Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4 to film at a lavish hotel on the French Riviera

    ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4 to film at a lavish hotel on the French Riviera

    HBO’s critically acclaimed anthology series ‘The White Lotus’ will transport viewers to the luxurious French Riviera for its highly anticipated fourth season. According to industry reports, production will center around the opulent Château de La Messardière, a 19th-century palace converted into a luxury hotel in Saint-Tropez, with additional filming scheduled at a Paris hotel.

    Creator Mike White is currently developing the scripts for the new season, which will maintain the show’s signature structure of following affluent hotel guests and staff over a transformative week. The sprawling Saint-Tropez property spans 32 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens featuring parasol pines, cypress trees, and jasmine, providing the perfect backdrop for the series’ signature social satire.

    With suites ranging from $3,000 to over $8,000 per night, the hotel offers the extreme luxury that has become synonymous with the Emmy-winning series. Guests enjoy premium amenities including a full-service spa, gourmet restaurants, sports facilities, children’s programs, and even beach access via Rolls-Royce transportation.

    Production is scheduled to run from late April through October 2026, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival in May, which sources suggest might be incorporated into the storyline. Casting is currently underway with a deliberate emphasis on French talent, though only two new cast members have been officially announced: Alexander Ludwig (known for ‘Vikings’) and AJ Michalka (from ‘The Goldbergs’).

    The series continues its tradition of exploring new destinations while maintaining its sharp examination of wealth, privilege, and social dynamics in exclusive environments.

  • From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    Renowned Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to introduce ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ culinary experience at her restaurant chain Asha’s. The legendary vocalist, whose career has spanned over seven decades, is personally overseeing the launch across Middle Eastern locations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    The new menu represents a deeply personal culinary journey for Bhosle, drawing inspiration from her 1962 visit to Hyderabad where she performed alongside her sister Lata Mangeshkar. During this formative trip, she immersed herself in the Nizami culture’s sophisticated hospitality traditions and time-honored cooking techniques that have influenced her culinary philosophy ever since.

    Bhosle will work directly with the restaurant’s culinary teams to ensure authentic reproduction of Hyderabadi flavors, spices, and cooking methods rooted in Nizami kitchen traditions. The menu highlights include lamb haleem, kunafa chicken, and premium Hyderabadi lamb chops finished with gold caviar—dishes presented as cultural heritage rather than mere indulgence.

    The Royal Hyderabadi Table also reflects the historical culinary connections between Hyderabad’s cuisine and Middle Eastern influences, where ingredients and traditions have intersected for centuries. Following its Middle Eastern debut, the special menu will launch later this year at Asha’s Birmingham location in celebration of the restaurant’s 20th anniversary.

    The initiative demonstrates Bhosle’s longstanding passion for cooking, which has previously manifested through her handwritten recipes that continue to influence Asha’s regular menu. The launch represents a convergence of cultural memory and gastronomic excellence, bringing a taste of royal Hyderabadi tradition to international diners.

  • Salman Khan attends Nupur Sanon-Stebin Ben’s wedding reception

    Salman Khan attends Nupur Sanon-Stebin Ben’s wedding reception

    Mumbai’s elite social scene witnessed a glamorous convergence of Bollywood’s finest on Tuesday evening as superstar Salman Khan made a distinguished appearance at the wedding reception of actress Nupur Sanon and singer Stebin Ben. The celebrated actor, renowned for his iconic roles in films like “Bodyguard,” commanded immediate attention upon his arrival at the sophisticated Mumbai venue, elegantly attired in a tailored blue suit that exemplified his signature style.

    The newly married couple extended a warm welcome to the megastar as he entered the celebration. In a gesture demonstrating deep respect for the veteran actor, Stebin Ben was observed greeting Khan with a reverent bow before engaging in animated conversation. The trio shared several moments together on the crimson-hued carpet, generously posing for photographers while exchanging cheerful smiles and apparent good wishes.

    Nupur Sanon, sister of established actress Kriti Sanon, captivated attendees in a exquisite deep maroon off-shoulder gown featuring intricate craftsmanship, complemented by coordinating jewelry selections. Her partner Stebin Ben selected a traditionally inspired black sherwani embellished with subtle glitter accents, creating a harmonious visual presentation that reflected their joyful union.

    The celebration transformed into a veritable who’s who of Indian entertainment, with Kriti Sanon making a sophisticated statement in an olive-green saree paired with a sleeveless blouse, opting for understated elegance with minimal jewelry. The guest roster included prominent industry figures such as producer Ramesh Turani, actress Karishma Tanna, director Aanand L. Rai, and television personality Arjun Bijlani, all extending their congratulations to the couple.

    This reception followed the couple’s formal wedding ceremony on January 11th, which similarly attracted numerous celebrities including Dinesh Vijan, Varun Sharma, Mouni Roy, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra, consolidating the union as one of Bollywood’s most notable matrimonial events of the season.

  • Corrie legend joins cast of Irish soap

    Corrie legend joins cast of Irish soap

    In a significant crossover between British and Irish television, acclaimed actress Beverley Callard is set to join the cast of RTÉ’s long-running soap opera Fair City. The announcement confirms her debut scheduled for February 19, 2026, where she will portray a new character named Lily, described by network executives as “quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack.”

    Callard brings considerable soap opera pedigree to the Irish production, having established herself as a household name through her iconic portrayal of Liz McDonald on ITV’s Coronation Street. Her association with the Manchester-based series spanned over three decades, beginning in 1989 when she joined alongside on-screen husband Jim (played by Charlie Lawson) and their fictional sons Steve and Andy. Her departure from Coronation Street in 2020 marked the end of an era for the character who had become a staple of British television.

    Beyond her Coronation Street legacy, Callard’s career includes notable appearances in other British television institutions. She has featured in Emmerdale and the comedy series Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. In 2020, she participated in ITV’s reality series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in 10th place during the pandemic-affected season filmed in Wales instead of the show’s traditional Australian location.

    The actress has been equally vocal about her personal challenges, particularly regarding mental health. In a 2016 interview with BBC as part of their In The Mind mental health season, Callard discussed her experiences with depression, which she described as the “curse of the strong.” She revealed undergoing electroconvulsive therapy to address her symptoms and recounted collapsing on the Coronation Street set in 2009 after enduring 18 months of declining health.

    Fair City, the show welcoming Callard to its ensemble, represents Ireland’s premier soap opera. Since its 1989 premiere on RTÉ, the series has chronicled the daily lives and dramas of residents in the fictional north Dublin suburb of Carrigstown. Network promotional materials suggest Callard’s character will “carry just enough edge to keep Carrigstown on its toes,” promising viewers “won’t want to miss what she brings to the community.”

  • Timothée Chalamet isn’t trying too hard; he’s just not hiding it

    Timothée Chalamet isn’t trying too hard; he’s just not hiding it

    In the glittering world of Hollywood awards season, Timothée Chalamet’s visible pursuit of Oscar recognition has sparked intense debate about the acceptable presentation of ambition in the entertainment industry. The 30-year-old actor, currently a frontrunner for Best Actor following his Golden Globe and Critics Choice victories for ‘Marty Supreme,’ faces criticism not for his performance quality but for his transparent campaign approach.

    The contemporary awards landscape has fundamentally shifted from previous eras where Oscar campaigns were discreetly managed behind closed doors. Today’s process unfolds across social media platforms, viral collaborations, and highly publicized appearances—a reality Chalamet has embraced with his music video with British rapper EsDeeKid and appearances with internet personalities like Druski.

    This visibility has generated online backlash, with Reddit threads and social media commentary questioning whether the actor appears ‘desperate’ for recognition. The criticism reveals deeper societal discomfort with openly ambitious young stars, particularly male actors who challenge Hollywood’s traditional ‘wait your turn’ mentality. Historical data supports this bias: Adrien Brody remains the only man to win Best Actor in his 20s, while young actresses have received recognition more readily in recent years.

    The Academy’s historical reluctance to award young male performers creates an additional layer of complexity for Chalamet’s campaign. Despite his proven talent and critical acclaim, he occupies an ambiguous space—no longer a prodigy but not yet a veteran. This positioning echoes Leonardo DiCaprio’s journey, who endured multiple nominations before finally securing his Oscar after years of perceived ‘waiting.’

    Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Chalamet’s Oscar campaign reflects evolving norms in celebrity culture and awards marketing rather than any deficiency in his artistic merit. His approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modern media dynamics and represents a generational shift in how artists engage with the recognition economy. Whether he wins this year or not, Chalamet’s transparent ambition signals a new chapter in Hollywood’s relationship with public recognition and professional aspiration.

  • ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    The acclaimed limited series ‘Adolescence’ may be poised for an unexpected return, as co-creator and star Stephen Graham revealed potential plans for a second season following his Golden Globes victory. Graham, who secured the award for Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology, or TV Movie for his portrayal of father Eddie Miller, indicated that creative discussions about continuing the story are underway.

    During backstage conversations at the awards ceremony, Graham acknowledged that while no definitive decisions have been made, the concept for a new season resides in what he described as the ‘deep recesses’ of his mind and that of co-creator Jack Thorne. The actor suggested a potential timeline of three to four years before any new installment might materialize, urging fans to ‘stay tuned’ for future developments.

    The speculation surrounding the show’s continuation began as early as April 2025, when Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner confirmed preliminary discussions with director Philip Barantini about potential new iterations. Gardner emphasized their commitment to preserving the series’ core DNA while exploring innovative narrative directions that wouldn’t simply rehash the original storyline.

    ‘Adolescence’ achieved remarkable critical and commercial success since its debut, becoming Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series with over 146 million views within its first 91 days. The show’s awards season dominance included 13 Emmy nominations resulting in 8 wins, followed by 5 Golden Globe nominations. The recent ceremony also saw victories for Owen Cooper (Best Supporting Actor as Jamie Miller) and Erin Doherty (Best Supporting Actress as therapist Briony Ariston).

    The series explores the devastating aftermath of a serious crime committed by a 13-year-old boy, examining the profound impact on his family and their struggle for redemption. Its potential continuation represents a significant development in the streaming landscape, where successful limited series increasingly evolve into ongoing franchises.

  • Canadian University Dubai showcases cross-cultural designs at Hong Kong Fashion Gala

    Canadian University Dubai showcases cross-cultural designs at Hong Kong Fashion Gala

    In a remarkable fusion of architecture, culture, and fashion, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has presented groundbreaking cross-cultural designs at Hong Kong’s Belt & Road Fashion Gala. The showcase, part of the Chinese Culture Festival, featured innovative garments developed through a collaboration with international artist Charlie Koolhaas and her ongoing Foto-Couture project.

    The collection transformed elements of Dubai’s built environment into wearable archives, with two distinctive outfits serving as the creative centerpiece. The first design, ‘Reflected Futures — The Sheikh Zayed Line,’ reimagines the traditional abaya as a modern symbol of cultural identity. Printed with Koolhaas’s photograph of Dubai’s iconic Al Attar Tower, the garment transforms architecture into an embodied repository of memory, representing the merging of global modernism with regional expression.

    The second creation, ‘The Irrigated Desert,’ draws inspiration from the Chinese qipao while incorporating imagery of Dubai’s irrigated desert plants. Printed on silk satin, the design serves as a metaphor for hybridity, connecting desert cultivation techniques with the qipao’s history of cultural reinvention. The pattern reflects water’s crucial role in shaping life in the UAE, from ancient falaj irrigation systems to contemporary technological networks.

    Artist Charlie Koolhaas emphasized the project’s interdisciplinary nature, noting how the collaboration created space for dialogue across creative disciplines. ‘This collaboration offered me the opportunity to cross-pollinate my practice in photography, architecture, and fashion within a design-focused academic context,’ she stated.

    Dean Massimo Imparato highlighted the global perspective behind the initiative, explaining that ‘The dialogue between UAE national and international participants enriched the project with a spectrum of cultural insight and creative intelligence.’ The project involved participants from over 30 countries and regions, reflecting CUD’s position as a global hub for innovative design education.

    Arash Behforooz, creative designer at CUD, assisted in translating Koolhaas’s concepts into clear visual directions using AI-enabled workflows. ‘This project shows how design, technology, and cultural storytelling can come together to shape new creative possibilities,’ he concluded.

    The exhibition demonstrates how academic institutions can serve as cross-disciplinary platforms where heritage becomes an active driver of innovation, positioning traditional garments as contemporary expressions of cultural identity and global connectivity.

  • Min Jin Lee’s ‘American Hagwon’ to be released in September

    Min Jin Lee’s ‘American Hagwon’ to be released in September

    Acclaimed author Min Jin Lee, celebrated for her million-selling novel “Pachinko,” prepares to launch her highly anticipated new work “American Hagwon” on September 29th. The novel emerges from Lee’s fascination with Korea’s profound cultural emphasis on education, examining why academic achievement occupies such central importance in Korean society.

    Hagwons, the novel’s central theme, represent Korea’s extensive network of for-profit tutoring centers often described as “cram schools.” These institutions provide supplemental education across diverse subjects from language acquisition to musical instruction, serving students of all ages seeking competitive advantages.

    Lee, who describes herself as an “accidental historian,” employs sweeping narrative fiction to investigate historical contexts, contemporary social dynamics, and complex issues of race, gender, and class stratification. “American Hagwon” completes the third installment in her planned quartet exploring Korean and diaspora experiences, following 2007’s “Free Food for Millionaires” and the critically acclaimed “Pachinko”—a National Book Award finalist adapted into Apple TV+’s 2022 series and translated globally.

    The New York Times recognized “Pachinko” as the 15th best novel of the 21st century in its 2024 assessment. Lee’s publisher, Cardinal imprint of Hachette Book Group, characterizes her new work as an examination of shifting societal rules, transforming world orders, and the redefinition of success benchmarks.

    Set across multiple continents including Korea, Australia, and Southern California, “American Hagwon” traces a middle-class Korean family’s journey through displacement caused by the Asian financial crisis and their subsequent efforts to reestablish stability. Publisher Reagan Arthur praises Lee’s ability to capture historical transformations through meticulously crafted characters that resonate deeply with readers.

    Born in Seoul and raised in New York from age seven, Lee’s educational background includes the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, Yale University history studies, and Georgetown University law training. Her methodical writing approach—nicknamed “the turtle” by her father for being “slow but very steady”—involves extensive research, reflection, international travel, and interviews. Lee describes her authorial mission as holding “a mirror to society” and performing what contemporary culture terms a “vibe check” of the current era.

  • Spanish prosecutors studying allegations of sexual assault by singer Julio Iglesias

    Spanish prosecutors studying allegations of sexual assault by singer Julio Iglesias

    Spanish judicial authorities have initiated a formal review of serious misconduct allegations targeting international music legend Julio Iglesias. The prosecutor’s office confirmed Wednesday it is examining claims that the 82-year-old singer sexually assaulted two former employees at his Caribbean properties in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021.

    The case originated from a collaborative investigative report published by Spanish digital newspaper elDiario.es and Univision Noticias, which detailed alleged incidents occurring between January and October 2021. According to the National Court prosecutor’s office, an unnamed party filed formal allegations against Iglesias on January 5th, triggering the current judicial review process.

    Spain’s National Court, based in Madrid, holds jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed by Spanish citizens abroad, creating a potential legal pathway for prosecution. The court’s press office indicated Iglesias could potentially face proceedings before this judicial body if evidence warrants formal charges.

    The iconic singer, who has sold over 300 million records across multiple languages throughout his decades-long career, has maintained complete silence regarding the allegations. His Miami-based entertainment attorney, Russell L. King, who lists Iglesias as a client on his professional website, did not respond to Associated Press requests for commentary.

    Iglesias achieved global stardom after beginning his career in Spain, particularly gaining massive popularity throughout the United States and international markets during the 1970s and 1980s. He remains the father of contemporary pop superstar Enrique Iglesias, continuing his musical legacy through his son’s successful career.

  • Colleen Hoover reveals ‘successful’ cancer surgery

    Colleen Hoover reveals ‘successful’ cancer surgery

    Celebrated romance novelist Colleen Hoover has publicly disclosed her recent battle with cancer, sharing her health journey with fans through social media platforms. The 46-year-old literary sensation, renowned for worldwide bestsellers including “It Ends With Us” and “Reminders of Him,” confirmed she has nearly completed radiotherapy treatments following a successful surgical procedure.

    Hoover initially broke the news to her dedicated fan community, known as the Colleen Hoover’s CoHorts, in a private Facebook discussion approximately one month ago. She elaborated on her health challenges this week via Instagram, posting a hospital selfie that showed her wearing medical gown during treatment. The author explained she experienced recurring health complications throughout 2025 but postponed seeking medical attention until after production concluded on the film adaptation of “Reminders of Him” in Canada.

    Upon returning home, Hoover received her cancer diagnosis. She described the initial period as “huge and scary,” causing her to miss significant professional and personal events including the premiere of “Regretting You.” The writer deliberately maintained privacy regarding her condition until establishing surgical outcomes and treatment protocols.

    While not specifying her cancer type, Hoover suggested potential connections to environmental and lifestyle factors in a separate Facebook post, citing insufficient exercise, suboptimal nutrition, and stress as contributing elements. Despite her health challenges, she maintained characteristic humor, joking about her displeasure with dietary changes and exercise requirements while acknowledging scientific validity in wellness recommendations.

    The author’s disclosure coincided with the release of “Woman Down,” her first new novel since 2022, though Hoover explicitly stated her health update was unrelated to promotional efforts. Remarkably, she received radiation treatment in Dallas before surprising readers at a South Carolina bookstore’s midnight launch event for her latest publication.

    Hoover’s literary achievements include monumental sales exceeding 20 million copies for “It Ends With Us,” which transitioned to film in 2024 amid notable legal disputes between lead actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.