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.
Shakira gave fans in Montréal a moment to remember during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour. While performing her iconic hit Whenever, Wherever at the Bell Centre, the pop star lost her footing and slipped, landing hard onstage. It happened just as she began the song, and for a brief second, the crowd held its breath.
But without missing a beat, the 48-year-old artist picked herself up and continued as though nothing had happened. The moment was caught on video by fans and quickly spread online. What stood out wasn’t the fall but her quick recovery. Fans flooded social media with praise, applauding her for staying calm and professional. Some called her “a true performer,” while others admired how she shared the fall on Instagram herself, turning an awkward moment into something relatable.
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The Montréal fall wasn’t the only bump on this tour. Earlier this year, Shakira had to cancel her Lima, Peru show after being hospitalised for abdominal pain. She posted a heartfelt message apologising to her fans, saying she’d looked forward to that night and was disappointed not to be able to perform.
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There were more disruptions along the way. Two concerts in Santiago, Chile, were cancelled because of technical problems with the stage setup. In May, a health advisory was issued after a person diagnosed with measles attended her MetLife Stadium show in New Jersey. Though Shakira didn’t address the alert publicly, the situation caused concern among fans.
Despite these challenges, Shakira’s tour has been a massive success. Since kicking off in February in Brazil, she’s performed alongside stars like Maluma, Carlos Vives, and Wyclef Jean. The tour has brought in over £56 million (₹588 crore) from just 11 reported shows and topped Billboard’s Top Tours chart more than once.
Despite setbacks Shakira’s tour remains one of the highest-grossing this yearGetty Images
This tour also marks a comeback of sorts. It’s her first full-length album and tour since her breakup with Gerard Piqué in 2022. And through it all: health issues, schedule changes, even a fall, Shakira keeps showing up, proving that no stage stumble can shake her.
Her final show is set for June in San Francisco. Until then, she’s keeping her balance and her sense of humour intact.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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