Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Lights, camera, global domination! Move over, Hollywood because Indian TV is here to conquer the global stage! With riveting plots, magnetic performances, and storytelling that resonates across cultures, Indian series have gone from local treasures to global obsessions. Whether it’s a high-octane crime thriller, a heartwarming romance, or a royal drama packed with intrigue, these shows are set to take over screens worldwide. If you’re looking for binge-worthy brilliance, here are the 10 most anticipated Indian language TV series generating global buzz in 2025.
1. Delhi Crime: Season 3 Shefali Shah reprises her role as the formidable DIG Vartika Chaturvedi in this Emmy-winning crime saga. This season delves into a sinister human trafficking network, with Huma Qureshi joining the stellar cast. Gritty, unfiltered, and deeply compelling, the intensity is dialled up to eleven. Streaming on Netflix, this gritty series is crime storytelling at its absolute finest.
2. The Ba*ds of Bollywood Aryan Khan’s directorial debut is a wild, no-filter satire that pulls back the curtain on Bollywood’s glitz, glamour, and downright chaos. Packed with celebrity cameos and hopefully biting humour, this Netflix series is a no-holds-barred look at the chaos behind the camera. Get ready for scandal, ambition, and a reality check like never before.
3. Akka Set in the 1980s, Akka follows the rise of two fearless gangster queens, played by Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte, as they battle for dominance in South India’s underworld. Streaming on Netflix, Akka is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good dose of drama and danger.
4. Dabba Cartel On the surface, they’re five middle-class women running a tiffin service in 1960s Mumbai. But beneath the ordinary lies a thriving drug empire. Featuring powerhouse performances by Shabana Azmi and Jyothika, this Netflix thriller is an intoxicating blend of suburban life and organised crime
5. Kohrra: Season 2 The hauntingly atmospheric Punjabi crime drama returns with Barun Sobti and Mona Singh leading another bone-chilling murder investigation. Dark, unpredictable, and deeply emotional, Kohrra keeps viewers glued to their screens with its raw storytelling and complex characters. Catch it on Netflix for a dose of suspense and emotion.
6. The Royals Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter star in this modern royal rom-com where tradition collides with ambition. As they navigate palace politics and corporate battles to save their crumbling royal legacy, expect grand romance, family drama, and a clash of old-world charm with ambition.
7. Mandala Murders A cursed town. A string of ritualistic killings. A secret society lurking in the shadows. Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta lead this supernatural thriller set in the eerie town of Charandaspur. Streaming on Netflix, Mandala Murders is a spine-chilling ride you won’t forget.
8. Rana Naidu: Season 2 Rana Daggubati is back as Bollywood’s ultimate fixer, juggling the underworld and family drama in this high-octane Netflix thriller. With the stakes higher and the enemies more ruthless, this action-packed Netflix thriller promises high drama, deep betrayals, and an adrenaline rush like no other. With dark twists and explosive action, Rana Naidu is a rollercoaster you’ll want to ride again and again.
9. The Family Man: Season 3 Manoj Bajpayee returns as Srikant Tiwari, the spy who somehow balances family life with saving the world. As the threats escalate and his double life teeters on the edge, this Amazon Prime Video series continues to deliver top-tier action, humour, and heart. One of India’s most beloved thrillers, this one truly keeps upping the ante, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Bollywood’s most iconic family? For the first time, the legendary Roshan family—Hrithik, Rakesh, and Rajesh—open their doors in this intimate Netflix docuseries. Packed with candid interviews, unseen footage, and behind-the-scenes moments, it’s a rare peek into the dynasty that shaped Indian cinema.
Gone are the days when Indian TV was just a local affair. With gripping narratives, larger-than-life characters, and a universal appeal, these upcoming shows are poised to make a mark on the global entertainment map. From spine-tingling thrillers to swoon-worthy romances, 2025 is shaping up to be the golden era of Indian storytelling. So, grab your popcorn, hit play, and witness the rise of India’s small-screen supremacy because the world is watching, and you won’t want to miss a second!
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.
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From scandal to satire Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood* takes Bollywood by surprise
Early reviews praise the series as an entertaining and spoofy take on the film industry.
The show features a host of major celebrity cameos, including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
A subtle dig at the Wankhede case has become an immediate talking point for fans.
The series is now streaming globally on Netflix.
Aryan Khan has officially arrived as a director, and the buzz is impossible to ignore. His new Netflix series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, premiered to a star-studded audience in Mumbai before its global launch and the first reactions are flooding in. The project, a self-aware show, offers a cheeky look behind the curtain of the Hindi film industry. This bold directorial debut is already being called a game-changer for the star kid, presenting his unique vision and creative chops.
From scandal to satire Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood* takes Bollywood by surprise Instagram/redchilliesent
What is The Ba**ds of Bollywood actually about?
Forget a straight-laced drama because this is a satirical romp. The narrative centres on a group of outsiders and their frenzied attempts to carve a space for themselves in the cutthroat world of Bollywood. It’s packed with meta-humour, insider jokes and a tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The series uses its seven-episode run to explore the absurdities and sacrifices behind the glamour, all while delivering plenty of drama and unexpected twists to keep viewers hooked.
How have critics and celebrities reacted to the show?
The initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive, tipping the scales away from mere nepotism chatter. Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia took to X, writing, “Not Star but ***’s are born!! What an entertaining and spoofy, goofy first episode... Bhai Binge Karna padega!!!” He congratulated the entire team, mentioning the years of hard work that went into the project.
— (@)
Producer Sunita Gowariker called it an “amazing, entertaining, funny series,” while Farah Khan applauded Aryan as the “kindest, sweetest, talented n most hardworking director.” The consensus is clear: Aryan Khan hasn’t just entered the arena but has made a strong statement.
— (@)
Did Aryan Khan take a dig at the Wankhede case?
It appears so, and fans have latched on to it. The reference is a bold move, given Aryan’s own arrest in October 2021 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a high-profile cruise ship drug case. The investigation, led by then zonal director Sameer Wankhede, saw Aryan spend weeks in jail before being granted bail. The NCB eventually cleared him of all charges due to a “lack of evidence.” In the show, a scene features a stern-looking cop frustrated by drug abuse in the industry.
Drugs-On-Cruise Case: Shah Rukh Khan heaves a sigh of relief as son Aryan Khan gets clean chit by NCB AFP via Getty Images
Viewers were quick to connect this to Wankhede. Social media exploded with comments, one user noting, “Bhai sahab... #aryankhan took a zabardast dig... Very gutsy.” This bold, unsubtle reference has become one of the most discussed elements of the show.
— (@)
Where can you watch The Ba**ds of Bollywood ?
The entire series is available to stream right now on Netflix. The global release means subscribers everywhere can dive into the chaos. With a reported budget running into millions of pounds, the production values are as glossy as you’d expect from a Red Chillies Entertainment production. So, if your schedule allows, clear it. As one fan aptly posted, they were officially on a “binge-watching break” for this one. It’s time to see what all the fuss is about.