RISING STAR RADHIKA MADAN ON ANGREZI MEDIUM AND MAKING THE RIGHT MOVES
by ASJAD NAZIR
TALENTED actress Radhika Madan has
effortlessly made the move from television to films and in a short space of time delivered power-packed performances in dramatically different films.
She now follows up winning turns in acclaimed movies Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Pataakha with a starring role in Angrezi Medium opposite globally renowned actor Irrfan Khan. The heart-warming drama revolves around an Indian father who will do whatever it takes to raise money for his daughter to study in England and marks the return of Irrfan after his devastating cancer diagnosis.
Radhika plays the daughter in the entertaining comedy-drama, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Deepak Dobriyal.
With more interesting projects on the way, the rising star is one to watch and part of an exciting wave of young talent adding a new dimension to Hindi cinema. Eastern Eye caught up with award-winning star Radhika to talk about acting, Angrezi Medium, working with Irrfan and her hopes.
What first connected you to acting?
I think acting chose me. I was spotted on Facebook and called to Mumbai, where I auditioned, and within three days, I was shooting for my (TV) show. I always wanted to travel the world, but I think the universe had other plans and I believe acting chose me.
Is it a coincidence that your films have been so different to each other?
I think the first two films chose me, especially Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota. I went to audition for Laila Majnu and was spotted there for that film. I auditioned for Vishal sir’s (Bhardwaj) Pataakha. These two films laid my foundations well. From being the unconventional heroine to playing this villager, four shades darker, 12 kilos heavier, teeth stained, hair bleached, it just broke all my inhibitions and made me kind of fearless. So after that, I wanted to do something different to what I had done before and wanted to challenge myself.
What led you towards Angrezi Medium?
I auditioned for Angrezi Medium, which was so different to what I had done before, and my next film Shiddat is also unlike my other three films. So what I aim to do is offer my audience different flavours of me. I want to entertain them as much as possible. I don’t want them to guess what I am doing next or put me in a bracket. So this is what I am looking for, and I just want to surprise myself everyday.
How much did it mean to you landing a key role in Angrezi Medium?
It feels like a dream. When I saw the trailer and in the last 10 seconds credits started rolling – Irrfan Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Radhika Madan, Dimple Kapadia, Deepak Dobriyal – I couldn’t stop my tears because I realised I am living my dream. Then the song released and I was seeing snippets of all these people, and I couldn’t believe I am in the same frame as them. Everyday, I am soaked in gratitude and so overwhelmed that I can’t tell you.
Tell us about your character?
So Tarika is this girl from Udaipur who is fascinated by foreign culture and just wants to go abroad to study. That has been her main ambition from the very beginning, and how she does it and how the father supports the daughter’s dream is the story.
How was your experience of working with Irrfan?
He is an institution in himself. Just by observing him, one can learn a lot of things. He is still a student of life, which is so beautiful. I used to observe him all the time. I don’t know which number he is on film wise, but it is like he approaches each film as if it’s his first, which is inspiring. This is the first film release since Irrfan’s cancer diagnosis.
Did the fact he was so unwell affect the dynamic on set?
No, not at all, because he didn’t show us that he was unwell. He was giving his 200 per cent. He was so involved in every scene. There was so much of positivity on set and the credit goes to the whole team, including the producers, director, cast and crew. The love and respect they have shown to Irrfan sir, is commendable. It was so beautiful being on the set where there was so much love and positivity.
Does being in front of the camera with a great actor like Irrfan intimidate or force you to raise your game?
It was the easiest thing for me to do because I just had to react to him. He is so good that I can’t even tell you. He was so effortless. So, I had the easiest job of reacting to him. The good or a bad thing with me is, it doesn’t hit me straight away when I have cracked or bagged something; it hits me after a while. So while I was shooting, it didn’t hit me that I have landed a role among such amazing senior actors, which helped me not get intimidated by them. Then after a while, I saw the trailer and was crying.
What is your favourite moment in Angrezi Medium?
My favourite moment is the climax and the scene in the trailer where I am crying. It is a really beautiful scene between a father and a daughter. These two scenes are my favourite from the film.
Who are you hoping most connects with this film?
Everybody. It’s a story that will connect with everyone because it shows all the dynamics. It doesn’t just show a father-daughter relationship, but also shows a brother relationship or a person who just wants to dream big. It covers everything, so you will feel all the emotions. It will make you think of every relationship that is there in your life. It will make you think about your family and career. It is a very wholesome film.
What can we expect next from you?
I just wound up Shiddat. I play the role of a swimmer in that and it is a love story. That is all I can tell you right now. I can promise you, it is really different from what I have done before.
You seem to me making the right moves, have you made a master plan?
No, not at all. I was this kind of person who had a master plan. I just wanted to go to Broadway and travel the world. And then life happened. They say that life happens to you while you are busy making other plans, and it is so true for me because acting happened to me and all my plans just went down the drain, so I never plan anything now. I just want to have a blast every single day of my life. I want to play characters that make me want to jump out of bed. I love my work and that is what I want to do till the last year of my life.
What would be your dream role?
I think if they adapt Joker here that would be my dream role. And why? It’s Joker, hello, come on!
What inspires you?
I think people around me inspire me like, everybody from my house help and driver to my manager, friends and work colleagues. I just want to learn something or the other from every person and that is what keeps me going.
Why should we watch Angrezi Medium?
Angrezi Medium is a wholesome film. It is gonna touch every emotion and make you think about every aspect of your life. And it is gonna be super duper entertaining. So, please do go and watch it with friends and family.
There’s no question who ruled the night at the 2025 BET Awards. Kendrick Lamar walked away with five trophies, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, paid tribute to Black excellence in music, acting, and sports, and Kendrick made sure his voice and message were front and centre.
Kendrick Lamar accepts Best Album for GNX at the BET Awards in Los AngelesGetty Images
Lamar, Doechii, and a moment that mattered
The GNX rapper also won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and shared the Video Director of the Year award with Dave Free. Accepting his award, Lamar reflected on his long-standing relationship with BET, saying, “They’ve always kept the culture at the core and put me in the middle of it.”
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Rising rapper Doechii also made headlines, not just for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but for calling out former US President Donald Trump. In a fiery speech, she criticised the use of military force to break up protests in LA following ICE raids in Latino communities. “Every time we stand up for our rights, the military is sent in. What kind of leadership is that?” she asked the crowd.
A night of icons and throwbacks
The night wasn’t just about current stars. The BET Ultimate Icon Award honoured Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and gospel star Kirk Franklin for their decades of influence in music, entertainment, and community action. Stevie Wonder presented Foxx’s award as he opened up about his recovery from a 2023 stroke. “When I saw the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, I thought that could’ve been me,” he said.
Mariah Carey celebrates her Ultimate Icon Award with a rare live performanceGetty Images
Mariah Carey, presented her award by Busta Rhymes, lit up the stage with a brief but heartfelt speech. “If you're going to win one of these, it might as well be the Ultimate Icon,” she joked, hinting at the ups and downs of her legendary career.
With Lamar and SZA heading back on tour and voices like Doechii’s rising louder, the 2025 BET Awards proved it is a stage for change.
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Harris Dickinson debuts as Rhode’s first male model in new Glazing Mist campaign
Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s rapidly growing skincare label, has chosen Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson as the face of its new product, the Glazing Mist. Known for his understated performances and growing fashion presence, Dickinson is the first male model to front a campaign for the brand. The new mist, priced at £24 (₹2,520), goes live on 24 June exclusively at rhodeskin.com.
A surprising choice that feels just right
The campaign, shot in stark black-and-white, features close-up visuals of Dickinson misting his face with the Glazing Mist, designed to refresh skin and deliver a natural glow. With ingredients like ectoin, ceramides, and magnolia extract, the formula offers both hydration and barrier support. It has also earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
Hailey Bieber explained her choice simply: she watched Babygirl, loved Dickinson’s performance, and sensed he could bring the kind of quiet edge she wanted. “I didn’t want it to feel too ‘on-the-nose’ with the film,” she said. “It had to be chic and sporty.” The internet, however, couldn’t resist the connection to Dickinson’s now-infamous milk scene in the film, and fans were quick to point out how the dewy mist echoed that very vibe.
Rhode expands, without changing its DNA
Since its 2022 launch, Rhode has stood out for sleek, limited product drops and a focused digital presence. Its recent £790 million (₹82,950 crore) acquisition by e.l.f. Beauty has only amplified interest in where the brand goes next. While introducing a male face might suggest a shift, Bieber was clear: this isn’t about launching a men’s line but widening the brand’s appeal. “I want everyone to see themselves in Rhode,” she said.
Dickinson’s inclusion reflects a subtle repositioning. Best known for roles in Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and now Babygirl, he has also been a regular in fashion, working with Dior and Loewe.
With this campaign, Rhode continues to evolve clearly, without losing the minimalist identity that made it stand out in the first place.
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HBO’s Harry Potter reboot slammed for casting Italian actress as Indian character Parvati Patil
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot is already under fire, this time for casting Italian actress Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, a character rooted in Indian culture. The announcement has triggered widespread backlash from fans who accuse the makers of side-lining authentic South Asian representation in favour of what many see as surface-level diversity.
Parvati, originally portrayed by Shefali Chowdhury in the films, is one of the few explicitly Indian characters in the Harry Potter universe. The decision to cast someone with no clear Indian heritage has led to heated discussions across platforms like Reddit and X, with fans calling out what they perceive as performative inclusivity.
Fans question why Indian talent was overlooked again
Many online comments have shared similar frustrations: that casting a brown-skinned actor is not the same as casting someone of Indian origin. “They just picked someone who looks brown and called it a day,” one Redditor commented. Another added, “Parvati is not just a name, it’s a direct reference to Hindu culture. It deserved more thought.”
This is not the first controversy to hit the reboot. Earlier announcements like casting Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Arabella Stanton as Hermione also drew criticism from those who felt the series was playing fast and loose with established character identities. Supporters of accurate representation argue that while the intent may be diversity, the execution often feels tokenistic.
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Adding fuel to the fire is the casting history of the original films, where British-Bangladeshi actors Shefali Chowdhury and Afshan Azad played the Patil twins after being discovered through grassroots-level auditions. That sense of grounded authenticity, fans argue, is missing in the current reboot.
HBO's broader casting choices also under scrutiny
Alongside Leoni, HBO announced several other cast members: Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as the Dursleys, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.
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The series, hoped to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, is scheduled to premiere in 2026. But with these early casting calls, many longtime fans feel HBO is missing the mark on cultural nuance—and all this before a single spell has been cast on screen.
The tense deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s New York sex crimes retrial have descended into open conflict. Jurors are reportedly attacking each other, pressuring hold-outs, and improperly considering the disgraced movie mogul’s notorious past, information explicitly banned from their discussions. This internal strife forced the jury foreperson to urgently alert the judge on Monday morning about a “situation which isn’t very good”, casting serious doubt on their ability to reach a fair verdict.
Infighting and forbidden arguments taint deliberations
According to a court transcript, the foreperson painted a grim picture for Judge Curtis Farber. Jurors are “not on the same page”, with some actively “attacking” others in a bid to change minds. Crucially, they are “pushing people” by bringing up Weinstein’s public history, details not presented as evidence during this specific trial.
As per reports, Jurors are in a heated debate during Weinstein retrial deliberationsGetty Images
This is similar to the earlier “playground stuff” reported last week, where one young juror felt unfairly “shunned” and questioned the fairness of the process, though the judge kept him on the panel. The jury itself signalled deep divisions, requesting a reread of “reasonable doubt” rules and guidance on “avoiding a hung jury”.
Mistrial denied, but jury reminded “Stick to the evidence”
Weinstein’s lawyers, citing a “tainted” and “runaway jury”, immediately seized on the turmoil to demand a mistrial. Defence attorney Arthur Aidala argued jurors were “ganging up” and considering “things that were not brought into this trial”. Prosecutors countered that some past context was legally permissible. Judge Farber denied the mistrial but took swift action. He hauled the entire jury back in, sternly instructing them that deliberations must focus only on evidence presented during the retrial concerning the three specific charges, including rape and criminal sex acts involving three women. He reiterated they must disregard anything else they knew about Weinstein.
Weinstein jury divided by heated disputes over forbidden pastGetty Images
The jury ended Monday claiming they were “making progress”, even asking for coffee to fuel further talks and requesting to revisit some testimony. However, the damage from the infighting and forbidden discussions lingers.
Weinstein, 73, already serving a long sentence for a separate California rape conviction, awaits this jury’s verdict on charges stemming from allegations by a former production assistant, an aspiring actress, and a model. This retrial, ordered after his landmark 2020 New York conviction was overturned, remains a critical, though now deeply troubled, chapter in the #MeToo saga he set to fire.
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Charli XCX celebrates a year of Brat’s cultural takeover
It’s been a full year since Charli XCX dropped Brat, and the album’s neon-green grip on pop culture has not loosened. Forget fading summer anthems; Brat feels permanently wired into the now. How did an artist long celebrated for being ahead of the curve finally make the whole world tune in? Well, she did it entirely her own way.
Charli was no newcomer. She smashed charts a decade ago with “Fancy” and penned hits for others. Yet mainstream stardom on her own terms felt elusive until Brat. The rollout was masterful, starting with the divisive “Von Dutch”, then the It Girl-packed “360” video featuring faces like Julia Fox and Chloë Sevigny, who soon became unavoidable.
Charli XCX arrives for the 2025 Met GalaGetty Images
Crucially, she nurtured her core fans (“Angels”) with intimate pop-up shows, birthing the iconic Brat Wall, where teasers about collaborations and the deluxe album kept excitement boiling. When Brat landed, hitting No. 3 in the US and No. 2 in the UK, it was a moment of absolute cultural takeover.
Beyond the music: building a movement
Brat’s fire spread far beyond the songs. A simple tweet : “Kamala IS brat”, saw the US Vice President’s campaign adopt the album’s aesthetic overnight, sparking global chatter. Charli directly addressed fan speculation, confirming “Girl, So Confusing” was about Lorde, then brilliantly working it out with her on a remix weeks later. She refused to let the moment die, dropping a full remix album (Brat and It’s the Same but There’s Three More Songs so It’s Not), featuring everyone from Billie Eilish to underground stars, which pushed Brat to UK No. 1.
Charli XCX performing on stage Getty Images
The Sweat and Brat tours became must-see events, packed with surprise guests. Grammy wins followed, plus SNL, Coachella and film cameos. Even her older song “Party 4 U” surged up the charts years later. Charli questioned at Coachella: “Does this mean brat summer is finally over?” The answer seems clear. Brat wasn’t just a seasonal hit. It was almost like Charli XCX meticulously crafting a phenomenon, proving that staying fiercely true to her vision was the ultimate key to connect with a wide audience.