Latest news with #MI6
News18
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Priyanka Chopra Celebrates July 4 With Fireworks, Gets Trolled: 'Pollution Lecture Only On Diwali?'
In 2018, Priyanka had released a video, urging people to not burst crackers on Diwali. In 2019 too, she also took to her X handle and talked about the pollution in Delhi. Priyanka Chopra left netizens disappointed when she celebrated the US Independence Day on July 4, 2025, with heavy fireworks. In a video that the global icon shared on her Instagram stories, she was seen enjoying fireworks in Los Angeles with her husband, singer Nick Jonas. The video showed a large number of people celebrating the US Independence Day by gathering in an open space and cheering as they witnessed fireworks in the sky. Priyanka was all smiles as she celebrated the day with Nick, who was also seen planting a kiss on her cheeks in the clip. Sharing the video, PeeCee wrote, 'Happy 4th of July to all celebrating". 'Air pollution?" one of the users wrote. 'Aur didi air pollution?" added another. 'Pollution lectures only on Diwali," a third comment read. For the unversed, in 2018, Priyanka had released a video, urging people not to burst crackers on Diwali. The actress revealed that she is asthmatic and said, 'Please meri saans ko berok rakhiye. Diwali pe patakho ko skip kijiye." She even told people that the festival of Diwali should be about 'lights and laddoos and love, and not pollution". Later in 2019, just a few days after Diwali, PeeCee also took to her X handle and talked about the pollution in New Delhi. 'Shoot days for #thewhitetiger. It's so hard to shoot here right now that I can't even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We are blessed with air purifiers and masks," she wrote. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka Chopra was recently seen in Heads of State. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the Amazon Prime Video film features Priyanka as a fierce MI6 operative. The plot follows the British Prime Minister (Elba) and the U.S. President (Cena) who find themselves at the centre of an international conspiracy and must work together to survive. Priyanka's character is on a mission to save the powerful duo, setting the stage for a high-octane ride full of action and humour. First Published:
Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
New MI6 head traced back to Cheltenham's unofficial spy school
Little is known about Blaise Metreweli, the new head of MI6, but information has appeared on WhatsApp, generated by old girls of Cheltenham Ladies College. A well known breeding ground for spies, it now appears that this 'Eton for girls' educated Metreweli until sixth form. She was 'very popular and good at everything', which is perhaps why she was marked for espionage. In 2009, Jonathan Evans, then MI5 director-general, said the school was 'deliberately targeted' for recruitment, which the writer and alumna Kate Johnson put down to the skills girls acquired in dormitories, such as those in interrogation and mental disintegration. 'The fourth form forced us to explain the facts of life,' she said. 'The girl after me knew nothing; when they explained to her, she burst into tears, sobbing, 'My mum and dad would never do that!' ' Although he is on the other side of the Atlantic, Peter Mandelson cannot escape Labour's travails. The former Svengali of the left, who is now our man in DC, was recently summoned by JD Vance, the vice-president, who, reportedly, had one question. 'What's going on with Reform?' he asked. 'I see that they're doing very well.' Given that Vance hopes to be president before the next UK general election, he may well be trying to get the lowdown on his future British partners. Reform have remarked that the VP is 'impeccably well-informed about British politics', but this would be a recent shift. It's but weeks since Vance referred to the UK as 'some random country'. When her career in politics is over, the Labour MP Dawn Butler could become the star of a cop show. In a debate about mobile phone theft, she told the Commons how police apathy had driven her to vigilantism. Using the tracker on her stolen phone, she and a companion followed the crooks in a car. 'In true Starsky & Hutch style, we chased down the thieves,' she said. She called the police again and the culprits were caught, but they hadn't noticed their stalkers thanks to Butler's quick thinking. 'We pretended to kiss as they walked towards us,' she explained. That's how to clinch victory. As another weekend dawns, MPs will be attending fetes and surgeries and all manner of local affairs, which leaves very little time for relaxation. Rachel Johnson, who is a sibling of two former MPs and the daughter of a former MEP, has been asked for ideas on how politicians could let their hair down. 'A lot of tennis, probably a lot of drinking,' she said. 'And probably having a lot of childcare in my brother's case. At least one nanny per child is my recommendation.' Not even Boris's present paymasters could afford that. By his own admission, the career of Pulp's frontman, Jarvis Cocker, peaked on Friday when he read the centenary Shipping Forecast. He follows in a fine tradition of guest presenters, including Alan Bennett and Stephen Fry, but they did mock-ups or old versions of the real forecast. Only one celebrity was allowed to read the actual one but, as the former deputy PM John Prescott had served in the merchant navy, he had at least a sliver of qualification. It was the only broadcast where one of the regions was called 'umber.
News18
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Smita Jaykar Thought Priyanka Chopra Couldn't Be A Heroine: ‘She Was Dark, Looked Like Nothing'
Smita Jaykar says Priyanka Chopra was once 'skinny and dark', but stunned her with a diva-like transformation and global success. Priyanka Chopra has shattered countless stereotypes to become one of the most influential Indian actors in the world today. But her journey to stardom was anything but easy. In a recent interview, veteran actor Smita Jaykar, who worked with Priyanka in the 2004 film Kismat, recalled her first impression of the actress and how Chopra's incredible transformation left her stunned. Speaking to Filmymantra Media, Smita candidly shared, 'I did Priyanka's initial days' film with her, Kismat. She was very thin, skinny, dark. She was introduced to me and Mohan Joshi that she will be playing our daughter. When I saw her, I said, 'Oh My God'. She looked like nothing at that point of time. I thought how do these people come to become a heroine." However, Smita admitted that her perception changed completely. 'Cut to, Priyanka Chopra was wow. I thought what has this girl gone and done. She became a diva completely. So, you can't judge somebody and say, 'Yaar, yeh kisko leke aaye ho'. Kuch maaloom nahi kiski kismat kab badal jaaye. What an actress, fab!" Priyanka has always been vocal about her struggles with body image and skin colour. In an earlier interview with BBC, the Quantico star had said, 'I was called 'black cat', 'dusky'. I mean, what does 'dusky' even mean in a country where we are literally all are brown? I thought I was not pretty enough, I believed that I would have to work a lot harder, even though I thought I was probably a little bit more talented than my fellow actors who were lighter skinned." Despite the challenges, Priyanka has carved a unique path in global entertainment. She was last seen in Heads of State, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on July 2. The action-comedy features her as MI6 agent Noel Bisset, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Meanwhile, Smita Jaykar will next appear in Maa Lapataa and the third season of web series Romeo. First Published: July 05, 2025, 01:08 IST
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Priyanka Chopra recalls awkward first meeting between Nick Jonas and her mom Madhu Chopra at 1 am: 'I thought I've been friend-zoned'
While is currently basking in praise for her role as MI6 agent Noel Bisset in Heads of State, she's also making headlines for revealing a hilarious and awkward moment from the early days of her relationship with . During a chat on the Not Gonna Lie podcast with Kylie Kelce, shared how a surprise 1 am visit almost derailed their romance, thanks to an unimpressed . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 2017 Met Gala night that almost ended it all Fresh from the Met Gala in 2017, the event that first sparked dating rumours, Priyanka decided to bring back to her apartment for a casual hangout. But there was one catch: she was still living with her mother, Madhu Chopra. ' We were at the Carlyle and it was closing. I told him, 'My mom's home. She might be awake,'' she recalled. What she didn't do, however, was warn her mother. When the couple walked in around 1 am, Priyanka's mother was lounging on the couch watching Law & Order: SVU. Caught completely off guard, she didn't take the surprise well. 'She was so mad. She ran to her bedroom and was like, 'You should have told me,'' Priyanka laughed. Priyanka assumed she was friend-zoned To add to the awkwardness, Priyanka showed up 45 minutes late for the hangout. And at the end of the evening, things got even more confusing. 'He gave me a hug and patted me on the back twice. I thought I'd really royally screwed it up... I was like, I've been friend-zoned.' Nick Jonas Called a 'Green Forest' After Sweetly Helping Priyanka Chopra Untie Her Hair Despite the rocky start, the two kept in touch over texts for nearly a year. They finally went on a proper date in 2018, leading to a whirlwind romance. Nick proposed in July during a trip to Greece, and they tied the knot five months later in a grand multi-day wedding in India. Now married and parents to their adorable daughter Malti Marie, the couple continues to enjoy their love story. Priyanka also shared that little Malti already has a big personality. From raiding her mother's 'magic closet' to giving nicknames to uncles Joe and Kevin Jonas, Malti is clearly the tiny star of the Jonas-Chopra household.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Smita Jaykar recalls doubting Priyanka Chopra's potential in early days, calls her transformation ‘fab': ‘She was very skinny and dark, looked like nothing'
From being criticised for her skin tone and physique to headlining international blockbusters, 's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In the early days of her career, the actor was often judged for not fitting into conventional Bollywood beauty standards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But as time would prove, she wasn't one to let societal labels define her future. Smita Jaykar recalls first impression of Priyanka Chopra Veteran actor Smita Jaykar, who worked with Priyanka in the 2004 film Kismat, recently opened up about her initial doubts about the young actor. Speaking to Filmymantra, Jaykar shared her honest reaction upon meeting Priyanka for the first time. 'She was very thin, skinny, dark... She was introduced to me and Mohan Joshi as our daughter. When I saw her, I said, 'Oh My God.' She looked like nothing at that point of time. I thought, how do these people come to become a heroine,' Jaykar admitted. Smita Jaykar praises Priyanka Chopra's evolution Despite her initial judgment, Jaykar said Priyanka stunned everyone with her transformation and sheer talent. 'Cut to... Priyanka Chopra was wow. I thought, what has this girl gone and done! She became a diva completely,' she said, adding, 'You can't judge somebody and say, 'Yaar, yeh kisko leke aaye ho'. Kuch maaloom nahi kiski kismat kab badal jaaye. What an actress, fab!' Priyanka once revealed being called 'black cat' and 'dusky' In an earlier interview with BBC, Priyanka herself had addressed the colourism she faced, saying she was subjected to body shaming because of her complexion. 'I was called 'black cat', 'dusky'... I thought I was not pretty enough,' she said. 'Even though I thought I was probably a little bit more talented than my fellow actors who were lighter-skinned… I believed I'd have to work harder. It was so normalised, I thought it was right.' Nick Jonas Called a 'Green Forest' After Sweetly Helping Priyanka Chopra Untie Her Hair Work front On the work front, Priyanka's latest international release Heads of State premiered on Amazon Prime Video on July 2. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the action-comedy features her as MI6 agent Noel Bisset, opposite Idris Elba and John Cena. The ensemble cast also includes Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, and Carla Gugino. Meanwhile, Smita Jaykar is set to appear in the upcoming film Maa Lapataa and will reprise her role in season three of the popular web series Romeo.
