Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
Tyler West proposed to Molly Rainford during a sunset holiday in Mykonos
The couple met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and began dating the following year
Molly’s EastEnders co-stars and celebrity friends flooded social media with congratulations
Strictly returns to BBC One this autumn with its 2025 line-up
BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West have confirmed their engagement after a romantic sunset proposal in Mykonos, Greece. The announcement delighted fans, with the news spreading quickly across social media and drawing support from celebrity friends and Molly’s EastEnders castmates. The engagement marks a milestone for the couple, who first met on the BBC dance competition three years ago.
Tyler West drops to one knee to propose to Molly Rainford in Mykonos Instagram Screengrab/tylerwestt/mollyrainford
How did Tyler West propose to Molly Rainford?
The engagement took place during a trip to Mykonos, where Tyler got down on one knee on a windy balcony at sunset. Posting a video of the moment online, he told Molly: “I don’t know where to start, so I’m hoping you can continue making me the luckiest man on this Earth, like you do every single day. So baby, will you marry me?”
Molly, emotional and in tears, accepted immediately, with Tyler exclaiming: “Yes! Get in! That’s what I’m talking about.” Their joint Instagram caption read: “Found our forever. 10.8.2025.”
The pair first crossed paths on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Tyler, who competed with Dianne Buswell, was eliminated in week seven, while Molly reached the grand finale with professional partner Carlos Gu. Although romance did not begin on the show itself, they grew close during the Strictly live tour.
Speaking previously, Molly revealed: “It developed towards the end of the tour because we’d spent so much time together and we were really good friends. Everyone on Strictly was so excited for us.” By March 2023, the couple made their relationship public, later moving in together in London in early 2024.
Celebrity friends and colleagues were quick to respond. EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer called it “so beautiful, perfect,” while co-star Aaron Thiara commented: “The sunset, the wind, the music. I’m not crying…” Jacqueline Jossa added: “Omg I can’t breathe,” and Louisa Lytton said: “MOLLYYYYY, congratulations guys xxxxx.”
Meanwhile, fellow radio presenters and Strictly alumni Fleur East and Melvin Odoom congratulated Tyler, with JLS singer Marvin Humes describing the pair as “two incredible people who are just perfect for each other.”
Instagram comments under the proposal videoInstagram Screengrab/tylerwestt/mollyrainford
What’s next for Molly Rainford and Tyler West?
The couple are now preparing for married life while continuing with their individual careers. Molly remains a regular on EastEnders, where she plays Anna Knight, a role she took on in 2023. Tyler continues his work as a Kiss FM presenter and television personality, also appearing on Lorraine to discuss the proposal.
He revealed he had bought the engagement ring “a very long time ago,” adding: “We cry and laugh every single day. She genuinely is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
With Strictly Come Dancing set to return to BBC One later this year, the couple’s engagement has brought a rare romantic twist to a show often known for its so-called “Strictly curse.”
Reports claim Ajith opted for no-salary model in AK64
Actor allegedly set to earn from OTT and satellite rights instead
Srinidhi Shetty and GV Prakash linked to the film’s team
Production to begin in November under director Adhik Ravichandran
Ajith Kumar’s upcoming film AK64 has created a stir after reports suggested the actor has signed a unique “no-salary” deal, making AK64 a hot topic in Tamil cinema. The move has attracted attention not only for its scale but also for Ajith’s decision to forgo a traditional fee, instead securing rights revenue. The news follows the mixed response to Vidaamuyarchi and the blockbuster success of Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran.
Ajith Kumar’s AK64 has become the most discussed Tamil film of the year Instagram
What is Ajith Kumar’s AK64 salary deal?
According to industry sources, Ajith Kumar initially demanded a staggering £19 million (₹200 crore) salary for AK64. This figure reportedly prompted several major studios to withdraw from talks, raising doubts about the film’s financial viability. Eventually, Rahul of Romeo Pictures, who had earlier distributed Ajith’s films, stepped in as producer.
To make the project feasible, reports suggest Ajith agreed to waive his upfront salary. Instead, the actor would pocket revenue from OTT and satellite rights, while the producer would retain theatrical earnings. If true, this marks the first time Ajith has agreed to a no-salary arrangement in his career.
Ajith Kumar AK64 production sparks buzz over salary claim www.easterneye.biz
Has the AK64 salary deal been confirmed?
While the story has been widely circulated, Ajith’s team has not officially confirmed the details. Sources close to the actor have also denied that a final agreement has been signed. The ambiguity has kept fans and trade circles guessing, especially given the size of the numbers involved.
Nevertheless, the unusual arrangement has generated debate within the industry, with many calling it a bold step that could change how star-led films are financed in future.
Ajith Kumar AK64 salary deal raises new questions in Tamil cinema www.easterneye.biz
Who is in the cast and crew of AK64 ?
Director Adhik Ravichandran, who helmed Ajith’s hit Good Bad Ugly, is set to lead AK64. The actor was reportedly impressed by Ravichandran’s approach and wanted him to direct again.
Srinidhi Shetty, best known for her role in KGF, is said to be the frontrunner for the female lead, though no official announcement has been made. Music will be composed by GV Prakash Kumar, adding to the buzz around the project.
Production work has begun, with filming expected to start in November. Industry insiders suggest the movie could be a gangster drama, though details remain tightly under wraps.
Ajith Kumar returns to full mass mode in Good Bad Ugly, a high-octane action drama Mythri Movie Makers
Why is AK64 significant for Ajith Kumar’s career?
Ajith has had an eventful year, with two contrasting releases. Vidaamuyarchi failed to live up to expectations in February, but the April release Good Bad Ugly became a major commercial success. Fans now see AK64 as a crucial film that could consolidate the actor’s position after mixed results at the box office.
Ajith’s car reportedly collided with a stationary vehicle on the racetrack Instagram/ ajithkumarracing
Away from films, Ajith has been pursuing his passion for motorsport, competing in international racing events. This balance between cinema and racing has further heightened curiosity about his career moves, making AK64 one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year.
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.
Thama marks the first love story in Maddock Films’ hit horror comedy universe
Maddock Films unveils teaser for Thama, the first love story in its horror-comedy universe
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna star as star-crossed lovers in a tale of passion and horror
Nawazuddin Siddiqui introduced as Yakshasan, the “King of Darkness”
Malaika Arora, Paresh Rawal and Faisal Malik add glamour and humour to the dark saga
The much-anticipated Thama teaser is finally out, and it has given audiences a chilling glimpse into Maddock Films’ next addition to its successful horror-comedy universe. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, the film has been pitched as Bollywood’s first “bloody love story”, bringing together romance with gothic horror. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui stepping in as a vampire overlord, and a surprise cameo from Malaika Arora, the teaser has set social media abuzz with excitement.
Thama marks the first love story in Maddock Films’ hit horror comedy universe Instagram/maddockfilms
What is shown in the Thama teaser?
The teaser begins on a romantic note, with Ayushmann’s Alok asking Rashmika’s Tadaka if she can live without him for a hundred years. Her reply: “Not even for a moment” sets the stage for a tender love story. But within seconds, the tone darkens with flashes of supernatural forces, blood-soaked chaos and Rashmika screaming in fury.
Malaika Arora makes a striking appearance in what appears to be a special dance sequence, while Paresh Rawal and Faisal Malik provide lighter moments to balance the horror. The final frame delivers the biggest punch: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s entry as Yakshasan, menacingly introduced as the “Andhere ka Badshah” (King of Darkness).
Character posters released earlier revealed that Ayushmann plays Alok, described as “Insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed” (the last hope for humanity). Rashmika steps into the role of Tadaka, “Roshni ki pehli kiran” (the first ray of light), symbolising strength and resilience.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Yakshasan represents the opposing force, the king of darkness who threatens their love. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal plays Ram Bajaj Goyal, a character designed to bring humour to the otherwise chilling narrative. The supporting cast also features Faisal Malik, while Malaika Arora’s cameo adds glamour to the supernatural tale.
Thama is the fourth instalment in Maddock’s expanding horror-comedy universe, which began with Stree (2018), followed by Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024) and Stree 2 (2024). Each film has explored folklore-inspired horror with a comic twist, and Thama continues this tradition by introducing a desi vampire romance.
Director Aditya Sarpotdar, who also helmed Munjya, alternates the story between modern-day India and the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar. This layered narrative hints at mythological roots of vampirism while presenting a love story that crosses timelines.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Thama is scheduled for a grand theatrical release this Diwali 2025. The studio has confirmed a worldwide rollout, with expectations of a large-scale box office opening. Given the success of earlier films in the horror-comedy universe, many of which grossed over £12 million (₹12 crore), industry insiders anticipate that Thama could emerge as one of the biggest releases of the festive season.
Keep ReadingShow less
Zakir Khan performs to a sold-out crowd of 6,000 at Madison Square Garden in New York
• Zakir Khan becomes first Indian comedian to headline a Hindi stand-up show at Madison Square Garden • Performed to a sold-out audience of 6,000 in New York City • Hasan Minhaj praised the performance as a “historic night for comedy worldwide” • Stars including Tabu, Vir Das and Arjun Kapoor congratulated him on social media
Zakir Khan has created history by headlining the first-ever Hindi stand-up comedy show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Performing to a packed house of 6,000 fans, the Indore-born comic redefined the reach of Hindi comedy on the global stage. Fellow comedian Hasan Minhaj, who attended the show, called it a “historic night for comedy worldwide,” underlining the significance of the achievement.
Zakir Khan performing to a sold-out crowd of 6,000 at Madison Square Garden in New YorkInstagram/ hasanminhaj
Why is Zakir Khan’s Madison Square Garden show historic?
Madison Square Garden is one of the world’s most iconic venues, having hosted legends from The Beatles to Beyoncé. On 17 August 2025, Zakir Khan broke new ground by performing his set entirely in Hindi, a first in the arena’s history. The milestone wasn’t just a personal triumph but also cultural, as it introduced mainstream American audiences to Indian storytelling and humour in their original language.
The comedian, known for weaving poetry and shayari into his sets, received a standing ovation at the end of the performance. Ahead of the gig, his promotional poster lit up billboards at Times Square, marking how far Hindi stand-up has come from intimate clubs in India to global arenas.
What did Hasan Minhaj say about Zakir Khan’s show?
Hasan Minhaj, celebrated for his Netflix specials and political satire, shared pictures from the evening and praised Zakir for elevating the genre. He wrote: “A historic night for comedy around the world. Zakir Bhai combines storytelling and poetry in ways that take comedy to places I’ve never seen before. I also think my parents love him more than me (I’m okay with that).” Minhaj later joined Zakir on stage, congratulating him in front of the roaring audience.
The landmark moment drew applause from India’s entertainment industry and beyond. Tabu, Vir Das, Arjun Kapoor, Zareen Khan, Kritika Kamra, and Ahsaas Channa were among those who posted congratulatory messages. Actor Gajraj Rao, designer Manish Malhotra, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, and mentalist Suhani Shah also celebrated the achievement.
Vir Das, one of the pioneers of English-language Indian comedy, lauded Zakir’s feat, while Arjun Kapoor called it a “fantastic achievement making all of us proud.” Fellow comedians Munawar Faruqui, Harsh Gujral and Rahul Dua echoed the sentiment, showing how the entire comedy fraternity rallied behind him.
Born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Zakir Khan first rose to prominence in 2012 after winning Comedy Central India’s Best Stand-Up. His “sakth launda” persona, rooted in the experiences of an everyday Indian, made him an instant favourite. Over the years, his specials Haq Se Single, Kaksha Gyarvi and Tathastu cemented his reputation as one of India’s leading comics.
He also created and starred in the Amazon Prime Video hit Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare, and judged the stand-up competition Comicstaan. With a diploma in sitar and a family background in music, his performances often combine humour, rhythm and poetry, a style that has helped him stand out globally.
Zakir Khan became the first Indian comedian to headline a Hindi stand-up show at the iconic arenaInstagram /zakirkhan_208
What’s next for Zakir Khan?
The Madison Square Garden show was part of Zakir’s North American arena tour, produced by Outback Presents, with stops across the US and Canada. Earlier in the tour, he collaborated with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna for a cooking session in New York, adding another cultural crossover element to the journey.
For Zakir, the milestone was deeply personal. Speaking to Fox 5 before the show, he said: “Madison Square Garden was never part of the plan. It felt like a place for big movie stars, not for boys from Indore. But sometimes life goes beyond your dreams.”
With this landmark achievement, Zakir Khan has not only raised the profile of Hindi comedy internationally but also carved a path for more South Asian performers to bring their languages and stories to the world’s grandest stages.
Keep ReadingShow less
Faissal Khan reveals shocking details about his feud with Aamir Khan and family
• Faissal Khan, brother of Aamir Khan, says his family forced him to marry his mother’s cousin after his divorce in 2002 • He alleges Aamir Khan had an affair with British journalist Jessica Hines and fathered her son Jaan • Faissal claims his family branded him mentally ill after he resisted their pressure to marry • He has now cut ties with Aamir Khan and issued a public notice declaring independence • Aamir Khan’s family earlier dismissed Faissal’s statements as “hurtful and misleading”
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s brother Faissal Khan has once again stirred controversy with explosive revelations about his strained relationship with the family. Speaking at a recent press interaction, Faissal not only alleged that he was pressured to marry his aunt after his divorce but also revived long-standing rumours about Aamir’s alleged relationship with journalist Jessica Hines.
According to Faissal, the Khan family turned against him after he separated from his wife in 2002, just four months into the marriage. He claimed relatives insisted he marry his mother’s first cousin, a proposal he refused. “My family was pressuring me to marry my aunt. When I refused, my mother and others became angry, and soon after they started calling me mad,” he said, adding that repeated arguments eventually led him to leave the family home.
Faissal’s controversial letter and Jessica Hines claims
Faissal revealed that his fallout deepened after he wrote a letter criticising family member, including his elder sister Nikhat. In the same letter, he alleged that Aamir Khan had an affair with British journalist Jessica Hines and secretly fathered her son Jaan.
The explosive claim reignited decades-old gossip surrounding Aamir’s personal life, though the superstar has never confirmed or denied such reports. Faissal said the letter led his relatives to brand him mentally unstable, worsening his isolation from the family.
Faissal Khan accuses his family of calling him mentally unstable after his refusalInstagram/faissal.khan
How Aamir Khan’s family responded
The Khan household has repeatedly refuted Faissal’s statements. In an earlier joint response signed by Aamir’s ex-wife Reena Datta, his children Junaid and Ira, filmmaker Mansoor Khan, Imran Khan and others, the family said his remarks were “hurtful and misleading.”
They maintained that every decision regarding Faissal’s wellbeing had been made “with love, concern, and medical consultation.”
The rift between Aamir Khan and brother Faissal deepens as shocking family secrets come to lightGetty Images
Cutting ties with the Khans
Last week, Faissal formally announced via Instagram that he had severed all ties with his famous brother and the rest of the family. He declared in a public notice that he would no longer live in Aamir Khan’s residence, accept any allowance, or claim rights to the family estate.
“With a heavy heart yet renewed courage, I wish to share that I have severed all family ties,” Faissal wrote. “This step is essential for my healing and growth. Life now enters a new chapter of freedom, dignity, and self-discovery.”
British-American woman dubbed “Ketamine Queen” admits to supplying drugs that killed Friends actor
Faces up to 45 years in federal prison after plea deal with prosecutors
Sangha ran a North Hollywood “stash house” that supplied high-end clients with ketamine
She is the fifth and final defendant to plead guilty in the Matthew Perry overdose case
Matthew Perry’s shocking death in October 2023 continues to reverberate through Hollywood as a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has pleaded guilty in the Matthew Perry overdose case. Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old dual citizen of the UK and the US, admitted to distributing ketamine that led to the Friends star’s fatal overdose. Her plea deal also ties her to a second fatality and exposes a darker side of celebrity drug networks.
Jasveen Sangha known as the Ketamine Queen pleads guilty in Matthew Perry case Getty Images/ Instagram/_thejuggernaut
Who is Jasveen Sangha and why was she called the “Ketamine Queen”?
Sangha earned her nickname from prosecutors after allegedly running a drug distribution hub out of her North Hollywood home, dubbed the “Sangha Stash House” in indictments. Federal agents seized more than 80 vials of ketamine along with methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, and cash during a raid in March 2024.
According to court filings, Sangha was known for supplying high-end clients, including people in Hollywood circles. On social media, she flaunted a glamorous lifestyle of international trips and celebrity parties, masking her role in a dangerous drug pipeline.
Jasveen Sangha admitted to selling drugs to high-end Hollywood clientsInstagram/bollywoodstreetsnap
What charges did Sangha plead guilty to in the Matthew Perry overdose case?
In her plea agreement, Sangha admitted to five federal charges: maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
She becomes the fifth and final defendant to plead guilty in the Matthew Perry overdose case. Others include Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, two doctors—Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia, and supplier Erik Fleming. Together, they admitted to exploiting Perry’s addiction by supplying him with escalating doses of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death.
Matthew Perry died at 54 from the acute effects of ketamineGetty Images
How did ketamine contribute to Matthew Perry’s death?
The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine” after being injected multiple times by his assistant on 28 October 2023. The drug, normally used as an anaesthetic under medical supervision, can cause hallucinations and dissociation.
Perry had legally been prescribed ketamine as an experimental treatment for depression, but prosecutors say he turned to underground suppliers, including Sangha, when his legitimate prescriptions ran out. Days before his death, Perry allegedly paid £4,700 (₹5,00,000) in cash for 25 vials of unmarked ketamine supplied by Sangha.
Matthew Perry’s death linked to Jasveen Sangha’s ketamine supplyGetty Images
What sentence does Jasveen Sangha face?
Sangha faces a maximum of 45 years in federal prison when sentenced later this year. While judges are not bound by plea agreements, prosecutors have indicated they will recommend less than the maximum term.
As part of her deal, Sangha also admitted to selling ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, who died of an overdose in 2019. Prosecutors said this highlights a longer history of dangerous drug sales beyond her connection to Matthew Perry.
Prosecutors said Sangha ran a North Hollywood stash house supplying ketamineInstagram/_thejuggernaut
The Justice Department confirmed that Sangha also agreed not to contest the forfeiture of assets seized in the investigation, including thousands in cash.