Katseye, the internationally acclaimed girl group, has been navigating a tumultuous journey since their debut in 2023. Despite their meteoric rise in the music industry, the six-member ensemble has been subjected to a barrage of online death threats and racist comments. The group, recently nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, revealed the emotional toll these threats have taken on them and their families. Lara Raj, a member with Tamil Indian heritage, shared her decision to delete Twitter (now X) to escape the negativity, stating, ‘I realised I am not the audience for other people’s opinions.’ The group, trained in the K-pop system but adopting a Western musical approach, has also faced sexist remarks, with Raj highlighting the dystopian nature of being ranked based on appearance and talent. Despite these challenges, Katseye has achieved remarkable success. Their second EP, ‘Beautiful Chaos,’ peaked at number two on the US album charts, and their Gap advert garnered 400 million plays and 8 billion social media impressions. The band, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, continues to inspire with their message of pride in one’s heritage and culture. Raj encourages aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, emphasizing, ‘Our skin colour, our culture is our power. Use it and own it.’
分类： entertainment
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Sharjah Book Fair takes ‘blind date’ route to lure buyers
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has introduced an innovative approach to engage readers with its ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative. At the Little Puffin Publishing House stand, visitors are enticed by a stack of brown paper-wrapped books tied with twine, challenging them to purchase a book without knowing its title or cover. This concept encourages readers to break free from the habit of judging books by their covers and instead embrace the unknown. Hanes Medanceli, the booth sales manager, emphasized that the initiative aims to help indecisive customers choose books spontaneously, free from the influence of social media trends. The books, which are standalone and span various genres like romance, mystery, thriller, crime, and fantasy, are available in two formats: soft paperback for Dh35 and hardbacks for Dh45. Medanceli reported that the concept has been a hit, with 50% of the batch sold by Monday, and similar success at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where the entire stack was sold out within three days. The ‘Blind Date with a Book’ idea, while not new, has been well-received by visitors who appreciate the opportunity to discover hidden literary gems. The books are carefully curated by the staff, considering both old and new releases suitable for a wide range of readers. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with many praising the quality of the stories inside, despite the unassuming covers.
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Veteran actor Prem Chopra recovering after viral infection
Renowned Bollywood actor Prem Chopra, aged 90, is currently recuperating at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following a viral infection and age-related health complications. The veteran star, celebrated for his iconic villainous roles in over 380 films, was admitted two days ago under the care of cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale. Dr. Jalil Parkar, who is overseeing his treatment, confirmed that Chopra is not in the ICU but is being monitored in the hospital ward. ‘He is a known case of cardiac ailment and also had a viral infection, which is why I’m treating him for the lungs,’ Dr. Parkar stated. While recovery is slower due to his advanced age, Chopra is expected to be discharged within three to four days. ‘He should be fine and go home soon,’ the doctor added. Chopra’s son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, reassured fans that there is no cause for concern, stating, ‘All good, thank you, just some tests, back tomorrow.’ Chopra’s illustrious career spans over six decades, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
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King of Pop is back: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ climbs to Hot 100
Michael Jackson’s iconic album ‘Thriller’ has made a triumphant return to the Billboard Hot 100, securing the No. 10 spot following the 2025 Halloween season. This remarkable achievement solidifies Jackson’s unparalleled legacy, making him the first artist in history to achieve Top 10 hits across six consecutive decades—spanning the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. Rising from No. 32, ‘Thriller’ has not only re-entered the charts but also set a new record for chart longevity, surpassing the previous record held by Andy Williams, who had Top 10 hits across five decades. Jackson’s journey to the Top 10 began in November 1971 with his solo debut ‘Got to Be There.’ Over his illustrious career, he amassed 30 Top 10 hits, including 13 chart-toppers. His last Top 10 appearance was in 2018 as a featured artist on Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter to Me.’ The resurgence of ‘Thriller’ coincides with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated biopic ‘Michael,’ directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to premiere on April 24, 2026. The film, starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, promises to delve into the life and legacy of the global icon, offering fans an intimate portrayal of his journey to becoming the King of Pop. With a stellar supporting cast including Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, and Laura Harrier, and produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McLain, ‘Michael’ is poised to be a cinematic tribute to an artist whose influence continues to resonate worldwide.
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Watch: Shah Rukh Khan surprises chefs in a Dubai kitchen; here’s what happened
In a delightful turn of events, Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan made an unexpected appearance at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, a renowned Italian restaurant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Al Naseem. The actor, known for his charismatic presence, casually strolled into the kitchen, engaging with the culinary team, sampling dishes, and sharing lighthearted moments. The video of his visit quickly went viral, capturing the excitement of the staff and offering fans a rare glimpse of the superstar in a relaxed setting. According to sources, Khan’s visit was informal, as he has been a long-time friend of the restaurant. The team described the atmosphere as both thrilling and heartwarming, emphasizing how rare it is to have a celebrity of his stature casually interact in such a personal space. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is no stranger to high-profile guests, having hosted global icons and Indian celebrities like Bobby Deol, Ranbir Kapoor, and Sanjay Dutt. Chef Mohammed Basith, who shared the viral video, has previously posted snapshots with other notable personalities. Khan’s Italian favorites include Pizza al tartufo, Tagliatelle al tartufo, and Carpaccio di rape rosse. Interestingly, the actor, who enjoys cooking, has even tried making the truffle pizza with the restaurant’s team in the past. This surprise visit not only highlights Khan’s down-to-earth nature but also underscores Il Borro’s reputation as a haven for discerning diners. Next time you visit an Italian restaurant, keep an eye out—Shah Rukh Khan might just make a surprise appearance!
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Dharmendra recovering, responding to treatment: Sunny Deol’s team tells KT
The Indian film industry was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday morning as false reports of veteran actor Dharmendra’s demise spread rapidly. The 89-year-old icon, known for his illustrious career in Bollywood, was incorrectly declared dead by multiple media outlets, leading to an outpouring of tributes on social media. However, the actor’s family swiftly refuted the claims, clarifying that Dharmendra is hospitalized and responding to treatment. Khaleej Times confirmed the news after reaching out to the family, who revealed that the actor was admitted due to breathlessness. Prominent figures, including India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and superstar Chiranjeevi, initially posted condolences on social media but later deleted their messages upon learning the truth. Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol, expressed their frustration over the irresponsible reporting, urging the media to respect the family’s privacy. An official statement from Sunny Deol’s team confirmed that Dharmendra is recovering and under close medical supervision at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The family has appealed for prayers and privacy during this challenging time. This incident marks the second time in 24 hours that false reports about Dharmendra’s health have caused alarm, highlighting the need for responsible journalism.
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UAE got world’s tallest hotel, sent a probe to Mars, and gamers are still waiting for ‘GTA 6’
As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the release of ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ (GTA 6), now delayed until November 19, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making headlines with a series of groundbreaking achievements. From technological advancements to cultural milestones, the UAE has accomplished a remarkable array of feats while Rockstar Games continues to perfect its highly anticipated open-world game. Here’s a look at some of the UAE’s most notable accomplishments since the release of ‘GTA 5’ in 2013. In 2017, the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, signaling its commitment to innovation. The country’s ‘Hope Probe’ successfully reached Mars in 2021, capturing stunning images of the Red Planet. Meanwhile, the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, is set to open in November 2025, boasting 1,000+ rooms and standing at 365 meters tall. The UAE has also hosted major events like COP28 and Expo 2020, while pioneering advancements in driverless and airborne taxis. Additionally, the country has seen cultural phenomena such as Coldplay’s sold-out concerts in Abu Dhabi and the global popularity of Dubai’s viral chocolates. In the sports world, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia and Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory have captivated fans. As the UAE continues to innovate and achieve, gamers worldwide are left wondering if the country will unveil even more marvels before ‘GTA 6’ finally hits the shelves.
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‘Mellon Blue’ diamond sells for $26.6 million at Swiss auction
A stunning 9.51-carat blue diamond, known as the ‘Mellon Blue,’ was sold for 20.5 million Swiss francs ($26.6 million) at a Christie’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland. The gem, named after the late American arts patron Rachel ‘Bunny’ Mellon, had been anticipated to fetch between $20 million and $30 million. The final price included the buyer’s premium and additional fees. Previously, the diamond was sold in 2014 for $32.6 million, marking one of the highest prices ever paid for a colored diamond at auction. The ‘Mellon Blue’ had been a prized possession in Mellon’s private collection for decades. Max Fawcett, Christie’s global head of jewelry, highlighted the diamond’s exceptional quality, describing it as a ‘gem of gems’ due to its Fancy Vivid Blue color and Internally Flawless grade, as certified by the Gemological Institute of America. The auction marked the beginning of a two-day jewelry event in Geneva, with Sotheby’s set to auction the ‘Glowing Rose’ pink diamond, expected to attract bids around $20 million.
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Esha Deol, Hema Malini deny Dharmendra’s death reports, blast media
Amid widespread rumors regarding the health of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol have vehemently denied false reports of his demise. The family has expressed outrage over irresponsible media coverage, urging the public and press to respect their privacy during this challenging time. Hema Malini took to social media to condemn the spread of misinformation, stating, ‘What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible.’ Esha Deol, 44, echoed her mother’s sentiments, confirming that her father is ‘stable and recovering’ and pleading with the media to refrain from disseminating baseless claims. The false reports gained traction after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mistakenly tweeted condolences, which were later deleted. Dharmendra, 89, is currently receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel, have visited to check on his condition. Family members, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, grandchildren Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol, and Hema Malini, have been by his side.
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Hema Malini says reports of Dharmendra’s death are ‘unforgivable and disrespectul’
Amid widespread speculation about Bollywood legend Dharmendra’s health, his wife, actress and politician Hema Malini, has vehemently denounced false media reports claiming his death. In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Malini expressed her outrage, stating, ‘What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible.’ She further urged the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during this challenging time.
The controversy arose after several news outlets inaccurately reported Dharmendra’s demise, despite the actor being hospitalized and in stable condition. Their daughter, Esha Deol, also took to Instagram to clarify the situation, writing, ‘The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papa’s speedy recovery.’
Dharmendra, a veteran of Indian cinema, has been under medical care at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. His family, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, as well as grandchildren Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol, have been by his side. Prominent Bollywood figures such as Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel have also visited the hospital to check on his condition.
Sunny Deol, in an official statement, confirmed that his father remains stable and under observation. He requested the public to refrain from spreading rumors and to pray for Dharmendra’s swift recovery. The family has emphasized the importance of respecting their privacy as they navigate this sensitive period.