Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Television actress Navina Bole has come forward with a troubling story about filmmaker Sajid Khan, adding her voice to the list of women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. In a recent interview with Subhojit Ghosh, Bole recounted how a professional opportunity quickly turned into an uncomfortable and inappropriate situation.
Bole, who has appeared in popular shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, and Ishqbaaz, said the incident happened between 2004 and 2006, soon after her stint at Gladrags. Excited about a possible role, she went to meet Sajid Khan but instead of a formal meeting, she found herself at his house, not an office.
According to Bole, Khan asked her bluntly to take off her clothes and sit in her lingerie, claiming he needed to see how "comfortable" she was. She said she felt trapped but managed to find an excuse and leave quickly. Fortunately, a friend was waiting downstairs, giving her a bit of reassurance.
Bole also recalled Khan’s crude justification, saying he pointed out that since she had worn a bikini on stage before, she shouldn’t have a problem stripping in front of him. "He said it’s all 'tts and as,'" she shared, shocked by how casually he spoke.
Even after she left, Khan reportedly called her repeatedly, asking why she hadn’t stayed longer. A year later, when Bole was participating in Mrs. India, he reached out again, pretending not to remember their previous encounter. "He must have hit on so many women that he didn’t even realise he had already tried this with me," Bole said.
This is not the first time Sajid Khan’s name has surfaced in such cases. Back in 2018, during India’s #MeToo movement, several women, including Saloni Chopra, Sherlyn Chopra, and Aahana Kumra, had accused him of sexual harassment. The backlash forced him to step down from Housefull 4 and led to a one-year suspension by the film directors' association.
Despite the serious accusations, Khan later returned to television, a move that sparked debates about accountability in the entertainment industry.
The celebrated comedian and character actor passed away due to age-related ailments.
Asrani’s career spanned over five decades across Hindi and regional cinema.
He was best known for his collaborations with Kader Khan and director Priyadarshan.
A prolific career in Indian cinema
Veteran actor Asrani, who brought laughter and warmth to Indian screens for more than five decades, has passed away at the age of 84 due to age-related ailments. Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles, Asrani was among the most recognisable faces in Hindi cinema from the 1970s through the 1990s.
He became a household name with his performance as the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975), and also left a mark with acclaimed roles in Abhimaan, Bawarchi, and Chupke Chupke. Over the years, his versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy, character parts and cameos.
Successful collaborations with Kader Khan
Asrani shared a long and successful professional relationship with actor-writer Kader Khan. The duo appeared together in several hit films including Swarg Se Sundar, Charnon Ki Saugandh, Patal Bhairvi, Himmatwala, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni, Dulhe Raja, and Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare. Their chemistry and comic exchanges became a staple of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
Comic brilliance under Priyadarshan’s direction
In the 2000s, Asrani reached a new generation of filmgoers through his collaborations with filmmaker Priyadarshan. He featured in some of the director’s most popular comedies including Hera Pheri, Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, Billu, and De Dana Dan.
A legacy of laughter
With more than 350 films to his credit, Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense. His distinctive expressions, dialogue delivery, and ability to find humour in everyday situations made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic actors.
He is remembered not only for his performances but also for shaping the tone of comedy in Hindi films across generations.
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