Latest news with #Jodi
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pooja Hegde on Handling Film Flops: The Importance of Allowing Actors to Fail
Actress is all set to reignite her much-loved on-screen pairing with Tamil superstar Vijay, in what is expected to be his final film before retiring. With a career spanning 12 years across multiple industries Pooja sits down to discuss her journey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It is great to work with Vijay' Talking about her reunion with Vijay for his final film, she says, "I'm very excited because of course it's a Jodi that's kind of been a hit with Arabic Kuthu and Beast. And it's great working with him. He's just so professional and such a nice person. So, it's great to work with him because he just makes it very easy," Pooja says, brimming with enthusiasm. While she acknowledges the bittersweet nature of Vijay's retirement, Pooja is keen on celebrating the journey. "Of course, a part of me is sad that it's his last film because we love to watch his films, and I mean, I love his films. And more than anything, it should just be treated as a celebration,' she adds. 'Coming from a non-filmy family, you really have to hustle very hard to get your projects' Pooja, who has been a part of multiple blockbusters and also a few duds in the recent pasts, reflects on how her definition of success has evolved over the years. "My definition of success has changed over the years," she admits, before adding that this phase of her career is particularly significant. "I feel like my lineup this year, the kind of films I take now, will define what kind of actor I am for the rest of my thing. Coming from a non-filmy family, you really have to hustle very hard to get your projects. I've managed to establish myself to one level and now I want to move to the next level,' she explains. 'I don't take successes to heart because when failure happens, you have to take that also to your heart' Pooja's ambitions are clear – she seeks to work with good filmmakers, take on roles that push her as an actor, and earn critical acclaim, all while balancing the mass-appeal films that her fans adore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She adds, 'That's my goal right now. I want to work with good filmmakers. I want to do the right kind of films which pushes me as an actor for critical acclaim as well. Yes, I've had blockbuster successes. I've had six blockbusters back-to-back. However, I think you're only a success until you perform the act and then you have to do it again. I don't take successes to heart because when failure happens, you have to take that also to your heart. But I want to push myself to do better work, to do good films, to do good roles and leave a memorable filmography behind. So that's where I'm at. Also, I am an entertainer. So, I do want to continue doing the big blockbuster, Mass Masala films because there's also that audience, which are my fans. So, I think it's a mix of both where I want to work with good filmmakers and have commercial success.' 'We are actors, we have to be allowed to fail' Pooja's recent films, especially in the Hindi front such as Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan , Cirkus , and Radhe Shyam were box office disasters. On the topic of failures and how she handles them, Pooja speaks with refreshing candor. 'I've been able to predict it. There are some films when you're making it, you feel it. Nothing has come as a big shock to me. But we are artists, we are actors, we have to be allowed to fail, because unless we aren't allowed to fail, we will not give you anything new. You cannot, expect every time you're gonna do the same thing and it's gonna work out. At the end of the day, I'm not at the edit table. I am not making the film. I am not writing the story,' she says thoughtfully. For Pooja, it's about giving her best to every project. "Did I do my best to that particular role? Yes. From the films that were offered to me, were these my best options? Yes," she asserts. 'It will be a trial and error. It will be. It's a process. It's a roller coaster. Right. There'll be ups, there'll be downs, but as long as you're having fun while.' She adds, "When I had my successes, I just thought, 'Wow, this film did well. Let's move on to the next'. I don't think I even celebrated my successes that much, which sometimes I feel like I should have. Because when my films didn't do well, I didn't think too much of it either. I was like, okay, fine. I learned something from it. And I move on. I also think that if you have given your hundred percent to any film, there will be somebody who will watch your film and you will get something from it for sure. "
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
What Welsh Britain's Got Talent star who made Simon Cowell apologise is doing now
What Welsh Britain's Got Talent star who made Simon Cowell apologise is doing now How did a girl from Penarth manage to get an apology from Simon Cowell, and what is she doing now? Jodi Bird during the auditions of ITV1 talent show, Britain's Got Talent (Image: ITV/PA Wire ) In 2014, 16-year-old Jodi Bird from Penarth took to the stage of Britain's Got Talent and left her mark on the competition show. The singer even managed to get an apology from the notoriously strict judge Simon Cowell after he halted her singing. In her audition, Jodi sang 'Don't Rain On My Parade' by Barbra Streisand, but Simon stopped her performance, saying he couldn't listen to the song . This lead to the audience and judges saying that it was "a real shame" that she wasn't allowed to finish the song. Jodi however fought back and continued her performance nodding to "Mr Cowell" in the song. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . She re-sang the song and blew away the judges, leading Simon to say "I'm not crazy about those songs, and I cut you off too short and I apologise." Although he admitted he was glad he stopped the performance as she then was able to prove a point. Article continues below The singer then moved on to the semi finals, where she sang Let it Go from Disney's Frozen. After making through to the judges' vote unfortunately she lost out to the dance group Addict Initiative, which marked the end of her BGT journey Jodi is still very much performing and in fact took to a different TV talent show this year. The singer appeared on the Welsh equivalent of ITV's The Voice, which is translated in to Welsh as Y Llais on S4C. In her audition, she performed a Welsh version of Jessie J's Mama Knows Best, which saw all four judges chairs turn around. Ultimately she decided to join Bronwen Lewis' team, although unfortunately she didn't make it through to the semi finals of the competition. Content cannot be displayed without consent People commented on her performance on social media saying she was "The best in the business," and that her performance was "incredible and flawless". One person even joked: "Simon Cowell been awful quiet since this came out." Since initially starring on BGT 11 years ago, she has just released her debut EP 'Greener on The Other Side', has starred in a variety of musicals and now is currently writing a musical herself In July 2019, Jodi who was 21 at the time, was named Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's International Voice of Musical Theatre for 2019. Winning the competition meant that she received an international Medal, £1,500 prize money and the opportunity to perform at the Musicale Concert Gold Coast Eisteddfod in Australia. Now, she balances her life performing in both Wales and London. Article continues below
Sunday World
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kian Egan and wife pay tribute to their 'fairytale' life on wedding anniversary
The couple met in 1999 and began dating four years later Kian Egan and his wife Jodi Albert have paid tribute to their 'fairytale' life on their wedding anniversary. The couple wed in May 2009 on the tropical island of Barbados. Taking to Instagram, Jodi shared a carousel of snaps showing the couple posing together happily on their wedding day. 'You played me this song in my lil apartment in Liverpool 22 years ago to ask me to be your a couple of years of being 'friends',' she captioned the post which included the song 'I'm Ready' by Bryan Adams. Image: Instagram News in 90 Seconds - May 9th 'We got married 16 years ago on the island where we had our first holiday together. "We went swimming in the ocean, a lil tropical rain came down on us and you said 'I love you' for the first time. 'You always told me to settle for nothing than the fairytale… and that's what we have,' she continued. 'We have shared family heartbreak together, made the most beautiful babies together and continue to support each other in our dreams. 'I'm so excited for the rest of our story. I love you so much @kianegan Happy Anniversary my darling.' Kian also marked the occasion and confessed that it was love at first sight. 'This day 16 years ago I married the love of my life. 'The day we first meet back in 1999 I knew she was the one for me. After being together for 22 years we are more in love now than we ever were. 'The family we have made together, the dreams we make together… it just never ends. I love you so much @jodialbert and I am so lucky to have found you all those years ago and I will never let you go,' he gushed. 'Happy Anniversary I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.' Kian previously shared that they were only dating for eight weeks when they exchanged 'I love yous' on their whirlwind trip to the Caribbean. 'In 2003, I took Jodi to Barbados. We had only been together for eight weeks. 'As soon as you arrive in Barbados, you know you're on holiday as everyone's friendly and laid-back. It's a bit like Ireland. 'We enjoyed the place so much we decided to have our wedding there.' The couple have three sons together, Koa (13), Zekey (9) and Cobi (7). Kian and Jodi met backstage at a music festival when Albert was in pop group 'Girl Thing'. The Westlife star asked music mogul Simon Cowell to introduce them, but was warned off as Jodi was just 15. 'I was standing with Simon Cowell and was like: 'Who's that?.' Simon said: 'No, no, no kiddo,' he previously told Fabulous Magazine. 'He was very protective because Jodi was just 15, but we flirted for the rest of the day. 'We didn't get together for another four years. Jodi was only 15 after all,' he added.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian mental health counsellor receives volunteer award from The Centre, Livingston
Jodi McNeill is a counsellor at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling in Livingston. Local superstar, Jodi McNeill has been awarded a well-deserved Volunteer Award and a £100 gift card by The Centre, Livingston in recognition of her outstanding work in the community. The aim of the Award, which has been running for many years, is to reward and recognise the fantastic work carried out by people in West Lothian who give up their time to help others and pay tribute to them with a personalised framed certificate and gift card to treat themselves. Jodi is a counsellor at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling in Livingston. S.M.I.L.E. was the shopping centre's first charity partner of the year, was founded 10 years ago by Declan Harrigan, to promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 24 in West Lothian by providing free and affordable counselling, ensuring young people can access the right support at the right time. The services provided include face-to-face sessions to help with mental health challenges, including anxiety, trauma, and stress and also group sessions to promote mental health awareness and resilience in young people and their families. The charity also partners with schools to provide on-site counselling, workshops and mental health education. Jodi, who has been volunteering with the charity for almost two years, works with children and young people to support them through the many challenges they are facing with their mental health and wellbeing. Her role includes providing one-to-one support, delivering group work, helping out at events and taking part in wider community engagement initiatives. Kerry Hutchison, Schools Counsellor Team Leader at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, who nominated Jodi, said: 'Jodi's natural ability to connect, listen and respond to young people with empathy makes her a vital part of our team. 'From one-to-one support to leading group sessions and representing S.M.I.L.E. at community events, Jodi goes above and beyond, which is why I wanted to nominate her for this amazing award. 'She truly embodies our values and continues to have a lasting impact on both the young people and the wider community.' Jodi said: 'Volunteering at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, with a team that's so passionate and dedicated to helping young people, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. 'The role offers me the chance to volunteer in lots of different ways. No two days are ever the same, and that variety is a big part of what makes this experience so meaningful and rewarding. 'What I really love most about it, is being able to make a genuine difference in a young person's life. Seeing the positive changes, no matter how small, and knowing you've helped someone feel heard and supported is an incredible feeling. 'There's a real sense of community in the work we do, and I'm constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of the young people I meet. 'Some of the highlights for me include those special moments when a young person reaches a breakthrough, or when they come back and tell you how much the support has meant to them. 'I would like to say a huge thank you to the team for nominating me which means so much and to The Centre, Livingston for presenting me with this wonderful award and gift card – it was such a lovely surprise! Tess Sundberg, marketing manager at The Centre, Livingston said: 'It was such an honour to be able to present our Volunteer Award and Gift Card to Jodi in recognition of the incredible work she has been doing to help young people in the community and hear more about the valuable services and support the charity provides. 'If you know someone who is also going the extra mile and making a big difference helping people in West Lothian, please contact us so that we shine a bright light on them and reward them for all of their efforts.' To mark the charity's 10th anniversary this year, S.M.I.L.E. Counselling have launched a new fundraising campaign, 'Your £10, Their Tomorrow', to encourage people to donate £10 a month to help safeguard a vital mental health service for children and young people for the next 10 years and beyond. For more information about the services and support, and the latest fundraising campaign, check out their website, All nominations for The Centre, Livingston Volunteer Award can be emailed to enquiries@
Boston Globe
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
YA author Julie Soto on her new thriller, ‘The Thrashers,' and the fanfiction-to-published pipeline
Set in the fictional, cutthroat New Helvetia High, the novel centers on Jodi, an outcast within an elite group of friends known as The Thrashers, led by her best friend and long-time crush, Zack. The group's impenetrable inner circle becomes threatened when their classmate, Emily Mills, a wannabe Thrasher, suddenly dies. As the Thrashers become the center of a police investigation, Jodi unearths more and more clues that make her question if she really knows her friends, or if they were ever friends at all. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The novel marks Soto's first venture into young adult fiction and her first novel stemming from a wholly original world. Both of her contemporary romances — Advertisement Soto will celebrate the release of 'The Thrashers' with an event at Advertisement Q. So I binged your book. A. Oh my gosh! Q. 'The Thrashers' dramatizes a lot of the struggles of teen friendships . Did you draw from your own experiences when crafting these dynamics? A. I feel like, for a lot of us, that feeling of 'Am I really a part of this friend group?' never leaves us. I [had been part of] an outside theater company and there was something really interesting about the dynamics there. It's like you got cast into this clique of people. There was something that I liked about that for 'The Thrashers.' I wanted to examine: What does it feel like when you have nothing in common with your friends except for the fact that you care about each other? Q. About Jodi , how did you balance writing a flawed character but also someone that you want readers to root for? A. The first thing I began with Jodi was the idea that we've all been in a position where we sacrifice something to maintain our comfort. The difficulty I faced with Jodi was not making it so that she was a moral compass the entire book, because The Thrashers don't keep people like that around. Advertisement Q. I got enemies-to-lovers energy from Jodi and [fellow Thrasher] Julian. Can readers expect to see them again in a potential sequel? A. That is my greatest hope. I want a million more 'Thrashers' books. My next young adult thriller follows a different group of people, but there will be one very small connection. Q. 'The Thrashers " deals with the topic of teen suicide, something you explored in your 2014 musical 'Generation Me.' What was important to you during these writing processes? A. What I find interesting about the topic is that there's such a sense of survivor's guilt. Why is it them? And why is it not me? What could I have done differently in this situation? And most of the time, the answer is nothing. But it's still that question that you're choking on through this entire grieving process. Q. You did a workshop for 'Generation Me' What was that experience like? A. Theater is exasperating sometimes because it's like, 'Oh, my gosh, this worked so well, now let's change it.' We were going through edits and ways to feel out if there were tighter ways to do things, so we utilized the talent at Boston Conservatory. It was great. Boston was a perfect place. It was like we were getting out of New York City, while still feeling a bustle and an art scene, and the safety of working with the Boston Conservatory, Advertisement Q. Switching gears to fanfiction. I hope you know that . A. Oh, my gosh! I'm so glad! Q. How did you navigate going from writing for an unsanitized, 'anything goes' space like an independent platform like AO3 to writing for a commercial market and publisher ? A. It is so different, but at the same time, I learned everything I know about writing from AO3. There's no middleman between you and your audience. And there are so many middlemen in [traditional] publishing. My friend [author] Ali Hazelwood wanted to call her most recent book 'Whet.' One of the major retailers said 'no,' and they changed the title to 'Deep End.' And no one has that power over you in fanfiction. You can use Taylor Swift songs as the title of your fanfic! I loved that title, so I started the hashtag #KeepItWhet, and now there are special editions of that book coming out with an alternate cover. I'm like, exactly . Give the people what they want! Q. Does your connection with the characters you're writing about feel different when you create them from scratch vs. when they're pre-existing, like in fanfiction? A. When I'm strictly writing fanfiction, the relationship to the characters is specifically tied to the things I find interesting about the property. When it comes to writing my own characters, 'The Thrashers' [features] the very first original characters I ever wrote. It's almost more in conversation with yourself and the people who make up your life, than it is to be in conversation with another creator's characters and world. Q. Your next romance novel, is out this July and is the first in an upcoming trilogy inspired by one of your Dramione fanfictions. While your previous novels featured similar challenges, was it difficult to remove a story from the existing Harry Potter universe and build something from scratch ? Advertisement A. Yeah, I reworked and completely stripped out and rebuilt that story, but it'll feel very familiar to people who've read my fanfiction. The good thing about fanfiction is that, most of the time, the plot is yours. I had to start with plot and refashion characters that suited those circumstances. I built a world that feels far more like a Westeros, almost, that feels more politically complex. There are multiple countries, and some of them leave each other alone, some of them have been in silent war for years. I looked at other fantasy worlds and decided: Where did I want to go? Where did I want to live with this story to live? So, to answer your question, it was very hard. Julie Soto will be in conversation with cardiologist / romance novelist Shirlene Obuobi , May 5, 7-9 p.m. Lovestruck Books, 44 Brattle St., Cambridge. . Tickets required, $33.85, includes copy of book. Interview was edited and condensed. Marianna Orozco can be reached at
