Blockbuster hit

Double engine: At Google’s recent AI India Hub inauguration in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh called Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw “anna”— elder brother—and his government’s brand ambassador in Delhi, before declaring that the G in Vizag stands for Google. Vaishnaw returned the warmth, addressed Lokesh as “Lokesh anna” and announced that Visakhapatnam would henceforth be known as AI-patnam. Lokesh, probably swept up in the moment, kept going: NAMO in Andhra Pradesh, he said, stands for Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Modi. That’s probably a step too far, even for an ally | Illustrations by Job P.K.

One move too many: Dr P. Sarin has moved across multiple professions, from medicine to the civil services to politics. His moves did not stop there. After being denied a Congress ticket for the 2024 bypoll in Kerala’s Palakkad, he reacted sharply, got expelled and joined the LDF. But, the 2026 assembly elections came and went without the LDF fielding him—drawing trolling from his former colleagues. But, when the results came, Sarin may have been relieved at being denied a ticket. Nonetheless, he was quick to motivate his new cadre in the wake of the LDF’s decimation. “One day, these very people will lift us up again. Respect them. Trust them. It is the duty, calling, of each of us who carry the red flag to create reasons for them to return to us.” Surprisingly, at first glance, his comments section seemed sympathetic. However, on a closer look, it was evident that those ‘consoling’ Sarin were doing so because of his timing—leaning left at precisely the wrong time.

Poetry in motion: A first for a regally-dressed Karan Johar (who, with a sword, could have been part of a Mughal-era battle), a miss for Priyanka Chopra (due to prior work commitments) and a lot of bling for Isha Ambani (whose jewel-encrusted outfit probably equalled a small country’s GDP)—our desi celebrities certainly made a splash on the Met Gala red carpet this year. But who was the best-dressed of them all? Our vote goes to Anne Hathaway, whose custom Michael Kors gown not just spelled understated glamour, but was also right on theme (“Fashion is art”) with elegant designs painted on by artist Peter McGough. Apparently, the art was inspired by John Keats’s poem, ‘Ode on a Grecian urn’. Who knew art, poetry and fashion could come together so well in one beautiful woman | Getty Images

Unity in diversity: What happens when a Belgian, a Chinese and a Chilean filmmaker walk into a bar? They form a Cannes jury. This time’s festival jury is a multi-racial mix headed by South Korean director Park Chan-wook of The Handmaiden fame. Perhaps the most famous member is actor Demi Moore, who was last at Cannes in 2024 for her film The Substance, which earned her a Golden Globe, SAG and Critics Choice wins. She will next be seen in I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley, and Strange Arrivals co-starring Colman Domingo. It must be a nice change to judge instead of being judged. Cannes takes place from May 12-23, with the Indian delegation being almost as diverse as the jury, showcasing Malayali, Punjabi, Marathi and Gujarati cinema | AP

Need for speed: On his 55th birthday, actor Ajith Kumar released the trailer of his upcoming documentary on racing, Gladiators, directed by A.L. Vijay with music by G.V. Prakash Kumar. He began racing in the early 2000s and through his team, Ajith Kumar Racing, he has participated in many international racing events like the Formula BMW Asia series and the British Formula 3, winning several awards. Last year, he finished third in the 991 category at the Michelin 24H Dubai. In the documentary, he explains what racing has given him—perseverance, passion and the pursuit of excellence. “It is hard, not just for me but for my wife and children,” he says. “There will be good days and bad days and it is from the bad days you learn more.” Unlike in films you have no retakes in racing, he says. You have one shot at glory and you take it, heart pounding, helmet in hand | Lyca Productions

Aquaman does it again: Swimming 15km across the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa at the age of 60—it’s just another day for Milind Soman. He swam from Tarifa in Spain to the coast of Morocco, a stretch known for its strong currents and unpredictable tides. Soman is famous for his extreme fitness challenges, from completing the brutal Ironman triathlon in Switzerland in 2015 to swimming 20km in Goa in eight hours last month. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful swim,” he said on Instagram about the Gibraltar feat. As a fan asked, is his next challenge going to be the Strait of Hormuz? | Josekutty Panackal