TALENTED television star Srishti Jain says she is thankful for a fiveyear acting journey that has made her stronger and wiser.
She went through a struggle, giving auditions and facing rejections while at college, and landed her first show, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, as a 19-year-old.
Ever since then the versatile small screen beauty has worked hard, acting in a variety of drama serials, and recently, landed her latest project Hamari Wali Good News on ZEE TV, which has a taboo-busting storyline that redefines the saas-bahu dynamic.
Eastern Eye caught up with Srishti to speak about her path-breaking new serial Hamari Wali Good News, acting and shooting amid Covid-19.
You have played a variety of roles in a short space of time, but which has given you the greatest joy?
It is extremely hard to pick one because each show and characters I have played are special to me. Navya right now in Hamari Wali Good News is a very interesting character, so I am really looking forward to it as things are going to be very challenging, which is why it makes it a lot more fun.
What about from your previous shows?
I think I will pick Jaya from Main Maike Chali Jaungi, Tum Dekhte Rahiyo because I got to build her from day one. So, Jaya was my baby and very similar to what Srishti is. Apart from that, shows I have done are ones I took up post the leap, so I didn’t really get an opportunity to build my character and had to adapt. But with Jaya, I was able to put in a piece of me from day one and that’s what makes her a little more special, as compared to other roles I have played.
Tell us about your new show Hamari Wali Good News?
Hamari Wali Good News is very experimental, bold and progressive, yet it is a slice-of-life kind of a show. It touches on a lot of sensitive issues and is about a very unique relationship between the daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law, which I think the audience will really enjoy. It has a lot of twists and turns. The wonderful script and storyline is experimental, so I hope our audience is ready for something like this because it is going to touch a lot of new chords in people’s heart. I think that is what makes it so special and why I am really excited about it.
How does this compare to other roles you have done?
Like I said, I feel the show is experimental and unique. That uniqueness makes it different from other shows I have done before. The character is my age, but at the same time, she is dealing with challenges that a girl her age probably in today’s time wouldn’t have faced, so that makes her different. She is handling mature responsibilities because she got married early, but she is young at heart.
What is the biggest challenge of playing this character?
I think maintaining a balance between maturity, as well as keeping that inner child or young side alive, is challenging for this role. The subject is challenging, as the promos have shown it is about my mother-in-law bearing the child for me, and why she has to do that. That challenging character and subject is exactly what will make the show very special and unique.
What is it like shooting during the time of Covid-19?
Honestly, shooting during this time is scary and makes me very anxious, but like they say, the show must go on. So, we are shooting with all the precautions and safety measures. I am also very grateful, honestly, to be shooting during this pandemic because I know these times are very difficult. Being able to have work in this time is a big deal and I am very grateful for that. It’s a mixed feeling, but I am really excited to be back in action.
What's the secret of a great performance?
I think the secret to a good performance is dedication, hard work and passion. I believe whenever I perform or take up a new show and role, I try to give it my best. I put in as much work as is required for that particular role. Over the years, I have realised that this was my calling and I was meant to be in front of the cameras. That drives a good performance from my end.
What do you like watching?
I think the lockdown has had everybody hooked onto Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar and other OTT platforms. Currently, I am watching How To Get Away With Murder. I enjoy good thrillers. Previously, I watched Lucifer and Dark, which were also beautifully executed serials.
Who is your own acting hero?
It is very difficult to pick one. What Irrfan Khan sir could do was unique to him and I absolutely admire him. Vidya Balan maam is an incredible performer and a powerful woman. I also really admire Sandra Bullock and Robert Downey Jr. I am not just saying this because of everything going on, but I was always an admirer of Sushant Singh Rajput as a performer and for the kind of person he was, which he demonstrated when I was shooting for my show Meri Durga in Film City.
What happened during the shooting of Meri Durga?
A really cool car stopped on our set. I was tied to a trolley, so couldn’t move. I saw this man from the back step out of the car and touch our director’s feet before hugging him. Then I saw it was Sushant (Singh Rajput) sir. His car windows were entirely tinted, so he could have passed by without anyone knowing, but his action of stopping to take blessings from my director, with whom he worked on (TV serial) Pavitra Rishta, by touching his feet defines him as a man in my eyes. I admired him as an actor, but from that day onwards I started following him and respecting him as a person.
Why should we all watch Hamari Wali Good News?
Hamari Wali Good News is such a fresh, progressive, experimental show. It is something that, I feel, the audience needs. It has a lot to teach and tell the audience.
I think it will be able to redefine a lot of relationships and things for the people in our country.
With all of that, it also has a dose of laughter. People will laugh, learn something new and connect to each character of the show. We are working hard to make sure we deliver and execute the script well, and do justice to it. I am hoping audiences will accept, love and watch the show.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, Kajol pulls back the curtain on her most daring role yet. Forget the dimples and that signature bindi for a moment. Kajol, the powerhouse we know for fiery roles and infectious energy, is stepping into chilling new territory. Her upcoming film, Maa, which hits screens on 27 June, isn’t built around cheap jump scares. It’s a raw look at the everyday fears that haunt parents, especially mothers. Chatting with her felt less like a fluff piece and more like an honest heart-to-heart.
Kajol wastes no time explaining what makes Maa stand out. “We’re tackling things mainstream cinema tiptoes around,” she says. “Child safety. The constant pressure of raising kids. The unspoken worries when you have a daughter. Even menstruation.” She lets each topic hang in the air before adding, “That’s exactly what drew me to it. It’s a gripping horror story, yes, but it’s also a chance to sneak in conversations most of us avoid.” Her hope however is simple: people might not dissect every theme consciously, but they’ll walk away questioning what we accept as “normal.”
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
A horror newcomer finds her groove
Fans know Kajol for her loud performances, energy and fiery roles. In Maa, though, her character radiates a quiet, simmering intensity. Did she have to unlearn her signature style? "Not unlearn," Kajol clarified, "but I was a total horror newbie!" She confessed she rarely watches the genre. "I walked in blind. I had no idea how emotionally and physically draining it would be." The biggest surprise? Finding the right pitch. "Horror has its own frequency. My director, Vishal Furia, kept gently nudging me, 'Ma’am, this is horror. You need to sync with the audience's fear, there are things happening behind."
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
Three decades in: Embracing freedom
With almost thirty years on screen and sky-high expectations, taking on something so different might sound daunting. Not to Kajol. “Daunting? Nah. I feel free. Freer than most, honestly." She dismissed the idea of proving anything. "I’ve never been in the rat race. I don’t have that 'chase, chase, chase' ambition. I’m perfectly happy chilling at home for a year or two, waiting for something that truly sparks my interest." Ironically, her 33rd year is her busiest in two decades. "But it’s because I want to work, not because I have to. Work is part of my life, not my whole life. That balance is very important to me."
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
Behind the scenes: Producer’s hat
Wearing a producer's hat this time, was there a hill she was willing to die on creatively? Kajol quickly deflected praise. "Honestly, huge credit goes to Ajay Devgn. He was the driving force ensuring 'Maa' looks and feels premium. Ajay made sure Maa looks and sounds top notch,” she admits. “In today’s world, a movie must hit a certain visual and technical bar just to get noticed.” From VFX and music to the film’s overall vibe and marketing push, they poured everything into creating a polished experience. “We can’t wait to see how audiences react on the 27th.”
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
The Real Takeaway? Just Enjoy Yourself
So, what big truth does Maa hold up for viewers? Kajol cut through expectations: “It’s not a preachy film. You won’t leave thinking, ‘Oh, that was the lesson!’” Instead, she insists, “You might have more fun than you expect. This one sneaks up on you.” For her and Ajay, that’s the point: “We make films to be felt and savoured, not overanalysed. So, relax and feel it and just have a lot of fun.”
Playing a mother pushed beyond reason in Maa. So, how did Kajol the real-life mom handle that? “Protecting your child is primal,” she says without hesitation. What shook her most was her character’s unyielding grit. “In reality, most of us would crumble under that kind of pressure. But she keeps going, even when all hope seems lost. That drive like that ‘I have to do something’ energy, that’s what I want everyone to take away.”
Kajol’s journey with Maa is all about confronting societal shadows and embracing genre challenges she never saw coming. This is a film that confronts real fears head on, guided by a performer unafraid to strip away artifice. Ready to see Kajol like never before? Maa arrives 27 June.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Facing strong criticism on social media for questioning the survival story
Actor and singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi has issued a public apology after facing strong criticism on social media for questioning the survival story of Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Deleted post sparks backlash
The controversy began when Krishnamoorthi, known for her role in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, shared a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that Vishwas Kumar Ramesh had fabricated his account of surviving the 12 June crash. In her post, she wrote: “So this #vishwaskumarramesh lied about being a passenger on the plane & the only survivor? This is seriously weird. Didn't his family in the UK corroborate his story? What about his brother's funeral that he was seen giving kandha to? Deserve not only some serious punishment but some mental asylum time if this is true uff.”
Krishnamoorthi deleted the post and issued a statement of apologyX/ suchitrak
Her comments appeared to have been influenced by unverified social media speculation claiming that Ramesh’s survival narrative was false. The post drew significant backlash from users who criticised her for spreading misinformation and making insensitive remarks without confirmation.
Public apology issued
In response to the mounting criticism, Krishnamoorthi deleted the post and issued a statement of apology, also on X. She wrote: “Took out my last tweet on the Air India crash survivor. Seems to be false news circulated for God knows what reason. My apologies.”
The apology was shared on 19 June 2025, but reactions have remained mixed, with some social media users accepting the clarification while others questioned the haste in making the original accusation.
Who is Vishwas Kumar Ramesh?
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, is the only known survivor of the Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on 12 June. The crash claimed the lives of at least 260 people.
Ramesh was reportedly seated in seat 11A, close to an emergency exit on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and managed to escape the burning aircraft. He was treated for injuries at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and was later seen attending the funeral of his brother Ajay, who also boarded the same flight to London but did not survive.
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi’s comments on social media questioning the legitimacy of a plane crash survivor’s account have drawn widespread criticism. Following the backlash, she deleted the post and issued a public apology, admitting the claim was based on false information.
Keep ReadingShow less
Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya walk the streets of London together fans react to viral video
Actor Janhvi Kapoor was recently spotted in London, walking hand-in-hand with rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya in a video that has since gone viral. Captured by a passerby, the clip shows the duo casually strolling through the streets. Dressed in relaxed outfits, Janhvi in a black tube top and joggers, and Shikhar in a mint green tee with white trousers, the pair looked at ease in each other’s presence. Janhvi’s sister Khushi Kapoor was also seen walking nearby, playing third wheel.
While Janhvi and Shikhar have never publicly confirmed their relationship, moments like these continue to fuel speculation. From dinner outings to joint appearances at major events, the signs have long been there. Janhvi has also worn a necklace with Shikhar’s name in the past, and he frequently posts photos of her on social media.
This isn’t the first time the internet has buzzed with talk of the two. Their quiet presence together over the years, including a joint appearance at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Janhvi’s upcoming film Homebound, has kept fans guessing. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, also stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa.
Janhvi had briefly opened up about her dynamic with Shikhar on Koffee With Karan Season 8. When Karan Johar cheekily asked if she had gone back to dating Shikhar after a break, Janhvi smiled and said, “Have you heard that song Nadaan Parindey Ghar Aaja? Shikhar used to sing that to me a lot.”
Shikhar Pahariya's Instagram post on Diwali Instagram/shikharpahariya
Shikhar Pahariya, the grandson of former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and son of producer-actor Smruti Shinde, has kept a relatively low profile despite the public curiosity. His brother, Veer Pahariya, recently debuted in Bollywood with Sky Force.
What’s next for Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi, meanwhile, has a packed schedule. She stars in Param Sundari, a romantic comedy with Sidharth Malhotra set in Kerala, releasing on 25 July. She’s also reuniting with Varun Dhawan for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, a family entertainer slated for September. A sports-action film titled Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan and scored by AR Rahman, is also on the list for 2026.
Keep ReadingShow less
Kuberaa Twitter reviews call Dhanush’s performance his best and praise Sekhar Kammula’s storytelling
Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, hit theatres on 20 June and has quickly made waves online. Reactions across social media, particularly Twitter, have described the film as a bold, emotionally rich crime drama with standout performances, especially from Dhanush. Audiences have called it a “rare gem” in today’s commercial landscape and one of the best Telugu-Tamil bilingual films of 2025 so far.
Dhanush’s career-best, Rashmika’s surprise, and Nagarjuna’s steady hand
The highlight of most audience reviews is Dhanush’s performance, hailed by many as his “career-best” and even “National Award-worthy.” His portrayal of Deva, a beggar caught in a complex web of crime and morality, has been described as transformative and deeply immersive. One viewer wrote that few actors could pull off such a layered character with the same mannerisms in multiple avatars. Fans have also praised Rashmika Mandanna, calling this her strongest performance yet. Her portrayal is described as subtle yet powerful, giving the character both vulnerability and resilience. Nagarjuna’s presence, though noted to be slightly underused, was still appreciated for its gravitas and emotional weight.
— (@)
Sekhar Kammula’s direction was lauded for steering clear of formulaic mass elements, there are no item numbers or excessive heroism and instead relying on a grounded narrative. Viewers appreciated the film’s quiet intensity, emotional pacing, and the director’s ability to build tension without gimmicks. Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy received special praise for his frames and lighting, with many calling the visuals “painterly” and emotionally charged. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score was also credited for amplifying the film’s emotional beats.
— (@)
Long runtime, uneven pacing but still worth the ride
Despite widespread acclaim, some viewers felt Kuberaa’s three-hour-plus runtime could have been tighter. A few pointed out that the second half dragged slightly and the climax felt rushed compared to the strong build-up. Others mentioned that some of Kammula’s philosophical themes did not fully land in execution. Still, even the critics agreed the film is a worthwhile experience that deviates from standard commercial fare.
— (@)
In all, Kuberaa is being celebrated as a rare cinematic effort: emotionally grounded, superbly acted, and visually distinctive. Whether or not it’s a perfect film, audiences seem to agree that this is Dhanush’s show, and it’s one worth watching.
Keep ReadingShow less
Stephen Fry says JK Rowling's views on trans rights have crossed the line
Stephen Fry has spoken out against JK Rowling’s stance on trans issues, saying the author has become “radicalised” and calling her views “cruel” and “mocking”. This is, in fact, a significant shift from Fry, who had previously refused to take sides in the heated debate surrounding Rowling’s statements on gender identity.
In a recent interview, the 66-year-old British actor, author and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate said Rowling’s repeated comments had crossed a line. “She has been radicalised, I fear, perhaps by TERFs, but also by the sheer backlash she’s faced,” he said. “I’m afraid she seems to be a lost cause for us.”
— (@)
Fry says Rowling’s tone has changed for the worse
Fry, who famously narrated all seven Harry Potter audiobooks, said he once enjoyed Rowling’s company and admired her wit, but feels her recent behaviour is no longer something he can overlook. “She says things that are inflammatory, contemptuous, and mocking,” he said. “It’s a terribly distressing time for trans people, and her words only make it worse.”
He added that while public debate is important, Rowling’s rhetoric has contributed to a toxic atmosphere. “There’s bullying, violence, and suicide in the trans community,” he said. “It’s not the time for smugness or cigar selfies on yachts.” This was in reference to Rowling’s post celebrating a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that defined women by biological sex, something LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall called “deeply worrying” for trans people.
Fry joins Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in supporting the trans communityGetty Images
Fry also reflected on the damage done by shouting on both sides of the issue: “Screaming ‘transphobe’ at anyone who doesn’t agree with every detail doesn’t help either. You have to let people love you.”
— (@)
Cast and colleagues have also distanced themselves from Rowling
Fry now joins Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in publicly rejecting Rowling’s stance. All three actors have declared support for trans rights in recent years. By contrast, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, has remained neutral, choosing instead to focus on Rowling’s legacy as a writer.
— (@)
This growing divide among those closest to the Harry Potter universe shows how Rowling’s position has shifted the conversation from literary legacy to personal ethics and how even long-time allies like Fry are no longer staying silent.