The 20 celebrities who will be glad to see the end of 2022
From personal problems to film failures, the stars who had a year to forget
By ASJAD NAZIRDec 18, 2022
Eastern Eye on Friday (16) published the annual list of Top 50 global Asian stars of the year.
The countdown celebrates those who have made a mark, broken new ground, and shown general all-round awesomeness. So for the sake of fairness and balance, this is a look, in no particular order, at 20 celebrities who had moments in 2022 they will want to forget.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: Video footage of the Pakistani singer, allegedly while drunk, went viral across social media and triggered a tidal wave of negative attention. Sadly, that wasn’t the first time he has made a fool of himself while apparently being intoxicated.
Kangana Ranaut: The boastful actress continued her horrific run of box-office failures with one of this year’s biggest film flops, Dhaakad.
Vijay Deverakonda: The talented Telugu cinema superstar made an awful Bollywood debut with arguably the year’s worst commercial Indian film Liger. He seemed to be over-confident ahead of its release, and got a rude awakening when the film failed to excite audiences.
Ayushmann Khurrana: After flying high for a few years, the once golden boy of Hindi cinema came crashing down in 2022 with three box-office disasters. The failure of Anek, Doctor G and An Action Hero have plunged him into a career crisis.
M.I.A: The Sri Lankan British rapper discovered that out of sight really is out of mind with Mata, her first album release in six years. It didn’t chart anywhere and was a commercial failure, despite receiving great reviews.
Karan Johar: His overhyped superhero adventure Brahmastra struggled to recoup its eye-watering budget and his film Liger was all kinds of terrible. The filmmaker’s other home productions were also underwhelming, and he quit Twitter after being severely trolled.
Taapsee Pannu: After a few years of riding high on critical and commercial successes, the actress had a catastrophic year with six flop films. None of the poorly made movies justified her undeniable talent.
Daler Mehndi (L)
Daler Mehndi: The Punjabi music icon was given a two-year jail term in a human trafficking case. He was taken into custody for two months in July and then released on bail, pending an appeal.
Akshay Kumar: Seemingly concentrating on quantity over quality did not serve the actor well in 2022. A truly terrible year saw him deliver five disastrous film releases in seven months.
Neha Kakkar: The singer received a torrent of abuse for her terrible cover version of Falguni Pathak song Maine Payal Hai Chhankai. She also released forgettable pop songs and didn’t have any Bollywood success.
Chiranjeevi: The legendary actor had two high-profile releases with big-name co-stars and
both were rejected. His Telugu language films Acharya and Godfather turned out to be gigantic failures.
Feroze Khan
Feroze Khan: The Pakistani actor became public enemy number one after his ex-wife Syeda Aliza Sultan accused him of domestic abuse and shared shocking photographs of the alleged violence. He denied the allegations, but the damage seems lasting.
Naga Chaitanya: The Telugu’s star film Thank You bombed at the box office, and his hotly anticipated Bollywood debut Laal Singh Chaddha failed, likely preventing more Hindi cinema projects.
Prabhas: The pan-Indian star had a year to forget. His critical and commercial failure Radhe Shyam was followed up with a terrible trailer for his planned next film Adipurush. The first look received such a backlash that it has reportedly been postponed until 2024.
Arjun Kapoor: The poster boy of nepotism added to his seemingly endless list of flop movies in 2022. Other Bollywood stars with famous family links who delivered dud films included Aditya Roy Kapur, Parineeti Chopra, Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, and newcomer Abhimanyu Dassani.
Ajay Devgn: The actor ruined Eid and Diwali with terrible films Runway 34, and Thank God, respectively. He scored a success with Drishyam 2, but those releases were two of the worst Bollywood holiday releases of all time.
Shehnaaz Gill
Shehnaaz Gill: The TV star and actress may have a huge fanbase, but she was unable to back it up with any meaningful projects in 2022. By agreeing to star in alleged sex offender Sajid Khan’s next film 100 Percent and backing him on TV, she damaged her brand and, many feel, women’s rights in India.
Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik: He may have generated a lot of global media attention, but very little happened for the pop superstar on the music front. The British singer also had to deal with rumours that his ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid has started dating Leonardo DiCaprio.
Ranbir Kapoor: The actor followed up the 2018 blockbuster Sanju with epic 2022 failure Shamshera. Although Brahmastra clocked up decent numbers, it struggled to recoup its massive budget and likely killed what was a planned trilogy.
Tanishk Bagchi: The music director released several songs in 2022 and nearly all of them were exceptionally awful. The most heavily trolled ones across social media were terrible cover versions of classics songs Aap Jaisa Koi and Maine Payal Hai Chhankai.
Nearly ten years after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in a Paris hotel, the story is being revisited in a new documentary coming to BBC Three and iPlayer. Titled The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist, the film digs into one of the most talked-about celebrity crimes of the last decade, offering fresh access and unheard accounts from those closely involved in the case.
Kim Kardashian Paris robbery case revisited in new BBC Three documentaryGetty Images
New voices and untold moments from the night that shocked the world
The 45-minute documentary features first-hand interviews with close family friends, French police officers, and journalists who followed the robbery from day one. It takes viewers back to that October 2016 night, when Kardashian was tied up and robbed of jewellery worth millions of pounds inside her private apartment at a luxury hotel during Paris Fashion Week.
The film doesn’t stop at the crime itself. It moves forward to recent developments, including the court case in which Kim finally came face-to-face with her assailants last month. Eight people were found guilty, nearly a decade after the robbery made global headlines.
Kim Kardashian 2016 diamond heist case brought eight people to justice nearly a decade after the robberyGetty Images
Beyond gossip: A look at the cost of digital fame
This BBC Three documentary goes beyond the headlines and Instagram timelines. It examines the role of social media in the robbery, where public posts may have tipped off the thieves, and the emotional fallout Kim faced in the aftermath.
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content at BBC Three, says the film “cuts through the noise and looks at the real-life consequences of being so visible in the digital age.” Firecracker Films, the production company behind the documentary, also hopes the film helps viewers understand how the case was solved and the emotional cost behind the glamour.
Kim Kardashian arrives at the Assize Court for the trial Getty Images
Directed by Ben Bryant and produced by Jessica Sartenaer, The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist will be available on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer later this month. Executive producers include Jes Wilkins and Sam Emmery, and the documentary will be distributed globally by Passion Distribution.
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The Pyramid Stage awaits Sir Rod Stewart’s return after more than two decades
Sir Rod Stewart has called off a series of concerts in the US as he recovers from a bout of flu, just weeks before his anticipated set at Glastonbury Festival. The 80-year-old singer, who was due to perform six shows across Nevada and California in early June, announced that four have been cancelled and two will be rescheduled.
Sharing the update on Instagram, Rod apologised to fans and expressed his frustration at having to take a break. “I’m devastated and sincerely sorry,” he wrote. “I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.” The cancelled dates include multiple shows in Las Vegas and Stateline, Nevada, while the California concerts will now take place in September.
Despite the setback, Stewart’s headline appearance at Glastonbury is still very much on. He’s set to take over the festival’s famous Legends slot on Sunday, 29 June, more than two decades since he last played the Pyramid Stage in 2002. At the time, he performed alongside Coldplay and Stereophonics, but this time he’ll return as the oldest artist ever to headline the Legends slot.
Speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Stewart revealed he was only allocated 75 minutes for his Glastonbury set but has requested an extra 15. “I play for over two hours every night, 90 minutes is nothing,” he said. He also shared that Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, his former bandmate from Faces, will join him for part of the show, making it a mini-reunion.
Cancelled ShowsInstagram/sirrodstewart
Slowing down but not stopping
Though Stewart has hinted that this might be his final major tour, he’s not ready to retire just yet. “This will be the end of big world tours, but I’m not hanging up the mic,” he said. Instead, he’s eyeing more intimate venues for future performances, possibly exploring a swing or Great American Songbook setlist.
Rod Stewart set to reunite with Ronnie Wood at GlastonburyGetty Images
Rod has faced several health issues this year, including strep throat and a recent round of vocal rest. Still, he seems determined to power through Glastonbury with his charm and energy. With hits like Maggie May and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, fans can expect a career-spanning set worthy of the Sunday slot.
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Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun in Atlee pan India epic AA22xA6
Deepika Padukone has officially signed on as the female lead in Atlee’s highly anticipated film with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22xA6. The announcement has come after her controversial exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, making this casting a major talking point in film circles and among fans.
The film’s production house, Sun Pictures, introduced Deepika with a video of her training for what appears to be a fierce action role. Concept sketches depict her as a warrior queen, leaping into battle with a massive axe. The video includes scenes of her practising fight choreography in a motion-capture suit and even riding a CGI horse while wielding a weapon.
The visual cues suggest a fantasy-meets-science-fiction world with Deepika at the centre of it. This will be her first screen outing with Allu Arjun and her second project with director Atlee after the 2023 hit Jawan. The makers are calling it a “magnum opus” and have brought on top international technicians, including VFX experts who have worked on Iron Man 2 and Transformers.
Hollywood-based creators involved in the project have publicly praised the film’s script. From creature designs to large-scale battle sequences, AA22xA6 will be one of Indian cinema’s biggest cross-industry collaborations yet.
Sun Pictures reveals the film logo with a teaser full of actionYoutube Screengrab/ Sun TV
Exiting Spirit, entering strength
Deepika’s casting comes soon after her exit from Spirit, which led to a social media stir. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemed to suggest she made unreasonable demands, sources close to the actor say she simply wanted an eight-hour workday, a choice influenced by her becoming a new mother.
Vanga’s cryptic posts online accused an actor of lacking commitment, but fans and industry insiders were quick to defend Deepika’s professionalism. Some even joked, “She doesn’t need Vanga,” applauding her for choosing stronger projects over toxic work environments. Replacing her in Spirit is Animal star Triptii Dimri.
Director Atlee guides Deepika through motion capture choreographyYoutube Screengrab/Sun TV
With AA22xA6, Deepika is not just stepping into a powerful role on screen, she’s also showing that leading women in the industry can call the shots without compromise.
Identical twins Croo and Sach have gained recognition in the fashion and digital space for their vibrant content, often shot in scenic locations. Heavily inspired by cinema, the ambitious Indian duo make bold style statements with their eye-catching outfits and have big plans ahead.
Eastern Eye asked the rising social media stars to share the 10 things that creatively inspire them most.
Rajesh Khanna’s acting and fashion: The legendary Hindi cinema icon has always been a huge inspiration for us. His romantic aura, unique walk, and killer fashion sense – especially those retro fits – influence a lot of our personal style. We love turning up in vintage clothes because they instantly bring out that old-school Bombay mafia gangster vibe we admire.
Dilip Kumar’s pure acting: There is a reason he is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His raw, natural style is a masterclass for us. We study his expressions and pauses to craft emotion-driven reels. Whether we shoot dialogue-heavy content or silent dramatic clips, his influence is everywhere. He helps us elevate even the simplest concept into something powerful and deeply moving.
Amitabh Bachchan’s persona and vintage style: When the superstar burst onto the scene in the 1970s, his fierce screen presence redefined intensity – and that shapes how we approach high-energy, gritty reel content. We recreate cinematic moments with hard-hitting lines, commanding expressions and dramatic walk-ins. His blazer and sunglasses look and deep baritone also inspire how we style and deliver those punchy, “don’t mess with us” characters on Instagram.
Amitabh Bachchangetty images
The timeless beauty of Madhubala: Often hailed as the most beautiful star of Hindi cinema, Madhubala’s elegance influences how we frame our female leads. Soft lighting, dreamy close-ups and graceful movements – all come from her legacy. We use her timeless charm to blend vintage aesthetics with modern storytelling in our reels.
Madhuri Dixit’s 1990s glamour and dance: The dancing queen made a huge impact in her prime. The multi-talented star’s expressions and dance finesse have definitely inspired our rhythm-based reels. We blend Bollywood thumkas with glamorous visuals and fast cuts – always with her finesse in mind. Her 1990s colour palettes and glam styling also guide how we create fashion transitions in dance reels.
Ranveer Singh’s fashion and attitude: The unique actor’s over-the-top style and wild energy are our go-to when we want to break the internet. Loud outfits, bold moves and unexpected transitions – that is Ranveer’s zone. We love channelling his “no rules” attitude into our fashion-centric reels, adding an unapologetic flair to every frame we create.
Les Twins’ dance and fashion: The French duo – dancers, choreographers, producers, models and designers – have made an impact across multiple creative fields. They completely changed the way we view dance. Their precision, swag and effortless flow inspire us to choreograph sharp, clean and stylish reels. We also love their streetwear aesthetic – it has shaped how we dress, shoot and edit our content with a fresh, global urban vibe.
Ranbir Kapoorgetty images
Shah Rukh Khan’s struggle to stardom: The superstar’s journey really hits home for us. Coming from nothing and building an empire through passion, dedication and relentless hustle – that story is our biggest motivation. We see ourselves in that grind and share the same fire to prove something. Whenever we create reels or any kind of content, we channel his energy – starting small, thinking big and pouring our heart into everything. His romantic intensity, raw vulnerability and on-screen confidence push us to dream bigger and stay true to ourselves. He reminds us that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Ranbir Kapoor’s acting: From the newer generation of actors, Ranbir inspires us with the way he fully becomes his character without ever overdoing it. There is a softness, depth and quiet strength in his performances that we try to bring into our creative reels. His expressions often speak louder than words, and that minimal, emotional style teaches us how to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Instagram: @vaghelabrothers
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Lokesh Kanagaraj set to direct Aamir Khan in a high-octane superhero film
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has officially revealed that he will be teaming up with Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a large-scale superhero action film. The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.
A rare early reveal from Aamir Khan
Aamir is known for picking his projects carefully, usually choosing one at a time, often after his latest release has had its run. But this time, ahead of the 20 June release of Sitaare Zameen Par, he decided to open up about what’s coming next. In a media interaction in Mumbai, he confirmed that he and Lokesh Kanagaraj have signed on to create a superhero film. “It’s a big-scale action film,” Aamir said, adding that while production is still more than a year away, the plan is firmly in place.
Lokesh, known for action-packed Tamil hits like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, has built a reputation for combining stylish action with grounded storytelling. Aamir, who has dabbled in the action genre with films like Ghulam, Ghajini, and Dhoom 3, is expected to bring emotional weight and mainstream appeal to this pairing.
When asked for more details, Aamir smiled and declined to say more, simply stating that the full picture would emerge in time. For now, both actors and fans will have to wait as the film moves towards pre-production.
No PK sequel, but a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic is in the works
During the same interaction, Aamir also addressed speculation about a sequel to PK. “That’s just a rumour,” he said plainly. “I don’t know where that came from.” Instead, he confirmed he will reunite with director Rajkumar Hirani for a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual follow-up to his acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, will see Aamir play a basketball coach working with a team of individuals with special needs. Directed by RS Prasanna and co-starring Genelia D’Souza, the film also introduces ten new actors.
Aamir Khan dismisses PK 2 rumours and confirms biopic on Dadasaheb PhalkeGetty Images
With multiple ambitious projects lined up, including a superhero film, a historical biopic, and the epic mythological saga, Aamir Khan is entering a creatively fertile phase of his career, balancing scale with substance.