September 12, 2025

Akon Faces Divorce as Wife Cites Irreconcilable Differences

Singer Akon and his wife, Tomeka Thiam, are reportedly headed for divorce just before their 29th wedding anniversary. Thiam filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents obtained by people.com. The date of separation is listed as “TBD.” The couple shares a 17-year-old daughter named Journey. Thiam is seeking joint legal custody but prefers to have physical custody of Journey, with Akon granted visitation rights. She has also requested spousal support and asked that Akon not be awarded any spousal support.

Akon, known for hits like “Right Now,” made his Bollywood debut with “Chammak Challo” and “Criminal” in the film *Ra.One*. Akon has previously stated his belief in polygamy and, in a 2022 interview, mentioned having nine children. In 2023, musician Amirror claimed to be one of Akon’s four wives.

In a 2022 interview, Akon defended polygamy, stating, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”

The “Smack That” singer also affirmed his commitment to his children, saying it was his responsibility “to raise my kids to be responsible, to be understanding and to protect their mother.” He added, “My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that.”

Akon emphasized the importance of communication in maintaining relationships with his children, stating, “Communication allows me to be there every day. That’s what my FaceTime phone is for.” He also expressed his view that both marriage and dating constitute “real relationship(s).”

The glitz of Bollywood often obscures the brutal realities of box office failure. From a perch far removed from Mumbai’s studios, somewhere in Vietnam, the scent of cinematic disaster still manages to waft in. This week, the post-mortem centers on two films that promised much and delivered little: ‘Baaghi 4’ and ‘The Bengal Files,’ alongside the surprising triumph of a Hollywood horror flick.

‘Baaghi 4,’ touted as the next chapter in Tiger Shroff’s action saga, crash-landed despite a decent opening. Insiders whisper of inflated numbers, suggesting that nearly half of the opening day collections were due to strategic block bookings—a desperate attempt to mask the film’s inevitable slide. By Monday, the facade crumbled, revealing a mere trickle of earnings. Tiger’s desperate promotional stunts—bare-chested appearances at single-screen theaters—reeked of desperation, not celebration. The film’s failure isn’t just a career setback for Shroff; it’s a glaring indictment of the industry’s reliance on tired formulas and star power over substance. Has Tiger Shroff lost his stripes? The audience has spoken, and their verdict is damning.

Then there’s ‘The Bengal Files,’ Vivek Agnihotri’s ambitious follow-up to ‘The Kashmir Files.’ While the trailer promised a searing exposé, the film failed to connect with audiences. Sources suggest a combination of factors contributed to its downfall: a regional focus that limited its appeal, a lack of critical support, and alleged unofficial bans in West Bengal. The film’s extended runtime didn’t help matters, with whispers suggesting Agnihotri’s refusal to trim the excess baggage led to its box office demise. Was this another case of the filmmaker’s own hubris overshadowing the story?

Amidst these Bollywood disappointments, Hollywood’s ‘Conjuring’ franchise quietly raked in the moolah. With minimal promotion and zero fake bookings, the horror film surpassed the combined earnings of ‘Baaghi 4’ and ‘The Bengal Files.’ This isn’t just a win for Hollywood; it’s a wake-up call for Bollywood. It underscores the audience’s appetite for well-crafted genre films, a space where Bollywood has consistently fumbled. Are Indian horror films trapped in a creative abyss?

What’s the real takeaway from this box office bloodbath? Stop throwing ludicrous sums of money at mediocre projects with stars who can’t guarantee returns. The industry needs to reassess its obsession with star power and invest in compelling stories. Budgets need to be slashed, and actors need to understand their market value. The era of inflated egos and exorbitant fees must end if Bollywood wants to survive.

Are Bollywood filmmakers finally ready to confront reality, or will they continue to cling to outdated formulas and self-delusion?

Film Review | Sayara — A Love Story That Leaves You Breathless

By: [Studio CarryOnHarry], Film Correspondent

There are films, and then there are feelings. Sayara, the latest romantic drama directed by the ever-emotive Mohit Suri, firmly belongs to the latter category. To call it just a film would be an understatement — Sayara is an emotional rollercoaster that embraces you with laughter, soaks you in tears, and drenches you in deep, aching love.

Headlined by newcomers Ahaan Panday and Ananya Panday, Sayara is a love story that may seem familiar on paper: a singer falls in love with a writer. But what elevates it beyond a formulaic romance is the way Suri breathes life into each scene. Echoes of Aashiqui 2 can be felt throughout, but this time with a unique youthful angst and freshness that makes it stand tall on its own.

🔎 A Love That Hurts and Heals

The narrative follows two deeply passionate individuals whose love is as intense as it is fragile. Without giving away spoilers, it’s safe to say the film tugs at your heartstrings with a powerful climax that leaves you speechless. What’s more, Mohit Suri’s signature treatment — balancing pain and poetry — makes every emotion feel raw and real.

🌟 Performances That Shine

Ahaan Panday delivers a stunning debut. His portrayal of a man madly in love is heart-wrenching, honest, and surprisingly nuanced for a newcomer. He doesn’t just act; he feels.

Ananya Panday, often underestimated, delivers what could easily be her breakout performance. She brings maturity and restraint to her character, making her decisions, however frustrating, deeply believable.

Together, the chemistry between Ahaan and Ananya is electric, natural, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Their performances are immersive enough to make you forget you’re watching a film. Instead, you feel like you’re living their story with them.

🎧 Music & Direction: The Soul of Sayara

No Mohit Suri film is complete without a stellar soundtrack, and Sayara is no exception. The music is hauntingly melodic, with each song feeling like a character of its own. The background score perfectly complements the emotional highs and devastating lows of the narrative.

Suri once again proves his flair for storytelling. While the premise might not be novel, his execution makes it unforgettable. The film is filled with poetic visuals, charged silences, and moments that cut deep.

🌟 Public Reaction & Buzz

What makes Sayara even more impressive is the massive buzz it has generated. Theatres are packed even for early morning shows — a rare feat for a debutant-led film. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that such enthusiasm hasn’t been seen since Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. With first-day collections reportedly touching the 25-30 crore mark, Sayara is not just a hit, it’s a sensation.

🔺 Final Verdict:

Sayara is not just a love story; it’s a reminder of how fragile and powerful love can be. It breaks you, heals you, and leaves you yearning for more. For anyone who has ever been in love, lost love, or dreamed of it — this film will resonate deeply.

**Rating: 4