Entertainment

Billy Joel Opens Up About His Battles with Suicide and Heartbreak in Upcoming Documentary

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2025

Billy Joel, the renowned singer-songwriter and pianist, has opened up about one of the most challenging periods of his life in his new documentary, *Billy Joel: And So It Goes*, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival.

This deeply personal film explores a painful chapter in Joel’s life marked by emotional turmoil, including two suicide attempts and a coma, driven by a complicated love triangle involving the wife of his former bandmate.

In his early twenties, Joel was in a band named Attila with close friend Jon Small. During this time, he lived with Small, his wife Elizabeth Weber, and their young son. Gradually, as the documentary reveals, a romantic connection developed between Joel and Elizabeth.

“Bill and I spent a lot of time together,” Elizabeth says in the film, describing their relationship as a “slow build.” Eventually, Joel confronted Small, admitting, “I’m in love with your wife.”

Joel reflects on the overwhelming guilt he felt about the affair, stating, “They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker. I was just in love with a woman and I got punched in the nose, which I deserved.” This confrontation ultimately fractured both the band and his friendship with Small.

Years later, Joel and Elizabeth reconnected and married from 1973 to 1982, but the emotional consequences of their earlier relationship left Joel in a vulnerable state. The documentary captures his struggles: “I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats, and I was depressed, almost to the point of being psychotic.” He recalls hitting rock bottom: “I just thought I’d end it all. I was in a lot of pain, and tomorrow was going to be just like today—and today sucked.”

During this troubling time, his sister, Judy Molinari, who worked as a medical assistant, provided him with sleeping pills to help ease his struggles. Unfortunately, Joel took all the pills and fell into a coma for several days.

Judy remembers visiting him in the hospital, feeling terrified: “He was lying there white as a sheet. I thought that I’d killed him.”

Jon Small also shares his perspective, noting that although Joel never fully explained his actions, he believed Joel’s deep care for him contributed to his pain. “He loved me that much, and it killed him to hurt me so deeply. Eventually, I forgave him,” Small said.

After the suicide attempts and coma, Joel voluntarily entered an observation ward, describing himself as a “lost soul.” However, this experience led to a pivotal change. Upon his release, he realized he could channel his intense emotions into his music. “I thought to myself, you can utilize all those emotions to create something powerful,” he said.

The documentary provides a raw and honest look at Billy Joel’s struggles and the journey that shaped him into the iconic artist he is today. *Billy Joel: And So It Goes* is set to premiere on HBO this July.

Entertainment

Supreme Court Dismisses plea against Mannat Renovation

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the renovation of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan’s residence, Mannat, in Mumbai.

A Mumbai resident had filed the petition alleging that the renovation project did not have all the required statutory and environmental clearances.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s senior advocate, Shoaib Alam, argued that the project required approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also claimed that projects costing more than Rs.5 crore must obtain such approval.

The Supreme Court questioned the intention behind the petition. Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that Mannat is a private residence and its owners are free to renovate or modify their home if they follow the law.

The petitioner’s lawyer also requested that the matter be sent back to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for reconsideration. However, the Supreme Court rejected the request.

The court also clarified that its decision was not influenced by Shah Rukh Khan’s popularity or celebrity status.

Earlier, the National Green Tribunal had dismissed a similar petition. It ruled that the project complied with environmental rules and that all necessary approvals had been granted.

The dispute began in March 2025 when social activist Santosh Daundkar approached the NGT. He challenged the Coastal Regulation Zone clearance issued by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority on January 3.

The petition also alleged that environmental rules were not properly followed during the approval process. However, those associated with the project maintained that all required permissions had been obtained.

The controversy arose after Gauri Khan proposed adding two more floors to the existing six-storey building at Mannat. With the Supreme Court dismissing the plea, the legal challenge to the renovation has come to an end.

Entertainment

Shreyas Manju’s Mass Avatar Revealed in ‘Dildar’ First Look Teaser

Published

2 days ago

July 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Film : The first look teaser of the Kannada film ‘Dildar’, starring Shreyas Manju of Paddehuli fame, has been released. The film is directed by Madhu Gowda Gangur.

The teaser introduces Shreyas Manju in a powerful mass avatar. It hints at a role that is different from any of his previous performances.

Produced by R. Santosh Kumar (SVT) under the Ancient Movies banner, Dildar has completed its shooting and is now gearing up for release.

According to the makers, the film is a romantic action entertainer with a unique love story.

The film also marks the acting debut of Keerthi Krishna, niece of Kannada actor Sharan, as the female lead.

The cast includes Sadhu Kokila, Chandraprabha, Karthik, and Chillar Manju in comedy roles. KGF fame Andrew Avinash, Bajarangi Loki, and Arpit play the antagonists.

Harekrishna Reddy S has joined the project as the executive producer.

The makers have said that more updates about Dildar will be announced soon.

Entertainment

‘Marriage Party’ Set for Release; First Look Poster Creates Buzz

Published

2 days ago

July 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Film: A new Kannada film titled “Marriage Party” is getting ready for its theatrical release. The film has been directed by young filmmaker Chayan Shetty. It has already created curiosity among movie lovers.

As part of the promotional campaign, the makers have unveiled the film’s first-look poster. The poster gives a glimpse of the movie’s fun-filled theme. It has received a positive response on social media.

“Marriage Party” is a high-budget comedy entertainer. The film has been produced by Santosh V. under the Sri Varahi Films banner.

Director Chayan Shetty had earlier directed the suspense thriller “Adhipatra”, starring Bigg Boss fame Roopesh Shetty. The film was appreciated by both audiences and critics. For his second film, the director has chosen a completely different genre by presenting a full-length comedy.

Tulu actor Vineeth Kumar, who has impressed audiences with his performances in Tulu cinema, makes his debut as a full-fledged lead actor in Kannada through this film.

The movie has been shot at beautiful locations across the coastal region of Karnataka. It showcases the local culture and presents a humorous story with a strong coastal flavour.

The cinematography has been handled by Sreekanth, while Rithvik Muralidhar has composed the music. Editing has been done by Nithin Shetty, known for Su From So. The songs have been written by Pramod Maravante and Trilok.

The film features a large ensemble of popular comedy actors from Coastal Karnataka and Sandalwood. The cast includes Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai, Naveen D. Padil, Rakshitha, Namitha Kiran, Ramdas, Raghu Pandeshwar, Pushparaj Bolar, Jyothish Shetty, Radhakrishna, P.D. Satishchandra, and Bheem Rao.

The makers are planning to release “Marriage Party” simultaneously in Kannada and Malayalam to reach a wider audience.