分类: entertainment

  • Finally… last episodes of Friends spin-off Joey available in US

    Finally… last episodes of Friends spin-off Joey available in US

    Nearly two decades after its abrupt cancellation, the final eight episodes of the Friends spin-off series Joey have been made available for fans to watch on the Friends YouTube channel. The show, which starred Matt LeBlanc reprising his role as the endearing yet bumbling Joey Tribbiani, premiered in 2004 but was axed in 2006 during its second season due to declining ratings. This left American fans without closure as the concluding episodes were never aired in the U.S. until now. The series followed Joey’s move to Los Angeles, where he pursued his acting career, ironically mirroring the show’s own struggles as it faced cancellation. Fans have expressed gratitude and nostalgia, with one commenting, ‘To the person that runs the Friends YouTube channel, thank you. I never got a chance to watch this series, and the fact that you kept with it is amazing.’ Another fan shared, ‘Rewatching it now after all these years was therapeutic. Farewell, Joey, you’ve made an impact in my life.’ Despite its mixed reception, Joey’s pilot episode initially drew 18.6 million viewers, though ratings dwindled to 7.1 million by its second season. The show was eventually pulled from its prime Thursday slot, a time slot once held by Friends, and was officially canceled in May 2006. While U.S. fans missed out, international audiences, including those in the UK, were able to watch the full two seasons. Joey holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, significantly lower than Friends’ 78%. The cast included notable actors like Jennifer Coolidge, Drea de Matteo, and Paulo Costanzo, who contributed to the show’s charm despite its short-lived run.

  • Culture high on agenda at Sanya tourism summit

    Culture high on agenda at Sanya tourism summit

    The 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event commenced on Tuesday evening in Sanya, Hainan province, uniting international tourism leaders to explore innovative strategies for sustainable coastal development. Themed ‘Meet Sanya, Cocreate the Future,’ the three-day summit attracted tourism officials, heads of international organizations, and delegates from 37 destinations spanning 27 countries and regions. Attendees will participate in immersive tours, thematic discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions centered on fostering sustainable growth for tropical coastal cities. The event highlights Sanya’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global tourism while emphasizing cultural exchange and environmental stewardship.

  • Miss Universe 2025: Meet participants from UAE, Palestine, other Middle East nations

    Miss Universe 2025: Meet participants from UAE, Palestine, other Middle East nations

    The Miss Universe 2025 finals, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants, are set to take place on November 21 in Thailand. This year’s event will feature over 120 contestants from across the globe, with a special focus on participants from the Middle East, including first-time representatives from Palestine and the UAE. The competition, often referred to as one of the ‘big four’ beauty pageants, promises to showcase a blend of national pride, beauty, and empowerment.

    Among the standout contestants is Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old Emirati fashion student who has made history as the first woman from the UAE to compete in Miss Universe. With a background in economics and fashion design, Mariam is passionate about sustainable fashion, women’s empowerment, and community development. She has actively participated in charitable initiatives and international entrepreneurship programs, aiming to inspire change through her platform.

    Palestine will also make its debut in the competition, represented by Nadeen Ayoub, a 27-year-old advocate for Palestinian women’s empowerment. Raised across Palestine, the US, and Canada, Nadeen now splits her time between Dubai and Ramallah. She emphasizes courage, dreams, and determination as her defining traits, aiming to build a brighter future for her people.

    Other notable participants include Sabrina Erian from Egypt, a 23-year-old professional model who champions inclusion and equality; Melanie Shiraz Asor from Israel, an engineer and advocate; Ceren Arsllan from Turkey, a model and anti-cyberbullying activist; and Sarah Boujaoude from Lebanon, a finance student at the American University in Beirut.

    The event not only celebrates beauty but also highlights the diverse stories, aspirations, and contributions of women from around the world, making it a platform for cultural exchange and global unity.

  • Brendan Fraser’s new horizons include ‘Rental Family’ and rental hedgehogs

    Brendan Fraser’s new horizons include ‘Rental Family’ and rental hedgehogs

    Brendan Fraser, the 56-year-old actor best known for his roles in ‘The Mummy’ and ‘George of the Jungle,’ has experienced a remarkable career resurgence following his Oscar-winning performance in 2022’s ‘The Whale.’ Fraser’s victory was celebrated as a triumphant comeback, but it also marked a departure from the typical ‘comeback kid’ narrative, as he reclaimed his stardom after a series of professional setbacks and personal challenges, including an alleged sexual assault experience.

  • India’s Bollywood battles paid reviews and fake sale claims

    India’s Bollywood battles paid reviews and fake sale claims

    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.

  • Why wasn’t Himani Shivpuri a part of ‘DDLJ’s climax?

    Why wasn’t Himani Shivpuri a part of ‘DDLJ’s climax?

    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: The Greek who became Turkey’s football legend amid loss and pogrom

    Lefter: The Greek who became Turkey’s football legend amid loss and pogrom

    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.

  • Two iconic events set to redefine Dubai’s December fashion calendar

    Two iconic events set to redefine Dubai’s December fashion calendar

    As Boulevard One commemorates 15 years of redefining South Asian luxury in Dubai, the brand is set to host two extraordinary fashion events this December. The celebrations kick off with ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ on December 4 at Folly Dubai, followed by ‘The Velvet Show’ on December 6 at The Ballroom, Address Sky View Hotel. These events promise to elevate Dubai’s fashion calendar with unparalleled creativity and elegance. ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ will transform Folly Dubai into a hub of high fashion, featuring exclusive collections from renowned designers such as Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, Hamna Amir, Jafar Jafry, Zainab Salman, and Nomi Ansari. The event will be directed by Vaneeza Ahmad, with NABILA as the official beauty partner, ensuring a night of sophistication and modern luxury. Sadaf M. Khan, CEO of Boulevard One, describes the event as a tribute to the brand’s journey and its community of designers, collaborators, and audiences. ‘The Velvet Show’ will continue the festivities, showcasing over 85 leading South Asian designers in a grand exhibition at Address Sky View. This event will offer Dubai’s fashion enthusiasts a chance to explore bridal, festive, and couture collections from celebrated fashion houses across Pakistan and India. Since its inception in 2012, Boulevard One has been a trailblazer in South Asian luxury fashion, connecting designers with a global audience through its prestigious events and e-commerce platform. The brand’s commitment to female entrepreneurship, creative collaboration, and cross-cultural luxury continues to shine on the international stage.

  • Miss Universe judging panel loses another member as football manager withdraws

    Miss Universe judging panel loses another member as football manager withdraws

    The Miss Universe pageant, already grappling with internal tensions, encountered another setback on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, as two prominent judges withdrew from the event. Musician Omar Harfouch cited concerns over what he described as unfair practices in the competition’s voting procedures, while French football manager Claude Makélélé stepped down citing ‘personal reasons.’ Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, had been invited to join the judging panel in July but resigned following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the voting process. He also announced that he would not allow his composed music to be used at the event. Makélélé, who was recently added to the selection committee, expressed regret over his decision, emphasizing his respect for the pageant’s values of empowerment, diversity, and excellence. ‘This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard,’ he stated. ‘I sincerely apologize to the organization, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to contribute in the future under better circumstances.’ The Miss Universe organization had previously praised Makélélé’s leadership and vision, highlighting his role in selecting the next Miss Universe in Thailand. These withdrawals add to the mounting challenges facing the pageant, raising questions about its internal governance and future direction.

  • ‘Dhurandhar’: Deepika Padukone cheers trailer of Ranveer Singh’s new movie

    ‘Dhurandhar’: Deepika Padukone cheers trailer of Ranveer Singh’s new movie

    Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has expressed her excitement over the release of the trailer for her husband Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film, ‘Dhurandhar’. The trailer, which was unveiled on Tuesday, presents a dark and intense narrative centered around politics and vengeance. Singh, who is seen in a rugged and transformative role, has garnered significant attention for his portrayal in this high-stakes espionage drama. Deepika took to social media to praise her husband, referring to him as ‘The Chameleon’ for his remarkable ability to adapt to diverse characters. The trailer also showcases Singh’s physical transformation, featuring long hair and a beard, which has resonated well with audiences. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has already impressed several Bollywood stars, including Yami Gautam, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra. The four-minute-and-eight-second trailer introduces key characters played by Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, among others. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, ‘Dhurandhar’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 5, 2025.