QAWWALI MAESTRO CHAND ALI KHAN DISCUSSES HIS CAREER
QAWWALI music may be more than 700 years old, but it remains popular globally and regularly has leading exponents enthralling audiences with their high-energy live performances.
One of the UK’s finest exponents is Chand Ali Khan, who just concluded a national tour with his talented group. Like many great artists he has grown up with qawwali and is most at home in front of an audience, whether it is a small intimate setting or performing in front of 40,000 people at the Godiva Festival.
Eastern Eye caught up with the talented singer after a successful UK tour to discuss his career in qawwali, performing, hero, favourite composition, and future hopes.
What first connected you to qawwali?
My passion and devotion to qawwali stemmed from my grandfather. I vividly remember how he listened, valued, and became entranced by the message of qawwali and spirituality to Allah. He was a great figure that guided me in this way. From a young age, I was fortunate to witness classical music and qawwali from my ustads in Pakistan.
How would you describe your journey as a leading qawwali exponent?
It has been a really humbling experience. We have to remember that qawwali is a vastly complex genre of semi-classical music that derives its roots from some of the most challenging musical techniques of south Asia. Unlike what a lot of youth think today, qawwali is an art – not something that you can just pick up in a day; it is very gruelling and difficult work. There is a stark difference between being a singer and qawwal. Like any vocation, whether a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, it requires intensive, rigorous years of training and lifelong learning to come to grips with even a glimmer of skill in utilising intense singing at that level.
How has it been for you?
When I was bestowed with such an honorary title, it initially felt a great burden to represent 700 years of spiritual tradition that upheld some of the greatest and most revered names in the Indian subcontinent. I am just fortunate that my intensive training, hard work and repertoire have been rewarded with success.
How much does the support mean to you?
I have been incredibly touched by the support I have garnered from family, friends, and fans to pursue my career that has bolstered recognition for my vocal abilities. I am proud to bring authentic qawwali dispersed throughout the UK as part of my mission and lifelong dream. At the end of the day, I am eternally grateful to the blessings of almighty Allah, my parents, and ustads for their work and patience in helping me carve this path in my destiny.
How much does performing live mean to you?
Live performances are everything to an artist. The ambiance and electricity that connects is unlike any other feeling. Our audience is really what energises us to push further vocally. The reward and elation that comes with it is invaluable, and so we mean it when we say our audience is the most important part of any performance. Lockdown hit musicians hard, but now, Alhamdulillah, we have had the opportunity to regain this lost time and bring qawwali back to the public. I really relished our first moment back on stage.
Which qawwali do you enjoy performing?
Halka halka suroor is just superb. My all-time favourite, hands down. The composition and lyrics are masterfully hypnotic. Its meaning is just so riveting and the raag it uses builds an amazing crescendo. There is a reason why (Nusrat Fateh Ali) Khan sahib’s versions of this track are usually over 60 minutes long.
How do you generate so much power and emotion in your voice?
It is the prayers, blessings, and training from my ustads that I am blessed with a unique vocal essence. This is the art of qawwali.
Why do you think qawwali has remained popular for so many centuries?
The beauty of qawwali transcends both musical and linguistic boundaries. You don’t need to be Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, or any other faith, or religious. You don’t need to be Urdu, Hindi, or Punjabi-speaking to understand the energy, spirituality and inner connection that qawwali brings. Its rhythmic patterns and nuances allow anyone to interpret the meaning of the sacred compositions and enables the listener to draw their enrichment from within. That unique understanding means, it will continue to live on for centuries to come.
Who is your qawwali hero?
There are no words to describe the Shahenshah-e-Qawwali, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahib. Qawwali boomed across the globe due to his musical prowess and classical improvisations that opened it to a whole new world. The magnificence of ustadji was his versatility and all-roundedness. He was magic to those who knew him personally. I know there will never be another person like him in our generation or the next, but his purity, humility and outstanding compositions motivate me to continue to carry his legacy onward.
What are your own future plans?
We will strive to continue the legacy of the qawwali ustads and the Sufi message, as popularised by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. With the global pandemic stabilising and new rules for musical events, we have a number of international tours, festivals and collaborations scheduled for 2022 in both Europe and Canada, so watch this space!
What does qawwali mean to you?
Qawwali is such a sacred utterance. Literally coming from the word ‘qawl’ meaning utterance (from Arabic). It means everything to me. It is my connection and channel to my creator. My life is devoted to my worship for Allah and to my work to please him.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announced their pregnancy via a joint Instagram post on Wednesday.
The image showed a floral cradle with “Baby on the way” written on it, captioned simply: “Elated ❤️.”
Industry friends including Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Esha Gupta congratulated them.
The couple, who were together for 11 years before marrying in 2021, recently launched their production house, KAMPA Film.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa shared that they are expecting their first child together in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday. The announcement came with a floral-themed image featuring a cradle illustration that read, “Baby on the way,” along with their names. The couple summed up their feelings in one word: “Elated.”
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa smiling during a public appearance earlier this year Instagram/patralekhaa/rajkummar_rao
Couple’s first baby on the way
Rajkummar and Patralekhaa’s quiet reveal drew instant love from fans and colleagues alike. Filmmaker Farah Khan, who knew beforehand, joked in the comments, “Finally the news is out!! I was having a tough time keeping it to myself.” Others like Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Neha Dhupia, and Esha Gupta also sent in their warm wishes.
The duo dated for over 11 years before tying the knot in November 2021. Their relationship began well before they co-starred in CityLights, a 2014 film directed by Hansal Mehta. They've since appeared together in Bose: Dead/Alive and remained one of the industry’s most low-key but admired couples.
Rajkummar Rao will next be seen in Maalik, set for release on 11 July. He plays a gangster in the crime drama, which also stars Manushi Chhillar and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Patralekhaa, last seen in Phule, continues to balance film and OTT roles.
The couple recently launched KAMPA Film, a production banner named using the initials of their mothers’ names. “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling,” Patralekhaa shared. Rajkummar added, “KAMPA is an extension of our love for cinema and each other.”
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Dhurandhar teaser reveals glimpses of Sara and Ranveer’s on-screen pairing
Sara Arjun, once India’s highest-paid child actor, stars opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar.
Started her career at 18 months old and rose to fame with Deiva Thirumagal.
The teaser dropped on 6 July, coinciding with Ranveer’s 40th birthday.
The film has sparked online criticism over the 20-year age gap between the leads.
Once a toddler in detergent ads and later the daughter of Vikram in Deiva Thirumagal, Sara Arjun is now stepping into the spotlight as the female lead in Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama starring Ranveer Singh. The teaser, released on Singh’s 40th birthday, has made waves not just for its slick visuals but also for the casting of Sara opposite the veteran star.
Former child star Sara Arjun cast as Ranveer Singh’s romantic lead in 'Dhurandhar' at age 20 Facebook/Sara Arjun
A childhood spent on sets and screens
Sara Arjun’s introduction to the camera came before she could even speak fluently. Born in Mumbai in 2005 to actor Raj Arjun (Thalaivii, Secret Superstar) and dance teacher Sanya Arjun, she was just 18 months old when she appeared in her first television commercial. By the time she turned five, she had starred in over 100 ads, making her a familiar face in Indian households.
Her big break came in 2011 with Deiva Thirumagal, in which she played a six-year-old caught in a custody battle, alongside Tamil star Vikram. The film earned her both critical praise and public adoration. She went on to appear in Ek Thi Daayan, Saivam, and more recently as the younger version of Aishwarya Rai’s character in Ponniyin Selvan.
Sara Arjun began her screen career before she turned twoInstagram/saraarjun.fan.club
India's richest child star now fronting a major Bollywood film
Sara’s filmography spans Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. By 2023, she was estimated to have earned £950,000 (₹10 crore approximately ), making her one of the highest-paid child actors in Indian film history. Despite her young age, Sara has built an impressive résumé, including roles in 404, Jazbaa, Saand Ki Aankh, and Magic.
Now, Dhurandhar marks a turning point, her first major adult role in a mainstream Bollywood production. While her exact role in the story remains under wraps, she appears throughout the teaser in glimpses: dancing at a nightclub, riding pillion with Ranveer’s character, and sharing an intimate moment with him on the dance floor.
Though Sara’s rise to leading-lady status is being celebrated by many, her pairing with Ranveer Singh has drawn criticism for its age gap. Singh, who made his debut in 2010’s Band Baaja Baaraat, was already a Bollywood name while Sara was still a schoolchild. The 20-year difference between the two actors has reignited Bollywood’s long-standing debate around male leads being cast opposite significantly younger women.
Online users have questioned why Bollywood continues to cast barely-adult actresses opposite middle-aged male stars. “This isn’t casting, it’s conditioning,” one post read. Another pointed out that Dhurandhar began filming two years ago, when Sara had just turned 18.
Written and directed by Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike), Dhurandhar is positioned as a gritty espionage thriller based on real-life incidents. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film also features R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 December 2025.
While the teaser focuses heavily on Singh’s brooding, action-heavy persona, it’s Sara who has become the unexpected centre of attention. Whether the film will address their dynamic meaningfully or skirt the conversation remains to be seen.
For now, Dhurandhar marks a milestone in Sara Arjun’s long, unusual journey, from baby shampoo commercials to a Ranveer Singh-led action saga. Whether this debut will cement her status as Bollywood’s next big star or become a cautionary tale in its age-old casting debate, time and box office numbers will tell.
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Johnny Depp attends the "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" Screening at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Johnny Depp says Warner Bros. asked him to resign from Fantastic Beasts in 2020, but he felt they wanted him to retire.
The actor had just lost a libel case against The Sun, which referred to him as a “wife-beater.”
Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
He has now returned to directing after 20 years with his new film Modì, releasing on 11 July in the UK.
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has opened up about being removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, saying he felt the studio’s request for his resignation was effectively a push into retirement. Depp made the comments in a recent interview while promoting his new directorial project Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
In 2020, shortly after losing a high-profile libel case against The Sun over claims of domestic abuse during his marriage to Amber Heard, Depp was asked to step down from the Harry Potter spin-off series. Speaking about the moment, Depp said, “It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said, ‘We’d like you to resign.’ But what was really in my head was, they wanted me to retire.”
Depp returns to directing with Modì after more than two decadesGetty Images
Depp on his forced exit from Fantastic Beasts
Depp had filmed only one scene for the third instalment, The Secrets of Dumbledore, before Warner Bros. asked him to leave. He announced his exit via Instagram, saying he had “respected and agreed” to the request. However, in hindsight, Depp revealed his private reaction was far less diplomatic: “F--- you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt, you’re gravely mistaken.”
He went on to describe how the fallout from the court case affected his career, saying he had been “shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, cancelled, however you want to define it.”
Depp says being pushed out felt like “they wanted me to retire”Getty Images
Mads Mikkelsen on stepping into Depp’s role
After Depp’s departure, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was cast as Gellert Grindelwald. Speaking at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2022, Mikkelsen admitted replacing Depp was “intimidating,” calling him “an amazing actor.” He said he made a conscious choice not to imitate Depp’s portrayal, as doing so would have been “creative suicide.”
Mikkelsen added that while Depp’s fans were kind, they were also “stubborn,” and he understood their emotional investment in the original casting.
Depp was originally dropped following the 2020 verdict that The Sun’s “wife-beater” headline was “substantially true.” But in 2022, he won a separate US defamation case against Heard over a Washington Post op-ed, with a jury awarding him over £8 million (₹84 crore) in damages. Heard received £1.6 million (₹16.8 crore) in her countersuit.
Reflecting on the legal process, Depp said he felt compelled to fight back publicly: “If I don’t try to represent the truth, it will be like I’ve actually committed the acts I’m accused of. And my kids will have to live with that.”
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroomGetty Images
What’s next for Johnny Depp?
While Depp has kept a relatively low profile in Hollywood since 2020, he’s slowly returning to creative work. He made his live-action comeback in the French film Jeanne du Barry (2023), where he played Louis XV. Now, Modì, his first directorial venture in over two decades, is set to hit UK cinemas on 11 July.
The biographical drama follows Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani over a turbulent 48-hour period in World War I-era Paris. It stars Riccardo Scamarcio, Al Pacino, and Antonia Desplat.
Following Modì, Depp is expected to return to acting in Day Drinker, a Lionsgate action-comedy alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. In the film, Depp plays a mysterious yacht guest with ties to a dangerous criminal underworld.
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Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana
Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly earning £14 million (₹150 crore) for playing Lord Rama in both parts of Ramayana.
Yash, cast as Raavan and also producing, is expected to receive £9.3 million (₹100 crore).
Sai Pallavi will reportedly take home £1.1 million (₹12 crore) as Sita.
Sunny Deol is said to be charging £3.7 million (₹40 crore) for portraying Hanuman.
The upcoming two-part film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is shaping up to be one of the most expensive projects in Indian cinema history. With its Diwali 2026 and 2027 releases already confirmed, all eyes are now on the cast’s sky-high fees.
Though the production house hasn’t officially confirmed individual earnings, multiple media reports, including those from Siasat.com and Republic, have provided a breakdown of what the film's leading stars are reportedly taking home, and the numbers are staggering.
Fans await Ramayana teaser as early reviews spark buzz online Instagram/iamnamitmalhotra
Ranbir Kapoor to pocket £14 million (₹150 crore) for playing Lord Rama
Ranbir Kapoor, who will headline the saga as Lord Rama, is said to be the highest-paid actor in the film. According to multiple industry reports, he will earn £7.5 million (₹75 crore) per instalment, totalling £14 million (₹150 crore) for both parts.
This is the biggest payday of Kapoor's career, far surpassing the £2.5–3 million (₹25–30 crore) he reportedly earned for Brahmastra. His casting as the noble prince has already stirred major buzz online, particularly after the first-look visuals surfaced.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
Yash as Raavan: £9.3 million (₹100 crore) plus producer credit
Kannada superstar Yash, best known for his role in the KGF franchise, is stepping into the role of Raavan. Reports claim he is earning £4.65 million (₹50 crore) for each instalment, a total of £9.3 million (₹100 crore). In addition to acting, Yash is producing Ramayana under his own banner, Monster Mind Creations, giving him a dual stake in the project’s success.
His previous remuneration for KGF 2 was reportedly around £3–3.5 million (₹30–35 crore), making Ramayana his most lucrative role yet.
Yash undergoes intense physical training to play Ravana in Ramayana Instagram/thenameisyash
Sai Pallavi’s biggest pay cheque as Sita
Acclaimed South Indian actress Sai Pallavi is playing Sita, and reports say she is earning £1.1 million (₹12 crore) for the project.
This is a significant jump from her usual range of £250,000–300,000 (₹2.5–3 crore), with her earlier highest-known salary being £500,000 (₹5 crore) for the upcoming Telugu thriller Thandel. With Ramayana, she steps firmly into pan-Indian cinema territory.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey add weight to the ensemble
Veteran actor Sunny Deol has been cast as Hanuman and is reportedly earning £3.7 million (₹40 crore) in total. This figure mirrors what he made for Gadar 2, reinforcing his continued demand in action-heavy roles.
Meanwhile, TV star Ravie Dubey, who will play Laxman, is reportedly being paid between £200,000–400,000 (₹2–4 crore). It’s still unclear whether this is his total fee or per-film amount, but even the lower end marks a substantial step forward in his film career.
Supporting cast and colossal budget
The film will also feature Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, and Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha. Kajal Aggarwal will play Mandodari, while Amitabh Bachchan and Kunal Kapoor are expected to make guest appearances as Jatayu and Indradeva respectively.
Ranbir Kapoor hugs Ravi Dubey after wrap speech on Ramayana set Twitter/Raymond/Cinegeek
Jointly produced by Namit Malhotra (DNEG/Prime Focus Studios) and Yash, Ramayana is being made on a reported budget of £77 million (₹835 crore), though some estimates push that figure past £160 million (₹1,600 crore) when marketing and VFX are included. The background score and soundtrack are being composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, again a rare India-Hollywood collaboration.
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Gregg Wallace dropped from MasterChef after over 50 sexual misconduct claims surface
Gregg Wallace has been dropped from MasterChef following a misconduct probe.
BBC was approached by over 50 individuals with new allegations, including sexual misconduct.
Wallace says an independent investigation cleared him of “serious” claims but found him guilty of inappropriate language.
He has hit back at the BBC, accusing them of betrayal and failing to support his autism diagnosis.
Gregg Wallace has been officially removed from MasterChef after more than 50 new individuals came forward with misconduct allegations spanning his two-decade television career. The move follows an ongoing investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin, commissioned by the show’s production company, Banijay UK, into Wallace’s behaviour.
While Wallace claims he has been cleared of the “most serious and sensational” accusations, he was reportedly found responsible for inappropriate language and comments dating back as far as 2005. The BBC, which aired MasterChef, is now facing renewed scrutiny over how long-standing concerns about Wallace’s behaviour were handled internally.
BBC under fire after 50 women share new allegations against Gregg WallaceGetty Images
Allegations span 20 years and multiple shows
BBC News reports that the broadcaster received over 50 new testimonies after its initial exposé in 2023, which documented complaints from 13 individuals. Among the most disturbing claims were accounts from women alleging Wallace groped them, touched them inappropriately, or undressed in their presence without consent.
One woman who worked on MasterChef between 2011 and 2013 said Wallace pulled down his trousers in front of her in a dressing room. A 19-year-old employee claimed she was subjected to comments about her body and discouraged from filing a formal complaint. Others described incidents on BBC shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Eat Well for Less, as well as incidents that occurred at industry events and even during a book tour.
Despite some complaints reportedly dating back to 2017, Wallace continued to appear on-screen until stepping away from MasterChef in late 2024 when the first round of allegations emerged.
Wallace hits back, says autism diagnosis was ignored
In a five-slide Instagram statement, Wallace defended himself, claiming he had been “hung out to dry” by the BBC and MasterChef producers despite years of service. He also revealed a recent diagnosis of autism, alleging that his neurodiversity was known by colleagues but never acknowledged or accommodated.
“I will not go quietly,” Wallace wrote. “I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established… That failure is now being quietly buried.”
Wallace accused BBC News of planning to “platform legally unsafe accusations” and condemned the broadcaster’s coverage as “sensationalised gossip masquerading as journalism.” He stated that the only misconduct confirmed in the Silkin report related to language used between 2005 and 2018, for which he offered an unreserved apology.
Gregg Wallace seen filming prior to being removed from the showYoutube Screengrab
BBC and Banijay face scrutiny over safeguarding failures
The scandal is not just about Wallace. The revelations have raised significant questions about workplace culture within the BBC and its production partners. Many of the women who spoke to the BBC said they felt unable to report Wallace’s conduct at the time for fear of career backlash.
A production worker told BBC News that when she complained about Wallace dropping his trousers in a dressing room, she was dismissed with the response: “You’re over 16. You’re not being Jimmy Saviled.”
Another producer said her warnings to the BBC were ignored even after submitting a formal letter supported by an industry union in 2022. A 2023 report into BBC workplace culture already revealed that “a small number of stars and managers behave unacceptably,” with action often delayed or avoided entirely.
The BBC logo is seen at BBC Broadcasting House Getty Images
Banijay boss responds to scandal, promises safer industry practices
Just two hours after the latest BBC report on Wallace dropped, Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland addressed the controversy during a press dinner in London’s Covent Garden. Speaking to a room filled with journalists, producers, and talent, Holland confirmed that an executive summary of the Lewis Silkin investigation will be released publicly “soon,” though the full report will remain confidential.
While he declined to comment on whether Wallace had been formally sacked, Holland acknowledged the broader implications of the case. “We need to do all we can to ensure that everyone in production, especially in the most junior roles, feels confident to call out bad behaviour,” he said.
He also noted that television culture had changed dramatically over the last two decades and pointed to “hotlines, welfare officers, and anonymous reporting systems” now available to workers as an apparent response to the many who said they feared career damage if they spoke up.
Gregg Wallace attends the Channel 5 2020 Upfront photocallGetty Images
Public reckoning and industry fallout
As the summary of the Silkin report is expected in the coming days, pressure is mounting on the BBC and Banijay to address the broader systemic issues that enabled Wallace to remain on air for so long. Calls are growing for resignations among senior figures who had oversight of Wallace’s productions.
Baroness Helena Kennedy, who leads a creative industry watchdog, warned that “freelancers often feel unable to speak out” and that there have been “multiple missed opportunities” to prevent harm.
Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, added: “Misogyny, intimidation, ageism, and sexual harassment should have no place in modern workplaces. Yet time and again we have seen issues running rampant, propped up by inadequate reporting mechanisms and a culture of untouchable talent.”
Bectu Union Story Instagram Screengrab/ bectuunion
She welcomed the UK government’s latest move to ban NDAs that silence victims of workplace abuse, a step many say is long overdue in cleaning up the British entertainment industry.
Wallace, meanwhile, continues to deny engaging in any sexually harassing behaviour. A spokesperson said he is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.