretch me? Does it stretch culture?’”


Ahmed is presently looking forward to the release of his next film Encounter. Directed by Michael Pearce from a screenplay by Pearce and Joe Barton, the sci-fi thriller has already had its premiere at various film festivals where it garnered huge praise for the actor.

Interestingly, when Ahmed first read Pearce’s script for Encounter, the lead character of Malik Khan was not written with a person of colour in mind.

“I think his original preconception about the character was that in casting a white American, you could capture certain thematic resonances about America’s fear of immigration and invasion of aliens — that they are taking over and replacing us. And that’s valid. I just offered a different take on it,” he shares.

The actor is also executive producing the upcoming animated documentary Flee, directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, written by Poher Rasmussen and Amin. It tells the story of an Afghan refugee named Amin, who shares his hidden past for the first time, of fleeing his country.

Ask him what led him to come onboard to executive produce Flee, and he tells, “(It) aligned with the stories I want to tell.”

The animated documentary is due on December 3, one week before Encounter arrives in cinemas on December 10.

Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.

More For You

Anthony Mackie wants Shah Rukh Khan as the next Avenger: ‘He’s the best!’

Anthony Mackie names Shah Rukh Khan as his top pick for the next Avenger, sparking excitement among fans

Getty Images

Anthony Mackie wants Shah Rukh Khan as the next Avenger: ‘He’s the best!’

Hollywood star Anthony Mackie, who steps into the iconic role of Captain America in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, has his sights set on Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan joining the Avengers. During a recent chat with influencer Kevin Zingkhai, Mackie didn’t hesitate when asked which Bollywood actor he’d pick for the superhero squad. “Shah Rukh Khan, no doubt. He’s the best!” Mackie declared, sparking excitement among fans of both Marvel and Bollywood.

Shah Rukh Khan’s global appeal has already found its way into the Marvel universe. A song from his film Swades was featured in Deadpool 2, and in 2018, Marvel executive Stephen Wacker stated that if the studio ever created Indian content, SRK would be a must-have. More recently, The Marvels director Nia DaCosta also praised Khan, calling him a “legend” and expressing her desire to work with him.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chiranjeevi faces backlash over sexist comment about 'grandson and family legacy'

Chiranjeevi shares a moment with Ram Charan in a recent Instagram post

Instagram/alwaysramcharan

Chiranjeevi faces backlash over sexist comment about 'grandson and family legacy'

Megastar Chiranjeevi has found himself in hot water after making comments that many have labelled as sexist during a recent public appearance. Speaking at the pre-release event of Brahma Anandam, the actor expressed his desire for a grandson, sparking a wave of criticism online for what some called outdated and regressive views on gender.

Chiranjeevi joked that his home feels like a "ladies' hostel," with him playing the role of the warden, surrounded by granddaughters. He revealed that he often urges his son, actor Ram Charan, to have a boy to carry on the family legacy. "I keep telling Charan, at least this time, have a boy so our legacy continues," he said, adding, "I’m scared he might have another girl." Ram Charan and his wife, Upasana, welcomed their daughter, Klin Kaara, in June 2023.


The actor’s remarks didn’t sit well with many, who took to social media to call out the underlying gender bias. One user pointed out that such comments reflect a persistent societal mindset that prioritises male heirs over female children. "It’s disappointing to see someone of his stature perpetuate these outdated ideas," the user wrote. Another criticised Chiranjeevi for not using his influence to challenge stereotypes, saying, "Every child, regardless of gender, is a blessing and can carry forward a legacy."

Keep ReadingShow less
2025 Oscars: Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and A-List stars set to present

Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson among the A-list stars set to take the stage as presenters at the 2025 Oscars

Instagram

2025 Oscars: Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and A-List stars set to present

The Academy has unveiled a star-studded line-up of presenters for the 2025 Oscars, adding even more glamour to Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining the previously announced 2024 winners—Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr.—are A-listers like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amy Poehler.

Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the event, marking his first time leading the prestigious awards show. The telecast is expected to acknowledge the impact of the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles earlier this year. O’Brien has stated that he wants the show to strike a balance between honouring Hollywood’s biggest achievements and recognising the challenges the city has faced.



A new twist on the Oscars' “Fab 5” format will also be introduced this year. Traditionally, past winners present acting awards while sharing personal tributes about the nominees. However, due to controversy surrounding one of this year’s nominees, the format has been adjusted to spotlight behind-the-scenes talent instead.

The new presenters include Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang, adding a mix of Hollywood veterans and fresh faces to the stage. While the specific categories they’ll present remain under wraps, tradition suggests last year’s Best Actor winner, Cillian Murphy, will hand out the Best Actress award, and Emma Stone will return the favour for Best Actor.

Rumours are swirling about a potential opening performance by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both nominated for their roles in the highly anticipated musical. While Grande remained coy about the possibility, fans are already buzzing with excitement.

The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, with a red-carpet pre-show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET. As the countdown begins, the Academy promises more surprises and announcements in the coming weeks.

With a mix of Hollywood royalty, heartfelt tributes, and a touch of Conan O’Brien’s signature humour, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a night to remember.

Keep ReadingShow less
Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

Will Smith’s comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s latest song sparks excitement among fans

Instagram/diljitdosanjh

Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

When Hollywood superstar Will Smith drops a comment on your Instagram post, you know something big is brewing. That’s exactly what happened when Diljit Dosanjh, the Punjabi music sensation, shared a snippet of his latest track, Tension, on social media. Smith, known for his iconic roles and global influence, left a simple yet impactful comment: “Fire!.” Diljit, clearly thrilled, responded with, “@willsmith BIG BROTHER 🦾.”

This brief exchange sent fans into a frenzy, with many speculating if a collaboration between the two stars is on the horizon. One fan wrote, “This is BIG!,” while another chimed in, “Hopefully, there are plans for you two to work together!”

Will Smith drops a "Fire!" comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s post, fuelling collaboration rumoursInstagram/diljitdosanjh

Keep ReadingShow less