Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Mumbai’s cinematic community was gripped with concern on Tuesday as Salim Khan, the revered 90-year-old patriarch of Bollywood screenwriting, was urgently admitted to Lilavati Hospital’s intensive care unit. The celebrated co-creator of the iconic ‘Salim-Javed’ writing partnership, responsible for shaping Indian cinema’s golden era, was hospitalized under circumstances that remain undisclosed by medical authorities or family representatives.

    Hospital insiders confirmed to Press Trust of India that the esteemed writer, whose groundbreaking work includes timeless classics such as ‘Sholay,’ ‘Deewar,’ and ‘Zanjeer,’ was receiving critical care throughout the day. The development triggered an immediate family gathering at the medical facility, with his megastar son Salman Khan spotted departing the hospital premises in morning hours—footage that rapidly circulated across social media platforms.

    The Khan family mobilization saw the arrival of daughter Alvira Khan accompanied by her husband Aayush Sharma, alongside Ayaan Agnihotri, demonstrating the collective concern for the screenwriting legend’s wellbeing. This health emergency emerges merely three months after the family celebrated Khan’s landmark 90th birthday in November 2025, an occasion marked by daughter Arpita’s heartfelt Instagram tribute describing her father as ‘our galaxy’ and celebrating his enduring legacy within Indian cinema.

    Salim Khan’s cultural significance extends far beyond familial connections to superstar Salman Khan. Together with creative partner Javed Akhtar, he revolutionized Hindi film storytelling throughout the 1970s and 1980s, establishing the seminal ‘angry young man’ archetype immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan. Their pioneering contribution earned them unprecedented recognition as the first screenwriters to receive star-level billing in Indian cinema, a testament to their narrative craftsmanship that continues to influence filmmakers generations later.

    The medical incident has sparked widespread attention across India’s entertainment industry, given Khan’s monumental role in crafting some of Bollywood’s most enduring narratives. As the situation develops, the industry awaits further updates on the condition of the man who helped redefine modern Indian cinema.

  • Jordan’s Queen Rania meets the Ambanis, Bollywood stars during India visit

    Jordan’s Queen Rania meets the Ambanis, Bollywood stars during India visit

    Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has embarked on a multifaceted visit to India, seamlessly blending diplomatic engagement with cultural appreciation and advocacy for women’s leadership. The royal’s itinerary included a prominent stop in Mumbai, where she was hosted by Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries and among Asia’s most influential business magnates, and his family at their residence.

    The visit was documented through official social media channels, where Queen Rania expressed profound gratitude for the Ambani family’s hospitality. ‘My deepest appreciation to Mr. Mukesh Ambani for his gracious hosting in Mumbai,’ she remarked. ‘Your genuine warmth and exceptional hospitality have profoundly enriched my experience in India.’ The royal’s attire—an elegant white blouse paired with an intricately embroidered midi skirt and green sash—reflected a thoughtful blend of contemporary and traditional elements.

    A highlight of the Mumbai agenda was Queen Rania’s engagement at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where she participated in an exclusive roundtable discussion with distinguished female leaders from various sectors including business, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The session focused on critical issues surrounding women’s empowerment and leadership development.

    Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor, who attended the private gathering, described the event as ‘an honor and privilege’ in her social media reflections. She emphasized the significance of such dialogues, noting that ‘when women converge with purpose and vision, they not only shape conversations but actively mold the future for subsequent generations.’

    Earlier during her Indian tour, Queen Rania delivered a keynote address at the ET Now Global Business Summit in New Delhi, sharing the platform with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other policy influencers. In her address, she articulated the often-overlooked virtue of humility as a fundamental leadership quality in contemporary global governance. ‘Humility represents not hesitation, but honesty regarding our limitations,’ she asserted. ‘This awareness enables the construction of more inclusive and resilient systems that effectively serve broader populations.’

    The Jordanian Queen’s visit exemplifies modern diplomatic outreach, combining traditional statecraft with cultural exchange and substantive discourse on social advancement.

  • Frederick Wiseman, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, dies at 96

    Frederick Wiseman, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, dies at 96

    Frederick Wiseman, the groundbreaking documentary filmmaker whose observational style revolutionized nonfiction cinema, passed away peacefully on Monday at age 96. His production company, Zipporah Films, confirmed the news without disclosing the cause of death.

    Wiseman’s extraordinary six-decade career produced approximately 50 films that meticulously documented American institutions through his distinctive “direct cinema” approach. His cameras captured the inner workings of schools, hospitals, government bodies, and cultural organizations without narration, interviews, or artificial lighting—creating immersive experiences that allowed audiences to draw their own conclusions.

    The filmmaker’s method involved shooting hundreds of hours of raw footage that he would personally edit into feature-length documentaries. “The audience is placed in the middle of these events and asked to think through their own relationship to what they are seeing and hearing,” Wiseman told Documentary Magazine in 1991.

    Despite limited commercial distribution, Wiseman’s work earned critical acclaim and numerous honors, including an honorary Academy Award in 2016. The Academy praised his “masterful and distinctive documentaries [that] examine the familiar and reveal the unexpected.” His additional accolades included four Emmy Awards and recognition from major international film festivals.

    Born in Boston to Jewish immigrant parents on January 1, 1930, Wiseman initially pursued law before abandoning the profession for filmmaking. His groundbreaking 1967 debut, “Titicut Follies,” exposed conditions at a Massachusetts prison-hospital for the criminally insane and established his uncompromising observational style.

    Wiseman’s filmography includes seminal works like “High School” (1968), “Law and Order” (1969), and later projects examining European cultural institutions. His final film, 2023’s “Menus-Plaisirs — Les Troisgros,” continued his tradition of lengthy, immersive documentaries that challenged conventional viewing experiences.

    The filmmaker is survived by his sons, David and Eric. His wife Zipporah, a law professor for whom he named his production company, passed away in 2021.

  • 2026 Spring Festival Gala amass record 13.5b new media views

    2026 Spring Festival Gala amass record 13.5b new media views

    The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group, achieved unprecedented viewership numbers on February 16, amassing a staggering 13.5 billion views across new media platforms while reaching 677 million viewers through various broadcasting channels. This cultural phenomenon demonstrated remarkable global expansion with nearly 4,000 international media outlets broadcasting the event—a 37.95% increase from the previous year—while overseas social media livestreams generated tens of millions of engagements.

    The gala’s international appeal was amplified through performances by globally recognized artists including American singer John Legend, French artist Hélène Rollès, and Irish pop group Westlife, who delivered cross-cultural musical collaborations. In a particularly symbolic segment from the Yiwu sub-venue, Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie joined forces in a performance embodying cultural exchange and global friendship.

    Artistic programming highlighted China’s rich cultural heritage through meticulously crafted performances. The opening segment ‘Beginning of Spring’ poetically illustrated seasonal renewal, while ‘Ode to the Flower Deities’ guided audiences through evolving seasons with traditional Eastern aesthetics. ‘Ancient Rhythms of the Silk Road’ revitalized celestial flying goddess imagery from ancient murals, creating a visually stunning historical tribute.

    The production integrated cutting-edge technology with humanoid robots appearing in multiple performances, merging advanced robotics with traditional artistic expression. Traditional Chinese opera received prominent showcase, featuring generations of performers from Peking Opera, Yuju Opera, Yueju Opera, Cantonese Opera, and Pingju Opera in a vibrant demonstration of artistic continuity.

    The 2026 gala ultimately served as a tribute to workers and dreamers across all professions, blending cultural heritage, technological innovation, and global participation to unite families worldwide as China entered the Year of the Horse with renewed confidence and shared aspirations.

  • Electronic artist Look Mum No Computer to represent UK at Eurovision

    Electronic artist Look Mum No Computer to represent UK at Eurovision

    In a bold departure from convention, the BBC has selected experimental electronic artist Look Mum No Computer as the United Kingdom’s representative for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. The musician, whose real name is Sam Battle, brings an unconventional profile to the competition as both a solo performer and inventor of eccentric musical machinery.

    Battle first emerged in the music industry as frontman of indie rock band Zibra in 2014, achieving recognition through their Glastonbury performance for BBC Introducing the following year. His subsequent transformation into Look Mum No Computer represents a significant artistic evolution toward electronic experimentation and technological innovation.

    Expressing both excitement and reverence for the opportunity, Battle stated: ‘I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey. As a lifelong Eurovision enthusiast, I deeply appreciate the magical joy it delivers to millions annually. The honor of joining that legacy while representing the UK is something I approach with utmost seriousness.’

    While the competition entry remains officially unrevealed, BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills provided intriguing insights after previewing the track. Acknowledging the UK’s frequent criticism for playing it safe at Eurovision, Mills revealed: ‘We’re going to try something fundamentally different this year. Why not?’

    Mills described the song as an unprecedented fusion of musical influences, combining elements of Basshunter’s ‘Now You’re Gone,’ Blur’s ‘Parklife,’ Pet Shop Boys’ ‘West End Girls,’ and The Human League’s signature synths. The mix reportedly incorporates unexpected touches including Ukrainian icon Verka Serduchka’s theatricality and even hints of Sex Pistols’ punk energy.

    This selection marks a strategic shift for the UK’s Eurovision approach, potentially signaling a new era of artistic risk-taking at the competition. The entry promises to be what Mills characterizes as ‘a big anthem to take on Eurovision’ that could resonate powerfully with international audiences.

  • Billy Steinberg, Madonna’s Like a Virgin songwriter, dies at 75

    Billy Steinberg, Madonna’s Like a Virgin songwriter, dies at 75

    The music industry mourns the loss of Billy Steinberg, the Grammy-winning lyricist whose profound impact on popular music spanned four decades, as he passed away at 75 following a battle with cancer. His legal representative confirmed his peaceful departure in Los Angeles.

    Steinberg’s extraordinary career was defined by crafting deeply personal reflections into universal anthems that resonated across generations. His family memorialized him as both a “visionary lyricist” and a devoted family man, emphasizing that his artistic legacy transcends commercial success, representing genuine human connection through music.

    The songwriter’s breakthrough collaboration with Tom Kelly produced Madonna’s revolutionary 1984 hit “Like a Virgin,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and became the defining track of her seminal album. This partnership yielded an remarkable series of chart-toppers including Cyndi Lauper’s emotionally potent “True Colors” (1986), Whitney Houston’s powerful “So Emotional” (1987), and the Divinyls’ provocative “I Touch Myself” (1990).

    Steinberg’s artistic evolution continued into the new millennium with contemporary hits such as JoJo’s poignant “Too Little Too Late” and Demi Lovato’s empowering “Give Your Heart a Break,” demonstrating his exceptional adaptability across changing musical landscapes.

    Honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, Steinberg was celebrated for creating “enduring classics” that maintained cultural relevance. His Grammy recognition came for contributions to Celine Dion’s monumental 1996 album “Falling Into You.

    Beyond the accolades, Steinberg’s family highlighted his fundamental belief in music’s transformative power—the extraordinary phenomenon of hearing stadium crowds collectively voice lyrics that originated in his private notebooks. He is survived by his wife Trina, two sons, and two stepchildren, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire both artists and audiences worldwide.

  • Chinese and Western music mark the Year of the Horse in New York

    Chinese and Western music mark the Year of the Horse in New York

    New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center witnessed a remarkable cultural synthesis on Sunday evening as Chinese and American musicians collaboratively celebrated the Lunar New Year through a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. The seventh annual Sound of Spring Chinese New Year concert, presented by the US-China Music Institute of Bard College Conservatory in partnership with Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music, attracted over 1,000 attendees for an artistic exploration of the Year of the Horse theme.

    Under the baton of Cai Jindong, director of Bard Conservatory’s US-China Music Institute, the performance strategically merged distinctive Chinese instruments including the stringed pipa and reeded suona with Western orchestral arrangements. The concert commenced with the vibrant Spring Festival Overture and progressed through a diverse repertoire featuring both cultural traditions, from the pipa concerto Cloud and Blossom to Western classics including Ride of the Valkyries and Light Cavalry Overture.

    The event showcased exceptional young soloists including French horn virtuoso Jin Zhicheng and violinist Luo Chaowen—both laureates of prestigious international competitions—alongside pipa soloist Luo Xiaoyan and suona masters Guo Yazhi and Hiu Man Andrew Chan. The musical journey incorporated Shanxi folk percussion pieces, Western concertos, and contemporary compositions including the symphonic capriccio Xu Beihong.

    Midway through the performance, a group of nine children delivered Mandarin renditions of traditional Chinese New Year songs, adding an intergenerational dimension to the cultural celebration. American composer Daniel Asia, reflecting on the performance, noted the distinctive pentatonic foundation of Chinese music and its compelling integration with Western orchestral frameworks. He particularly emphasized the suona’s potential for further cross-cultural experimentation, suggesting intriguing possibilities for Western composers to engage with Chinese instruments beyond traditional aesthetic boundaries.

    The concert demonstrated how cultural diplomacy through musical collaboration can transcend political and economic tensions, offering a shared artistic language that celebrates both diversity and unity through thematic exploration of universal symbols like the horse.

  • Chinese cultural show brings New Year festivities to University of Nairobi

    Chinese cultural show brings New Year festivities to University of Nairobi

    The University of Nairobi transformed into a hub of Sino-Kenyan cultural exchange on February 12, 2026, as its Confucius Institute hosted a spectacular Spring Festival celebration that attracted hundreds of participants. The event showcased the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions while fostering cross-cultural understanding between the two nations.

    The festivities commenced with an energetic traditional lion dance performance, believed to usher in good fortune for the Lunar New Year. This was followed by a diverse musical program featuring both classical Chinese compositions and contemporary pop songs performed by university students and faculty members.

    Beyond the stage performances, the campus grounds evolved into an immersive cultural experience. Attendees indulged in authentic Chinese culinary delights and engaged in various traditional handicraft activities. Participants enjoyed painting plaster ponies, designing decorative horse-themed headwear, and observing the intricate art of sugar painting—all honoring the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.

    Gideon Jadeya, a University of Nairobi student who participated in the lion dance performance, shared his enthusiasm: ‘I’ve been studying this art form for six months, and it has deepened both my skills and passion. The lion dance symbolizes prosperity for the new year, and I perform it with genuine excitement and joy.’

    University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leonidah Kerubo highlighted the Confucius Institute’s significant role in promoting cultural and academic exchanges. ‘The institute has been instrumental in creating educational opportunities for our students through language teaching and academic collaborations,’ she noted. To date, the institution has facilitated 239 scholarships and exchange programs enabling Kenyan students and educators to study in China. The past year particularly saw enhanced academic cooperation with the introduction of a new joint Chinese language degree program.

    The successful event demonstrated the growing cultural diplomacy between China and Kenya, showcasing how traditional celebrations can serve as bridges for international understanding and educational collaboration.

  • Viral beach proposal: UAE creator Cedra Ammara says yes to fellow influencer Ramy Hamdan

    Viral beach proposal: UAE creator Cedra Ammara says yes to fellow influencer Ramy Hamdan

    In a digital-age romance captivating millions worldwide, UAE-based content creator Cedra Ammara has accepted a marriage proposal from fellow influencer Ramy Hamdan during a dramatically simple beachside moment. The engagement, which occurred against Dubai’s iconic sunset backdrop on February 15th, 2026, rapidly became a viral sensation, amassing an astonishing 55 million views within just 17 hours of being posted.

    The footage captures an authentically raw moment as the couple, dressed in coordinating white outfits, runs along the shoreline before Hamdan drops to one knee. Dispensing with prepared speeches or elaborate staging, he delivers a heartfelt declaration: ‘I don’t have any words prepared. I love you so much. I’m ready to protect you and our future with my soul.’ The emotional proposal culminates with Ammara’s tearful acceptance, after which their concealed friends and family emerge from hiding to transform the intimate moment into a joyous celebration.

    This engagement represents the latest chapter in a relationship that has fascinated followers since the couple first appeared together on social media platforms throughout 2025. Ammara, boasting 7.3 million Instagram followers and 3.54 million YouTube subscribers, and Hamdan, with approximately 4.5 million Instagram followers, rank among the Middle East’s most observed digital personalities.

    The Syrian-born Ammara, who relocated to the UAE in 2019 after spending her formative years in Sweden, has cultivated a dedicated audience through beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content that increasingly incorporates personal milestones. In previous interviews with Khaleej Times, she emphasized her appreciation for the UAE as ‘an Arab Muslim country’ where she feels both safe and at home.

    Notably, this proposal continues the Ammara family’s pattern of capturing digital attention during significant life events. Cedra forms part of the renowned Amara sisters trio alongside siblings Narin and Sherin, both substantial social media figures in their own right. The family’s milestones have repeatedly captivated online audiences, including Narin’s widely-covered April 2025 beach wedding in Fujairah and Sherin’s June 2025 marriage to content creator Osama Marwah.

    Following the engagement, Narin Ammara shared a photograph featuring all three sisters with their respective partners, captioned ‘Our family is getting bigger.’ The image promptly accumulated comments praising them as ‘the prettiest family on social media’ and celebrating what admirers perceive as a genuine influencer fairy tale. With millions of followers tracking their every development, the Ammara family has established itself as one of the region’s most closely-followed digital dynasties, where personal milestones consistently transform into trending phenomena.

  • Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95

    Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of cinematic icon Robert Duvall, who passed away peacefully at his Virginia residence on Sunday at age 95. The Academy Award-winning actor’s death was confirmed through an official statement released by his public relations representatives on behalf of his wife, Luciana Pedraza Duvall.

    Luciana’s heartfelt tribute captured the essence of the legendary performer: “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.” She emphasized how Duvall devoted himself completely to every role, leaving “something lasting and unforgettable to us all” through his profound exploration of human spirit.

    Duvall’s extraordinary six-decade career established him as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors. He achieved international recognition for his portrayal of mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece “The Godfather” alongside Marlon Brando. His performance as the intense Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now” produced one of cinema’s most iconic lines: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

    The versatile actor received six Academy Award nominations throughout his career, securing the Best Actor Oscar in 1983 for his transformative performance as a faded country music singer in “Tender Mercies.” His remarkable filmography included standout roles in “Network” (1976), “The Great Santini” (1979), “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990), and more recently “The Judge” (2014) alongside Robert Downey Jr.

    Duvall often expressed particular affection for his role as former Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the acclaimed 1989 television miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel. His screen career began modestly with the 1963 adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where he portrayed the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley.

    The actor maintained long-standing creative partnerships throughout his career, notably with screenwriter Horton Foote, who wrote several of Duvall’s most significant films including “Tender Mercies,” “Tomorrow,” and “The Chase.” Duvall’s approach to acting was characterized by meticulous preparation and research, which he credited for his ability to create such memorable and authentic characters.