Showing posts with label Lilly Singh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lilly Singh. Show all posts
After saying ‘feminism f***** up our society’, Nora Fatehi says people missed ‘the context’
10:25 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 12, 2026)
Actor Nora Fatehi has addressed the backlash over her earlier remarks on feminism, saying her comments were taken out of context and amplified through social media clips. Speaking to Lilly Singh on her podcast, Nora said the conversation around her views was “blown out of proportion”.
“I had a podcast last year where we spoke about feminism, and then small clips came out on reels and TikTok and got blown up. People miss the context,” she said, adding that she is opposed to “extremism” rather than feminism itself.
Nora, who was raised by a single parent, said her views are shaped by her personal experiences: “I know how important it is to have the presence of two parents, whether it’s a mom and a dad, or two moms or two dads… a family that offers security, love, attention and discipline. That’s what I advocate for.”
She added that she approaches the issue from a child’s perspective. “I would have loved to grow up in a home with two parents because that emotional baggage can spill over into adulthood. I would hate for us to live in a world where people stop valuing families,” she said.
At the same time, Nora emphasised the need for balance. “Get your money, fulfil your dreams and work hard. But we also need an environment where men are accountable and step up. Why can’t we be independent, strong and still need each other? Why can’t we share and create balance?” she said.
Her clarification comes months after her comments on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, where she had said, “This idea of ‘I don’t need anybody’… I don’t believe in this. In fact, I think feminism messed up our society completely,” drawing mixed reactions online.
In Hollywood, diversity has taken a step backwards-Lilly Singh
8:39 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 29, 2025)
Across 15 years, comedian, author and actor Lilly Singh has risen from a glittering digital sensation to a commanding voice in mainstream entertainment. Humour may be her forte, but her conscientious social awareness sets her apart. A fierce advocate for gender equality and the first woman of colour to host a U.S. late-night show, she remains a disruptor who refuses to fit into a mold. In India to film a new season of her podcast Shame Less With Lilly Singh, featuring diverse Indian celebrities, Bombay Times caught up with the pop culture trailblazer and diehard Bollywood fan for some heart-to-heart. Excerpts...
"There is more awareness about the power and reach of digital creators today, but I think there's still work to be done in terms of the respect they get. A lot of times even the biggest of digital creators are viewed by brands or agencies as just numbers or stats or demographics. You won’t describe actors that way”
There are so many podcasts these days. You are shooting your new season here. What draws you to this medium?
I know what it feels like to be asked redundant, surface level questions. I have been subjected to, ‘When are you getting married or tell us about your future projects’ grind, so I know what not to ask. I like to go deeper. I like to be asked about my fears, insecurities, anxieties and hope. The beauty of a conversation is like, oh, you said something and I'm hearing it. And now I'm picking your brain on this thing you said. It's less about interviewing people and more about having a conversation. We're expecting some heavy hitters on my show for sure. I am a huge Bollywood fan but we're trying to expand our show to other fields of life so it's not just going to be about actors and actresses.
You were awarded an honorary doctorate degree from York University recently. In your speech you said life rarely follows a straight path. ‘Having it all figured out is a myth’. Has that been your journey, too?
I was thinking when I was graduating, what do I wish someone had told me? And I think at that age, you really have a delusion around thinking you have things figured out. In your 20s, you're like, I know what I like and don't like, what my career is going to be and who I am as a person. But you really don't. We are constantly evolving in our life. I don't think we ever actually completely know who we are, especially at that age. I am York alumna, and I wanted to give the grads an idea that whatever degree they pursued, might not be their future job. I don't know a single person whose degree is the thing that they're doing. It’s Important to embrace that flexibility.
You started on YouTube 15 years ago, when it was not really a big thing. Today digital and social media are mainstream. Is there more respect for this profession (bloggers, influencers) today as opposed to 15 years ago?
I do think people understand it more now. I no longer get asked how do you make money on YouTube? How can you have a career? People understand the profession more now. There is more awareness about the power and reach of creators, but I think there's still work to be done in terms of the respect they get. A lot of times even the biggest of digital creators are viewed by brands- or agencies as just numbers or stats or demographics. You won’t describe actors that way. It’s not mentally healthy for people to just be known for their online following. It’s not the right message to send across.
There’s also a debate on casting being influenced by a talent’s social media following. Good acting should get you an acting part, isn’t it? What’s your take on that?
I'm privileged in the sense that it's never personally happened to me. Maybe that's because I have a big online following, so maybe I'm on the other side of that. I think it's a greater conversation, as casting directors, the people that make decisions, they care about way too many things. Like, oh, this show will become too diverse if this person gets cast, or this person doesn't look this way. There are too many factors at play. It should just be about whether this person embodies this part. We need to go back to art a little bit. We've commercialized and made everything into a business.
You’ve always been at the forefront of this fight for diversity and representation in Hollywood. Is there more room for South Asian actors in the west now?
If I were to invite all the brown people in Hollywood today, I will have a full house. But if you ask any of them if it is easier for them to be cast or make movies, their answer will be no. In fact, in Hollywood diversity has taken a step backwards. It’s even harder than before. There was a period when executives felt guilty about diversity, and they did some diverse stuff, but we have gone back to making movies on white people. I go to the theatre all the time and play this game. I hang on for the previews and make note of how many films have exclusively white people. Five out of eight trailers will only have white people. You don’t need all white casting for stories to be told. So, I do think that we are taking steps backwards. But not to be too pessimistic, I do think that there's a lot of desis in Hollywood now, who are fighting this. Listen, I'm super grateful. I cannot complain about my career. I get to do cool things, but I don't think people realize how hard it is behind the scenes. Everyday, I am fighting with people to get stories made, to get stories made, to get finance, distribution, to get a budget that makes making a movie even possible. Everything is a challenge.
You use humour as a social dialogue, way beyond entertainment. What's your take on this standard critique that women are not funny enough?
I don't think anyone needs to be anything. People should do what's right for them. In my personal life or career, I've always used comedy. I think it makes things a lot easier. People don’t like to be told what to do so humour helps. Not every joke you tell has to impact culture and break patriarchy. Sometimes it's also just about being human. And people who say, women are not funny enough? They are dumb. You know what's so funny about the women aren't funny remark? It makes me laugh because comedy is subjective. I'm going to find something funny. You're not going to find it funny. It’ fine. When someone goes, oh, you're not funny because I didn't find you funny. Like, baby boy, this is not for you, Ben. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for this person over here. Why do you think you matter?
We have seen you with Reese Witherspoon, Priyanka Chopra. You are a girl’s girl. How important is sisterhood in your life?
Female friendship has always been important to me but at 37, sisterhood is everything to me. Because women have unique experiences that not everyone can understand. They see your pain. There’s so much empathy. Female friendship makes me most seen. Growing up, I was never taught this, but we should talk about finances, contract, how did we achieve this or that if we wish to progress together. So many women have inspired me. I mean, my mom is here. Malala Yousafzai is so inspiring. Priyanka Chopra’s fierce foray and transition to Hollywood. She fought battles that most of us don’t even know. Emma Watson’s gender advocacy... I am standing on the shoulders of these women.
For a non-Mumbaikar you are quite filmy. Tell us about your take on the city and Bollywood.
Mumbai holds a special place in my heart. I have been here a bunch of time. As a kid I would only visit Punjab when iI would come to India as that’s where my family is. I came to Mumbai the first time in 2013-2014 and it's a core memory for me because I was invited to Mannat and I also met Madhuri Dixit. I have that same giddy feeling now. I love the people here and the jugaad that happens. Everyone genuinely believes that tension nahi leneka, everything is workable. I find that inspiring and amusing because I am always tense. As far as Bollywood is concerned, I am obsessed! I was raised exclusively on Bollywood in Toronto. My first movie, my first concert, all Bollywood. Which is why, when I do auditions in Hollywood now, they're always like, ‘your facial expressions, your timing, it's all a little dramatic’ (laughed). I would love to do a Bollywood film! Karan, are you listening?
Shah Rukh Khan gave me one of his blazers. I still have it-Lilly Singh
10:00 AM
Lilly Singh reflects on an earlier visit to SRK’s Mannat, her current work trip to Mumbai and why South Asian visibility in Hollywood still needs a push
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 23, 2025)
Actor, producer and writer Lilly Singh, who rose to global fame as a social media creator, is in Mumbai catching up with some of Indian cinema’s biggest names for her podcast. Although she has visited before, she says she is still learning how the city works: “People told me it’s hard to confirm things. They said, ‘Tension mat lo, things will happen’. As a control freak, that was new for me. But with that flexibility comes the magic of jugaad. I even tell my team in Los Angeles to use jugaad, pretend you are in Mumbai and make it happen.”
One of her fondest Mumbai memories is from an earlier trip when Shah Rukh Khan hosted her at Mannat. A lifelong fan who grew up “manifesting SRK energy,” she calls it one of her greatest days. “Every time I sit in an auto, the driver says, ‘That’s Shah Rukh Khan’s house.’ I say, ‘Oh really,’ and keep quiet. I met his family, had lunch there, and he even gave me one of his blazers. I still have it.”
Talking about Hollywood, she says South Asian representation has slowed. She says, “We were taking steps forward but now we are stepping backwards. When I first moved to LA, it was hard to even find other desis. Now my Diwali party is full of South Asians, but it still doesn’t make it easier to get projects made. There are not enough roles for us. My last film was independently financed because that’s how things get made without studio backing.”
She adds that working as an actor, writer and producer is challenging, especially in Hollywood. “Most of the crew does not look like me or understand the culture. It puts extra responsibility on the producer. When I hosted my late-night show, people would email asking me to translate Hindi words. The word was Madhuri Dixit. A simple Google search would show it’s a person’s name.”
Singh is currently filming her podcast Shameless in Mumbai.
Neha Dhupia, Mithila Palkar, Lilly Singh join Priyanka Chopra's campaign of women empowerment
8:16 AM
Priyanka Chopra kicks off special campaign of women empowerment for her dating-cum-networking app, ropes in influencers Neha Dhupia, Kubbra Sait, Lily Singh, Mithila Palkar to drive change
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 17, 2019)
While the world at large was happy to term it the 'feminist Tinder', Priyanka Chopra Jonas insisted that Bumble - the social networking app backed by her - was essentially another step towards women empowerment. Her argument - it gave the female population the power of choice. Upon its launch in India last month, the actor also unveiled the #EqualNotLoose campaign that championed the cause of gender equality.Now, in a bid to take the idea further, Chopra has roped in social media influencers Neha Dhupia (right), Kubbra Sait (left; below), Lilly Singh (right; below), Mithila Palkar (bottom) and Saloni Chopra to initiate conversations about women empowerment.
A source close to the development reveals, "The idea was to promote equality and challenge gender stereotypes through the promotions. The 'Equal Not Loose' tagline is an attempt to challenge the judgment that often accompanies women's pursuit of independence, and professional and relationship goals. We'll kick off a week-long campaign that will see Neha, Kubbra and others interact with their social media followers to exchange stories and ideas about women empowerment."
Chopra, who has often batted for women power - be it through her film choices or the female-friendly initiatives in her production house - says the app is a natural extension of her ethos. "Whitney Wolfe Herd [founder] and I share a relentless passion for empowering women. I'm proud to be able to showcase that in our first campaign," says the actor.Sait, who joins the drive this week, says, "It's a unique campaign that not only draws in the new perspective of women, but also addresses the myth of how if you aren't a certain way, a woman would be considered 'loose'. I'm thrilled that the campaign celebrates individuality."
Hindi film songs for Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas's sangeet?
8:51 AM
Christian wedding today, second on Sunday
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 1, 2018)
Celebrations for Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s four-day wedding kicked off soon after they landed in Jodhpur on Thursday. The guests mingled over lunch and cocktails after being welcomed with garlands and a song-and-dance performance put up by a group of Rajasthani artistes. In their rooms, goodie bags waited with a card requesting them to not carry their mobile phones to any of the events. A wedding card titled ‘Indian wedding for dummies’ with ‘your handy dandy Indian Wedding primer’ written on it furnished information on ceremonies that constitute an Indian wedding, including sangeet, mehendi, baraat and food.
Friday began with mehendi in the garden of Umaid Bhawan Palace with the Desi Girl dressed in a multicoloured outfit and guests grooving to Hindi songs. The groom-to-be rehearsed on “Galla Goodiyan” from PeeCee’s Dil Dhadakne Do with his friends for his performance that would be a part of sangeet in the evening. While the theme for the sangeet was black, gold and silver, PeeCee’s friends, including Quantico co-star Yasmine Al Massri, joined her to perform on Dostana’s “Desi Girl”, while many of the actress’s other hit tracks also played.
“As of now, no functions are scheduled to be held at the Mehrangarh Fort. While the Christian wedding takes place today, the Indian-style ceremony is planned for Sunday. Six stalls of clothes, shoes and jewellery, including that of Jaipur-based designer Punit Balana and designers Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla have been set up for the baraatis to choose their outfits,” informs a source.
Well-known wedding photographer Jose Villa is the designated photographer for the wedding. Nick’s father, Paul Kevin Jonas, will reportedly officiate the Christian wedding while PeeCee’s favourite designer, Ralph Lauren, whose creations she and her beau wore to the MET Gala last year, is said to have designed her wedding gown.
Among the star guests at the Nickyanka nuptials are internet sensation Lilly Singh aka Superwoman, American actor Jonathan Tucker, VJ Anusha and her actor-boyfriend Karan Kundrra who arrived in Jodhpur on Thursday. Veteran make-up artist Mickey Contractor, singer Manasi Scott and designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee turned up a day later. Salman Khan’s sister Arpita arrived on Friday with son Ahil while her actor-husband Aayush Sharma had to give the event a miss owing to a leg injury.
Lilly Singh aka Superwoman wants to roast Arjun Kapoor
7:18 PM
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; April 19, 2017)
With her comedy skits, Lilly Singh aka Superwoman has not just been a mass favourite, but a hit among celebrities too. The YouTube sensation counts many Bollywood stars among her friends and as she gets ready to take the stage at the Shanmukhananda Hall here today, she tells us she would like to collaborate with a few film personalities soon.
"My schedule never seems to allow that and they obviously live too far. But yeah, I think I should collaborate with some of my Bollywood friends on my YouTube channel," she says, adding that she has been following the comedy scene in India, and enjoys the work of All India Bakchod and The Viral Fever.
If she had to roast an Indian celeb, she'd pick Arjun Kapoor. "I'm pretty good friends with him and he's a sport. He's fun and won't take it to heart."
Asked about comedians often coming under fire for their gigs, she says, "No matter what you say, someone or the other will always get offended. I have done a lot of videos that are positive and about great causes, but people still take offence. It's difficult to ask someone to draw a line, as everyone's line is different."
At her show, Lilly will deliver an hour-long motivational talk based on her book, How To Be A Bawse: "I'll make the audience do some exercises with me and each other, to teach them a lot of lessons from the book. It's funny and inspirational; I hope it will encourage them to be a bawse."
Lilly Singh aka Superwoman tweets to Sushma Swaraj over visa delay
4:24 PM
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; April 7, 2017)
YouTube sensation Lilly Singh aka Superwoman, who is scheduled tour India two weeks later, seems upset with the Indian Consulate in Canada. In a series of tweets to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Lilly expressed discontent with visa procurement procedures.
Calling the Consulate the "worst place on earth" and "extremely difficult and unprofessional", Lilly requested Modi and Swaraj to intervene.
Lilly's How To Be A Bawse Tour in India covers Mumbai (Shanmukhananda Hall) on April 19, Hyderabad (April 20) and New Delhi (April 21).
Francis Coelho, managing director of Event Speciale which is hosting the tour, says, "We are working with the relevant authorities towards securing the visas at the earliest so that Superwoman can make it to India in time. We have full faith in Sushma Swaraj and the External Affairs Ministry."
Fanboy Shah Rukh Khan to bring down Superwoman to Mannat
7:55 AM
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; March 25, 2017)
The last time Superwoman was in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan had sneaked her away to his Bandra bungalow to meet his teenage daughter Suhana, who happens to be a big fan of her. YouTube sensation Lilly Singh is ready to visit India next month for a three-city tour, as reported by mid-day earlier this month, and sources tell us the superstar will host a private session with the entertainer at Mannat.
Lilly will greet her fans in Mumbai on April 19 at the Shanmukhananda Hall, followed by visits to Hyderabad (April 20) and New Delhi (April 21). This is part of Lilly’s How To Be A Bawse tour, which aims to imbibe the humour and motivation from her debut book, How To Be A Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life.
In March 2014, when Lilly had come visiting, she was invited to Mannat on the request of his teenage daughter, Suhana, and her friends. The superstar had even gifted her a custom-made SRK blazer and told her that he is an avid follower of Lilly’s, just like his children. “He [Shah Rukh] said when he has trouble sleeping at night, he watches my videos and I was like, dude, can I record this and make this my ringtone right now!,” she was quoted as saying.
The following year, she was here for the YouTube FanFest, but SRK wasn’t in town. Francis Coelho, managing director of Event Speciale which is hosting the tour, says, “Lilly Singh has been an inspiration to millions of people around the globe irrespective of age, gender and community. Having risen from depression, she struggled in the real world to be the entrepreneur that she is today. Every time she visits India, quite a few Bollywood celebrities express wish to meet her and be inspired by her story. Shah Rukh Khan was the first Bollywood star to meet her when she first came to India.”
The How To Be A Bawse Tour will showcase Lilly’s relatable blend of stand-up comedy and positive approach to life, packed with advice on how to master your hustle and unleash your inner Bawse. The 28-year-old has collaborated with Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson and Seth Rogen.
Lilly Singh aka Superwoman to tour India to deliver motivational talks in her trademark style
7:51 AM
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; March 7, 2017)
Want Superwoman as your life coach? She will be right here next month. Lilly Singh, arguably the biggest YouTube sensation of Indian origin, is set to embark on her second visit to the country. Her debut India tour in May 2015 was a huge success.
The 28-year-old comic will be hosted by Event Speciale as she stops by in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi on April 19, 20 and 21. The visit is part of Lilly’s How To Be A Bawse tour, which aims to imbibe the humour and motivation from her debut book, How To Be A Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life. The whirlwind tour also includes dates in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South East Asia, Dubai, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago.
Francis Coelho, MD of Event Speciale, says, “The tour aspires to inspire the youth to be achievers. From the start to end, it will weave a personalised storyline.”
Lilly has 11 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, where she treats the audience to colourful parodies and incisive pieces-to-camera. Given her Punjabi roots, she draws inspiration from the Indian diaspora. She’s also a role model to women across the globe. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned through her journey to stardom.
Lilly tells mid- day, “I am thrilled to write my first book and share, all in one place, what I have learned about achieving success and happiness. This journey has taught me to always pick myself up, not allow anything to stand in the way and that the only secret to achieving dreams is hard work.”
Lilly has earlier collaborated with Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Jimmy Fallon, Mila Kunis, Priyanka Chopra, James Franco and Seth Rogen.
Check out Priyanka Chopra in a video with Lilly Singh aka Superwoman
8:10 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 26, 2016)
Priyanka Chopra has collaborated with popular IndoCanadian YouTuber Lilly Singh, also known by her online username II Superwoman II, for a video called “How To Be A Good Wing Woman“, which Singh shared online recently. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old actress, who had returned to Mumbai on December 19, after an extended stay in the US, dived headlong into work immediately. While on Kapil Sharma's comedy show, PeeCee recalled how, as a kid, when she was returning from school one day with a friend, she spotted a monkey preening on a tree. What happened next, as they say in internet parlance, blew her mind. “Amused, she started laughing only for the monkey to climb down and slap her hard before getting back to its preening,“ a source from the sets revealed to Mirror.
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