AJK violence won’t derail democracy: DG ISPR

Actor Christian Convery has opened up about his experience filming the sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, describing the production as both exciting and emotionally demanding while praising his co-star Anne Hathaway. The film features Convery alongside Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella. The story follows the Platt family as they struggle to survive after their neighbourhood is mysteriously displaced into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Speaking about the filming experience, Convery said the production involved a sharp contrast between lighthearted family scenes and emotionally intense sequences. He explained that scenes involving ordinary family moments, such as a neighbourhood party or a meal together, were enjoyable to film. However, extended periods of emotionally heavy scenes became exhausting for the cast. The young actor said the demanding nature of the production helped the cast connect with their characters on a deeper level. According to Convery, the actors were placed under considerable physical and emotional pressure during filming, which helped them portray the fear, tension and uncertainty experienced by their characters more convincingly. Convery also discussed how the cast developed a believable family dynamic on screen. He said there was no special formula for creating chemistry because the cast members naturally connected when they first met. He credited the table read, preparation sessions and regular discussions for helping the actors understand their relationships within the story. The cast also spent time together away from the set, including during meals and weekends, which further strengthened their bond. The actor said the close relationship eventually extended beyond the principal cast, describing the entire production team as a large family. Convery also spoke warmly about working with Anne Hathaway, admitting that he initially felt nervous because she had been one of his acting heroes for many years. He said Hathaway treated him as a professional colleague rather than simply as a young actor. That approach helped him feel respected and gave him an opportunity to learn from her while maintaining a clear distinction between their on-screen relationship and their real-life professional relationship. Convery has been working in the entertainment industry since childhood. He said a major turning point came when he was around nine years old and landed the lead role in Sweet Tooth, a project he filmed over several years in New Zealand. He explained that the experience encouraged him to take acting more seriously and develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking. He began studying different performances, directors and classic films while learning more about the creative process behind cinema. Despite his early success, Convery said he remains focused on improving his craft and believes actors should remain grounded and recognise that there is always more to learn.

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has described becoming a mother as the most significant milestone of her life, saying family has taken priority over her successful film career during her years away from the spotlight. The actor, who was among Bollywood’s leading stars in the early 2000s, stepped away from acting after marrying in 2016 and later welcoming her children in 2021. Her last on-screen appearance was in Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018, and she is now set to return with Batwara 1947. Speaking in a recent interview, Preity said she never felt the absence of films during her break because she was focused on building her family. She explained that while she has enjoyed many career achievements, raising her children has been the most meaningful accomplishment of her life. According to the actor, motherhood brought a new perspective that became valuable while preparing for her latest role. In Batwara 1947, Preity portrays a Muslim woman living in Lahore during the Partition of India. The story follows her family after her husband, played by Sunny Deol, shelters a Hindu woman amid the violence and upheaval of 1947. The actor said her own experience of putting family first helped her relate to the emotions and decisions of her character. She noted that if family remains her top priority today, she can only imagine how much more important it would have been for people living through the uncertainty of Partition. Preity also admitted she felt nervous returning to the camera after such a long break. She recalled that director Rajkumar Santoshi scheduled one of the film’s most emotionally demanding scenes on the very first day of shooting, leaving her anxious about her performance. She praised co-star Sunny Deol for making the experience easier, describing him as a supportive, kind and encouraging colleague who helped her regain confidence during filming. After completing the challenging opening scenes, Preity said she gradually became comfortable on set and found herself settling back into acting. Batwara 1947 also marks Preity Zinta’s reunion with Sunny Deol after eight years, with the two actors sharing the screen once again following their last collaboration in Bhaiaji Superhit.