SS Rajamouli is one of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry. He has made amazing movies like Magadheera, Eega, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali: The Conclusion, and others.
After the release of the Baahubali franchise, he is undoubtedly one of the biggest directors in the Indian film industry, and now, Rajamouli is all set to make a mark internationally.
Writer K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, who is also Rajamouli’s father, revealed that the filmmaker will team up with a Hollywood studio. While he didn’t give many details about the movie, he suggested that it will be a live animation film.
Well, earlier there were reports that SS Rajamouli will collaborate with a Hollywood Studio, however, there is no official announcement about it. But, with Prasad confirming the news we are sure that the fans of the filmmaker would be excited about his international debut.
Meanwhile, Rajamouli is currently busy with his Telugu film RRR. The movie stars Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt. While it is being made in Telugu, the movie will be dubbed and released in various languages.
A few days ago, the makers had announced the digital and satellite partners of RRR. It was revealed that post-theatrical release, the digital rights for the film’s international versions (English, Portuguese, Korean, Spanish, and Turkish) have been sold to Netflix.
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RRR is slated to release on 13th October 2021. There were reports that the film might get postponed to 2022. However, there’s no official announcement about it.
Mohini Dey laughs down the line, a deep, unfiltered chuckle that cuts through the noise. “Ronnie Scott’s? With my band, playing my music? That’s crazy,” she says, still letting it sink in. Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye from Los Angeles, where she recently wrapped a show at the Hollywood Bowl with Willow Smith, the 28-year-old bassist is now preparing for her first headline performance in the UK this July.
For Dey, who grew up riding Mumbai’s local trains with a Walkman and no room for childhood distractions, this moment feels both improbable and hard-earned. It’s the kind of full-circle milestone that doesn’t come from luck, but from surviving, insisting, and showing up anyway.
A childhood full of sounds and music
Mohini was never a regular child. Born into a musically disciplined home in Mumbai, her father a bassist, her mother a singer, Mohini’s life was all structure and sound. But not the kind most children grow up with. “I didn’t have friends my age,” she says plainly. “My dad was strict. He believed childhood was for building something, not wasting time.”
While most kids her age were at birthday parties, Mohini was at Nirvana Studio, jamming with jazz legends like Ranjit Barot and Louis Banks. “It was like going to two schools: one for academics, one for music history and reality checks,” she recalls. “I was surrounded by giants, and I learned early that to make it, I had to be exceptional.”
Mohini Dey will make her UK headline debut at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club this July Instagram/dey_bass
That early push turned her into a master of her craft but also left scars. “I was depressed as hell,” she admits. “I was constantly being moulded into someone else’s dream.”
At 17, she left it all and became the family’s breadwinner
At 17, she snapped. In a moment of quiet rebellion, she left home. Cut ties. Lived alone. And decided to prove, especially to her father, that she could make it on her own. “He told me I wouldn’t be successful without him,” she remembers. “I needed to show him he was wrong.”
Those three years were lonely, but transformative. Mohini toured, hustled, and became her family’s main earner. “I learned to navigate everything. The business side, the gigs and all of it,” she says.
Bassist Mohini Dey is redefining what it means to be an Indian woman on the global music stageInstagram/dey_bass/bassplayunited
When music became medicine
The silence with her father finally broke when he called her after three years. “He said he was proud. That was enough. He didn’t apologise, but he didn’t need to.” She began taking him to her shows. In the last two years before he passed away, Mohini made sure he saw what she’d become.
“I took him to my shows. Introduced him to the life I’d built. It was healing,” she says, voice softening. “His death hit hard... but also made me push even more,” she says. “The last two years before he passed… they were good. Really wholesome. I’m glad we had that.”
Her father’s death could have derailed her. Instead, she kept playing. “I got back on stage within days. Because music took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself.”
Mohini Dey opens up about burnout, ambition, and finding balance in a demanding industryInstagram/dey_bass
Not just the bass girl
Mohini is now one of India’s most sought-after musicians, having worked with legends like A.R. Rahman, Clinton Cerejo, Zakir Hussain, Salim–Sulaiman, and even Willow Smith, with whom she just played the Hollywood Bowl.
She’s crossed genres with ease, from Carnatic to rock, from fusion to pop. Her only rule? Never stay comfortable. “I’ll do a metal tour one week, a classical show the next,” she grins. “If it feels too easy, I’m bored.”
But don’t mistake that hustle for perfectionism. “I’m burnt out,” she says without flinching. “I’ve been working nonstop, albums, tours, even managing a side business. Sometimes I just want to disappear into a cave with my bass.”
Still, when she plays, the burnout fades. “There are these rare moments when I’m on stage, not overthinking, just being. That’s what I chase.”
Mohini Dey’s journey from a musically strict childhood in Mumbai to international acclaim is a story of rebellion, resilience, and rhythmInstagram/dey_bass
“I’m not a diversity hire. I’m just good”
Despite being a young Indian woman in an industry that rarely makes space for either, Mohini refuses to paint herself as a victim. “If anything, I used it to my advantage,” she says with a shrug. “I’m talented, I’m beautiful, I’m Indian. It made people take notice. But then I had to prove I deserved it.”
That confidence comes from lived experience. “I’ve never been treated like a diversity hire. I get called because I deliver. And because I’m versatile.” Her mentor, drummer Ranjit Barot, taught her early on: “You’re a musician first. The rest is noise.” That philosophy stuck.
From Mumbai to the world stage, Mohini plays life her own wayInstagram/dey_bass
Redefining success on her own terms
Despite the accolades, Forbes 30 Under 30, global acclaim, and sold-out venues, Mohini says awards never meant much to her. “In India, there are no awards for instrumentalists. Everything is for playback singers.”
So how does she define success? “I don’t know what it means yet,” she admits. “But contentment? That’s what I chase. Those rare moments when I play and I’m not overthinking, just flowing. That’s a win.”
Mohini Dey says music saved her when nothing else couldInstagram/dey_bass
What’s next: less travel, more life
As she readies her set for Ronnie Scott’s, including unreleased tracks and new sounds, Mohini is also thinking about slowing down. “I hate travelling,” she laughs. “By the time I’m 38, I want to be working from home, running a studio, picking only what excites me.”
She’s already laying the foundation with a social media company, side hustles and plans to support young musicians. “Music can’t feel like a grind,” she says. “It has to stay personal.”
Mohini Dey has become one of India’s most in-demand musicians across genresInstagram/dey_bass/bahrainjazzfest
Advice to dreamers: trust your gut
Asked what she’d tell her 14-year-old self, Mohini smiles. “Nothing. That kid was solid. She did what her dad told her to do. Then she did what she wanted to do. I’m proud of her.”
Her advice to young artists is blunt but inspiring: “People will try to drag you down. You’ve got to stay consistent, stay grounded, and own your story. Don’t wait for validation. Let your work speak. And if it doesn’t? Keep going until it does.”
From lonely train rides in Mumbai to sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s, from rejection and burnout to quiet moments of clarity on stage, Mohini Dey’s journey isn’t just about music, it’s about survival, rebellion, and learning to finally breathe in a life she built for herself.
And through it all, one truth remains: the bass didn’t just give her rhythm. It gave her voice.
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International Day of Yoga stood as a powerful reminder of yoga’s enduring role in personal and collective transformation
The 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and guests from over 25 countries participated
The event followed the global theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
The Common Yoga Protocol was conducted by trained instructors with government audio
Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji led the spiritual programme
Celebrations concluded with a World Peace Yajna and the national anthem
A global gathering on the banks of the Ganga
Rishikesh, 21 June – The 11th International Day of Yoga was marked by a large-scale, spiritually uplifting gathering at Parmarth Niketan Ashram on the banks of the River Ganga. Diplomats, dignitaries, and yoga enthusiasts from over 25 countries participated in the celebration, which followed the global theme of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the recitation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The session featured the Common Yoga Protocol conducted by trained instructors to the government-issued audio guide.
Parmarth Niketan’s President, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji presided over the gathering and delivered spiritual discourses on the deeper significance of yoga.
The message of harmony and global health
This year’s theme highlights the link between individual well-being and planetary health. Addressing the participants, Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji remarked, “When we take care of ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth. This is the divine message of Indian culture — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family.”
Many of the guests shared their appreciation for India’s leadership in promoting wellness through yoga Parmarth Niketan
He described yoga as a gift from India to the world, bringing together the body, mind and consciousness through ancient physical, mental and spiritual disciplines.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji added, “Yoga is not just a physical practice to increase flexibility, but a complete lifestyle. It allows us to remain balanced in the face of challenges, and helps us live with more focus, patience, and peace.”
A tradition recognised by the United Nations
International Yoga Day was first adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014, following a proposal from India that was co-sponsored by 177 countries. At the time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called yoga “an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition,” highlighting its holistic approach to well-being.
The Rishikesh event featured a special video message from Prime Minister Modi, along with a musical performance on the flute, guided yoga demonstrations, and reflections from various spiritual and yogic leaders.
A diplomatic and cultural moment
Dignitaries in attendance included representatives from Mexico, Peru, Japan, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Nepal, Botswana, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ethiopia, and several other nations. Their participation underlined yoga’s growing international appeal and its role in diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Many of the guests shared their appreciation for India’s leadership in promoting wellness through yoga and called the celebration a symbol of shared human values and interconnectedness.
Participation from schools and yoga institutions
The event also saw active participation from students, teachers, and instructors from educational institutions, yoga schools, and local associations across Uttarakhand. Parmarth’s own Yogacharya Ganga Nandini led the Common Yoga Protocol, which was performed with devotion by hundreds on the ghats.
The session featured the Common Yoga Protocol conducted by trained instructors Parmarth Niketan
Groups such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Komaleshwar Yoga School, and the Yoga Association of Uttarakhand also contributed to the successful conduct of the session.
Concluding with a prayer for peace
The celebration concluded with a World Peace Yajna, bringing together participants in a traditional fire ritual aimed at spreading harmony and spiritual upliftment. The national anthem was sung collectively to close the event on a patriotic and unifying note.
As the sun rose over the River Ganga, the 11th International Day of Yoga stood as a powerful reminder of yoga’s enduring role in personal and collective transformation.
A two-hour demo of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now available via PlayStation Plus Premium
The trial includes the first major boss battle and open-world exploration
The game launched in 2023 as a follow-up to Spider-Man and Miles Morales
Other demos, including The Last of Us Part II Remastered, are also available
Access is limited to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers
Spider-Man sequel available to try for free
Sony is offering a free timed trial of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 through its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service. The demo allows players to experience up to two hours of gameplay, including early story missions and free-roaming within New York City.
The game launched in 2023 as the third entry in Insomniac’s Spider-Man series, following the original Marvel’s Spider-Man and the Miles Morales spin-off. While praised for visual improvements and expanded traversal options, the sequel received mixed feedback regarding its story and gameplay similarity to its predecessors.
What’s included in the demo?
The demo reportedly covers the opening mission, which features a cinematic battle against Sandman. Players can also explore the city and test new features like the web-wings, allowing faster and more dynamic travel across Manhattan.
This trial is intended to give players a strong introduction to the core gameplay and narrative without requiring a full purchase. Saved progress from the demo may carry over if users choose to buy the full version later.
Other limited-time demos available
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is not the only title offering a trial through PlayStation Plus Premium. Subscribers can also access time-limited demos of several other major games, including The Last of Us Part II Remastered.
The re-release of The Last of Us Part II is currently being promoted as it marks its fifth anniversary in 2024. Both demos are accessible through the PlayStation Store for Premium-tier subscribers.
Premium subscription offers expanding content
PlayStation Plus Premium is the highest tier of Sony’s subscription service. While more expensive than the Essential and Extra tiers, it includes access to game trials, cloud streaming, and a broader library of classic titles.
For those undecided about Spider-Man 2, the demo offers a low-risk opportunity to explore the game and make an informed choice before buying.
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It was part of a global promotional campaign for Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album
Ten giant Michael Jackson statues were built in 1995 to promote his HIStory album
The 32ft figures appeared around the world and followed him on tour
Some remain visible in places like Switzerland, Italy, and South Africa
Others have been removed or stored due to controversy after Jackson’s death and allegations
Owners now face challenges selling, relocating or preserving the monuments
A colossal promotion campaign
In June 1995, Londoners witnessed an unusual spectacle: a 32ft statue of Michael Jackson being floated down the River Thames. It was part of a global promotional campaign for Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album. A total of ten fibreglass statues were made, all modelled on the album cover image, and they accompanied the singer on his worldwide tour.
The statues were the product of a transatlantic effort. American sculptor Diana Walczak worked closely with Jackson to design a clay prototype. In the UK, artist Stephen Pyle oversaw the construction of the fibreglass versions, assisted by sculptor Derek Howarth and a team based at Elstree Studios. Built in just four months, the statues bore some differences from the original prototype due to limited access.
A statue above a Dutch McDonald's
One of the most well-known statues stood for years above a McDonald’s car park in Best, a village in the Netherlands. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder purchased the statue from Sony at a 1996 charity auction and installed it as a promotional feature.
The monument became a local landmark, drawing Jackson fans who visited regularly to celebrate the singer's birthday or commemorate his death. However, in 2019, following the release of the Leaving Neverland documentary which raised new allegations of child sexual abuse, McDonald's corporate headquarters in the US requested its removal. It now lies in storage, hidden under a tarp.
Van Gelder has considered donating it to a fan club, but due to its size, relocating it requires a building permit. “The interest in the statue is decreasing,” he notes.
From nightclub attraction to unsold collector’s item
In Austria, another statue stands in the courtyard of a closed nightclub west of Vienna. Franz Josef Zika, the former owner of The Baby'O, bought the statue at a radio charity auction in 1998 for around £9,300. Initially met with scepticism by family members, the statue eventually became a feature at the venue, placed in the smoking area and surrounded by bars.
The club closed in 2023 due to nearby residential development. Zika is now looking to sell the statue and has received interest from Sweden and Hungary but cites cost as a barrier. “Maybe I’ll send it to Mars. Elon will do this for me!” he jokes.
Fairground fixture in Switzerland
Another Jackson effigy resides with Luna Park, a long-running fairground event in Lausanne, Switzerland. Purchased in 2008 from a previous owner, the statue has been lightly refurbished, with gold accents added to its uniform. Although it has not been displayed in recent years, organisers confirmed it is not for sale.
Out of place in South Africa’s miniature world
Santarama Miniland in Johannesburg, once a popular educational park showcasing miniature replicas of South African landmarks, also hosts one of the Jackson statues. Despite the park being largely abandoned, the statue still stands, oddly juxtaposed against the park's "miniature" theme.
Blogger Heather Mason, who visited the park in 2013, described the scene as strange but memorable. “The MJ statue was the best photo op in the park,” she wrote.
Repainted and on sale in Italy
In Milan, Europark Idroscalo unveiled a freshly restored version of the Jackson statue in June 2019, just months after Leaving Neverland aired. A flash mob accompanied its reintroduction, and the statue was given new paint and sunglasses.
Park officials revealed the statue had previously been covered due to the allegations, and at one point modified to resemble a robot to distance it from Jackson's image. It is now up for sale once again.
Legacy in limbo
The statues were the product of a transatlantic effortGetty Iamges
While some of the statues remain visible in unlikely corners of the world, many have been removed or hidden due to shifting public sentiment. For others, storage, cost, and controversy have made preservation difficult. Thirty years after their creation, the towering monuments to Michael Jackson's legacy now stand as both relics of a global pop campaign and reminders of a career clouded by enduring debate.
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Meenakshi Jayan receives the Best Actress award at the Shanghai International Film Festival 2025
• Meenakshi Jayan bags best actress at Shanghai International Film Festival’s Asian New Talent Awards • Wins for her role in Victoria, the only Indian film in competition this year • Victoria is directed by Sivaranjini J and backed by Kerala’s Women Empowerment Grant • Jayan prepared for her role by working at a beauty parlour and learning the Angamaly accent
Indian actress Meenakshi Jayan has won the best actress award at the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), recognised in the Asian New Talent section for her role in the Malayalam film Victoria. Directed by debutant Sivaranjini J, the film was the only Indian entry in competition this year.
Jayan plays a young beautician from Angamaly, Kerala, navigating a day of personal turmoil as she plans to elope with her Hindu boyfriend, despite her Catholic family’s objections. Her quiet rebellion is interrupted by a neighbour’s rooster, meant for a church festival, setting off an emotional spiral filled with conflict, faith, and self-discovery.
To fully immerse herself in the role, Jayan spent two months working in a local beauty parlour and trained with a dialect coach to master the Angamaly accent. Her grounded, realistic performance had already earned her the best performer title at the Independent and Experimental Film Festival Kerala (IEFFK) earlier this year.
The film, funded by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation under its Women Empowerment Grant, premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), where it picked up the FIPRESCI Award for best Malayalam film by a debut director.
India makes its mark on the international festival circuit
Jayan’s win is a significant moment for Indian independent cinema, especially regional films. Victoria stood out not just for its storytelling but also for its production support aimed at empowering women filmmakers.
At the same festival, As the Water Flows from China won best film in the Asian New Talent section, and Where the Night Stands Still, an Italy-Philippines collaboration, earned Liryc Dela Cruz the best director title. Shi Pengyuan won best actor for Water Can Go Anywhere.
In the main competition, Kyrgyz film Black Red Yellow won best feature. Japan’s On Summer Sand and China’s Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts shared the jury grand prix. Wan Qian won best actress in that category, while Portugal-Brazil co-production The Scent of Things Remembered earned José Martins best actor.