Acclaimed actress Kajol is widely regarded as one of the finest leading ladies in Hindi cinema history. She has delivered unforgettable performances in iconic classics and helped Bollywood go global with successful blockbusters. The notoriously picky actress has done this, despite turning down multiple record-breaking movies. The popular star turns a year older on August 5 and celebrates her 48th birthday.
Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by selecting her top 10 performances, listed in chronological order.
Baazigar (1993): After a strong debut with 1992 film Bekhudi, Kajol delivered a star-making turn in this Bollywood adaptation of Hollywood film A Kiss Before Dying, which itself was based on a 1953 novel. She showed off her natural acting in a blockbuster hit, which also started her dream partnership with leading man Shah Rukh Khan.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): The record-breaking romance saw the actress
portray a woman who falls in love during a European holiday and then is shipped off to India to have an arranged marriage. The man she fell for also lands up there and what followed was a new type of story that weighed up love with family values. The film, along with her stunning portrayal, connected with audiences globally and helped the all-time classic break box office records.
Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997): The fact Kajol dared to do things differently was perfectly illustrated with a decidedly dark performance in this thriller. That villainous turn resulted in her becoming the first female in Filmfare Awards history to win the Best Performance in a Negative Role. The unpredictable antagonist would later inspire other frontline leading ladies to step out of the comfort zone.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): For many, this multi-layered performance is one of the greatest of Kajol’s career. The blockbuster romance saw her portray a tomboy in the first half who is left heartbroken by a best friend, and then later in life, an altogether more glamorous engaged woman, who has her world turned upside down. It was another relatable role that endeared her to audiences.
Dushman (1998): This small gem of a movie came out at a time when Kajol was starring in multiple blockbusters and gave her an opportunity to show off her acting range. The remake of Hollywood film Eye For An Eye saw her play a woman who is determined to avenge the rape and murder of her identical twin. Her performance combined emotion, power, and rage.
Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham (2001): It was always going to be difficult to stand out in a blockbuster with a huge star cast, but that is exactly what the amazing actress did. Just like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, she generated sparkling chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan, with what proved to be another multi-layered performance.
Fanaa (2006): The popular star won more Best Actress awards for another layered performance in this romantic thriller. Kajol portrays a blind girl, who falls in love and is abandoned, and after getting her sight back seven years later, she is confronted by the same man. She received well-deserved rave reviews for her terrific turn.
We Are Family (2010): The official Bollywood remake of 1998 Hollywood film Stepmom saw her play a divorced single mother, who has to eventually make peace with the girlfriend of her ex-husband for the sake of their children. The deeply emotional turn was another strong performance from a leading lady at the top of her game.
Helicopter Eela (2018): This comedy-drama may not have clocked up the blockbuster box office figures of her other films, but it did have a compelling performance. The film adaptation of a Gujarati play saw her play an overbearing single mother, who re-joins a college to complete her education after 22 years. It was another relatable role that connected strongly with women.
Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy (2021): The beautifully made family drama showed that less can definitely be more with a compelling story of three generations of women from the same family. Kajol is the focal point as the woman who has a strained relationship with her mother and daughter. She shows real power in what was a performance-driven film.
Aamir Khan will be seen in a special cameo as Dahaa in Coolie, starring Rajinikanth.
First look dropped on 3 July, showing Aamir in a rugged, pipe-smoking avatar.
Khan said he agreed to the cameo instantly because he’s a longtime Rajinikanth fan.
Coolie releases in IMAX on 14 August and will clash with War 2 at the box office.
Bollywood star Aamir Khan has joined the cast of Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated action film Coolie for a special cameo. The makers revealed Aamir’s first look on 3 July, and fans have been buzzing ever since.
In the poster, Aamir appears as ‘Dahaa’, a gritty, sharp-looking man in a sleeveless vest, glasses, and pipe in hand. The black-and-white image, released by Sun Pictures, presents a darker, edgier version of the actor not seen in recent years. The caption on the post read: “Introducing #AamirKhan as Dahaa, from the world of #Coolie. #Coolie is all set to dominate IMAX screens worldwide from 14 August.”
Aamir Khan sports a rugged look with pipe and vest in Coolie cameoInstagram/cooliemovieofficial
Aamir Khan plays Dahaa in Coolie
Although it’s just a cameo, Aamir’s intense look has left fans expecting a memorable twist. Speaking in an interview, the actor revealed he didn’t even ask for the script before saying yes. “I really enjoyed doing it. I’m a huge fan of Rajini sir. When Lokesh told me he wanted me for a cameo in Rajini sir’s film, I said, ‘Done. I’m doing it,’” he said.
This marks Aamir’s second on-screen appearance post his comeback film Sitaare Zameen Par, which is currently running successfully at the box office.
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Rajinikanth and Lokesh team up for a pan-India action drama
Directed by Kaithi and Vikram maker Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie stars Rajinikanth in the lead, alongside Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir.
The film is said to revolve around high-stakes action with a strong emotional core, typical of Lokesh’s filmmaking style. It has reportedly been made on a massive budget of £35 million (₹375 crore), making it one of the most expensive Indian films this year.
Coolie is set to hit cinemas on 14 August, right before India’s Independence Day, which is a prime release window. But the film will face stiff competition from YRF’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani.
Both films are releasing in multiple languages and aiming for a pan-Indian audience, setting the stage for one of 2025’s biggest box office battles.
Aamir’s latest appearance as Dahaa follows his return to films after a three-year hiatus. His last full-fledged role was in Sitaare Zameen Par, which co-stars Genelia Deshmukh and ten newcomers. The film has earned over £12.6 million (₹135 crore) in India and continues to draw audiences with its emotional storyline.
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Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together in Cardiff for the first time since 2009
• Oasis begin their global reunion tour in Cardiff on 4 and 5 July. • Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together for the first time since 2009. • More than 14 million fans tried to buy tickets for the UK shows. • Fans travelled from Chile, Colombia, and the US to attend the Cardiff gig.
For the first time in 16 years, Liam and Noel Gallagher shared a stage on Friday night, kicking off Oasis’s long-awaited reunion tour at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. With fans flying in from across the globe and massive demand crashing ticketing sites, the atmosphere was electric as one of Britain’s biggest rock bands returned to the spotlight.
Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher at "Che Tempo Che Fa" Italian TV ShowGetty Images
Thousands descend on Cardiff for historic Oasis concert
Cardiff turned into a sea of bucket hats, parkas, and Mancunian pride this weekend as Oasis fans poured into the city ahead of the band’s reunion shows. The Principality Stadium welcomed 62,000 fans each night, with supporters camping outside since Wednesday to secure a prime spot.
Some had travelled vast distances, like 38-year-old Janneth Dueñas from Bogotá, Colombia, and Matt Pope from California, while others, such as Manchester student Jasmine Griffins-Jones, had queued for days. The excitement wasn’t just about the music, but the moment: the return of Liam and Noel Gallagher, who hadn’t shared a stage since their explosive split in 2009.
Global demand crashes sites and sends prices soaring
Demand for tickets was nothing short of astronomical. Over 14 million people attempted to secure one of just 1.5 million available UK spots, with Cardiff’s dates selling out within minutes. Frustrations followed as many fans encountered crashed websites and inflated prices due to dynamic pricing. Some standard tickets jumped from £148 (₹15,600) to £355 (₹37,500), sparking public outcry and drawing the attention of the UK’s competition watchdog.
Despite the chaos, excitement has remained sky-high, with stadium staff describing the gig as “possibly the most hyped event” in the venue’s history.
For many, attending the gig was deeply personal. Diana Vesely, who first saw Oasis in Mexico in 1998, flew in from Chicago to be at the first reunion show. Meanwhile, journalist Orlando Silva Vargas from Chile arrived in Cardiff without accommodation, hoping to trade traditional spices for a place to sleep. “It might not be smart financially, but I’d regret missing this forever,” he said.
From reunions to first concerts, fans from all generations were united by one thing: a lifelong connection to Oasis’s music.
Following the Cardiff shows, Oasis will perform across the UK, including Manchester’s Heaton Park, Wembley Stadium, and Dublin’s Croke Park, before heading to Asia, South America, and the US. The tour will also tie in with a new film by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Liam and Noel Gallagher formed Oasis in 1991, quickly rising to fame with albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Hits like Wonderwall and Live Forever became anthems of a generation. Their last album, Dig Out Your Soul, came in 2008, just before the infamous backstage fight in Paris that ended it all.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will promote War 2 separately ahead of its 14 August 2025 release.
Yash Raj Films is keeping the actors apart to preserve the film’s on-screen conflict.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is part of YRF’s growing Spy Universe.
Fans have expressed disappointment over missing out on the stars’ joint promotional appearances.
With just weeks to go before War 2 hits theatres, Yash Raj Films has decided that Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will not appear together during the film’s promotional run. The production house is deliberately keeping them apart to heighten anticipation around their on-screen showdown. While some fans see this as a bold marketing move, others are left disappointed by the lack of camaraderie in the lead-up to the film.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to hit IMAX screens worldwide Instagram/yrf
YRF aims to preserve on-screen rivalry
War 2 is the first collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and the studio is banking on their intense face-off to draw audiences. According to trade sources, the actors won’t share a stage, give joint interviews, or appear in promotional videos together before the release. The idea is to prevent any early display of off-screen rapport and let viewers experience their confrontation fresh in cinemas.
A senior source explained, “The clash between Hrithik and NTR is the film’s biggest hook. YRF wants audiences to witness that tension first in theatres, not diluted by pre-release friendliness.”
This isn’t the first time YRF has opted for unconventional marketing. When Pathaan released, Shah Rukh Khan avoided all pre-release interviews. Similarly, War (2019) saw limited media presence from its stars before release, and these moves have paid off in the past.
A source close to the studio added, “The YRF Spy Universe thrives on suspense. Avoiding early disclosures helps protect plot twists and character dynamics.”
Despite the silence around joint promotions, the individual campaigns have started. Hrithik recently shared a new poster of his character, Major Kabir, on Instagram, showing him bloodied and battle-ready. He captioned it: “This time he is ruthless, merciless, relentless, and ready for War! Are you? The countdown begins now. 50 days to War 2.”
While the strategy may work for maintaining mystery, fan response online has been mixed. Many had hoped to see Jr NTR and Hrithik together in interviews or promotional content, especially as this is their first collaboration. Some expressed disappointment on social media, calling the plan unnecessary in the age of fan-driven marketing.
Still, the buzz around War 2 remains strong. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and also starring Kiara Advani, the film is set for a theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 14 August 2025, just ahead of India’s Independence Day holiday.
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Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins Tuesday, 15 July at 9 pm on BBC One.
The 11th series will see a new group of amateur sewers compete for the title.
Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host.
The show continues its popularity with weekly sewing challenges and heartfelt moments.
Great British Sewing Bee 2025 set to return on 15 July
The return date for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 has been officially confirmed. The popular BBC One competition will be back on screens on Tuesday 15 July at 9 pm, bringing with it a fresh group of amateur sewers hoping to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Now in its 11th series, the show has grown into a mid-year television highlight, offering a combination of creativity, technical skill, and emotional storytelling. Hosted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the series follows contestants through a series of themed sewing challenges as they compete for the title of Britain’s best home sewer.
New faces and returning favourites
While the full line-up of contestants for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is yet to be revealed, anticipation is already building. The show is known for its warm tone and close-knit community feel, with viewers often quickly forming favourites among the competitors.
Each episode will once again feature three key rounds: the Pattern Challenge, the Transformation Challenge, and the Made-to-Measure final test. Contestants will need to show flair, precision, and creativity under pressure.
Previous highlights and special episodes
The most recent episode aired was a Christmas special in 2024, featuring celebrity contestants including Ian “H” Watkins from Steps, Kellie Bright from EastEnders, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri, and reality star Charlotte Crosby. The festive-themed episode saw challenges such as making an advent calendar and reworking a children’s onesie, with Kellie Bright emerging as the winner.
Although The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is starting slightly later than previous years, the BBC has confirmed its regular slot, and the series is expected to run weekly through the summer.
What’s next
Details on the specific themes and tasks for this year’s episodes have not yet been released. Fans of the show can look forward to another season of innovative designs, memorable reactions from the judges, and emotional farewells as contestants are gradually eliminated.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of BBC One’s creative competition programming, building on over a decade of sewing success.
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The Odyssey poster features a fractured Greek statue with glowing embers
Universal Pictures releases poster for Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey.
Teaser trailer only available in cinemas before Jurassic World Rebirth.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film set for release on 17 July 2026.
Ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and more.
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is officially delving into mythology. His upcoming film The Odyssey, a retelling of Homer’s epic tale, has just dropped its first poster, and a short teaser trailer is now being shown exclusively in cinemas alongside Jurassic World Rebirth.
The poster leans into the film’s mythological roots, featuring the image of a fractured Greek sculpture engulfed in embers, with the words “Defy the Gods” stamped across the middle. It also confirms the theatrical release date: 17 July 2026.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus in Nolan’s mythological epic
At the heart of this ambitious project is Matt Damon, returning to work with Nolan to play the Greek hero Odysseus. The teaser trailer, currently unavailable online, reportedly shows Damon adrift at sea and includes brief appearances by Tom Holland as his son Telemachus and Jon Bernthal in an unspecified role. This marks the first time Nolan has adapted a classical myth, a shift from his previous grounded, cerebral storytelling in films like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Dunkirk.
Teaser trailer only in theatres—no online release yet
In typical Nolan fashion, the teaser for The Odyssey has not been released online and is only viewable in select cinemas. The 70-second clip features dramatic glimpses of the lead characters and a haunting tone, reaffirming Nolan’s love for the theatrical experience. Leaks of the trailer have surfaced on social media, but Universal is yet to respond or confirm an official online release date.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey poster debuts in cinemas with exclusive teaser trailerGetty Images
Nolan reteams with Universal after Oppenheimer success
Nolan’s The Odyssey follows his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. With a reported budget of £197 million (₹2,080 crore), The Odyssey is Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The film is produced by Nolan’s long-time collaborator and wife, Emma Thomas, and shot using advanced IMAX technology. It continues Nolan’s new partnership with Universal after parting ways with Warner Bros.
Alongside Damon and Holland, the film features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, and John Leguizamo.
With such a high-profile line-up and one of cinema’s most respected directors at the helm, The Odyssey is expected to be one of the biggest releases of 2026.