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Priyanka Chopra Jonas gives a Desi twist to classic ‘Last Christmas’ for Gurinder Chadha’s new film Christmas Karma

Rahil Jamil
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Priyanka Chopra Jonas gives a Desi twist to classic ‘Last Christmas’ for Gurinder Chadha’s new film Christmas Karma

Global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas has reimagined Wham!’s timeless festive hit ‘Last Christmas’ with a distinct desi flavour for Christmas Karma, the new festive family film by acclaimed British-Indian director Gurinder Chadha. The track, which features on the Christmas Karma: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, is out now alongside the film’s UK and Ireland cinema release on November 14th via True Brit Entertainment.

With a staggering 93 million Instagram followers and an impressive list of accolades including India’s prestigious Padma Shri, recognition in Time’s 100 and the BBC 100 Women lists, and the distinction of being the first South Asian actress to win a People’s Choice Award for her role in Quantico, Chopra Jonas’s latest project marks a meaningful collaboration with a long-time friend.

Speaking about the collaboration, Chopra Jonas said: “Gurinder Chadha has been one of the very few stalwarts in entertainment that has championed stories of the Indian diaspora globally and consistently with absolute authenticity and heart. She is a dear friend and I am so happy to support her in my little way in Christmas Karma. I hope this desi twist to a song, that has long been the soundtrack of Christmas for so many of us, resonates with audiences.”

Chadha, best known for Bend It Like Beckham and Blinded By The Light, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to reimagine George Michael’s holiday classic. “I am the biggest George Michael fan, and frankly who isn’t, so I am very grateful to his estate for allowing us to put our own unique twist on his classic Christmas song,” she said. “When I called my mate Priyanka Chopra Jonas to sing our fun Hindi version, she kindly stepped in to support me and the film with her beautiful take on Last Christmas. George loved Bend It Like Beckham and invited me for tea after he saw it. I hope he will enjoy this track in heaven and all his fans around the world will sing along to the catchy Hindi vibe!”

Described as a festive, feel-good musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Christmas Karma follows Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) as Mr. Sood, a modern-day Scrooge who embarks on a magical journey guided by the Ghosts of Christmas, played by Eva Longoria, Billy Porter and Boy George. The film’s star-studded cast also includes Leo Suter, Pixie Lott, Charithra Chandran, Danny Dyer and Hugh Bonneville.

The film’s vibrant soundtrack blends gospel, bhangra, rap, Christmas carols and classic pop, celebrating Britain’s diversity through music. Alongside Chopra Jonas, the album features performances from Gary Barlow, Billy Porter, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott, Boy George and Malkit Singh, with songwriting and production credits from Nitin Sawhney, Ben Cullum, Panjabi MC and Hilmi Jaidin.

The title track, Christmas Karma, performed by Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott and Austin Howard, has already offered a glimpse into the film’s lively and heartwarming spirit.

Christmas Karma is presented by BendIt Networks in association with True Brit Entertainment and Civic Studios and releases in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 14 November.

Hiten Tejwani confirms talks about ‘Kutumb 2’ are in progress

Rahil Jamil
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Hiten Tejwani confirms talks about ‘Kutumb 2’ are in progress

Popular television actor Hiten Tejwani has hinted at the possible return of his beloved show “Kutumb” with a sequel.

Speaking about the project, Hiten revealed to IANS that discussions are currently underway. When asked about the possible revival of the popular show ‘Kutumb’, Hiten Tejwani revealed, “All the rights are with the makers and the channel, so it’s entirely their decision. Discussions are ongoing. If and when it happens, the production team will officially announce it. Let’s see how things unfold.”

Created by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, “Kutumb” earned Hiten and his wife, actress Gauri Pradhan widespread acclaim. The couple became a popular household name with their stint on the show. The daily soap originally aired from 29 October 2001 to 7 February 2003.

“Kutumb” centered on the turbulent relationship between Pratham Mittal, a wealthy and arrogant businessman, and Gauri Aggarwal, a confident and independent girl from a middle-class family. Circumstances force them into marriage, with Pratham initially tying the knot to seek revenge and complicate Gauri’s life.

Meanwhile, Hiten Tejwani is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Mano Ya Na Mano—Anything Is Possible,” where he plays the role of 14,000-year-old immortal man.

Speaking about his role, he shared, “The joy of being an actor lies in portraying different roles. Chiranjeevi is a character unlike any I’ve played before. He’s lived for fourteen thousand years, so there’s a fine balance — is he someone from the ancient world or someone who fits in with the present? Thankfully, the script was beautifully written, and I got everything I needed to bring the role alive.”

“I’ve given him my own flavor — a certain tone and personality. He’s human, a common man on the surface, but still extraordinary in his own way. And I think that simplicity connects better with audiences.”

Directed by Yogesh Pagare, the sci-fi drama will premiere on 7 November, 2025, on the SciFiIndianFilms YouTube Channel.

Meghan Markle makes her acting comeback with a cameo in comedy film Close Personal Friends

Rahil Jamil
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Meghan Markle makes her acting comeback with a cameo in comedy film Close Personal Friends

According to Variety, Meghan Markle will be featured in the upcoming comedy film titled ‘Close Personal Friends’, also starring Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, Brie Larson, and Henry Golding.

Even though Meghan Markle will be seen in a small cameo role, details surrounding her character have been kept under wraps. The film’s shooting is currently underway in Los Angeles.

Speaking about the Duchess of Sussex’s part, a source told People, “Meghan was on the set today. She has a small part. She seemed very relaxed and happy. She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth.”

Among other cast members are Melissa Villasenor, Natasha Demetriou, Anna Konkle, Patti Harrison, Jack Shalloo, and Dustin Demri-Burns.

‘Close Personal Friends’ reportedly focuses on the story of a “regular” couple that meets a celebrity couple during their trip to Santa Barbara.

However, it is when the two couples become friends that things start getting awkward and lines are crossed.

Directed by Jason Orley, the film’s screenplay comes from Isaac Aptaker, who is also producing alongside Elizabeth Berger.

The film marks Meghan Markle’s first return to acting since she became a part of the royal family. She exited ‘Suits’ eight years ago, after announcing her engagement to Prince Harry. “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set,” another source added, as quoted by People.

Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. They are currently splitting their time between Santa Barbara and the UK with the kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Ramsha Khan: “I was sweating backstage”, how Pakistan’s rom-com queen stayed grounded while cooking up her next big move

Emaan Khan
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Ramsha Khan: “I was sweating backstage”, how Pakistan’s rom-com queen stayed grounded while cooking up her next big move

When Ramsha Khan talks about her night at the Hum Awards, she doesn’t open with glitz. She starts with sweat.

“I legit… was the most anxious before going on stage,” she says, laughing at herself. “I was very hot, like, what is happening?”

She had been performing and hosting that evening, so most of her time was spent darting between the stage and backstage chaos. Still, one thing managed to melt her nerves: Humayun Saeed’s performance. “It was so cute,” she says, grinning. “I was looking forward to it actually.”

The humour in her voice tells you a lot about her. She doesn’t pretend to be unfazed by fame. She’s the girl who giggles through awkwardness and turns it into a story.

Finding herself in Nisa

Ramsha’s latest hit Biryani has brought her a new wave of attention. The drama’s mix of comedy, warmth and heartbreak centres on Nisa, a woman who knows her worth, and insists others do too.

“She is everything that I want to be as a woman,” Ramsha says. “So assertive and so, you know… the self-respect peak. I wish I was like her.”

She lights up when she recalls her favourite moment from filming. “It has to be the dinner scene with Rocket,” she says, still laughing. “The actor who played him was also our AD. He kept improvising lines, very provocative lines, and I was constantly giggling. I couldn’t stop. That’s one of my funniest memories.”

There’s a reason audiences connect with her: she doesn’t separate herself from the characters she plays.

Love from London, grounding at home

Ramsha’s fame stretches far beyond Pakistan. With 3.5 million Instagram followers and a growing fan base in the UK, she was genuinely surprised by the response when she visited London.

“I was not expecting so much love and respect,” she says. “I stay in my bubble, I don’t go out much. So when people recognised me there, it was a shock, in a good way.”

Her fans flood her comments with affection, and she admits she turns to them on hard days. “If I’m having a bad day, I just look at my Instagram comments,” she says, smiling. “My day gets better.”

Still, she’s quick to add that her life at home is the opposite of celebrity chaos. “When I go home, nobody talks about work,” she says. “We don’t talk about the industry or fame. My mom thinks I’m the biggest and bestest actor in Pakistan, but she’ll still go, ‘Hello, what happened?’”

It’s a warm, teasing family dynamic that keeps her steady. “My friends aren’t from the industry either,” she says. “That’s how I stay grounded.”

Looking ahead

Ramsha has played romantic leads, comedic heroines and even an army officer. Now, she wants something new. “I want to do something related to action,” she says. “Something different. Let’s manifest that!”

And when she looks back five years, her proudest achievement isn’t a role, it’s a mindset. “I’m proud that I didn’t let this world mess me up,” she says quietly. “I still see good in people. I believe there’s always good in everyone.”

That mixture of optimism and humour might just be her superpower. In a world of carefully curated images, Ramsha Khan still sounds like someone you could share biryani and a good conversation with.

Amitabh Bachchan’s voice sets the stage for the epic war drama 120 Bahadur

Rahil Jamil
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Amitabh Bachchan’s voice sets the stage for the epic war drama 120 Bahadur

Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios unveil the official trailer of 120 Bahadur, a gripping war drama based on the Battle of Rezang La, showcasing the courage and resilience of soldiers against all odds

The much-awaited trailer of 120 Bahadur opens with the iconic voice of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, his deep, resonant narration setting the tone for an epic saga of courage, sacrifice, and timeless heroism. The voiceover itself transforms the trailer into a cinematic experience, heightening the pride and emotion behind this extraordinary story. From the very first frame, the trailer grips you with its scale and emotion, a  visual spectacle that celebrates the indomitable spirit of India’s bravest soldiers. The transitions are seamless, the background score thunderous, and the emotion deeply stirring, making it not just a trailer, but an experience that stays with you.

After surprising industry and fans alike with their striking build-up, Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios have unveiled the grand trailer of 120 Bahadur.

The makers took to their official Instagram to share – “Based on a true story that shaped our nation’s history, 120 Bahadur – Trailer out now. #120Bahadur #EkSauBeesBahadur. Special thanks: Mr. @amitabhbachchan Sir.”

The trailer offers a breathtaking glimpse into the Battle of Rezang La, a defining moment in Indian military history, where 120 soldiers of Charlie Company stood their ground against 3000 enemy troops. One of the most awaited trailers of the year, it unfolds with sweeping grandeur and emotional power, where every frame looks larger than life, capturing both the scale of war and the soul of sacrifice. Farhan Akhtar, as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC, commands every frame with striking poise and intensity.

The film also stars Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh and senior officers Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan — bringing together an ensemble cast that adds depth and authenticity to this powerful war narrative.

The visuals, scale, and emotion come together to create a truly cinematic spectacle, echoing the spirit of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism.

Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios), 120 Bahadur releases in cinemas on November 21, 2025.

Riz Ahmed opens up about representation and his view on the film industry

Rahil Jamil
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Riz Ahmed opens up about representation and his view on the film industry

Venom, Four Lions and Night Crawler actor Riz Ahmed joined Haroon Rashid on BBC Asian Network to discuss his new film, storytelling, being robbed, his views on representation in the industry and on having to work harder than some of his acting peers.

Throughout his interview he shared some quotes on South Asian representation in the indsutry but also how South Asians having to work harder than a white actor.

On representation in the industry

“I felt I wanted to represent people that didn’t feel represented, not least myself and the younger version of myself, you know. I remembered when we’d see a brown person on tv and everyone in the household would be like ‘oh Asian, Asian’ and you’d stop what you were doing, run downstairs, see who’s on tv, right, you remember those days? So of course, I’m aware it’s meaningful because I’ve grown up in a culture where I felt unseen, so I want people to feel seen.

However, I’ve kinda changed my thinking on it a lot right now at this point because I’ve realised that the whole idea that one person can represent a community is kinda nonsensical. We’re so complex, we’re so infinitely varied, we’re so diverse, and that’s true of all comminates. I think the thing that I’m trying to focus on now rather than representing for other people, is to really present myself honestly.”

“You know the American Nigerian writer Teju Cole says that what people want from a piece of art or an artist is to feel a sense of freedom and I think representation and so much of the conversation around that can be like I’m representing other people because we demand liberation and now, I just want to be liberated, I just want to embody that. I want to be the change that I want to see and not talk about the change someone else can give me.So really what I’m thinking is like if I can do me without feeling a sense of responsibility to anyone then actually that’s the most transformative thing, that’s the most transformative energy to put out there.”

On having to work harder than a white actor

“It’s interesting, I think that everyone’s gift is their curse, I believe that deeply. I believe that everyone’s curse is their gift and I think that sometimes if the obstacles in front of you are something that you take as not just a curse but as a gift, if you think of them as opportunities for you to grow and for you to also challenge the culture to grow, that’s a beautiful thing.”

“It’s interesting, the same thing that makes my journey harder is also the same thing that I believe makes it more meaningful for myself and others. And I probably wouldn’t swap that out you know? I’d probably want to have a slightly harder journey that people connect to more deeply and carries a bit more meaning.”

“I think when you’re trying to change culture that’s not going to come easy, that’s kinda what I feel I’m here to do, that’s what I feel that Storytelling at its best can do, you know to take  people out of their comfort zone to overturn peoples assumptions  and you know, kind of shake things up a little bit. And it’s always going to be met with some resistance, some of that’s overt resistance, some of that is just laziness, some of that is just unfamiliarity. Like I said, like you could say should, things should be different, things could be different. I’m really interested in trying to embrace the beauty of the struggles that we do face and to me it is a beautiful struggle, to me it is imbued with deep meaning and resonance.”

Kunaal Roy Kapur: Feel younger, older generations today are living in isolated bubbles

Rahil Jamil
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Kunaal Roy Kapur: Feel younger, older generations today are living in isolated bubbles

Actor Kunaal Roy Kapur, who stars in a show “Thode Door Thode Paas” in which a family gives up technology to live like it’s the 1970s and 1980s, says feels both the younger and older generations today are living in isolated bubbles.

Kunaal said: We were all more comfortable being bored when we were growing up. That led us to pursue interests, and left more time for human interaction. I feel both the younger and older generations today are living in isolated bubbles. If people can just learn to straighten their necks and look up.. out into the world , look at each other again that would be wonderful. ”

Talking about the idea of living without technology, he said it would be a near-impossible challenge in modern times, he said: “Quite impossible for anyone today. We feel so anxious if we even leave our phone at home, it’s like we are lost or without a limb.”

“It’s what connects us to work, personal life, entertainment, so being cut off from all forms would be very challenging. It would really demand a reimagining of one’s life and how you spend your time.”

Asked what he would miss the most and what he might enjoy rediscovering, Kunal shared: “I think my phone. As a freelance actor, it’s where your work comes from. waiting for the phone to ring with news of a good project… It’s how I communicate with family and friends, so definitely the phone.”

He added: “I think spending time reading books, taking photographs or drawing, even cooking. I do these things, but without any distractions I would do a lot more.”

The show also stars Pankaj Kapur and Mona Singh. The upcoming slice-of-life dramedy series is all set to premiere digitally on 7 November.

The show, which will be streaming on ZEE5, is set against a warm, nostalgic backdrop, the series takes viewers back to a time when conversations were genuine, patience was a virtue, and family time didn’t need Wi-Fi.

Thode Door Thode Paas serves as a timely reminder that sometimes, stepping away from screens can bring people closer. The show is produced by Manish Trehan, Shailesh Sanghvi, Nailesh Gada, and directed by Ajay Bhuyan.

‘Thode Door Thode Paas’ will stream on ZEE5 from 7 November.

Kristen Stewart slams Hollywood’s treatment of women filmmakers

Rahil Jamil
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Kristen Stewart slams Hollywood’s treatment of women filmmakers

Kristen Stewart discussed the representation of women filmmakers and whether they are receiving their due in Hollywood during the keynote address at the Academy and Chanel’s Women’s Luncheon in Los Angeles, according to Variety.

“In a post-MeToo moment, it seemed possible that stories made by and for women were finally getting their due, that we might be allowed or even encouraged to express ourselves and our shared experiences, all of our experiences without filter,” she said after being introduced by Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor, adding, “But I can now attest to the bare-knuckle brawling that it takes every step of the way when the content is too dark, too taboo, when the frankness with which it serves up observations about experiences routinely experienced by women, frequently provokes disgust and rejection.”

According to Variety, she argued that these experiences are authentic and deserve to be told with authenticity.

Stewart added, “I am in a severe state of PMS today…But I relish being able to say that my nerves are close to the surface of my skin, and it is a great day for that.”

She went on to say, “We can discuss wage gaps and taxes on tampons and measure [inequality] in lots of quantifiable ways, but the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I can eat this podium with a fork and fucking knife. I’m so angry.”

Stewart said, “The backsliding from a brief moment of progress is statistically devastating. It is devastating. Such a pitiful number of films from the past year have been made by women. We obviously need many more women’s luncheons in our lives. We need to become ladies who lunch all the fucking time,” according to Variety.

She continued, “There are too few of us. We’re all here together now, and it seems like there’s a lot, Jesus Christ, there’s not. It’s not our fault. Sure, our business is in a state of emergency, man, and you know the last thing that I wanna do here is lose the celebration under a pile of pissed off rubble. We are allowed to be proud of ourselves and maybe to allow each other to reclaim the gratitude we’ve all become talented at performing and really taste it from the inside out.”

Stewart received loud applause in her seven-minute speech.

“I am thankful to you,” she said. “I am not grateful to a boys’ club business model that pretends to want to hang out with us while siphoning our resources and belittling our true perspectives. Let’s try not to be tokenised. Let’s start printing our own currency,” according to Variety.

AR Rahman unveils Rooh-e-Noor, an all-women band celebrating Indian music

Rahil Jamil
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AR Rahman unveils Rooh-e-Noor, an all-women band celebrating Indian music

Music maestro AR Rahman has launched Rooh-e-Noor, an all-women band.

The band has been formed under the leadership of AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman.

As per a press note, Rooh-e-Noor is a six-member all-women vocal ensemble launched under Rahman’s KM Musiq audio label, with Kannika Urs helming the project as Project Head.

The ensemble comprising of musicians Pooja Tiwari, Sana Aziz, Shaoni, Khatija Rahman, Amina Rafiq, and Shifa Ruby, Rooh-e-Noor (meaning “Soul of Light”) embodies the transformative power of women’s voices to heal, inspire, and uplift. Also part of the bands production team include, Vocal Trainers Pooja Tiwari and Shaoni, Amina Rafiq and Shifa Ruby leading the music supervision and music production by Sana Aziz, Sarthak Kalyani and Nakul Abhyankar.

Speaking about the ensemble, A.R. Rahman shared, “Rooh-e-Noor isn’t just a band, it’s a light that connects hearts. Each of these women carries the confidence of modern artistry. Their collective voice is pure, powerful, rooted, and futuristic.”

The all-women band is set to make their World Premiere debut at the Tanweer Festival on November 21st in Sharjah.

Rooh-e-Noor aspires to “uplift hearts and inspire a new generation of women artists to take centre stage, shining through music that celebrates empowerment and unity.”

Shailene Woodley to star in psychological thriller ‘Ultra’

Rahil Jamil
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Shailene Woodley to star in psychological thriller ‘Ultra’

The film, written and directed by Victoria Negri, will be produced by Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read for Savage Rose Films, alongside Iris Torres. Executive producers are Andrew Kortschak and Lisa Ciuffetti for End Cue, and Toby Halbrooks for Sailor Bear.

According to the official synopsis, “Following the tragic death of her twin sister, Eve (Woodley) enters into the most intense athletic endeavour on the planet: the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race through Death Valley, where temperatures reach 54 degrees Celsius. As Eve takes on the unforgiving elements and the intense physical and psychological strain of the race, she finds herself pursued by an unknown runner in white, who consistently closes the gap between them as they surge through the desert. Trying to outrun the ominous presence, Eve will face the darkest parts of herself and uncover what she is made of,” according to Deadline.

“Tragic circumstances, for better or worse, are transformative, and Ultra is a film born from that experience,” Negri said of the film. “My father was a distance runner, left paralysed by a stroke. Running, the thing that gave him life, was taken from him. He suffered and finally succumbed. While finding my emotional footing, I developed into an ultrarunner, having completed two 100-mile races, numerous 50-mile races, and many marathons. It’s through testing my limits in each of these epic races that I process loss, physical pain being the greatest metaphor for the emotional,” as per the outlet.

Negri added that Ultra will be a “visceral descent into inner turmoil, as our protagonist Eve is unable to confront the loss that chases her down in the unforgiving desert of Death Valley, during the world’s toughest footrace: the monumentally challenging Badwater 135 Ultramarathon,” as quoted by Deadline.

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