Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Simu Liu eyes Bollywood after showcasing dance moves in 'Barbie'

The actor reunites with Awkwafina and John Cena in the upcoming Prime Video comedy ‘Jackpot!’

Simu Liu eyes Bollywood after showcasing dance moves in 'Barbie'

HOLLYWOOD star Simu Liu, known for his breakthrough role in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, hopes that his dancing skills showcased in Barbie will open doors to Bollywood. Liu, who played the role of Rival Ken in Greta Gerwig's 2023 blockbuster, expressed his strong desire to be part of a Bollywood film.

In an interview with PTI, Liu shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I think I've made my intentions very, very clear. I would love to be in a Bollywood movie." The actor, who often sparred with Ryan Gosling’s Beach Ken in Barbie and participated in a memorable dance-off, hopes this experience will serve as an audition for Bollywood opportunities.


In Barbie, Greta Gerwig's 2023 summer blockbuster, the actor played Rival Ken who often sparred with Ryan Gosling's Beach Ken. They also have a dance-off on the popular song I'm Just Ken.

"Hopefully, my work in Barbie is an appropriate audition for Bollywood because there's a lot that we have in common, a lot of music and dance numbers. I would love to come to India. So I'm putting that out in the universe and hopefully, the universe will give me something back," the 35-year-old said.

Written by Rob Yescombe and directed by Paul Feig, the filmmaker behind hits such as Bridesmaids, The Heat, and A Simple Favor, Jackpot! revolves around Awkwafina's character Katie, a struggling actor new in a near future California. After Katie wins a lottery, the public is after her life because of a rule that allows the person who kills her to claim all the winning money.

In the comedy, Liu plays Louis Lewis, a character whom he described as a "slick and charming" guy who is also "very enterprising and backstabby". Lewis befriends Katie and Cena's Noel with the intention to kill them and take away the money.

"I do think an actor playing a villain is allowed to go to more places and have a little bit more fun. I definitely had a lot of fun on this one and the experience of working with Awkwafina... (again) It felt just like an awesome reunion of sorts and getting to face off against John is... What can I say? Like a childhood dream of mine," he said.

Liu and Cena, a popular name in the WWE pantheon, closely worked with stunt coordinator James Young who helped them use their physicality to deliver a convincing performance.

"John and I really take this stuff seriously. We geeked out in the preparation process, all of the rehearsals and kind of running choreography in between takes. He's such a student of life and I appreciated working with him."

The actor worked with Cena on "Barbie" but they didn't have any scenes together. Liu, however, got to know that Cena would have a cameo as a Mermaid Ken in the film, an idea that tickled him.

"He shot his cameo with Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie and (him as) Mermaid Ken probably on a soundstage somewhere on his own. When we were shooting it, we were looking at the laser pointer dots in the distance.

"We had no idea what we were looking at and we were just told that it would be John Cena dressed in a mermaid outfit. That was pretty great for imagination, but I didn't actually get to see him," he said.

Liu shot to fame with Canadian TV sitcom Kim's Convenience and went on to solidify his stardom as Marvel hero Shang-Chi, a role he hopes to reprise in future. (PTI)

More For You

raj kundra

Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe

Getty Images

Raj Kundra tells Mumbai police £5.6m fraud funds went to Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia

Highlights:

  • Raj Kundra questioned in India for five hours over alleged £5.6m (₹60 crore) fraud
  • He claimed money was paid as fees to Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia
  • Investigators traced nearly £2.3m (₹25 crore) in direct transfers to actresses and Balaji Entertainment
  • Shilpa Shetty also under scrutiny as financial probe widens

Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, has been questioned for nearly five hours by financial crime investigators in India in connection with an alleged £5.6 million (₹60 crore) fraud. During interrogation, Kundra reportedly said part of the disputed money was paid as professional fees to Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. Authorities are now examining whether these transactions were legitimate or part of a larger scheme.

raj kundra Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Redford death

Robert Redford dies at 89 leaving behind a Hollywood and Sundance legacy

Getty Images

Robert Redford dies at 89 as tributes hail his fight for cinema freedom and environmental justice

Highlights

  • Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor and director, dies at age 89 in Utah
  • Starred in classics including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men
  • Founded the Sundance Institute, transforming the landscape of independent cinema
  • Advocated for environmental causes and used his fame to highlight pressing global issues

Robert Redford dies at 89, leaving behind a legacy that bridged blockbuster Hollywood hits and groundbreaking independent cinema. Best known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, Redford was not only a matinée idol but also an Academy Award-winning director and the driving force behind the Sundance Film Festival, which changed the trajectory of global filmmaking.

Robert Redford death Robert Redford dies at 89 leaving behind a Hollywood and Sundance legacy Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer sparks festive wedding chaos with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor

Instagram/dharmamovies

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer brings love and laughter to Dussehra audiences

Highlights:

  • The Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer is out, offering a festive family entertainer.
  • Features a star-studded cast including Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sanya Malhotra.
  • Set against a vibrant Indian wedding backdrop with romance, comedy, and music.
  • Directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment.

The Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer has finally landed, giving audiences a glimpse of what promises to be one of 2025’s most joyous family films. Bursting with romance, humour, and festive charm, the trailer sets the tone for a big fat Indian wedding story, rooted in togetherness and celebration, a hallmark of Dharma Productions’ signature family entertainers.

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer sparks festive wedding chaos with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor Instagram/dharmamovies

Keep ReadingShow less
Lokah Chapter 1

Dulquer Salmaan reveals Mammootty and Priyadarshan doubted Lokah Chapter 1

Dulquer Salmaan reveals Mammootty and Priyadarshan doubted ‘Lokah Chapter 1’ before it smashed £24M box office

Highlights:

  • Dulquer Salmaan says both his father Mammootty and Kalyani’s father Priyadarshan were initially worried about the ambitious project.
  • The Malayalam superhero film has stormed the global box office, crossing £24 million (₹250 crore).
  • Kalyani Priyadarshan shares the key advice her director father gave her following the monumental success.
  • The producer-actor admits his production company was braced for a significant financial loss.

The record-shattering success of Lokah Chapter 1 has sent shockwaves through Indian cinema, but for producer Dulquer Salmaan and star Kalyani Priyadarshan, the sweetest victory was winning over their most sceptical critics: their legendary fathers.

In a recent interview, Dulquer disclosed that veterans Mammootty and Priyadarshan had serious doubts about the risky superhero venture, making its phenomenal Lokah Chapter 1 box office haul a deeply personal win. The film’s performance has not only re-written Malayalam cinema’s commercial potential but also cemented its pan-India appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12 2025

Getty Images

Taylor Swift hides behind £6,000 bulletproof barrier at Chiefs game after Charlie Kirk murder sparks safety fears

Highlights:

  • Taylor Swift reportedly used a £6,000 (₹7.14 lakh) bulletproof portable shield to attend Travis Kelce’s game discreetly.
  • Heightened security follows the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last week.
  • Swift’s low-profile entry marked a departure from her usual public arrivals at Arrowhead Stadium.
  • Fans speculate the singer opted for extra protection amid growing safety concerns.

Taylor Swift took unprecedented precautions at Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs game, reportedly shielding herself behind a bulletproof barrier as she watched fiancé Travis Kelce play. The heightened security comes amid concerns following Charlie Kirk’s shocking murder, showing that Swift’s safety remains a top priority. Fans noticed the unusual arrival, sparking discussions online about the superstar’s protective measures.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12 2025 Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less