Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘There is no wrong or right way to be gay’: Never Have I Ever star Lee Rodriguez

Rodriguez said she appreciates how the series sheds light on an experience that many queer teens in high school share.

‘There is no wrong or right way to be gay’: Never Have I Ever star Lee Rodriguez

Lee Rodriguez became a household name after playing the character of Fabiola Torres and exploring her sexuality in Netflix’s breakout series Never Have I Ever. Talking to a publication, the 22-year-old actress said that there’s “no wrong or right way” to be gay.

Rodriguez is otherwise known as the shy, nerdy, and awkward best friend of Devi Vishwakumar on the Netflix original series. Rodriguez told the publication that she loves playing Fabiola because she sees herself in the character, something fans have told her as well.


Rodriguez said she appreciates how the series sheds light on an experience that many queer teens in high school share.

“I went to this event, and there was this young girl, and she told me how much it meant to her seeing an awkward teenager in high school and just said that she really resonated with that,” Rodriguez said. “I guess I never realized how many different people would see themselves in Fabiola. So, it’s awesome, and I love it. And I’ve loved playing her.”

But Fabiola’s coming out wasn’t a linear process. In Season One, she personally came to terms with her sexuality, but in Season Two, as she explores the queer community at her high school, she begins to have “way more questions than she did answers.”

These layered experiences in the show, Rodriguez said, are important to show young queer viewers that her journey is realistic.

“I feel like Season Two, it just goes to show there’s no one way to be gay,” Rodriguez said. “It’s just whatever you feel. And so that’s what I really loved about her journey in season two — coming to terms that she can be a robotics geek and support the LGBTQ community … you can do it all.”

After the release of “Never Have I Ever,” Rodriguez said she’s consistently been asked about her own sexuality and whether or not she’s “pretending to be a lesbian.” While she said these comments made her question if she’s a valid queer person, she said playing Fabiola helped her come to terms with the fact that it’s “an irrelevant thing.”

More For You

Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi: Reviewers call movie a mixed bag of thrills and missed opportunities

Vidaamuyarchi: A thrilling ride that has sparked diverse reactions.

Instagram/lycaproductions

Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi: Reviewers call movie a mixed bag of thrills and missed opportunities

Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, has sparked a mixed bag of contrasting reactions since hitting theatres. The film attempts to fuse the nerve-wracking tension of Hollywood thrillers with the high-energy appeal of Tamil cinema, resulting in what can be called a cinematic cocktail that’s as intriguing as it is polarising. While many viewers praise its departure from formulaic storytelling, others find its execution uneven and even overly ambitious.



The praise
Many reviewers have applauded Vidaamuyarchi for breaking away from the typical “mass hero” template that we saw in Ajith’s recent films like Valimai and Thunivu. Gone are the days of over-the-top family sentiments, forced comedy, and preachy dialogues. Vidaamuyarchi opts for a slower, more atmospheric narrative, drawing comparisons to Western thrillers. The deliberate pacing, though again divisive, has been commended for its ability to build tension and offer a refreshing change from the usual high-octane Tamil blockbusters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Rekesh Chauhan

Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

ALTHOUGH he is an accomplished composer, British pianist Rekesh Chauhan BEM is at his very best in front of a live audience.

The multi-award-winning music maestro joins top tabla player Kousic Sen for a concert at this year’s Liverpool International Jazz Festival, taking place at The Capstone Theatre in Liverpool on February 22. The versatile duo will explore the dynamic intersection of Indian classical music and jazz in the culturally rich Beyond Roots show.

Keep ReadingShow less
Black Sabbath announces final show

Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath performs at Ozzfest 2016 at San Manuel Amphitheater

Getty Images

Black Sabbath announces final show in Birmingham with metal legends

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are set to reunite for their final concert at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5, marking the end of a legendary era in heavy metal history. The event, titled Back to the Beginning, will feature the band’s original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—reuniting for the first time in 20 years.

The reunion concert is not just a farewell to the band’s iconic legacy but also a fundraiser for important causes. Proceeds from the show will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. A star-studded lineup will join Black Sabbath for this once-in-a-lifetime performance, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kylie Minogue marks 20 years since cancer diagnosis with heartfelt World Cancer Day message

Kylie Minogue shares a heartfelt message on World Cancer Day, inspiring awareness and resilience

Getty Images

Kylie Minogue marks 20 years since cancer diagnosis with heartfelt World Cancer Day message

“February 4 is World Cancer Day,” she wrote. “I’m sending all my love and support to anyone and everyone affected by cancer and want to offer a gentle reminder… If you or anyone you know has concerns, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. And if it’s time for your check-ups, you know what to do!” She signed off with a heart emoji and her signature “X.”

Minogue’s journey with cancer began in May 2005 when she was diagnosed at 36. Just days later, she underwent a lumpectomy and began chemotherapy, which she later described as “experiencing a nuclear bomb.” Though declared cancer-free in 2006, she has spoken openly about the huge impact of the experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ed Sheeran joins AR Rahman for epic jam session in Chennai ahead of concert

Ed Sheeran and AR Rahman share a special moment ahead of Sheeran’s concert in Chennai

Instagram/arrameen

Ed Sheeran joins AR Rahman for epic jam session in Chennai ahead of concert

British pop icon Ed Sheeran, in the midst of his six-city India tour, made a special stop at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai ahead of his concert on February 5. The two musical powerhouses came together for an impromptu jam session, with Sheeran performing his chart-topping hit Perfect alongside Rahman’s choir, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

Rahman shared snapshots of their meeting on Instagram, including a cosy photo of himself, Sheeran, and his son AR Ameen lounging on a couch. Another image captured Rahman at his music console while Sheeran snapped a picture of the legendary composer. Rahman’s caption, cheekily crediting Sheeran for the “beautiful photos,” set social media ablaze with fans hoping for a future collaboration.


Keep ReadingShow less