Stunning performances thrill audiences at annual festival
Amaan Ali Bangash
with Anubrata Chatterjee perform as part of the double bill
By Savitha PalanivelNov 09, 2024
THE annual Darbar festival gives Indian classical music fans a feast of fabulous live performances. This dynamic double bill at Barbican Hall in London perhaps summed up everything that makes it such an important, vibrant and entertaining date in the calendar every year.
Sarod maestro Amaan Ali Bangash, often seen on stage with his talented brother Ayaan Ali Bangash and legendary father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, showed that he is a formidable solo performer. He began the show by playing an impressive repertoire of music that encompassed different moods and emotions. By enabling him to make his UK solo debut, Darbar gave a platform to an artist who will keep alive his impressive musical lineage, which has stretched for seven generations, for decades to come. Anubrata Chatterjee, accompanying on tabla, gave an already energetic performance added power with his mastery on stage.
In the second half, legendary musician Dr L Subramaniam teamed up with his son Ambi Subramaniam for a world-class violin concert. Both showed absolute brilliance on the much-loved instrument, as they glided through different genres and styles with effortless ease. Accompanied by wonderful musicians, the duo used the violin to show how music can be a unifying force.
The performances, rooted in ancient tradition, not only united different generations, but also crossed cultures, as they enthralled a packed audience from diverse backgrounds. The stage was also filled with musicians at different stages of their respective journeys, ranging from current stars to future icons.
All this perhaps sums up what Darbar is about. Those who missed the stunning series of concerts, including this one, can watch the performances on Sky Arts later this year. They are timeless and brilliant, like this near-perfect double bill, which took audiences on a memorable journey.
Scarlett Johansson becomes the highest-grossing lead actor at the global box office
Her films have now grossed £10.7 billion worldwide
Johansson achieved the feat with fewer films than Jackson or Downey Jr
Latest success comes from Jurassic World: Rebirth, which earned $318 million in its first six days
Johansson overtakes Jackson and Downey Jr at the box office
Scarlett Johansson has officially become the highest-grossing lead actor in global box office history, following the successful release of Jurassic World: Rebirth. The milestone sees her surpass fellow Marvel actors Samuel L Jackson and Robert Downey Jr, cementing her status as one of the most bankable stars in the world.
According to box office tracker The Numbers, Johansson’s films have now earned £10.7 billion worldwide. Jackson and Downey Jr trail slightly behind, with £10.7 billion and £10.5 billion respectively.
Remarkably, Johansson has achieved this with a relatively lean filmography — just 36 films, compared to Jackson’s 71 and Downey Jr’s 45.
A consistent performer over two decades
Johansson's average gross per film stands at £298 million, placing her ahead of both Jackson ($205.7m / £151m) and Downey Jr ($318.1m / £233.5m). Her breakout role came in 2003’s Lost in Translation, and she has since built a diverse portfolio that includes critically acclaimed performances in Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit, and multiple roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
She made her screen debut at the age of 10 in the 1994 comedy North, later appearing in Home Alone 3, The Horse Whisperer, and Ghost World during the 1990s.
Lead role in Jurassic World: Rebirth
In her latest film, Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a mercenary hired by a pharmaceutical representative (played by Rupert Friend) to accompany palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis (played by Jonathan Bailey) on a mission to retrieve dinosaur DNA. The plot builds on the legacy of the Jurassic Park franchise.
She takes over the lead from Chris Pratt, who led the previous three Jurassic World films as Owen Grady.
Within its first six days in cinemas, Jurassic World: Rebirth has earned £233 million globally, making it the second-highest performing release of 2025 so far, behind only the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2.
A role years in the making
Johansson has previously spoken about her determination to join the franchise.
“I’ve been trying to get into this franchise in any possible way for over 10 years,” she told ComicBook.com.
“I’ll do anything for it — I’ll die in the first five minutes! I can’t believe it’s finally happened.”
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The limited-edition release is the first official product
Royal Mint unveils commemorative Iron Maiden coin for band's 50th anniversary
Features mascot Eddie with hidden references to songs, albums and tours
Designed by artist and lifelong fan Albert “Akirant” Quirantes
Coin available in editions starting at £18.50
Iron Maiden honoured with official UK coin
The Royal Mint has released a new collectable coin to commemorate 50 years since the formation of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
Designed by artist Albert “Akirant” Quirantes, the coin features the band’s long-time mascot Eddie, who has appeared on every Iron Maiden album cover since 1980. The artwork includes hidden references to the band’s extensive discography, stage imagery, and iconic world tours.
The limited-edition release is the first official product to feature the band’s 50th anniversary logo and follows Eddie’s appearance on a set of Royal Mail stamps in 2023.
“A perfect fusion of metal on metal”
Rod Smallwood, the band’s manager, said:
“Having Eddie on an official UK coin is a continuation of his incredible odyssey since we unearthed him back in 1980.”
Rebecca Morgan of the Royal Mint described the coin as a “perfect fusion of metal on metal” and said it is expected to become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Design inspired by fan devotion
Quirantes, a lifelong Iron Maiden fan, said working on the coin was one of the most exciting projects of his career.
“I’ve hidden several references within the design that true fans will enjoy discovering,” he said, pointing to subtle nods to classic albums and songs.
The coin is available in various editions, with prices starting at £18.50.
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This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner
First reactions to Superman (2025) praise its action, humour and emotional tone
Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman
Premiered in Los Angeles ahead of 11 July theatrical release
Fans and critics call it a strong launch for the new DC Studios era
Superman early reviews call it “exciting” and “hopeful”
Following its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, the first social media reactions to Superman have begun to emerge — and they are largely positive. Though full reviews will be published closer to the 11 July release date, critics, journalists and early viewers have shared their first impressions online.
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What fans and critics are saying
“A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” – Erik Davis, Fandango Film journalist Erik Davis praised Superman as a promising launchpad for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humour and levity,” – Perri Nemiroff, Collider Collider’s Perri Nemiroff highlighted the film’s balance of action and character-driven storytelling.
“Superman delivers on heart, humour and heroism. David Corenswet is perfectly cast,” – @TheNerdyCritic on X A fan reaction emphasised the emotional tone of the film, calling it a “Superman story we’ve been waiting for”.
“Hopeful, fun, and visually impressive — Superman is back!” – @FilmFanCentral Another viewer on social media described the reboot as a return to form for the character and the franchise.
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Meet the new Superman cast
Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The cast also includes:
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
James Gunn’s first film under new DC Studios
Directed by James Gunn, this film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner, co-led by Gunn and Peter Safran since their appointment in October 2022.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn said:
“People are looking for heroes right now... Superman is that.”
Safran added earlier this year that Superman is intended to bring clarity and cohesion to the DC brand, following years of fragmented storytelling by different creative teams.
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What’s next for DC Studios?
Superman launches the new DC Universe (DCU), with upcoming projects including:
Lanterns, an HBO Max series focused on Green Lantern
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to release in 2026
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Superman releases in cinemas worldwide on 11 July 2025.
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The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement
Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs
Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy
Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.
In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”
Gupta concluded her post with a caption that read, “Real toh real hota hai..”, praising the authenticity and craftsmanship of traditional Indian footwear.
Gupta’s post comes shortly after Kareena Kapoor’s Instagram story where she posted a photo of her Kolhapuri chappals with the caption, “Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri.” The comment was interpreted as a subtle response to Prada’s new sandal design, which many users online noted bore a strong resemblance to the traditional Indian style.
Prada presented the footwear at its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan on 22 June. The design, referred to as ‘Toe Ring Sandals’, did not include any reference to its resemblance to the Indian Kolhapuri chappals, sparking debate over cultural appropriation and lack of credit to traditional artisans.
Current projects
Kareena Kapoor was last seen in Singham Again, alongside Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.
Neena Gupta recently appeared in Metro In Dino, which was released on 4 July.
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Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.
Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.
Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.
Katy Perry with longtime friend Michael Kives during her getawayTwitter/info katy perry
Katy Perry seen in good spirits on yacht holiday
While the news of her separation from Bloom was still fresh, Perry looked relaxed and comfortable aboard the luxury yacht in Italy. She was spotted embracing former Hollywood agent Michael Kives, now a well-known investor, who is a close friend. Also on board was venture capitalist Ben Schwerin.
Photos showed Perry bonding with Daisy, holding her in her arms and smiling. The mother-daughter duo wore coordinated floral outfits earlier during the trip. Fans online praised Perry’s appearance and her apparent strength through the transition, with one user writing, “She hasn’t aged at all. Absolute queen energy.”
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom breakup confirmed
The outing came just days after Perry and Bloom issued a joint statement confirming their breakup. Their representatives shared that the couple had been "shifting their relationship over the past many months" and would now focus on co-parenting. They added, “Orlando and Katy will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is, and always will be raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect.”
The pair had been together for nearly nine years, first meeting in 2016 at a Golden Globes afterparty. Their on-off romance included a brief breakup in 2017, a Valentine’s Day engagement in 2019, and the birth of their daughter in August 2020. Their wedding plans were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were never rescheduled.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom focus on raising their daughter with love and respect Getty Images
Orlando Bloom reflects on loneliness post-split
While Perry vacationed in Italy, Bloom made headlines of his own, attending the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez solo. He later posted cryptic quotes about loneliness and emotional darkness to Instagram, including lines from Carl Jung: “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness…”
Sources told Us Weekly that while the breakup wasn’t contentious, it had been a long time coming. “There was tension for months,” one insider noted, adding that Katy felt a sense of relief not having to face another divorce, referring to her previous marriage to comedian Russell Brand, which ended in 2012.
Orlando Bloom to attend Jeff Bezos wedding alone as split rumours with Katy Perry grow Getty Images
Perry breaks down during final Australia show
In the days leading up to the yacht trip, Perry concluded her Australia leg of the Lifetimes tour. At her final show in Adelaide, she reportedly became emotional, holding her hands in the shape of a heart and thanking fans: “Thank you, Australia, for always being there for me.”
Her absence from the Bezos-Sánchez wedding was initially chalked up to a scheduling conflict, but it added to speculation about the status of her relationship with Bloom. The couple’s recent decision to rent out their Montecito home to Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger further fuelled separation rumours before the announcement was made official.
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Despite the personal changes, Perry seems to be navigating the transition surrounded by loved ones, doing it with strength, clarity, and a sense of calm.