Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • ‘Losing a friend was hard’: Jennifer Garner speaks about her divorce with Ben Affleck

    ‘Losing a friend was hard’: Jennifer Garner speaks about her divorce with Ben Affleck

    In a remarkably candid revelation, acclaimed actress Jennifer Garner has opened up about the profound emotional impact of her separation from actor-director Ben Affleck. During a recent interview, the 53-year-old star characterized the dissolution of their marriage as an exceptionally challenging experience, focusing particularly on the loss of a deep friendship and the fracturing of family unity.

    Garner, who finalized her divorce from Affleck in 2018 after their initial separation in 2015, dismissed the notion that media scrutiny represented the most difficult aspect of the process. ‘You have to be smart about what you can and can’t handle,’ she stated, ‘and I could not handle what was out there. But what was out there was not what was hard.’

    The true difficulty, according to Garner, resided in the fundamental reality of the situation: ‘The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.’ She revealed her conscious strategy to avoid engaging with gossip or speculation about her personal life, particularly when it involves her three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—considering such consumption counterproductive.

    Despite the initial challenges, Garner described achieving a state of peaceful coexistence with Affleck in their co-parenting relationship. She characterized their current dynamic as marked by ‘peace and equanimity,’ demonstrating their successful navigation toward mutual respect and collaborative parenting.

    Reflecting on her broader life journey, Garner expressed gratitude for her sustained career, healthy children, and enduring professional relationships that have evolved into ‘familial friendships’ over decades. Now in a relationship with tech CEO John Miller since 2018, Garner emphasized the transformative power of time in healing emotional wounds.

    She offered poignant advice for women experiencing similar situations: ‘I think it’s important for women to know, when they think, ‘Oh, I’ll never see that, I’ll never have that feeling, I’ll never be friends with this person again,’ that time is the opportunity. Time is the opportunity to heal. Time is the opportunity to forgive, to move on and to find a new way to be friends.’

  • Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’ gets a new release date

    Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’ gets a new release date

    Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s anticipated return to the horror-comedy genre has encountered a scheduling shift, with his upcoming film ‘Bhooth Bangla’ now slated for theatrical release on May 15, 2026. The project marks his seventh collaboration with acclaimed director Priyadarshan, reuniting after a 15-year hiatus from their successful partnership.

    The production team officially announced the revised timeline through social media channels, accompanied by promotional posters from the film. The Instagram announcement from Balaji Motion Pictures confirmed: ‘The doors open on 15th May 2026. See you in cinemas #BhoothBangla.’

    Principal photography concluded in May 2025, with Kumar sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the set featuring his celebratory dance against a waterfall backdrop. The actor expressed enthusiasm about the completion, noting: ‘And that’s a wrap on #BhoothBangla! My seventh madcap adventure with the ever-inventive Priyan sir, my second outing with the unstoppable Ekta, and my first but hopefully not the last, magical journey with the ever-surprising Wamiqa.’

    The ensemble cast features notable talents including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, Asrani and Wamiqa Gabbi. Production spanned multiple locations across Rajasthan, Jaipur and Hyderabad, showcasing diverse cinematic landscapes.

    Produced through a collaborative effort between Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms alongside Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, the project boasts additional co-production credits to Faara Sheikh and Vedant Baali. The creative team includes writer Akash A Kaushik, with screenplay development by Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair and director Priyadarshan himself.

  • Renowned designers present exclusive hats at Meydan Racecourse exhibition

    Renowned designers present exclusive hats at Meydan Racecourse exhibition

    Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse has transformed the traditional intersection of horseracing and high fashion into a sophisticated cultural phenomenon through its acclaimed Millinery Exhibition. As the prestigious venue hosting the $30.5-million Dubai World Cup, Meydan has curated an exceptional gathering of international hat designers who are showcasing exclusive creations for discerning racegoers.

    The exhibition, now in its second edition following last year’s successful debut, features an expanded roster of talent from across the millinery world. Located in Concourse 3, the showcase will be accessible exclusively to race attendees on January 2, 9, 16, and 23, with the final day coinciding with the highly anticipated ‘Fashion Friday’ event during the Dubai Racing Carnival season.

    Among the distinguished designers presenting their work are internationally recognized names including Kim Fletcher and Evelyn McDermott, both of whom previewed their collections at the Meydan gift shop prior to the exhibition. The selection also features Jane Taylor London, celebrated for her couture-inspired approach and refined aesthetic sensibilities, alongside Jill Humphries, known for her bold, sculptural designs that create dramatic visual statements. Regional representation comes from Sahar Millinery, whose contemporary designs resonate powerfully with modern Middle Eastern women.

    Adding to the exhibition’s prestige, Ridley London will present a boutique pop-up featuring refined ready-to-wear pieces specifically created for the season’s most significant social occasions, including Fashion Friday on January 23 and the landmark 30th Dubai World Cup celebration on March 28.

    The art of millinery represented at the exhibition demonstrates extraordinary craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Each headpiece begins with carefully selected premium materials—including felt, sinamay, and silk—that are hand-shaped, stitched, and embellished to create unique works of wearable art. Many designers specialize in bespoke creations, offering clients personalized headwear that combines individual expression with race day elegance.

    Sophie Ryan, Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for Dubai Racing Club, emphasized the deep connection between racing and fashion: ‘Racing and fashion have always shared an intrinsic connection. Guests will be able to explore an exceptional and diverse collection of headpieces, crafted by some of the world’s most talented milliners.’

    The historical relationship between horse racing and fashion spans centuries, particularly in Britain where race meetings evolved into major social events. Hats, initially worn for practical purposes, gradually transformed into symbols of refinement and status, especially among women attending elite racing occasions. This tradition has spread internationally with racing’s globalization, finding particularly vibrant expression in Dubai where it blends international influences with regional preferences for elegance and craftsmanship.

    Today, Fashion Friday at Meydan has developed into a comprehensive lifestyle event that celebrates creativity and personal expression alongside world-class racing. The atmosphere brims with elegance and anticipation, attracting attendees who come not only to witness exceptional athletic competition but to participate in one of the season’s most stylish social occasions.

    Meydan’s expanded millinery exhibition and growing international presence continue to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between sport and style, reinforcing fashion’s integral role in horse racing’s enduring cultural appeal.

  • Viral ‘Chinese Trump’ wins laughs on both sides of Pacific

    Viral ‘Chinese Trump’ wins laughs on both sides of Pacific

    A social media sensation has emerged from southwest China, where 42-year-old Ryan Chen has captivated millions with his remarkably accurate impersonation of former US President Donald Trump. Operating from his hometown of Chongqing, Chen has masterfully replicated Trump’s distinctive mannerisms, vocal cadence, and signature phrases like ‘tremendous’ and ‘amazing’ without venturing into political satire.

    Chen’s content strategy cleverly combines entertainment with cultural exchange. His videos, presented in English with Chinese subtitles, feature lighthearted explorations of Chinese cuisine, cultural customs, and humorous interactions with foreigners. The performer frequently incorporates Trump’s trademark stage song ‘YMCA’ into his routines, creating a unique fusion of American political parody and Chinese cultural presentation.

    The architectural professional turned internet personality discovered his talent unexpectedly. Initially creating English-teaching content as a career alternative during China’s property crisis, Chen’s breakthrough came in 2025 following a friend’s challenge to imitate Trump. His appearance on American YouTuber IShowSpeed’s livestream during his China visit further amplified his visibility, propelling him to international recognition.

    Chen maintains a carefully apolitical approach, emphasizing his role as an entertainer rather than political commentator. ‘Trump is an endless well that never runs dry because he draws more online traffic than anyone else on the planet,’ Chen explained in an interview. His impersonation work has generated substantial followings across platforms—over one million on Instagram, nearly as many on TikTok, and more than 2.5 million on Chinese social media networks.

    The performer’s success has translated into professional opportunities through advertising partnerships with automotive, digital product, gaming, and dairy brands. In a significant validation of his approach, Chen recently obtained a US visa and is currently visiting the country for the first time. As Trump prepares for his anticipated visit to China, Chen has extended an invitation for the former president to experience Chongqing’s famously spicy hotpot, though he maintains no aspirations for an actual meeting, recognizing the potential diplomatic complications.

  • Vijay’s Jana Nayagan release postponed ‘due to unavoidable circumstances’

    Vijay’s Jana Nayagan release postponed ‘due to unavoidable circumstances’

    In a significant development for Indian cinema, the highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan’ starring superstar Vijay has been officially postponed indefinitely. The production company, Bengaluru-based KVN Productions, announced the delay through an official statement on social media platform X, citing “unavoid circumstances beyond our control” as the primary reason.

    The postponement follows an ongoing legal battle with India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The regulatory body informed the Madras High Court that the production requires fresh review procedures, creating substantial delays in the certification process. KVN Productions had previously challenged the CBFC’s decision through a writ petition, but the court reserved its judgment on January 7, leaving the film’s certification status in limbo.

    ‘Jana Nayagan’ holds particular significance as it represents Vijay’s final cinematic project before his full transition into politics. The 51-year-old actor formally announced his retirement from acting during the film’s audio launch in Malaysia last year. His political ambitions materialized with the establishment of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, with confirmed plans to contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu state elections.

    The production company expressed profound regret in their statement: “We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us.” They assured stakeholders and fans that a new release date would be announced “at the earliest” while requesting continued patience and support from Vijay’s extensive fan base across Tamil cinema markets.

    The delay represents a substantial commercial setback for KVN Productions, which marked its entry into Tamil cinema with this high-profile project. Industry analysts suggest the postponement could affect strategic release windows and promotional investments already deployed for the originally scheduled January 9 premiere.

  • A new Bollywood film spotlights a forgotten India-China battle

    A new Bollywood film spotlights a forgotten India-China battle

    A new Bollywood production titled ‘120 Bahadur’ (Hindi for ‘120 Bravehearts’) has brought renewed attention to one of the most heroic yet overlooked engagements of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh, the film dramatizes the legendary last stand of Indian soldiers at the Rezang La pass in Ladakh’s freezing Himalayan heights.

    Despite underperforming commercially, the cinematic portrayal has successfully highlighted what military historians consider the only redeeming chapter in an otherwise disastrous conflict for India. Dialogue writer Sumit Arora explained the production’s motivation: ‘We felt it was profoundly important to tell this story and honor those who lived it. While taking some cinematic liberties, our film remains fundamentally faithful to historical events.’

    The historical context reveals deepening tensions between the neighboring nations, fueled by border disputes and India’s granting of asylum to the Dalai Lama following the 1959 Tibetan uprising. China’s month-long offensive, which it characterized as a ‘self-defense counter-attack,’ resulted in devastating losses for India—approximately 7,000 casualties and 38,000 square kilometers of territory surrendered before China’s unilateral ceasefire.

    The Battle of Rezang La, fought at 16,000 feet on November 18, 1962, saw 120 soldiers from the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon battalion face overwhelming Chinese forces estimated at 3,000 troops. Despite being poorly equipped with semi-automatic rifles and limited ammunition, and lacking proper cold-weather gear, the company mounted an extraordinary defense from 3:30 AM to 8:15 AM.

    Tragically, initial reports of their valor were met with skepticism by military command amid the broader defeat. As author and former naval officer Kulpreet Yadav notes, ‘Morale was catastrophically low following the war’s outcome, with thousands captured as prisoners—including a brigadier. Nobody believed such a heroic last stand was possible.’

    The truth emerged three months later when a shepherd discovered the frozen battlefield—bodies preserved in snow, destroyed bunkers, and empty shell casings telling the story of the ferocious engagement. Only five soldiers survived. Major Singh received posthumously India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, while twelve others were awarded gallantry medals.

    Journalist Rachna Bisht’s research reveals heartbreaking details: soldiers from plains regions had never experienced snow, suffered from altitude sickness, and fought in inadequate clothing against temperatures of -24°C. Survivor accounts describe Major Singh, despite multiple stomach wounds, continuing to command until ordering his subordinates to leave him behind.

    The company’s sacrifice prevented Chinese forces from capturing the strategically vital Chushul airstrip, potentially altering the map of Ladakh significantly. Today, the pass remains disputed territory, but the soldiers’ legacy endures through memorials, renamed military units, and now through cinematic tribute—ensuring that what Bisht calls ‘great glory achieved in a war mostly remembered with shame’ is not forgotten.

  • Crowds line Saint-Tropez streets for Bardot funeral

    Crowds line Saint-Tropez streets for Bardot funeral

    The picturesque French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez witnessed an emotional farewell to cinematic legend Brigitte Bardot on Wednesday, as crowds lined the streets to honor the actress who revolutionized 1950s French cinema. Despite Bardot’s explicit instructions for a modest ceremony, admirers gathered in significant numbers to applaud her flower-draped coffin during its procession through the transformed fishing village.

    The funeral service at a local church attracted notable figures including far-right politician Marine Le Pen and Equality Minister Aurore Bergé, both sharing Bardot’s passion for animal rights advocacy. The actress was laid to rest at a hillside cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean, joining her parents and first husband Roger Vadim, with her only son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier among the pallbearers.

    Bardot’s passing at age 91 on December 28th marked the end of an era for French cinema. Known affectionately as ‘BB’ in her homeland, she appeared in nearly 50 films including the groundbreaking ‘And God Created Woman’ before abruptly retiring from acting in 1973 to dedicate her life to animal welfare through her foundation.

    While President Emmanuel Macron eulogized her as ‘a legend of the century,’ Bardot’s later years were marked by controversy surrounding homophobic remarks and multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred, which complicated her legacy and alienated her from mainstream political circles. The ceremony balanced celebration of her artistic achievements with acknowledgment of her complex public persona.

  • Taapsee Pannu on being an outsider in Bollywood: ‘It will never be easy’

    Taapsee Pannu on being an outsider in Bollywood: ‘It will never be easy’

    After fifteen years navigating the complex landscape of Indian cinema without industry connections or familial backing, acclaimed actress Taapsee Pannu has developed a philosophical perspective on her unconventional career path. In a recent interview, the performer acknowledged that her journey as an outsider would perpetually present challenges, yet she has transformed this reality into a driving force for artistic authenticity.

    Pannu’s central revelation about the industry remains starkly straightforward: “It will never be easy.” Rather than perceiving this as a limitation, the actress reframes it as motivational fuel, stating, “If you want something no one has ever gotten, you have to do something no one has ever done.” This mindset has guided her approach to career longevity and personal accountability, with Pannu emphasizing that her creative choices must withstand the test of time and personal scrutiny.

    The actress strongly advocates for artistic individuality in an industry frequently preoccupied with comparisons. “I’m not here to be a clone of somebody because then my entire life will be about being a first copy,” Pannu asserts. “Everyone is blessed with a unique voice and presence, so I should find mine because that’s the best way to leave a lasting impact.”

    Her filmography demonstrates this commitment to authenticity, balancing commercial projects with critically acclaimed works that challenge societal norms. Notable performances in films like “Pink,” “The Ghazi Attack,” “Mulk,” “Manmarziyaan,” “Haseen Dillruba,” and “Dunki” showcase her versatile approach to storytelling. Her most recent appearance in Mudassar Aziz’s “Khel Khel Mein” further demonstrates her collaborative range alongside established stars.

    Reflecting on her early career decisions, Pannu acknowledges initially conforming to industry expectations during her South Indian film phase before realizing conventional paths weren’t her destiny. Today, her project selection process relies heavily on instinct and feminine perspective. “I cannot leave aside the female point of view I have when I listen to stories,” she explains. “It’s not something I do voluntarily. It’s natural to me.”

    This innate feminine gaze fundamentally shapes her creative choices, helping determine which narratives resonate authentically. By selecting projects that align with her intuition, Pannu naturally caters to the feminine perspective within her artistic expression.

    While remaining discreet about specific upcoming projects, Pannu hints at continued exploration into uncharted territory. Audiences can anticipate her embracing increasingly complex characters and examining societal facets that capture her profound fascination, maintaining her trajectory toward meaningful artistic legacy.

  • Iconic Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr dies at 70

    Iconic Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr dies at 70

    The film world has lost one of its most distinctive voices with the passing of Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr at age 70. The European Film Academy confirmed his death on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, following an extended battle with illness.

    Tarr, renowned as the pioneering force behind the ‘slow cinema’ movement, leaves behind an indelible legacy characterized by stark black-and-white aesthetics, extended single-shot sequences, and minimalist storytelling. His approach deliberately subverted conventional narrative structures, instead offering contemplative portrayals of everyday existence in post-communist Eastern Europe.

    The director’s magnum opus, 1994’s seven-and-a-half-hour epic ‘Satantango,’ stands as perhaps the ultimate embodiment of his artistic vision. The film meticulously documents the struggles within a small Hungarian village following communism’s collapse and has been consistently ranked among cinema’s greatest achievements despite its demanding runtime.

    Beyond his filmmaking, Tarr dedicated his later years to educational pursuits. Following his 2011 feature ‘The Turin Horse,’ he transitioned to mentoring emerging talents, establishing the Film Factory school in Sarajevo in 2012. There he served as professor and academic director until 2016, shaping a new generation of filmmakers.

    The European Film Academy’s statement honored Tarr as ‘an outstanding director and a personality with a strong political voice,’ noting he was ‘deeply respected by his colleagues and celebrated by audiences worldwide.’ The organization has requested privacy for Tarr’s family during this period of mourning.

  • Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Malayalam cinema superstar Nivin Pauly has entered into a groundbreaking cinematic partnership with India’s Panorama Studios, formalizing a multi-film co-production agreement valued at ₹1 billion (approximately Dh 40.75 million). This strategic alliance comes immediately following the remarkable commercial success of Pauly’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ which premiered in December 2025.

    The collaboration will see Pauly transitioning into a dual creative role, serving as both lead actor and co-producer alongside established producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak of Panorama Studios. While specific details regarding the number of planned films and production timelines remain undisclosed, the partnership represents one of the most significant investments in South Indian cinema production ventures.

    Pauly expressed considerable enthusiasm about the creative alignment, stating: ‘This collaboration with Panorama Studios is tremendously exciting from both artistic and production perspectives. Their distinctive vision, operational scale, and unwavering commitment to quality cinema perfectly complement the narrative-driven projects I aspire to develop collectively. We intend to create culturally rooted yet universally appealing films that balance entertainment with substantive impact.’

    Panorama Studios, renowned for its critically and commercially successful Hindi cinema portfolio including the ‘Drishyam’ franchise, ‘Omkara,’ ‘Raid’ series, and recent supernatural thriller ‘Shaitaan,’ views this partnership as a strategic expansion into South Indian markets. Kumar Mangat Pathak emphasized: ‘Malayalam cinema has consistently established new benchmarks for storytelling excellence and performance-driven narratives. Aligning with Nivin Pauly—an artist embodying exceptional credibility, versatile talent, and mass audience connectivity—represents a natural evolutionary step for Panorama Studios. This collaboration constitutes our substantial investment in meaningful cinema at scale while building enduring creative partnerships in Southern film industries.’

    Pauly’s career trajectory demonstrates remarkable versatility since his 2012 debut in ‘Thattathin Marayathu,’ with iconic performances across genres including ‘Premam’ (2015), ‘Bangalore Days’ (2014), ‘Neram’ (2013), and ‘Thuramukham’ (2023). His accolades include two Kerala State Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards South, and six SIIMA Awards. The actor’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ directed by Akhil Sathyan, achieved exceptional commercial performance as 2025’s fourth-highest grossing Malayalam film, surpassing ₹1 billion in global box office revenue while earning critical praise for Pauly’s portrayal of a Hindu priest experiencing supernatural encounters.