Bollywood superstar Varun Dhawan recently attended UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, showcasing his deep passion for mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for his vibrant presence on red carpets and film sets, Dhawan’s enthusiasm for the sport offers a fresh perspective on his multifaceted interests. In an exclusive interview with City Times, he delved into the intricacies of MMA, sharing his thoughts on ground-game strategies and the broader significance of the UFC beyond its glamorous facade. Dhawan expressed admiration for Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning champion, stating, “He dominated the entire division. If he could make the weight class below, I think he’d dominate that too.” He also highlighted the potential of Islam Makhachev, expressing interest in a hypothetical match between Makhachev and Chimaev. Reflecting on his personal connection to MMA, Dhawan revealed, “I’m a big fan of the sport. It’s an art that requires immense skill, not just brute force.” He admitted that if he had discovered MMA earlier, he would have pursued training more seriously, possibly participating in tournaments. Dhawan also shared his predictions for the UFC 321 main event, favoring Tom Aspinall over Ciryl Gane, though the match ended in a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke. Looking ahead, Dhawan expressed optimism about India’s future in MMA, noting the country’s strong wrestling and boxing foundations. “India has a great base of wrestling and boxing. Soon, we’ll see more fighters emerging from India,” he said. Dhawan’s insights not only highlight his genuine love for MMA but also underscore the growing potential of the sport in India.
分类： entertainment
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Look: Jacob Elordi’s first look character poster from ‘Frankenstein’
The highly anticipated Netflix film ‘Frankenstein,’ directed by Guillermo del Toro, has unveiled the first look at Jacob Elordi in his transformative role as ‘The Creature.’ The Australian actor, known for his role in ‘Euphoria,’ undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis to portray Mary Shelley’s iconic monster. The official character poster, released by Netflix, showcases Elordi with pale, cadaverous skin, lacerations, and long, stringy hair, rendering him nearly unrecognizable. The film, set for a global release on November 7, also features a star-studded cast including Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, and Christoph Waltz. Elordi revealed that the extensive makeup process, which took up to 10 hours per day, profoundly impacted his approach to acting. Director del Toro expressed confidence in Elordi’s ability to embody the complex character, despite the actor’s conventionally attractive appearance. Fans eagerly await the film’s debut, which promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally gripping adaptation of the classic tale.
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Selena Gomez releases new song ‘In The Dark’ from ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack
Selena Gomez has once again captivated her fans with the release of her latest single, ‘In The Dark,’ which is part of the soundtrack for the second season of ‘Nobody Wants This.’ The song, accompanied by its official music video, was directed by Luke Orlando and features Gomez in an all-black ensemble, traversing expansive, open spaces while delivering a heartfelt message about love and resilience during challenging times. The soundtrack also includes contributions from renowned artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Finneas, making it a diverse and compelling musical collection. Following the release, Gomez took to Instagram to share a snippet of the video, expressing her hope that the song would evoke a sense of nostalgia among her listeners. This release follows her collaborative album ‘I Said I Loved You First’ with her husband, Benny Blanco, which earlier this year chronicled their romantic journey. The ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack comprises 19 tracks and is currently available for streaming alongside the show’s second season.
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Lassie and Lost in Space actress June Lockhart dies aged 100
June Lockhart, the celebrated actress renowned for her iconic roles in television series such as *Lassie* and *Lost in Space*, has passed away at the age of 100. The veteran performer died peacefully of natural causes at her Santa Monica residence on Thursday, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. Lockhart’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, she made her cinematic debut at just 13 years old in the 1938 film *A Christmas Carol*, sharing the screen with her parents, esteemed actors Kathleen and Gene Lockhart. Her Broadway breakthrough came in the 1940s with her ‘enchanting’ performance in *For Love or Money*, earning her a Tony Award, a Donaldson Award, and the Associated Press citation for Woman of the Year for Drama. Lockhart’s portrayal of Ruth Martin in *Lassie* during the late 1950s and 1960s solidified her status as a household name, garnering her an Emmy nomination. She further captivated audiences as the nurturing mother in the science-fiction classic *Lost in Space* from 1965 to 1968. Even in her later years, Lockhart remained active, lending her voice to a 2021 Netflix remake of *Lost in Space*. A lifelong enthusiast of current events, she remained engaged with the world, reading the *New York Times* and *LA Times* daily until her final days. She is survived by her two daughters, including Anne Lockhart, who followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress.
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The musician with 14 aliases and millions of listeners
Liam McCay, a 20-year-old musician from County Donegal, Ireland, has transformed from a part-time restaurant worker to a globally recognized artist with millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms. Known primarily by his alias Sign Crushes Motorist, McCay has released music under 14 different names, each representing a unique creative endeavor. His journey began in his childhood bedroom, where he crafted songs under the name Moon Water while still in school. Over time, he expanded his repertoire, exploring genres like slowcore, acoustic, and even rap. Despite his success, McCay initially kept his music a secret, sharing it only on online forums and servers for new musicians. By 2023, several of his tracks had gained significant traction, with one peaking at number three on Billboard’s now-defunct TikTok Top 50 chart. After completing his school exams, McCay briefly pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Belfast but ultimately decided to focus on music full-time following a series of collaborations with other artists in the US. Now based in Los Angeles, McCay continues to release music independently, recently dropping an album under the name Dead Calm. While industry professionals have advised him to consolidate his work under a single alias, McCay remains committed to his diverse creative identities, believing it adds an element of discovery for his fans.
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‘Heavens will be merrier’: Bollywood stars pay tribute to veteran Satish Shah on demise
The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Satish Shah on October 25. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and memorable roles in films like ‘Main Hoon Na’ and TV shows like ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,’ Shah’s career spanned over 250 movies, including iconic titles such as ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain,’ ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho,’ ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi,’ and ‘Om Shanti Om.’ His demise has elicited an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from Bollywood stars and colleagues. Actor R Madhavan shared a poignant message on Instagram, stating, ‘The heavens will be a merrier and happier place now,’ while director Farah Khan reminisced about their collaboration, calling him a ‘joy to know and work with.’ Actor Rakesh Bedi, a close friend and batchmate from FTII, expressed his grief in an emotional video, saying, ‘It’s one of the saddest days of my life.’ Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and comedian Johnny Lever also paid their respects, highlighting Shah’s immense contributions to Indian cinema and television. Shah’s legacy as a versatile actor and beloved colleague will continue to inspire generations.
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Dazzling Liuyang fireworks festival sets night sky aglow
The 17th Liuyang Fireworks Festival, held in the heart of Hunan province, China’s renowned fireworks capital, captivated audiences on Friday with a breathtaking opening ceremony. The event, which took place in Liuyang, showcased a mesmerizing fusion of traditional fireworks and cutting-edge technology, including drones, multimedia, and interactive elements. The night sky was transformed into a dynamic canvas of artistic imagery, creating an immersive experience for spectators. The ceremony was divided into five distinct chapters, each designed to highlight the cultural and technological evolution of fireworks. This year’s festival not only celebrated the rich heritage of Liuyang’s fireworks industry but also pushed the boundaries of modern entertainment, leaving attendees in awe of the dazzling spectacle.
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Visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden for free on your birthday; here’s how
Dubai’s Miracle Garden, renowned as the world’s largest natural flower garden, has unveiled its 14th season, captivating visitors with over 150 million blooms arranged in stunning displays, themed landscapes, and record-breaking sculptures. Located in Al Barsha South 3, this winter attraction has become a must-visit destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a magical experience with floral arches, castles, and even an Emirates A380 aircraft replica. The garden operates from 9 AM to 11 PM on weekdays and extends its hours until midnight on weekends. This season, ticket prices are set at Dh105 for adult tourists, Dh85 for children, and discounted rates of Dh73.5 for UAE resident adults and Dh52.5 for children. However, the garden has introduced a special perk for birthday celebrants: free entry on their special day. To avail this offer, visitors simply need to present their passport or Emirates ID at the entrance. While it remains unclear how this applies to online ticket bookings, the garden encourages visitors to arrive in person and request the complimentary entry. This initiative adds a unique touch to the already enchanting experience of the Miracle Garden, making it an even more memorable destination for visitors.
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Amitabh, Abhishek Bachchan attend last rites of ad legend Piyush Pandey
The Indian entertainment and advertising worlds mourned the loss of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure in advertising, who passed away on Friday due to complications from pneumonia. His funeral, held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday, was attended by Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and his son, Abhishek Bachchan. Pandey, 70, was celebrated for his transformative impact on Indian advertising, crafting unforgettable campaigns for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury, and Fevicol. His career began in 1982 at Ogilvy & Mather India, where he rose from a trainee account executive to a creative powerhouse. Pandey’s groundbreaking work earned him global recognition, including being the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2004. He was also honored with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, becoming the first advertising professional to receive the national accolade. Tributes poured in from industry peers, with Shah Rukh Khan recalling Pandey’s effortless genius and Anand Mahindra remembering his infectious laughter and zest for life. Pandey’s legacy as a pioneer who infused joy and humanity into advertising will continue to inspire generations.
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Abu Dhabi: Jane Birkin’s million-dirham Hermès on auction; UAE all set for bidding war
Abu Dhabi is poised to host a high-profile auction of a rare Hermès handbag once owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin. The ‘Birkin Voyageur’, a black leather bag gifted to Birkin by Hermès in 2003, will be displayed in the UAE capital from December 2 to December 5, with the auction set for December 5. Estimated to fetch between Dh844,100 ($230,000) and Dh1.58 million ($430,000), the bag is expected to ignite a fierce bidding war, potentially surpassing Dh2 million. This auction follows the record-breaking sale of the first-ever Birkin bag in Paris earlier this year, which sold for Dh36.7 million ($10 million).
The ‘Birkin Voyageur’ is not just a luxury item but a piece of history, bearing a personal inscription by Birkin herself: “Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagné dans le monde entier” (My Birkin bag, my globetrotting companion). This phrase, written in 2007, reflects the bag’s significance as a cherished companion during her travels. Birkin was known for auctioning her Hermès bags to support charitable causes, including the International Federation for Human Rights and a leading French AIDS charity. This tradition has elevated Birkin bags to symbols of both heritage and philanthropy.
The UAE has a storied history of high-stakes auctions, particularly for charitable causes. In March 2025, a charity auction of special number plates and mobile numbers raised Dh83.67 million ($22.8 million) for the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, a UAE initiative to support healthcare for the underprivileged. The event saw record-breaking bids, including Dh35 million for the DD5 number plate. Similarly, the world’s most expensive vehicle plate, P7, was sold for Dh55 million in April 2023.
For collectors, owning a Birkin bag is a personal milestone. Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of Valuence Holdings Inc, who purchased the original Birkin for $10 million, described it as a defining moment for his company and a tribute to the bag’s legacy. As the December auction approaches, anticipation builds for another historic moment in the world of luxury collectibles.