Let’s talk about Urvashi Rautela. Not the memes or the mockery but the walking paradox that keeps showing up on red carpets, in headlines, and sometimes, accidentally, in temples.
You might roll your eyes when her name pops up, but you don’t scroll past. Whether she’s blocking a hotel staircase at Cannes for a photo op or casually suggesting a temple near Badrinath is dedicated to her, Urvashi is a recurring character in India’s cultural circus, equal parts spectacle, sincerity, and self-promotion.
Urvashi Rautela continues to make bold appearances at Cannes 2025Getty Images
From crowns to Cannes: the evolution of Urvashi
Once a beauty queen, now a full-time internet obsession, Urvashi Rautela has been chasing stardom across languages, genres, and continents. She’s done Bollywood, dipped into regional cinema, walked international carpets, and, most importantly, refused to be invisible.
At Cannes 2025, she delivered one viral moment after another. A video of her blocking a hotel staircase for a photoshoot, with guests trapped and eyes rolling, went viral. Netizens called it “peak cringe.” Her response? Silence. Because why apologise when you’re trending?
A black gown with a torn armpit? Fans debated: PR stunt or legit disaster? Urvashi spun it into a hero moment, claiming she ripped it while helping a 70-year-old woman. Cue awws and eye-rolls!
A gold “bra-necklace” clutch dubbed “Barbie’s midlife crisis” and a crocodile necklace. Cartier or copycat? The internet still isn’t sure!
But what others call faux pas, Urvashi spins into flair. Even when critics compared her golden look to “Barbie’s midlife crisis,” she didn’t flinch. She wore it like armour and perhaps that’s the point.
Urvashi’s signature style turns heads on the global red carpetGetty Images
Temples, tales, and a touch of delusion?
Then there was that temple claim. In a now-notorious interview, she said a shrine near Badrinath was built in her name, where devotees garlanded her photo. The internet exploded. Locals fumed. Eventually, she clarified: “It’s named after the apsara Urvashi!”
This wasn’t her first godly flex. In 2022, she reposted a fan’s “puja” to her, cheekily dubbing it Urvashism. She even expressed a desire for a real temple in South India, citing her growing fandom there.
So the question is, is it self-worship or self-marketing? Depends who you ask. But in a media world where buzz matters more than background checks, her temple talk, however misfired, worked.
Urvashi Rautela grabs headlines with every appearance
Getty Images
Fact-checking Urvashi: a full-time job
What’s tricky with Urvashi is that you never know where confidence ends and creative fiction begins. She’s claimed to be the first Bollywood actress to walk in Manipuri attire. Said she’s fluent in French. Hinted at roles in Kantara 2 and a Parveen Babi biopic, both quickly denied by the respective creators.
Add to that her tone-deaf moment after the Saif Ali Khan incident, where she accidentally pivoted from a stabbing incident to discussing her diamond Rolex. The internet says even her apologies sometimes feel like PR rehearsals rather than genuine remorse.
Still, she keeps pushing. And pushing. And pushing.
From red carpets to airports, Urvashi never goes unnoticedGetty Images
The meme economy loves her
No Indian celebrity gets memed quite like Urvashi Rautela. Twitter and Reddit dissect her every move. There’s a whole corner of the internet that treats her as performance art, like a case study in what happens when hustle overtakes humility.
Nicknames like “Mata Urvashi” and “Damdami Mai” trend ironically. Hashtags like #Urvashism live on. Even the phrase “delulu is the solulu” fits her internet brand like a glove. The point is, she’s not just mocked, she’s watched.
And that’s the trick. In today’s fame economy, it’s not about being respected. It’s about being remembered. And on that front, Urvashi delivers.
Behind the glitter and gaffes is someone who clearly wants it. The fame. The acceptance. The top seat at every table. Urvashi Rautela might not always have the right words or the right necklace, but what she does have is relentless drive.
Her story isn’t polished, but it’s persistent. She’s a walking headline generator, never playing it safe, never fading quietly. Whether you laugh with her or at her, she’s part of the cultural conversation. And let’s be honest, we need a few characters like that to keep the circus interesting.
Urvashi’s looks are as headline-worthy as her comebacksGetty Images
Final thoughts? Don’t underestimate the unbothered
Urvashi Rautela is not trying to be perfect. She’s trying to be unforgettable. And in an era of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fame, she’s cracked the code. Loud outfits, louder claims, and the loudest kind of self-belief.
So next time you see her trending, ask yourself: Is she clueless… or playing 4D chess while we’re stuck on checkers? Either way, you’ll keep watching. And that’s exactly the point.
It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.
1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak
Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.
Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in a still from Bhansali’s unforgettable love storyInstagram/bhansaliproductions
2. Tadap Tadap still strikes a nerve with heartbroken souls
Even decades later, Tadap Tadap remains a go-to song for anyone nursing heartbreak. Its haunting melody and painful lyrics have earned it a permanent place on every “breakup playlist.” It’s not just a song, it’s a punch to the gut, and Gen X especially holds it close, often revisiting it during nostalgic or emotional moments.
Aishwarya Rai’s performance brought grace and heartbreak in equal measureInstagram/bhansaliproductions
3. It was only Bhansali’s second film
Most directors take a while to find their signature style. Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was only his second directorial project, but it cemented his place as a filmmaker known for blending grand visuals with emotional depth. The film’s cultural textures, sweeping sets, and deep emotions became a Bhansali trademark.
Salman Khan’s raw vulnerability added soul to Bhansali’s tale of longing and lossInstagram/bhansaliproductions
4. It echoed the storytelling of Indian film legends
Many critics at the time drew parallels between Bhansali and classic directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and K. Asif. Like them, Bhansali crafted scenes with intense emotional weight, often using music, silence, and visual flair to convey what words couldn’t.
Ajay Devgn delivered quiet intensity in Bhansali’s emotionally charged love triangleInstagram/bhansaliproductions
5. The music album was a blockbuster on its own
Beyond Tadap Tadap, the film’s soundtrack was packed with gems. From the playful Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan to the devotional Albela Sajan, the album was a complete package. Ismail Darbar’s score, paired with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals, played a major role in the film’s emotional impact.
Bhansali’s next film is already making waves
Two and a half decades later, Bhansali remains a force in Indian cinema. His upcoming film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is already one of the most anticipated releases. And while Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a fan favourite, expectations are sky-high for his next chapter.
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SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29
SS Rajamouli isn’t holding back with SSMB29, his latest big-screen spectacle starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker, known for his visual scale and attention to detail, has recreated the holy city of Varanasi in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City instead of shooting on location. The reason? The chaotic logistics of filming in the spiritual capital of India.
The set, rumoured to cost £4.8 million (₹50 crore), is a massive replica built specifically for a key sequence in the film. Leaked photos from the set have already gone viral online, giving fans a glimpse of the scale Rajamouli is aiming for. Mahesh Babu will be filming an action sequence here, with VFX work enhancing the visuals. In true Rajamouli style, international graphics studios, some of the best from Hollywood, have been roped in to bring the visuals to life.
SS Rajamouli builds Varanasi set in Hyderabad for SSMB29 shootGetty Images
Kenya schedule to kick off in July with action-packed jungle scenes
After wrapping up earlier schedules in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the SSMB29 team is now gearing up for its first international leg in Kenya. Originally planned for March, the schedule was delayed due to extreme heat in the region. Now rescheduled for July, the shoot will take place in some of East Africa’s most scenic locations, including Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli national parks.
This phase will see Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dive into adrenaline-heavy sequences set deep in the African wilderness. The story reportedly involves Mahesh’s character searching for a rare herbal remedy, adding a mythical twist to the film.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29Getty Images
For Priyanka, this film will mark her major comeback to Indian cinema after a six-year gap since The Sky Is Pink (2019). Her return in a Rajamouli project has fans across continents eager to see her back on the big screen.
A global vision with roots in mythology
While the team hasn’t confirmed the plot officially, reports suggest that the film is inspired by Ramayana-esque themes, with Mahesh Babu’s character on a spiritual and physical quest. The combination of Indian mythology, jungle survival, and stunning visual effects makes SSMB29 one of the most awaited Indian films currently in production.
Jason Isaacs has revealed that every cast member of The White Lotus Season 3, regardless of experience or fame, earned the same salary: £32,000 (₹33,60,000) per episode. That totals around £256,000 (₹2,68,80,000) for the full eight-episode run. While that figure might seem significant, Isaacs called it “a very low price” for a hit HBO show, but said he had no complaints.
“We would’ve paid to be in it,” Isaacs said in an interview, adding, “We probably would’ve given a body part.”
Jason Isaacs opens up about financial regrets and career lowsGetty Images
Equal pay, no ego
The show’s ensemble approach meant that veterans like Isaacs and Parker Posey received the same as newer faces such as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola. Asked if it bothered him to be paid the same as his younger co-stars, Isaacs shrugged it off: “I never work for money. I’ve done alright. People assume I have piles of cash, but I’ve basically matched my spending to my income and spent everything over the years.”
The pay structure, introduced from Season 1, was meant to ensure fairness and avoid ego clashes. “Everyone is treated the same,” said producer David Bernad in an earlier interview, explaining how the alphabetical billing and equal salaries were key to creating a drama-free, committed cast.
The White Lotus cast shares the screen and the paycheck equallyGetty Images
Isaacs admitted that while the rate was lower than typical network or streaming pay outs, the prestige of working on The White Lotus and with creator Mike White made it worthwhile.
Cautionary tales and career lows
Isaacs also took the opportunity to share hard-earned lessons with his younger co-stars, urging them not to get emotionally attached to the final product. “You don’t control how it’s received. That’s Mike’s job,” he said. Reflecting on his own past, he pointed to Peter Pan (2003), where he played Captain Hook, a big-budget project that tanked commercially and nearly derailed his career.
“It was the lowest I’ve ever felt professionally. I thought I’d never work again,” he confessed. Isaacs said it was his partner Emma Hewitt who helped him through that dark phase, crediting her support over their decades-long relationship.
Jason Isaacs says Emma Hewitt helped him through his dark phase in lifeGetty Images
The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max, and while the actors may not have earned big bucks, the series continues to score big on screen, with critics and fans alike.
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Scarlett Johansson kisses Jonathan Bailey and dazzles in couture at Jurassic World Rebirth premiere
Scarlett Johansson returned to the spotlight in a dazzling pink gown at the world premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the film’s release but also a major red carpet moment for the 39-year-old actress, who has been out of the public eye in recent months.
Wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood corset gown with sequins, Johansson lit up the green carpet with elegance and glamour. Her blush-toned dress featured a sculpted silhouette and soft draping that recalled golden-age Hollywood style, minus the fuss. The styling, handled by her long-time collaborator Kate Young, kept things minimal yet classy, letting the dress do all the talking.
Scarlett Johansson stuns in Vivienne Westwood gown at Jurassic World Rebirth London premiereGetty Images
All eyes on Scarlett, not the dinosaurs
Johansson’s outfit was a standout, softly shimmering, vintage-inspired, and unmistakably hers. The gown’s romantic structure paired beautifully with her classic Hollywood waves, styled by Renato Campora, and glowy makeup by Hung Vanngo, featuring soft pink tones and bold brows.
The green carpet itself mirrored the film’s jungle setting, with faux foliage and warning signs nodding to the franchise’s roots. Yet despite the dramatic décor and loud dinosaur displays, all attention shifted to Johansson’s presence and her surprise red carpet moment with co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Scarlett and Jonathan Bailey share a friendly kiss that gets fans buzzing on social mediaGetty Images
Fans went into a frenzy after the actress greeted Bailey with a quick, friendly kiss on the lips, sparking a flood of reactions online. The moment, caught on video, added a spark to an already buzzworthy evening. Bailey, dressed in a relaxed 1990s-inspired look with a cap and sunglasses, looked just as thrilled to reunite with his co-star.
A major comeback with a mega-franchise
Jurassic World Rebirth is Johansson’s first big-budget outing since stepping away from Marvel. She plays Zora Bennett, a covert operative sent on a high-stakes mission involving dinosaur DNA. She stars alongside Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend in this next chapter of the billion-pound (₹10,000 crore) franchise, directed by Gareth Edwards.
With the film expected to open strong, tracking at around £95 million (₹1,000 crore) globally, it’s a big summer bet for Universal. And for Scarlett Johansson, star power has never been in question, no theme costume required. Just a killer dress, a bold kiss, and a dash of old-school charm.
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James Cameron’s The Abyss pulled from Disney Plus UK after decades-old controversy resurfaces
Nearly four decades after its release, James Cameron’s 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss has sparked controversy again, this time on streaming. Disney+ quietly pulled the newly uploaded 4K remaster of the film from its UK platform after complaints resurfaced about a banned scene involving live animal testing.
The specific scene, showing a rat being submerged in oxygenated liquid, has long been a point of contention in the UK. Though the rat reportedly survived the experiment during filming, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had previously ruled it in breach of the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937. As a result, the sequence was cut from all UK theatrical, television, DVD, and Blu-ray releases. Yet, when Disney+ added the remastered version in April, the uncut version slipped through, triggering backlash from animal welfare groups.
RSPCA flags “loophole” as Disney+ removes unedited version
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which had campaigned for the scene’s removal since the 1980s, raised fresh concerns when the unedited version began streaming. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the charity, stressed this wasn’t about censorship but consistency.
“We're not calling for the film to be banned,” Bowles clarified. “We’d fully support Disney+ reinstating it, just without the disturbing rat scene. This is about closing a loophole that lets animal abuse scenes bypass the same restrictions applied to TV, DVD, and cinema.”
While UK content is regulated under BBFC guidelines, streaming platforms often fall outside traditional classifications. This regulatory gap allowed the uncut version of The Abyss to appear online, unnoticed until viewers flagged it. The scene reportedly used five rats, all of whom survived, but their visible distress on-screen led to public discomfort and long-standing restrictions.
Future availability unclear, but alternative platforms exist
Disney+ has yet to confirm whether an edited version of The Abyss will return to its UK library. For now, viewers can still find the film on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, albeit without the controversial scene. The cinematic version was also available briefly on ITVX but has since been taken down.
The Abyss pulled from UK streaming after animal welfare complaints reach DisneyIMDB
Starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn, The Abyss remains a cult favourite for its iconic underwater visuals and suspense-driven plot. But its legacy now includes a sharp reminder that even classics must face new scrutiny in the age of streaming.