分类: entertainment

  • Sana Shahnawaz on criticism and success of ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’

    Sana Shahnawaz on criticism and success of ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’

    Pakistani TV producer Sana Shahnawaz, daughter of renowned actor Humayun Saeed, has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry through her production house, Next Level Entertainment. Known for hit shows like *Mann Mayal*, *Alif*, and the recent *Main Manto Nahi Hoon*, Sana has become a prominent figure in Pakistani television. In a recent interview, she opened up about her creative journey, her connection to Dubai, and her approach to handling criticism. Sana described Dubai as her second home, praising its modern energy, diverse culture, and creative potential. She expressed her desire to shoot more projects in the city, citing its cinematic appeal and collaborative opportunities. Reflecting on her production philosophy, Sana emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling over chasing trends. She also addressed the criticism surrounding *Main Manto Nahi Hoon*, viewing it as a sign of the show’s impact and engagement. Sana credited her father, Humayun Saeed, for his guidance but stressed that she has forged her own path in the industry, free from the pressure of his legacy. Her message to women everywhere is to dream boldly and break barriers, as every achievement paves the way for others to rise.

  • Javed Akhtar, Kabir Khan to headline Dubai’s Tahbib Festival 2025

    Javed Akhtar, Kabir Khan to headline Dubai’s Tahbib Festival 2025

    Dubai is set to host the highly anticipated Tahbib Festival 2025, a two-day multilingual cultural celebration taking place on November 29 and December 1 at the India Club on Oud Metha Road. This year’s festival, renowned for uniting communities through cinema, poetry, literature, and performance arts, promises to be its most vibrant and inclusive edition yet. The event will feature prominent figures such as acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan and legendary poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, drawing audiences from diverse backgrounds. Day one will kick off with an exclusive conversation on global storytelling led by Kabir Khan, whose films like ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ’83’ have captivated audiences worldwide. The day will also include panel discussions with industry leaders, literary sessions in English and Arabic, and captivating music and theatre performances. Day two will focus on the literary soul of the region, featuring a grand Mushaira with distinguished poets, a performance by Mumbai’s specially-abled Audis Band, and the Tahbib Voice Award ceremony. The festival will conclude with a soulful Qawwali Night, offering an evening of spiritual and musical brilliance. Supported by sponsors like American Tourister and Kanz Jewels, the Tahbib Festival aims to highlight the richness of Urdu, Arabic, and English, creating a shared space for global storytellers and audiences. Media partners include Zee TV, Khaleej Times, and Infobahn, while volunteer efforts are supported by Community Champions.

  • 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.