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Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Meet Britain's 'smartest' siblings who joined Mensa
Twins Krish and Keira Arora, from Hounslow, London, became members of the highly exclusive society just six months apart. Krish took the IQ test in November at the age of 10, after he was inspired by his role model Young Sheldon - the main character in the Big Bang prequel series. He scored a mind-boggling 162 - a result which makes him smarter than Albert Einstein, who is believed to have had an IQ of 160. Meanwhile, Keira decided she wanted to give the Mensa admission a go after seeing that her brother had been accepted. Krish is smarter than Albert Einstein. (Image: SWNS) She became a member this May at the age of 11, thanks to her impressive score of 152. Only people with IQs in the top 2% of the global population qualify for Mensa. Krish said: "I was ecstatic when I got my result. Really, really happy." Keira added: "I wanted to try the test once Krish got his results. I felt a bit of pressure but I was pleased when I did it." Krish is a maths whizz and recently taught himself the Year 9 syllabus in just 22 days, despite only being in Year 6. In his spare time, he enjoys robotics and coding, and reached Grade 8 piano after just two years of playing. Both siblings are part of Mensa. (Image: SWNS) Keira on the other hand loves English, poetry, and music - and is the lead singer of her school band. At the age of 11, her favourite book is Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre - and she recently wrote a poem from the perspective of an AI tool. Krish said: "My maths teacher gave me the syllabus for Key Stage 3 and I taught myself. "I don't want to go too far ahead though, such as into GCSEs and A-levels, because I want to stay with my friends." Keira agreed. She said: "I don't find school academically challenging, but I still enjoy going as I get to spend time with my friends." The genius duo will in September be starting secondary school, with Krish headed off to elite grammar school Queen Elizabeth's and Keira beginning her studies at highly-selective Tiffin Girl's School. Keira starts secondary school in September. (Image: SWNS) Keira said: "I'm a bit scared because I've always been with Krish. But I'm also a bit relieved because it gets a little competitive." Although they are only just starting Year 7, Krish and Keira already have big plans for their futures. Krish said: "I want to study maths at Cambridge and then do something maths-related, like an actuary." Keira said: "I want to study English and Law at Oxford, and then become a commercial lawyer. "I think it will suit me because I'm good at negotiating, like with Krish over the TV remote." Parents Mauli and Nischal, who between them have degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and business administration, admitted that there were some early signs of the twins' intelligence. The two hope to go to Cambridge and Oxford. (Image: SWNS) Mum Mauli, who is a senior manager at an IT company, said: "We noticed earlier with Krish. His reading speed was far beyond his age and his spelling was very accurate. "When we'd put on YouTube for him, he'd be watching maths tutorials - and by the age of four he was doing complex divisions. "He also had a lot of patience. It's rare for a four-year-old to sit still and do maths equations for half an hour. "With Keira, she was such a lively and playful child that we didn't really notice until later. "But with her 11+ exams, we noticed her approach to complex questions - and then she started getting feedback on her writing. "Teachers say she already writes like an author. She puts such emotion into her stories. It's well beyond her age." Mauli said that she and dad Nischal, who used to be a management consultant but is now a private landlord, are very proud of their kids - although admittedly a little shocked by how everything has unfolded. She said: "We're quite speechless a lot of the time about everything. "It does put pressure on us as parents as we want to make sure we keep exposing them to things that interest them. "But it's amazing for them as when we took them to their Mensa exam, they were the only kids. Everyone else was an adult. "No one else in the family is a member of Mensa - and we're not interested in taking the test. Recommended Reading "Imagine if we didn't pass! "I'm not as brave as Keira was - trying after Krish got accepted." This July, Krish and Keira are heading to their first Mensa event - where they have been invited to meet with various admissions officers from Oxford and Cambridge University. Their other summer plans include games of chess and monopoly, which they admit get a bit "competitive", as well as a rewatch of their favourite film - the 'twin classic' The Parent Trap.
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India.com
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
6 Books You Should Read If You Are A Classics Lover - From Metamorphosis To Time Machine
photoDetails english 2906657 Updated:May 26, 2025, 10:03 PM IST Metamorphosis 1 / 7 Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' shows the transformation of a man into an insect and how his family deals with it. The book explores themes of isolation and new identity. Jane Eyre 2 / 7 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë is a story of a woman who seeks love, independence, and a sense of belonging. To Kill A Mockingbird 3 / 7 Harper Lee's 'To Kill A Mockingbird' is the story of a young girl with adventures sprinkled in. Wuthering Heights 4 / 7 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë is a story about love and anger, and is set in the windy countryside. Time Machine 5 / 7 HG Wells' 'The Time Machine' is an adventure tale where a scientist travels to the future, discovering new worlds and exploring the consequences of his travel. Diary Of A Young Girl 6 / 7 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank is a saga of a Jewish girl's life while hiding from the Nazis. Credits 7 / 7 (Photo Credit: Representational Image/ Freepik)
Irish Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Chronicles of Narnia's cast now - from politics to Hollywood
This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the inaugural book in C.S. Lewis' cherished Chronicles of Narnia series. Since its debut in 1950, the series has captivated generations of readers with its blend of fantasy, wartime fortitude, and spiritual allegory. The film trilogy from 2005 to 2010 brought this world to life for a new generation, combining pioneering visual effects with heartening performances from a largely unknown cast at the time. Many of the stars have since forged varied careers both on and off the screen - some venturing into Hollywood, others into politics and academia. Here's a look at what happened to the stars who made Narnia so magical: In her first acting role, Georgie portrayed Lucy, the youngest of the four siblings and the one who initiates their entire journey after accidentally discovering the world of Narnia through the wardrobe, reports the Daily Record. She played Lucy from ages 10 to 15, earning acting awards and critical praise for her performance. Concurrently, she had a minor role as the younger version of the title character in BBC's Jane Eyre. Following her success in Narnia, Georgie took on lead roles in Perfect Sisters (2014) - a crime drama about two Canadian girls who murder their mother - and The Sisterhood of Night (2015) - a teenage mystery thriller. She pursued English studies at the University of Cambridge, where she was involved in several plays and even dabbled in directing a short film. Since 2018, Georgie has had sporadic roles on TV and documentary films. She currently lives in London and identifies as queer. The most controversial of the four siblings - who traded his family's loyalty for some Turkish delight - hasn't shown much enthusiasm in maintaining his acting career since the series concluded, despite numerous award nominations and media acclaim. Instead, his academic achievements are quite remarkable. His lineage already suggested such aspirations: he's the great-great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin, the great-nephew of economist John Maynard Keynes, and part of a family tree brimming with Cambridge professors and Middle Eastern historians. On his mother's side, he is of Lebanese heritage and the grandson of writer and diplomat Cecil Hourani. He achieved a Double First in Middle Eastern Studies at Pembroke College, Cambridge, specialising in Arabic and Persian. His dissertation compared the teaching of history in Iran and Saudi Arabia, and he spent a year living in Beirut to perfect his colloquial Arabic. From 2015 to 2018, he served as a parliamentary adviser in the UK House of Commons, accompanying MPs on diplomatic visits across the Middle East and North Africa. Today, he is a political consultant and remains deeply involved in Middle Eastern policy. In his leisure time, Skandar enjoys playing the guitar, flute and cornet, running marathons, engaging in extreme sports, and supporting conservation projects globally. Anna Popplewell played Susan Pevensie, the second eldest sibling known for her logical thinking and maturity - characteristics that often conflicted with the magic and wonder of Narnia. Her performance across three films garnered her a dedicated fan base and a nomination for a Young Artist Award. At the time of her Narnia casting, Anna had already gained experience in period dramas, including Girl with a Pearl Earring and Love in a Cold Climate. Post-Narnia, Anna featured in the war romance Me and Orson Welles (2008) and starred as Lady Lola in the CW's Reign from 2013 to 2016 - a role that marked her transition into more mature, politically driven narratives. She has also lent her voice to characters in video games and audio dramas, most recently appearing in The Left Right Game and Amazon's The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne. Beyond acting, Anna studied English Literature at Oxford's Magdalen College and has spoken publicly about the challenge of balancing academic life with a childhood spent on film sets. Although she is more selective with her on-screen roles these days, she continues to act on stage and in independent productions. Since taking on the role of Peter, the eldest Pevensie sibling, William has carved out a successful career in both film and television. During his time in Narnia, he bagged acting awards in the UK and across the globe for his portrayal of Peter, but that wasn't the end of his achievements. William landed roles in the action-packed thriller Run (2013), the adventure drama The Silent Mountain (2014) - where he was struck by lightning, leaving him with a scar on his arm - and the Hindi-language coming-of-age film Margarita with a Straw (2015). His second major role was in the E! Original series The Royals as Prince Liam, which he likened to "like (if) Prince Harry was thrown into being the next King of England. He basically is sort of a rebel.." Following this, he appeared in the chilling Friend Request (2016), the eerie My Sweet Audrina (2016), the dystopian The Veil (2017), among other successful ventures. Additionally, William starred in a music video for The Living Tombstone's 'Long Time Friends', and was romantically involved with Kelsey Asbille, whom he met on the set of Run, from 2012 until 2018. His latest appearance was in the supernatural horror flick Home Sweet Home Rebirth (2025), inspired by the 2017 Thai video game bearing the same title. In the role that endeared him to a younger audience, James McAvoy portrayed the faun Mr. Tumnus - Lucy Pevensie's initial friend in Narnia. Although already recognised in the UK for his television roles in Shameless and State of Play, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) marked McAvoy's first significant Hollywood outing. James two years later, he catapulted into international fame with his BAFTA-nominated performance in Atonement (2007), followed by the action-packed thriller Wanted (2008) and the memorable portrayal of young Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men prequels, which he embodied from 2011 to 2019. Whether on screen or stage, James has consistently opted for unpredictable and demanding roles - such as his lauded solo stage act in Cyrano de Bergerac (2019–2022) or his spine-chilling dual role in M. Night Shyamalan's Split (2016) and Glass (2019). He has been nominated for numerous BAFTAs and Olivier Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the UK's most esteemed actors. Away from the limelight, James has discreetly supported children's charities in both Scotland and Africa and currently resides in London with his wife, production assistant Lisa Liberati. Already a captivating enigma in British cinema, Tilda Swinton brought a chilling threat to her portrayal of the antagonist Jadis, the White Witch of Narnia. Tilda's career took off with experimental films and collaborations with Derek Jarman, before she gained international recognition for roles in Orlando (1992), The Deep End (2001), and The Chronicles of Narnia. In 2008, she bagged an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton, and has since carved a niche for herself by opting for ambitious, art-house projects like We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), and numerous collaborations with Wes Anderson. A virtuoso of transformation, Tilda has embodied characters of various ages, genders and species, often blurring the boundaries between performance and performance art. She's also been outspoken about her Scottish roots, her unconventional approach to gender, and her commitment to experimental cinema. She now resides in the Highlands of Scotland and works worldwide on films that span from indie projects to Marvel blockbusters like Doctor Strange (2016). Entrusted with voicing one of the most iconic characters in children's literature, Liam Neeson took on the role of Aslan, the noble lion and spiritual guide of Narnia. Prior to Narnia, Liam had already become a familiar name owing to Oscar-nominated roles in Schindler's List (1993), Michael Collins (1996), and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999). After his stint with Aslan, he enjoyed an unexpected resurgence as an action hero in the Taken trilogy (2008–2014), which reshaped his career and public persona. He continued to feature in a host of thrillers, from The Grey (2011) to Non-Stop (2014), whilst also taking on character-centric dramas and lending his voice to animated films like The Lego Movie. Hailing from Northern Ireland, he has openly discussed his Catholic upbringing, the tragic loss of his wife Natasha Richardson in 2009, and his enduring commitment to human rights.
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Charles and Camilla arrive in Bradford to mark City of Culture celebrations
Charles and Camilla were welcomed by a performance from Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. Crowds had gathered alongside crash barriers outside the venue Bradford Live to see the royal couple arrive for a visit that will set the seal on the year-long celebrations. Bradford was chosen as the UK City of Culture over 20 other bids in May 2022 by the Government to showcase its best in music, the arts and heritage. Bradford 2025 is taking place throughout Bradford District, an area of 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the variety in the landscape, from the city's historic centre to the surrounding countryside with a focus on the people of Bradford, from local artists to the diverse communities who call the city home. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director, and Dan Bates, executive director, of Bradford 2025, said: 'We are delighted that Their Majesties The King and Queen are visiting Bradford.' The senior figures behind the project said they were looking forward to sharing 'some of the highlights of what this city and district has to offer during this momentous year as UK City of Culture – a year which is helping to drive confidence and investment, bringing communities together to share in Bradford's vibrant cultural offer, and enabling skills and talent development to shape the future of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities'. In the village of Thornton near Bradford, the Queen visited the house where the Bronte children, Charlotte, Patrick Bromwell, Emily Jane and Anne were born. The terraced property in Market Street was built at the turn of the 19th century and was the first parsonage of the children's parents Patrick and Maria. All four children were born in front of the fireplace – the original of which still exists – and lived there for five years before the family moved to nearby Haworth on the edge of the moors. Charlotte went on to write Jane Eyre, Emily authored Wuthering Heights and Anne wrote The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall. On Thursday, Camilla officially opened the Bronte Birthplace which aims to tell the story of the literary family from cradle to grave. The house is now in public ownership after a two-year campaign which attracted more than 700 investors and achieved national recognition and grants from Bradford 2025, the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Fund and Rural England. The Queen was shown around the regenerated building as she met committee members and volunteers. She also spoke to pupils from St Oswald CE Primary School in Bradford who have taken part in the Be More Bronte project – an education programme developed to spark a love of literature and reading and also show that, just like the Bronte sisters, anything is possible with ambition and hard work. Postcards were filled in by the children, on what career they aspired to, and will be kept at the house. School headmistress, and Bronte Birthplace committee member, Gillian Wilson asked the Queen if she wanted to write a postcard message. Camilla wrote 'Be More Bronte' and was complimented by eight-year-old Paige Booth who said: 'Nice handwriting.' The Queen smiled and said: 'My very bad writing.' She went on: 'It will be interesting when you all come back and see if you have managed to achieve what you wrote on the card.' Paige said: 'I think I have already decided to become an author.' Camilla said: 'Well then lots of people when they come back will be reading your books. 'I think you are all doing brilliantly and I shall be looking out for those authors.' She later unveiled an easel plaque to commemorate the opening. The chairwoman of the Bronte Birthplace, Katharine Barnett, said: 'It is such an honour to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to the birthplace of the Bronte children. 'This house is where the story began, and this moment feels like the true beginning of a new chapter for Thornton and the Bronte legacy.'
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Charles and Camilla arrive in Bradford to mark City of Culture celebrations
Charles and Camilla were welcomed by a performance from Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. Crowds had gathered alongside crash barriers outside the venue Bradford Live to see the royal couple arrive for a visit that will set the seal on the year-long celebrations. Bradford was chosen as the UK City of Culture over 20 other bids in May 2022 by the Government to showcase its best in music, the arts and heritage. Bradford 2025 is taking place throughout Bradford District, an area of 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the variety in the landscape, from the city's historic centre to the surrounding countryside with a focus on the people of Bradford, from local artists to the diverse communities who call the city home. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director, and Dan Bates, executive director, of Bradford 2025, said: 'We are delighted that Their Majesties The King and Queen are visiting Bradford.' The senior figures behind the project said they were looking forward to sharing 'some of the highlights of what this city and district has to offer during this momentous year as UK City of Culture – a year which is helping to drive confidence and investment, bringing communities together to share in Bradford's vibrant cultural offer, and enabling skills and talent development to shape the future of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities'. In the village of Thornton near Bradford, the Queen visited the house where the Bronte children, Charlotte, Patrick Bromwell, Emily Jane and Anne were born. The terraced property in Market Street was built at the turn of the 19th century and was the first parsonage of the children's parents Patrick and Maria. All four children were born in front of the fireplace – the original of which still exists – and lived there for five years before the family moved to nearby Haworth on the edge of the moors. Charlotte went on to write Jane Eyre, Emily authored Wuthering Heights and Anne wrote The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall. On Thursday, Camilla officially opened the Bronte Birthplace which aims to tell the story of the literary family from cradle to grave. The house is now in public ownership after a two-year campaign which attracted more than 700 investors and achieved national recognition and grants from Bradford 2025, the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Fund and Rural England. The Queen was shown around the regenerated building as she met committee members and volunteers. She also spoke to pupils from St Oswald CE Primary School in Bradford who have taken part in the Be More Bronte project – an education programme developed to spark a love of literature and reading and also show that, just like the Bronte sisters, anything is possible with ambition and hard work. Postcards were filled in by the children, on what career they aspired to, and will be kept at the house. School headmistress, and Bronte Birthplace committee member, Gillian Wilson asked the Queen if she wanted to write a postcard message. Camilla wrote 'Be More Bronte' and was complimented by eight-year-old Paige Booth who said: 'Nice handwriting.' The Queen smiled and said: 'My very bad writing.' She went on: 'It will be interesting when you all come back and see if you have managed to achieve what you wrote on the card.' Paige said: 'I think I have already decided to become an author.' Camilla said: 'Well then lots of people when they come back will be reading your books. 'I think you are all doing brilliantly and I shall be looking out for those authors.' She later unveiled an easel plaque to commemorate the opening. The chairwoman of the Bronte Birthplace, Katharine Barnett, said: 'It is such an honour to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to the birthplace of the Bronte children. 'This house is where the story began, and this moment feels like the true beginning of a new chapter for Thornton and the Bronte legacy.'
