one of the most iconic stars of European and international cinema, has died at the age of 87. Her agent, Laurent Savary, confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday at her home in Nemours, France, of natural causes.

The Tunis-born Italian actress, renowned for her elegance, screen presence, and roles in landmark films, leaves behind a legacy that shaped modern European cinema.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Tunis in 1938 to Sicilian parents, Cardinale’s entry into cinema was almost accidental. At 17, she won a beauty contest in Tunisia, which caught the attention of Italian filmmakers. Initially hesitant about acting, she eventually moved to Rome to pursue cinema.

Her debut came in 1958 with Big Deal on Madonna Street, a classic comedy that marked her as a promising new talent. The film’s producer, Franco Cristaldi—who would later become her husband—played a pivotal role in shaping her early career.

Rise to Stardom

By the early 1960s, Cardinale had emerged as one of Italy’s most bankable stars. She worked with some of the most celebrated directors of her time:

• Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) – where she appeared in the maestro’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece.
• Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard (1963) – her role as Princess Angelica remains one of her most defining performances, cementing her place in Italian cinematic history.
• Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – her portrayal of Jill McBain in the spaghetti western classic became legendary, marking her global recognition.

She seamlessly transitioned between Italian, French, and Hollywood films, earning admiration for her ability to embody both glamour and emotional depth.

International Career and Cultural Influence

Cardinale was not only a star of Italian cinema but also a celebrated name on the international stage. She worked alongside leading men like Marcello Mastroianni, Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Henry Fonda.

Her career spanned more than five decades, during which she appeared in over 100 films. Beyond acting, she became a cultural ambassador for Italian and Mediterranean cinema, representing artistry, grace, and resilience.

She also spoke openly about women’s roles in cinema and advocated for stronger female representation in films, making her a voice ahead of her time.

Later Years and Legacy

After undergoing hip surgery in 2019, Cardinale largely stepped away from public life. Despite fewer appearances, her influence remained intact. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including lifetime achievement honors at major international film festivals.

Her passing marks the end of an era. To generations of cinephiles, Claudia Cardinale remains the epitome of European elegance—an actress who not only defined the golden age of Italian cinema but also left an indelible mark on world cinema.

The drama inside the Bigg Boss 19 house continues to stir conversations, and this time it was popular television actor Gaurav Khanna who opened up about his personal life. In a heartfelt moment during the latest episode of Salman Khan’s reality show, the Anupamaa fame actor revealed that he wishes to have children but his wife, Akanksha Chamola, is not ready for that responsibility yet.

Gaurav Khanna Opens Up About Parenthood

In a candid conversation with fellow contestant and YouTuber Mridul Tiwari, Gaurav shared his feelings about family planning. Sitting in the garden area of the Bigg Boss house, the Celebrity MasterChef winner admitted:

“I have been married for nine years now, but we don’t have kids because I respect my wife’s wishes. For a long time, I really wanted children, but Akanksha wasn’t ready. Over time, I understood her point of view. Jab pyaar kiya hai toh nibhana padega na (When you love someone, you have to stand by them).”

His statement highlighted the importance of understanding and compromise in marriage, resonating with many viewers who praised him for respecting his partner’s decision.

Why Akanksha is Hesitant About Parenthood

Further elaborating, Gaurav explained that raising a child is a huge responsibility. He acknowledged that both he and his wife are deeply invested in their professional lives, which makes it difficult to commit to parenthood at this stage.

“A child is not just about joy but also about responsibility. I work all day, and if Akanksha is also working, who will take care of the child? It wouldn’t feel right to leave such an important responsibility in someone else’s hands,” Gaurav said.

Responding to this, Mridul suggested that perhaps in a couple of years, the situation might change and the couple might reconsider the idea of expanding their family.

Gaurav and Akanksha’s Relationship Journey

For those unfamiliar, Gaurav Khanna married actress Akanksha Chamola in November 2016 in a traditional ceremony held in Kanpur. Since then, the couple has been admired for their strong bond and supportive relationship. Gaurav often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, posting affectionate pictures and moments with his wife.

Fans of the actor know him not only for his stellar on-screen performances but also for his grounded personality and honesty, which has once again come to light inside the Bigg Boss house.

Fans React to Gaurav’s Revelation

Soon after the episode aired, social media was abuzz with reactions from fans. Many appreciated Gaurav for his emotional honesty and for respecting Akanksha’s perspective, while others praised the couple for being practical about such a sensitive topic. Some fans even called him a “perfect husband” for prioritizing his wife’s comfort over societal pressure.

Bigg Boss 19 Keeps Viewers Hooked

With every passing week, Bigg Boss 19 is delivering drama, emotions, and heartfelt conversations that give viewers a peek into the lives of celebrities beyond their glamorous image. Gaurav Khanna’s revelation about parenthood added a layer of relatability to his persona, making him one of the most talked-about contestants of the season so far.

Whether this personal disclosure will impact his journey in the house remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Gaurav Khanna has won hearts with his sincerity and respect for his marriage.

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt is taking some time off her busy schedule to enjoy a peaceful beach getaway with her family. The actress, who has had a hectic few months with multiple film and brand commitments, is now unwinding by the sea along with her mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, and Shaheen’s boyfriend Ishaan Mehra.

Shaheen Bhatt’s Instagram glimpse

On Thursday, Shaheen Bhatt treated fans to a sneak peek of their island vacation through a carousel post on Instagram. Titled “Island Interlude”, the post featured 11 pictures and short clips capturing their fun-filled moments.

In one of the clips, Alia Bhatt and Ishaan Mehra were seen bonding during a workout session, while other photos showcased the family enjoying the serene beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and quality time together. The post instantly caught attention online, with fans showering the Bhatt family with love.

Social media was abuzz with comments like “Everything about this post is just BEAUTIFUL” and “So peaceful, so beautiful.” Alia’s natural charm and the family’s warmth clearly struck a chord with netizens.

Alia Bhatt’s relaxing break

The 32-year-old actress is known for balancing her professional commitments with personal time. After wrapping up her recent projects, Alia seems to be prioritising self-care and family bonding on this trip. Her choice of a quiet, picturesque destination reflects her love for nature and meaningful time away from the limelight.

Such vacations have always been important for Alia, who has often spoken about the need to disconnect, recharge, and come back with renewed energy. Fans are delighted to see her enjoying herself in a simple, unfiltered way.

Alia Bhatt’s upcoming films

On the work front, Alia Bhatt was last seen in “Jigra”, directed by Vasan Bala, co-starring Vedang Raina and Manoj Pahwa. The film received a mixed response with an IMDb rating of 6 but was praised for Alia’s strong performance.

Looking ahead, Alia is gearing up for one of the most awaited films of 2026 — “Love & War” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The period drama also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, bringing together a stellar trio that has already raised massive anticipation.

Apart from films, Alia continues to make her mark in Hollywood after her international debut with Heart of Stone, and she remains one of the most sought-after global Indian icons.

Family bonding on display

What stood out most from Shaheen Bhatt’s Instagram post was the natural, candid bonding within the family. Whether it was Alia sharing light-hearted moments with her sister, or their mother Soni Razdan enjoying the scenic views, the vacation captured the warmth of togetherness. Fans were quick to point out how refreshing it was to see the Bhatts keeping their holiday low-key and authentic, instead of turning it into a glamour-driven event.

Fans celebrate Alia’s simple charm

Even though Alia Bhatt is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, her fans admire her ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Be it exercising by the beach, spending time with loved ones, or soaking in the calm of nature, she continues to strike a balance between global stardom and personal simplicity. With Love & War already creating buzz, her short retreat seems to be the perfect pause before diving into another demanding schedule.