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Javed Akhtar has been writing words that endure for more than five decades, and in a candid conversation with Vogue India, he turned his gaze toward what he believes is happening to creativity in the digital age. What he found does not reassure him. The veteran lyricist and screenwriter argued that the internet and its algorithms have created a culture of creative fear, one in which people are no longer willing to take the risk of doing something that has not already been done before. “The echo chambers created by the internet have made most people afraid to do something for the first time,” he said. “Once someone else does it, they’re fine to follow in their footsteps.” He extended that observation into a broader concern about how people engage with ideas and the world around them. “People no longer want to pause, think, analyse or sit with an idea. They are living happily, so why would they bother to think about this universe or the vastness of nature? For them, it is a waste of time.” For Akhtar, this impatience is incompatible with the kind of work that lasts. “Meaningful creation requires time, discomfort and reflection,” he said, adding that his own willingness to question dominant voices and widely accepted ideologies has always come from exactly that kind of sustained engagement with ideas. He was particularly pointed about the music industry and the way commercial priorities have pushed the role of lyrics to the margins. “Today, words have become less important because the marketing team has decided that slow music won’t trend,” he said. The result, in his view, is an industry that remixes old material with inferior new writing rather than producing something genuinely fresh. “But then they take those same songs, edit the mukhras and remix them with some inferiorly written antaras. There was a time when writers had more space. Today, other forces dictate what music gets made. And yet, songs that are decades old still endure, while many recent ones have a short shelf life.” His advice to young writers was direct and unglamorous. Read more. Not only classical literature and celebrated authors, but light reading too. “The real loss is not in reading something trivial but in not reading at all,” he said. On the creative process itself, Akhtar drew a distinction that cuts to the heart of what separates craft from genuine art. “All arts can be divided into two parts. On one hand, there’s imagination, passion, fantasy and romance, and on the other, there is craft. You can learn the craft in a crash course. But imagining, fantasising and romanticising cannot be learned. There are no courses for yearning.” He closed with a lesson passed down from his father that has stayed with him throughout his career. “It is very easy to write in difficult language, but very difficult to write in easy language. When you write simply, there is no space for your idea to hide behind big words. Only if you are totally convinced of what you are writing can you afford to use transparent language.” It is a principle that has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most enduring words, and one that no algorithm is likely to teach.

Actor Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar has reportedly been postponed from its scheduled theatrical release on August 7, 2026, as the makers seek a clearer box office window amid a heavily crowded theatrical calendar. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner and directed by Avinash Arun, the film draws inspiration from the life and high-profile legal trials of renowned special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. In addition to Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, the feature stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles. According to industry reports, the decision to push back the film’s arrival came after detailed discussions between the producers and key distribution stakeholders. The August release corridor features several major domestic and international titles competing for screen share, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing in late July, followed shortly by Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 in mid-August. An industry source close to the project revealed that the makers felt releasing Prahaar in such a competitive window would restrict its box office growth, especially for a narrative-driven courtroom drama that relies on strong word-of-mouth: “Prahaar was scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 7. However, the makers have now decided to postpone its release. After discussions with the stakeholders, they felt that it would not be advisable to release the film during that period. Had it arrived on the scheduled date, it would have released a week after Spider-Man: Brand New Day and a week before Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. Meanwhile, Prahaar is a special film that requires a healthy window, as it has the potential to draw audiences in large numbers.” Speculation surrounding a potential delay had already been circulating within trade circles due to the complete absence of active promotional campaigns with just two weeks remaining before the planned launch date. Producer Dinesh Vijan is widely known for executing extensive promotional tours well in advance, making the lack of marketing events a clear signal to theater owners and analysts that a date change was imminent. Prahaar marks the second Maddock Films project to undergo a schedule adjustment this season, following similar date shifts for Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming project Eetha. While Maddock Films has yet to officially announce a revised launch date, trade analysts expect the studio to secure an uninterrupted release window in the coming months to maximize the film’s theatrical potential across domestic and international markets.

Türkiye’s famous UNESCO World Heritage region of Cappadocia is preparing to host the seventh annual Cappadocia Balloon Festival, featuring 30 special-shaped hot air balloons from 10 countries soaring above the region’s iconic fairy chimneys and rock formations. Organized by Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, the four-day event is scheduled to run from July 30 to August 2. International balloon pilots and crews from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, and Türkiye have begun arriving in the country as final preparations wrap up. The festival’s lineup includes balloons designed in unique figurative shapes, including the Turkish flag, an octopus, an owl, a clown, a chick, a wolf, a duck, a parrot, a rocket, a heart, and the Earth. The special-shaped balloons will ascend each morning at sunrise alongside the 156 standard commercial hot air balloons that operate daily in the region, returning in the evenings for illuminated “balloon glow” displays at the Pasabag Open-Air Museum. Highlighting the event’s distinct appeal, festival coordinator Mehmet Halis Aydogan explained how Cappadocia’s natural geography and existing flight operations set it apart from other international ballooning venues: “Balloon festivals are held in many parts of the world, including major events in the United States, France, Belgium, and Mexico. Cappadocia’s greatest advantage is its extraordinary landscape, where 156 balloons fly every day. It is a place where thousands of people come both to fly in hot air balloons and to watch them. When we decorate the skies with special-shaped balloons, it creates an incredible spectacle. That is what distinguishes us most from other festivals.” A key highlight of this year’s gathering will be the debut of a whale-shaped balloon designed by sixth-grade student Bengi Serra Kaya. Her entry won first prize in the “My Dream Balloon Design Competition,” organized for primary and middle school students, and the specially manufactured balloon will take its inaugural flight during the festival. Cappadocia remains one of the world’s premier hot air balloon destinations, drawing hundreds of thousands of international tourists annually. Organizers note that while global interest in the festival continues to rise, participation numbers are carefully managed to accommodate the region’s busy daily airspace safely.

Renowned Pakistani actor and Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) Ambassador Sarwat Gilani shared heartwarming moments from the organization’s three-day national sports competition, which concluded following a vibrant celebration of inclusion, sportsmanship, and determination. The three-day event, held from July 21 to July 23, brought together athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the country to showcase their athletic talents and foster a spirit of unity through sports. Taking to social media, Gilani shared a recap featuring photos and video clips highlighting her interactions with competitors, volunteering alongside organizers, and presenting awards to winners during the closing ceremony. The national competition featured a total of 82 athletes representing diverse regions, including Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Federal territory. Highlighting the success of the games, Special Olympics Pakistan praised the participating athletes on its official social media channels, noting that every moment of the tournament reflected the intense passion and dedication of the individuals involved. Reflecting on her long-standing commitment as brand ambassador and advocate for the organization’s mission, Gilani emphasized the broader societal importance of empowering individuals with special needs: “At Special Olympics Pakistan, we celebrate athletes who redefine courage, resilience, and possibility every single day. They don’t just compete — they inspire a nation. They remind us that inclusion is not charity; it is justice. It is love in action.” In addition to celebrating the sports gathering, Gilani used the platform to promote Inclusion Rocks, an upcoming concert series aiming to raise awareness and support for the cause. Featuring musicians Faisal Kapadia and Murtaza Qizilbash, the musical initiative is scheduled to take place across Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Special Olympics Pakistan continues to work towards transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports, creating opportunities for nationwide participation and building a more inclusive society. Gilani’s active participation and advocacy during the national event served to further spotlight the remarkable resilience and achievements of the nation’s special athletes.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has come under criticism after a video showing him pushing away a fan went viral on social media. The incident reportedly took place as Afridi was being escorted through a crowd. In the circulating footage, a young fan can be seen approaching the former cricketer before Afridi appears to push him away. The video quickly gained attention online, with users expressing disappointment over the former cricketer’s apparent reaction. Several social media users questioned whether celebrities should treat fans more respectfully, particularly when people approach them out of admiration. Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s most recognisable former cricketers. During his playing career, he built a huge following because of his aggressive batting, powerful hitting and energetic personality. Even after retiring from international cricket, he has remained in the public eye through charity initiatives, television appearances and social media activity. However, the latest video has shifted attention toward his interaction with the fan. Some users called for Afridi to explain the situation or apologise, while others criticised what they described as an unfriendly attitude. At the same time, the short clip does not provide the full context of what happened before or after the incident. It is therefore unclear what prompted Afridi’s reaction or whether there were circumstances surrounding the encounter that are not visible in the footage. The video continues to circulate across social media platforms, generating mixed reactions among users. While some have strongly criticised Afridi, others have urged people not to judge the complete situation based solely on a brief clip.

Comedian Ali Gul Pir has spoken about the unsolicited advice new parents often receive in Pakistani society, using his trademark humour to challenge some of the common warnings directed at mothers and fathers. Gul Pir recently became a father to a baby boy, Salar, with his wife, Dr Azeemah Nakhoda. He used a social media reel to share his thoughts on the comments and expectations that often surround first-time parents. One of the first issues he addressed was the common warning that having a baby means saying goodbye to a good night’s sleep forever. Gul Pir questioned the idea, saying babies eventually settle into routines and begin sleeping for longer periods. He also rejected the belief that becoming parents means their personal lives are effectively over. According to the comedian, every family has a different experience and the difficulties faced by one set of parents should not automatically be presented as the future of every new parent. Gul Pir also spoke about another common belief — that children and pets should not live together. As a dog owner, he disagreed with the idea and referred to research suggesting that children who grow up around pets may develop fewer allergies and greater compassion. The comedian then turned his attention to questions about having a second child. He joked that people who constantly ask about expanding their family should not expect to receive personal updates. His response also highlighted how intrusive questions can become overwhelming for new parents. Gul Pir suggested that couples should be allowed to make decisions about their families without constant outside commentary. He also criticised people who comment on women’s bodies shortly after childbirth. Gul Pir questioned why women are often expected to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance. His broader message was about the pressure Pakistani society can place on people whenever they enter a major new phase of life. Gul Pir said big life changes naturally involve sacrifices. However, he argued that people should focus on the positive experiences that come with those changes instead of constantly warning others about what they might lose. The comedian welcomed his first child, Salar, last month. He publicly announced the arrival of his son on Father’s Day by sharing family photographs and pictures of the gifts he received for the occasion.

Several Bollywood celebrities have praised India’s young protesters after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid weeks of youth-led demonstrations. The resignation came after thousands of students protested over alleged irregularities in examinations. The protesters demanded major changes to the education system. They also called for greater accountability from officials. The movement was driven largely by young people and gained significant attention on social media. Demonstrations were held in New Delhi and other parts of India. Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. His decision was welcomed by protesters, who described it as a major victory for their campaign. The development also triggered a wave of reactions from Bollywood and other entertainment personalities. Actor Alia Bhatt praised Generation Z for making its voice heard. She said the younger generation had stepped forward and changed the course of events. Sara Ali Khan also reacted to the development. She shared a post highlighting the importance of democracy. Her message was accompanied by heart, folded-hands and Indian flag emojis. Ibrahim Ali Khan, the son of actor Saif Ali Khan, also celebrated the resignation. He said he was happy that the voices of young people had been heard. Sonakshi Sinha shared a video on social media in which she appeared to salute Generation Z. Her post expressed appreciation for the students who had continued their campaign. Veteran actor Prakash Raj also congratulated the young protesters. He used the phrase “Dear Cockroaches” while praising those who participated in the movement. He said the protesters had demonstrated their ability to put pressure on those in power. Priyanka Chopra also shared posts about the resignation. Her posts highlighted the length of the student campaign and the role of young protesters in pushing the issue into the national spotlight. Other celebrities, including Vaani Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Ayesha Kanga, Anjali Sivaraman and Tina Datta, also expressed support for the students. Vaani Kapoor said the moment belonged to students who had continued questioning the system and demanding change. Malaika Arora shared posts celebrating Generation Z and the date of the resignation. Tina Datta described the development as a major victory. The protests were organised around several demands. Students wanted Pradhan to leave office. They also demanded compensation for people affected by alleged examination irregularities. Another major demand was the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters. The youth-led movement also received support from activist Sonam Wangchuk. His hunger strike became another important part of the campaign and drew further attention to the protesters’ demands. The Cockroach Janta Party, which was associated with the movement, later announced that its demands had been accepted following negotiations. Protesters subsequently moved towards ending demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Pradhan confirmed his resignation in a statement. He said he was deeply affected by the events surrounding the protests. He also stressed that his decision was not about personal prestige. He said India’s young population was an important strength for the country. The resignation also prompted reactions from opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described it as a major development. Gandhi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respect students and address their concerns. He also demanded action against those accused of violence against protesters. The protests have highlighted growing concerns among young Indians over examination procedures, transparency and accountability. The strong response from celebrities has also brought wider public attention to the movement. Their social media posts helped amplify the protesters’ message among millions of followers. For the protesters, Pradhan’s resignation represents a significant achievement. For the government, the development adds pressure to address concerns surrounding examinations and the wider education system.

Pakistani actress and television host Sanam Jung recently celebrated the second birthday of her younger daughter, Alaiza, with a charming fairytale-themed gathering. Sanam, who is currently visiting Pakistan, marked the special occasion with family members. The celebration featured a beautiful Rapunzel-inspired theme, creating a colourful and magical setting for the birthday girl. The venue was decorated with pastel balloons, a castle-style backdrop and Rapunzel’s signature sun emblem. A specially designed cake was also prepared for the occasion. The birthday cake featured a tower-inspired design decorated with flowers and butterflies. Matching cupcakes added to the themed arrangements. Sanam Jung and her daughters, Alaya and Alaiza, also dressed according to the theme. Sanam’s sisters joined the celebrations and wore matching Rapunzel-inspired outfits. The family shared several memorable moments from the celebration, giving fans a glimpse of the colourful birthday setup. Sanam Jung is a familiar face in Pakistan’s television industry. She has worked as both an actress and morning-show host and has appeared in several popular dramas. Her acting credits include Dil-e-Muztar, Alvida, Qaraar, Pyari Mona, Dhoka and Mere Humdam Mere Dost, among others. She has also built a large following on social media, where she regularly shares glimpses of her professional and family life. Sanam currently lives in the United States with her husband, Qassam, and their two daughters, Alaya and Alaiza.

Filmmaker Karan Johar is set to collaborate with acclaimed director Prosit Roy on a new psychological love story under the banner of Dharma Productions. The project is currently in the development stage and is expected to begin production later this year, marking a fresh creative partnership for both filmmakers. According to industry reports, the untitled film will blend romance with psychological elements, offering a darker and more emotionally layered narrative than conventional love stories. While the makers have kept the plot tightly under wraps, sources describe it as an intense relationship drama with a psychological twist. Prosit Roy is best known for directing the supernatural thriller Pari, starring Anushka Sharma, and the crime thriller series Raakh. His work has earned praise for its atmospheric storytelling and ability to explore the darker side of human emotions. His collaboration with Dharma Productions is expected to bring a fresh storytelling style to the production house’s slate. Reports suggest the film is still in the scripting and pre-production phase, with casting expected to begin soon. The makers are currently searching for the lead actors before moving the project to the shooting stage. Principal photography is likely to commence towards the end of 2026 if everything proceeds according to schedule. For Karan Johar and Dharma Productions, the project represents another step towards exploring diverse genres beyond traditional family dramas and romantic entertainers. In recent years, the production house has expanded into thrillers, courtroom dramas, horror and experimental storytelling, reflecting its changing creative vision. The announcement has generated excitement among Bollywood fans, many of whom are eager to see what Prosit Roy brings to the psychological romance genre with Dharma’s backing. Social media users have praised the collaboration, calling it an unexpected yet promising combination that could deliver a fresh cinematic experience. Although the film’s title, cast and release date remain undisclosed, the collaboration has already become one of the most talked-about upcoming Bollywood projects. With Prosit Roy’s distinctive filmmaking style and Karan Johar’s production expertise coming together, expectations are high for a film that aims to combine romance, suspense and psychological depth in a unique way.

Yami Gautam is reportedly set to headline Kahaani 3, taking over the lead role in the acclaimed thriller franchise previously fronted by Vidya Balan. The film, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, is currently in the pre-production stage and is expected to introduce a completely fresh story while retaining the signature mystery and suspense that made the franchise a favourite among audiences. According to reports, Kahaani 3 will not continue the storyline from the first two films. Instead, the makers are planning an entirely new narrative set within the same cinematic world. This approach is intended to preserve the franchise’s identity while giving audiences a fresh mystery to unravel. Sujoy Ghosh, who directed both Kahaani (2012) and Kahaani 2 (2016), is returning to helm the third instalment. An industry source quoted in multiple reports said, “Kahaani 3 is a new story altogether. The idea is to take the franchise forward while retaining the essence of the world that audiences have loved.” The source added that Yami Gautam has been chosen for the lead because her character has a powerful and emotionally layered arc that fits the film’s vision. The insider further revealed that the project is still in its early stages, with the creative team working on the script and production schedule before filming begins. “The film is still in the pre-production stage, and the team is working on the timelines for the shoot,” the source said. Speaking about Sujoy Ghosh’s return, the source explained that the filmmaker has a clear plan for the franchise’s future. “Sujoy has a very clear vision for the Kahaani world. He is working closely with the team to ensure that the third film feels fresh but still carries the soul of the franchise.” The source also noted that there is considerable excitement surrounding Yami Gautam’s casting, while the makers continue to finalise the shooting schedule. The Kahaani franchise has long been associated with Vidya Balan, whose performances as Vidya Bagchi and Durga Rani Singh earned widespread critical acclaim and helped establish the series as one of Bollywood’s finest mystery thrillers. Reports suggest that while Yami Gautam will now lead the franchise, the upcoming film is not intended to replace the earlier stories but rather expand the Kahaani universe with a new protagonist and standalone plot. Yami Gautam, who has earned praise in recent years for her performances in female-led films, is expected to bring a different dimension to the franchise. Industry observers believe the role could become another milestone in her career, especially given the strong legacy attached to the Kahaani brand. Although the makers have not officially announced the film’s cast or release date, reports about Yami Gautam leading Kahaani 3 have generated significant excitement among fans. Many have welcomed Sujoy Ghosh’s return and expressed curiosity about how the new chapter will honour the franchise’s legacy while introducing a fresh mystery for audiences.