EVERY year amazing new stars appear in the music sky and one of the brightest to emerge in 2020 is Zainab Haya Pasha.
The talented Pakistani singer, songwriter and composer released her debut single Baarish earlier this month to critical acclaim and early indications are she is one to look out for in the future. The young artist is focused on making great music and has more songs on the way.
Eastern Eye continues its long tradition of featuring exciting new music talents by catching up with Zainab Haya Pasha to talk about her stunning debut single, influences, future plans and inspirations.
What was it that first connected you to music?
Growing up, my parents (and other family members) used to listen to a lot of music and sing all the time. My sisters and I would fall asleep listening to lullabies and songs that my mother, and aunt would sing for us. I think music has always just been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't think there's one particular moment I can point out and say, ‘oh that's when I connected with music’. I think it's just always been a part of my soul.
Who were your big musical influences growing up?
I had very diverse musical experiences growing up, from Elvis Presley and John Denver to Strings and Nazia Hassan, to the Disney channel stars, to Kishore Kumar. When you have a family that's obsessed with music, not all of them will have the same taste. So I grew up with a little bit from every possible genre.
You have written and performed Baarish and had a great team working on the song. What inspired it?
I've had quite a journey with it, honestly. When I was told I needed to send out an original demo, I was actually really nervous because I had never written anything in Urdu before. The rain is something I love, maybe even a tad bit more than music. There was a beat playing in a loop and all I could think about was the rain, and how it makes me feel. So I wrote it all down and created Baarish. It was the first time I wrote something and did it in almost three hours. The song shows the world how much the rain means to me and what it makes me feel.
How did you feel when the song was released?
I was nervous and excited. For me, the new chapter in my life started the second I heard the final version of the song. It's never been about whether the song will become popular or whether people would like it. Before it came out, I was pretty confident that whoever it does reach, it will touch their hearts, even if just 10 people were listening to it. The nervousness was more about how my voice would sound out there in the world for people to hear. It was the good kind of nervousness.
Tell us about the video and the inspiration behind it?
The video was about me being in my own little world. I wanted to be on my own, do my own thing, and show that to everyone. As Marya (Javed), who was the director, said while shooting, ‘We're taking you on a date with yourself’. I wanted the video to be highly stylised and I wanted to have fun and be myself. Marya and her team did a great job and captured everything so beautifully. The video for this song was a dream come true, thanks to Studio M, and my uncle and aunt.
Who are you hoping will connect with this song?
I feel like anyone who listens to the song will connect to it. The lyrics will mean different things to different people. Of course, those with a love for rain or anything remotely close to rainy weather will connect to it, but I think the song means more than that. My uncle said to me that this is a song that everyone will connect to. He didn't just say that because he's my uncle, but because it's true. I genuinely believe people will love it if they listen and connect to it.
What is your musical master plan going forward?
I don't think there's any master plan. I think I'm just going to keep working on music and try and put out songs regularly. I'm just going to stay focused. My musical master plan is motivated by the constant love and support I get from my family and friends. It pushes me to stay focused and I want to keep at it. It's only the beginning.
Which artists would you love to collaborate with?
Strings – hands down, they are my first choice. My love for this band and respect for their music is just beyond anything you can imagine. My second choice would be Aarish. I genuinely love their music and I'm possibly their number one fan.
What kind of music dominates your personal collection?
Like I said, I have very diverse tastes. Good music for me isn't one particular genre. To me, good music is anything that sounds good, brings a smile to my face and makes me dance. So I have a pretty diverse playlist.
What inspires you as an artist?
The people around me, the vibe I surround myself with, and the hard-working and talented artists and musicians I know. Not just them, but the creative people I know. Creativity is a beautiful gift. I keep myself around people who are creative. I'm blessed with a creatively inclined family as well, so I guess all these things inspire me.
Finally, why do you love music?
You don't need a reason to love music. Music is a universal language and it helps tell stories, express feelings, spread love and helps people get through things every single day. Music is a way of life.
Vismaya Mohanlal to debut in Thudakkam, helmed by Jude Anthany Joseph.
The Malayalam film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas.
Mohanlal and Pranav Mohanlal posted heartfelt messages welcoming Vismaya to cinema.
Vismaya is also a published poet and visual artist with a book titled Grains of Stardust.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s daughter, Vismaya Mohanlal, is stepping into cinema with Thudakkam, a Malayalam feature directed by 2018 filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph. The announcement, made on social media by her father and production house Aashirvad Cinemas, marks Vismaya’s formal entry into acting after years of working quietly as a poet and artist.
Vismaya Mohanlal transitions from poetry and art to acting in ThudakkamInstagram/mayamohanlal
Jude Anthany Joseph teams up with Aashirvad Cinemas for Thudakkam
The upcoming film Thudakkam is being produced by Aashirvad Cinemas, the renowned banner behind many of Mohanlal’s blockbusters. Director Jude Anthany Joseph, known for 2018: Everyone Is a Hero, said he felt a personal responsibility when entrusted with Vismaya’s debut.
“It’s a humble film, but one made from the heart,” he shared, promising to honour the trust shown by Mohanlal and his wife, Suchitra. Details about the film’s plot and cast remain under wraps, though early hints suggest an action-driven storyline, possibly tapping into Vismaya’s martial arts background.
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Vismaya Mohanlal brings her artistic journey to screen
Before venturing into films, Vismaya carved a creative path through literature and painting. In 2021, she published Grains of Stardust, a collection of poems and illustrations that offered glimpses into her introspective world. Written in a raw, spontaneous style, many of the poems were jotted down during subway rides or inspired by fleeting moments in nature.
Her brother, actor Pranav Mohanlal, encouraged her to compile them into a book. With both siblings now in the film industry, Thudakkam also adds to the growing list of second-generation talents in Malayalam cinema, including Dulquer Salmaan, Keerthy Suresh, and Kalidas Jayaram.
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Glen Powell stars in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man based on Stephen King’s dystopian thriller
• Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright.
• Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel and a remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film.
• Powell plays a desperate father competing in a televised death game to save his daughter.
• The action-thriller hits cinemas on 7 November 2025 via Paramount Pictures.
Glen Powell races against time in The Running Man, the latest high-stakes action film from director Edgar Wright. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, the story reimagines the cult 1987 film through a modern lens. Powell stars as Ben Richards, a working-class father who enters a violent, state-sponsored game show to fund his daughter’s medical treatment, but quickly becomes a national sensation and a symbol of rebellion.
Edgar Wright’s high-energy vision for Stephen King’s dystopia
Wright, known for Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, employs his signature fast-paced style here. The film is set in a bleak future where contestants, or “Runners,” must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins called “Hunters.” The entire ordeal is broadcast to a bloodthirsty audience, with each day increasing the prize money and the danger. Powell’s character gains unexpected popularity, forcing the game’s creators to reckon with the monster they’ve built.
Josh Brolin plays the charismatic yet ruthless producer Dan Killian, while Colman Domingo appears as host Bobby Thompson. The ensemble cast also includes Katy O’Brian as a fellow contestant, Lee Pace as a top-tier Hunter, and Michael Cera as a rogue insider aiding Richards.
Glen Powell’s rise continues with another genre-bending role
Following recent hits like Hit Man, Anyone but You, and Twisters, Glen Powell continues his streak with The Running Man. His role as Ben Richards combines grit, heart, and defiance, positioning him as a reluctant hero challenging a corrupt system.
The screenplay, co-written by Wright and Michael Bacall, blends action, satire, and social commentary. With a stellar cast and Wright’s kinetic direction, The Running Man is poised to be a major autumn release.
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Diddy trial recap as jury reviews Cassie testimony and flags juror concern
Jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial sends fifth note to judge.
Concern raised about one juror’s ability to follow instructions; judge advises deliberations to continue.
Jurors request transcripts of Cassie Ventura and Daniel Phillip’s testimonies.
Combs faces five charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, and could face life in prison.
Jurors in the high-profile criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have raised new concerns as deliberations continue, sending a fifth note to the judge questioning whether one juror can follow instructions. The jury also asked to review key testimonies from singer Cassie Ventura and witness Daniel Phillip, signalling the complexity and weight of the decision they face.
Diddy trial jury raises alarm over juror and demands key witness testimoniesGetty Images
Jury seeks witness transcripts in Diddy sex trafficking trial
On the second day of deliberations, the jury asked to review four specific pieces of testimony: three from Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and one from male stripper Daniel Phillip. The requests relate to critical events, including an incident at the InterContinental Hotel and a Cannes Film Festival encounter.
The defence and prosecution are currently negotiating which parts of these testimonies should be submitted to the jury. Combs, who has denied all charges, remained in court as the latest note was read and legal teams reconvened.
The jury’s focus on testimony details suggests they are carefully weighing evidence linked to the most serious allegations, including coerced sexual encounters allegedly orchestrated by Combs as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy.
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at federal courtGetty Images
Concerns over juror raise questions during deliberations
Just hours into the first day of deliberations, the jury sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian expressing concern that one juror “cannot follow” legal instructions. That juror, reportedly a scientist by profession, had earlier described the trial as a “good break” during voir dire.
Judge Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberating, reminding them of their duty to follow court instructions. Legal experts say such internal jury issues can complicate proceedings but are not uncommon in high-stakes trials.
Sean 'Puffy' Combs arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court in 2001Getty Images
If found guilty, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. The charges include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting women for prostitution. The trial, now in its final phase, has drawn intense public interest and influencer coverage outside the Manhattan courthouse.
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Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Sardaar Ji 3 set for overseas release only
Sardaar Ji 3 rakes in £275,000 (₹3 crore) on opening day in Pakistan, surpassing Sultan.
Diljit Dosanjh responds to backlash: “When we shot the film, everything was fine.”
Film was not released in India due to controversy over Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s casting.
Worldwide opening weekend collection touches £1.6 million (₹18.1 crore).
The Punjabi-language horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has become the highest-grossing Indian film ever released in Pakistan. Despite being banned in India, the film grossed £275,000 (₹3 crore) on its opening day and £825,000 (₹9 crore) over the first weekend in Pakistan alone.
The movie was released internationally on 27 June but did not receive clearance in India due to political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Its success across the border has reignited debates around cross-border cultural collaborations and censorship.
Sardaar Ji 3 Pakistan box office collection sets new benchmark
Despite ongoing tensions and a ban on Indian films in Pakistan since 2019, Sardaar Ji 3 was cleared by the Pakistani censor board and released nationwide. The opening day collections broke the previous record held by Salman Khan’s Sultan, which had earned £265,000 (₹2.9 crore) on day one in 2016.
Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading cinema distributor in Karachi, called it “the best opening for any Indian or Pakistani film in recent years,” adding that school holidays and the lack of quality cinema had contributed to packed halls.
Diljit Dosanjh shared videos of audience reactions from Pakistan on his Instagram, celebrating the overwhelming support while refraining from commenting directly on the boycott in India.
Diljit Dosanjh defends overseas release, says “situation changed after shoot”
The controversy stems from the casting of Hania Aamir, which violated the Indian film workers’ ban on Pakistani artists. Actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly defended Dosanjh, criticising attempts to scapegoat him for political gain.
Speaking in an interview, Dosanjh clarified, “We shot the film in February when everything was fine. After the attack, the producers knew they couldn’t release it in India. They’ve spent a lot on this film, and releasing it overseas is the only way to recover costs.”
Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram the most meaningful role of his career during his final-day speech.
Ramayana: Part 1 shoot wraps after an extensive schedule led by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, is seen sharing an emotional hug with Ranbir on set.
The film is set to release in cinemas during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.
The filming of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has officially come to an end. Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the ambitious mythological film, delivered a heartfelt speech during the wrap ceremony, calling it the most significant role of his career. A now-viral behind-the-scenes video captures Ranbir hugging his co-star Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, as the cast and crew celebrated the emotional milestone.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
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Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram his most meaningful role
In a clip circulating on social media, Ranbir Kapoor can be seen standing before the full cast and crew on the final day of the shoot. Addressing the team, he expressed deep gratitude for being part of what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime” project. “Portraying Lord Ram has been the most meaningful role of my life,” he said, standing beside Ravi Dubey, who portrays Lakshman. Ranbir also thanked co-stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and others, acknowledging their contribution to the massive production.
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Director Nitesh Tiwari also addressed the gathering with an emotional speech, which was met with cheers and applause. Videos from the day show a close-knit crew cutting a cake and capturing candid moments, one of which was Ranbir embracing Ravi in a warm hug.
Ramayana Part 1 set for Diwali 2026 release
With filming now complete, Ramayana: Part 1 is set to enter post-production. The star-studded cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, with Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG handling visual effects.
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The first instalment is expected to hit theatres during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 planned for a Diwali 2027 release. An official poster reveal is expected on 3 July, as anticipation builds for what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological sagas.