Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
The singer’s twelfth studio album is set for release on 3 October.
Its cover art features Swift adorned in lavish jewels, including a standout pink sapphire ring.
Swift described the project as capturing the "behind the scenes" drama of her Eras Tour.
A collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter features on the title track.
Taylor Swift has fully embraced the spectacle with her upcoming record, The Life Of A Showgirl. The album, announced during a much-discussed appearance on the New Heights podcast, promises to peel back the curtain on the glamour and grind of her recent tour. Framed as a deeply personal project, it aims to glamourise the intense reality of life on the road. The stunning cover art, shot by Mert and Marcus, immediately sets the tone for this lavish new era.
Taylor Swift stuns in dazzling jewels on The Life Of A Showgirl album cover Instagram/taylorswift
What is the theme behind The Life Of A Showgirl?
Truthfully, it’s less about a character and more about a state of being. Swift has explained that the songs were written during the European leg of the Eras Tour, a period she describes as both physically exhausting and creatively electric. The idea was to capture what happens when the stadium lights go down: the drama, the joy, the sheer over-the-top nature of it all. She wanted to bottle that feeling of living in a whirlwind, hence the showgirl metaphor.
It’s about the performance, sure, but also the person underneath the feathers and sequins. The choice of a vibrant orange as a central colour for the album’s aesthetic apparently reflects the "exuberant and vibrant" energy she was experiencing.
How much did the jewellery on the album cover cost?
Alright, let’s talk about the bling because it’s impossible to ignore. The focus has landed heavily on a particular ring Swift wears in one of the promotional images. That’s a 35-carat pink sapphire set in rose gold with a carat of diamonds, courtesy of the fine jewellery brand Kallati. The price tag? A cool £20,290 (approx. ₹2,411,832).
But that’s just one piece. On the main cover, she’s reportedly wearing a Zydo Italy diamond bracelet with a total carat weight of over 19. The earrings in another shot are from the same maker, coming in at over 18 carats. It’s a long way from cowboy boots and sundresses, that’s for sure, and the overall effect is pure, unapologetic decadence.
This is the big question, isn’t it? The showgirl theme suggests something theatrical, maybe even a swing towards big band or jazz-infused pop. The production credits offer a solid clue: she’s back with Max Martin and Shellback, the powerhouse duo behind massive hits from 1989 and Reputation.
Swift herself called the creative process a collaborative effort where everyone was bringing their best ideas, adding pressure because she cares about the record so much. The only confirmed feature is Sabrina Carpenter on the title track, The Life Of A Showgirl. With twelve tracks announced (and rumours of a secret thirteenth), the sound will likely be as grand and multifaceted as the concept itself.
Samaira and Kiaan Kapur allege key bank accounts tied to the Sunjay Kapur estate have been emptied.
Delhi High Court raised concerns over a widow’s plea to submit the asset list in a sealed cover.
The fight centres on a will the children say they never knew about and now call “bogus.”
Assets are estimated at about £2.52 billion (₹30,000 crore); the children were reportedly paid about £159.6 million (₹1,900 crore) before filing.
The inheritance dispute over industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s estate took a sharp turn in Delhi High Court as Karisma Kapoor’s children told judges they believe the estate’s bank accounts have been “wiped clean.” Counsel for Samaira and Kiaan Kapur told the court there is “nothing left” in key accounts, pushing the bench to question a request by the widow, Priya Sachdev, to keep the full asset list confidential. The stakes are high: the estate is valued at roughly £2.52 billion (₹30,000 crore).
Samaira and Kiaan Kapur claim banks wiped clean in Sunjay Kapur inheritance row Instagram/therealsamairakapoor/Getty Images
Children allege bank accounts wiped clean
Samaira and Kiaan’s lawyer said audited records and bank statements suggested funds had been moved out of accounts linked to the estate. That blunt allegation: “banks have been wiped off, there is nothing left” became the headline moment of the hearing and set the tone for the children’s broader claim that they have been blocked from verifying assets they may legally inherit as Class I heirs.
Priya Sachdev’s legal team asked the court to accept a detailed inventory of assets in a sealed cover, arguing privacy and security concerns. Justice Jyoti Singh voiced obvious scepticism, asking how the children could properly contest a will or challenge transfers if they were bound by confidentiality. The bench described unconditional secrecy as “problematic” for defending legal rights while seeking a way to balance privacy with transparency.
Samaira and Kiaan Kapur claim banks wiped clean in Sunjay Kapur inheritance row Instagram/therealsamairakapoor/Getty Images
Will authenticity to face forensic scrutiny
At the heart of the case is a will the children say they never saw until weeks after Sunjay Kapur’s death. They have labelled that document “bogus” and asked the court to subject any contested papers to forensic verification. The litigation will now move beyond headline accusations to technical probes: handwriting analysis, document provenance checks and a forensic examination of financial flows tied to the estate.
Priya Sachdev’s counsel countered the children’s narrative by saying Samaira and Kiaan were paid a substantial sum, reported in court as about £159.6 million (₹1,900 crore), shortly before the legal action began. That payment, the widow’s lawyers argue, undermines suggestions the children were left bereft. The siblings maintain the payout does not resolve the larger questions about the will’s legitimacy or the current status of remaining assets.
Randhir Kapoor had strongly opposed Karisma’s marriage to businessman Sunjay Kapur Getty Images
What happens next
The court tried a middle path at the hearing: it directed the list of assets be filed in a sealed cover but ordered copies shared with all parties involved, preserving some confidentiality while ensuring the children can scrutinise the claims. The next steps include forensic examination of the contested will and a detailed review of financial transactions. For now, judges urged an end to public blame-trading but stopped short of an outright gag order. This family legal drama, marked by allegations of emptied accounts, claims of a “bogus” will and a multi-billion-pound estate, appears set for a prolonged, technical and highly scrutinised legal battle.
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Ameesha Patel admits she could have a one-night stand with Tom Cruise
The actress revealed a lifelong admiration for the Hollywood star on a recent podcast.
Patel candidly discussed her reasons for never marrying despite numerous proposals.
She remains open to finding a partner but prioritises her career and personal identity.
Her professional resurgence came with the blockbuster success of Gadar 2.
Ameesha Patel has never been one to mince her words, and her latest podcast appearance was no different. The actress, riding high on the success of Gadar 2, took a refreshingly honest deep dive into her personal life, sparking headlines with a confession about her long-standing celebrity crush. While the revelation about Tom Cruise is grabbing attention, her frank discussion about love, principles, and why she never walked down the aisle offered a more substantial glimpse into the woman behind the fame.
Ameesha Patel admits she could have a one-night stand with Tom Cruise Getty Images
Who is Ameesha Patel’s famous crush?
Let’s get to the bit everyone’s talking about first. When asked by host Ranveer Allahbadia about a celebrity crush, Patel didn’t hesitate. “I have a crush on Tom Cruise,” she stated, launching into a story about her childhood fandom. It seems this wasn’t a fleeting interest. She described having his picture on her pencil case, in her files, and as the sole poster on her bedroom wall.
Then came the punchline: “He’s the only man for whom I could put aside my principles. I could do anything for him. If you ask me whether I could have a one-night stand with him, yes, I could.” It’s a bold statement, sure, but it was her comments on her own life choices that truly resonated.
Fans react to Ammesha Patel’s surprising confession about Tom CruiseGetty Images
Why did Ameesha Patel never get married?
This is the part that feels more revealing. Patel has been one of Bollywood’s most eligible bachelorettes for years, and fans have often wondered about her personal life. She addressed it head-on, explaining that she received, and continues to receive, plenty of proposals. So, what stopped her? She pointed to a recurring, outdated expectation from potential suitors. “A lot of the people I met wanted me to stay at home and not work after marriage,” she revealed. That simply didn’t sit right with her. She had spent years establishing her career and, more importantly, her own identity.
“I wanted to become Ameesha Patel first,” she explained. “I had already spent so much of my life being someone’s daughter, and I didn’t want to spend my adulthood as just someone’s wife.” It was a conscious choice for independence that many will understand.
Absolutely. Despite valuing her independence, Patel made it clear she hasn’t closed the door on love. Her approach, however, is pragmatic. “I am all up for marriage, as long as I find someone worthy,” she said. Interestingly, she’s open-minded about age, mentioning that she still gets proposals from people “half my age” and is open to dating them if they possess the right maturity.
For her, it’s all about a mental connection. “I have met a lot of people older than me that have the IQ of a fly,” she quipped. Her ideal partner is someone who can find her through the noise and understands her completely. It’s less about a checklist and more about finding a genuine equal.
Following the monumental success of Gadar 2, which shattered box office records, Patel’s professional standing is stronger than ever. Her 2024 release, Tauba Tera Jalwa, may not have set the cash registers ringing, but her performance was noted. The industry is now watching closely to see what she does next. While she hasn’t officially announced a new project, the massive comeback has undoubtedly opened up a new chapter of opportunities for the actress, proving that her focus on her career was a gamble that has well and truly paid off.
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Pawan Kalyan delivers a high-voltage performance in OG that thrills his fans
Fans celebrate Pawan Kalyan’s powerful screen presence and action sequences.
Director Sujeeth receives praise for crafting a mass feast that plays to the star’s strengths.
Emraan Hashmi makes a stylish, if somewhat underutilised, Telugu debut as the main antagonist.
A section of the audience finds the storyline predictable, leading to a divided response.
The first verdict on Pawan Kalyan's OG is in, and social media is absolutely swamped with reactions. The paid previews started on Wednesday, and people were immediately firing off tweets and posts, some totally loving it, others not so much. The general buzz? It looks like director Sujeeth has truly managed to unlock a side of the Power Star that his fans have been desperate to see. And at the heart of it all is this gritty face-off with Emraan Hashmi's character, Omi Bhau.
Pawan Kalyan delivers a high-voltage performance in OG that thrills his fans Instagram/sujeethsign
What is the story of OG?
So what's the story everyone's talking about? Basically, Pawan Kalyan is Ojas Gambheera, a gangster who drops off the map for ten whole years. Then, out of nowhere, he shows up in Mumbai again. His mission? To take out this other big-shot gangster, Omi Bhau. It's that simple; a classic revenge tale set in the underworld. The plot is not trying to reinvent the wheel; it's just a solid stage for some huge fights and big character moments. And honestly, seeing Kalyan back on screen now that he's a sitting politician just makes the whole thing feel even bigger for his fans.
The general sentiment from supporters is that Sujeeth has successfully packaged the star’s signature swag and attitude into a cinematic experience that feels both familiar and freshly electrifying.
Emraan Hashmi’s entry into Telugu films as the villain Omi Bhau has certainly made an impression. Reviews describe him as "deadly" and "stylish," bringing a credible menace to his scenes opposite Kalyan. However, a common thread among some viewers is a feeling that his potential was perhaps not fully realised. While effective in the role, there’s a sense that the character could have been explored further, with a few noting that his talent was somewhat "wasted" in a script that prioritises its hero above all else.
— (@)
Is the film a complete hit or does it have weaknesses?
The reception to OG is not entirely unanimous. Let's be honest, it's not all universal praise. If you scroll through the reactions, you will find a fair number of people who came away pretty disappointed. Their main gripe? The story itself. A lot of folks called it routine, saying you can see the twists coming a mile away. For them, the second half especially could not keep up the energy from a cracking first half and interval. It kind of fizzles. What does that tell you? Well, that OG knows exactly who it's for. If you're a hardcore Pawan Kalyan fan, you're probably having the time of your life. The plot might be simple, but the spectacle of your favourite star is more than enough.
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Mo Chara celebrates outside Woolwich Crown Court after terror charge dismissal
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, had a charge of displaying a Hezbollah emblem thrown out at Woolwich Crown Court.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled the prosecution was brought forward unlawfully due to a missed deadline.
The Kneecap member and his supporters claimed the case was a politically motivated attempt to silence pro-Palestinian voices.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the decision, criticising the initial charges.
In a significant legal development, a terror-related charge against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara has been dismissed. The ruling at Woolwich Crown Court centred on a procedural misstep by prosecutors, who filed the charge one day outside the legal time limit. This outcome brings a close, for now, to a case that had become a flashpoint in debates about artistic expression and political speech. The incident stems from a London concert where the Irish-language hip-hop artist waved a flag.
Mo Chara celebrates outside Woolwich Crown Court after terror charge dismissal Instagram/kneecap32
What was the terror charge against Kneecap's Mo Chara?
The charge was specific. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, was accused of displaying an article in a public place that could arouse reasonable suspicion that he was a supporter of a proscribed organisation. This related to an event last year where he waved a Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap gig in the city. Hezbollah is entirely banned in the UK as a terrorist group. The charge against the Kneecap member was a serious one, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to six months along with a fine. The prosecution itself was not contested on the facts of the event, but rather on the technicality of its timing.
The case collapsed purely on a legal technicality. The prosecution acknowledged they had submitted the charge against Ó hAnnaidh one day after the statutory six-month time limit for summary-only offences had expired. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring agreed with the defence's assessment that this error rendered the proceedings "unlawfully instituted" and therefore "null." Essentially, the court lost the authority to hear the case because the prosecutors missed their deadline. The court did not judge the merits of the charge or the motivations underlying the act, according to this technical dismissal.
What was the response of Mo Chara's fans after the dismissal?
Outside the court, Ó hAnnaidh didn’t hold back, calling the entire case a political move designed to muzzle the band. "We will not be silent," he told the crowd, linking the situation directly to Irish history and the war in Gaza. Support came from the very top, with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill weighing in directly. She called the charges a "calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza." For Kneecap and their fans, this wasn’t about getting off on a technicality. It felt like a win; a confirmation that their protest, however controversial, wouldn’t be easily silenced.
What does this mean for Kneecap's future and controversies?
This court result does little to distance Kneecap from the controversies that have followed them. The Belfast trio, known for their provocative mix of Irish-language rap and staunch republican politics, has previously been banned from performing in Canada and Hungary. Their support for the Palestinian cause has been a consistent feature of their public statements.
Mo Chara addresses supporters after charge linked to Hezbollah emblem is droppedInstagram/kneecap32
While this particular legal threat has receded, the band remains a lightning rod for criticism. The Crown Prosecution Service has noted it is reviewing the decision, leaving a small window open for a potential appeal. For a group with a self-titled biopic that recently gained acclaim at Sundance, the headlines surrounding this court case only solidify their reputation as agitators, ensuring their platform, and the debates that come with it, will remain firmly in the public eye.
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Stranger Things season five casts every character in deadly showdown promising shocking twists
Creators the Duffer Brothers confirm the fifth season is the most ambitious in terms of scale and action.
Millie Bobby Brown says the entire cast is thrust into the heart of the conflict with no one on the sidelines.
The final chapter will be split into three parts, concluding with a New Year's Eve finale.
Filming wrapped recently after a lengthy production process delayed by industry strikes.
The final countdown for the town of Hawkins has officially begun. Netflix has released a new behind-the-scenes look at the fifth and concluding season of Stranger Things, and the message from the cast and creators is unmistakable: they are pulling out all the stops for this last ride, calling it the most significant chapter yet. This final season news confirms the show will go out with a bang, promising to tie up the storylines that have fascinated audiences for nearly a decade.
Stranger Things season five casts every character in deadly showdown promising shocking twists Instagram/strangerthingstv
What can fans expect from the final season's scale?
Straight from the source, the scale is being talked about in grand terms. Ross Duffer didn't mince words, calling it the "biggest season we’ve ever had in terms of action, visual effects, [and] story." That’s a big statement considering the epic battles and CGI-heavy sequences of previous years.
It feels like the natural escalation, doesn't it? The threat has bled into the real world, so the response has to be equally massive. Millie Bobby Brown hinted at this shift, noting, "It’s more of an adventure and more of a mission." It looks like the days of kids on bikes investigating local mysteries are long gone; this is a full-scale war.
After so many years, the emotional payoff is just as crucial as the spectacle. The central theme emerging is unity. The core group, the "Party," has been fractured across different states and even dimensions in recent seasons. The Duffers have stated that ultimately, audiences want to see these characters together one last time.
Finn Wolfhard mentioned the stakes have never been higher, which suggests every character is in genuine peril. The teaser implies a collective effort to finally defeat Vecna, but the cost of that victory remains the big question. It's about bringing everything full circle, providing a conclusion that feels earned for characters we've watched grow up on screen.
Netflix is repeating the split-season model, but with a twist. Instead of two volumes, the finale will be released in three chunks. The first four episodes arrive on November 26th. Then, episodes five to seven will drop on Christmas Day. The series finale, the eighth episode, is scheduled for New Year's Eve.
It's a clever bit of scheduling, making the real-world holiday season align with the end of this pop culture phenomenon. The title for the finale episode has also been revealed as The Rightside Up, a direct reference to the show’s core mythology and a strong hint at the story’s ultimate goal.
In typical Duffer Brothers fashion, they've already started managing expectations. One of the biggest rumours circulating was about extreme episode runtimes, with some fans speculating the finale could be three hours long. Matt Duffer recently shot this down, telling Variety that every runtime posted online is "inaccurate."
He did, however, concede that episodes four and eight are "like movies," so while not three hours, they will certainly be substantial. This is more like a reminder that while the scale is huge, the storytelling pace might still surprise us. They’re focusing on concluding the narrative tightly, not just filling time.