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The rising rapper Doechii has earned the title of Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, landing her in the same company as Taylor Swift, SZA, Lady Gaga and as last year's honoree, Karol G. The news arrives just one month after Doechii won the Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category. When it came time to give her award speech, the tears were immediate. “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill —” she said, correcting herself. “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.” Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman Now she will be honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 29. Previous honorees include Madonna, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande. In 2024, The Associated Press named Doechii's breakout mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” one of the best albums of the year — a versatile album that teeters from the romance of her smooth R&B and the acuity of her flows. "Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit,” said Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard in a statement. “We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.” Other award recipients at the Billboard Women in Music Awards include aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink's Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long and Tyla. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor reunite at IIFA The awards show will be held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, hosted by Laverne Cox. Billboard Women in Music will air live on March 29 at 7 p.m. Pacific on VIZIO WatchFree+. Tickets are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor once again set the internet alight with their reunion at the IIFA 2025 press conference in Jaipur. The two stars, who were once one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples, shared a brief but memorable moment that quickly became a trending topic on social media. Fans of the iconic pair were sent into a frenzy as the reunion evoked nostalgia for their on-screen chemistry in the 2007 hit Jab We Met. ‘Mickey 17’ targets $18M-$20M US debut, earns B CinemaScore The duo, who famously portrayed Aditya and Geet in the beloved film, were seen crossing paths on stage, reigniting fond memories of their unforgettable roles. Their reunion sparked widespread chatter, with many fans reminiscing about their iconic moments in Jab We Met. However, Shahid, known for his calm and composed demeanor, downplayed the entire situation when addressing the media at the IIFA Digital Awards green carpet.  “For us, it’s nothing new. Aaj stage par mile, aur idhar udhar milte rehte hain (We met on stage today, and we keep running into each other here and there), so it’s totally normal for us. If people felt nice, it’s nice,” he said with a smile, clarifying that for him and Kareena, meeting each other at events is just a regular part of working in the film industry. Despite the frenzy online, Shahid's comments indicate that the reunion, while heartwarming for fans, was simply another professional interaction for the former couple. For them, running into each other at various events and gatherings is far from a rare occurrence, and any excitement surrounding the moment is seen as an added bonus for fans. Yo Yo Honey Singh returns: From stardom to struggle and back again Their professional history includes more than just Jab We Met. The two actors have appeared in several films together, including Fida, Chup Chup Ke, and Udta Punjab. Their on-screen chemistry was widely praised, with Jab We Met still regarded as one of the most popular films of their careers. However, their personal relationship ended around 2007, not long after the release of their cult classic film. Both Shahid and Kareena have moved on since their split. Shahid is married to Mira Rajput, with whom he has two children, Misha and Zain. Kareena, meanwhile, is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, with whom she has two sons, Taimur and Jehangir (Jeh). While their reunion at IIFA may have sparked memories for fans, for Shahid and Kareena, it was simply another moment in the life of two seasoned professionals who have long since moved past their personal history and continue to thrive in their respective careers. Source: Indian media  

Nearly 15 years ago, an Indian rapper from a modest background burst onto the country’s emerging hip-hop scene, reshaping it forever. With provocative lyrics and pulsating beats, Yo Yo Honey Singh captivated audiences at clubs, weddings, and roadside stalls alike. However, at the peak of his success, he disappeared. After a seven-year hiatus, the 41-year-old artist has returned with a new album and a music tour, claiming to have undergone a transformation following struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues. Once one of India’s most influential music figures, Singh played a pivotal role in popularising hip-hop in the country. According to music journalist Bhanuj Kappal, featured in the Netflix documentary Famous, Singh shifted the cultural landscape of the genre. However, he was also a polarising figure, often criticised for his lyrics promoting debauchery, violence, and misogyny. His image took a further hit when his former wife accused him of domestic abuse—an allegation he denied. Andreas Kronthaler honors Westwood with a theatrical, rule-breaking vision at Paris Fashion Week Much has changed since Singh's heyday. Indian hip-hop has evolved, with new artists surpassing him as the genre’s leading voices. Singh, too, appears different. Once describing himself as “the all-knowing master of the universe,” he now embraces spirituality, karma, and astrology. While he insists his music is now more meaningful, some fans feel it lacks its former impact. “He has a loyal audience, but his style feels outdated,” Kappal remarked. Yet, Singh remains determined to reclaim his place. Rather than shy away from his struggles, Singh has made them central to his comeback. He openly acknowledges his battles with addiction and mental health, admitting that “drugs destroyed” him. Speaking to digital platform Lallantop, he confessed, “Fame, money, and women consumed me. I lost myself completely.” Born Hridesh Singh in Punjab and raised in a cramped Delhi neighbourhood, he was shaped by his tough early years. His musical journey began as a college DJ before he transitioned into production. After struggling as a small-time producer, he went solo, releasing The International Villager in 2011. Initially overlooked, the album later became a sensation, propelling him to Bollywood fame. Singh’s meteoric rise coincided with his personal downfall. He recounted excessive substance use, leading to erratic behaviour and strained relationships. In 2017, he collapsed mid-tour, prompting him to step away from music and seek medical help. After years of therapy, Singh claims he has been sober for seven years, except for the occasional beer. Fans admire his candidness about his past, with many acknowledging his efforts to change. “Nobody is perfect, but at least he is trying,” said Delhi-based student Nandini Gupta. Others remain sceptical, arguing that his lyrics still objectify women and glorify materialism. AR Murugadoss confirms Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ not a remake Regardless of the mixed reactions, Singh’s comeback presents a challenge to his audience—inviting them to accept his past and embrace his renewed artistic journey. “I was away for seven years, but I will drive everyone crazy again in the next seven,” he declared. “I’m back and I want the same love I once had.” Source: BBC  

At Vivienne Westwood’s fall show Saturday, Andreas Kronthaler sent a clear message: rebellion is alive and well. The collection, staged at the Pavillon Cambon, was a riot of irreverence and refinement, merging razor-sharp tailoring with Westwood’s signature sense of mischief. “There’s nothing more sexy than a suit,” the show notes declared, and Kronthaler took that mantra to heart. Power suiting dominated — oversized blazers draped over silken shirts, trousers slashed into asymmetrical skirts, and trench coats dialed up to near-operatic proportions. A deep navy double-breasted coat, cinched tightly at the waist and paired with a towering felt hat, felt like a playful nod to British aristocracy — if the aristocracy had a punk streak and a wicked sense of humor. AR Murugadoss confirms Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ not a remake Texture was another star of the show. Chunky winter coats in rough wools clashed beautifully with shimmering metallic hoods and speckled knitwear, while velvet and tulle gowns exaggerated the body with bold padding at the hips and shoulders. Accessories veered into pure Westwood fantasy — furry heels, deliberately clashing socks, and a gilded birdcage handbag, equal parts opulent and ironic. The collection also served as a personal tribute. Marking his 30 years in London, Kronthaler wove in subtle references to the city’s eclectic energy, infusing the lineup with a mix of streetwise edge and historic grandeur. As the final model exited, he stepped onto the runway, bouquet in hand, and flung flowers into the crowd, a celebratory gesture that felt as spontaneous and theatrical as the clothes themselves. Vivienne Westwood’s legacy has always been about challenging expectations. Under Kronthaler, that defiant spirit remains, recharged with a fresh, fearless sense of drama.

The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards is underway in Jaipur, with Bollywood stars arriving for the grand event. On Friday, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit reached the Pink City, followed by more celebrities on Saturday.  Shah Rukh Khan received a superstar’s welcome as he landed in Jaipur. Fans and photographers crowded around his car, eager to catch a glimpse of the actor. Dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers, paired with sunglasses and a shaggy hairstyle, he waved and blew kisses to the crowd. IIFA shared pictures and videos of his arrival at the hotel, adding to the excitement.  Also on Friday, Madhuri Dixit participated in a panel discussion with Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga. The session, titled The Journey of Women in Cinema, marked the beginning of the IIFA 2025 Weekend. During the discussion, Dixit addressed the issue of pay disparity in the Hindi film industry, stating that female actors must consistently prove their ability to attract audiences.  Tamil star Vijay hosts iftar in Chennai during Ramadan "For women, the challenge is to repeatedly prove that we are equal and can draw audiences, yet we have to demonstrate it every single time. The disparity still exists," said Dixit, who recently appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.  On Saturday, Kareena Kapoor was spotted at Mumbai’s Kalina airport, leaving for Jaipur with her elder son, Taimur. She will be performing at IIFA 2025 and is set to pay tribute to her grandfather, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor.  The 25th edition of IIFA is scheduled for March 8 and 9 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. A special screening of the iconic film Sholay will take place at Raj Mandir Cinema to mark its 50th anniversary. Additionally, legendary MMA fighter Anthony Pettis will make a guest appearance at the event.  This year’s IIFA Awards will be hosted by actor Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Karan Johar.With inputs from Indian media

Forensic experts came to a heartrending conclusion Friday about the manner of death for actor Gene Hackman: he died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer's disease on an empty stomach a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease took the life of his wife at their home in Santa Fe. The partially mummified remains of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered Feb. 26 when maintenance and security workers showed up at the home and alerted police. Authorities unraveled the mysterious circumstances and revealed that Arakawa likely died Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, apparently was unaware that his wife was dead. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death,” chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said. “It’s quite possible he was not aware she was deceased.” Both deaths were ruled to be from natural causes. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Arakawa’s last known outing was a round of errands and shopping Feb. 11. She visited a pharmacy, pet store and grocery before returning to the couple's gated neighborhood that evening. Arakawa stopped answering emails that day. The couple’s cellphone communications have not yet been analyzed. Hackman’s pacemaker last showed signs of activity a week later, indicating an abnormal heart rhythm Feb. 18, the day he likely died, Jarrell said. Hackman was found in the home's entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom. Their bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fe’s especially dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters). The revelations about the manner of the couple’s deaths jolted Santa Fe, the state capital city known as a refuge for celebrities, artists and authors. “All of us that knew him should have been checking on him,” said Stuart Ashman, co-owner of Artes de Cuba gallery, who cherished his encounters with Hackman at a local Pilates exercise studio. “I had no idea. ... It’s just really sad. And that she died a week before him. My God.” Experts believe Hackman was severely impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease and unable to deal with his wife’s death in the last week of his life — or seek help after she died. Lady Gaga teases mystery role in Wednesday Season 2 “Their (the authorities’) explanation, I thought, was quite clear and plausible, said Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist in Virginia. "I believe they really discovered what truly happened in this case.” Most older Americans with Alzheimer's diesease and related dementias live at home, and many receive care from family or friends. Hantavirus typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas. This is the first confirmed case of hantavirus in New Mexico this year. While hantavirus is found throughout the world, most cases in the U.S. have been found in western states. The virus can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection. Jarrell said it was not known how quickly Arakawa died. One of the couple’s three dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, also was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other dogs survived. Dogs do not get sick from hantavirus, said Erin Phipps, a veterinarian with the New Mexico Health Department. A necropsy will be done on the dog. The sheriff considers this an open investigation until they receive results of the dog’s necropsy and finish checking into data from personal cellphones retrieved from the home. Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during a storied career in films including “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers” and “Superman” from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. Arakawa, born in Hawaii, studied as a concert pianist, attended the University of Southern California and met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. Hackman dedicated much of his time in retirement to painting and writing novels far from Hollywood’s social circuit. He served for several years on the board of trustees at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and he and Arakawa were investors in local businesses.

Actor Emily Osment has filed for divorce from musician Jack Anthony Farina after being married for less than five months. The 32-year-old actress submitted the divorce petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, seeking to end her marriage to 42-year-old Farina. According to court documents, the couple wed on October 12 but separated on December 7, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. They have no children. This was Osment’s first marriage. She is the younger sister of Haley Joel Osment, known for The Sixth Sense, and gained fame as Lilly Truscott on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana (2006-2011). She later starred in Young & Hungry and Young Sheldon and currently appears in the Young Sheldon spinoff, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. The divorce was first reported by TMZ.

Tamil actor Vijay, who is set to enter politics with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), hosted an Iftar gathering in Chennai on Friday. Dressed in white and wearing a skullcap, he participated in prayers alongside the attendees before they broke their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.  A video shared by ANI captured Vijay sitting among a group of men engaged in prayer. ANI wrote, “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder and chief Vijay hosts 'Iftar' during Ramzan month, in Chennai.” The footage shows the actor listening attentively as a clergy led the prayers.  Another widely shared video online shows Vijay expressing gratitude to those who attended, appreciating the sense of brotherhood at the event. The gathering took place at Royapettah YMCA grounds, where he was seen praying and breaking fast with the invitees.  In tense relations with India, Pakistani TV dramas break down barriers that diplomacy often cannot Several images and videos posted by fans on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, captured moments of Vijay interacting with attendees. Fans also gathered outside the venue to catch a glimpse of him. Vijay greeted them before making his way inside, where he continued to engage warmly with his supporters.   With inputs from Indian media 

Two Pakistani women sit together on a couch, rehearsing their lines while a director scrutinizes them. Waiting off camera for his scene is the male lead, an actor blessed with “Bachelor” hair and fine bone structure. Also out of sight: the Islamabad homeowners, who are holed up in a separate room and whose furniture and knick-knacks will be seen by millions of viewers — many from the society that has been their country's neighbor and uneasy sparring partner for much of the past century. This is the set of the Pakistani drama “Adhi Bewafai,” or “Half Infidelity” — one of what some in other nations would call “soap operas." But these dramas, it turns out, are not just for Pakistanis. Realistic settings, natural dialogue and almost workaday plots about families and marriages make Pakistani dramas a hit with viewers at home and abroad — especially in the neighboring country that split with Pakistan in 1947 and is its nuclear archrival today: India. Television, it seems, is succeeding where diplomacy sometimes can't. A glimpse into life across the border Several thousand people work in Pakistan’s drama industry; the country produces between 80 to 120 shows a year, each one a source of escapism and intrigue. They offer Indians a tantalizing glimpse into life across the border — and manage to break through decades of enmity between the two governments. Maheen Shafeeq, a research associate at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, says there is effectively no relationship between the two governments. Each government is fixed on a single issue it cannot move past — for India, it’s terrorism; for Pakistan, the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “The governments are very much opposed to each other,” she says. “They don’t agree what they should talk about.” Robert Downey Jr shapes doctor doom role in Avengers: Doomsday Although it’s difficult for Indians to visit Pakistan, where these shows are filmed, they faithfully follow the plot twists and turns through platforms like YouTube, ZEE5, and MX Player. For those of a certain generation, however, it wasn’t always so easy to keep up. Kaveri Sharma, a writer in the Indian city of Patna, recalls her mother-in-law and aunt jiggling antennas in the 1980s and 1990s in hopes of catching a signal from Pakistan’s state broadcaster, PTV. It’s how Sharma first realized that the country next door was a drama powerhouse. It inspired her to discover the shows for herself years later, even going on to watch them with her own daughter. “They feel familiar, but they are also a break from our own lives,” Sharma says. “I don’t see any differences between the two countries. Everything is relatable. I see Karachi and think that it could be Lucknow or Patna. What happens on the shows could happen to me or my friends.” She had heard only negative things about Pakistan since childhood — that it was the enemy that would take everything from India. The TV dramas have added subtlety and detail to this image for her. She would love to visit, but is unlikely to get the opportunity. So she explores Pakistan through the locations, malls, offices, streets and restaurants depicted on the small screen. The names of popular Karachi neighborhoods roll off her tongue. Sharma, like Bibi Hafeez in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad and Punita Kumar in the central Indian city of Raipur, raves about the dramas’ universality of themes, the strong characterization and the emotional range. “Pakistani characters are not only heroes or villains. They have shades to them, and that is very human,” says Kumar, who chanced upon a Pakistani drama through a chunky videocassette when she was a teenager living in the northern Indian city of Aligarh. It was love at first watch. “They captivated me. We got a cable connection that offered PTV. Then YouTube came and I realized I could search for whatever drama I wanted. I haven’t taken a stop,” she said. “We get exposure to Pakistani life in the scenes, but the struggles the characters have with their relatives are ones I would have with my own.” Pakistani TV veteran Khaled Anam is delighted by Indians’ enthusiasm for the country’s serials and the barriers they help erode. “What Bollywood is to India, dramas are to Pakistan,” says Anam, who is based in Karachi and has worked as an actor since the 1980s. He has appeared in many dramas, including the ratings smash “Humsafar” (“Life Partner”). India's productions go big, while Pakistan's are more low key India dominates the movie market in South Asia and beyond, with big stars and bigger budgets. Pakistanis have been exposed to Bollywood films for decades, although the prevailing hostile political climate means they can't watch them in movie theaters. The bans are mutual, though. India, like Pakistan, restricts content from across the border in movie theaters and TV channels. Matthew Modine joins cast of new ‘Godzilla x Kong’ film And while India is no slouch when it comes to TV production, it doesn’t offer viewers what Pakistan does, according to Anam: simplicity, depth of writing and a limited number of episodes. “There are 15-minute flashbacks in Indian serials. (The characters) are decked out and dolled up. It’s a fantasy world. The shows go on forever. Everything is ‘DUN dun dun!’” says Anam, mimicking a dramatic musical riff and shaking his hands. The actors on the couch in Islamabad are rehearsing lines about a woman who is disrespectful and so, according to one of them, is an unsuitable marriage prospect. The delivery and grammar could be heard in virtually any South Asian household. “Pakistanis are generally emotional people, and that is in their dramas also,” says Islamabad-based director Saife Hassan. “It would take me less than two minutes to explain the plot of the super-duper hit ‘Kabhi Main, Kabhi Tum’ (‘Sometimes Me, Sometimes You’). It’s about the emotions between a husband and wife.” Hassan, who began his TV career in the 1990s, says Indians frequently comment on his social media pages and send him direct messages about his work. He even recalls Indian viewers praying for the recovery of a character who was in a coma. Hassan would love to see more homegrown dramas make it onto platforms like Netflix, as some Indian shows have with great success. But he wonders whether international audiences would understand and connect with Pakistani stories or lives: “The way we think is different from the West. Our shows are not driven by events. They are driven by emotions.” There is also a lack of raunch in Pakistani dramas, which are family-friendly with little to no vulgarity, violence, or even action. Indians, therefore, are a natural audience for Pakistani dramas, Hassan says. “They are our people. They are like us. They eat like us,” he says. “I love India, and I love Indians. They have grown out of this animosity.”

President Donald Trump reached an estimated 36.6 million television viewers for his address to Congress on Tuesday night, the Nielsen company said. That beat the 32.2 million people who watched former President Joe Biden's final State of the Union address last year, but was smaller than any of Trump's audiences for the annual address during his first term, Nielsen said. Trump's first speech to Congress as president, in 2017, was seen by 47.7 million people. Television viewing in general has decreased since then. Nielsen measured viewing on 15 different television networks, including those whose feed was carried on streaming services. UK data protection watchdog investigating how TikTok uses children's personal data Fox News Channel, the most popular network for Trump fans, dominated viewing, reaching 10.7 million people. ABC had 6.3 million, CBS had 4 million, NBC had 3.9 million, Fox broadcast had 2.7 million and both CNN and MSNBC had 1.9 million, Nielsen said. Nielsen said 71% of Trump's television viewers were 55 and older.