POPULAR Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji turns a year older this week and will celebrate her 43rd birthday on March 21.
The award-winning star has entertained audiences globally since she was a teenager in a wide array of big-screen entertainers. So, the perfect way to celebrate her life and powerful performances during this pandemic is to add her best films to your lockdown watchlist.
With that in mind, Eastern Eye selected her 10 best movies in chronological order and provided you with interesting facts connected to each one.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): Actresses including Twinkle Khanna, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar turned down the role that was eventually offered to then newcomer Rani Mukerji. The iconic romance with the winning soundtrack, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, smashed records globally and remains one of the most loved Bollywood films of all time. The film turned Rani into a huge star and was the beginning of her rapid rise.
Saathiya (2002): The critically acclaimed Bollywood remake of Tamil romance Alaipayuthey won hearts of audiences around the world. Mukerji delivers a masterful performance opposite Vivek Oberoi in the story of a man looking for his lost wife and events that led to them falling in love. The beautifully crafted film with a standout soundtrack has plenty of life lessons and a winning cameo from Shah Rukh Khan.
Chalte Chalte (2003): The first home production hit for Shah Rukh Khan is a drama of a couple from different backgrounds, who fall in love and must deal with their differences after marriage. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was initially supposed to play the love interest opposite Shah Rukh Khan but got replaced by Mukerji and she paid off that faith with another winning turn.
Hum Tum (2004): Mukerji won multiple Best Actress awards for her mesmerising performance in a film that was very much inspired by classic Hollywood film When Harry Met Sally. She stars opposite Saif Ali Khan in the story of two individuals who meet at different points in their lives and eventually fall in love.
Veer-Zaara (2004): The actress plays an important supporting role of a crusading Pakistani lawyer in the cross-border romance, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta. The highest grossing film of 2004 is set across two time periods and filled with emotion. One of the most interesting innovations the movie had was songs composed by music maestro Madan Mohan, which had sat incomplete for decades and were given a new lease of life.
Black (2005): Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan both deliver arguably the best performances of their respective careers in this Bollywood masterpiece of a young girl who can’t see, hear or speak and has a unique bond with a teacher. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed drama inspired by 1962’s The Miracle Worker, which itself was inspired by real events, has a number of technical innovations and won a record-breaking number of awards at the time.
Bunty Aur Babli (2005): The crime comedy saw Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan play clever thieves being pursued by a police officer, memorably portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The film, which won great reviews, worked a little too well because it inspired a spate of copycat con artists. There is what has been described as a spiritual sequel on the way with the actress returning for it.
No One Killed Jessica (2011): The biographical crime drama based on real-life events revolves around the sister of a deceased woman and a news reporter trying to get justice. Mukerji and Vidya Balan are superb in the acclaimed drama, which echoed the famous Jessica Lal murder case.
Mardaani (2014): The actress took on the lead role in this glass-ceiling shattering crime drama that saw her play a tough cop on the trail of a human-trafficker. She breathes fire into the role for which she learned various martial arts, including Krav Maga. The film would spawn a sequel and has a memorable fight scene at the end.
Hichki (2018): The actress got her ninth Filmfare Best Actress nomination in the beautifully unique movie that was an adaptation of Brad Cohen’s 2005 autobiography Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. She plays an inspiring teacher with Tourette syndrome, who battles against the odds and inspires students. Like many of her roles, it was a unique character not done before and showed there is no one quite like Rani Mukerji.
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
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Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.
Anusha Mani’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. Revered as the velvety voice behind Bollywood chartbusters like Lazy Lamhe, Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na, and the irrepressibly catchy Gulaabo, she has carved out a distinctive niche for herself as a singer, lyricist, and now actress.
With a foundation in Indian classical and Carnatic music, and a career launched by a serendipitous meeting with Shankar Mahadevan, Anusha’s rise to prominence has been a blend of talent, timing, and tenacity.
Over the years, she has lent her voice to everything from big-ticket Bollywood productions to indie projects, explored diverse languages and genres with ease, and even penned lyrics for memorable tracks like Dil Mein Jaagi. But her creative curiosity did not stop at the recording studio. In 2025, Anusha stepped into the world of acting with her web series debut Hai Junoon, embracing a new challenge that once seemed unimaginable.
In this candid conversation with Eastern Eye, Anusha reflects on the unpredictability of her career, the joy of reinvention, the songs closest to her heart, and the passion she has discovered in front of the camera.
How do you reflect on your journey in music?
It has been extremely unpredictable and gratifying at the same time. I never intended to become a playback singer, and my journey has been a sum total of chance meetings with the right people at the right time. Each experience has led me to the next chapter. The disappointments and failures have taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and living in gratitude. I do not take anything I have for granted anymore.
What has been your most memorable moment on your music journey?
Meeting Shankar Mahadevan ji with my demo and getting called the very next day to sing for Johnny Gaddar is by far my most memorable moment. I had no expectations, no self-belief that this would happen. It changed my life in a very drastic way, in that I started believing in myself more and began taking more chances in life.
Which of your songs has been closest to your heart?
It is hard to pick just one. I have many that are close to my heart. Lazy Lamhe because it was the biggest hit of the year and put me on the map as a playback singer. Gulaabo because it gave me a fresh start of sorts and a lot of love from listeners. Dil Mein Jaagi from Dev D because I got to write the song too. I think it is impossible to pick just one.
Does your approach as a singer change between different languages?
The only thing that changes is the time it takes to get the words right and understand the meaning of the lyrics – which words to emphasise, getting the pronunciation correct, and so on. There are wonderful language supervisors and lyricists who really help you perfect the language. Sometimes you focus so much on pronunciation that you lose the emotion. I like to speak the lines out first, loudly like a conversation, a few times before singing them to get comfortable with the words.
What inspired you to go into acting?
To be honest, it was not inspiration but pressure from my team and family that pushed me to give it a shot. I always thought acting was not my cup of tea. It was a running conversation for over a decade with my husband, who kept insisting I was made to be on screen. It is strange how he saw something in me that I never did. I said yes thinking it would be a good experience to try something new.
What has the experience of acting in Hai Junoon been like?
From not wanting to act to now feeling so passionately about it, life has changed drastically for me over the past year. I had the most wonderful time playing my character – learning the dialogues, going to set, watching the collective effort that goes into making each scene. It felt like learning a new skill for the first time, with fascination and awe for the craft. It has blown my mind and made me respect actors and film crews so much more.
Anusha Mani
What is the biggest thing you learned while working on this show?
My biggest life lesson has been to never say no without giving something an honest shot. I would not have done this show if I had listened to the voice that kept doubting myself. I cannot be the naysayer in my life. Changing that perspective has been hard, but it has also given me a new purpose.
Is the plan now to balance acting and music?
Absolutely. I am in the middle of recording new singles while also doing meetings and auditions. It is a long process and only time will tell how things turn out. I just want to enjoy the journey and soak it all in.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
I love animals. I sponsor a camel in an equine rescue place in Karnataka called The Backwater Sanctuary. Zoha, who runs the place, is just incredible, and I feel privileged to contribute in the smallest way. I also enjoy working out – going to the gym and weight training with my trainer is very therapeutic for me. (Smiles) Other than that, because our lives are so hectic, doing absolutely nothing with my husband is something I am very passionate about.
What music dominates your own personal playlist?
Oh, it is a strange mix of Marathi natya sangeet, ghazals, Bollywood songs by some of my favourite composers like AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Pritam. Then there is John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Sting, and some film scores. It is an odd blend and gets played during both cardio and naps on flights.
You have sung, written songs, and acted – is there anything else you would love to do in the creative field?
If I can do these three things properly, with constant growth and learning, that will be enough for now. I am not someone who always wants to keep working. I value quality time with family, alone time, playing with my dog, and just pausing every now and then to be still. Life cannot always be about doing something.
What inspires you?
Stories of resilience, patience, and focus, but also stories of kindness, empathy, and working for the greater good. My brother is a huge inspiration for the way he leads his life with empathy and focus. My husband inspires me every day. I learn patience and kindness from him. Even my house help, whom I call my house manager – she is particular and punctual every single day and has never complained in 12 years. She is very inspiring to me. There is something to learn from almost everyone if you are willing to look around and stay open.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.
The couple, who have been engaged since 2023, arrived earlier this week and are hosting a welcome event ahead of their expected Friday wedding ceremony. The celebrations are reportedly set across Venice’s most luxurious venues, with the final reception on Saturday.
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave the Aman Hotel in Venice ahead of their wedding Getty Images
Celebrities, billionaires, royals: a who’s who of wedding guests
Familiar faces are pouring into Venice. Kim Kardashian made a headline-grabbing entrance at Marco Polo Airport, followed by sisters Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner, along with matriarch Kris Jenner. Oprah Winfrey, joined by Gayle King, arrived in a summery outfit and was spotted greeting fans as she left her hotel. Leonardo DiCaprio tried to go unnoticed in a baseball cap but was quickly recognised by photographers.
Kardashians seen boarding a boat ahead of the evening celebrations in VeniceGetty Images
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tom Brady, Karlie Kloss, Orlando Bloom, and even royalty like Queen Rania of Jordan were seen making their way to the festivities. Guests are staying in top-tier hotels like the Gritti Palace and Aman, where rooms overlook the Grand Canal.
Oprah Winfrey wave to fans while heading to the welcome event Getty Images
Venice residents push back against the mega-event
While the city is buzzing with glamour, not everyone is celebrating. Local activists have criticised the event for highlighting the growing gap between Venice’s global appeal and its local struggles. A protester scaled a flagpole in St Mark’s Square, unveiling a banner reading, “The 1 per cent ruins the world,” targeting the excessive nature of the celebration.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gesture in direction of Bezos' lookalike from the taxi boatGetty Images
The wedding, estimated to cost between £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore), may not dent Bezos’s £182 billion (₹18.1 lakh crore) fortune, but it has sparked debates about overtourism and inequality in one of Europe’s most fragile heritage cities.