分类: entertainment

  • Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar: UAE-born Malhaar Baithak’s 90-minute ode to  Indian legend

    Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar: UAE-born Malhaar Baithak’s 90-minute ode to Indian legend

    ABU DHABI – In a captivating celebration of Indian musical heritage, the UAE-born cultural organization Malhaar launched its inaugural Malhaar Baithak in the capital city on January 16. The event featured an immersive 90-minute musical journey honoring the legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar’s extraordinary seven-decade career.

    Held at the Indian Embassy Auditorium, the performance strategically coincided with India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. The carefully curated repertoire spanned Mangeshkar’s most beloved compositions, including timeless classics such as ‘Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh,’ ‘Lag Ja Gale,’ ‘Dekha To Yeh Khwab, Tere Mere Honthon Pe,’ and the cherished ‘Lukachuppi.’ The musical homage concluded powerfully with the devotional piece ‘O Paalanhaare’ from the acclaimed film Lagaan.

    Distinguishing itself from conventional concerts, the Malhaar Baithak incorporated audience participation as a fundamental element. Throughout the evening, the ensemble actively encouraged attendees to join in singing familiar refrains, transforming the venue into a resonant chorus of shared nostalgia and collective musical experience.

    The performers adopted an innovative educational approach, seamlessly integrating spontaneous ‘micromasterclasses’ within the performance flow. Artists periodically paused to deconstruct complex musical phrases, breaking down intricate note patterns and ornamentations in an accessible, engaging manner that both educated and entertained the diverse audience.

    Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder and Director of Malhaar, emphasized the organization’s philosophical approach: ‘Malhaar Baithak has always been imagined as more than a concert. It represents a cultural space where multiple generations of families converge to sing together, reminisce, and reconnect through music that has soundtracked their lives across decades.’

    The Abu Dhabi debut follows the format’s remarkable success in Dubai, where it has drawn capacity crowds through over fifty houseful concerts. Looking forward, Malhaar Baithak has announced an ambitious schedule of twelve performances across the UAE in 2026, with six events planned in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

    The next scheduled performance on February 6 will celebrate Valentine’s month with a special edition dedicated to the cinematic romance of filmmaker Yash Chopra and the enduring musical legacy of Yash Raj Films.

  • ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has described her rapid ascent in the entertainment industry as a “weird couple of years” since joining the global phenomenon Stranger Things. The County Donegal native, who entered the Netflix series in its fourth season as Vickie, Hawkins High School student and Robin Buckley’s girlfriend, shared her profound journey on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty.

    McNulty characterized her experience on the massively popular sci-fi horror series as feeling like “a little cog in this very massive machine,” emphasizing the surreal nature of her transition from fan to cast member. Her deep familiarity with Stranger Things proved instrumental during the audition process, providing her with unique insight into the show’s distinctive pacing and narrative style.

    The 24-year-old actress recounted the emotional moment she received news of her casting, describing how she was “screaming, crying down the phone” with excitement. This professional milestone carried additional emotional weight as it marked the final audition her parents knew about before their passing. “They said they had a good feeling about it and they were right,” McNulty reflected with poignant remembrance.

    Her artistic journey began in Letterkenny where she was raised by her Irish father and Canadian mother. McNulty’s childhood involved rigorous ballet training and performances in local productions at An Grianán Theatre, experiences she credits to the supportive community that fostered her early development. “There is a real sense of family there. It was everything,” she affirmed.

    McNulty’s breakthrough came at age 14 when she relocated to Canada to star as the lead in CBC/Netflix’s Anne with an E, a move made possible by her retired parents’ complete dedication. “They moved with me to Canada… I was very, very lucky they were able to do that for me,” she expressed with enduring gratitude. “They said they would do anything for me and they did. I will always appreciate it.”

    The actress also addressed the significance of her LGBTQ+ representation on Stranger Things, drawing from her personal experience as someone who came out as bisexual at 16/17 while growing up in Donegal. McNulty recalled encountering prejudice in her hometown, where some community members approached her parents to express sympathy about her sexuality.

    “I’m going ‘right okay, nothing to apologise for’, so it gives me more of an invigoration when I do roles like this,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to authentic representation. McNulty strives to “do it justice and do it right for kids like me growing up,” viewing the normalization of queer storylines within broader narratives as particularly valuable. “It doesn’t have to be about that. It is just a part of it. I think that is ideal.”

  • “Glitch World” to unveil its novel anime concept at Art in Space Dubai

    “Glitch World” to unveil its novel anime concept at Art in Space Dubai

    Aniline Studio, a European creative enterprise, is poised to unveil its groundbreaking anime project ‘Glitch World’ at Dubai’s prestigious Art in Space gallery from January 24-30, 2026. The week-long exhibition promises to transform Downtown Dubai into an immersive hub blending cutting-edge technology with artistic innovation.

    The debut will feature an exclusive opening day for anime enthusiasts, offering unprecedented access to the creative vision behind this novel universe. Attendees will experience a curated presentation including the official anime trailer premiere, life-sized character prototypes, and interactive gaming stations. The exhibition will also showcase branded merchandise and provide a specialized HoloBox area where visitors can engage with AI-driven characters from the Glitch World narrative.

    Spearheading this creative endeavor is 12-year-old prodigy Diana Koroleva, whose passion for Japanese anime aesthetics has evolved into a fully-realized universe featuring four central characters: Glitch, Virus-Yamiko, Maya, and Tenshi. Each character possesses distinct superpowers and psychological depth, reflecting Koroleva’s nuanced understanding of emotional storytelling.

    ‘Glitch World represents a fusion of artistic passion and technological innovation,’ Koroleva stated. ‘Every element is crafted to deliver an emotionally resonant experience that transports audiences into a living, breathing universe.’

    Despite its early development phase, the project has generated significant international interest across Western markets, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Aniline Studio’s long-term vision includes expanding the franchise into animated episodes, interactive gaming experiences, and AI-driven virtual characters, creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

    The exhibition will feature daily prize distributions, including a grand opening day giveaway of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Art in Space Dubai provides the ideal technological environment for this debut, serving as a cutting-edge venue where digital art converges with virtual reality experiences.

  • Ralph Lauren front row draws celebrities to Milan show

    Ralph Lauren front row draws celebrities to Milan show

    MILAN — The Ralph Lauren showcase became the epicenter of celebrity attention during Milan Fashion Week’s opening day, drawing A-list attendees for a presentation that blended classic American aesthetics with Olympic aspirations. The event marked the commencement of a Milan-focused fashion season while simultaneously highlighting the brand’s role as official outfitter for Team USA at the upcoming Winter Games.

    Front row attendees represented a cross-section of entertainment excellence, including recent Golden Globe attendee Colman Domingo, actor Liam Hemsworth (who interrupted an Alpine skiing excursion), and Noah Schnapp, fresh from completing the final season of Stranger Things. Hemsworth arrived accompanied by partner Gabriella Brooks, having temporarily abandoned mountain slopes for fashion’s equivalent.

    The collection itself presented a sophisticated interpretation of American heritage, featuring layered outerwear, precisely tailored Texan suits, and intricate intarsia knitwear. Outside the historic Milan palazzo, hundreds of enthusiastic fans created a fervent atmosphere awaiting K-pop sensation Mark Lee, who responded to admirers with generous heart gestures upon arrival.

    Lee, the Canadian-born K-pop artist, expressed continued astonishment at the genre’s global reach. ‘The massive appeal still surprises me daily,’ he reflected from his prime seating. ‘Having been born in North America when K-pop wasn’t this significant, I feel both honored and responsible to share its positive influences worldwide.’

    The prestigious gathering included singer Nick Jonas and actor Tom Hiddleston positioned alongside David Lauren, the fashion house’s branding and innovation director who will return to Milan for final fittings of Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony attire before the February 6th Games commencement.

    Noah Schnapp, sporting a sharp double-breasted navy jacket with distinctive brass buttons, discussed his post-Stranger Things career trajectory. ‘I take immense pride in our accomplishments but believe it’s time to explore new creative dimensions,’ the 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania senior revealed, confirming plans to return for Olympic ice hockey events with his Canadian parents who ensured his ‘education in hockey culture.’

    Colman Domingo, fashion industry darling and Emmy winner for Euphoria, made a striking impression with Boucheron stud earrings complementing his tweed three-piece suit and casually draped matching overcoat. He praised the collection’s modern sensibility, noting: ‘We witnessed Texas tuxedos, cowboy accessories, Navajo prints, and mountaineer boots blended with effortless luxury. Ralph Lauren embodies that perfect duality where you can scale Aspen slopes then immediately attend an elegant cocktail gathering—this represents the most beautiful expression of aspirational American values through clothing.’

  • Divalicious returns to Dubai with a curated fashion trunk show

    Divalicious returns to Dubai with a curated fashion trunk show

    Dubai’s fashion calendar welcomes the return of the prestigious Divalicious Curated Fashion Trunk Show on January 16-17, 2026, at Taj Business Bay. This sophisticated two-day exhibition assembles a meticulously selected array of designers and luxury labels within an elegant venue, creating an immersive shopping destination for discerning fashion enthusiasts.

    The event is strategically organized into distinct fashion categories to cater to the contemporary woman’s diverse needs. Luxe Prêt offers ready-to-wear luxury, couture presents exquisite craftsmanship, and high-street western fashion provides accessible style. The exhibition seamlessly bridges everyday sophistication with exceptional statement pieces, featuring everything from versatile wardrobe essentials to special occasion ensembles.

    Beyond apparel, the trunk show presents an exclusive collection of fine jewelry and fashion accessories, establishing itself as a comprehensive seasonal wardrobe refresh destination. Vanitaa Bhatia, founder of Divalicious, emphasized the event’s philosophy: “Divalicious is about thoughtful curation — fashion that feels relevant, versatile, and beautifully wearable for today’s social and professional lifestyles.”

    The brand has cultivated a distinguished reputation for merging sophisticated style with discovery and vibrant social interaction. Visitors can anticipate an engaging shopping experience that transcends traditional retail environments. The event opens daily at 10:00 AM, offering ample opportunity for fashion connoisseurs to explore the curated collections.

  • Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse allegations, calling them ‘absolutely untrue’

    Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse allegations, calling them ‘absolutely untrue’

    Grammy-winning music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted sexual assault allegations brought forward by two former employees, characterizing the accusations as fundamentally untrue. The 82-year-old recording artist issued an emotional denial via Instagram on Friday following media reports detailing alleged misconduct.

    Spanish media outlets elDiario.es and Univision Noticias jointly published an investigative report on January 13th alleging that Iglesias had committed sexual and physical assaults against staff members at his Caribbean residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021. According to the publications, the incidents occurred between January and October of that year.

    The judicial process gained momentum when Spain’s National Court confirmed receipt of formal allegations against Iglesias on January 5th. This specialized tribunal holds jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed by Spanish citizens abroad, potentially bringing the case before Madrid-based justices.

    In his social media statement, Iglesias expressed profound sorrow over the allegations: “With deep sorrow, I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked at my home. I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness.” The artist further noted his shock at encountering such malice late in his career while vowing to defend his dignity against what he termed a serious affront.

    The Spanish superstar, whose career has spanned six decades and generated over 300 million record sales across multiple languages, received an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. Iglesias acknowledged these messages of encouragement in his public response.

    Spanish prosecutors have confirmed they are currently examining the allegations to determine whether formal proceedings should be initiated. The case development marks a significant moment for the music legend who previously received Grammy recognition for Best Latin Pop Performance and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the recording academy.

  • Mainland college students present Kunqu classic ‘The Peony Pavilion’ in Taipei

    Mainland college students present Kunqu classic ‘The Peony Pavilion’ in Taipei

    In a significant cultural exchange event, university students from mainland China presented a special campus youth edition of the classical Kunqu Opera “The Peony Pavilion” in Taipei on January 15, 2026. This performance marked the first time a production entirely performed by mainland college students was staged in Taiwan, occurring exactly twenty years after the original youth version premiered in the same city.

    The production originates from an innovative cultural preservation project initiated in 2024, designed to engage young generations in safeguarding Kunqu Opera—a 600-year-old performing art form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The current campus version represents an abridged adaptation of the complete nine-hour performance, which typically unfolds across three consecutive evenings.

    Fifty selected students from twenty-nine different universities across mainland China participated in this ambitious undertaking. Despite minimal prior professional training in the ancient art form, these dedicated performers underwent nearly nine months of intensive instruction before debuting their production in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province—the historical birthplace of Kunqu Opera—in April 2025.

    The production maintains the exquisite costumes and sophisticated stage design of the original youth version created by renowned Taiwan-based novelist Pai Hsien-yung. Now 88 years old, Pai has dedicated years to promoting Kunqu Opera among younger audiences. In a pre-performance statement, he emphasized that the primary objective remains helping college students appreciate Kunqu’s aesthetic beauty and develop closer connections to traditional Chinese culture.

    Professor Zhao Tianwei, chief planner of the production and art professor at Southeast University, described the campus version as representing a contemporary model for transmitting China’s fine traditional culture through young practitioners. He expressed hope that Taiwanese youth audiences would gain deeper appreciation and understanding of Kunqu by witnessing their mainland peers performing this classical art form on stage.

    Since its initial 2004 premiere, the youth version of “The Peony Pavilion” has been presented at over a dozen universities, consistently maintaining young audiences as its primary focus. The current cross-strait cultural presentation continues this tradition while fostering meaningful artistic dialogue between mainland Chinese and Taiwanese communities.

  • Actor Timothy Busfield charged with sexually abusing boys on set of TV series

    Actor Timothy Busfield charged with sexually abusing boys on set of TV series

    Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield, renowned for his roles in ‘Thirtysomething’ and ‘The West Wing,’ has been formally charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse following his surrender to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 68-year-old actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse allegedly occurring on the set of Fox’s crime drama ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ where Busfield serves as both director and executive producer.

    According to court documents filed by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, two young male actors allege sustained inappropriate touching and grooming behavior by Busfield, whom they referred to as ‘Uncle Tim’ on set. The prosecution claims the abuse occurred over several years, with one victim reporting incidents beginning at age seven. Medical records cited in the affidavit indicate one boy has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following the alleged encounters.

    Busfield’s legal representative, Stanton ‘Larry’ Stein, vehemently denies all allegations, characterizing them as fabricated revenge tactics by a mother whose children were dismissed from the television production. ‘The claims against Tim are completely false, and we will demonstrate this through rigorous legal challenge,’ Stein stated, noting that an internal investigation by Warner Bros found no corroborating evidence of misconduct.

    The case has expanded with the emergence of additional allegations from California, where a now-16-year-old girl claims Busfield engaged in inappropriate sexual contact during theater auditions ‘several years ago.’ Prosecutors referenced these new claims in a motion to deny bail, alleging a ‘documented pattern of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.’

    Following his initial court appearance on Wednesday, Busfield remains in custody pending a January 20th bail determination hearing. District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the priority of protecting all involved parties while encouraging potential witnesses to contact law enforcement.

    Production companies Warner Bros Television and Fox acknowledged awareness of the charges, affirming their cooperation with authorities and commitment to cast and crew safety. Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has declined public comment per legal counsel while focusing on family support during the judicial process.

  • Dubai: Persian restaurant Anar reopens with a fresh take at Souk Madinat

    Dubai: Persian restaurant Anar reopens with a fresh take at Souk Madinat

    Dubai’s culinary landscape welcomes the revitalized return of Anar, a distinguished Persian dining establishment that has unveiled its reimagined presence at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This reopening marks a significant evolution for one of the city’s most cherished culinary destinations, blending traditional Persian heritage with modern aesthetic sensibilities.

    The restaurant’s transformation extends beyond mere renovation, presenting a thoughtfully curated atmosphere that harmonizes traditional elements with contemporary design. Architectural features include clay-washed walls, artisanal hand-textured plaster finishes, distressed dark wood accents, and glazed tiles inspired by classical Persian courtyard designs. This carefully crafted environment creates an intimate, timeless ambiance suitable for extended dining experiences from afternoon through evening.

    Culinary philosophy centers on the ‘Neo Persian Soul’ concept, which reinterprets centuries-old Persian gastronomic traditions through a refined, modern lens. The menu presents an array of authentic dishes including soulful stews, saffron-infused creations, and charcoal-grilled specialties. Signature offerings feature Kebab Kubideh, Ghormeh Sabzi, Joojeh Masti, slow-braised Gardan, and the refreshing Faloodeh dessert—all maintaining traditional flavors while embracing contemporary presentation techniques.

    Notable additions include an entirely new courtyard bar concept, designed as an alfresco space for sunset beverages and evening social gatherings beneath the open sky. The restaurant further enhances its cultural offering through the Anar Bazaar, featuring curated artisanal pieces crafted by Persian artisans, allowing guests to acquire tangible memories of their dining experience.

    Strategically positioned along Souk Madinat’s tranquil waterways, the establishment offers uninterrupted views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, complementing its sophisticated culinary journey with one of Dubai’s most picturesque settings.

  • ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4 trailer: Mickey Haller faces his toughest courtroom battle

    ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Season 4 trailer: Mickey Haller faces his toughest courtroom battle

    Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for the highly anticipated fourth season of ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,’ setting the stage for protagonist Mickey Haller’s most formidable legal challenge to date. Based on Michael Connelly’s sixth series novel ‘The Law of Innocence,’ the upcoming season premieres on February 5, 2026, and finds defense attorney Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) transitioning from advocate to defendant.

    The narrative thrust emerges from Season 3’s cliffhanger, where authorities discovered the corpse of Haller’s former client, con artist Sam Scales (Christopher Thornton), in the trunk of Haller’s iconic Lincoln vehicle. Wrongfully accused of murder, Haller must deploy his legal expertise to prove his own innocence in a high-stakes courtroom battle.

    Haller and his legal team embark on a complex investigation to dismantle the prosecution’s case, which requires unraveling Scales’ final elaborate scam. Their pursuit of justice pits them against formidable adversaries including the District Attorney’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while simultaneously forcing confrontations with lingering ghosts from Haller’s past.

    The trailer introduces prosecutor Dana Berg (Constance Zimmer) as Haller’s primary antagonist in the courtroom. Berg’s established connections to Haller’s ex-wife, Maggie (Neve Campbell), add personal stakes to the professional rivalry. The dynamic suggests Maggie’s familiarity with Berg might provide Haller with the strategic advantage needed to counter the prosecution’s case.

    The ensemble cast returns with Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, and Angus Sampson, joined by newcomers including Cobie Smulders, Sasha Alexander, and Jason O’Mara. The series is created for television by David E. Kelley and developed by Ted Humphrey, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Dailyn Rodriguez. Executive producers include Michael Connelly, Ross Fineman, and Barry Jossen, with production handled by A+E Studios.