Fresh from the success of his recent release Raazi (2018), extremely talented Vicky Kaushal is now busy promoting his next offering Sanju, which arrives in cinemas on 29th June, 2018. The film, which is a biopic on Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, sees Kaushal in the role of Paresh. His character is basically a fictional amalgamation of different people in Sanjay Dutt’s life. As Sanju gears up for its theatrical bow, Eastern Eye correspondent, Mohnish Singh, catches up with Vicky to find out more about his role in the movie, how was the experience of working with Rajkumar Hirani and Ranbir Kapoor, and his upcoming projects. Excerpts...
Was the character that you play in Sanju built keeping you in mind?
No, actually what happened was that Rajkumar Hirani saw me in Masaan (2015) and then he called me to his house. This happened a year before the shooting (for Sanju) started. He said that he was making a film and there’s this beautiful role for which he had me in mind but still the journey was too far off. He wanted to know what I have been up to? What’s happening? What kind of films I have been taking up? He said that he had me in mind but you never know what the end result could be as the casting would happen much later. This was the meeting that happened. It wasn’t that he had me in my mind when he was writing. Hirani sir thought of me meant the world to me, though.
So how did you get the role?
For a year after that meeting, I went about my life and Hirani sir was writing the script and then, a year later, I got a call again to audition for this part. I gave the test, then he called me for a narration and that’s how I got the film.
Exactly which friend from Sanjay Dutt’s life are you playing in the film?
So primarily, I am playing this friend called Paresh, who is from the States and they have been friends for a long time, since Rocky (1981) till today. He is almost like a family. They are like brothers more than friends. There are also other anecdotes and incidents that happened with other people too, and my character is a fictional amalgamation of different people in Sanju’s life, but people who know Sanju knows I am playing Paresh.
How was it to learn Gujarati for your character?
It was nice, something new for me. It’s the first time I explored this language, and Gujarati is such a sweet language. It’s got the tendency that if you indulge only a bit, it will go overboard. So, I have to keep the right note. The film is spanning over three decades and the character’s speech is quite rustic in the beginning, then he starts living in the States for over 20 years and the speech changes accordingly, and all that was incorporated in this. So, everything was meticulously thought out in the script. Then I went to Surat. I thought I should see the place, the behaviour and body language of the people there. I observed them and tried to incorporate their mannerism in my role.
How was it to play such a colourful character as compared to dark roles you have been playing since your debut?
It’s amazing when we were having a costume trial for me. In my previous roles, there were references by many, like such colour is not needed but this is the first role I am doing where they say subtle is not wanted. There is no grey or black or white, the costumes require green, yellow, orange, you know, happy colours and I loved it. It was so fun.
Is your look in the movie inspired by Paresh?
No, that we have taken the liberty to play with the character. The character’s look was defined by what suited the storytelling. I didn’t have the pressure to inspire my character just as a real person because, according to the story, the character was a bit fabricated but all the incidents you see between Sanju and him are all real.
While shooting with Ranbir Kapoor, did you ever wish that you could have had his role?
No, I never felt like that because, firstly, you are already overwhelmed that you are a part of Rajkumar Hirani’s film. Secondly, when you are playing a certain character, your entire focus is on that because every character is a life in itself. If you lose that focus and concentrate on other’s work, then your own work is neglected.
If you had the chance to play Sanju would you have?
Now after seeing Ranbir Kapoor play it, never.
The film is just a few days away from its release. Any pre-release jitters?
Every film, after its release on a Friday, is out of our control. If it will be a hit or a flop, will it reach or not, that is its own destiny. Every film has its own journey and that you can’t predict so you can’t put much energy into thinking that because it is not in your control. You pray for the best but at the end, it’s on the film and the audience.
Will the success of Raazi and Sanju affect your choices of projects in future?
I don’t think so. You always want to be a part of good stories, you want to work with good filmmakers and you want to do roles that scare you, roles that push you. Your constant quest is to do what you have not done before. These criteria will always be there, but other than that, I don’t think I would like to be so calculative. I am an artist, not a surgeon. I just want to follow my gut. If I read or hear some projects that my heart agrees with, then I just want to dive into it.
Could you tell us something about your future project Manmarziyaan?
Manmarziyaan is again an opportunity where I got to work with Anurag Kashyap, first time with Taapsee Pannu and Abhishek Bachchan. It is a Punjab based love triangle, romantic drama film. I can’t say anything more than that but in my small filmography this will be the craziest character I would be playing, so I am really looking forward to it. I found out my alter ego in that film.
After Sanju and Manmarziyan, what’s next? What kind of roles would you like to pick up?
I want to do everything. I am very greedy as an actor. You see, whenever you start, always aim for the stars, you aim for the moon. What’s the use of working when you are not aiming for the best in life? Whatever happens, you put in your best because then you work for the best and when you work with the best, you learn the most.
How was it work with Rajkumar Hirani?
When you work with Rajkumar Hirani, you grow as a human being as well as an actor. He is such a gem of a person, he is so humble, so modest. When you work with him it doesn’t seem like that he is the same man who made 3 Idiots (2009) or PK (2014) or Munnabhai series, it feels like you are working with a director who is making his first and last film. So, he has got the vulnerability of a debutant director but also the passion of someone who is making his last film together.
If you get a chance to choose between a big-budget production and an indie film, which one would you pick up?
I look at the story and that’s the reason I did films like Masaan. Because I did Masaan and saw what response it got, my belief that stories click strengthens. These days, especially because such a beautiful phase is going on where the audience chooses to trash big budget film and heighten small budget films, they look at the story and if stories click, the audience responds.
Siddharth to co-star with Freida Pinto in Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth
Series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection
John Wells and Madhuri Shekar leading the adaptation with Ritesh Batra directing two episodes
Cast includes Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, Sarayu Blue, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig
Actor Siddharth has joined Freida Pinto in Unaccustomed Earth, Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s celebrated short story collection. The new drama, combining elements of family conflict with romance, marks Siddharth’s latest international outing. With Pinto leading the cast, the series promises to bring Lahiri’s themes of migration, love, and identity to a global audience.
Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories Getty Images
What is Unaccustomed Earth about?
The Netflix series adapts Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of stories, weaving them into an eight-part narrative set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It follows the life of Parul Chaudhury played by Freida Pinto, a devoted wife whose world unravels when a long-lost love resurfaces, sparking a scandalous affair within a close-knit Indian American community.
Described by the streamer as an “epic, soapy drama,” the show explores themes of belonging, generational conflict, and the push and pull between tradition and individual desire.
Siddharth takes on the role of Amit Mukherjee, a Bengali American raised in Cambridge. Known as the dependable friend everyone turns to in moments of crisis, Amit is warm-hearted yet struggles to find stability in both work and relationships.
According to Netflix, Amit’s life begins to spiral just as his relationship starts to look promising, with the unexpected return of his lost love setting off a chain of emotional conflicts. This layered character gives Siddharth the opportunity to bring both depth and vulnerability to the story.
Actor Siddharth's Instagram postInstagram Screengrab/worldofsiddharth
Who is behind Unaccustomed Earth on Netflix?
The series is being spearheaded by Emmy-winning producer John Wells alongside playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar. Wells serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer, while Shekar joins him as co-writer and co-producer.
Indian filmmaker Ritesh Batra will direct the first two episodes, with additional episodes helmed by Nisha Ganatra. The project is produced under John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Lahiri herself is also attached as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to her original text.
Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning Unaccustomed Earth comes to Netflix with a global ensemble castGetty Images
When will Unaccustomed Earth release on Netflix?
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Unaccustomed Earth. The show is currently in production and will join the streamer’s growing list of South Asian stories with international appeal.Lahiri’s works have been adapted for the screen before, most notably The Namesake directed by Mira Nair and starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn. With an ensemble that also includes Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema, expectations are high for the series to deliver another culturally rich story with global resonance.
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Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit
Swift’s legal team denies claims she agreed to a deposition
Justin Baldoni sought to question her over friendship with Blake Lively
Judge ruled Baldoni missed the deadline to schedule her questioning
Swift’s lawyer says she has “no material role” in the case
Taylor Swift’s lawyer has confirmed the singer has not agreed to a deposition in the ongoing It Ends With Us lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, shutting down claims made by Baldoni’s legal team. The pop star was named as a potential witness due to her close friendship with Lively, but her counsel insists she has no connection to the allegations. The high-profile legal battle has drawn global attention as it moves towards trial.
Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit Getty Images
Why did Justin Baldoni want Taylor Swift’s deposition?
Baldoni’s lawyers argued that Swift’s long-standing friendship with Lively made her a “key witness” who could offer insight into private communications between the two actors during the film’s production. They claimed she had agreed to appear for questioning after October due to prior work commitments, referencing the rollout of her forthcoming album.
However, Swift’s attorney Douglas Baldridge refuted this in a court filing, stating that she never agreed to sit for questioning and was only contacted about it three days prior. He stressed that if forced, she could only make time during the week of 20 October, but this would be contingent on the court’s direction, not voluntary consent.
Taylor Swift has "no material role" in legal case, says lawyerGetty Images
What did the judge say about the Taylor Swift deposition bid?
Judge Lewis J. Liman denied Baldoni’s request to extend the discovery deadline to include Swift’s deposition. He ruled that Baldoni’s legal team “failed to demonstrate appropriate diligence” after waiting until this week to approach her representatives, despite having months to do so.
The judge confirmed that the discovery schedule requires all depositions to conclude by the end of September, meaning Baldoni has lost the chance to question Swift as part of the pre-trial evidence process.
Bryan Freedman, speaks to the press at US District Court after a pre-trial hearing in New York on February 3, 2025Getty Images
How has Taylor Swift responded to being named in the lawsuit?
Swift’s team has criticised Baldoni for trying to pull her into what they call a “media spectacle” despite her having no role in the case. Baldridge wrote that “since the inception of this matter, we have consistently maintained that my client has no material role in this action.”
Lively’s lawyers shared this view, accusing Baldoni of attempting to generate tabloid coverage by involving Swift. They also opposed extending the discovery period, saying any scheduling issues were caused by Baldoni’s delay, not Swift’s unavailability.
Taylor Swift and Blake Lively prior to Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City ChiefsGetty Images
What is the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit about?
The legal clash began in December when Lively accused Baldoni, her co-star and director on It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign after she complained. Baldoni denied the claims and countersued for defamation, but the judge later dismissed his countersuit as legally invalid.
U.S. judge rules Blake Lively\u2019s harassment claims were legally protected speech Getty Images
The case is heading to trial in March 2026 with only Lively’s original allegations remaining. The court previously allowed Baldoni limited access to Lively and Swift’s text messages during the discovery process but has now closed the door on deposing Swift.
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Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral
Viral clipping claimed Aamir Khan called his cameo in Coolie “a big mistake”
The image showed fabricated quotes criticising the role and script
Fact checks confirm no credible record of Aamir making such remarks
Despite mixed reactions, Coolie has crossed £41.75 million (₹500 crore) globally
Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed stars, has become the subject of a viral claim alleging he regretted his cameo in Coolie. The Rajinikanth starrer, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featured Aamir in a brief special appearance. Social media posts claimed Aamir called the cameo “a big mistake”, but fact checks have found no evidence he ever said this. The controversy surfaced as the film continues its strong box office run.
Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral Instagram/sunpictures
Did Aamir Khan really call his Coolie cameo a mistake?
The viral image doing the rounds online showed a newspaper-style clipping with quotes attributed to Aamir Khan, allegedly saying he “can’t figure out what his character was meant to do” and that it was “badly written.”
However, no verified news outlet or interview carries these remarks. The clipping has no byline, date, or publication name. Media watchdogs flagged inconsistencies in formatting and language, suggesting the content was fabricated. Reputed entertainment portals have confirmed that Aamir has not made any public comment criticising his cameo.
— (@)
What has Aamir Khan actually said about his cameo in Coolie ?
During Coolie’s promotional phase, Aamir had spoken positively about appearing alongside Rajinikanth. He described the experience as “loads of fun” and revealed he agreed to do it purely out of admiration for the veteran star.
Known for his perfectionist approach, Aamir also clarified at the time that he had not read the full script before saying yes. He emphasised that the cameo was a gesture of respect, not a creative collaboration, and that he was not involved in shaping the film’s storyline.
Despite the trolling around Aamir Khan’s appearance, Coolie has performed strongly. Industry trackers report that the film has grossed over £41.75 million (₹500 crore) worldwide. In India alone, the action thriller has earned around £28.05 million (₹336 crore), with Tamil Nadu contributing nearly £12.52 million (₹150 crore), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana around £5.84 million (₹70 crore), Karnataka £3.76 million (₹45 crore), and Kerala £2.09 million (₹25 crore).
The film opened to record-breaking figures over the Independence Day weekend before seeing a drop in weekday collections. Its overseas business has remained solid, pushing it into the year’s top-grossing Indian films.
False attributions like this can damage reputations and distort public opinion. In this case, the fake quote risked suggesting friction between Aamir Khan and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, or disappointment with Rajinikanth’s project.
— (@)
Neither Aamir nor his team has issued an official response yet, but sources close to the actor stress that he has no regrets about the cameo. The fabricated claim shows how easily misinformation can spread when presented in seemingly authentic formats.
Actor Henry Cavill injured during training before filming began on Highlander.
The remake of the 1986 fantasy-action classic will now start production in 2026.
Cast includes Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista.
Film directed by Chad Stahelski for Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists.
Injury delays production
British actor Henry Cavill has suffered an injury during pre-production training for the remake of Highlander. The incident occurred just days before filming was due to begin, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
As a result, production on the fantasy-action reboot has been pushed back and is now expected to begin in 2026.
Cavill’s career and commitment
Cavill, 42, is best known for playing Superman in Man of Steel, Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, and Sherlock Holmes in Netflix’s Enola Holmes films.
Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas earlier this year, he described himself as “a lover of the original movies, for better or worse” and said he was training intensively for the role of the immortal Scottish warrior. “If you think you’ve seen me do sword work before, you haven’t seen anything yet,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
The nature of Cavill’s injury and how it occurred have not been disclosed.
Cast and creative team
The remake is being directed by Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick series. The cast features Russell Crowe, who previously appeared alongside Cavill in Man of Steel, as well as Karen Gillan, former Doctor Who star, and Dave Bautista, recognised for roles in Dune and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.
Revisiting a cult classic
The new film revisits the 1986 Highlander, which starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. The story centres on a centuries-old conflict between immortal warriors.
The original film spawned sequels including Highlander II: The Quickening (1991), Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994), and Highlander: Endgame (2000), as well as a television spin-off series launched in 1992.
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Coldplay light up Wembley with a record 10-night run
Coldplay end their record-breaking 10-night run at Wembley Stadium
The shows are part of their global Music of the Spheres Tour
The tour has now sold over 12 million tickets worldwide
Friday’s show was rescheduled after a transport strike in London
Coldplay have celebrated their record-breaking achievement at Wembley Stadium with a dazzling finale, making headlines as they set a new benchmark for live music. The British band’s 10-night stint marked the longest run of concerts ever at the venue, cementing their legacy while also driving massive global interest in their Wembley Stadium record. The marathon shows form part of their ongoing Music of the Spheres Tour, which has already sold more than 12 million tickets worldwide.
Coldplay light up Wembley with a record 10-night run Instagram/coldplay
How many Wembley Stadium shows did Coldplay play?
Coldplay performed ten consecutive nights at Wembley, setting an unprecedented record at the UK’s largest stadium. The run surpassed previous milestones by artists such as Taylor Swift and Take That. Their run included rescheduled dates after a strike by London transport workers delayed one performance, but fans returned in force for the glittering finale.
Singer Chris Martin thanked fans from the stage, saying, “In return we’re going to play a show fifteen times better than any show we’ve ever played before.” The crowd of over 90,000 sang along to hits like Paradise, The Scientist, and Yellow, creating a sea of LED wristbands and confetti that lit up the stadium.
The concerts combined theatrical spectacle with emotional intimacy, which many fans and critics say set them apart from typical stadium shows. Each performance featured laser lights, giant inflatable planets, raining confetti, and LED wristbands that synchronised with the music to turn the audience into part of the show itself.
Martin frequently acknowledged individual fans, even those high in the top tiers, helping to dismantle the barrier between performer and audience. Venezuelan youth musicians from the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra joined Coldplay onstage, as did Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, who delivered soaring vocals on We Pray.
How successful is Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour?
The Music of the Spheres Tour has become the highest-attended tour in history, with more than 12 million tickets sold globally since it began in 2022. The Wembley shows added to that tally while proving Coldplay’s status as one of the world’s biggest live acts.
Ticket prices ranged from around £60 (₹6,600) for standard seats to over £300 (₹33,000) for premium packages, and all ten nights sold out. The group have confirmed that the tour will continue after a brief hiatus, with Martin hinting on stage that they will resume “somewhere in southern Africa in about 18 months.”
Chris Martin performs on a stop of the band's Music of the Spheres world tour at Allegiant StadiumGetty Images
Who holds the Wembley Stadium record now?
Coldplay now hold the all-time record for the most shows by a single artist at Wembley Stadium, with 16 total performances across their 2022 and 2025 runs. The previous record was held jointly by Taylor Swift and Take That, who each played eight nights.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performs on a stop of the band's Music of the Spheres world tourGetty Images
Their achievement just reinforces the band’s enduring popularity 25 years into their career, showing how they continue to draw new generations of fans. For many, the Wembley residency has, in fact, redefined what a stadium concert can feel like, less about spectacle alone and a lot more about shared joy.