分类： entertainment

In a poignant tribute to her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini shared her profound grief and cherished memories on social media. Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday, was remembered by Hema as the cornerstone of her life. On Thursday, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her sorrow, describing him as her ‘everything’—a loving husband, devoted father, and irreplaceable companion. She wrote, ‘Dharam ji was many things to me. He was my friend, philosopher, guide, poet, and my go-to person in all times of need. He was everything to me, and always has been, through good times and bad.’ Hema also highlighted Dharmendra’s humility, talent, and universal appeal, which made him a unique icon in the film industry. She shared a carousel of nostalgic photos, captioning it ‘Some memorable moments,’ and reflected on the irreplaceable void his passing has left in her life. The Deol family will host a gathering at Taj Lands End on Thursday to honor Dharmendra’s life, inviting friends and well-wishers to celebrate his enduring legacy.

The 2025 Community of Shared Future for Humanity International Comic and Illustration Exhibition, a groundbreaking online event, recently concluded, highlighting the transformative role of technology in daily life and fostering cross-cultural connections. Organized collaboratively by China Daily and the Bank of China in Beijing, the exhibition attracted artists from 58 countries and regions, who submitted nearly 3,100 pieces, with over 1,200 entries originating from outside China. The multilingual platform ensured inclusivity and encouraged global dialogue, showcasing the boundless creativity and insight of humanity. This year, the exhibition introduced the Youth Excellence Award, which received over 600 submissions from young artists. Their works, brimming with imagination and innocence, demonstrated remarkable creativity and hope, even if their techniques were less refined compared to adult participants. The event underscored the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite diverse cultures. A selection of award-winning works is featured in this report, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and thought-provoking contributions of global artists.

Sarah R Jay, the Italian-Venezuelan singer and composer based in the UAE, has once again captivated audiences with her latest mini-album, ‘Streets of Gold’. The EP, comprising three tracks, delves into the profound themes of war, loss, and the enduring hope for transcendence. Since her debut in 2024, Sarah has established herself as a unique voice in electronic and cinematic pop, blending social consciousness with musical artistry. Her previous works, such as ‘Sea of Sorrow’ and ‘300 Fallen Heroes’, have already showcased her ability to address pressing social issues through her music. ‘Streets of Gold’ continues this tradition, focusing on the families left behind by war, rather than the soldiers on the battlefield. The title track features the poignant line, ‘Trading our youth for streets of gold,’ a metaphor for the young lives lost and the hope that they find peace in the afterlife. Sarah’s music is not just a form of entertainment but a call for empathy and change, urging listeners to reflect on the human cost of conflict. With a strong social media presence and a growing fan base, Sarah R Jay is rapidly becoming one of the most influential artists in the UAE’s music scene.

The International Cartoon and Illustration Exhibition on a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity (2025) is currently underway in Beijing, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between technology and human life. Featuring 101 artworks from 58 countries and regions, the exhibition presents diverse perspectives on how technological advancements are reshaping human destiny. Through innovative visual storytelling, the artists delve into themes such as the integration of technology into daily life, its impact on societal structures, and the ethical dilemmas it poses. The event serves as a platform for global dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the shared challenges and opportunities brought about by technological progress. By blending creativity with critical inquiry, the exhibition highlights the profound ways in which technology influences human existence, urging viewers to reflect on the future of humanity in an increasingly digital world.

In a strategic move timed with the approaching Eid Al Etihad long weekend, Middle Eastern entertainment giant Fun City has unveiled an unprecedented promotional event set for November 29, 2025. The limited-time offer, available exclusively between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, represents one of the most substantial value propositions in the regional family entertainment sector.

The promotion enables UAE families to acquire a comprehensive entertainment package valued at Dh1,500 for merely Dh450. This exceptional bundle includes 116 play credits redeemable across Fun City’s extensive network of arcade games, amusement rides, and interactive play zones, complemented by three premium toys. The play credits maintain validity for six months, providing extended flexibility for family entertainment planning throughout the winter season and beyond.

Accessibility remains a cornerstone of this initiative, with the offer available both at physical locations including Fun City, Fun Block, and Fun Works venues throughout the Emirates, and through the company’s official digital portal at funcityarabia.com. This dual-channel approach accommodates both in-person and online purchasing preferences.

The timing of this promotion aligns strategically with seasonal patterns, coinciding with school breaks and holiday celebrations. Industry analysts note that such aggressive pricing strategies reflect the competitive landscape of family entertainment, where established brands like Fun City leverage their scale to deliver exceptional value while maintaining quality standards.

As a recognized leader in indoor family entertainment across the Middle East, Fun City continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating affordable, memorable experiences. The current promotion not only serves as a customer acquisition tool but also reinforces brand loyalty during a period of increased discretionary spending among UAE families.

The limited four-hour availability window creates both urgency and exclusivity, elements that have proven effective in previous promotional campaigns within the entertainment sector. With the long weekend approaching, this offer presents families with a compelling alternative to traditional leisure activities while providing substantial economic advantages compared to standard pricing models.

Despite remaining unreleased in its home country, Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed film ‘Kennedy’ continues to garner international recognition, with actor Rahul Bhat’s powerful performance as a supposedly deceased police officer operating in the shadows earning particular praise. The film received a remarkable seven-minute standing ovation at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, establishing Bhat’s transformation from television heartthrob to serious character actor.

Bhat’s journey from his childhood in Vichar Nag, Srinagar, to Bollywood exemplifies resilience amid adversity. Forced to flee during the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1989-90, his family lost everything in the displacement. “We anticipated returning home, but never did. All childhood memorabilia were plundered,” Bhat revealed during the film’s screening at Dubai’s Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival.

After relocating to Mumbai post-high school, Bhat initially found success in television, with his earnings skyrocketing from ₹7,000 to ₹1 lakh per episode during the peak of his TV career. However, his Bollywood debut in the commercially unsuccessful ‘Yeh Mohabbat Hai’ led to professional disillusionment. This setback prompted a strategic pivot toward production through his company Filmtonic, while simultaneously deepening his cinematic education through extensive film study.

The transformative reunion with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in 2012 reignited Bhat’s acting career. Kashyap, recognizing Bhat’s untapped potential, cast him in ‘Ugly’ (which premiered at Cannes), followed by ‘Dobaara’ and ultimately the career-defining ‘Kennedy’. Bhat describes Kashyap’s directorial approach as uniquely magical: “He never explicitly instructs actors, yet guides them profoundly. For ‘Kennedy’, I mastered unconventional skills like peeling apples in one continuous motion and loading firearms blindfolded.”

Currently, Bhat maintains multiple upcoming projects including Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘The Wives’, Mayur Puri’s ‘Lost and Found in Kumbh’, and a Netflix series. Despite his darker roles, he embraces the emotional complexity: “An actor’s professional fluctuations are like ornaments—I derive meaning from them.” He remains deeply connected to his Kashmiri heritage, currently developing a personal film project drawn from his experiences, explaining: “In silence, my mind finds solace in memories of home, my Kashmir.”