Girish Karnad, a very well-known name of Indian cinema, passed away on 10th June 2019. He was suffering from a prolonged illness and took his last breath at his residence in Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru. He was honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
Karnad was not just an actor, but a writer and a director as well. He had directed many Kannada films and had also written many Kannada plays. Rekha and Shekhar Suman starrer Utsav which released in 1984 was directed by Girish Karnad. Apart from his contribution to Indian cinema, the actor also made a mark on the small screen as Swami’s father in the popular 80’s show Malgudi Days.
While the people from the 80s and the 90s would remember Karnad for many of his performance, today’s generation will remember him as the RAW chief, Shenoy, from Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai. During the shooting Tiger Zinda Hai, the veteran actor’s health was not in a good state.
A lot of Bollywood celebs took to Twitter to mourn Girish Karnad’s demise. Tiger Zinda Hai director, Ali Abbas Zafar tweeted, “Rest in peace sir #GirishKarnad , man with a golden heart and fountain of knowledge ❤️ RIP.” Ali in a statement also said that he was looking forward to working with the actor in the next installment of Ek Tha Tiger.
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Anil Kapoor tweeted, “I met Girish Karnad way back when he was the principal of the film institute & then worked with him in Pukar. He was a great man & playwright. His stories will forever remain in our hearts & minds. Sending my prayers & heartfelt condolences to his family.”
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Anupam Kher tweeted, “Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of Sh. #GirishKarnad ji. He was a great artist, scholar and a brilliant playwright. My first small appearance in the film Utsav was under his direction. Also acted in both #Tuglaq and #Hayavadan - plays written by him. On Shanti.?”
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Shabana Azmi tweeted, “Deeply saddened to learn about #Girish Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes.”
Earlier this year, I wrote about how Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn have collectively damaged Bollywood by flooding audiences with a stream of largely terrible films – most of which flop. That trend continued with Devgn’s sequel Raid 2, which underperformed at the box office. Now, Akshay Kumar looks set to carry the baton on 6 June with the dreadful-looking Housefull 5 – a mindless franchise film packed with a cast well past their prime.
Ajay Devgn
BIG FOOD FAIL ACTRESS Chhaya Kadam recently came under fire after reportedly claiming to have eaten the meat of protected wildlife species in India – including mouse deer, wild boar, monitor lizard and porcupine. The Plant and Animal Welfare Society has called for her prosecution. The star of award-winning films such as All We Imagine As Light and Laapataa Ladies will now likely think twice before making any more bizarre confessions.
Chhaya Kadam
ANOTHER DUTT DISASTER
Though he has found some success playing antagonists in regional films, Sanjay Dutt has continued his disastrous run of Bollywood flops with the recently released comedy horror The Bhootnii. The 65-year-old once again proved he cannot spot a strong Hindi project – with another film rejected by both critics and audiences. Like many older stars, he needs to rethink his choices and pursue age-appropriate roles in well-written productions – or consider retiring gracefully. He will next appear in a smaller supporting part in the mindless-looking comedy Housefull 5.
Sanjay Dutt
DILJIT’S CHOICE DILEMMA Diljit Dosanjh has been unstoppable – delivering stunning success in music and standout performances in diverse films. That remarkable rise was reflected in his debut appearance at the Met Gala, where he wore a regal outfit that turned heads. With the Punjabi superstar at an all-time high, now is the time to make smart choices – and avoid projects like the forthcoming comedy No Entry 2, where he will star alongside Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, both of whom have struggled at the box office and will likely be given more attention. Diljit must recognise his immense value and opt for stronger projects – like his newly released single Buck, a collaboration with global K-pop sensation Jackson Wang. He should continue pursuing global platforms such as the Met Gala – and steer clear of silly film choices.
Diljit Dosanjh at the Met Gala
CINEMA GREAT HAS DIED Indian film director and cinematographer Shaji N Karun has died at his home in Thiruvananthapuram, aged 73. He made a significant impact on Malayalam cinema with acclaimed films such as Piravi (1988), Swaham (1994) and Vanaprastham (1999). Although the gifted filmmaker may not have received the recognition he truly deserved, his rich and diverse body of work stands as a lasting legacy.
Shaji N Karun
AN EMMY NOD Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has added to her impressive list of international honours with a nomination at the upcoming 46th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards for Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, co-directed with Trish Dalton.The film, which focuses on the iconic fashion designer and was made by an all-female crew, is nominated in the outstanding business and economic documentary category. The two-time Academy Award-winning Pakistani filmmaker has more exciting work ahead – including a film set in the Star Wars universe.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy with Diane von Furstenberg
KING KHAN IS BIG WINNER
Most ageing Bollywood actors over 50 have seen a sharp decline in recent years – except Shah Rukh Khan. While Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn have struggled to recapture their past glory, Shah Rukh remains in high demand after a string of recent successes.
He made global headlines after walking the red carpet at this year’s Met Gala in a striking outfit, and there are unconfirmed reports that Hollywood is keen to bring him into the Marvel universe.
The others may land the occasional minor hit, but none currently match Shah Rukh’s enduring star power.
Like Amitabh Bachchan before him, he now seems poised to enter an exciting new phase of meaningful projects – and if he finally steps into Hollywood, it would only strengthen his extraordinary legacy.
Shah Rukh Khan at the Met Gala
BROWN GIRL DUO DELIGHTI recently watched a work-in-progress version of Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not To Come – and it was spectacularly funny. Even as a rough cut, the popular podcast duo Poppy and Rubina drew a large (predominantly female) crowd, who roared with laughter at the bold, unapologetic material. That is why the upcoming previews of their fully developed show at Soho Theatre in London – running from 10–14 June – are highly recommended ahead of its scheduled Edinburgh Fringe run.
Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not To Come
SOORAJ’S LAST CHANCE SALOO After three flop films – Hero (2015), Satellite Shankar (2019) and Time To Dance (2021) – actor Sooraj Pancholi will be hoping to make it fourth time lucky with his new release Kesari Veer. Unfortunately for him, the historical action drama has generated little buzz and appears headed for yet another costly Bollywood failure. Rather than marking a fresh start for the actor – recently acquitted in the long-running Jiah Khan suicide case – this may signal the end of any meaningful film career.
Kesari Veer
HISTORY GIRL HUSAIN
The new series Who Do You Think You Are? includes an extraordinary episode featuring Mishal Husain.
The popular broadcaster embarks on a global journey, tracing her family ancestry to a royal court in 19th-century India – before an unexpected turn takes her to America.
There, she uncovers a surprising link to forefathers who played a key role in the American Revolution, which helped the country gain independence. Not only is it a rare episode of the BBC show to spotlight someone of South Asian heritage, it also offers a fascinating glimpse into history and tells a powerful story.
It would be remarkable to see a similar programme in India or Pakistan, with well-known South Asian figures exploring their family roots.
APPLE has assured the Indian government that its investment and manufacturing plans in the country remain unchanged.
This comes after US president Donald Trump said he had asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to scale back manufacturing in India and focus more on the United States.
Following this, Indian officials spoke to Apple executives, who confirmed that India would continue to be a major base for manufacturing Apple products, according to government sources quoted by PTI.
"Apple has said that its investment plans in India are intact and it proposes to continue to have India as a major manufacturing base for its products," a government source told the news agency.
Earlier, Trump had said he spoke to Cook and told him he does not want Apple to manufacture in India, urging the company to increase production in the US instead.
"We have Apple, as you know, it's coming in. And I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. I said to him, Tim, you're my friend. I treated you very well. You're coming in with $500 billion (£375.94 bn). But now I hear you're building all over India. I don't want you building in India. You can build in India if you want to take care of India," Trump said.
He said India is one of the highest tariff nations and doing business there is difficult.
"They've (India) offered us a deal where basically they're willing to literally charge us no tariff. So we go from the highest tariff. You couldn't do business in India... But I said to Tim... we treated you really good. We put up with all the plants that you built in China for years. Now you got to build us. We're not interested in you building in India. India can take care of themselves. They're doing very well. We want you to build here. And they're going to be upping their production in the United States, Apple," Trump said.
Cook has said Apple will source most iPhones sold in the US from India in the June quarter. China will produce most of the devices for other markets amid uncertainty around tariffs.
Government sources said that 15 per cent of global iPhone production currently comes from India. Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron India (largely owned by Tata Electronics) are involved in iPhone manufacturing.
Foxconn has also begun manufacturing Apple AirPods in Telangana for export.
An analysis by S&P Global showed that iPhone sales in the US reached 75.9 million units in 2024. Exports from India in March were at 3.1 million units, indicating a need to either expand capacity or redirect phones meant for the domestic market.
"Apple's Indian exports already headed predominantly to the United States, which represented 81.9 per cent of phones exported by the firm in the three months to February 28, 2025. That increased to 97.6 per cent in March 2025 as a result of a 219 per cent jump in exports, likely reflecting the firm looking to preempt higher tariffs," the S&P Global Market Intelligence report said.
In April, Indian minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that iPhones worth £13.22 bn were exported from India in FY25.
The Apple ecosystem in India is also one of the largest job creators, with an estimated 2 lakh people employed across its vendor network.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Using forged documents claiming he had a law degree and a false CV, Rai gained employment at two law firms in Gloucestershire and a construction company in Bristol.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced after using fake identity documents and forged academic certificates to secure jobs at law firms and a construction company.
Aditya Rai was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court to 20 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He had pleaded guilty to fraud, forgery, and identity-related offences.
The court heard Rai used a false passport and a fake UK driving licence under the name Ali Ryan, with a photo of himself and a false date of birth. He also opened bank accounts under the same false identity.
Using forged documents claiming he had a law degree and a false CV, Rai gained employment at two law firms in Gloucestershire and a construction company in Bristol. In total, he earned around £10,000 before resigning from one firm and being dismissed from another following reference checks, according to Gloucestershire Police.
He had previous convictions, which he concealed by using a false identity. A search of his home in June 2022 led to the seizure of his laptop, which contained fake documents and a forged driving licence.
Rai had been on remand since February 2025 after being arrested at a port with a false Irish licence. He was identified by his tattoos and arrested for failing to attend court.
He also admitted to an offence investigated by North Wales Police involving a fake Republic of Ireland driving licence. Two further fraud offences were taken into consideration.
The buzz around King, Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action-thriller, just got bigger. Rani Mukerji is officially part of the film, stepping in for a role that’s brief but deeply important. Shooting begins on 20 May in Mumbai, with an international schedule to follow.
King is being helmed by Siddharth Anand, the director behind Pathaan and War. This film will not only mark SRK’s return to a high-action role, where he plays an assassin, but also introduces his daughter, Suhana Khan, to the big screen. The cast includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma, making it one of the biggest star-studded projects in recent memory.
The iconic duo returns to the screen after more than a decadeGetty Images
Rani Mukerji joins the cast in a special cameo as Suhana Khan’s mother. While she’s expected to shoot for just five days, her role is far from minor. Insiders say her character is central to the story’s emotional arc and serves as a turning point in the larger action narrative.
This is also Rani and Shah Rukh’s reunion after more than a decade. The two have a long list of hits together, from the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and their on-screen chemistry is considered the gold standard. Their scenes in King are expected to tap into that nostalgia while adding a fresh layer to the story.
Sources say it didn’t take long for Rani to say yes. The part, though short, left a strong impression on her. “She heard the story and agreed instantly. It’s a powerful role that holds the emotional thread of the film,” one source shared.
Rani Mukerji will join Shah Rukh Khan for the much-awaited KingGetty Images
Interestingly, earlier buzz suggested that Deepika Padukone might play Suhana’s mother in the film, but the final decision went to Rani. This change seems to have added an extra edge to the film’s casting.
Currently in pre-production, King is aiming for a release sometime between October and December 2026. With a cast this strong and a fresh mix of family, action, and suspense, the film is shaping up to be a major event not just for Shah Rukh fans, but for Bollywood itself.
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Luxury in 2025: Iconic brands raise prices, making designer pieces harder to afford
Imagine your dream designer bag now costs more than a month’s rent. Welcome to 2025, now luxury isn’t just a splurge but a high-stakes financial tango, right? Inflation, tariffs, and a dash of geopolitical drama have collided, sending price tags into orbit. This time, brands aren’t just nudging numbers, but they’re launching full-blown price tsunamis. Can you still play the luxury game without drowning in debt? Let’s break down who’s hiking, why, and whether that iconic piece is worth the squeeze.
Chanel
In 2025, Chanel has been on a price-raising spree, almost as relentless as their signature tweed. The iconic Classic Flap Bag Large, for instance, now retails at 9,400 GBP (9,52,000 INR), a steep jump from 7,870 GBP (7,97,000 INR) back in January. That’s not just a rise; it’s a whole statement. With demand booming and the brand’s push for exclusivity, Chanel clearly shows no signs of slowing down.
Louis Vuitton’s strategy? Keep things steady but consistently pricier. In 2025, the Alma PM handbag crept up to 1,590 GBP (1,61,000 INR), marking a 6.4% increase. Meanwhile, the Clooney BB inched to 1,925 GBP (1,95,000 INR), a 4.9% hike, while the Capucines MM surged by 7.2%, now priced at 6,310 GBP (6,39,000 INR). Inflation’s impact? Definitely. The only thing rising faster than these prices? Their legendary prestige.
The iconic Hermès is giving luxury lovers something to chew on, especially if their taste leans toward legendary bags like the Birkin or Kelly. In the U.S., prices for the Birkin 25 in Togo leather rose from 8,400 GBP (8,52,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR): a 6.1% increase. The Kelly 25 in Togo Retourne jumped from 8,350 GBP (8,47,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR), marking a 6.2% hike. Some exotic models, like the Kelly 25 in Matte Alligator, saw a staggering 23.8% increase, now priced at 38,800 GBP (39,37,000 INR). Because nothing says 'forever status' like a price tag that stings.
Rolex has increased prices on its gold models by up to 14%, reflecting a 27% rise in the cost of gold itself. For instance, the white gold Daytona with the OysterFlex bracelet now retails at 24,300 GBP (24,70,000 INR), up from 22,350 GBP (22,70,000 INR) last year. Stainless steel models have seen more modest increases of about 1-3%. Gold just got a little more golden right?
Known for its cashmere and quiet luxury, Loro Piana isn’t shying away from price hikes either. Some items, like the Loom handbag, rose by 8%, while select pieces saw a staggering 23% increase. Soft just got pricier.
Tag Heuer quietly nudged up the price of select U.S. models by around 10% this summer, a direct response to looming U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports. It’s a cautious buffer rather than a drastic shock, as the brand hedges against potential margin hits. Rather than surprising buyers later, Tag Heuer is choosing to gently pad prices now, just in case.
Even beauty brands aren’t safe from the pricing squeeze. Sisley bumped up the price of its Korean products by 5%, while L’Oréal increased prices of Yves Saint Laurent and Lancôme items at duty-free outlets by about 10%. It’s partly due to higher ingredient costs and partly because “flex splurging” in Korea shows buyers aren’t put off by a little extra cost.
In a more gradual move, Coach has been incrementally hiking prices over 19 of the last 20 quarters, while Ralph Lauren pushed its average retail price up by about 12%. Instead of shocking customers, they’re taking a slow and steady approach, which has surprisingly fuelled demand rather than dampened it.
Cartier’s parent company, Richemont, is taking a softer approach, avoiding major price hikes despite the pressure of U.S. tariffs. Instead of gambling on big increases, Richemont is holding prices steady, particularly for its luxury jewellery, which continues to perform well without any drastic changes.
With higher-end items becoming even more unreachable, brands are shifting focus to “affordable luxury.” Think sub-400 GBP (40,000 INR) accessories like designer scarves and wallets, small indulgences that keep aspirational customers engaged. It’s a strategic play to maintain interest without alienating the middle-class luxury lover.
Luxury prices in 2025 are skyrocketing as iconic brands make big movesiStock
The luxury gamble?
The overall picture is clear. Some players have quietly bet on patient, incremental hikes and are already reaping rewards, while others have pushed hard and risk alienating shoppers. Observers note that Coach and Ralph Lauren’s measured markups drove a surprising sales boom (+42% Coach growth in Europe in Q4), whereas ultra-luxe giants saw only minimal gains. In short, moving slowly seems to have paid off, at least so far while exorbitant jumps have mostly just made headlines.
The gamble now is on for every brand. Every new price tag is a wager: will wealthy buyers shrug and splurge, or push back and hunt for deals?