Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey are two of the most talented actors we have in the industry. The two have not yet starred in a film together but it looks like we will soon get to see them on the big screen together.
According to a report in a tabloid, Taapsee and Vikrant will be seen in a romantic-thriller which will be produced by Aanand L Rai and Bhushan Kumar. The untitled movie will be directed by Vinil Mathew who had made his directorial debut with Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra starrer Hasee Toh Phasee.
A source told the tabloid, “The makers thought a fresh pair would work in the film’s favour as it will keep the mystery element intact since there will be no preconceived notions about them as a couple.” The movie will be shot in North India, but the location is yet to be finalized. “But since the story is set in that part of the country, the makers want to keep it authentic,” the source added.
Well, 2019 has been a quite good year for Taapsee. The actress starred this year in movies like Badla, Game Over, Mission Mangal, and Saand Ki Aankh. She also has her kitty full with a lot of movies like Thappad, Anurag Basu’s next and Rashmi Rocket.
British singer Ed Sheeran is shifting lanes musically. Known for his emotional ballads and acoustic pop, Sheeran has taken a bold turn into rock territory with Drive, a gritty new single written for Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, F1. The track, released ahead of the film’s 27 June global premiere, shows the singer ditching his usual gentle strumming for loud guitar riffs, pounding drums, and full-throttle energy.
A rock track built for speed and the screen
Sheeran shared that he was invited to write a song for the film and immediately knew he wanted it to feel like a proper “driving song”, something loud, intense, and worthy of the speed and thrill of Formula One. He teamed up with guitarist John Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin to bring that vision to life. The result? A track with Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Rami Jaffee on keys. It’s an all-star crew of rock musicians who helped Sheeran hit the accelerator.
In a behind-the-scenes post, Sheeran said working on Drive reminded him of his earlier soundtrack work, particularly I See Fire for The Hobbit. But this time, he said, the stakes felt different. “This felt like the dream setup,” he wrote. “I love film and art, and to create something tailor-made for a big action scene in a racing film is just special.”
Sheeran joins a stacked soundtrack for F1
Drive will be featured on F1: The Album, which drops alongside the film. Overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast president Kevin Weaver, known for producing soundtracks like Barbie: The Album and The Greatest Showman, the album also includes songs by Doja Cat, Burna Boy, RAYE, and Rosé from BLACKPINK.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former racing champ pulled out of retirement to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, the film promises high-speed drama and big-screen spectacle.
With Drive, Ed Sheeran has stepped far out of his comfort zone and into the driver’s seat of something unexpected and loud. The track is now streaming, and the countdown to F1 begins.
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.
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s ‘Sapphire’ collaboration misses the mark
The song everyone is talking about this month is Sapphire – Ed Sheeran’s collaboration with Arijit Singh. But instead of a true duet, Arijit takes more of a backing role to the British pop superstar, which is a shame, considering he is the most followed artist on Spotify. The Indian superstar deserved a stronger presence on the otherwise catchy track. On the positive side, Sapphire may inspire more international artists to incorporate Indian elements into their music. But going forward, any major Indian names involved in global collaborations should insist on equal billing, rather than letting western stars ride on their popularity.
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh
Aziz Ansari’s Hollywood comedy ‘Good Fortune’ could be a sleeper hit
Last year, I predicted that the Hollywood film Good Fortune would be one of this year’s big sleeper hits. The positive early response to its recently released trailer confirms that writer, director, producer and lead star Aziz Ansari is onto a winner. The body-swap comedy features Keanu Reeves as a bumbling guardian angel who lands in trouble after interfering in the lives of a ruthless venture capitalist (Seth Rogen) and an overworked, underpaid employee (Ansari). Due for release on 17 October, the film is expected to be a major hit – and could well establish stand-up star Ansari as a serious Hollywood power player.
Aziz Ansari’s Hollywood comedy ‘Good Fortune’
Punjabi cinema’s power-packed star cast returns in ‘Sarbala Ji’
Gippy Grewal, Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta and Nimrat Khaira starring together in a film is reason enough to get excited about Sarbala Ji. These four hugely popular stars – all of whom have delivered some of the finest Punjabi films in recent years – have teamed up for a comedy packed with drama, emotion and entertainment. The trailer for the film, which is set for release on 18 July, has received an expectedly positive response and is likely to ensure a strong box office opening. The success of Saunkan Saunkanay 2, which featured Mehta, Virk and Khaira in leading roles, has only added more momentum to Sarbala Ji.
Punjabi cinema’s power-packed star cast returns in ‘Sarbala Ji’
Pakistani stars deserve better than ‘tacky’ London events
One thing that rarely gets discussed is how Pakistani stars visiting London often end up at the tackiest venues for events and film promotions. Earlier this year, Hania Aamir – like many of her contemporaries – headlined an event at a banqueting hall that looked more like a disorganised wedding than a celebrity showcase. More recently, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, in the capital to promote their film Love Guru, somehow found themselves in a horse-drawn carriage en route to a restaurant. Several Pakistani celebrities have also been on the receiving end of dubious awards from unverified individuals and organisations. Taken together, this suggests they may not fully realise their worth – and are being guided by all the wrong people.
Mahira Khan
‘Housefull 5’ proves Bollywood is trolling its own audience
The recently released Housefull 5 is a prime example of how some Bollywood producers appear to be trolling their own audiences. Instead of raising the bar after years of subpar Hindi cinema, this brainless comedy leans on a cast of has-been stars and is so shoddily made that it feels like the filmmakers no longer care about delivering quality. Far from making audiences laugh, the self-indulgent nonsense came across as mockery – as if the film were laughing at anyone foolish enough to spend money on a ticket.
‘Housefull 5’ proves Bollywood is trolling its own audience
Brilliant indie film ‘Chidiya’ suffers in Bollywood’s broken system
The mafia mentality in Bollywood has meant that great low-budget films rarely receive wide distribution, meaningful marketing or proper backing. While audiences are regularly subjected to poorly written blockbusters fronted by big-name stars, genuinely entertaining, story-driven films are often sidelined. That is why the new film Chidiya took nearly a decade to secure even a limited release. The modestly budgeted drama, about two young brothers who transform a junkyard into a makeshift badminton court, earned widespread acclaim on the international festival circuit and received strong reviews upon release. Yet it failed to reach the audience it deserved – a casualty of the broken state of Indian cinema. If Chidiya eventually finds its way onto a streaming platform, it will be well worth watching.
Brilliant indie film ‘Chidiya’
John Abraham keeps landing roles – but can he still deliver?
Headlining flop films as a solo hero has not stopped John Abraham from landing more Bollywood projects. The actor recently announced that he will star in a film based on the comic book Munkeeman, as well as a biopic inspired by the life of police officer Rakesh Maria. While Abraham can hardly be blamed for cashing in, the producers backing these ventures are certainly taking a risk – the star is clearly past his prime and no longer drawing significant audience attention.
John Abraham
Hina Khan’s wedding is a quiet symbol of unity in divisive times
The recent wedding of popular actress Hina Khan and her long-term partner Rocky Jaiswal carried a deeper meaning that many may have overlooked. At a time of rising communal division in India, this interfaith marriage between two high-profile individuals stood as a quiet but powerful symbol of unity. Hina also found her happily ever after following a difficult battle with cancer. The couple wore Manish Malhotra-designed outfits for their intimate ceremony and received warm wishes from well-wishers across the globe.
Hina Khan and her long-term partner Rocky Jaiswal
Shanaya Kapoor’s troubled debut raises red flags
It really does seem like newcomer Shanaya Kapoor is jinxed. After her initial film launch was shelved, she signed on for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey. Unfortunately for her, the teaser trailer for the romantic musical drama has generated very little buzz. She spends most of it wearing a blindfold in various scenes. As the daughter of flop actor Sanjay Kapoor, Shanaya may be heading towards a similarly underwhelming debut when the film releases on 11 July.
Shanaya Kapoor's troubled debut
Pakistani female influencers face dangerous realities
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have opened up new pathways for many individuals in South Asia to earn substantial incomes. While content creators in India have largely thrived, female influencers in Pakistan continue to face threats from right-wing extremists and stalkers. This was tragically illustrated by the recent murder of 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousuf, who was shot dead by a man after she rejected him. The incident is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by female creators in the country, and highlights the urgent need for stronger protection and support. Many continue to pursue their work but must remain extremely cautious.
Sana Yousuf
Keep ReadingShow less
India's Shubman Gill celebrates after reaching his century Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
CENTURIES from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill, his first as skipper, fired India to a commanding position in their series opener against England, closing day one of the first test on an imposing 359-3 on Friday (20).
Despite the clear, humid Headingley conditions seemingly favouring the batting side, England chose to bowl first, knowing each of the previous six Leeds tests had been won by the side bowling first.
Ben Stokes' decision seemed ill-advised, with India openers KL Rahul and Jaiswal both looking in fine form, but Rahul fell for 42, with the England captain quickly removing debutant Sai Sudharsan for a duck from the final ball before lunch.
Jaiswal and Gill steadied the ship in the afternoon session, however, the opener storming to his fifth test century, with Gill's classy ton, an unbeaten 127, putting England on the back foot from the off in the five-match series.
"It was very special, it meant a lot to me," Jaiswal told the BBC. "I really enjoyed it because I have worked so much before the series, after the IPL.
"I just wanted to get in and do something for my team, for my country and for myself after the work I have put it. I loved it. There is no secret. I just try to work very hard and have the will and desire to do well whenever I have the opportunity. I will just keep trying to put my team first."
The pressure was on Gill on his test bow as captain, with a nation expecting a smooth transition following the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India's fifth-youngest captain at 25 found himself in the firing line in the blink of an eye, after England had toiled initially on an unusually humid Leeds day.
Missing numerous frontline pace bowlers through injury, it was left to Brydon Carse, making his first test start on home soil, to make the crucial breakthrough just as Rahul was settling in before debutant Sudharsan quickly followed him back to the pavilion.
Supported by Jaiswal, who sailed to his sixth half century in 10 innings against England, Gill showed his class with his fastest-ever test 50.
Jaiswal, despite receiving treatment for an injury to his hand throughout the afternoon session, quickly retook the limelight from the skipper storming to his fifth century from just 20 matches, a third against England, to pile the misery on the hosts’ beleaguered bowlers.
After Stokes struck to clean bowl Jaiswal, who departed for 101, ending the third wicket stand of 129, Gill and Rishabh Pant continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, with a drive through the covers taking the skipper to his first test century outside of Asia.
Pant finished off a memorable day for India by reaching his half century with a bizarre-looking shot, leaving England with mountain to climb to avoid getting their summer off to a losing start.
"It was a tough day but we will get our opportunity to bat soon," England coach Tim Southee said. "We will come back tomorrow and try to make some inroads.
"The guys are good. The strength of this side is that things can be tough at times but they try to not to get too caught up in the emotions of bad days."
I recently joined the incredible team at the Asian Sports Foundation. It is an honour to work alongside passionate individuals such as Shazia Ali, Harleen Kaur and Angus Martin. Since it was founded by Jug Johal, the Asian Sports Foundation has worked to transform inactivity into active living, promoting better wellbeing and greater representation of Asian communities in sport and physical activity.
This is a cause close to my heart. The undeniable power of sport and movement to improve both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. It is a message I have consistently championed, alongside a commitment to equity and inclusion, which is why I am so excited to contribute to a charity that truly embodies this ethos.
In recent weeks, my conversations with Parkinson’s UK and various Asian community groups about boosting wellbeing through activity have shed light on a critical issue: Parkinson’s is on the rise, yet awareness and support remain limited, especially within South Asian communities. The stories I have heard have been deeply moving and point to a pressing need for change.
One person told me about their family’s experience. “We didn’t know much about Parkinson’s at the time,”
They said – a sentiment echoed by many. There is little information about the condition within the community, and it is often shrouded in stigma. In some circles, it is even viewed as a ‘curse’. The diagnosis came as a devastating blow. “We were shocked. All our dreams and plans to see the world came crashing down.” Their honesty reflects the profound emotional impact and isolation many families face.
For those unfamiliar, Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms – ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety – and no known cure, the challenges are immense. But staying active and connected can make a real difference.
Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain conditionInstagram/ itsmitamistry
This is where organisations like Parkinson’s UK are so vital. They support people at every stage of the Parkinson’s journey, and their efforts to raise awareness in marginalised and ethnic communities are commendable. Their work builds on a strong foundation, which includes local events, essential support services and a pioneering Race Equality in Research programme, aimed at improving understanding and treatment across all communities.
My aim – and a key focus for the Asian Sports Foundation – is to amplify these efforts through inclusive, impactful programmes. We want to act as a bridge, connecting communities with the support and information they need. If you or someone you know is
experiencing symptoms, please know that you are not alone. The journey can be overwhelming, but there are people who care and resources that can help.
I would genuinely love to hear from you. Share your experiences, tell me how we can help, and if you are part of a grassroots community group, let us work together to break the silence and build a more informed, supportive environment for all.
Whoever said you need moonlight to find magic clearly has not stepped onto the spectacular, LED-lit dance floor at this daytime Bollywood bonanza.
From the moment the doors opened at Popworld in London, Bollyday fizzed with the kind of unfiltered joy usually reserved for weddings or late-night parties – except here, you still get home in time for a proper night’s sleep (and Sunday roast prep).
The 4pm to 9pm window is sheer genius. No frantic dash for the last tube, no overpriced taxis, and no bleary-eyed ‘never again’ mantra the next morning.
Parents can drop in after football practice, dog owners can pop out without fretting about late-night walks, and early-rising professionals can toast the weekend without sacrificing their productivity.
Daytime parties are not new – but Bollyday bottles the concept, shakes it with Bollywood sparkle, and serves it ice cold.
If British Asian DJ royalty had a throne, Shai Guy would be polishing the crown. His reputation precedes him – yet he still managed to overdeliver.
He slid through an eclectic mix of 70s and 80s disco-era anthems, noughties earworms and today’s stadium-shaking hits.
Just when you thought you had the set figured out, he dropped slick western house cuts and Afrobeat flourishes that sent hands skyward.
Bollyday
The dance floor never emptied – not once. Even the self-confessed two-left-feet brigade found themselves belting out choruses they did not know they knew.
Cross-generational Bollywood adventurers shared the space in perfect, sweat-soaked harmony.
It is rare to see Gen Z TikTokers trading moves with aunties reliving their early 90s bhangra gig glory – but Bollyday makes that collision feel entirely natural.
Non-Asian guests turned up out of curiosity and left draped in imaginary chiffon, convinced they had stumbled onto the set of a Karan Johar epic.
Set in the heart of London, the venue is as convenient as it is atmospheric.
The retro-futuristic dance floor glowed underfoot – think Saturday Night Fever meets Dil Dhadakne Do.
Scenic photo ops were practically compulsory; birthday crews made full use, balloons in tow.
British Asian nights out have come a long way since the daytime bhangra circuits of the 80s and 90s.
Bollyday is the next leap: an inclusive, wellness-friendly, rhythm-heavy celebration that proves you do not need darkness to turn up the heat.
With the mental health benefits of dancing well documented, this matinee rave feels as good for the soul as it does for the step count.
Bollyday
Uniqueness, practicality, cross-generational appeal and a stellar soundtrack make Bollyday an instant classic – expect copycats soon.
But for now, mark your diaries: the next Bollyday returns to London on Saturday, 6th September, with plans to go nationwide shortly afterwards.
Tickets will evaporate faster than a filmi teardrop.
For its trailblazing timetable, sublime venue and Shai Guy’s pitch-perfect DJing, Bollyday earns a full, unreserved five stars.
Go once and you will wonder why we ever surrendered our sleep to nightlife in the first place.