Entertainment
Oscar Nomination for ‘Anuja’, But No Win for Priyanka Chopra’s Backed Film

Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film revolves around a nine-year-old girl and her older sister, Palak, who toil in a small garment factory in New Delhi.
The narrative delves into the themes of childhood, resilience, and the tough decisions faced by countless young girls worldwide. The characters are portrayed by talented actors Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, and Nagesh Bhonsle.
Blending Hindi and English, the 2024 short film captures the socio-economic challenges of its environment. Adam J. Graves, transitioning from philosopher to filmmaker, collaborated with his wife, South Asian visual artist Suchitra Mattai, who produced the film.
Also Read: Zoe Saldana makes Oscar history with powerful tribute to immigrant roots
‘Anuja’ premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival on August 17, 2024, and subsequently gained acclaim at the New York Shorts International Film Festival and the Montclair Film Festival.
Priyanka Chopra, who supported the project, commended the film for illuminating the struggles faced by millions of girls globally. She stated, “This beautiful film shines a spotlight on a subject that affects millions of children around the world, who are faced with the impossible decision between a future they cannot yet see and the immediate realities of their present.”
She further expressed her pride in the film, calling it a “poignant, thought-provoking piece” that emphasizes how choices can shape lives.
The film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting February 5, 2025.
Also Read: From ‘The White Tiger’ to ‘Anuja’: Priyanka Chopra’s production house hits new Oscar milestone
Entertainment
Deepika Padukone Exits Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ Amidst Controversial Demands?

Reports suggest that Deepika Padukone was dropped from ‘Spirit’ due to “unprofessional demands” and disagreements over compensation. A source informed Bollywood Hungama that Sandeep Reddy Vanga was surprised when Deepika refused to commit to shooting more than 6 hours a day. Additionally, her agency reportedly sought an amendment to the contract stipulating that if shooting exceeded 100 days, she would require extra payment for each additional day.
Following these developments, the production team is now seeking a replacement, which may delay the film’s production plans.
Previously, Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared insights about ‘Spirit’ during the pre-release event of the Telugu film ‘Pottel.’ When asked to reveal an intriguing detail about the Prabhas-led project, he wrote ‘Police Story’ on a chalkboard.
Moreover, there have been reports that South Korean actor Ma Dong-Seok, known for his roles in ‘Train to Busan’ and Marvel’s ‘Eternals,’ may join the cast as an antagonist, potentially making ‘Spirit’ a Pan-Asian production. The film is also expected to feature Korean stunt choreographers, promising intense action sequences.
Produced by T-Series and directed by Sandeep Vanga, ‘Spirit’ is set for a multilingual release, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Fans are eager for the filmmaker to reveal the full cast details soon.
Entertainment
Game of Thrones Star Sophie Turner Showcases Her Bartending Skills in New Video

The short film opens with Turner lounging under an umbrella in the South of France, where she gets distracted by a flurry of text messages on her phone, according to ‘People’ magazine.
“On my way. Can’t wait to see you,” reads one message, punctuated by a red heart. With a smile, Turner announces, “He’s on his way,” as she adjusts her sunglasses. “Don’t worry, I’m fully prepared,” she reassures the audience.
As noted by ‘People’, the video transitions to Turner in a kitchen, playfully tossing a lime in the air and catching it. However, she quickly clarifies, “Oh, you didn’t think I was going to cook, did you?” before opting to call for delivery instead, requesting “something fresh and fast.”
Next, she opens a bottle from the liquor brand and pours it into a glass. After perfectly arranging takeout on plates, she turns to the camera and requests, “Let’s keep this between us,” just before the doorbell rings. “Showtime!” she adds.
Turner, who showcases her cocktail-making skills in a how-to video, shared her excitement about partnering with the brand: “I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with a brand that reflects my philosophy of enjoying the lighter side of life and makes me look good behind the bar.”
She added, “I’m excited to show off my bartending skills in this summer’s sequel. While I may not be a chef, I’ve discovered my signature drink!”
Last year, Turner also starred in another short film for the brand, set in the picturesque South of France.
Entertainment
Suniel Shetty Confirms Athiya Shetty’s Departure from Bollywood

Suniel revealed that although offers continued to come in after her last project, *Motichoor Chaknachoor*, Athiya made a definitive decision to leave acting behind. “She simply said, ‘Baba, I don’t want to,’ and walked away. I truly admire her for that,” he shared. “She expressed that she was content with her current situation and had no interest in continuing.”
Now 32, Athiya has found joy in motherhood, a role she cherishes. Suniel expressed pride, stating, “She’s playing the best role of her life right now—being a mom. It’s the greatest experience she could embark on, and she’s embracing every moment.”
For those who have followed her journey, Athiya made her film debut in 2015 with *Hero*, produced by Salman Khan. While the film garnered attention, she kept a relatively low profile. She returned to the screen in 2017 with the comedy *Mubarakan*, and concluded her film career (for now) with *Motichoor Chaknachoor* in 2019, alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Since leaving the limelight, Athiya has gained attention for her personal life rather than her career. In January 2023, she married Indian cricketer KL Rahul in a private yet celebrated ceremony. This year, they welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, on March 24. Recently, KL Rahul melted hearts on Instagram with an adorable photo of himself and Athiya enjoying time with their newborn, sharing the special meaning behind his daughter’s name: “Our baby girl, our everything. Evaarah/इवारा ~ Gift of God.”
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