Rik Mayall festival pays tribute to 'unique' talent

Frances Doel, a key creative force behind many of Roger Corman’s cult classic films, has passed away at 83 after battling a long illness. Starting as Corman’s story editor in the 1960s, she became a trusted collaborator, shaping low-budget gems like "Death Race 2000" and "Piranha." Her sharp instincts helped launch careers (James Cameron credits her for giving him his first break) and kept indie film’s rebellious spirit alive.

Editor’s Note: Doel’s death isn’t just the loss of a behind-the-scenes talent—it’s a reminder of how unsung figures in Hollywood’s trenches often shape the stories we love. Her work with Corman proved creativity thrives outside studio systems, and her knack for spotting raw talent left a lasting mark. For film buffs, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the quiet architects of cult cinema.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is officially set to drop in 2025, wrapping up the hit Netflix series. While details are still rolling in, fans can expect the core cast to return for one last adventure in Hawkins. The article rounds up everything we know so far—from release timing to potential plot teases—so you don’t have to scour the Upside Down for clues.

Editor’s Note: For fans who’ve been hooked since Season 1, this is bittersweet news—the end is near, but at least we’re getting a proper send-off. Given how Stranger Things has defined pop culture for nearly a decade, its finale is a big deal, and Netflix will likely pull out all the stops. If you’ve got theories about Vecna or Eleven’s fate, now’s the time to start obsessing.

Teyana Taylor just dropped a sizzling teaser for her upcoming visual album, featuring actor Aaron Pierre in what looks like a seriously steamy collaboration. Social media is already buzzing—think fire emojis, raised eyebrows, and plenty of "OKAY THEN!" reactions. The clip hints at bold visuals and maybe even a new creative direction for Taylor, who’s no stranger to turning heads with her artistry.

Editor’s Note: Teyana Taylor knows how to stir the pot, and this teaser is pure fuel for the hype machine. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the spectacle, the chemistry, and the conversation it sparks. For fans, it’s a tantalizing peek at what’s next; for everyone else, it’s a reminder that Taylor’s work is always worth watching (and dissecting on Twitter).

Miss World 2017 and Bollywood actor Manushi Chhillar is calling out the film industry’s deep-seated misogyny, particularly the way successful women are often dismissed as "owing their careers to male connections" rather than their own talent. She’s pushing back against the stereotype that women can’t achieve success on their own merits—a frustrating but all-too-common narrative in entertainment and beyond.

Editor’s Note: Chhillar’s criticism isn’t just about Bollywood—it’s a reflection of how women in many industries face belittling assumptions about their success. When high-profile figures speak up, it forces a broader conversation about respect, credibility, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women are undermined at work. This matters because normalizing these attitudes hurts everyone—not just women in the spotlight.

Back in the 1970s, the controversial spiritual leader Osho drew quite the crowd in Pune—including Bollywood heavyweights like Vinod Khanna and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. Akhtar, who identifies as an atheist, shelled out Rs 10 a day to attend Osho’s lectures, not for the spirituality but for the free-flowing, dogma-free ideas. He also casually dropped some tea about briefly crossing paths with Baba Ramdev and a vague tension with Sadhguru Jaggi, though he’s open to a chat with the latter.

Editor’s Note: Osho’s influence stretched far beyond his ashram—even skeptics like Akhtar found value in his unorthodox approach. It’s a quirky slice of cultural history, showing how spiritual movements intersected with India’s glitterati. Plus, Akhtar’s candid take reminds us that you don’t have to buy into the mysticism to appreciate a good conversation.