TV STAR AVINASH MUKHERJEE ON LEARNING, ACTING AND LIFE IN LOCKDOWN
by ASJAD NAZIR
TALENTED actor Avinash Mukherjee has been impressing audiences ever since his star-making turn as a 10-year-old in hit drama serial Balika Vadhu, which still enjoys a loyal fan following and is being re-telecast during lockdown.
The 22-year-old has since delivered winning performances in diverse projects that include the very popular serial Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki.
Terrific TV star Avinash has been trying to keep busy during lockdown, but was happy to speak to Eastern Eye about his career, self-isolation, acting and future hopes.
How have you been handling the Covid-19 lockdown?
I’ve been handling it really well and spent a lot of time with my family. Of course, this is a situation that mankind had never perceived possible, where we would actually be sitting in our homes for three months with bad news all over, especially in a country like India where the minimum wage is less than Rs 30. People are migrating back to their own states because of the extended lockdown and social distancing by the government.
What have you been doing?
I’ve been trying to help and doing my bit as much as I can. I’ve been working out, taking care of my body and mind, rereading my favourite books and rewatching my favourite films. I have also been working and creating new business ventures, and just dealing with things.
What has helped you most to cope with the lockdown?
The new ventures I have been working on. I really can’t sit idle, so if I’m not shooting I want to keep doing something really productive. I asked one of my mentors Ronit Bose Roy, ‘that you are so successful, you have power, money, fame, but what keeps your mind going.’ He just said two words 'adoption' and 'remapping', so that’s exactly what I do. I took that as a Guru mantra and whatever situation it is, I take it as adoption and remapping.
What do you mean?
So when the lockdown hit us, I remapped and thought about what productive thing can be done? What are the problems that will come now because of this situation and how can I tackle them? Different situations bring different problems, but they also give you many opportunities to serve, solve and provide valuable solutions to people.
Which of the projects has been closest to your heart?
My most special project is Balika Vadhu and it’s always been my closest. It’s retelecasting now and my mom watches it every day. In fact, it’s 6:22 pm and she is watching Balika Vadhu right now.
What is the plan after lockdown is over?
The plan is to resume shooting as early and safely as possible. To make sure that all my crew and unit members are ok, to see if there is anything I can do for them. I feel we are very fortunate to have a car, home, food on the table and all other necessities, but there are lots of people who don’t get anything. So I urge people that, please, whenever you go back to work, make sure that people around you, who are not so fortunate, are taken care of. Ask them about their family.
What would be your acting master plan going forward?
In Hindi, there is a dialogue, which is ‘master plan bataya nahin, dikhaya jata hai’, which means the master plan is not to be told, it is to be shown. If all goes well and God remains graceful, as he has been always, it will be shown soon.
What would be your dream role?
I have many dream roles. Kabir Singh is the latest. Also what Shah Rukh Khan did in Mohabbatein, what Amitabh Bachchan did in Deewar and Prabhas in Baahubali are the kind of roles I want.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
I watched Paatal Lok, which I liked and also loved Dynasty. I have watched films like the Gangs Of Wasseypur, Joker and Pardes. I enjoy watching crime films and The Godfather is one of my favourites.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
I am actually really looking forward to learning a subject from our ancient Gurukul system in India, which is known as samurda shastra. That is the art of reading people’s faces, which, as we know, is difficult in a world filled with not so simple and very complicated people.
Today, what inspires you?
This interview that will be seen and read by the most wonderful people from the UK, so that what’s inspiring me right now.
Why do you love being an actor?
It is because I have been always afraid of the mortality of human beings since I was a child. I think that it happens with every child when they first come to know the reality of death and see a family member is dying, and realise they can’t see them again. One day I realised this field of acting can make you immortal. Greats like Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Raj Kapoor may have sadly passed away, but live on through their work. Acting has also given me an opportunity to be someone I am not and doing it so honestly that I even fool myself, which is a high I jump out of bed for and chase.
Bryan Johnson, 47, is contemplating shutting down or selling his anti-ageing startup, Blueprint.
The biotech entrepreneur recently launched a religion called "Don’t Die."
He says commercial activity is undermining his philosophical credibility.
Blueprint has faced financial pressures but Johnson denies any crisis.
Biotech entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast Bryan Johnson has revealed he is considering shutting down or selling his anti-ageing company, Blueprint. Speaking to Wired, the 47-year-old said his priorities have shifted towards developing his newly founded religion, "Don’t Die", which he believes better aligns with his philosophical ambitions.
“I am so close to either shutting it down or selling it,” Johnson said in the interview published Monday. “I don’t need the money, and it’s a pain-in-the-ass company.”
From business to belief
Johnson is widely known for Project Blueprint, his intense and expensive self-experimentation regimen aimed at reversing ageing. Launched in 2021, the programme reportedly costs him around $2 million annually and has included controversial practices such as blood transfusions from his son, which he later discontinued due to lack of observable benefits.
Blueprint, his startup, sells wellness products ranging from a £42 mushroom-based coffee alternative called “Super Shrooms” to a £44 “longevity mix” drink.
In March, Johnson publicly declared the founding of his own religion, “Don’t Die”, which evolved from the tagline of his wellness brand and Netflix documentary. “It seemed obvious that they’d say Don’t Die is how humanity saved itself and merged with AI,” he wrote on X.
However, he now believes that commercial interests may be at odds with his philosophical mission. “People see the business and give me less credibility on the philosophy side. I will not make that trade-off,” he told Wired.
Financial pressures and public perception
Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that Blueprint was missing its monthly break-even target by over £780,000 ($1 million), citing internal documents and former employees. Johnson responded to some of the allegations, but notably avoided directly addressing the financial data.
To Wired, he maintained that the company is not in a financial crisis. “We are break-even, and I’ve said that publicly many times. We’ve had profitable months, we’ve had loss months,” he said.
Blueprint originally emerged from requests by friends who were curious about the supplements Johnson was taking. “I was trying to do people a solid,” he said. Yet, the enterprise has grown into something that, he now feels, undermines the authenticity of his philosophical pursuits.
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Early reports suggest the fall may have been accidental
A 19-year-old British tourist has died after falling from the third floor of Ibiza Rocks Hotel
The incident occurred just two weeks after another tourist, Evan Thomson, died at the same hotel
Emergency services confirmed the man died at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts
Spanish authorities have launched an investigation, including CCTV review and witness interviews
This marks the third reported fatality at the hotel since April
Teenager dies after fall at San Antonio party hotel
A 19-year-old British tourist has died after falling from the third floor of Ibiza Rocks Hotel, located in the popular party resort of San Antonio. The incident happened shortly after 12:40 am on Monday, and despite the rapid arrival of paramedics, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two ambulances were sent, but emergency personnel reported there was nothing they could do to save him.
The Civil Guard confirmed the man’s death and said a full investigation is underway. Early reports suggest the fall may have been accidental, based on preliminary CCTV footage. However, police are continuing to locate and interview potential witnesses.
Investigation underway, post-mortem to follow
A court authorised the removal of the body at 2:40am, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine whether alcohol or drugs were involved, according to Spanish police sources.
At this time, it is unclear whether the teenager was on holiday with friends or family, or whether he fell from a private room or another part of the hotel complex.
Second fatal fall at the same hotel this month
The incident comes just two weeks after Evan Thomson, a 26-year-old tourist from Aberdeen, also died at the same hotel. He was on holiday celebrating his birthday with friends when he fell from a balcony on 7 July.
Evan’s mother, Lel Kellighan, announced his death on social media, describing it as a “tragic accident” and asking for privacy. Following the incident, his family and friends raised concerns about safety measures at the hotel and criticised how the situation was handled.
His sister, Teila, commented:
“Ibiza is known for its partying, and it just stuns me that they don’t have higher safety precautions.”
Witnesses recall confusion and lack of support
Friends who were with Evan expressed frustration over how events unfolded. One of them, Blair Robertson, said it took around 30 minutes for paramedics to arrive, and that communication with forensic teams was limited.
“Reception gave us false hope. We heard the jet washes cleaning the ground where Evan died. That was the worst thing for us — how fast they tried to get things back to normal.”
Remi Duncan, Evan’s girlfriend, added:
“There was minimal respect. The music went back on soon after Evan had died. It puts a pit in your stomach.”
Previous fatality reported in April
In a separate incident in April 2025, a 33-year-old British woman also died at Ibiza Rocks Hotel. The emergency was reported at approximately 6:30pm on 30 April. Further details surrounding that case remain limited.
Hotel’s previous response
In a statement issued after Evan’s death, the hotel said:
“This is a truly tragic and extremely sad situation. Our senior management team onsite did everything possible to help the police with their investigation into events leading up to Evan's death, and to provide constant support from our customer services manager to Evan's friends.”
Morrisons Clinic introduces subscription service for tirzepatide injections
The treatment may aid weight loss of up to 20% over one year
Monthly subscription will increase from £129 to £159 after introductory period
Service includes medical assessment and regular check-ins
Criticism emerges over the supermarket’s continued sale of unhealthy food
Morrisons has launched an online subscription service offering weight loss injections, prompting mixed reactions from the public. The supermarket’s online health platform, Morrisons Clinic, now offers tirzepatide — also known by the brand name Mounjaro — for weight management.
Tirzepatide is primarily prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, but has also been approved for weight loss. According to Morrisons Clinic, users may lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight over the course of a year.
Cost and treatment details
The service is priced at £129 for the first month, increasing to £159 thereafter. Before beginning treatment, customers are required to complete a medical assessment. Monthly check-ins with a clinical team are part of the subscription, and all prescriptions are handled by trained pharmacists.
“Our expert prescribing pharmacists are specially trained to review, consult and provide medications online,” the website states. “Your healthcare journey is in safe hands.”
The clinic describes its services as being “designed with your long-term health as our priority.”
Backlash over perceived mixed messaging
The move has sparked criticism on social media, with some users accusing the chain of hypocrisy. Critics pointed out that while the supermarket offers medical treatment for weight loss, it also continues to sell ultra-processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods.
One user commented: “It’s genius really. The store sells you unhealthy grub that gets you fat, then wants vast sums of money to get you thin.” Another added: “Is this a parody? One of the culprits, pushing highly processed food, is offering a fat clinic?!”
Morrisons defends online clinic
In response, Morrisons has defended the initiative, stating that its weight loss services are “prescribed and dispensed responsibly.” The clinic offers a range of other health services, including treatments for:
Premature ejaculation (£26.99)
Acne (£36.99)
Acid reflux (£17.99)
Erectile dysfunction (£13)
Migraines (£15.99)
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NHS England says premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised due to RSV
NHS to offer nirsevimab injection to 9,000 premature and high-risk babies from late September
Aims to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe illness in infants
Premature babies are 10 times more likely to need intensive care for RSV
Nirsevimab offers immediate protection and lasts for six months
Neo-natal units across the UK will deliver the jab
Thousands of premature and high-risk babies in the UK will soon be offered a new immunisation to protect against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common winter virus that can cause serious lung infections and hospitalisation. The NHS will begin delivering the nirsevimab injection from late September, aiming to shield vulnerable infants before the colder months set in.
Premature infants at higher risk from RSV
RSV typically causes coughs and colds, but in some children — particularly those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions — it can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties. NHS England says premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised due to RSV and ten times more likely to require intensive care compared to full-term infants.
Each year, around 30,000 children under five are admitted to hospital in the UK with RSV, and approximately 30 of them die from complications related to the virus.
New immunisation to deliver immediate protection
While most full-term babies receive protection through maternal vaccination during late pregnancy, those born before 32 weeks miss the opportunity to build sufficient immunity. These infants will now be offered nirsevimab, a long-acting antibody that provides immediate protection for six months in just one dose.
Unlike traditional vaccines that take time to activate the body’s immune response, nirsevimab delivers ready-made antibodies, offering instant defence against infection.
NHS clinics to deliver jabs across the UK
Neo-natal clinics throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will administer the injection. Families of vulnerable infants — including those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems — will be advised on how to access the immunisation by their healthcare teams.
Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for NHS England, said the immunisation “will offer a long-lasting defence, helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations and serious illness, giving babies the best possible start in life and shielding them from harm.”
Clinical trial success and personal testimony
Ceri Cox, a 33-year-old paediatric nurse, enrolled her two-year-old son Harry in an international clinical trial for nirsevimab at University Hospital Southampton. Having seen the effects of RSV firsthand, she described the rollout as “amazing” and hopes it will help reduce the number of young patients in hospital this winter.
Background on RSV and current vaccination efforts
In 2023, the UK introduced a maternal vaccination programme offering the RSV jab Abrysvo to pregnant women from 28 weeks and to adults aged 75 to 79. The vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system, passing protection to the baby during the first few weeks of life. However, this method is not viable for premature births, hence the need for nirsevimab.
RSV symptoms to watch for
RSV symptoms typically appear a few days after infection and include:
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Sneezing
Fever or chills
Tiredness
Infants may also show:
Feeding difficulties
Irritability
Wheezing
Rapid or irregular breathing
Loss of appetite
Severe cases can escalate to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, particularly in high-risk infants.
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The diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular condition affecting blood flow in the legs
CVI occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, often leading to swelling and discomfort
The condition was confirmed following visible leg swelling and bruising
Though not life-threatening, CVI can worsen without treatment
Trump’s case has sparked public interest in the risks and management of the condition
Trump diagnosed with common but chronic vein condition
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the proper circulation of blood in the legs. The announcement followed public speculation after Trump was seen with visible swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand during recent public appearances.
According to a statement from White House medical staff, tests ruled out more serious cardiovascular conditions. Trump, 79, remains under regular observation, with the condition described as benign and manageable.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term circulatory disorder in which the veins in the legs fail to efficiently pump blood back to the heart. This is typically caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the veins, leading to blood pooling or flowing backwards—a condition known as venous reflux.
Unlike a sudden or acute event such as a blood clot, CVI develops slowly over time, often unnoticed in its early stages.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can range from mild to more serious, and commonly include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the lower limbs
Visible varicose veins
Skin thickening or discolouration, especially near the ankles
In more advanced cases, ulcers or open sores
The symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting, and may ease with movement or leg elevation.
Who is at risk?
CVI is more common among:
Individuals aged 50 and above
People with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Those who are overweight or sedentary
Individuals with high blood pressure
Pregnant women and those with a family history of venous disease
Age is a major risk factor, particularly for individuals in their 70s and beyond. Trump’s diagnosis falls within this common demographic.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, followed by imaging tests such as duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow and valve function in the leg veins.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Options include:
Compression stockings to improve circulation
Lifestyle modifications such as exercise, leg elevation, and weight management
Medications to reduce inflammation or thin the blood if needed
Minimally invasive procedures, such as laser therapy or sclerotherapy, for more severe cases
Trump’s condition is reportedly being managed conservatively, with no indication of surgical intervention at this time.
Why does it matter?
Although not life-threatening, CVI can affect comfort and mobility, especially in older adults. In Trump’s case, the diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention, highlighting the pressures of health scrutiny for leaders in high office.
The condition itself is common and treatable, but left unmanaged, it can lead to chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin complications. Trump’s medical team has confirmed that his overall health remains stable, with regular monitoring in place.