LEGENDARY leading lady Hema Malini rose up from humble beginnings to become the undisputed queen of Hindi cinema during a definitive decade for the industry.
She also established herself as a gifted actress and starred in a series of record-breaking releases that remain popular today. The multitalented superstar later launched a successful production house and career in politics all while becoming a powerful role model.
Malini has also had a great family life and an amazing career as a dancer. These and many other chapters from her life are contained in Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s acclaimed authorised biography Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl.
Eastern Eye caught up with her at a plush hotel in central London to talk about her life, the
new book and more...
Was it an easy decision to get Ram Kamal Mukherjee to write a detailed book about your life and make it public?
Well, he had already written a coffee table book about me which he surprised me with. This
time he wanted to go beyond what had been written before. I said: ‘You have already written about me, why do you want to do it again?’
He pointed out that a lot of interesting things had happened since, like my political work
and my children getting married. He thought it would be nice if we talked about it, so I said okay. I never hesitated at all because my life is an open book to everyone.
How do you look back on your amazing journey in cinema?
It has been nice and a very good journey. I miss it now because I am doing something else. I have many fond memories and they remain with you.
Did you ever imagine reaching such great heights and becoming the queen of Bollywood when you started?
I never imagined I would, and whatever I achieved was a blessing. I didn’t realise at that time I had reached such a great height because I was working.
People would say: ‘You are number one’, but I was working hard and didn’t feel it as a burden. I was busy with my film shooting and with dance, so never had time to think I am number one and had to be a particular way because of it or grab certain films.
For me, your greatest achievement was giving the Hindi film heroine power; was that a conscious decision?
I didn’t set out to do that or anything resembling this. I feel automatically everything just happened and I am thankful for that. I just did my job.
You did so many memorable roles, is there any one film closest to your heart?
Honestly, every film is challenging in its own way. When you are doing a different role, you do get very excited and wonder how am I going to perform and involve myself into that role.
When the shooting is happening, you realise how good or bad a film is being made. You as an artist can immediately make it out because it totally depends on the director. If the director is doing a good job, all the artists are happy.
Can you recall when you got that feeling?
When I was doing Kinara and also Khushboo. With Khushboo I was playing a simple village
woman from Bengal, so I wanted to do that role. I knew the director was taking out the correct work and I enjoyed doing that so much. It doesn’t happen in every film.
Some directors are not so good and can spoil something great. They can narrate something
and then add some unnecessary scenes which has nothing to do with it and not relevant at all.
You have always been a versatile actress, but which genre did you enjoy most when you were the queen of Hindi cinema?
(Laughs) Comedy naturally! Everyone likes doing comedy and audiences enjoy watching it. I think any artist loves doing the genre, which is challenging. People love it and I am no different. If the role is correctly designed, it becomes even better.
You still look like a goddess; what is your secret?
(Smiles) Nothing Asjad, there is no secret. I guess it is the dancing and meditation. That
is all.
You are a powerful role model as a movie star and politician, but what advice would you give young girls starting out on their journey?
Keep doing your work. Keep concentrating on what you are doing. So many obstacles will come but have faith in yourself to overcome them.
Don’t get caught up in what others are saying. You know what you are going to do and what you ultimately want to achieve. You will achieve it!
You are now making a difference to people’s lives as a politician; which causes are closest to your heart?
I have been an artist and people have given me so much love. I believe you have to give back to society. So that is what I am trying to do as the MP for Mathura. There are many deep-rooted villages there where people are really suffering. I am trying to help them out as there is so much suffering.
Inside, you feel very nice about it because the position of an MP is such that you are supposed to help people. It is your duty! I try my best to do as much as possible. Sometimes it’s not in my hands and I will be honest about that and tell them.
You are a movie icon, but do you get time to watch films?
No, not at all! I feel very bad that I am not getting time to watch films. Travelling between Mathura and Delhi takes up so much time that I am not even able to work in any films, even though that artistic desire is still very much there.
I want to do some good films. So if any nice films come up I will definitely do it. I want want people to know Hema is still an actress even though she is an MP. She is doing dance, politics and cinema.
What do you think of the new generation of leading ladies in Bollywood?
They are very nice and so talented. Alia Bhatt is so sweet and Deepika Padukone is so nice. They are all getting good roles and performing so well.
They are so dedicated and that is great to see. Sometime back I really liked the work Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) was doing.
Did you learn anything new about yourself when looking back at your varied life?
That is a good question, Asjad. (Laughs) I think I need to read the book and learn. Then I will tell you.
Why do you love cinema?
The first thing is you are going to see yourself on the big screen and get a kick out of it. That is very exciting for any human being, to portray a role and watch it. Then portraying what? Different characters which you are not!
I am Hema Malini and living my life, but as an artist working in cinema I have been able to do so many roles that I am not and have had to make them believable. That is a beautiful part of cinema.
Indian cinema is even more beautiful because of the lovely songs, wonderful lyrics and beautiful dances we have. Such talented people in our industry create all those things and give them to us artists so we can pass it onto audiences.
Can you give a message to your fans?
First of all, I love you all. Through social media like Twitter, I am able to know how many people still have that love and craze for me. I say keep loving me and I will definitely come back and keep doing films just for you.
Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl by Ram Kamal Mukherjee is out now.
Bella Hadid shared worrying images from a hospital bed on Instagram.
The model apologised to fans for her frequent social media disappearances.
Sister Gigi and mother Yolanda offered public messages of love and strength.
The post has sparked fresh concern about a potential relapse of her chronic Lyme disease.
Bella Hadid has sparked major concern among her fans after posting a series of raw and emotional pictures from what appears to be a hospital room. The supermodel, known for her high-profile fashion work, shared a cryptic apology for her absence, directly linking it to an ongoing health struggle. The post has prompted serious conversation about the severity of her long-term Lyme disease diagnosis and the hidden realities of living with a chronic illness.
The Instagram carousel was a typical ‘photo dump’ in style, but its content was anything but casual. It opened with more aesthetic shots, including a double rainbow and some flowers, but quickly shifted to intensely personal images. Close-up selfies showed a tired-looking Bella with an IV line in her arm, another with a cooling pad on her head, and one where she is visibly emotional.
Perhaps the most alarming shot featured her lying in a medical bed wearing an oxygen mask. Her caption was simple: “I’m sorry I always go MIA. I love you guys.” It felt less like a curated update and more like a genuine, weary message from someone in the thick of it.
They reacted immediately and with full support. This was not a case of silent worry; her family publicly rallied in the comments. Her sister and fellow model, Gigi Hadid, wrote, “I love you! I hope you feel as strong and good as you deserve, soon.” Their mother, Yolanda Hadid, who has her own very public battle with the same illness, simply commented “Lyme warrior”, heavily implying the reason for this latest health scare. That one phrase from Yolanda essentially confirmed what many were thinking, turning the concern into a wider discussion about the family's shared health struggle.
Gigi Hadid and Yolanda Hadid send love to Bella after hospital scareInstagram Screengrab/bellahadid
What is Lyme disease and how does it affect people?
This is the crucial bit everyone is searching for. According to health authorities, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. If caught early, antibiotics often clear it. The problem is that it is often missed. When it becomes chronic, it can be brutal. We are talking severe fatigue, joint and muscle pain, neurological issues and brain fog, a whole suite of debilitating symptoms that are mostly invisible. That is exactly what this looks like.
Who else has spoken out about having Lyme disease?
Bella and the Hadids are far from alone in this, though their platform is huge. This is why the topic gets so much traction. The list of celebrities who have battled Lyme is surprisingly long and includes singers such as Justin Bieber and Avril Lavigne, the latter of whom had to step back from her career for years because of it. Shania Twain’s documentary detailed how it caused terrifying blackouts on stage.
Lyme Disease: Everything you need to know about it Getty Images/iStockphoto
More recently, Justin Timberlake revealed his own diagnosis. When this many high-profile people talk about the same debilitating struggle, it stops being a private illness and becomes a public health conversation. Bella’s post, whether she meant to or not, has added another loud voice to that.
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Post Malone picks Guwahati for his first India concert
The Grammy-nominated artist will perform his first-ever solo headline show in India on 8 December.
The concert will be held at the Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati, Assam.
Tickets for the highly anticipated event go on sale on 20 September via BookMyShow.
The Assam government is backing the event to boost concert tourism in the Northeast.
Post Malone is finally giving his Indian fans a full headline show, and he is picking a surprising location for it. The icon will play his first-ever solo concert in the country on 8 December at the Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati. This Post Malone India concert is a huge coup for the Northeast region and signals a major shift in where international artists are choosing to perform. The event is a key part of the state's new push to become a live entertainment destination.
Post Malone picks Guwahati for his first India concert Getty Images
What are the details for the Post Malone India concert?
Right, the stuff you actually need to know. The date is locked for 8 December 2025. The place is the Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati. This is not some tiny club gig. It is a proper full-scale stadium show. If you want in, you have to move fast. Tickets go live on 20 September at noon IST, and they will be sold exclusively on BookMyShow. You can bet they will disappear quickly given this is his only scheduled stop in the country.
It is a fair question. Why Guwahati and not Mumbai or Delhi? The answer is a strategic partnership. The Assam government has signed a deal with BookMyShow to develop the state's live event scene. This Post Malone India concert is the first big fruit of that labour.
The state's tourism chief called it a 'testament' to India's expanding entertainment landscape. They are actively pitching the Northeast as a viable, passionate and untapped market for global acts. And they are putting their money where their mouth is.
Guwahati lands Post Malone’s first India showGetty Images
What is the setlist for the Post Malone concert?
He has got a back catalogue stuffed with hits, so predicting the exact setlist is tough. But you can absolutely expect the big ones. He will almost certainly play the smooth, nostalgic vibe of Circles and the massive hip-hop banger Rockstar. His Spider-Man track Sunflower with Swae Lee is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And given his recent work, do not be shocked if he throws in his feature on Taylor Swift’s Fortnight or his country-tinged collaboration with Morgan Wallen. His style is a mix of genres, so the show will have a bit of everything.
Post Malone to headline in Guwahati this DecemberGetty Images
How does this fit into India's concert scene?
This is more than just one show. It feels like a corner being turned. For years, international tours meant a couple of stops, usually Mumbai and sometimes Delhi or Bangalore. Now we have had Ed Sheeran in Mumbai, and now Post Malone is heading deep into the Northeast. It proves promoters are looking beyond the usual hubs, recognising that fans everywhere deserve big events. With names like Travis Scott and Linkin Park also rumoured for later dates, India’s live music map is genuinely expanding, and Guwahati is now firmly on it.
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Varun Dhawan interrupts Janhvi’s AI deepfake comments with a lighthearted quip
Janhvi Kapoor spoke about the serious issue of AI morphed images at a trailer launch.
Varun Dhawan interrupted her with a joke about their new film.
A clip of the exchange sparked anger among social media users.
Many criticised Varun for being disrespectful and dismissive of a genuine concern.
A serious conversation about artificial intelligence took an awkward turn at the Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer launch. Janhvi Kapoor was discussing the alarming rise of non-consensual AI morphed images when her co-star, Varun Dhawan, cut her off with a light hearted quip. The moment, captured on video, has since caused a firestorm on social media, with fans criticising Varun for his timing and lack of sensitivity on the pressing issue of digital safety.
Varun Dhawan interrupts Janhvi’s AI deepfake comments with a lighthearted quip Getty Images
What did Janhvi Kapoor say about AI?
Janhvi Kapoor was articulating a worry shared by many public figures. She pointed out the sheer volume of fake AI content created in her likeness that circulates online without her permission. Her central concern was about public perception, noting that while industry insiders might spot a fake, the average person could easily be fooled.
“You and I can say it’s an AI image, but the common man will think, ‘Yeh toh yeh pehen ke pohonch gayi (She actually went out wearing this)’,” she explained, bringing to light the very real damage such falsehoods can cause to a person’s reputation and mental wellbeing. It was a valid point, one that deserved a considered response.
— (@)
Why was Varun Dhawan criticised for his AI comments?
Just as Janhvi was mid flow, Varun interjected. He turned to the film’s director, Shashank Khaitan, and asked, “There is no AI na in this film, Shashank?” His comment, clearly intended as a joke to lighten the mood, completely derailed the conversation. The serious tone Janhvi was setting evaporated instantly, shifting the focus back to movie promotion.
Viewers online perceived this as a dismissal of her valid concerns, interpreting it as a move to prioritise PR over a meaningful discussion. It was not the content of his joke that caused offence, but the jarringly poor timing that showed a lack of engagement with what she was saying.
Social media slams Varun Dhawan for dismissing Janhvi Kapoor’s serious concernsGetty Images
How did social media react to the interruption?
The backlash was swift and largely unanimous. A clip of the interaction spread quickly on X, with most comments siding with Janhvi. One user called it “so disrespectful,” adding that Janhvi “looked so pissed and rightfully so.” Others questioned Varun’s intent, with one asking, “Genuinely, what was even his point? Was he not paying attention?”
The overarching sentiment was frustration that a woman speaking on a serious subject was talked over by a male co-star making a gag. Many labelled the moment immature and attention seeking, criticising his inability to read the room and let a colleague finish her thought.
— (@)
What is the film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari about?
Despite the off screen drama, the project itself remains a major release. The film is a wedding themed comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan, who previously worked with Varun on the Dulhania series. It stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, supported by Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf and Akshay Oberoi.
Produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment, it is one of the most anticipated Bollywood films set for release on 2 October this year. The incident, while sparking conversation, is unlikely to dent the commercial prospects of the large scale production.
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Gavin Casalegno, Lola Tung and Christopher Briney attend the "L'Ete Où Je Suis Devenue Jolie" - The Summer I Turned Pretty" - Season Three
Prime Video confirms a feature film will conclude the beloved series.
Creator Jenny Han will write and direct the final instalment.
The announcement came hot on the heels of the season three finale.
The series has become a global sensation for the streaming service.
Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty can breathe a sigh of relief as the story is not over yet. Prime Video has announced that a feature film will serve as the definitive conclusion to the global hit series. The news, confirming the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie, broke during the show’s finale celebration in Paris, promising to deliver one last trip to Cousins Beach for fans obsessed with the Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah love triangle.
Gavin Casalegno, Lola Tung and Christopher Briney attend the "L'Ete Où Je Suis Devenue Jolie" - The Summer I Turned Pretty" - Season Three Getty Images
What will the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie be about?
Right, the big question. What is this film actually going to cover? Details are seriously under wraps, annoyingly so. We know it is being billed as the final chapter, the proper ending for Belly Conklin’s journey. Jenny Han, the author and showrunner who has spearheaded this entire thing, says there is 'another big milestone' that needs a movie's runtime to do it justice. It is a safe bet it will pick up after the events of season three, likely focusing on that core love triangle between Belly and the Fisher brothers. But how? And when? That is the million dollar question!
Who is making the The Summer I Turned Pretty film?
Jenny Han is back in the driver's seat. She is set to write and direct the project, which is a huge relief for fans who want the ending to stay true to the books and the show’s spirit. She will be executive producing alongside her co showrunner Sarah Kucserka.
Amazon MGM Studios bigwigs have gone on record praising the show's 'joy, nostalgia, and connection', so they are clearly throwing their full support behind it. The main cast is expected to return, but that is not officially confirmed yet. Can you even imagine it without Lola Tung, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno? Did not think so.
Jenny Han hints at one last chapter for Belly and the Fisher brothersGetty Images
Why is a The Summer I Turned Pretty movie happening?
Simple. The numbers are insane. The show is a bona fide smash. Season three alone pulled in 25 million viewers globally in its first week. It is a top five returning show on Prime Video. That kind of hype does not just fade away after a finale.
The fanbase is massive, though its intensity has sometimes spilt over into online abuse towards the cast. A movie is a way to capitalise on that success, sure, but also to give a sprawling, passionate audience the closure they desperately want. It is a business move that feels like a gift to the fans.
When will the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie be released?
Do not hold your breath for a 2025 release. Han has to write the script first, the studio has to greenlight it and schedules need aligning for the cast and crew. A production timeline has not been hinted at yet. It is all just fresh news. The wait between seasons was long, so fans might need to brace for another wait. But a film is a different beast from a whole series. Could be a quicker turnaround? Maybe. Hopefully. We just have to be patient.
Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.