As storytelling and performance take center stage, one name has emerged as a true powerhouse – Teja Sajja. His portrayal of Hanumanthu in the blockbuster film HanuMan has not only earned him accolades from critics but has also positioned him as a rising star whose performance is being hailed by fans across the nation.
Released on 12 January 2024, on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti, HanuMan received massive love from nationwide audiences, with Teja Sajja's performance being a highlight.
The film's box office success is a testament to both its engaging narrative and the audience's appreciation for Teja's acting prowess. Grossing over £10 million, HanuMan emerged as the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, solidifying Teja's status as a bankable star.
Teja Sajja's portrayal of Hanumanthu, a humble villager who stumbles upon the mystical Mani and gains superpowers, was nothing short of transformative. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to the character, coupled with his on-screen charisma, has endeared him to audiences of all ages.
The actor’s popularity has transcended regional boundaries, with fans from across the nation singing praises for his portrayal of Hanumanthu. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about his performance, and fan clubs dedicated to the young actor have been sprouting up, showcasing the widespread admiration for his talent.
With the blockbuster superhero film HanuMan, Teja who has now become a household name is all set to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.
Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.
Then somewhere between the late-night raves, the 2 AM ska-techno-klezmer, and the silent sobbing during Lewis Capaldi’s return, it hits you: Glastonbury isn’t just about who’s playing. It’s about who you become when you’re here.
Festival goers at Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
1. The Pyramid Stage Whisper: Is Jarvis REALLY Back?!
That prime-time slot at 6:15 PM listed as "Patchwork"? Nobody’sbuying it. Everyone thinks it’s a secret Pulp reunion. The rumour mill is wild,and SecretGlasto is dropping heavy hints.Ester from Norwich has been waiting at the front since earlymorning. She said, “If it’s not Pulp, I’m starting a riot. Or just crying intomy warm cider.”Could it really be Pulp, after 30 years? Backup guesses areHAIM or Chappell Roan, but the Pulp energy is strong. So, don’t miss it!
Pyramid Stage crowd swells ahead of the mystery Patchwork act rumoured to be Pulp Instagram/glastofest
2. Kneecap & the firestorm: Music, politics & “everyone is welcome”
Irish rap trio Kneecap hit the West Holts stage at 4 PM and stirred up big controversy. One of the members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is out on bail for serious charges linked to Hezbollah.
PM Keir Starmer criticised their booking, and a leaked letter from music execs added pressure.
But Glastonbury stood firm. Emily Eavis said, “Everyone is welcome here.” Over 100 artists, including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., and even the rumoured Pulp, signed a counter-letter in support.
The BBC will still air the set live (though it might delay it on iPlayer). Expect pro-Palestine chants, strong emotions, and a packed crowd. Arrive early!
Kneecap welcome as political tension surrounds their setGetty Images
3. Survival mode: Glasto in the heat
It’s 26°C today, with 30°C expected tomorrow. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat alert. Stay safe:
• Drink water often. There are over 800 taps, so use them.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keep reapplying.
• Find shade, like on Dragon’s Tail hill or other quiet zones.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, fainting.
Saturday night is packed, and you’ll need to choose carefully:
• Neil Young & Chrome Hearts (Pyramid, 10 PM): Classic songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man.” He’s unpredictable but a true Glastonbury icon.
• Charli XCX (Other Stage, 10:30 PM): Wild Brat energy, chaos, and late-night dancing. The Other Stage is bigger this year but getting there will be tough, so take a side route.
• Doechii (West Holts, 10:45 PM): Experimental and innovative. If you want something new and exciting, she’s the one to catch.
No easy choices here. Just decide what kind of night you want.
• Fat Dog (2 AM set): A wild mix of ska, techno, and klezmer. Already being called “show of the weekend.”
• Lorde : Did a surprise morning set at Woodsies, performing tracks from her upcoming album Virgin.
• The Binnies : 17,000 hand-painted bins around the site. Artist Sarah Lawrence painted one “for someone who never got to Glastonbury.” Powerful stuff, right?
• Lewis Capaldi : Came back to the Pyramid stage Friday. He pushed through and finished songs he’d struggled with before. Said, “I’m f---ing back, baby.” Huge moment.
• South East Corner (Afternoon): Busy with day raves. Expect big crowds.
•Kneecap (4 PM, West Holts): It’ll be packed. Have a backup plan: Bob Vylan is on at 2:30 PM.
• Kate Nash (9 PM, Left Field) and Scissor Sisters (10:30 PM, Woodsies): Very likely to be one-in, one-out entry. Get there early.
• Charli XCX : Main routes will be packed. Use alternate paths to avoid the jam.
Crowds of festival-goers fill the pathways during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
7. A look at what’s coming: Sunday & beyond
• Sunday Showdown: Olivia Rodrigo (Pyramid, 9:45 PM) vs. The Prodigy (Other Stage, 9:45 PM). Two different generations, one final choice.
• 2026 Fallow Year: No Glastonbury next year. The land and the cows are taking a break. Emily Eavis said they packed “two years into one” for 2025. So make this one count!
The heart of it all (a different kind of sign-off)
Glastonbury 2025 isn't just a festival. Right now, in the dusty, sun-baked field, it feels like the whole messy, beautiful, infuriating, glorious world squeezed into one place.
Jarvis Cocker might step into the light after decades. A band plays under a political storm cloud, testing what "welcome" really means. An old man sings about gold hearts while a pop futurist throws a Brat party across the way. Kids paint bins for loved ones gone.
We’re all sweating buckets, navigating human rivers, and maybe crying during Capaldi.
It’s contradictions crashing together. It’s the sheer, exhausting effort of being here, present, in the heat and the noise and the magic. It’s imperfect. It’s overwhelming. It’s political. It’s personal. It’s a hundred thousand stories colliding under a relentless sun.
That’s the Glastonbury paradox. It asks everything of you: your stamina, your choices, maybe even your convictions.
And in return? It gives you this: the pure, unfiltered, slightly chaotic pulse of right now. Hold onto it. Because in this field, today, everything feels possible.
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Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007
Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.
The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.
As Amazon gears up to relaunch the James Bond franchise, Variety reports that actors Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are front-runners to play the iconic spy. The studio is reportedly focused on casting someone under 30, a significant shift from previous 007s, signalling a new direction for the long-running series.
Daniel Craig poses as James BondGetty Images
Denis Villeneuve to direct Bond reboot under Amazon MGM
With Dune and Arrival filmmaker Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director, the 26th James Bond film is set to begin a new chapter under the Amazon MGM banner. Villeneuve’s appointment is a major creative change, especially since producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently handed over creative control to Amazon following a £1 billion (₹10,400 crore) deal.
While no actor has signed on, Variety notes that the new Bond is unlikely to appear in cinemas before 2028. Villeneuve is still working on Dune: Messiah, which is expected in 2026, pushing the Bond production further down the line.
James Bond casting shortlist revealed with Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson in leadGetty Images
Tom Holland, Elordi and Dickinson emerge as possible 007s
Tom Holland, known for playing Spider-Man, had earlier pitched a “young Bond” origin story to Sony, though it never materialised. Harris Dickinson, praised for Triangle of Sadness and his Cannes-featured directorial debut Urchin, has expressed interest, calling it a role “you’d be a fool to not entertain.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi, the only non-British contender, has seen a meteoric rise with Euphoria and Priscilla. Despite his Australian roots, producers are reportedly open to casting him, following precedent set by George Lazenby.
Is this the youngest James Bond yet as Tom Holland Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi lead casting rumoursGetty Images
All three actors have packed schedules, and no official talks have taken place. Still, the buzz suggests that Amazon is keen to reinvent 007 for a younger generation, with Villeneuve at the helm and a fresh face in the tux.
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Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
Anusha Mani’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. Revered as the velvety voice behind Bollywood chartbusters like Lazy Lamhe, Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na, and the irrepressibly catchy Gulaabo, she has carved out a distinctive niche for herself as a singer, lyricist, and now actress.
With a foundation in Indian classical and Carnatic music, and a career launched by a serendipitous meeting with Shankar Mahadevan, Anusha’s rise to prominence has been a blend of talent, timing, and tenacity.
Over the years, she has lent her voice to everything from big-ticket Bollywood productions to indie projects, explored diverse languages and genres with ease, and even penned lyrics for memorable tracks like Dil Mein Jaagi. But her creative curiosity did not stop at the recording studio. In 2025, Anusha stepped into the world of acting with her web series debut Hai Junoon, embracing a new challenge that once seemed unimaginable.
In this candid conversation with Eastern Eye, Anusha reflects on the unpredictability of her career, the joy of reinvention, the songs closest to her heart, and the passion she has discovered in front of the camera.
How do you reflect on your journey in music?
It has been extremely unpredictable and gratifying at the same time. I never intended to become a playback singer, and my journey has been a sum total of chance meetings with the right people at the right time. Each experience has led me to the next chapter. The disappointments and failures have taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and living in gratitude. I do not take anything I have for granted anymore.
What has been your most memorable moment on your music journey?
Meeting Shankar Mahadevan ji with my demo and getting called the very next day to sing for Johnny Gaddar is by far my most memorable moment. I had no expectations, no self-belief that this would happen. It changed my life in a very drastic way, in that I started believing in myself more and began taking more chances in life.
Which of your songs has been closest to your heart?
It is hard to pick just one. I have many that are close to my heart. Lazy Lamhe because it was the biggest hit of the year and put me on the map as a playback singer. Gulaabo because it gave me a fresh start of sorts and a lot of love from listeners. Dil Mein Jaagi from Dev D because I got to write the song too. I think it is impossible to pick just one.
Does your approach as a singer change between different languages?
The only thing that changes is the time it takes to get the words right and understand the meaning of the lyrics – which words to emphasise, getting the pronunciation correct, and so on. There are wonderful language supervisors and lyricists who really help you perfect the language. Sometimes you focus so much on pronunciation that you lose the emotion. I like to speak the lines out first, loudly like a conversation, a few times before singing them to get comfortable with the words.
What inspired you to go into acting?
To be honest, it was not inspiration but pressure from my team and family that pushed me to give it a shot. I always thought acting was not my cup of tea. It was a running conversation for over a decade with my husband, who kept insisting I was made to be on screen. It is strange how he saw something in me that I never did. I said yes thinking it would be a good experience to try something new.
What has the experience of acting in Hai Junoon been like?
From not wanting to act to now feeling so passionately about it, life has changed drastically for me over the past year. I had the most wonderful time playing my character – learning the dialogues, going to set, watching the collective effort that goes into making each scene. It felt like learning a new skill for the first time, with fascination and awe for the craft. It has blown my mind and made me respect actors and film crews so much more.
Anusha Mani
What is the biggest thing you learned while working on this show?
My biggest life lesson has been to never say no without giving something an honest shot. I would not have done this show if I had listened to the voice that kept doubting myself. I cannot be the naysayer in my life. Changing that perspective has been hard, but it has also given me a new purpose.
Is the plan now to balance acting and music?
Absolutely. I am in the middle of recording new singles while also doing meetings and auditions. It is a long process and only time will tell how things turn out. I just want to enjoy the journey and soak it all in.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
I love animals. I sponsor a camel in an equine rescue place in Karnataka called The Backwater Sanctuary. Zoha, who runs the place, is just incredible, and I feel privileged to contribute in the smallest way. I also enjoy working out – going to the gym and weight training with my trainer is very therapeutic for me. (Smiles) Other than that, because our lives are so hectic, doing absolutely nothing with my husband is something I am very passionate about.
What music dominates your own personal playlist?
Oh, it is a strange mix of Marathi natya sangeet, ghazals, Bollywood songs by some of my favourite composers like AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Pritam. Then there is John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Sting, and some film scores. It is an odd blend and gets played during both cardio and naps on flights.
You have sung, written songs, and acted – is there anything else you would love to do in the creative field?
If I can do these three things properly, with constant growth and learning, that will be enough for now. I am not someone who always wants to keep working. I value quality time with family, alone time, playing with my dog, and just pausing every now and then to be still. Life cannot always be about doing something.
What inspires you?
Stories of resilience, patience, and focus, but also stories of kindness, empathy, and working for the greater good. My brother is a huge inspiration for the way he leads his life with empathy and focus. My husband inspires me every day. I learn patience and kindness from him. Even my house help, whom I call my house manager – she is particular and punctual every single day and has never complained in 12 years. She is very inspiring to me. There is something to learn from almost everyone if you are willing to look around and stay open.
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury