HBO has announced the young actors for its new Harry Potter TV series. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will be Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley. Over 30,000 children auditioned for the roles. The show will also feature John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape. The series aims to follow JK Rowling’s books closely and will have more time to explore the story than the films. Filming starts this summer in the UK, with the first season expected in 2026 on HBO Max. (PC: HBO)

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has withdrawn from the much-anticipated film "Hera Pheri 3," citing undisclosed reasons. His departure has led to a legal confrontation with co-star and producer Akshay Kumar, who filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit for breach of contract, asserting that Rawal exited despite a signed agreement and initial filming. Rawal responded by returning his ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% annual interest, signaling a desire to resolve the matter amicably. Director Priyadarshan and co-star Suniel Shetty expressed surprise at Rawal's sudden exit, which has cast uncertainty over the film's production and the future of the beloved franchise.  (PC: The Hindu)

A forthcoming biography, Love, Freddie by Lesley-Ann Jones, unveils a 48-year-old secret: Queen frontman Freddie Mercury fathered a daughter in 1976 during an affair with a close friend's wife. The woman, identified as "B," is now a 48-year-old medical professional and mother living in Europe. Her existence was known only to Mercury's inner circle, including Mary Austin, his parents, and sister. Despite being excluded from his will, Mercury maintained a close relationship with "B," providing her with 17 personal journals chronicling his life. "B" has chosen to come forward to correct misinformation and end decades of secrecy. The biography is set to be released on September 5. (PC: Mathrubhumi)

Actor Mukul Dev, known for his versatile roles in films like Son of Sardaar and Yamla Pagla Deewana, passed away on May 23 at the age of 54 after a brief illness. He was shifted to the ICU days before his death and is survived by his brother, actor Rahul Dev. Colleagues Vindu Dara Singh and Deepshikha Nagpal mourned his sudden passing, remembering him as a private and kind-hearted person. Mukul began his career in 1996 with the TV show Mumkin and worked across multiple Indian film industries. He was awarded the Amrish Puri Award for excellence in acting. (PC: India Today)

Alia Bhatt made a breathtaking debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, captivating the red carpet in a vintage-inspired pastel floral gown. The National Award-winning actress exuded elegance with a fitted bodice, structured shoulders, and delicate embroidery. Styled with a sleek side-parted bun, minimal accessories, and nude-toned makeup, Alia's look won hearts online. Her appearance, as part of her collaboration with L’Oréal Paris, marked a proud moment for Indian cinema and fashion on the global stage. Alia’s presence ended speculation about her absence due to India-Pak tensions, reinforcing her commitment to global representation and timeless style. (PC: X)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s sophomore feature, Homebound, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, marking his return a decade after Masaan. Inspired by a 2020 photograph depicting two migrant workers during India's COVID-19 lockdown, the film explores caste, class, religion, and gender dynamics through characters Chandan Kumar and Shoaib Ali. Produced by Dharma Productions, with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, Homebound received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The film's narrative addresses societal fissures, highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities in contemporary India. Ghaywan's commitment to portraying the underrepresented continues to resonate, positioning Homebound as a significant contribution to Indian cinema. (PC: ScreenDaily)

Released on May 17, 2025, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the eighth and final installment in the blockbuster action franchise. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film sees Tom Cruise return as Ethan Hunt, leading a daring mission to dismantle a rogue AI known as “The Entity.” With jaw-dropping stunts and intense sequences, the movie highlights Cruise’s enduring dedication to cinematic thrills. Though some critics point to a complex plot and long runtime, the film is widely seen as a powerful, action-packed conclusion to a legendary saga. (PC: Daily Mail)

Seventeen-year-old Nitanshi Goel, acclaimed for her role in Laapataa Ladies, made a stunning debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Day 3. Dressed in a custom black-and-gold Jade gown with a floor-sweeping tulle train, she expressed her pride in representing India on the global stage. Despite Cannes' advisory against voluminous outfits, Nitanshi's ensemble garnered admiration. In a subsequent appearance, she donned a dusty pink and white lehenga-saree, her hair adorned with pearl strings and portraits of Bollywood legends like Rekha and Madhubala, crafted by Be Abhika, paying homage to Indian cinema's rich legacy. Her presence at Cannes underscores the rising global recognition of young Indian talent. (PC: Reddit & Zee News)

Diljit Dosanjh made a powerful cultural statement at Met Gala 2025, wearing a turban, kurta, and tehmat to honor Sikh identity and Punjabi heritage. His team attempted to borrow the iconic 1,000-carat Cartier necklace made for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, but the request was denied as it is sealed in a museum. Instead, Indian jeweller Golecha designed a custom jewel set, including a turban brooch and layered diamond necklace. Diljit completed the look with a lion-headed, jewel-studded kirpan. He posted, “Main Hoon Punjab,” celebrating his roots and thanking collaborators for helping him represent his culture globally.

For the third consecutive year, Cherthala-based Neytt by Extraweave has crafted the Met Gala carpet, showcasing Kerala's artisanal excellence on a global stage. The 2025 carpet, spanning approximately 6,960 square meters, was meticulously woven from sustainable sisal fibers sourced from Madagascar. Designed under the guidance of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the carpet features elegant S-shaped curves, paying homage to the "Line of Beauty" aesthetic. After a 60-day weaving process in India, the carpet was hand-painted by artists in New York, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. This collaboration underscores India's growing influence in global fashion events, highlighting the fusion of sustainability and artistry. (PC: Mathrubhumi English & News 18)