分类: entertainment

  • The story behind the mural that links Al Quoz’s creative, industrial identities

    The story behind the mural that links Al Quoz’s creative, industrial identities

    In the bustling heart of Dubai’s Al Quoz district, a 500-square-meter mural titled ‘The Vibrant Voices of Al Quoz’ has emerged as a cultural beacon, blending the area’s industrial grit with its artistic soul. Created by Egyptian artist Rabab Tantawy and commissioned by Dubai Culture, the mural is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a narrative of community, heritage, and connection. Painted during the cooler night hours to escape the scorching July heat, the artwork captures the essence of Al Quoz, where steel warehouses and vibrant art studios coexist. Rabab’s composition draws inspiration from the Arabic souq, emphasizing movement, craftsmanship, and exchange. The mural has become a living landmark, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of belonging among residents and workers. Rabab’s journey as an artist, rooted in her Egyptian and Nubian heritage, reflects her philosophy of art as a catalyst for human connection and change. Beyond murals, her sculptural installations, such as ‘The Guardians,’ and her creative hub, Studio Thirteen, continue to nurture artistic collaboration and innovation. Through her work, Rabab envisions a future where art, environment, and technology intersect, inspiring the next generation of creators to keep the creative spirit alive.

  • Jilin kicks off 2025-26 snow season with grand opening event

    Jilin kicks off 2025-26 snow season with grand opening event

    The 2025-26 snow season officially commenced with a grand opening ceremony in Jilin city, Jilin province, on November 22, 2025. The event also marked the beginning of the 31st Jilin Rime Ice and Snow Festival, drawing a large crowd of ski enthusiasts and tourists eager to experience the region’s stunning winter landscapes and exhilarating snow sports. The festival’s opening performance was a visual feast, featuring unique acts such as skiing in Peking opera costumes and lion dance skiing, which captivated the audience and garnered enthusiastic applause. Jilin is renowned for its exceptional ice and snow resources, boasting the highest number of national-level ski tourism resorts and ski visits in the country. This annual celebration not only highlights the province’s natural beauty but also reinforces its status as a premier destination for winter sports and tourism.

  • Hollywood actor-comedian Eddie Murphy to bag new honour

    Hollywood actor-comedian Eddie Murphy to bag new honour

    Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, renowned for his iconic roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Dr. Dolittle,’ is set to receive the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award. The American Film Institute (AFI) will honor Murphy at a grand tribute ceremony scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, just two weeks after his 65th birthday. This accolade places Murphy among an elite group of previous recipients, including Denzel Washington, Francis Ford Coppola, and Morgan Freeman. Notably, Murphy will become the fourth Black artist to receive this prestigious award, following Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington. The AFI Life Achievement Award is bestowed annually to individuals who have significantly contributed to the cinematic arts, demonstrated enduring influence, and earned widespread recognition from critics, peers, and audiences. Kathleen Kennedy, chair of AFI’s board of trustees, praised Murphy as a ‘trailblazing force’ whose versatility and cultural impact have inspired generations. Murphy’s career began with his breakout role on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the early 1980s, leading to a successful transition into acting with blockbuster hits like ‘Coming to America’ and ‘The Nutty Professor.’ Recently, he starred in the Netflix documentary ‘Being Eddie’ and the Amazon Prime action-comedy ‘The Pickup,’ showcasing his continued relevance in the entertainment industry.

  • Off social media: Bollywood actor Ronit Roy is going on a digital detox

    Off social media: Bollywood actor Ronit Roy is going on a digital detox

    Renowned Bollywood actor Ronit Roy, celebrated for his roles in ‘2 States’ and ‘Shootout at Wadala,’ has announced his decision to take a break from social media. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Roy revealed his intention to focus on personal growth and family priorities. He emphasized the need to step away from digital platforms to strengthen his mental and spiritual well-being. Roy expressed his desire to forge a new path for himself and his family, leaving behind old habits and embracing a transformative journey. While he did not specify the duration of his hiatus, Roy assured his fans of his eventual return once he achieves his personal goals and adopts healthier habits. The actor, known for his iconic role in the TV drama ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,’ has also turned off comments on his Instagram account, signaling his commitment to this digital detox. Roy’s decision highlights a growing trend among celebrities to prioritize mental health and personal development over social media engagement.

  • Al Ain Book Festival 2025 set to open Monday; over 200 events planned

    Al Ain Book Festival 2025 set to open Monday; over 200 events planned

    The highly anticipated Al Ain Book Festival 2025 is set to commence on Monday, November 24, at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and various cultural venues across the city. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival will run until November 30, offering a weeklong celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. This year’s edition boasts participation from over 220 publishers and exhibitors, showcasing more than 100,000 titles, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s (ALC) mission to promote the Arabic language and foster Emirati talent. The festival’s diverse programme includes over 200 events, ranging from literary discussions and cultural dialogues to performances, heritage activities, and children’s programmes. Highlights include the fourth edition of ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Word’ at Qasr Al Muwaiji, honouring three legendary Emirati poets, and the introduction of new initiatives like ‘Flavourful Nights’ and ‘On the Path of Knowledge, We Gather’. The festival also features an Educational Programme with scientific, theatrical, and artistic activities for children and families, as well as an expanded ‘Educational Roadshow’ targeting schools and universities. A special ceremony will celebrate the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, recognising their contributions to Emirati literature. Organised by ALC under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival aims to solidify Al Ain’s reputation as a national hub for literary and cultural exchange.

  • Release of Mammootty’s latest, ‘Kalamkaval’, postponed

    Release of Mammootty’s latest, ‘Kalamkaval’, postponed

    The much-anticipated release of Mammootty’s latest film, ‘Kalamkaval,’ has been delayed, leaving fans in suspense. Initially scheduled for a global theatrical release on November 27, 2025, the mystery thriller’s new premiere date remains undisclosed. Produced by Mammootty Kampany and directed by Jithin K Jose, the film features music by Mujeeb Majeed and stars Vinayakan alongside Mammootty. The trailer, recently unveiled, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the plot, centered around a communal riot in the village of Kottayikkonam, Thiruvananthapuram district. Vinayakan portrays an investigating officer unraveling buried secrets, while Mammootty’s character adds intrigue with a chilling closing line in the trailer. The delay follows Mammootty’s recent triumph at the Kerala State Film Awards 2025, where he clinched the Best Actor award for ‘Bramayugam.’

  • Ornella Vanoni, Italian singer made world-famous by ‘Ocean’s Twelve’, dies at 91

    Ornella Vanoni, Italian singer made world-famous by ‘Ocean’s Twelve’, dies at 91

    Ornella Vanoni, the celebrated Italian singer whose timeless voice captivated audiences worldwide, has died at the age of 91. Known for her emotional depth and versatility, Vanoni’s career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Her passing was confirmed by Italian media outlets, including Corriere della Sera and AGI, citing cardiac arrest as the cause of death at her Milan home. Vanoni’s journey to stardom began in the 1950s when she overcame crippling stage fright to perform at Milan’s Piccolo Teatro, a moment she later described as her true ‘birth date.’ Her breakthrough came in the 1960s through televised song festivals, and she went on to sell over 55 million records and release approximately 40 studio albums. Among her most iconic works is ‘L’appuntamento’ (1970), which gained global recognition after featuring in the soundtrack of Steven Soderbergh’s 2004 film ‘Ocean’s Twelve.’ Vanoni’s music explored themes of love, loss, and social issues, earning her the nickname ‘Cantante della mala’ (underworld singer) for her early folk songs about Milan’s criminal underworld. Beyond music, she was a muse for fashion icons like Giorgio Armani and Valentino and maintained a vibrant public presence through talk shows and collaborations with younger artists. In her memoir, Vanoni reflected on her multifaceted personality, describing herself as ‘desperate and happy, alone and celebrated, furious and delicate.’ Her legacy as a trailblazer in Italian music and a symbol of emotional authenticity will endure for generations.

  • Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at premiere banned from Singapore

    Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at premiere banned from Singapore

    An Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, has been deported and permanently banned from Singapore after he breached security and grabbed Hollywood star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of *Wicked: For Good* in Singapore on November 13. The incident occurred when Wen pushed past photographers and charged at Grande, who was attending the event. Co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened, wrestling Wen away from Grande to ensure her safety. Wen was subsequently sentenced to nine days in prison for public nuisance and barred from re-entering Singapore, as confirmed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

    Wen has a history of disrupting celebrity events, including jumping on stage at a Katy Perry concert in Sydney earlier this year. His actions during the Singapore premiere sparked widespread outrage, with many expressing concern for Grande, who has previously spoken about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

    During the trial, it was revealed that Wen had attempted to intrude on the premiere twice. After his first attempt was thwarted by security, he made a second effort to jump the barricades but was detained. Wen later posted videos online, thanking Grande for ‘letting him on the carpet’ and claiming he was ‘free.’ However, he was arrested the following day and pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance.

    District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as ‘attention-seeking’ and emphasized that his actions were not without consequences. Grande has not publicly commented on the incident, but Erivo spoke to NBC, stating that her primary concern was ensuring Grande’s safety. ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was OK. That was my first instinct,’ Erivo said.

  • Paul Costelloe, Irish-American fashion designer for Princess Diana, dies at 80

    Paul Costelloe, Irish-American fashion designer for Princess Diana, dies at 80

    Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American fashion designer who famously dressed the late Princess Diana and became a cornerstone of the London fashion scene, has passed away at the age of 80. His company confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, revealing that he died peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe was the son of a tailor who crafted raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district. His journey into fashion began at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, where he absorbed the creative essence of iconic designers like Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin. Costelloe’s career took off as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel, followed by a stint in Milan with British retailer Marks & Spencer. Although the venture into the Italian market faltered, he remained in Milan, working for the luxury department store La Rinascente. Later, he moved to the United States, designing for the Anne Fogarty label before establishing his own fashion house. His brand became synonymous with luxurious fabrics, innovative designs, and a diverse range of offerings, including womenswear, menswear, bags, and accessories. In 1983, Costelloe’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. The royal connection began when one of Diana’s ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs and arranged a meeting. Reflecting on the moment, Costelloe once recalled, “I looked out at Hyde Park and I said: ‘God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!’” His legacy as a designer who blended creativity with elegance continues to inspire the fashion world.

  • Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80

    Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80

    Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his influential contributions to British and Irish fashion, has passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, expressing their profound sorrow over his death following a brief illness. Costelloe, who was surrounded by his wife and seven children, died peacefully in London. Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s journey into fashion began in his hometown, where his father managed a thriving raincoat manufacturing business. After honing his skills at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. In 1979, Costelloe established his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his designs at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe was known for incorporating traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed into his creations, blending heritage with modernity. He also collaborated with Dunnes Stores and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year. Despite facing criticism in 1998 for his controversial remarks about Irish women’s sense of style, Costelloe later reflected on Ireland’s evolving fashion identity, noting its growing European influence in a recent interview with RTÉ. His legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry remains indelible.