BIRTHDAY SPECIAL REFLECTING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF SOUTH INDIAN CINEMA’S SUPERSTAR
by ASJAD NAZIR
THIS month South Indian superstar Samantha Akkineni turns a year older and will be celebrating her 33rd birthday on April 28.
The multi-award-winning actress has risen through the ranks in the past decade to become a formidable force in Indian cinema and delivered an impressive body of work. She also does philanthropic work and is married into a famous film family.
The A-list star, not surprisingly, has a huge fan base and they will all wish her well as she turns a year older. To mark Samantha turning 33, Eastern Eye decided to present 33 fun facts about her.
1. The commerce graduate started working as a model before successfully auditioning for her first film and starting an extraordinary journey in cinema.
2. Samantha is married to popular actor Naga Chaitanya, who is the son of legendary movie star Akkineni Nagarjuna. She had starred opposite him in her debut film Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010. The Telugu film earned her a Filmfare Award in Best Debut Actress category.
3. Although her second film as a lead, Baana Kaathadi (2010), was her first in Tamil cinema, it was actually the third in that language she had signed, but it came out before the other two.
4. Tamil romantic drama Moscowin Kavery (2010) was her third film as a lead, but it was actually the first movie that she had ever signed.
5. She starred opposite Mahesh Babu in 2011 action comedy Dookudu, which became the highest grossing Telugu film at the time. It was described by the Los Angeles Times as “The biggest hit you’ve never heard of.”
6. In 2012, the popular star suffered a prolonged period of illness, which forced her to take an extended break. The ordeal inspired her to set up a charity supporting women and children.
7. Her film Eega (2012) was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Both versions were so successful that the film was later dubbed in Hindi, Chinese and Swahili. It was the first Telugu film widely released in Africa.
8. Remarkably, in 2012, she shot the same romantic drama in three languages simultaneously with three different actors. She starred opposite Jiva in Tamil version Neethaane En Ponvasantham and with Nani in Telugu version Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu. A further Hindi version titled Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor was 60 per cent complete, but shelved.
9. At the Filmfare Awards (South) in 2012, she won the Best Actress awards for Tamil and Telugu for her performances in Neethane En Ponvasantham and Eega, respectively. Samantha became the second ever actress to achieve the feat after Revathi had secured both awards in 1992.
10. Her 2013 comedy drama Attarintiki Daredi opposite Pawan Kalyan became the highest grossing Telugu language film of all time when it released.
11. Samantha was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and later played the role of a diabetic patient in 2013 film Satyamurthy.
12. One mantra she took on board and it helped her was to, not take yourself too seriously and with that regard, she likes people with a good sense of humour.
13. A remake of a 2016 Kannada film of the same name, Samantha’s 2018 thriller U Turn was a film that was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu.
14. The A-list superstar starred in the second (Theri) and third (24) highest grossing Tamil films of 2016. Her release Janatha Garage was the highest grossing Telugu film of that year.
15. Her 2016 Telugu language film A Aa was loosely based on the novel Meena, which was previously adapted as a 1973 movie. She won a number of honours, including Filmfare South Best Actress award.
16. 2017 film Mersal became one of the highest grossing Tamil films in history.
17. Her hit 2018 Tamil film Irumbu Thirai ran for 100 days, and a dubbed Telugu version titled Abhimanyudu was released. A Hindi dubbed version titled The Return of Abhimanyu was also released.
18. Her 2019 hit film Oh Baby is a remake of 2014 South Korean film Miss Granny. A Bollywood and Hollywood remake of the same film are being planned.
19. Her hit 2020 release Jaanu is a Telugu remake of 2018 Tamil film ’96, but Samantha had initially rejected it thinking she wouldn’t be able to do it.
20. Although she made a quick cameo in 2012 film Ekk Deewana Tha, the actress has no intention of making the move to Bollywood despite getting multiple offers over the years and is happy acting in South Indian cinema.
21. Samantha will woo Hindi-speaking audiences in the second season of web serial The Family Man and plays a negative character in it.
22. The actress says she is inspired by late great Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.
23. Whenever possible she avoids shooting after 6pm, so she can be home with her husband and have family time.
24. She has starred with all the superstars of South Indian cinema, including doing two or more films with Vijay, Suriya, Dhanush, Jr NTR and Mahesh Babu.
25. The actress is known as Sam, but is also addressed by the name of Yashoda by friends and family.
26. Samantha has a number of tattoos, which includes her husband’s name and one on the wrist of two arrows, which is a Roman symbol meaning ‘create your own reality’.
27. She loves to read and a favourite book is Rhonda Byrne’s bestseller The Secret.
28. London is her most favourite holiday destination.
29. A TV series that was a firm favourite for the actress was The West Wing.
30. She has always been praised for her fashion choices and is most comfortable wearing traditional Indian outfits.
31. Samantha once confessed to having a fear of snakes.
32. She and her husband are a power couple, and have the pet name ChaySam.
33. Samantha only believes in competing with herself and regularly praises fellow stars when they do good performances.
Six appeal
Six super performances of Samantha Akkineni:
Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012): The Tamil language romantic drama saw her play one half of a couple at different stages of their lives. She played the same role equally well in Telugu romance Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu opposite a different leading man.
Eega (2012): One of the most unique films made in India saw Samantha deliver an award-winning performance of a heartbroken woman who teams up with a lost love reincarnated as a housefly, to take revenge on the man who murdered him.
A Aa (2016): The actress won further accolades for her performance in a film that was both a relatable romance and family drama.
Super Deluxe (2019): The multi-layered Tamil drama sees the actress deliver a stand-out performance in an ensemble cast as a cheating wife stuck with a dead body.
Oh, Baby (2019): The hit comedy saw her play a 70-year-old woman who magically turns into a fun-loving 24-year-old.
Jaanu (2020): The Telugu romance is one of the best movies of 2020 and sees Samantha play a woman reunited with a former flame after many years.
Top discounts on tech, beauty, home and essentials
Must-have offers include deals on Dyson, Nespresso, Oral-B, and more
Exclusive to Amazon Prime members (free trial available)
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is well underway, with this year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 11 July. With thousands of products on offer across nearly every category, shoppers in the UK can enjoy steep discounts on everyday essentials, big-ticket tech, and top-rated beauty favourites.
We’ve sifted through the extensive listings to highlight 15 of the best value-for-money deals currently live, with savings of up to 60%. All prices are correct at the time of writing and exclusive to Prime members.
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Save £50 If you’ve been eyeing Apple’s high-end earbuds, now’s a rare chance to get them discounted. Includes noise cancellation and spatial audio.
Tips to make the most of Prime Day:
Prime membership is essential – If you’re not yet a member, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial. After that, it’s £8.99/month.
Compare prices before checkout – Not all “deals” are as generous as they seem. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check historical prices.
Act fast – Some items, especially big tech or beauty discounts, may sell out quickly or go out of stock before Friday.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen appliances, refreshing your skincare shelf or just looking for practical home savings, Prime Day 2025 has something for nearly every shopper. But act quickly – the best offers won’t stick around long.
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Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views
Escape to paradise – no passport required
Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.
1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.
Best for: Picnics, photography, and a peaceful swim Nearest parking: Stackpole Quay car park
2. Achmelvich Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
Many of these beaches are tidal and best enjoyed at low tideiStock
With white sands and dazzling turquoise water, this beach in the remote northwest Highlands rivals beaches anywhere in the world. The journey is long, but the views – and near-solitude – make it worth every mile.
Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near Porthcurno, this tidal beach is often reached via a steep cliff path – but rewards visitors with stunning sandbars and glassy water at low tide. It’s also unofficially clothing-optional.
Best for: Adventurous walkers, secluded sunbathing Access: Steep footpath from Treen
4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Framed by the turquoise seaiStock
Arguably one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, Luskentyre’s vast white sands stretch for miles, framed by the turquoise sea and Harris’s dramatic hills. When the sun shines, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Scotland.
Best for: Landscape lovers, long coastal walks How to get there: Ferry from Skye to Tarbert, then a 25-minute drive
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
It’s best visited early or late in the dayiStock
With its striking serpentine rock formations, teal-coloured waters, and hidden caves, Kynance is a postcard-perfect Cornish cove. Its popularity means it’s best visited early or late in the day.
Best for: Exploring caves, paddling Nearby: Kynance Cove Café (seasonal)
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The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain
A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection
Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK
A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.
Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.
Mutations help Stratus spread despite immunity
Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, noted that certain mutations in the spike protein could help the virus bypass antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr Khan. However, the symptoms tend to remain mild to moderate, with hoarseness being one of the most noticeable.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” adding that there is currently no evidence that the XFG or XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous strains.
Waning immunity raises infection risk
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, the reduction in Covid-19 infections in recent months, along with lower booster jab uptake, could increase the risk of infection.
“Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3,” he told MailOnline.
He warned that this could lead to a new wave of infections, though the scale remains uncertain.
Global monitoring of the strain
Globally, Stratus accounted for 22.7 per cent of Covid cases as of 22 June, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The strain has been designated as a “variant under monitoring”, with WHO currently assessing its public health impact as low risk.
The emergence of Stratus follows the spread of another recent variant called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), first detected in China and Hong Kong in January and now present in parts of the US and Australia. Nimbus has been associated with more severe sore throat symptoms.
Reduced testing levels since the pandemic’s peak make it difficult to track the true spread of these new variants, health officials have noted.
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Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain
New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders
Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age
A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.
Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.
Research confirms presence of progenitor cells
The study, conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, confirms the existence of these progenitor cells — cells that develop into neurons — in the adult hippocampus. The team used DNA carbon dating to determine when the cells were formed. Brain tissue samples from people aged 0 to 78 were analysed, sourced from international biobanks.
“We have now been able to identify these cells of origin, which confirms that there is an ongoing formation of neurons in the hippocampus of the adult brain,” said Jonas Frisén, professor of stem cell research at the Karolinska Institutet, who led the study.
Advanced techniques reveal cell activity
To conduct the study, the researchers applied a method known as single-nucleus RNA sequencing, which allows scientists to analyse gene activity in individual cell nuclei. This was combined with machine learning to identify the different stages of neuron development, from stem cells to immature neurons.
The team identified all neural progenitor cell stages in early childhood samples. In adult samples, they located dividing progenitor cells using antibodies against the proliferation marker Ki67, alongside machine learning algorithms.
The results not only confirmed that adult neurogenesis takes place but also revealed that many of the dividing cells were in active developmental stages.
Significant variation between individuals
A notable finding from the study was the large variation in the presence of progenitor cells between individuals. While some adults had many such cells, others had very few. The researchers said this variability could have implications for understanding individual differences in brain ageing and cognitive resilience.
They also found that although the progenitor cells in humans were similar to those in animals such as mice, pigs, and monkeys, the active genes involved differed, suggesting some species-specific distinctions in brain development.
Implications for brain health and disease treatment
The findings provide valuable insight into how the human brain changes over time and could have medical implications. As many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, involve the loss of neurons in regions like the hippocampus, understanding how new neurons form could contribute to the development of regenerative therapies.
“This is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human brain works and changes during life,” said Frisén. “It may also guide future treatment strategies for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.”