Popular television star Ssharad Malhotraa has been keeping busy these days. The actor, who is part of Kasam Tere Pyar Ki on Colors, recently visited Singapore. While he was there for some work, he decided to make it a fun trip as well. “It was not my first visit there. I have visited a couple of times earlier for work only. But this time it was more of leisure trip and less of work,” he says.
After working continuously for years, Ssharad decided that it was time to take a break. “I took this break of four consecutive days after nearly four years of working constantly on daily soaps. Playing the lead, we barely get any time for a breather and having said that short breaks are a must as they help you de-stress, re-energise, revitalise and calm your body too,” he says.
In fact, he explored the place. “Universal Studios is my favourite and I went there this time as well. I also visited Sentosa Island, China Town, Little India, Clark Quay riverfront, casinos, Marina Skydeck and the list goes on and on,” he says.
Ssharad adds, “I was lucky to visit the Google headquarters in Singapore and I had an Alice-in-Wonderland kind of moment. There were sleeping pods, seven-course meals, fancy cafeterias, gymnasiums, salon and spas. You name it and it was there. Of course, this does not take away from the fact that the various technical departments were right up to the mark, thanks to Mr Karim and his team of nearly 1000 employees working efficiently round the clock.”
Ask him what his favourite mode of recreation is, and he says, “Anything that gets you away from your mundane routine and in return makes you happy with peace of mind. It could be travelling, playing sports, watching films, trekking, swimming or sleeping too!”
Whether taking long breaks or making unpredictable choices, Chitrangda Singh has always followed her own rhythm in a notoriously fast-paced film industry.
The ever-graceful actress adds fresh chapters to her cinematic journey with two dramatically different projects. Just a week ago, she made a splash on the big screen in the mega-budget comedy multistarrer Housefull 5, part of a popular franchise. Next, she will shift gears for Raat Akeli Hai 2 – the dark, layered Netflix sequel to the gripping whodunnit that captivated audiences during lockdown.
Her unconventional path continues with this dual release, which reflects her commitment to varied work. That approach has defined her since making a winning debut with the acclaimed 2005 film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. The top talent remains driven by audience appreciation.
In a wide-ranging interview with Eastern Eye, she discussed her journey, passions beyond acting, dream role, fashion, approach to performance, and advice for young women.
Chitrangda Singh
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
I think it has been a very gratifying and exciting journey. I have taken quite a few breaks in between but feel audiences did not forget me or my work. Even when I did less, they still gave a lot of love and respect for what I had done, which for me is such a huge encouragement to keep going. It has been a very interesting life, especially because this was not something I had planned or expected to do.
Tell us about that.
It was this amazing coincidence – how (writer/director) Sudhir (Mishra) found me and I got Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. It felt like someone was introducing me to myself, telling me I had a talent I should explore. I am very thankful that audiences have not forgotten me. I am still here, doing exciting work.
What makes you so selective about the projects you take on?
The root cause is simply that when you do not get the kind of work you are looking for, you wait. So, it is not that I have been deliberately choosy. I just tried to pick the best from whatever came my way. Actors are offered all kinds of work. When it was not good enough, I preferred to wait rather than come under pressure to take it. All I can say is, I did not quite get the kind of work I was hoping for.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
If I could change something, it would probably be the long breaks I took. Those happened because of certain family commitments, which meant I had to keep going back to another city.
I was not in Mumbai all the time. Staying away – especially that seven-year break early on – meant people did forget me a little, and I had to keep making comebacks. That probably affected my career. I also wish I had stayed more focused and worked harder at times.
You have played a variety of interesting roles. Which is closest to your heart?
The film that is closest to my heart is Inkaar with Arjun Rampal. I feel my character, Maya Luthra, was a special woman. She could be strong and ambitious, and make a place for herself in a man’s world – fight for it. At the same time, she was vulnerable, emotional, and in love. Those are the contrasts we live with. I feel Maya was a beautifully written character and the one I relate to the most.
Which film project challenged you the most?
It is the one I have just completed – Raat Akeli Hai 2 for Netflix with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It was a tough role, and Honey Trehan is a very demanding director. I had a great time and learnt a lot on set after a long while. Sometimes you get these characters that force you to change your approach. I must thank Honey for that. It was challenging, but I really enjoyed it.
What is the secret to surviving in such a competitive industry?
The secret is doing good work. I have taken long breaks, but people remember you if the work has been strong. They recall your performances and potential. I think that is the only way to survive and build a long shelf life. It is not about visibility, PR, or award shows – those help, but they do not last. Only the work does.
Chitrangda Singh
You always have great screen presence, but what is the secret to a great performance?
My understanding is that acting is not about performing, but reacting – emotionally, physically, and truthfully to a situation. That stops you from repeating yourself. In real life, you do not get angry the same way every time because the context is always different. Of course, it depends on the writing too. But if you react with honesty, without overplanning, that is the key to a great performance.
Which genre do you prefer?
I haven’t done much of it, but I love romance and good drama.
Do you have a dream role?
I have said this many times – it would be Umrao Jaan, the character Rekha played in Muzaffar Ali’s film. I find women and dancing girls from that era fascinating. They lived hard lives but were ahead of their time in many ways. They were uninhibited about their sexuality, yet deeply cultured – reading, writing poetry, and of course, dancing.
What are your biggest passions outside work?
I do not get too much time, but I love painting and charcoal sketching. I also enjoy golf and like playing it. I love trekking – I have done a lot of that in Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir, just walking along rivers and fishing. I wish I had more time for it.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
I love romance. I also enjoy thrillers and drama. I especially like courtroom dramas – they are fascinating and very difficult to write well.
You are seen as a symbol of girl power. What advice would you give to women and girls?
Keep working on yourself. Make sure you are financially independent, because that leads to mental and emotional independence. If you cannot support yourself financially and rely on someone else, it becomes the worst kind of dependence – even your thoughts and opinions start relying on them. So, work on yourself, become financially stable, and be your own person.
Any other advice?
This idea of feminism where women try to be men – I do not agree with that. I think women should remain women but work hard for opportunities. Do not look for shortcuts or expect special treatment because you are a woman. Pay your dues and work as hard as any man. That is how you earn it.
Your fashion sense always stands out. What inspires your style?
My style has always been classic and casual chic. I cannot pull off over-the-top looks or heavy bling. I prefer understated and structured outfits. But honestly, I am most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt. I always go for clean, timeless silhouettes.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
Horse riding. I have been on a horse and can manage a little, but I am not very good. A woman on a horse is so graceful. I would love to learn dressage – it is the most beautiful thing. The other thing is fishing – if I could get better at it, I would enjoy those long treks even more.
Why do you love being an actress?
The most exciting part is getting to play different characters. I love human psychology – I am curious about people and their behaviour. Working on that, picking up nuances, building new characters and becoming someone else is thrilling. And it changes every day. I feel blessed to do such varied work with so many creative people. It is an energy I thrive on.
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.
After a last-minute cancelled theatrical release and a court order forcing a limited cinema screening weeks later, the Bollywood comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf is now finally available on streaming platform Amazon Prime.
The film follows a man desperate to marry the love of his life. In order to win over her father, he goes to great lengths to impress him. Everything goes according to plan – until the haldi ceremony, which takes place the day before the wedding. He suddenly finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving that exact same day over and over again. No one believes him, and tensions begin to mount.
What could have been a wildly entertaining blend of comedy, emotion, introspection, and unexpected twists quickly runs out of steam. Time-loop comedies have worked well in global cinema, largely due to strong writing that brings new dimensions to a familiar concept. Unfortunately, writer-director Karan Sharma is unable to build on the promising premise, and the novelty wears off early. Instead of using the loop to explore characters or drive inventive storytelling, the film falls into a repetitive cycle – in soul, structure and spirit.
A talented cast, led by Rajkummar Rao, tries to breathe life into the film with spirited performances, but they soon devolve into irritating caricatures. Rising star Wamiqa Gabbi is as watchable as ever, but is ultimately underused. Even the music disappoints, with forgettable tracks that lack emotional weight or energy. The only mildly engaging song, Chor Bazari Phir Se, turns out to be a weaker cover version of a past hit.
Like its title, which means ‘forgive my mistakes’, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a cinematic error that is best forgotten. Instead of fulfilling its potential, this time-loop romantic comedy ends up going in circles – without landing anywhere meaningful or entertaining.
When Yung Sammy arrived in India from Nigeria as a 12-year-old, he would not have expected to redefine hip hop in the country, but that is exactly what has happened.
The son of a Nigerian priest went from being an outsider, who learned to speak Hindi, Punjabi, Haryanvi and Gujarati, to becoming a popular rapper. Having also absorbed the musical language of the streets, the Delhi-based artist, now in his late 20s, is adding new layers to commercial Indian music with a genre-bending sound that blends Nigerian Pidgin, desi dialects and sharp-edged lyricism.
By shaking up expectations and breaking down stereotypes, he is flipping the script on what it means to be an African artist in India. He recently added to his growing catalogue of high-energy hits with the bilingual anthem Mr Rambo, a track that showcases both his confidence and cultural versatility.
Eastern Eye caught up with the proud Indo-Nigerian talent to talk about his unique musical journey, latest release and future hopes.
Music just came naturally. At first, I was just a listener. I guess I was kind of built for it, but I did not know whether I would pursue it with passion. Then one day everything about music – even the language – became interesting to me.
What about Indian music specifically?
I came to India as a kid and grew up here. I learned the language and everything. Then I heard Yo Yo Honey Singh. As I said, I was initially just a listener, but rap really connected with me. I started digging deeper into the genre and thought, ‘okay, this is for me.’ That is when the ride really started.
What drew you to hip hop in particular?
Honestly, I did not know much about hip hop at first. I was just listening to rap. But then I kept exploring and began learning more, including about underground Indian artists. Of course, I also listened to Eminem, Tupac, Jay-Z and others. The more I learned, the more I realised that hip hop is a whole different world. I wanted to be a part of it.
How do you reflect on your rapid rise in music?
By God’s grace, it has been an amazing journey so far. But it has also taken a lot of hard work. With blessings, things have gone well, and there is still so much more to come. Sometimes I just sit and think about all the unreleased music I have and where I am now. It feels like all eyes are on me, and with God’s grace, there is still a long way to go.
What has been your most memorable moment?
There have been so many great moments that I cannot name just one. From appearing on Fire in the Booth (hip hop platform), to signing a record deal, to getting on the radar – it has all been surreal. I have done some epic stage performances and met idols like Karan Aujla, who I really look up to. One day I just woke up and saw Karan Aujla and Honey Singh following me. Those are big achievements for me. When moments like that happen, you know you are on the right path.
How would you describe your unique brand of hip hop?
I feel like my brand of hip hop is just Yung Sammy. I want people to know my name – even if it’s my real name. People said I shouldn’t do that and choose a different name, but I did not want that. I kept it real with Yung Sammy, and it has become a brand now. If you see that name anywhere, you can expect something fresh and unexpected. It is building, and it will go further.
Which of your songs is closest to your heart?
I am connected to all of my songs – even the ones that are not released yet. But yes, The Intro is one of my favourites. I have also been listening to Silence a lot lately. Bounce, from my EP In The Building, is special too. And Mudda, the track I did with Seedhe Maut, is just crazy.
What inspired your most recent song, Mr Rambo?
With Mr Rambo, I wanted to play a character. Something different. So I stepped into the role of a G, having fun and thought, okay, that is Mr Rambo. It became this charismatic, energetic song built around a larger-than-life persona.
What is your master plan moving forward?
Right now, I am sitting on a lot of unreleased tracks. The next one coming out is Top Boyz with BBB. After that, we have a remix of the same track with someone special – I will not name them just yet. Then there is another track with Seedhe Maut, and my EP will follow. I am already working on that. It is going to be something big for the whole hip-hop scene.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
My dream collaborations would be with Karan Aujla and Central Cee. These two are at the top of my list. The day I work with both of them will be the day I can say I have really made it. I admire the way they express themselves and speak real truths.
Tell us something not many people know about you.
There is a lot people do not know. One thing is that I am actually a very simple person, both as a person and an artist. I said it in Intro – I might seem calm and quiet, because I am a bit nonchalant by nature. But when I get on stage, it is different. That is where all my emotions come out. That is who I really am.
Keep ReadingShow less
Wilson built bridges between styles that rarely met
Brian Wilson, who died this week aged 82, is best remembered as the sonic architect of the Beach Boys and the laid-back "California sound" that swept the world in the 1960s. But to stop there would be to miss the scale of his ambition. Behind the striped shirts and sun-soaked harmonies was a composer and producer who transformed pop music, often by refusing to stay in one genre.
From symphonic pop to soul and psychedelia, Wilson built bridges between styles that rarely met. Here’s a look at six genres that define his legacy and show how much more there was to the man who gave us Good Vibrations.
1. Surf music – but deeper than it seemed
Wilson may have helped define surf rock, but his early work was far from novelty. Tracks like Surfer Girl and In My Room carried emotional weight and complex arrangements, showing Wilson’s desire to blend catchy hooks with rich harmonies. The Beach Boys' 1963–65 catalogue offered a polished, heartfelt counterpoint to the rawness of garage bands and early rock’n’roll.
2. Baroque pop – Pet Sounds and pop perfection
If one album changed the idea of what pop music could be, it was 1966’s Pet Sounds. Incorporating strings, woodwinds and intricate vocal layering, Wilson created a lush, introspective masterpiece that directly influenced The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper. God Only Knows is still considered by many, including Paul McCartney, to be one of the greatest songs ever written.
3. Psychedelic experimentation – Smile and beyond
If one album changed the idea of what pop music could be, it was 1966’s Pet SoundsGetty Images
Wilson’s most ambitious project, Smile, was meant to be a “teenage symphony to God”. Though shelved for decades, its fragments (like Heroes and Villains and Surf’s Up) revealed a composer playing with modular recording, avant-garde techniques, and surreal lyrical structures. When Wilson finally completed it in 2004, it was hailed as a lost classic of psychedelic pop.
4. R&B and soul – stripped back and heartfelt
By the late 1960s, the Beach Boys had shed their surfboards. Albums like Wild Honey (1967) reflected Wilson’s love for rhythm and blues, with tracks like Darlin’ showing a rougher, more soulful edge. The stripped-down production was a deliberate pivot away from the excess of Pet Sounds, but still brimming with melody and feeling.
5. Americana – the spiritual core of Smile
Even as he experimented, Wilson remained fascinated by America’s musical past. Smile included references to spirituals, cowboy songs, and folk traditions, blending them into a surreal journey through the country’s cultural memory. Cabin Essence and Wonderful offer glimpses into a deeply introspective version of American identity, filtered through Wilson’s fragile genius.
6. Adult pop balladry – the gentle strength of Love and Mercy
As dementia affected his final years, it’s this kind of understated emotional honesty that enduresRolling stone
In later years, Wilson’s solo work embraced vulnerability. His 1988 single Love and Mercy has become his personal anthem—gentle, aching, and hopeful. As dementia affected his final years, it’s this kind of understated emotional honesty that endures. “There’s a lot of people out there hurting,” he once said. “And it really scares me.”
A final chord
Wilson’s music lives on—not just in sun-drenched nostalgia, but in the emotional complexity he brought to modern music. His impact stretches from the Beatles to Bowie, from punk to dream pop. His life was often marked by personal turmoil, but his compositions soared beyond it.
Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack the beach. He gave pop music a soul, a brain, and occasionally, a nervous breakdown. And through it all, he kept writing.
Keep ReadingShow less
Weinstein is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in California
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of committing a criminal sexual act against one woman in his New York retrial. The 73-year-old was acquitted of another count of the same charge relating to a second woman.
The jury did not reach a verdict on a third charge of rape involving a third woman. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to all three charges, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual and denying any assault.
Conviction follows overturned 2020 verdict
The retrial followed a decision by a New York appeals court to overturn Weinstein’s 2020 conviction last year. Prosecutors presented three charges during the retrial—two of which were from the original trial, and a third added last year, accusing him of forcing oral sex on a separate woman.
The charges related to incidents in 2013, including the alleged rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in a New York hotel room and sexual assaults against two other women.
Courtroom tension as jury deliberates
The partial verdict came after a tense day in court. The jury foreperson asked to speak to the judge privately about an unspecified “situation”. Earlier in the trial, the same juror had raised concerns about pressure within the jury room and discussions straying beyond the scope of the charges.
The 73-year-old was acquitted of another count of the same charge relating to a second womanGetty Images
Weinstein addressed the court directly before any verdict was announced, pleading: “My life is on the line and you know what? It's not fair... It's time to say this trial is over."
This week also saw calls for a mistrial from Weinstein’s legal team after a juror complained another was being treated unfairly. The judge denied the request.
Weinstein is already serving a California sentence
Weinstein is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in California after being convicted of rape in 2022. He also denied those charges.
The former film producer became a central figure in the #MeToo movement after multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct nearly eight years ago. Some of these allegations led to criminal convictions on both US coasts.
Weinstein faces further sentencing in relation to the latest New York conviction.