India has witnessed a significant surge in movie ticket prices over the past few years, prompting a shift in audience behavior. For many, the once-affordable pastime of going to the cinema has become a luxury. Sahil Arora, a 20-year-old Bollywood enthusiast, recently paid 500 rupees ($6) for a ticket at a Delhi multiplex, nearly a third of his weekly allowance. ‘I enjoyed the movie, but the price was a sore point,’ he said, adding that he skipped the 500-rupee popcorn to save money. His experience reflects a broader trend, as rising costs drive moviegoers towards cheaper streaming alternatives.
分类： entertainment
-
Halsey to headline 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival with first UAE concert
Global music sensation Halsey is set to make her highly anticipated debut in the United Arab Emirates with a headline performance at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 6, 2025. This exclusive concert will mark the grand opening of the 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival. Presented as part of Dubai Calendar’s winter lineup, the event promises an electrifying night of chart-topping hits, powerful vocals, and the raw storytelling that has defined Halsey’s illustrious career. Tickets, starting at Dh295, are now available at www.coca-cola-arena.com, with the first 500 Fan Pit ticket buyers receiving a Dh50 merchandise voucher to commemorate this historic occasion. Halsey, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, has cemented her status as a cultural icon with over 50 billion streams, 75 RIAA-certified singles, and four RIAA-certified albums. Her latest release, *The Great Impersonator* (2024), debuted at No. 1 on *Billboard’s* Top Rock & Alternative and Top Alternative Albums charts, continuing her streak of chart-topping successes. Beyond music, Halsey has expanded her influence through her beauty line, bestselling poetry collection, and inclusion in *TIME’s* 100 Most Influential People list. This concert follows her critically acclaimed For My Last Trick Tour and coincides with the release of *BADLANDS: Decade Edition Anthology*, celebrating 10 years of her groundbreaking debut album.
-
Country star Luke Combs to play two nights at Slane Castle
Country music sensation Luke Combs is set to make history by becoming the first artist to perform two consecutive nights at the iconic Slane Castle in the Republic of Ireland. The 35-year-old North Carolina native, known for his chart-topping hits, will grace the stage on July 18 and 19, 2026, as part of his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour. This unprecedented decision comes in response to overwhelming fan demand, solidifying Combs’ status as a powerhouse in the music industry. The concerts will feature stellar support acts, including Irish pop rock band The Script, American country singer Ty Myers, and the all-female trio The Castellows. Tickets for both nights will be available starting this Friday at 10:00 BST, with presale options already underway. Slane Castle, a venue with a rich history of hosting legendary acts like Queen, U2, and Madonna, boasts a capacity of 80,000 and has been a cornerstone of live music since 1981. Combs’ back-to-back performances mark a significant milestone, following in the footsteps of U2, who played twice in 2001 after their initial show sold out in record time.
-
D’Angelo: A musical pioneer who reshaped soul
The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, a visionary artist whose groundbreaking debut album ‘Brown Sugar’ not only redefined R&B but also birthed an entirely new genre: neo-soul. Released in July 1995, the album’s slow tempos, smooth vocals, and fusion of rhythm and blues with hip-hop beats, jazz, and funk created a sound that was both nostalgic and revolutionary. D’Angelo’s influence extended far beyond his own era, inspiring a wave of artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Maxwell, who followed in his footsteps during neo-soul’s golden era. Despite his relatively small discography—only three studio albums—D’Angelo’s impact on modern music remains profound. His 2000 album ‘Voodoo,’ hailed as a masterpiece, further cemented his legacy, while his 2014 release ‘Black Messiah’ showcased his evolution as an artist, blending rock, psychedelia, and politically charged lyrics. D’Angelo’s career was marked by both triumph and struggle, including battles with fame, depression, and substance abuse. Yet, his artistry and authenticity continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and inspiring generations of musicians to embrace their unique voices.
-
Sia’s ex demands $250,000 per month in spousal support
Australian pop sensation Sia Furler, renowned for chart-topping hits like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Titanium,’ is embroiled in a high-profile divorce battle with her estranged husband, Daniel Bernard. Court documents reveal that Bernard, a former radiation oncologist, has requested over $250,000 per month in spousal support to sustain the ‘luxurious and upper-class lifestyle’ he enjoyed during their marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 and share an 18-month-old son, cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ when Sia filed for divorce in March 2024. Bernard claims he became financially dependent on Sia after quitting his medical career to co-run a short-lived business venture. According to the filings, the couple’s monthly expenses exceeded $400,000, covering private jets, lavish holidays, fine dining, and a team of full-time staff. Bernard argues that the temporary support is ‘necessary’ as Sia was the primary earner during their union. Additionally, he seeks funds to cover legal fees and forensic accounting services. Sia’s representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
-
D’Angelo, R&B Grammy-award winning singer, dead at 51
Michael Eugene Archer, the Grammy-winning R&B artist widely known by his stage name D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51 following a courageous battle with cancer. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released on Tuesday, celebrating his profound musical legacy and urging fans to honor his enduring contributions to the world of music. D’Angelo was a trailblazer in the neo-soul genre, seamlessly fusing R&B with elements of hip-hop and jazz, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Over the course of his career, he released three critically acclaimed albums, earning four Grammy Awards and widespread recognition. His iconic music video for the hit song *Untitled (How Does It Feel)*, featuring a raw and powerful one-shot performance, became a cultural phenomenon. D’Angelo’s family described him as “the shining star of our family,” whose light has now dimmed in this life. Beginning his career as a songwriter, he collaborated with music legends such as Lauryn Hill and The Roots. His debut album, *Brown Sugar*, catapulted him to fame in the 1990s, with the track *Lady* peaking at No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1996. The song garnered multiple Grammy nominations, cementing his status as a musical icon. As this story continues to develop, further updates will be provided. For the latest breaking news, follow @BBCBreaking on X or download the BBC News App.
-
Eurovision organisers postpone vote on Israel’s inclusion in contest next year
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has delayed a crucial vote on whether Israel will be permitted to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing ‘recent developments in the Middle East’ as the primary reason. Initially scheduled for November, the virtual meeting has been canceled, and the issue will now be addressed during an in-person gathering in December. The EBU emphasized the need for an open discussion among its members but did not confirm whether a vote would still occur.
Israel’s potential inclusion in the competition has sparked controversy, with several participating countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, considering a boycott due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The situation escalated recently when Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, following a ceasefire that took effect last Friday.
The EBU stated, ‘In light of recent developments, the executive board agreed on October 13 that an open, in-person discussion on Israel’s participation is necessary.’ The matter will now be added to the agenda of the EBU’s winter general assembly in December, replacing the previously planned extraordinary session.
Austrian national broadcaster ORF, the host of Eurovision 2026, has supported the EBU’s decision, urging countries not to boycott the event. ORF’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, argued that Eurovision and the arts should not be platforms for political sanctions. Meanwhile, Dutch broadcaster AvroTros maintained its stance, stating that a ceasefire would not alter its position for 2026, though it would reassess participation in future years.
Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, has previously defended its right to participate, highlighting Israel’s long-standing success in the contest. In May, Israel’s act, Yuval Raphael, secured the largest public vote, though jury votes ultimately crowned Austria the winner. The decision on Israel’s participation remains a contentious issue, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the event.
-
Woody Allen pays glowing tribute to Diane Keaton
Renowned filmmaker Woody Allen has penned an emotional and deeply personal tribute to Diane Keaton, the celebrated actress who passed away on Saturday at the age of 79. In a heartfelt essay published in *The Free Press*, Allen described Keaton as a one-of-a-kind talent, stating, ‘She was unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again.’ He fondly recalled how her radiant presence and infectious laughter could light up any room. The two first crossed paths in 1969 during rehearsals for Allen’s play *Play It Again, Sam*, marking the beginning of a creative partnership that spanned eight films, including the iconic *Annie Hall*, for which Keaton won the Best Actress Oscar in 1977. Allen admitted that Keaton became his sole audience, writing, ‘As time went on, I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.’ Their on-screen chemistry in *Annie Hall*, where Keaton portrayed the quirky, free-spirited title character, mirrored their real-life romance at the time. Allen reminisced about their first meeting, comparing her to ‘a gorgeous young Huckleberry Finn,’ and lamented that the world feels ‘drearier’ without her. Despite her passing, Allen finds solace in her enduring legacy, stating, ‘Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.’ Beyond *Annie Hall*, Keaton starred in other Allen classics such as *Manhattan*, *Sleeper*, and *Radio Days*. Keaton remained a steadfast supporter of Allen, even amid controversies surrounding allegations of misconduct, which he has consistently denied. In a 2023 interview with *The Guardian*, she credited Allen with shaping her career, saying, ‘He gave me everything. He really did. Woody made it loose. That helped me enormously.’ Keaton’s career skyrocketed with her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in *The Godfather* films, followed by memorable performances in *Father of the Bride* and *The First Wives Club*. Francis Ford Coppola, director of *The Godfather*, also paid tribute to Keaton, calling her ‘endlessly intelligent’ and ‘creativity personified.’ Coppola highlighted her groundbreaking work in *Annie Hall*, which not only showcased her acting prowess but also set new fashion trends. Diane Keaton’s legacy as a trailblazing actress and style icon continues to inspire generations.
-
Chinese musicians Li Jian, Hai-Ye Ni and Siqing Lu will perform at Carnegie Hall next month
Three of China’s most celebrated musicians — pianist Li Jian, cellist Hai-Ye Ni, and violinist Siqing Lu — are set to captivate audiences at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on November 23. The concert, titled *An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor*, will showcase the seamless blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions through the performance of two iconic chamber music masterpieces: Beethoven’s *Archduke* Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major and Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major. This event, part of the *Cultural Splendor Concert Series*, is a collaborative effort by the Gong Family Foundation and the US-China Cultural Foundation, with support from prominent figures such as Elizabeth B. Wang, Tim Gong, John Catsimatidis, and John W. Allen. The concert will also feature a special award ceremony, where the artists will receive the US-China Cultural Foundation’s Global Cultural Excellence Award. The trio, united by their shared passion for classical music and years of friendship, expressed their excitement about performing together in New York. Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, described the opportunity as an honor, while Siqing Lu, a globally acclaimed violinist, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. Li Jian, a prodigious pianist, highlighted the joy and challenge of interpreting these timeless works. The concert is supported by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and promoted by China Daily, 77 WABC, and New York Music Radio / WQXR. Elizabeth B. Wang, co-founder of the US-China Cultural Foundation, underscored the event’s mission to foster cultural dialogue and celebrate the universal language of music.
-
The mystery of the missing Paris catwalk necklace
A unique silver necklace featuring a taxidermy butterfly encased in a rock crystal dome, crafted by renowned jeweler Malcolm Morris, has become the focal point of an international search after vanishing from a Paris catwalk show three decades ago. The one-of-a-kind piece, created in 1994, was commissioned by art director Simon Costin for designer Alexander McQueen, who later headed Givenchy. Despite its anticipated debut, the necklace mysteriously disappeared and has not been seen since. Now, Sarah Burns-Collins, a longtime collaborator of Morris and owner of Gold Lark Jewellery, is spearheading efforts to uncover its whereabouts as part of a retrospective celebrating Morris’s 50-year career. Morris, now 67 and based in Shropshire, is celebrated for his work in stage and film, including creating tiaras for Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ The necklace, described as a ‘statement piece’ weighing like a mayoral chain, took three weeks and significant resources to create. Burns-Collins speculates it may still be in Paris, possibly in an antique shop or with a former model. The search continues as Morris and his team hope to solve this enduring mystery.