分类： entertainment

India’s $60-billion Bollywood industry is grappling with a severe credibility crisis, as insiders reveal that manipulated film reviews and inflated box office numbers are eroding public trust and damaging ticket sales. While streaming platforms have disrupted traditional cinema, industry veterans argue that Bollywood’s challenges are largely self-inflicted, including the growing trend of declaring films as ‘hits’ even before their release.

Veteran Bollywood actress Himani Shivpuri, renowned for her iconic roles in Hindi cinema and television, recently opened up about her absence from the climactic scene of the legendary film *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge* (DDLJ). Shivpuri, who played Kajol’s on-screen aunt in the movie, shared the poignant reason behind her non-participation in the finale.

During the filming of *DDLJ*, Shivpuri faced a personal tragedy—the sudden demise of her husband. Recounting the events, she revealed, ‘My husband had passed away, and I was alone in a new city with no one to turn to. The *DDLJ* team was informed, and Farida ji (Farida Jalal) visited me. She must have conveyed the news to Mr. Chopra (Yash Chopra). I was in no state to remember the scheduled shooting for the climax in Panvel.’

Shivpuri received a compassionate call from Yash Raj Productions, where Yash Chopra himself expressed understanding and excused her from the shoot. ‘Yash ji said, ‘We know you cannot come,’ she recalled. With her son still studying in Dehradun, Shivpuri prioritized her husband’s final rites over the film’s shooting schedule.

The actress acknowledged that the team had to proceed without her due to the fixed dates of other cast members. ‘Everyone is in the climax… except me,’ she added. Despite this personal setback, Shivpuri returned to work soon after, driven by her responsibilities as a single mother.

Reflecting on her career, Shivpuri expressed gratitude for the opportunities that followed. ‘God was kind. Films like *Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!* and *DDLJ* became massive hits, and I was already working on *Pardes*. Work kept coming, and I never had to seek it out,’ she shared. The actress even humorously noted that director David Dhawan once remarked, ‘Films don’t work if you are not in them.’

Released in 1995, *DDLJ* remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher, and Mandira Bedi, among others. Directed by Aditya Chopra, the movie continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema history.

Lefter Kucukandonyadis, a legendary Turkish-Greek footballer, is the subject of a new Netflix film titled *Lefter: The Story of the Ordinarius*. The movie chronicles his illustrious career from the 1940s to the 1960s, while also shedding light on Turkey’s complex history with its minorities. Born into a Greek family in Istanbul in 1924, Lefter’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the struggles of non-Muslim citizens in Turkey. Despite his marginalized identity, he became a football icon, earning the nickname “Ordinarius” (the professor) for his exceptional skills. His career with Fenerbahce, one of Turkey’s “Big Three” clubs, solidified his legacy, but his personal story reveals deeper societal issues. The film explores his experiences during World War II, the Wealth Tax targeting minorities, and the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, where he faced violent attacks. Lefter’s life was a testament to resilience, as he navigated identity, loyalty, and loss. His story continues to resonate, with the Turkish Football Federation naming the 2018–19 Super League season in his honor.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy as Omar Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, resigned from his role as a jury member, citing a lack of transparency in the judging process. Harfouch, who was invited to join the official panel in July, expressed his concerns following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the competition’s voting procedures. In a public statement, Harfouch announced he would also refrain from playing the music he composed for the event, stating he refused to be ‘a part of this charade.’ He further criticized the preliminary selection process, which he claimed was conducted without the presence of the eight official judges, including himself. Harfouch highlighted potential conflicts of interest, alleging that some individuals involved in the voting process had personal relationships with contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) responded by asserting that all judging remains official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols. The organization also clarified that the Beyond the Crown Program operates independently and does not influence the competition’s evaluation process. MUO has prohibited Harfouch from using or associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks, logos, titles, or registered properties, warning of potential legal action. This year’s pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Thailand, has already faced multiple controversies, including the dismissal of host Nawat Itsaragrisil following a heated exchange with Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch. The incident, along with other walkouts and confrontations, has cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about the management of high-profile competitions under global scrutiny.

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, Indian lawmaker Raghav Chadha, have shared the first glimpse of their newborn son, Neer, in a heartfelt social media post. The couple posted intimate pictures featuring their baby boy’s tiny feet, capturing a tender moment of parental love. The caption accompanying the images read, ‘Our hearts found peace in an eternal drop of life. We named him Neer—pure, divine, limitless.’ The announcement has garnered widespread attention and warm wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his joy in response to the post. The couple first announced the birth of their son in October 2025, describing their overwhelming happiness and the profound change he has brought to their lives. Earlier in August, they revealed their pregnancy with a creative Instagram post featuring a cake that read, ‘1+1=3,’ accompanied by the caption, ‘Our little universe … on its way. Blessed beyond measure.’ Parineeti and Raghav tied the knot in September 2023 at the luxurious Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been celebrated with immense joy and positivity by their admirers.

Dubai is set to host the enchanting Irish-inspired festive concert, ‘A Fairytale for Christmas,’ for the first time. The event will take place at New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates, from December 19 to 21, 2025. Presented by MAC Global in collaboration with Prestige Chameleon International, the concert promises a delightful mix of Christmas classics and traditional Irish music. Audiences can look forward to beloved holiday tunes like ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ ‘Step into Christmas,’ and ‘Oh Holy Night,’ alongside Irish favorites such as ‘The Galway Girl,’ ‘The Irish Rover,’ and ‘Dirty Old Town.’

Creator and producer Ged Graham expressed his excitement about bringing the show to Dubai, stating, ‘The response to the production has been remarkable, and we’re pleased to bring it to Dubai as part of the world tour. The show combines festive music with Irish influences in a way that audiences have responded to warmly.’

The three-day event offers families and music enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a festive performance that seamlessly blends Christmas melodies with Irish folk traditions. Tickets for the concert start at AED 195 and are available for purchase on platinumlist.net.