Showing posts with label Priyanka Chopra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priyanka Chopra. Show all posts
Priyanka Chopra films cameo in Mira Nair's biopic on Amrita Sher-Gil, Amri
11:32 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 27, 2026)
Three months after mid-day reported that filmmaker Mira Nair conducted a recce in Amritsar for ‘Amri’, we have more news on the biopic about the renowned Hungarian-Indian painter, Amrita Sher-Gil. Sources have told us that Priyanka Chopra will be seen in a special appearance and has shot her portions.
Nair has kept details about the project under wraps, including the principal cast. Little then is known about Chopra’s role in her first outing with Nair. However, industry chatter suggests that it’s not fleeting.
A source revealed, “The film aims to present the painter’s life across Hungary, India, and France. There was a specific part for which Mira had approached Priyanka last year, and she shot for it last week. The actor was in Hyderabad to finish some work on ‘Varanasi’. After that, she flew down to Amritsar and filmed for two days.”
mid-day reached out to Chopra’s team and Nair’s production team. Both didn’t respond till press time.
7 Khoon Maaf is a punk rock feminist film-Vivaan Shah
2:43 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 18, 2026)
As 7 Khoon Maaf completes 15 years on February 18, actor Vivaan Shah, who made his debut with 7 Khoon Maaf, looks back at the film that shaped his understanding of cinema and confirmed his decision to become an actor.
With the distance of time, Vivaan places the film within a wider literary and cinematic tradition. He says, “I see 7 Khoon Maaf as part of a kind of Gothic trilogy by Vishal ji, which includes Maqbool and Haider. All three films contain elements of the Gothic and the macabre in the architecture, the aesthetics, and the emotional landscapes of the stories.”
He says, “Even Omkara and Kaminey carry shades of rural and urban Gothic respectively. 7 Khoon Maaf, Maqbool and Haider also hint at earlier classical literary influences such as Dante and Marlowe, who must have influenced Shakespeare himself. There is even a touch of Indian Gothic of the kind associated with Ismat Chughtai and Saadat Hasan Manto.”
Joining director Vishal Bhardwaj’s set at 19 proved to be a turning point. He says, “Working with Vishal ji was a dream come true. I had been a fan of his from a very early age. I never wanted to be a professional actor, but when this opportunity came my way, I plunged into it even before I had made up my mind.”
The experience led to an epiphany. He says, “On the sets of 7 Khoon Maaf, I decided that I was going to dedicate myself full-time to this profession. I learned an extraordinary amount, including language, speech, diction, tone, cinematic vocabulary, and the art of acting itself. Working with Vishal ji was like a masterclass, almost like film school. He is our Stanley Kubrick. The more you watch his films, the more you learn.”
The film demanded that Vivaan portray the passage of time, a challenge that went beyond prosthetics. He says, “We had an extraordinary prosthetics team from America, which helped immensely, but it was still a challenge from an acting standpoint. Watching Priyanka Chopra do this was one of the most illuminating experiences of my life.”
He says, “I have immense gratitude towards Priyanka for how kind, patient, and helpful she was. I was young, lost, and a novice, but she guided me through an extraordinarily complex character and story. She is one of the greatest actresses and human beings I know.”
Reflecting on her performance, he says, “She gave one of the most mind-blowing performances ever. It was almost like a Sunset Boulevard, Greta Garbo kind of performance. She has the grandeur of cinema icons like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.”
Fifteen years on, Vivaan believes the film’s politics remain relevant. He says, “Great works of art remain immutable with time. 7 Khoon Maaf is extraordinarily progressive and forward-thinking. It is a punk-rock feminist film.”
By the end of Mary Kom, Sunil Thapa had become like a father figure to Priyanka Chopra-Omung Kumar
10:17 AM
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 9, 2026)
Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, 68, who played Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ boxing coach in Mary Kom (2014), died on Saturday following a cardiac episode. Filmmaker Omung Kumar, who directed the film, remembered the late actor and their association.
“We were looking for someone with the right physique and a very expressive face,” Omung recalls, adding, “When I saw a video of Sunil Thapa ji, the superstar from Nepal, I was immediately kicked about it. I also remembered him from Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981).”
Omung believes the casting felt almost destined. “Two years before Mary Kom, I had sketched the coach’s character in my storyboard. When I met Thapa ji, I realized the sketch looked exactly like him,” he says. He also recalls how Thapa became a source of strength for Priyanka after her father Ashok Chopra died days before the shoot began in 2013: “By the end of the film, Sunil had become like a father figure to her.”
Thapa appeared in over 300 Nepali films. He was widely known for his iconic role as Rate Kaila in the film Chino and was recently seen in The Family Man Season 3.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s tribute
“You will always be my Coach Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad. You loved me and helped me through many tough days without even realising. Your warm hugs and your laugh will always be part of my memories,” she wrote on Instagram.
She added, “Gone too young but never forgotten. Thank you for your kindness at a time when I was broken. Rest in peace, Sunil Thapa.”
Seeing Nick Jonas manage T1 diabetes taught me it’s not a limitation-Priyanka Chopra
10:07 AM
Priyanka Chopra Jonas on how her husband Nick Jonas has lived with this condition for almost two decades
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (THE TIMES OF INDIA; December 10, 2025)
More than two thousand years ago, Indian physicians described a condition that made urine “sweet like honey”. In the Sushruta Samhita, it was called ‘Madhumeha’ — what we now know as diabetes.
The language is ancient, but the reality India is facing today is urgent. There is a lot of misinformation about diabetes. It starts with stereotypes — that it affects someone older, someone inactive, or someone responsible for their illness. These stereotypes are not just unfair but dangerous. They delay diagnosis, silence families and fuel stigma.
I learned this not from medical journals, but from my own home. My introduction to Type 1 Diabetes came through my husband Nick. He was diagnosed at 13 and has lived with this condition for almost two decades now. When we first met, I was struck by how intuitive he was about his own body. He could wake up from deep sleep because he could sense his blood sugar dipping or from the effects of an unexpected or frustrating high glucose. He would go from a concert stage to a glucose check, with the same calmness and precision.
Watching him manage T1D while building a global music career, touring the world, acting, writing, starting companies, all this while caring for himself, opened my eyes. By his thoughts and actions, he showed me what is possible. He taught me that T1D is not a limitation. It’s a responsibility.
This spurred me on to join Nick in Beyond Type 1, the non-profit he co-founded. And I have learned about extraordinary stories of young people.
I think of Geethanjali. At 18, she was married instead of being allowed to attend college. Six months later, she fell gravely ill. She was finally diagnosed with T1D, a condition she had never heard of. Terrified of injections and struggling to afford insulin, she began skipping doses. One day, overwhelmed, she asked her doctor when she would die.
He reassured her that with proper care, she could live a long life. He then offered her a job. It allowed her to earn, learn and regain control. Over the years, she raised two daughters, became a pharmacist and a counsellor, and used her experience to support others.
And then there is Mehrin, diagnosed with T1D at 11 and told to slow down. She refused. Mehrin became a karate champion, training hard and pushing her limits with astonishing spirit. She reminds us that diabetes does not choose the size of your dreams.
There is a lot of misinformation about diabetes. It starts with stereotypes—that it affects someone older, someone inactive, or someone responsible for their illness. These stereotypes are not just unfair but dangerous. They delay diagnosis, silence families and fuel stigma
But for every story of triumph, there are hundreds we never hear. Because stigma works quietly. It tells families to keep a child’s diagnosis a secret. It convinces parents that their child won’t get married, succeed, or live fully. For many families in India, courage isn’t the only challenge. Insulin and testing supplies are expensive.
India can change this. Across India, remarkable work is already being done by teachers, doctors, parents and community advocates who refuse to let diabetes go unnoticed by recognizing the early warning signs like excessive thirst, frequent urination, exhaustion, unexplained weight loss. What inspires me most is how local leaders are driving change by connecting families to information, ensuring children stay in school and building understanding through compassion and care.
T1D is part of many Indian stories, including mine. For many, it is a daily negotiation of care, cost and courage. Yet, in those everyday acts of perseverance lies something powerful: a refusal to be defined by diabetes.
India has the compassion, ingenuity and collective strength to support people with diabetes. Let us give every person with diabetes the chance to live a full, limitless life.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an actor, producer and board member of Beyond Type 1, a non-profit working to raise diabetes awareness and provide resources in the US and India
Priyanka Chopra on S S Rajamouli's Varanasi: "I really miss saying my filmy dialogues in Hindi"
8:35 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; December 9, 2025)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has always been driven by a hunger—an insatiable curiosity to explore new stories, new roles, and new ways to connect with the world and her audience. She once again follows that instinct with the documentary she has produced, Born Hungry, which traces the heart-wrenching but inspiring story of Sash Simpson, an abandoned young boy living on the streets of Chennai, who is adopted by a Canadian couple and his journey thereon, of becoming a globally celebrated chef. In a conversation with us, Priyanka reflects on why this story spoke to her so deeply, why its themes of identity, belonging, hunger and purpose echo her own experiences, and how this story “reminds you that — whether that hunger is real or metaphorical, it pushes you to find a purpose”. Excerpts…
Born Hungry tells a deeply personal, emotional and universal story. What about it resonated with you the most?
Everything about this movie resonated with me. My production company, Purple Pebble Pictures, has been built on wanting to tell stories that deserve recognition, that deserve wings and be able to give stories that are inspiring to the world and from our diaspora. Having grown up in India and travelled the world and worked with children around the world, I’ve met so many young children whose futures don’t change, whose lives don’t change, who live in the cyclical nature of wondering whether they were abandoned, what their past was, what their future will be, and there are so many missing pieces of their stories. I was moved by Sash’s story and his journey back to India, trying to find his family. He’s still not found his family. And we’re really hoping that through this movie, we can get some more information about his birth parents, and that can give him some sort of peace & solace.
This documentary which dropped on JioHotstar recently, directed by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, touches on identity, displacement, and belonging. You have moved across continents, created a new and different life for yourself there, while you remain rooted to your country. Do these themes echo your own personal and professional journey?
I feel very nomadic as well. And in the way my life has taken me around the world, I make a home wherever my work and family take me. My home is where my family is. There are mysterious pieces that make me wonder what forces pushed me towards the life that I have today. Sash and my backgrounds are completely different, but the one thing I really resonate with him on is resilience – being able to adapt and find the best version of yourself wherever you are. I constantly think about his younger self on those railway platforms, trying to look for food and not having grown-ups with him. It brings me to tears just thinking about how many children around the world still go through that. Having grown up in India, we get desensitized to such realities. It’s something that I’ve always been affected by, and now as a mother, I feel it even more.
With the growing popularity of documentaries across different genres on digital platforms, do you feel that authentic, deeply personal stories are what truly resonate with audiences today?
I can’t speak for everyone, but I have a soft spot for true stories, whether that’s in books, films or dramas, which are the narrative versions of real-life stories. In my career, I’ve had the good fortune to portray and be a part of some films which are inspired by real stories. I feel there’s something so incredible about humanity and human beings. As much as I love human stories, I love stories of resilience. And I might be whoever I am, but I still think about my younger self when I was in boarding school and had no grown-ups around me. I remember that feeling in the second, third and fourth grade, and just looking around and thinking… who am I? So, we all have our versions. And I look for inspiration in human beings more than anything else, not just for my profession, but also my life. And one of the greatest sources of joy is meeting humans that have persevered, survived and thrived.
As more storytellers in India lean into realism, how keen do you think the Indian audience is to watch bold and raw narratives?
I think Indian cinema is also evolving and trying to figure out what this evolving landscape looks like – between theatrical films and content on the web. There are so many different avenues for people to consume entertainment now. So, I think cinema all around the world is going through the growing pains of figuring out where it will land. Again, if you throw AI in the process, that landscape is changing further. Some incredible work has been coming out, and what is working (whether it is comedy, action, drama or documentaries) is what’s coming from a place of authenticity. Gone are the days when you can say, ‘Oh, leave your brains at home’. People don’t want to do that anymore. There was a time when I think people were looking for escapism, but now, with so much information overload coming our way, we’re looking for honesty and truth. It’s an evolving process.
Perhaps, because people have so many forms of escapism today, they turn to cinema for something more genuine and grounded.
Yes, maybe. However, sometimes I like to escape when I’m watching my entertainment. You’ll see me watching multiple seasons of Love Is Blind or something like that when I want escapism. And then there are times when I want to watch something like Born Hungry that will bring me to reality. So, I think we shouldn’t put our consumption or creation of entertainment in a box. We’re living in a wonderful time where we can dip into genres, we can make any kind of subject matter, and there will be an audience for it because there’s a curiosity for almost everything.
Do you ever relate to the inner hunger the film talks about? The longing to be seen, understood and to find a place in the world. Of course, you have achieved so much, but we humans are always craving for more, right?
I think all of us do. You know, just because we see one side of a human being’s personality, we say, ‘Oh, this person’s set or they’ve made it.’ There are so many layers and facets to every human being and each one of us has an inner hunger and longing for something. Whatever might be the deepest, darkest secret of humans, I think it’s your hunger that pushes you to want something better and gives you a sense of purpose. And this documentary reminds you that - whether that hunger is real or metaphorical, it pushes you to find a purpose. Sash is a successful restaurant owner and has built an amazing life with his wife and children – and that came from his hunger to prove something, he found a purpose. I feel it’s that purpose we all need to seek as that’s the only thing which makes us move forward.
The entertainment landscape is changing rapidly. Within that space, is there a change in the kind of stories you want to tell, or the way you want to tell stories to the audience as a producer and an actor?
It’s a tough question. I think we’re all trying to play catch-up with how not just the entertainment industry is changing, but just the overall landscape around us. Yes, technology has become such a massive part of all our lives, and our children are going to grow up in a world that is vastly different from the one you and I grew up in. So now, there is no hard and fast rule about what kind of subject matter resonates, but one thing I think resonates with the audience is authenticity – whether it’s content creators on social media, filmmakers, directors or producers. If you’re telling a story for the right reasons and not trying to make people feel something that doesn’t exist, they will resonate with you. I love all kinds of storytelling and from my limited understanding of where the world is going, I just think that authenticity is going to be what comes out on top.
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‘I really miss saying my filmy dialogues in Hindi’
When asked if she misses the chaos, madness and energy of a Bollywood movie set, the actress who was recently on an Indian movie set after a long time for S S Rajamouli’s Varanasi said, “What I miss is the language. I really miss Hindi and saying my filmy dialogues in Hindi. I really enjoyed doing my dialogues in Telugu. I’ve always been fascinated with languages and whether I understand the language or not, I really love different cultures. I am very excited to be a part of something which is going to be culturally so evolved. Rajamouli sir has such an incredible vision and amazing discipline. That’s how I like to work, as I, too, have tremendous discipline. Also, coming back to India and working on an Indian film after such a long time was so much fun.”
I don’t make films for bigoted racists or colonialists-Gurinder Chadha
9:40 AM
Director Gurider Chadha and producer Anushka Shah
As Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma gets ready to arrive in India, the British filmmaker reflects on her growing up in Southall, carrying her Indian heritage everywhere and the sisterhood she feels with her peers Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 7, 2025)
It’s been two weeks since Gurinder Chadha released her upcoming feature, Christmas Karma, in the UK, the country where she lives. It’s a week before she releases the film in India, the country she carries with her everywhere. Like her film, Chadha has always found her belonging there and here.
So, as we sit with her, in a Mumbai suburb club, to talk about the film, we can’t help but ask her, “What’s home for you?” “Southhall is my home,” Chadha replies promptly, while browsing through her phone gallery to show us the street she grew up in.
“And I always end up going back to those streets. I was there last week and I did a little activity with local school children to open their Christmas festival. I saw one particular area where the first Indian shop in Southall opened, where my parents used to go. Next to it was a playground where I played as a little girl,” the filmmaker shares with a child-like excitement.
Her love for her British roots and Indian origin is reflected throughout her filmography. Christmas Karma is no different, in that context. But something else is different this time, Chadha says. “When I adapted Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice (as Bride & Prejudice), no one asked why Gurinder Chadha should do this. But because the country’s moved a bit to the right, there are people who feel emboldened, and they are asking, ‘Why should Gurinder Chadha do Charles Dickens? How dare she make a film on Christmas? It’s our holiday’.”
In such times, a film like Christmas Karma that puts an Indian immigrant in the UK at the centre of the story is only timely. Chadha says, “There’s a fight going on for who decides what British cinema is and whose voice is considered to be British or not. It’s really important that those questions are being asked at a time when racism is on the increase. I make films for those fighting the good fight, ones who talk about inclusivity. I don’t make films for bigoted racists or colonialists.”
But it’s not to say that the director doesn’t feel isolated at times. “Sitting here, we’re all Indian women, right? I’m not anything unusual to you. In England, I’m a complete anomaly. Where are the Indian women? Where are the actual directors?”
That’s a question that does need to be asked. Throughout her career, Chadha has been a force to reckon with when it comes to telling stories of the Indian diaspora, including successes like Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Bride & Prejudice (2004). But there haven’t been voices after her that have been able to make themselves heard and seen. The first thing to understand, Chadha says, is the struggle that theatres in the UK have been facing since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In England, people are saying, ‘It’s a miracle that you’ve got a film made, because there’s so little getting made right now.’ Post-pandemic, it’s been a tough time for all film industries, everywhere. So, that is also something to be kept in mind,” she says. But that just scratches the surface. The bigger obstacle for any South-Asian filmmaker in the west is still rooted in his/her identity.
“When you try and make a film with a person of colour as the lead, it’s very hard because people don’t see it as necessarily as mainstream and commercial as we think it is. And this is when I have proved the opposite with my films. I have examples. I have numbers to support it. I tell them, ‘I don’t understand. Why are you hesitant? Look at the successes.’ I am shocked by the lack of films from the diaspora. I also didn’t make a sequel to Bend It Like Beckham because I felt that that was a film that I couldn’t really emulate,” she says.
But her single-minded pursuit to tell stories of Indian immigrants stems from a personal emotion, which she is not sure motivates the generations of filmmakers that came after. Even Christmas Karma, the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is born out of the endeavour, Chadha says, of showing that the struggles of her ancestors, who had to leave their land behind, weren’t in vain.
“Christmas Karma comes from the same wheelhouse as Bend It Like Beckham. It’s a human empowerment movie. It’s about having the muscle memory of knowing that your parents and your grandparents went through some kind of migratory movement. In my case, it was a partition that my grandparents went through. Then my parents were born in East Africa. I was born in Kenya, but I grew up in England. And you carry all that with you. So, the successes of my generation are really about wanting to show that our parents’ lives were worth it. And their struggles were worth it,” she smiles.
And in her endeavour, she always ends up finding allies. Even though the director initially struggled to find investors for Christmas Karma, she eventually found a partner in producer Anushka Shah, whose Civic Studios has backed the project. And if her films have been unifiers for Indians around the world, in her life, she has forged a sisterhood with Indian women, who walk the same path as hers.
One such bond is what she shares with filmmakers Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta. The trio has a WhatsApp group as well, which goes by the name “Behenji Brigade”.
“Mira gave this name. I congratulated her on Zohran’s (Mamdani, Nair’s son) win. I messaged her, ‘Bohot Mubarak, Mira. What wonderful news to wake up to. It is great that my son has such a role model to look up to. Kya baat hai.’ Then Deepa wrote, ‘Bilkul, Mira. Many, many congratulations. Waah Bhai Waah.’ Mira said, ’It’s the dawn of a new day. We’re bursting with joy,’” Chadha shares.
And if there’s another friendship that the filmmaker is proud of, it’s with Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra, who even sang a Hindi cover of George Michael’s Last Christmas for Chadha’s film.
“She is just amazing. She is always sending me messages, where she would say, ‘Keep breaking new ground.’ She doesn’t have to do that. She sang the song to support me. Priyanka is also a woman who left the safety of Hindi cinema and went abroad, and had to knock on doors to get recognition. She did it the hard way. Maybe some people in India don’t see that struggle but I have seen it. I know what it is like for her because I know what it has been like for me.”
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?
Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu begin shoot of S S Rajamouli's next in Kenya
4:03 PM
Rohit Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2025)
Filmmaker S S Rajamouli’s next project — tentatively titled SSMB29 — has been making waves since it was first announced.
As anticipation grows, we have got our hands on the first pictures from the sets of the film, which features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mahesh Babu.
Mahesh was recently seen in Kenya, seemingly shooting a pivotal scene.
A close source to the production reveals, “Rajamouli has begun the shooting in Nairobi, Kenya with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka. The actors are currently shooting at hidden locations across the city, under strict surveillance. The crew isn’t allowed to bring their phones to the sets.”
The filmmaker is leaving no stone unturned to keep the details of the film under wraps, the insider says. “Even the actors’ vanities are parked around a kilometre away from the actual shoot location. Their entourages aren’t allowed outside the vanities. The atmosphere on set is very tightly guarded and quiet,” the source adds.
While our source tried to capture clearer photographs from the shooting floor, they were unsuccessful.
Announced earlier this year, the film went on floors in April, with parts of the film being shot in Odisha and Hyderabad. It also marks Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after 2019’s The Sky Is Pink.
With a reported budget of Rs. 1,200 crore, the makers seem to be eyeing a 120-country release. As of now, a premiere date has not been set.
Telegu film federation goes on strike; demand 30% hike in wages
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Neeshita Nyayapati (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 5, 2025)
The Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation called for a strike on Monday, August 4, bringing film and web series shoots across Tollywood to a standstill. The federation is demanding a 30% wage hike for its members and has instructed workers not to report to sets unless producers agree to the revised rates.
In an official statement, the federation said, “Wages will be paid with a 30% hike starting Monday. Only those with written confirmation from producers will be permitted to shoot. Members cannot attend any shoots or events without federation approval, irrespective of location or language.”
In response, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce issued a statement condemning the unilateral action. “We’ve already been paying workers above minimum wage,” it noted, warning that the disruption could cause “heavy damages” to ongoing productions.
The Chamber added, “We condemn this action taken by the Federation as we have worked together with their members of decades. The Chamber is in talks with relevant authorities to secure a sustainable resolution. Producers are informed to follow the Chamber’s guidance strictly and avoid independent action or separate agreements with union until resolution. Let’s all stand together for lasting reform, for a better future.”
Who all are impacted at the moment?
Tollywood has numerous films under production now, including Chiranjeevi’s yet-to-be-titled film with Anil Ravipudi, Ram Charan’s Peddi with Buchi Babu Sana, Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 with Boyapati Srinu, Teja Sajja’s Mirai, Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s Telusu Kada and more. Also, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is in Hyderabad for S S Rajamouli’s SSMB 29, co-starring Mahesh Babu. Additionally, the pooja ceremony for Allari Naresh’s upcoming film was also postponed. With the new diktat that workers will only work with producers who will agree to the 30%, it remains to be seen if their demands are met.
S S Rajamouli has a plan B ready after SSMB29 Kenya shooting called off due to unrest
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After SSMB29’s Kenya shoot was recently called off due to unrest in the country, sources suggest that S S Rajamouli to film in South Africa and Tanzania
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 14, 2025)
In June, mid-day reported that filmmaker S S Rajamouli would take his Mahesh Babu-led action adventure, the working title of which is SSMB29, to Kenya for a month-long schedule (Kenya calling, June 24). But in the latest development, the plan has hit a roadblock amid the ongoing protests in Kenya.
“Our team had done the recce, locations were finalized, but just weeks before the mid-July shoot, unrest began brewing in the region. We couldn’t risk the crew’s safety,” reveals a source associated with the film that also stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
So, where will Babu’s character — a globe-trotting explorer on a quest for some rare artefacts, à la Indiana Jones — head to, with Kenya off the table? We’ve heard that Rajamouli and his team, keen to not waste time, are now planning to head to South Africa and Tanzania, locations that promise similar visual appeal.
A unit member says, “Rajamouli sir was clear that he wanted terrains that have rarely been seen on Indian screens. Tanzania’s highlands and parts of South Africa ticked those boxes.”
The production team is currently in the process of securing permits. If things work out, the cast and crew will head to South Africa by the third week of July. “We’re hoping to lock everything in the next 10 days,” adds the insider.
BT Exclusive: Priyanka Chopra will be back in Krrish 4
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Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2025)
The shoot of Hrithik Roshan’s much awaited directorial debut Krrish 4 is slated to begin early next year. The actor will take over the reins as the director from his father Rakesh Roshan, the original creator of the popular franchise.
While Hrithik will resurrect his role as the superhero while also directing the film, there has been much speculation over the female lead. Some reports suggested that the film will reunite Rekha, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra, who appeared in the prequels.
A source close to the film told Bombay Times exclusively, “Priyanka Chopra will return to Krrish 4, but there will be another actress as well, whose name cannot be divulged as of now. There is a possibility of Rekha being seen in a cameo, but Preity Zinta’s presence is sheer speculation and not true.” Priyanka starred in Krrish (2006) and this marks her return to the franchise after 19 long years!
The story of Krrish 4 will jump decades since it comes 15 years after Krrish 3, which released in 2013. In his last interaction with us, Rakesh Roshan had told us, “Now is the right time for Hrithik to move ahead and take Krrish forward. Krrish is ingrained in Hrithik, and his vision is of today’s generation. I could not entrust the franchise to a more able creative mind, other than him.”
I am doing an Indian film this year. And we should be announcing it pretty soon-Priyanka Chopra
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Priyanka Chopra announces her desi move in a chat with mid-day, along with her Heads Of State co-star, John Cena, who she’d love to watch in a Hindi film too
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; July 10, 2025)
The Amazon Prime Video flagship film, Heads Of State, opens with Priyanka Chopra Jonas slithering through a truck during crackerjack stunt sequences, at the La Tomatina festival, in Buñol, Spain.
Now, where do Indians know this annual August gathering that involves pelting tomatoes from?
Chiefly, Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Which was the movie Zoya made before Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), starring Priyanka in it.
Zoya and her brother Farhan Akhtar were set to do another film (Jee Le Zaraa) with Priyanka, that’s yet to take off. Many Indians, on the other hand, would’ve watched Heads Of State, because of Priyanka.
Only natural then to ask when do we see her back on the Indian screen? It’s been a while.
Priyanka says, “I am doing an Indian film this year. And we should be announcing it pretty soon!” To which her Heads Of State co-star John Cena instantly butts in, “Well, didn’t you just announce it [now]?”
Priyanka laughs, “Well. I just said I am doing an Indian movie. The rest you can speculate, but I’m excited about it.”
This banter closes the quick chat with mid-day between crossover star, Priyanka, and the American actor, professional wrestler, John, before the London première of Ilya Naishuller’s Heads Of State.
Wherein John plays the US President, who used to be an action star. That’s apt casting, alright. And you wonder if there are shades in that performance that remind you of other action stars, say Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became a top politician himself.
John is emphatic, “No. I try not to imitate. If any correlation shows, it’s by chance. The job title is enough. When you say, ‘President of the United States’, those words have global reach, and people have something in mind [to do with them, anyway].
“The takeaway is: It’s an important job. And the movie is [about this] ‘important job’ put in a situation they don’t understand. The script reads: he’s empathetic, positive, arrogant, stuffy, stubborn… You can take all of this, and form your own ideas [about the role].”
John is paired opposite Idris Elba as the UK Prime Minister for the US Prez’s frenemy in Heads Of State. Both of whom get locked into a fun verbal duel inside the American presidential plane, Air Force One, that gets attacked.
These are top heads of states somehow looking to politically save the world. Guess who’s there to save them in person? Priyanka, as an MI6 agent.
For a film with two male hunks for heroes, it’s instructive that the best action set-pieces are reserved for the female lead. Also, Priyanka’s been global-mainstream for long enough that her character needs no South Asian roots, or any other kinda ethnic explanation.
Unlike, say, her debut in the US as Alex Parrish — in the ABC TV show Quantico (2015-18) — who was of Indian descent. It’s been a decade since. In Heads Of State, Priyanka plays Noelle Bisset. Period.
Which is obviously the rarest of such seamless East-West mainstream transitions. We wonder how it’s to deal with the press from both parts of the world.
Priyanka says, “It’s very different. In India, the interviews are cheekier, fun, little snazzy; versus the western press, which doesn’t do that a lot, unless it’s entertainment media. The second difference is the familiarity with my work. Which the western media doesn’t have that much of. As against [the fact that] we’ve known each other’s history for 20 years!”
That’s basically the press that can tell John Abraham from John Cena. In fact, Priyanka says the latter John would kill it in desi movies too: “Are you kidding me? He’d be amazing!”
John jokes, “I’ve been seriously trying!” Both John and Priyanka have no dearth of fans in either hemisphere. “No one’s casting John. Please cast John in a Hindi movie, I’d love that,” Priyanka laughs.
The last we met Priyanka was when she’d emerged from a shower. This was during the shoot of the second season of the Prime Video spy-series, Citadel, which hasn’t dropped yet.
But her backbreaking action on that show is only topped by the topsy-turvy moves in Heads Of State. If you’re a stunt fan, consider her stairwell sequence in the film’s finale.
Takes a toll? Priyanka argues, it’s the “trust with the [stunt] team you’re working with” that’s of essence here: “My stunt-double Anisha Tee Gibbs, who works closely with me, was the same on Citadel and Heads Of State. I did actually three back-to-back [projects] with her.
“Because it’s easier. We have our own short-hand. She’ll do all the rehearsals, and the runs before. And then show me exactly what I’m supposed to do. That’s crucial for the physicality of it.”
The rest, one supposes, is timing, and chemistry. Priyanka also plays the former love-interest of the UK PM, as in Idris Elba, in Heads Of State.
Idris’s character being the thoroughly sober, statesman-like. Which is in sharp contrast to John’s gregarious part, given to losing his lid every once in a while. John and Idris have earlier starred together in the super-hero film, The Suicide Squad (2021).
Once you meet John though, you realize, his actual self is in even sharper contrast to the role he plays in Heads Of State. He’s supremely Zen, when he talks. For a man used to being in the middle of the ring, you’ve to strain your ears to hear him well. He’s polite beyond measure.
He’s also unwittingly offered me the social-media dopamine once, I tell John. This is when I woke up, long ago, to find that he’s following me on X, formerly known as Twitter. I went over to his account, and realized, he follows over 1 million people on X!
How does one even follow over a million people on X? John remarks, “That’s only because they cut me off at following a thousand a day!” Incredible. And what does that say about him?
He reveals, “In a world where we are so braggadocious about followers, my concept with X is to be inclusive. And I’m very braggadocious about those I follow. My goal is to have an open conversation with people from all walks of life.I know there’s a lot of negativity, and impressionable groups out there. I don’t wanna ignore them.”
Spoken truly like a head of state — that we all wish to have, or wish we had!
Priyanka Chopra was wonderful; she’d finish her shot and then sit with the crew to chat-Ilya Naishuller
8:54 AM
Balancing explosive action, sharp humour, and a touch of heart, director Ilya Naishuller unpacks the making of his latest
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2025)
The new action-comedy Heads Of State now streaming on Prime Video brings together actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Idris Elba and John Cena in a globe-trotting adventure packed with adrenaline and sly humour. In London, UK, we caught up with director Ilya Naishuller to talk about the experience of directing this powerhouse ensemble, why comedy is harder than action, and the surprising message tucked beneath the spectacle.
Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, and John Cena — three big stars. Who among them was the most fun on set, the most serious, and the most receptive to direction?
All three were incredibly receptive to direction — true director’s actors. Each brought a collaborative spirit and was fully committed to serving the film. It’s hard to choose one over the others. In terms of fun, Priyanka was wonderful—she’d finish her shot and then sit with the crew to chat. John, on the other hand, would improvise hilarious lines for ten minutes straight if you didn’t say “cut”—we couldn’t always use them, but they kept the atmosphere lively. There wasn’t a single weak link among them. What stood out was the mutual respect and the way they supported and elevated each other throughout the shoot.
As a director, what’s more challenging — directing action or directing comedy?
Comedy, definitely. A punch is a punch — you know what it looks like and how to choreograph it. But comedy is subjective, and making people laugh across cultures is tough. Since this is a global film, striking the right balance was crucial. Interestingly, for the first time in my career, I had to cut good jokes — not because they weren’t funny, but to keep the pacing tight. Choosing which one-liner to keep was a new kind of creative challenge for me.
The one-liners really do land well. Was that an intentional focus during filming?
Thank you. Yes, the humour was definitely a major focus. Comedy, much like horror, relies on timing and surprise. But great comedy, like great horror, takes more than that. We worked hard to ensure the humour supported the story and didn’t feel forced. I’ve heard musicals are the hardest genre to direct, maybe that’s next.
There’s a scene in the film that explains what NATO does and the need for global cooperation. Was that always part of the script, or did it evolve later?
That idea was part of the film’s DNA, but the execution evolved. The main goal was always to deliver an entertaining film. But I did want to include a message that resonates globally. The character played by John Cena is optimistic and hopeful, while Idris’s character is more hardened and serious — but both care deeply about their people. In my mind, the ideal leader would be a blend of both — someone hopeful and driven, but also grounded and responsible. That dynamic works well in the film and mirrors what we need more of in the real world: empathy, cooperation, and an openness to learning from those we don’t always agree with.
Finally, if you had to sum up Heads Of State for Indian viewers in one line, what would it be?
Just one word — fun. It’s an hour and 45 minutes of pure entertainment. It’ll make you laugh, thrill you with action, and help you forget everything else for a while.
My character was telling off these big, powerful men, so I had a lot of reasons to do Heads Of State-Priyanka Chopra
9:21 AM
Actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and John Cena tell us what drew them to Heads of State, talk about the WWE fandom in India, and more
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2025)
It can be difficult to make political rivalries, espionage, and high global stakes funny, but director Ilya Naishuller’s Heads Of State manages to strike a balance. And Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays an MI6 agent tasked with protecting top politicians in the film, is thrilled at the response that the film has received since it dropped online on Wednesday.
The actor — joined by her co-star John Cena — speaks to us in London about shooting the action comedy, playing a strong female character in a male-dominated genre, and the OTT vs theatre debate. Excerpts:
What was it about the film’s script that got you excited? Did it take some deliberation or was it an instant ‘yes’?
Priyanka: I loved Ilya’s films Hardcore Henry (2015) and Nobody (2021), so it was a no-brainer for me. I read [the script] and it was laugh-out-loud funny. Plus, my character was telling off these big, powerful men, so I had a lot of reasons to do it (laughs). We got to shoot in London and the South of France; filming with John and Idris (Elba, actor) was a lot of fun.
John: It was an easy yes. Sometimes, when making decisions, we ask ourselves, ‘What can go wrong?’ With [this film], I asked myself, ‘What’s gonna go right?’ I’m glad I did, because the enthusiasm was shared by everybody in the movie, both in the front of and behind the camera. That really made for a heck of a movie.
There’s been ongoing chatter about the OTT space versus theatrical releases in India. Since your film dropped on Prime Video on Wednesday, do you think people will stop going to theatres elsewhere in the world, too?
Priyanka: I just think that they are two different mediums of entertainment. I do think that streaming has brought a diversity of talents in front of and behind the camera, especially in the Indian film industry. I think it’s an evolving thing; but the communal experience and collective joy of watching something in theatres is never going to go away.
John, you’re loved as both a wrestler and an actor, and have a huge fan following in India. Are there any plans to work in Indian movies in the future?
John: I just haven’t got that offer yet. I don’t necessarily control my own destiny; the best I can do is react to opportunities that are put my way. What I can tell you matter-of-factly is, I’ve been aware of the passion for WWE in India for over 20 years now. I would not be where I’m at today without the investment and the passion of the audience in India. I’m very grateful for that.
Why should people watch Heads Of State?
Priyanka: It’s a really fun movie and my favourite genre — it makes you laugh, hold onto your seat, and gets you excited. There’s fun jokes, big explosions and just a great experience. I think it’s one of those movies which you watch with your family and friends for the collective experience.
PeeCee, Nick’s berries-and-cream date
Taking a breather between promotions, Priyanka and hubby, actor-singer Nick Jonas arrived at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on Tuesday. Seated in the Royal Box, the couple watched Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz beat British player Oliver Tarvet at the Centre Court. Priyanka’s co-star John Cena, American popstar Olivia Rodrigo and British actor Louis Partridge were also present.
S S Rajamouli heads to Kenya for Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra-Prithviraj-starrer
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S S Rajamouli to shoot SSMB29’s next leg in Kenya; actioner becomes the second major Indian film after Jagga Jasoos to be shot there
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 23, 2025)
S S Rajamouli’s action adventure, the working title of which is SSMB29, has taken him from Odisha to Hyderabad since it rolled last year. Now, the filmmaker and leading man Mahesh Babu have zeroed in on the next destination. Sources reveal that the director will begin an elaborate three-week schedule in Kenya in July.
It has been learnt that the Kenya leg will feature some intense action sequences. A unit insider reveals, “Rajamouli sir chose the country because it has everything the film needs — savannahs, highlands, and dense forests.” The portions will be filmed across multiple locations, including the Tsavo National Park, the Aberdare National Park, and on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra, SSMB29 tells the story of a globe-trotting explorer on the quest for some artefacts. The production team has roped in stunt coordinators of the region to execute the action set-pieces.
The source adds, “Some sequences involve wildlife interaction, and combat in the jungle. Rajamouli sir has envisioned chase sequences in wildlife corridors, and ancient ruins.”
Interestingly, SSMB29 becomes only the second major Indian film after Ranbir Kapoor’s Jagga Jasoos (2017) to be shot extensively in Kenya.
Mannara Chopra’s father passes away; cousins Priyanka Chopra, Siddharth pay tributes
4:26 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 18, 2025)
Actor Mannara Chopra lost her father, Raman Rai Handa, who died at the age of 72 on June 16. The actor shared the news via an Instagram Story, along with an official statement and details of the funeral.
“With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our loving father who left us for his heavenly abode on 16/06/2025. He was the pillar of strength for our family,” read the statement issued by the family.
Raman, a lawyer at the Delhi High Court, is survived by his wife Kamini Chopra Handa and daughters Mannara and Mitali. The cremation will take place on June 18 at 1 pm at the Crematorium Ground in Amboli, Andheri West, Mumbai.
According to reports, Raman had been unwell for the past few days due to undisclosed reasons. Paying tribute, actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her brother Siddharth Chopra — who are related to the family through their paternal aunt Kamini Chopra — remembered him fondly on social media. “You’ll always be in our hearts. Rest easy, Raman uncle (fufaji). Om Shanti,”
Priyanka wrote in a heartfelt note on her Instagram Story. Siddharth also reshared Mannara’s statement and added, “Will miss you Raman uncle.”
Not everyone is lucky enough to have an agent like Priyanka Chopra-Sweta Keswani
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Sweta Keswani and (right) with Sakshi Tanwar in a still from Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 30, 2025)
Sweta Keswani, known for her roles in TV shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, moved to the US after marrying lawyer Ken Andino in 2012. However, relocating didn’t stop her from pursuing acting. She embraced the opportunities in the West but admits that the journey has been difficult.
Reflecting on her 13-year experience, she says, “For South Asians, especially those trying to make it here, it’s always a hustle. It’s taken me 13 years to get to where I am today. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an agent like Priyanka Chopra or to get a quick breakthrough.”
The actress, who has been part of projects like The Heart Stays (2019), As Sick As They Made Us (2022), Roar (2022) and The Beanie Bubble (2023), and is currently executive producing and acting in the short film Tabassum, highlights how her acting journey in the US has required a major shift.
She shares, “The acting here is different. If I replicated my style from India, I wouldn’t book jobs. So, I’ve been training in acting under several teachers. People asked, ‘Why are you learning acting when you’ve been acting for 20 years?’ But the style of acting and auditioning here is so different,” she explains.
As an actor of Asian descent, she often finds herself navigating the challenges of typecasting in the industry. She says, “It’s a hit or miss. Sometimes I get offbeat, interesting auditions, but I’m also offered the usual stereotypes. My typical casting range ends up being an FBI agent, a doctor, a lawyer, a web designer, or the aspirational Indian mom. I try to break out of that box by showcasing my versatility through my demo reel to prove that I’m capable of so much more.”
While she’s embraced her new life, she misses the chaotic energy of Hindi TV sets. She reminisces, “I miss the camaraderie, the Indian-ness of it all — the banter, eating together — those moments were special. The people became family.”
Sweta also shares her thoughts on possibly returning to India for work. “I’d love to do mini-series or short projects for OTT where I can complete the work in 15-20 days and return home. I can’t commit to the same monthly grind I did in television because I have a family here now. But I miss acting in Hindi TV shows,” she concludes.
Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya helped me with my Hindi-Kal Penn
8:33 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 18, 2025)
Kal Penn, known for his roles in House and the Harold & Kumar series, was recently in Mumbai in the first week of April. “I was hosting a gala this time, but I stayed on for a few days for meetings, see some family, and because I love Mumbai so much. So as much as I can stay, I always like to,” he says
For an exclusive shoot with Bombay Times, Penn takes a stroll along the iconic Juhu beach, eats Pani Puri and even relishes a nariyal pani. "I will have to warn my mum that the pani puri was just for the pictures," he quips.
During his stroll, he shares his ambitions to deepen his connection with the Indian entertainment industry - which comprises of securing local representation and pursuing OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) status. Read the excerpts as followed...
'I would love to do a Bollywood film'
Mumbai isn't a new city for Penn; in fact, it's a place where he's spent his summer vacations as a kid, zipping between Dadar and Juhu. This familiarity might explain why he's particularly impressed by the city's latest infrastructure - the coastal road bridge, which has slashed travel time between the suburbs and South Bombay. "The coastal road is actually amazing. The fact that you can get to South Bombay that much quicker is amazing. I live in New York, so I'm no stranger to congestion, traffic, construction, et cetera. But every time I come here, I feel like there's more and more infrastructure that has been built,” he shares.
He adds, "I just always love coming and working in Mumbai. With so many of the OTT shows and there's just so much diversity of content here and I'd love to come back to work. I would love to do a huge Bollywood film or an OTT show."
'I have not been offered a Hindi film yet'
Penn doesn't mince his words stating that he wants to do a Hindi film. And his choices are as quintessential as it can be for an NRI. “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” he states when asked what kind of Hindi film he would like to work in. “I don't think I've been offered a Hindi film yet. So, I feel this is an amazing time to explore that,” he adds.
'TMKOC and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya helped me with my Hindi'
As Penn talks about Hindi cinema, it is important to mention, how during his last visit to India in November last year, the actor visited the sets of popular Hindi TV show, Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah. Penn is self admittedly a fan of the show.
“So, I'm fluent in Gujarati and English. But I had to learn Hindi because I didn't grow up speaking (Hindi). And one of the ways I think a lot of people learn a language is through movies and TV. So, the two shows that I watched a lot to better my Hindi were both very watchable, very meme heavy, you can't scroll insta without seeing memes from either their show. They are Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.”
'Back in the day, South Asian community wasn't huge in the West'
The West has seen an influx of multiple South Asian actors including Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas entering the industry. Penn who could easily be one of the early ones to make a striking impact in the Hollywood entertainment industry feels great about.
“Back in the day when I was starting out my career, it wasn't a huge community, but there were talented, trained Indian American actors who had gone to theater school, film school. And when I would audition for projects in the late 90s, early 2000s – even if they were specifically Indian American or specifically Indian characters – there were still white actors who would audition for those roles, and they would just put makeup on them if they got the job. So, it just makes me happy, how far we have come,” he shares.
Talking further, "Art is constantly in flux and updating. There are these super talented producers and content creators, whether it's Mindy (Kaling, creator) or Priyanka (Chopra Jonas, actor) and all the stuff that they're doing. You have people like me wanting to come and sell shows here and work here (in India). Lines and categories are blurred, both from the sake of content creators and also for audiences because I think they're able to enjoy projects that weren't offered to us 10 or 15 years ago.”
'If an audience sensibility has changed, I would want to update that to make sure an audience laughs'
Penn, who also does stand-up comedy wishes to explore that in India. However, with the ongoing censorship over standup comedy in the country, Penn isn’t dithered.
“As an American actor and a comic, I just need to be mindful of my views. Somethings might be different back at home or last year, but it may be different now because laws and the sensibilities are different. Back at home, I always get this question, ‘Are you upset that you could never make a movie like Harold and Kumar today? You could never make the jokes you made 20 years ago?’ I always found them strange because why would I want to make the jokes I made 20 years ago? I've made those jokes. That's a barometer of comedy that's changed. If an audience sensibility has changed, I would want to update that to make sure an audience laughs. It is different there. As an American, my view is if I don't like something that someone's saying, and that happens often because comedy and art are always subjective, I personally, don't get worked up over it. I would just change the channel because I'm confident in my viewing habits. I would defend somebody's right to say whatever they want to say, whether I agree with it or not. That's the vibrancy of what we offer as artists. Comedy is subjective," he explains, and adds, "I'm mindful of wanting to learn the lay of the land and learn what are the benchmarks? What are the parameters? What's allowed, what's not allowed? I had a couple standup comedy friends here, who explained to me that technically, I cannot use cuss words on stage. That's not something that I would have known, as an American
'If my presence makes somebody feel less invisible, more empowered, that is wonderful'
Penn’s partner Josh (his last name is not in the public domain yet) didn’t accompany the actor on his trip to the country. “He wanted to come. He's part of a friend's wedding. So couldn't make it.”
Penn came out earlier in 2021 and admits “people have been very kind” to his coming out. “Everybody figures themselves out at different times. There's no timeline for it. There are some people who figure themselves out at seven, and for other people, I have heard stories and interacted with people who in their 70s have figured themselves out. I don't live in a vacuum. I am very well aware of how and why representation matters. If my presence makes somebody feel less invisible, more empowered, that is wonderful. I didn't necessarily have that.”
Ask him if there is going to be a wedding, and Penn quickly quips, “Did my mom tell you to ask that? We've been engaged for seven years. So, we need to get it together.”
Ask Kal if there is going to be a fourth part of Harold & Kumar: “I would love to make a fourth movie. We had three movies. Thanks to all the fans. We would all love to make a fourth one. There's nothing on the books right now. We are trying to figure. I love that character so much. He's cooler than I will ever be in real life. I'd love to do it."
I wrote Amu around a mum and daughter to tap into my pain-Shonali Bose
11:11 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 10, 2025)
Shonali Bose has faced two devastating losses in life — first, as a daughter, when she lost her mother. And then, as a mother, when she lost her son. Ahead of Mother’s Day tomorrow, the filmmaker talks about how she has channelised her pain into her work, over the years.
Talking about her mother, Junie Dass’s death in 1986, Shonali shares, “Losing her at 21 was devastating and it changed my life. I have explored themes such as mother-daughter relationship and death in Amu (2005), Margarita With A Straw (2015) and The Sky Is Pink (2019). In Amu (her directorial debut), we consciously wrote a story around a mother and daughter to tap into my pain. Writing from the depths of your pain can be powerful.”
While Mother’s Day was a painful occasion for her for years, it changed when her son, Ishan was born. However, life dealt another blow when he died in 2010. So, when she directed The Sky Is Pink, there was a personal touch to it as well. “His death took me to another place… I felt a deep peace about death. In The Sky is Pink, the character played by Priyanka (Chopra Jonas; actor) wears a vibrant pink scarf to her daughter’s funeral. Just as I had worn red. To celebrate. Not mourn,” says Shonali.
Meanwhile, she takes us back to shooting for Amu, which starred her maternal aunt, politician Brinda Karat: “She just wouldn’t tear up. So, when a scene was being shot, I crouched under the seat of the car and after calling ‘action’, I took her through the memory of my mum’s last moments in the hospital. And, she couldn’t hold back her tears after that and we got the shot right.”
Shonali Bose with her mother, Junie Dass
Citadel universe to come to an end after season 2 of Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden starrer
10:30 AM
After Amazon calls off Citadel: Honey Bunny 2, sources say the ambitious US mothership series to be discontinued after its second season; Mexican spin-off axed
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 18, 2025)
The murmurs were there for weeks, and on April 16, it became official. On Wednesday, Amazon announced that Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana, the Indian and Italian offshoots respectively of Citadel, each one season old, were being discontinued. The OTT giant also announced that the second season of the US mothership series, led by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, would arrive in 2026.
But mid-day has now learnt that the second season may mark the end of the road for the entire Citadel universe, as Amazon has apparently pulled the plug on its Mexico, Spain and Japan spin-offs. It is also heard that Chopra only has a two-season contract for the US version.
Citadel was conceived as a multi-country franchise with the Russo Brothers at the helm of the mothership series, and was viewed as one of Amazon’s most ambitious projects.
A source reveals, “The idea was that after the first season of Citadel US, the Italy, Indian and Mexican versions would be released. The US series’ second season was to arrive in between these versions if the story allowed it, otherwise it would come as an ender after the release of Spain and Japan’s spin-offs. But now, the Mexican version is off the table. The fate of Japan and Spain’s offshoots also seems uncertain.”
In its recent statement, Amazon highlighted that the storylines from the Indian and Italian offshoots will be woven into the US spy thriller’s second season. “Having successfully traversed India and Italy, storylines from both Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana will be woven into the upcoming second season of the mothership series Citadel. While these successful international chapters will not continue as individual series, Season 2 of Citadel will be our most exhilarating yet,” read the statement issued by Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios.
The Amazon spokesperson did not elaborate further in response to mid-day’s questions. Insiders, however, told us that the initial idea was to also include characters from the Mexican series.
Another source noted that the Indian series, starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, wasn’t exactly cancelled. “There weren’t any plans for season two. If at all, it would’ve happened only after the rest of the spin-offs as well as the US version had released.”
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