English actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. Curry also earned acclaim for playing Pennywise in the 1990 TV adaptation of Stephen King's It. His career included roles in Annie, Clue, Home Alone 2 and Muppet Treasure Island. After suffering a major stroke in 2012, Curry continued voice acting and attending fan conventions. He published his memoir, Vagabond, last year.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and public figures worldwide. Parton, celebrated for hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” was also renowned for her philanthropy and cultural influence. Taylor Swift described Parton as a dazzling person and a gift that kept giving, while Celine Dion praised her kindness, generosity and joyful voice. Beyoncé called Parton a “north star,” and Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin also shared tributes. Fans and fellow artists highlighted her music, humor, compassion and lasting influence across generations. (PC: AFP)

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her management team said. Tributes poured in from across the world, with Katy Perry remembering her as “glam, funny and kind”. Taylor Swift said, “A world without Dolly Parton doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” while Sir Paul McCartney called her a “bubbly” character whose singing and songwriting were unrivalled in country music. Fans left flowers and messages at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, mourning an icon who wrote more than 3,000 songs and supported major charitable causes. (PC: BBC)

Taylor Swift paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80, describing her as “truly the gift that kept on giving.” Swift praised Parton’s generosity, authenticity, humour and lasting influence, saying her legacy would remain everlasting because of the countless lives she changed. She also called Parton “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person” and highlighted her songwriting and philanthropic work, particularly the Imagination Library, which provides books to children. Swift concluded her tribute with a personal message: “Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.” (PC: Getty Images)

Dolly Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, died peacefully in Nashville on August 25, 2026, aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her family and representatives. Parton rose from a humble Tennessee background to become one of country music’s most influential figures, known worldwide for hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her career spanned music, film, business and philanthropy. She also founded the Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy. Parton leaves behind a lasting cultural legacy and millions of admirers worldwide. (PC: AP)

Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist, has died aged 80. Her death was announced by her nephew, Brian Seaver. Parton wrote classics including *Jolene*, *I Will Always Love You* and *9 to 5*, and became one of country music's most successful artists. She recorded 25 US country No 1 singles and won 10 Grammy Awards. Beyond music and acting, Parton was widely admired for her charity work. Her Imagination Library donated more than 150 million books to children, while she also supported Covid-19 vaccine research and other causes. She leaves behind an extraordinary cultural legacy. (PC: The Guardian)

Kit Harington has replaced Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series after Hoult reportedly exited due to scheduling issues. Best known for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, Harington will take on the role of the celebrity wizard and Hogwarts professor previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the films. Harington, a longtime Harry Potter fan, had earlier voiced Lockhart in an audiobook. The first season, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere this Christmas, while season two will adapt The Chamber of Secrets. (PC: BBC)

Actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela judged the Miss Universe India 2026 finale in Jaipur, making a striking appearance in a dramatic tricolour-inspired gown featuring saffron, white and green panels, an Ashoka Chakra-inspired blue motif and crystal-and-pearl fringe. Calling herself “India,” she said the outfit was inspired by the national flag. The look drew mixed reactions online, with some praising its patriotic interpretation while others called it disrespectful. The evening was also emotional for Rautela as Sushmita Sen, who crowned her Miss Universe India in 2015, joined the selection committee. Rautela called Sen her “first guru” and hoped her journey had made her proud. Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala won the 2026 title.

India is witnessing a growing microdrama boom, driven largely by Gen Z viewers consuming short, mobile-first fiction. These shows feature episodes lasting one or two minutes, making them easy to watch while travelling or between daily tasks. China’s microdrama industry is already worth around $10 billion, while India’s market is still developing. Industry executives believe India’s huge smartphone base, digital payment ecosystem and long tradition of serialised storytelling could fuel growth. Story TV COO GSN Aditya said viewers spend more than 95 minutes daily on the platform. The Indian microdrama market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2030. (PC: NDTV)

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal has married his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades in an intimate ceremony in Goa, officially registering their marriage on Friday, August 21, 2026. The couple completed the legal formalities at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends. They reportedly arrived around 4 pm and wore casual outfits for the occasion. Special permission was granted to waive Goa’s mandatory 15-day waiting period between signatures. Rampal and Demetriades have been together since 2018 and share two sons, Arik and Ariv. Rampal was previously married to Mehr Jesia, with whom he has two daughters. The couple had announced their engagement in 2025. (PC: X)