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    <lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:20:38 +0400</lastBuildDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Indian painting sells for record $17.9 million]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/04/02/indian-painting-sells-for-record-179-million]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[An Indian oil painting by celebrated 19th century artist Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million at auction in Mumbai, the highest price ever paid for a modern Indian artwork.Mumbai-based auction house Saffronart said the painting, "Yashoda and Krishna," depicting the Hindu god Krishna with his mother while she milks a cow, was also the highest paid for a Varma artwork in an auction worldwide.The oil on canvas painting was put up for auction on Wednesday, far surpassing its estimated price of $8.6 million-$12.9 million."It is... the highest value work by an Indian artist sold at auction globally," Saffronart said.The Times of India newspaper said the painting was bought by industrialist and vaccine tycoon Cyrus Poonawala."This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically," Poonawala told the newspaper, adding that he would "endeavour to facilitate this."Varma, born in 1848, is known for his use of European technique in the context of Indian narratives."Painted in the 1890s, when Ravi Varma was at the height of his career, 'Yashoda and Krishna' ranks as one of the artist's most accomplished works," Saffronart said, adding that the listed "national art treasure" had been part of a private collection.The painting "exemplifies the artist's unparalleled mastery of oil painting and his pioneering naturalistic portrayal of Indian deities that helped define how modern India imagines its sacred narratives," Saffronart said.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Jennifer says her mother ‘loves being recognised’ from her cooking show]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/04/01/jennifer-says-her-mother-loves-being-recognised-from-her-cooking-show]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has shared that her mom, Patricia, has become a fan-favourite guest on her “Pretend Cooking Show.” The actress said there are two episodes that stand out from her culinary series, in which she shares recipes from her kitchen, reports ‘People’ magazine.The actress said, “She’s so funny. She loves it. She loves being recognized. She loves when people say hi to her. She’s very opinionated about what we should and shouldn’t do. She likes to tell me that her episodes perform the best and are the best ones. And I’m sure she’s right because she’s been right about everything for the last 53 years of my life. Why not the next?”.She further mentioned, “I always like when my mom is with me because she’s so cute and she’s just the best and I love it. And she’s a serious scene partner. I loved, early on we made bagels and that was funny. And then another time, I made beef bourguignon and I almost burned my kitchen down and that’s another good one”.As per ‘People’, the enthusiastic home cook recently partnered with KitchenAid to launch the Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, which the brand calls “the most significant upgrade to its Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in 70 years”.The product aims to bring better precision to mixing with features such as expanded speed range, a built-in LED bowl light and silicone edges that continuously scrape the bowl. Garner says she “dreamed of” having a KitchenAid stand mixer as a kid.She said, “I wanted one more than anything. I thought it was just the coolest to have your mixer going while you were doing something else in the kitchen, and they’re so beautiful. There’s such an iconic look in the kitchen to have one.So I’ve called it my BFF forever. I cook a lot super early in the morning because I want something to be made fresh and ready when my kids wake up or I just want to get dough started before I do an early workout or whatever it is”.Garner, who shares Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14, with her ex-husband Ben Affleck, reflected on the most meaningful thing she’s baked for her family.“I’ve baked probably a hundred million birthday cakes. I mean, if you think of it, I’ve been a mom 20 years. And so 20 plus 17 plus 14 cakes plus whomever else, that’s a lot of cakes. The smell of fresh bread in the house is something that means a lot to me because my mom made bread on Sundays when I was growing up and it was always like, it just made the house feel like home.There’s something very safe about the smell of bread baking in the house. There’s nothing more nurturing in the world than fresh homemade bread”, she added. Meanwhile, Jennifer knows how to keep her friends. She performed a song for actress Reese Witherspoon with love on her 50th birthday recently.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:48:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor welcomes her second son in heartfelt social media post]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/30/bollywood-star-sonam-kapoor-welcomes-her-second-son-in-heartfelt-social-media-post]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Indian actress Sonam Kapoor has embraced motherhood for the second time. She welcomed her second son with husband Anand Ahuja on Sunday.The Bollywood star shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, where the  couple posted a touching message announcing the arrival of their newest  family member.Sonam wrote on the Insta handle, "With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy on the 29th of March 2026. Our family has grown and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. (sic)"The 'Raanjhanaa' actress revealed that Vayu is extremely thrilled to be an elder brother."Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace," she further wrote."Sonam and Anand are grateful to begin this beautiful new chapter as a family of four." the post concluded.Soon after the announcement was made, congratulatory messages started pouring in for the couple.Kareena Kapoor wrote, "Congratulations Sona and Anand."Maasi Rhea Kapoor reacted to the post with several heart-eyed emojis.Sonam's uncle, Sanjay Kapoor, also shared red heart and evil eye emojis.Dia Mirza and Huma Qureshi dropped red heart emojis in the comment section.Refreshing your memory, Sonam announced her second pregnancy back in November this year.Taking to social media, the 'Neerja' actress dropped a photo of herself dressed in a striking hot-pink pure wool suit featuring oversized padded shoulders and a softly curved shoulder line. Lovingly holding on to her blossoming baby bump, she simply captioned the post, "MOTHER.”Sonam tied the knot with businessman Anand Ahuja in a grand wedding ceremony in May 2018. The couple was in a relationship for several years before taking the plunge.The lovebirds welcomed their first child, a baby boy in August 2022.Indo-Asian News Service ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:59:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Kalimat boosts demand for Arabic children&#039;s books worldwide]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/30/kalimat-boosts-demand-for-arabic-childrens-books-worldwide]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ Since its establishment in Sharjah in 2007, Kalimat Group has built an international presence for Arabic children’s literature, bringing its titles to global publishing markets and new readers across multiple languages. The group has published more than 1,000 titles and developed a distribution network spanning over 130 partners worldwide, extending the reach of Arabic storytelling beyond the region. Its international profile has been strengthened through participation in major industry platforms, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where Kalimat Publishing House was named Best Children’s Publisher in Asia. The group also secured one of the sector’s top honours when House of Wisdom, written by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, won the BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category. The recognition underscores the growing competitiveness of Arabic children’s content within the global publishing landscape, as demand for culturally diverse narratives continues to rise. This expansion comes amid sustained growth in the global children’s publishing sector. Industry data show the market was valued at about $13.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $27.4 billion by 2033, indicating rising demand for literary content aimed at younger readers. More than 2.3 billion children’s books are published each year across more than 95 countries, underscoring the scale of the sector. As publishers seek stories that reflect a broader range of cultures and experiences, Arabic children’s literature is increasingly reaching new audiences. This shift is driving greater investment in the development, translation, and international distribution of Arabic titles. Ahmed Al Ali, General Manager at Kalimat Group, said: “We see children’s literature as a long-term investment in people. It is through early reading that imagination, language, and the ability to understand both self and the world begin to take shape. A book in the hands of a child does more than tell a story; it helps form their knowledge, broadens their imagination and horizons, and establishes reading as a life-long daily habit.” He added: ‘We are committed to developing content founded on strong intellectual and artistic standards, reflecting our cultural environment with depth while remaining open to shared values. Arabic children’s literature carries narrative and human potential that can enrich the global literary landscape, not only as cultural representation but through authentic experiences that add real diversity and foster intellectual exchange beyond language and geography.” Kalimat Group has responded by expanding its catalogue for children and young adults and increasing translation into international languages. Its list now exceeds 1,000 titles, with dozens of works available beyond the Arab world, widening access to Arabic literature. Alongside its publishing efforts, the group has launched cultural and educational initiatives to promote reading. These include the “A World of Stories” initiative, which has established 120 libraries in children’s wards and play areas across hospitals and medical centres in the UAE, integrating reading into recovery and emotional support. For younger readers encountering these stories for the first time, the impact is immediate. The books they read help shape how they see the world, and each Arabic title that travels adds a new voice to that picture. Early this year, Kalimat Group wrapped up its participation in the second edition of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature with a programme that foregrounded Africa’s literary voices and narratives, reaffirming Sharjah’s role as a hub for cross-cultural dialogue. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority at the University City of Sharjah from Jan.14 to 18 under the theme “The African Way,” the festival brought together writers, publishers, and readers from across Africa and the Arab world. As part of its participation, Kalimat Group organised a dedicated pavilion that brought together its imprints, Kalimat and Rewayat, showcasing a curated selection of publications that explore Africa through storytelling, history, imagination, and the human experience. They also contributed to the festival’s cultural programme through a series of discussion sessions that brought together writers from the UAE and Africa, notably Zimbabwean author and novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, winner of the Sharjah Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award, and the Emirati author Amal Alsahlawi, who read her poems at the opening of the festival.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:21:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Omar Harfouch&#039;s ‘Concert for Peace’ promises a breathtaking showcase of unwavering national pride]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/28/omar-harfouchs-concert-for-peace-promises-a-breathtaking-showcase-of-unwavering-national-pride]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Omar Harfouch announces “Concert for Peace” scheduled Friday, April 3rd, presenting a high-profile gathering that captures Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle and worldwide attention.Restaurants welcome guests, boutiques operate at full pace, beaches attract crowds, and evenings showcase usual activities, all expressed in a grand musical reverie hosted at Steinway & Sons Dubai. Trailblazing VIPs, A-list celebrities, top influencers, billionaire magnates, entertainment heavyweights, and industry powerplayers gather for a performance featuring award-winning, critically acclaimed compositions.Omar states, “I felt a strong desire to restart a positive dynamic on social media, one that truly reflects the reality of life in Dubai today.” He adds, “We are all proud citizens of Dubai, and we want to express that pride through this cultural event.” This statement drives a powerful narrative centered on celebration and masterful expression of creativity, all in one night.The collaboration extends a legacy of major performances such as appearances at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Dubai Opera. Steinway & Sons Dubai confirmed participation immediately, reinforcing a longstanding relationship associated with prestigious concerts and top-tier gatherings attended by the best and biggest personalities the world has ever known.“What truly moved me was the reaction after I announced the event on Instagram. More than 400,000 people viewed the announcement, and I received thousands of positive messages, not a single negative one. Everyone agreed that this is the right moment to come together for an event like this.” He continues, “We want to perform with you,” echoing thrill and excitement from musicians in Dubai and France, including members of his quartet, amplifying anticipation and establishing this upcoming event as incredibly uplifting, inspirational, and moving, one that Dubai needs at this time. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 17:58:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi wows Eid crowd in Abu Dhabi]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/22/emirati-superstar-hussain-al-jassmi-wows-eid-crowd-in-abu-dhabi]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi opened the Layali Al Eid celebrations in Abu Dhabi with a sold-out performance at Space42 Arena on Al Raha Beach, drawing strong audience attendance and marking the start of the programme.Al Jassmi performed a selection of his most popular songs, including Boshret Kheir, Meshta’ak, Bel Bont El Areedh, and Fegadtek, captivating audiences with his distinctive voice and commanding stage presence, reaffirming his position as one of the Arab world’s leading artists.The evening featured several standout moments, including a performance of Hami Al Diyar, with audiences joining in as the lyrics reflected national pride and appreciation for the UAE’s leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The concert also included a rendition of the poem "Ana Laha Shams”, written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adding a poetic and cultural element to the evening. Marking Mother’s Day, Al Jassmi paid tribute to mothers with a performance of "Omi Jannah”, creating one of the evening’s most emotional and memorable moments. Speaking to media ahead of the concert, Al Jassmi highlighted the role of art and media in delivering positive messages, saying: "Our role, whether in media or music, is to share messages that promote security, peace, and reassurance among people. We are grateful to Abu Dhabi for hosting this beautiful evening as part of Layali Al Eid. The event is distinguished by its strong audience engagement and organisation. "Our message is always to love your country, appreciate your family, and spread kindness among people,” the Emirati superstar added. Audiences sang along throughout the evening, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Eid and highlighted Al Jassmi’s ability to connect with fans across generations. Al Jassmi concluded the concert with a message of unity, stating that everyone in the UAE is Emirati, reflecting the nation’s values of inclusion and coexistence. Layali Al Eid continues in Abu Dhabi, with Egyptian star Ahmed Saad set to perform today, 22 March, at Space42 Arena, bringing the programme to a close.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:24:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[India blocks release of Oscar-nominated Gaza film]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/21/india-blocks-release-of-oscar-nominated-gaza-film]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[India has blocked the release of "The Voice of Hind Rajab," a film about the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl by Israeli forces, the movie's distributor told AFP on Saturday.The Oscar-nominated docudrama by French-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania recounts the real-life death of Hind Rajab in Gaza last year as her family attempted to flee during Israel's war with Hamas.Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment, the film's Indian distributor, said a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) told him that the film's theatrical release would "hamper India's relations with Israel.""After screening it for the board it was clear to me that they would not clear it for release in India," Nandwana told AFP on Saturday, adding that he was not officially notified of the denial."The film has been released all over the world including in Israel. Why is it bad or sensitive for Indians?" Nandwana asked. "It's strange."The film was, however, screened at an international film festival in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata in November last year, Nandwana said.Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor from the opposition Congress party said blocking the film was "disgraceful.""In a democracy, screening a film is a reflection of our society's freedom of expression and has nothing to do with government to government relations," he said in a post on X."This practice of banning films or books because of the offence they might cause to foreign countries must stop immediately. It's unworthy of a mature democracy.""The Voice of Hind Rajab" was nominated for Best International Feature at this year's Oscars but lost to the Norwegian family drama "Sentimental Value".Last year, the film won the Silver Lion grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival where it left audiences in tears at its premiere.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:11:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Olivia Rodrigo expresses her wish to ‘half move to the UK&#039;]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/21/olivia-rodrigo-expresses-her-wish-to-half-move-to-the-uk]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Singer-actress Olivia Rodrigo has shared that she would like to "half move" to the UK. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter lives in Los Angeles, but her heart is in Great Britain.She also revealed that she had "some first kisses" at Chiltern Firehouse, a five-star hotel in Marylebone, London, reports ‘Female First UK’.She told ‘British Vogue’ magazine, "I just think British people are just cool, they don’t want to bug you. I love everything English, English culture and English people. I want to half move here one of these days”.Asked her favourite hotspots in the British capital, the actress-singer shared, "I really like going to The Fat Badger. It’s so fun ever since Chiltern (Firehouse) burned down. I’ve had some first kisses at Chiltern, for sure”.As per ‘Female First UK, the hotel has been shut for long-term repairs after burning wood from a pizza oven caused a fire in February 2025.About 100 people were evacuated, but no injuries were reported. Olivia spent a lot of time in London when she made her third studio album, OR3. She said, "I’ve found a lot of inspiration from being in London. "I’ve spent so much time here over the course of making this album. It has a lot of songs that are London vibes, about experiences that I’ve had here”.The new album sees Olivia "bare my soul in songwriting", and she hopes it "shows a different side of me".She shared, "Goals…? I want to be in London more”. She also revealed that she tried a celebrity dating app, before she met British actor Louis Partridge, 22, reportedly through mutual pals, in early 2023.However, Olivia only used it for a month because a bad date made her delete her account.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Priyanka Chopra turns heads at the 98th Academy Awards in a stunning gown]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/21/priyanka-chopra-turns-heads-at-the-98th-academy-awards-in-a-stunning-gown]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a series of striking pictures on her social media account, leaving fans impressed with her glamorous look that she donned for the Oscar special night. Posting the pictures, the actor captioned the post as, “And the Oscar goes to...” In the pictures, the Barfi actress is seen posing in a strapless white gown featuring a dramatic thigh-high slit with feather detailing. In one of the black-and-white clicks, she is seen standing by a balcony wall with mountains visible in the background.Another picture shows her seated indoors in a robe while showcasing an elegant diamond necklace and ring. A lot many behind-the-scenes photos shared by the actress, capture her stylists adjusting her outfit as she prepares for the shoot. Another frame shows cameras and crew flocking around her as she smiles during the photography session. The carousel post also includes playful and graceful moments from the shoot.Reflecting her fun personality, Priyanka, in another picture is seen standing on a staircase with her arms stretched wide, and posing cutely. Fans flooded the comments section praising her look and aura, with one user writing, “PC mother of all stunners.” For the uninitiated, Priyanka Chopra took to the stage along with actor Javier Bardem to present the International Feature Film Oscar at the 98th edition of the Academy Awards on Monday. The duo presented the award to Norway’s “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier. As Priyanka and the “No Country for Old Men” made an appearance on the stage, Javier Bardem roared on the mic, “Free Palestine”.The film explores the strained relationship between a father and his two daughters as they confront unresolved family history and artistic legacy. The film is set in Norway, and follows a once-acclaimed filmmaker attempting to reconnect with his family while preparing a new film project. Priyanka attended the ceremony with her husband Nick Jonas, who wore a classic black tuxedo that complemented her monochrome ensemble.For the occasion, Priyanka opted for a custom gown by Dior. The outfit followed a classic Hollywood aesthetic with modern detailing. The gown was strapless and white, designed with a structured corset-style bodice that shaped the upper silhouette and highlighted the waist.From the midsection, the dress flowed into a long skirt featuring a dramatic thigh-high slit, which created movement and added a contemporary edge to the otherwise bridal-style design. Along the slit and lower portion of the gown, black-and-white feathered or tulle detailing added texture and visual contrast to the monochrome look.She paired the dress with diamond and emerald jewellery including a statement necklace and matching earrings. Her styling leaned toward Old Hollywood glamour, finger-wave style curls, luminous makeup, and subtle smoky eye accents.Agencies]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Chuck Norris, macho star of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, dies at 86]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/21/chuck-norris-macho-star-of-walker-texas-ranger-dies-at-86]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86. Norris died on Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officer, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of the Dragon,” in which Lee fights and kills Norris’ character in Rome’s Colosseum.He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”“I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982.In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.“It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure,” Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show. “You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about - fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. ... It’s entertaining for the whole family.”Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion had taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012’s “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.” He’s due to appear in “Zombie Plane,” an upcoming film starring Vanilla Ice.It was around the time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun - and won,” and, “They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard.”Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:49:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Turkey in cultural diplomacy push to bring history back home]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/21/turkey-in-cultural-diplomacy-push-to-bring-history-back-home]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[When an ancient bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius landed back on Turkish soil after decades abroad, it was more than a symbolic homecoming. It marked the latest victory in Turkey’s increasingly assertive push to recover antiquities illegally taken abroad — a campaign supported by a newly-developed AI tool for identifying cultural assets of Turkish origin. The life-sized bronze, which dates back to the second- or third-century, was taken in the 1960s from the ancient city of Bubon near Turkey’s southwestern Antalya resort.After a years-long investigation involving research, scientific testing and statements from now elderly witnesses, the headless statue arrived back in Turkey last year. Its repatriation from an Ohio museum involved cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.For Zeynep Boz, director of Turkey’s department for combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property, one moment stands out. “I clearly remember when the computer finally processed the data and we saw the match come together. It was an exciting moment,” she told AFP at Istanbul’s archaeology museum.That the statue survived at all is exceptional: in antiquity, bronze was a valuable raw material routinely melted down for weapons, coins or everyday objects.“For this reason, bronze statues of this scale have rarely been preserved until today,” she said. For years, Cleveland’s Museum of Art had dragged its feet, claiming there was insufficient evidence to prove where it came from, Boz said.But that changed after archaeometry expert Professor Ernst Pernicka concluded there was “no doubt whatsoever” the statue came from Bubon, where an imperial shrine housed bronze sculptures of Roman emperors. Soil and lead samples provided crucial scientific evidence which convinced the museum, Boz said.“It was a long struggle. We were determined and patient and we won,” Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said when the statue returned in July. Turkey has stepped up efforts to combat illicit antiquities trading and in 2025 alone secured the repatriation of 180 cultural artefacts. Although its newly-developed AI-powered “TraceART” system was not involved in recovering the Marcus Aurelius statue, the tool helped identify two 16th-century Iznik tiles that were recovered from Britain this month.Developed by the culture ministry, it scans images on sales platforms, auctions and social media to identify any cultural assets of Turkish origin that may have been trafficked, with flagged items sent for expert assessment. TraceART went operational in 2025 and has since identified hundreds of objects for review, Boz said. In January, Turkey recovered an Anatolian-style marble head from Denver Art Museum in Colorado, said Burcu Ozdemir of the antiquities trafficking unit.The museum contacted Ankara because the piece “had been donated by the wife of a US consul general who served in Istanbul in the 1940s”, she said. Turkey’s campaign also involves returning items to countries like Iran, China and Egypt. “We returned two of the artefacts stolen from temples in China,” Boz told AFP. Turkey also returned “a key of the Kaaba to Egypt” after realising it had ended up in Turkey illegally, she said of the Mecca’s Grand Mosque.Turkey is now seeking the repatriation of other antiquities taken during the Ottoman era: an ancient marble torso called the “Old Fisherman” from Berlin, and dozens of Iznik tiles held at France’s Louvre museum. “There’s an assumption that artefacts taken in the 18th-19th centuries were acquired legally. We don’t share that view,” Boz said.The illegal tile swap came to light in 2003 when one fell from the wall of an Ottoman-era library and on the back was the French manufacturer’s mark. The original and others were taken in the late 1800s by a Frenchman who claimed to be restoring them, then replaced them with fakes.“We have repeatedly shared evidence with France and talked with the Louvre but no resolution has been reached,” she said. The tiles were on a panel by the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Selim II in the garden of the Hagia Sophia.Today it bears a plaque in English, French and Turkish reading: “The tiles before us are replicas.” The originals are currently on display at a branch of the Louvre in Lens, 200 kilometres north of Paris, which says they were “bought in 1895”. The museum did not respond to several requests for comment from AFP.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:44:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Syrian singer releases ‘Heidi Ommi’ in Dubai for Mother’s Day]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/20/syrian-singer-releases-heidi-ommi-in-dubai-for-mothers-day]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Syrian songwriter Leen Moukhmalji has released her new song, Heidi Ommi, from Dubai to mark Mother’s Day, in a project that pays tribute to mothers and expresses gratitude to the UAE.Moukhmalji said she dedicated the song’s lyrics to the UAE as a gesture of appreciation for what she described as the safety, care and stability the country provides to everyone living on its soil.She said Dubai has become an integral part of her personal journey and a constant source of inspiration, adding that launching the song from the city reflects her connection to the UAE and what it represents to her. She described Dubai as a place that has become home.Moukhmalji also said the song reflects her affection for the UAE, which she described as a motherly presence that offers protection in difficult times and provides conditions for dignity, stability and well-being.The release coincides with the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, aligning the project with themes of family cohesion, emotional connection and mutual appreciation within society.Heidi Ommi was written and produced by Moukhmalji. The audio production was created using artificial intelligence tools through the Suno platform, in an experience that combines human emotion with contemporary music production technology.Moukhmalji said the project emerged from personal experience and that she had been writing lyrics related to Mother’s Day for more than a year before turning one of them into a complete song.“The role of a mother in a person’s life cannot be described in words, yet we always try to express at least a small part of that love,” she said. “For more than a year, I have been writing songs for Mother’s Day, until modern technology and artificial intelligence gave me the opportunity to turn one of these songs into a complete artistic work that can reach the public.”She said the song carries a message of love and appreciation for every mother and expressed hope that its lyrics would resonate with listeners, allowing each person to find an echo of their own relationship with their mother. She also described the track as a symbolic expression of gratitude to the UAE for giving her a sense of security and stability.The song was released on YouTube on March 16, 2026, and became available on other music platforms on March 18, 2026.Moukhmalji has written lyrics for several songs, including Qissat Waqt, performed by Linda Bitar, Jann El Leileh, performed by Sanad Al Osairi, Shway Ziyadeh, performed by Karam Salibi, and Baad Bekir, performed by Aser Abdo.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:54:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Miley Cyrus sets record straight on claims of her parents feeding off her childhood stardom]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/20/miley-cyrus-sets-record-straight-on-claims-of-her-parents-feeding-off-her-childhood-stardom]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus has spoken about her childhood stardom. The ‘Flowers’ singer, 33, recently reflected on her role as Miley Stewart on the popular series.She opened up about how the role impacted her family's life. She also set the record straight about claims that her parents, Billy Ray Cyrus, who starred alongside her as her onscreen dad Robby Ray Stewart, and Tish Cyrus, needed her fame to "survive or to be stable”, reports ‘People’ magazine.She told ‘Variety’, "My parents didn’t need me to be famous to survive or to be stable. What happens to a lot of these kids is their parents want it more than they do, or the kids become responsible for the entire income of the family. That was never my job. Every penny I ever made went into my bank account because my parents were good”.Miley went on to share how her dad was there with her every step of the way during the show's five-year run. She explained that her dressing room was connected to her dad's and that her grandmother, Loretta "Mammie" Finley, stayed in the kitchen-turned-office in between them, managing her fan club.She further mentioned, "My dad was on set every single day, so there was nothing that could happen that he wouldn’t know about. There was never a time where I was going to be alone in that dressing room”.She also spoke about the fateful road that led to her getting the lead in Disney's Hannah Montana, noting she was turned down for an initial audition when the network decided to go in a different direction after seeing Miley's first taped audition. A year later, she was brought to Los Angeles to try again, in person, which is when she was offered the role.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:50:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ryan Gosling makes science fun in ‘Project Hail Mary’]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/20/ryan-gosling-makes-science-fun-in-project-hail-mary]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[It’s been a minute since we’ve had a big screen space epic that’s as fun as it is awe inspiring. The last memorable one might have been “The Martian,” so perhaps it shouldn’t be all that surprising that the drought is ending with another Andy Weir story adapted by Drew Goddard. “Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, is the kind of spectacular cinematic adventure that we’ve been missing: A clever, sincere, most-ages crowd-pleaser that’s full of life, energy and a love of science, quirky T-shirts and “Interstellar.” It’s the kind of movie Disney really should be making, but, in this case, we have Amazon MGM to thank. And it will probably just get better with age and repeat viewings.Ryan Gosling is put to the ultimate movie star test as the only person on the screen for a large part of the picture. It begins with his character, Ryland Grace, waking up from an extended sleep in a spaceship. His long hair and bushy beard suggest he’s been sleeping for quite some time (his highlights may tell a different story, but maybe I should repeat to myself it’s just a show and really just relax). Even worse, he’s alone and he has no idea how he got there or who he is.The movie’s not out to annoy you with wheelspinning: There are soon flashbacks and an alien friend added to the mix as he starts to piece together a picture of who he was on Earth (“Am I smart?” he wonders out loud) and try to complete his apparent mission to save the sun.Except there’s the small matter that Grace is pretty sure he’s not a hero. On Earth, he was a middle school science teacher. When his students ask about the strange dots that have appeared outside the Earth’s atmosphere that seem to be causing the sun to die, he assures them that the world’s top minds are figuring it out. Against all movie logic when it comes to the extraordinary nobody, he’s not excited to discover that he might be their only hope.Some government types have found an old paper he wrote while getting his doctorate, an idea that made him the laughingstock of the scientific community. He tries to tell them at every step of the way that they’ve got the wrong guy for the job. “I ride a bike to work ... and it’s not for exercise,” he tells Sandra Hüller’s project manager Eva Stratt. But he’s scrappy and keeps working the problem.“Project Hail Mary” does make you wonder whether a guy who looks like Ryan Gosling could disappear into the backdrop of his own life the way Grace has. But really what’s the point of that thought exercise? It doesn’t require too much suspension of disbelief to get invested in the journey of someone who essentially has to learn to believe in himself.And it doesn’t hurt when it also comes with an improbably cute alien sidekick who we’ll come to know as Rocky. He’s voiced by James Ortiz and is kind of like a golden retriever crossed with a genius architect. They soon become the best of friends, which can only mean one thing: You’re probably going to cry at some point. While Grace and Rocky are the main show, Hüller is a particular standout as the dry, practical head of the operation. Gosling already spoiled her big, irresistible karaoke moment in his “Saturday Night Live” monologue, but I suspect it’ll still be a highlight.“The Bear’s” Lionel Boyce also lights up every scene he’s in as a private security/bodyguard type. Lord and Miller haven’t directed a live action movie in some time, whether or not you count the ‘Solo’ Star Wars debacle, and it’s nice to have them back and teaming with a cinematographer with a keen grasp of scale and visual effects like Greig Fraser. As in Lord and Miller’s animated movies, their tone and pace remain singular. “Project Hail Mary” might blow past a two-hour runtime and yet there’s rarely a dull moment with all the problem-solving, earnest irreverence and unabashed commitment to imbuing life and wit into every molecule of the story. Daniel Pemberton’s unusual, buoyant score and Joel Negron’s sharp editing are key.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:33:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ananya Panday praises father Chunky Panday for nailing 90s viral trend]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/20/ananya-panday-praises-father-chunky-panday-for-nailing-90s-viral-trend]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Actress Ananya Panday has expressed pride in her father, actor Chunky Panday, for effortlessly participating in a popular social media trend that revisits how “your dad looked in the 90s.” The doting daughter seemed elated upon seeing a social media reel of her father, Chunky Panday which showed him participating in the viral trend and sharing several throwback pictures of himself from the 1990s. Ananya took to the comment’s section of Chunky's post on his social media account and wrote, “You have done this on your own. Proud.”The pictures in the video are of a time when Chunky was among the popular faces of Hindi cinema and was in his prime era. The posts feature the actor in his younger days, showcasing his style and charm during his peak years in Bollywood. Talking about Chunky Pandey, the actor began his career in the late 1980s and quickly rose to prominence in the 1990s with films such as “Tezaab,” “Aankhen,” “Paap Ki Duniya” and “Vishwatma.” During the decade, he was known for his charismatic yet boy next door aura and personality and enjoyed a strong fan following.Interestingly, filmmaker Farah Khan, during her appearance on the talk show “Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle,” had once revealed that she had a huge crush on Chunky during the 1990s. Actor Malaika Arora had also previously mentioned that she had a crush on Chunky Panday during that era while appearing on a reality show.On the personal front, Chunky Panday is married to Bhavana Panday and is a father to two daughters, Ananya and Rysa Panday.Meanwhile, Ananya has undergone a scissor session and unveiled a fresh new look with bangs. The actress took to her social media account to share glimpses of her new hairstyle, and her chic makeover. Sharing a collage of pictures from a salon, the “Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri” actress gave a closer look at her new hairstyle featuring soft layers and front bangs.In one of the pictures, the actress is seen seated in a salon chair posing with a hairstylist, and in another picture is seen flaunting her voluminous layered locks paired. The actress seems to be thrilled and excited with her new look.On the professional front, Ananya Panday made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with the teen drama “Student of the Year 2,” opposite Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. Over the years, she has appeared in films such as “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” “Khaali Peeli,” “Liger,” and “Dream Girl 2,” amongst others. Her performances, particularly in films like “Gehraiyaan” and “CTRL,” received appreciation from critics and audiences alike. For the uninitiated, Ananya is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey. The actress was last seen in “Tu Meri Main Tera,” “Main Tera Tu Meri” opposite Kartik Aryan. The movie that was released in December, performed below average at the box office.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:28:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[California studio helps autistic adults channel creativity into Hollywood careers]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/20/california-studio-helps-autistic-adults-channel-creativity-into-hollywood-careers]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A powerful scene in the action epic “Gladiator II” had one big problem: a camera crew was visible behind actor Paul Mescal as his character prepared for a high-stakes battle. Jack Zimmerman, a visual effects artist, erased the intrusion to help create the desired movie magic. Zimmerman works at Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit vocational academy and visual effects studio for adults with autism. The organization provides training to help autistic artists launch careers in the competitive world of Hollywood.“It feels like a dream,” Zimmerman said of being a part of “Gladiator II.” “I’ve always wanted to work on a feature film like this.” Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interactions, behavior and how the brain processes the world. It ranges in severity and can present challenges in the workplace. While many people with autism successfully hold jobs, the US unemployment rate for autistic adults is estimated at around 40%, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2017. Exceptional Minds — the only full-time, post-secondary program of its kind in the US for artists on the autism spectrum — was created to give high school graduates with autism the skills they need to perform meaningful work.“Autistic artists should be able to work in the field they want to work in,” said CEO Lauren DeVillier, a former Disney and Sony executive and the parent of a neurodivergent daughter. “We are training to put these graduates to work. We want them integrated into the studio system and working in the workplace alongside everyone else.”Many graduates of the three-year program gain experience in the Exceptional Minds visual effects and animation studio, where they work under the supervision of seasoned professionals for clients including Walt Disney, Netflix and Sony . Exceptional Minds artists have contributed to 19 Oscar-winning or nominated films including “Avengers: Endgame” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” plus dozens of TV shows such as “Game of Thrones.” They have worked on every Marvel movie since 2015.Alumni also have been hired at Marvel, the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and elsewhere. Yudi Bennett, an assistant director and production manager on films such as “Broadcast News” and “Kramer vs. Kramer,” co-founded Exceptional Minds 15 years ago. She and other entertainment-industry parents worried about what would happen to their autistic children after high school, when many services to help them adapt end. Today, the organization trains about 250 autistic adults each year through courses in visual effects and animation. A video game arts curriculum is scheduled to begin in the fall.Class sizes are kept small, and instructors are trained in how to adjust timelines or otherwise accommodate the needs of students with autism.On a recent weekday at the Exceptional Minds offices and classrooms, alumni sat in front of computers working on visual effects while students in another room honed their drawing skills. Graduate Lily Yllescas discussed how she painted fall colors on trees and removed wires from scenes in the new season of “Bridgerton.”“When you see it, it will look so seamless. But really when you’re working on it, there’s so many little things you have to pay attention to,” she said.The meticulous tasks suit many people with autism, students and alumni said.“Depending on your level of it, you might be able to be more precise,” said student Deirdre Mills. “And sometimes you might be able to catch details that others might not be able to see.”Alongside technical skills, Exceptional Minds teaches how to thrive socially at work, something that can be challenging for people with autism.“We do mock interviews (to) get us comfortable talking to people, talking about our work, building our confidence,” said student Alex Abrusia. “I’ve grown a lot because of that.”Exceptional Minds handles the end credits for Marvel Studios films. Jeff Willis, Marvel’s director of credits and administration, said the studio’s work was “on par with anyone else in town” and the artists tackled creative challenges well.In the credits for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Marvel wanted to have the number 828 expand to become 8/28/1917, the birthday of comic book artist Jack Kirby. It was a small detail that thrilled fans. “They just knocked it out of the park,” Willis said. Co-founder Bennett said she was proud that Exceptional Minds had changed the lives of young adults. “The graduates have gone out and moved into their own apartments. They’ve gotten driver’s licenses, they’ve bought cars,” she said. “They’ve done things that were considered impossible.”Reuters]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:23:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Len Deighton, author of bestselling spy thrillers, dies at 97]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/19/len-deighton-author-of-bestselling-spy-thrillers-dies-at-97]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[British writer Len Deighton, who has died at 97, created the sardonic working-class spy played by Michael Caine in the 1965 Cold War film “The Ipcress File”. Deighton “passed away peacefully on Sunday”, his literary agent said, calling him “one of the greatest spy and thriller writers of the twentieth century”.Deighton’s thick-bespectacled agent provided an antidote to the debonair Navy officer James Bond created by Ian Fleming. The character’s rough edges also set him apart from gentleman spy George Smiley featured in books by John Le Carre. Deighton’s spy was anonymous in his first book, “The IPCRESS File” (1962), and its sequels “Horse Under Water” (1963), “Funeral in Berlin” (1964) and “Billion-Dollar Brain” (1966).But the anti-hero was baptised Harry Palmer for the hugely successful film version of the “Ipcress File” (the acronym changed to lower-case) starring Caine, which brought Deighton to a wider audience. Deighton, who like his spy also wore thick spectacles, lived life out of the limelight, rarely giving interviews. Yet he sold millions of books in the English-speaking world and was translated into 20 languages over a career spanning half a century.Reflecting on Deighton’s legacy in 2021, the Financial Times newspaper mused that “The IPCRESS File” had “a plot that was impossible to follow, and a title that was an impenetrable acronym”. “Yet its appearance marked a sea change in the cold war spy novel and today the first edition is a collector’s item,” it said. In an afterword to the 2009 edition of the book, Deighton recalled the enthusiastic reviews it garnered when it published in 1962. “The critics were using me as a blunt instrument to batter Ian Fleming about the head,” he wrote.IPCRESS stands for “Induction of Psychoneuroses by Conditioned Reflex under Stress”, the brainwashing to which a group of abducted British scientists are subjected in the novel. The role of Harry Palmer helped propel Caine, a porter’s son from gritty east London, to Hollywood glory.Caine later praised writers like Deighton for giving him his big break. “They started writing for working-class people, and it made all the difference,” he said in 2017.At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, years before the Berlin Wall fell, Deighton produced what was widely considered his masterpiece: a set of three trilogies, largely based in his second home, Berlin, as well as in London.Starting with “Berlin Game” (1983), “Mexico Set” (1984) and “London Match” (1985), he introduced another working-class spy: Bernard Samson, middle aged and jaded; and his defector wife Fiona. “My whole Bernard Samson series was based on the belief that the Berlin Wall would fall before the end of the century,” Deighton was quoted as saying in 2021, in Britain’s New Statesman magazine.Deighton also gained renown for his works on World War II military technology and techniques. An inveterate foodie he also penned five cookery books, including “Len Deighton’s Action Cook Book” (1965), that were based on cartoon strips, and worked in the 1960s as a travel writer for “Playboy”.Deighton was born in Marylebone, London, on February 18, 1929 to parents in the employment of the gentry — his father a chauffeur and his mother a cook.He did his military service in the Royal Air Force, shortly after World War II, and was trained as a photographer.He then studied art and, after stints as an air steward and assistant pastry chef, became an illustrator and graphic designer for publishing and advertising firms in the UK and United States. He designed the UK first edition dust jacket of Jack Kerouac’s beatnik novel “On the Road”.Deighton’s interest in spy fiction was inspired by witnessing, as an 11-year-old boy, the arrest of a neighbour of White Russian descent, Anna Wolkoff, who turned out to be a Nazi spy.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:20:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Zendaya’s new ring fuels notion that she and Tom Holland are married]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/19/zendayas-new-ring-fuels-notion-that-she-and-tom-holland-are-married]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Zendaya’s new ring has led many to believe she’s married to actor Tom Holland, but the star isn’t confirming it and says some things should stay private. “I think there’s a balance between hiding and then also just like living your life and enjoying your life and protecting things that are special to yourself and I think everyone kind of has to do that in some way,” the actor saidat the premiere of her new film, “The Drama.”She arrived for Tuesday’s premiere with what appeared to be a wedding band next to a large ring that started speculation at January’s Golden Globes that she was engaged to Holland. Her representatives have declined to confirm the couple are married, even after Zendaya’s longtime stylist Law Roach teased journalists recently that the wedding had already happened. “Whatever kind of job that you have, whatever kind of field that you’re in. Or if you’re dealing with, you know, social media, whatever have you, like we all in some ways have to learn how to keep things for ourselves and pour into ourselves just as much as we pour into the world or our work,” Zendaya told AP. She declined to elaborate on her designed her rings.Zendaya stars opposite Robert Pattinson in “The Drama,” which has them playing an engaged couple whose relationship is thrown off course during their wedding week. Meanwhuile, Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach broke the news of their marriage on the red carpet at the Actor Awards, telling Access Hollywood, “The wedding has already happened. You missed it.” When asked, “Is that true?”, Roach laughed and confirmed: “It’s very true,” reports variety.com.The duo, who met on the set of Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2016, went public with their relationship in 2021. Rumours of their engagement began circulating after Zendaya was spotted at last year’s Golden Globes ceremony with a diamond ring on her left hand.Later in 2025, Holland confirmed they were betrothed after correcting a reporter who referred to Zendaya as his girlfriend, reports variety.com.In a clip that circulated online, Holland laughed while clarifying: “Fiancée.”They reprised their roles as Peter Parker and Michelle Jones Watson in 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The couple will share the screen twice in 2026, first in June’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and later in July’s “The Odyssey” from director Christopher Nolan.The two are private and rarely talks in public about their relationship. However, they have been open about the perks of working with each other.“It’s a saving grace. (It’s the) best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Holland said in 2024.“It’s that perfect thing when you’re on set and a director will give you a note that maybe you don’t agree with, or I know that she doesn’t particularly like, and it’s just that, like, familiar glance at each other of, like, ‘Can’t wait to talk about that later.’”Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:13:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[‘KPop Demon Hunters’ brings global fans to Seoul’s old city wall]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/19/kpop-demon-hunters-brings-global-fans-to-seouls-old-city-wall]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Australian visitor Nhung Nguyen made the hike up steep steps to a stunning Seoul park precisely because of its star turn in mega-hit “KPop Demon Hunters”. The real-life settings of the animated film, fresh off a double Oscars win, have become a pilgrimage site for fans of Netflix’s most-watched original film of all time. Naksan Park sits on a ridge high above the South Korean metropolis that includes parts of an 18.6-kilometre (11.5-mile) fortress wall built to surround the capital hundreds of years ago.“I thought the location was very beautiful and I found out that it’s a real location so I came here,” said 29-year-old Nguyen, who said she grew up listening to K-pop. The movie tells the tale of HUNTR/X, a popular K-pop girl group whose members live double lives as weapons-wielding demon slayers. Their songs help create a magical barrier called the Honmoon that protects humanity.It won best animated feature and an Academy Award for best original song for “Golden”, the film’s infectious anthem about empowerment, self-reliance and personal growth. It was the first K-pop song to win the category. In the movie, Naksan Park is where the main character, the half-human Rumi, meets clandestinely with a star-crossed love interest. Nguyen was thrilled to be high above the city of 9.3 million at the site of special segment of the film that is set to a thumping soundtrack.“It was a scene in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ where they sung ‘Free’,” she enthused. “The wall I feel... is very iconic.” She wasn’t the only one who had the idea to make the trip on Tuesday, just days after the movie’s Academy Award triumph.“We came to Korea for a family vacation but we really liked ‘KPop Demon Hunters’. So with the kids we wanted to come and see this place,” said Emily Han from Florida in the United States.The movie had helped add “interest to different places that we can go and see”, said Han, who was adopted from South Korea as a child. The movie was seen as the latest example of the “K-syndrome” — the world’s irresistible appetite for movies, music, books, fashion and cuisine showcasing Korean life and experiences. Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 Palme d’Or and Oscar best picture winning film “Parasite”, and the hugely popular television series “Squid Game” are just some of the other examples of productions out of South Korea that have made a global splash. This will be further in evidence on Saturday when boy band BTS perform for their first concert in almost four years — an extravaganza likely to be watched by millions worldwide.But “KPop Demon Hunters” isn’t strictly speaking South Korean. It was made by Sony, directed by a Korean-Canadian and an American — Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans — and it’s originally mostly in English. “This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere,” Kang said in her emotional acceptance speech. “It’s a good kind of East meets West kind of movie,” said Nguyen, an Asian-Australian of Vietnamese descent. “It was a good representation of that.”Meanwhile, South Korean fans and media basked in the success of “KPop Demon Hunters” on Monday after the film clinched two Oscars and added to the country’s growing pantheon of cultural hits. The fantasy flick, a clash of good versus evil drawing heavily on Korean mythology and driven by a pulsing K-pop soundtrack, won the Academy Awards for best animated feature and best original song at Sunday’s ceremony in Hollywood. It had already built a massive global following, becoming the most-watched original film of all time on streaming giant Netflix and hoovering up accolades including a Grammy for lead track “Golden”, the first such win for a K-pop song.South Koreans hailed their latest cultural product to infect the world with “K-syndrome” — the irresistible surrender to the country’s movies, music, books, fashion and cuisine. “So the so-called K-syndrome is now going into animated film as well,” wrote one viewer using the YouTube handle Kim Chang-soo, echoing widespread pride online. Much of the domestic reaction centred on Korean-Canadian co-director Maggie Kang’s emotional acceptance speech, with the Seoul-born filmmaker dedicating the prizes to her motherland. “The culture ministry should at least award her a medal for that speech!” one internet user commented on a news portal.A headline in the Hankook Ilbo newspaper quoted Kang’s address directly, blaring: “This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere”. News channel YTN lavished praise on Kang’s “heartfelt message to Korea”, referring to the movie by its affectionate shorthand “Kedehun”, a combination of the title’s first three syllables. The film’s dual Oscars triumph caps a remarkable run since its June release on Netflix.On the back of its blockbuster-style debut, the platform also released a limited “sing-along” edition in North American cinemas for one weekend, which topped the box-office chart. Netflix has already announced a sequel, though no release date has been set. The film’s Grammy win for “Golden” was widely viewed as a breakthrough moment for K-pop, marking the genre’s first victory at an awards show that had eluded the industry despite its global popularity.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:10:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[MBRF concludes participation in London Book Fair 2026]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/03/18/mbrf-concludes-participation-in-london-book-fair-2026]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) concluded its participation in the London Book Fair (LBF), which was held recently at Olympia London.During the event, MBRF showcased diverse programmes and discussion sessions, attracting distinguished writers, researchers, and experts from across the knowledge sector.MBRF’s active participation underscored its wide range of initiatives and efforts aimed at advancing global knowledge production and exchange.It further opened new opportunities for collaboration with knowledge and academic institutions and international publishing houses.Jamal Bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “Our participation in the LBF reflects our belief that creating sustainable knowledge societies requires strong international collaboration that brings together expertise and ideas, while encouraging innovation across diverse fields of knowledge. Furthermore, we are committed to reinforcing our presence across global knowledge platforms and opening new avenues of collaboration with international intellectual institutions.”“This year’s fair provided a pivotal opportunity to exhibit our initiatives, exchange expertise, and explore partnership opportunities to boost knowledge generation and dissemination.”During the LBF, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA) held a session featuring Dr. David M. Clark, an MBRKA laureate, and Prof. Nick Rawlins, a member of the MBRKA Advisory Board.The session highlighted the significance of the MBRKA in fostering knowledge production and intellectual innovation.It also explored the MBRKA’s global scope and its contributions to reinforcing knowledge as a major driver of sustainable development.In addition, the Knowledge Lounge hosted a session titled “Writing Away from Home” featuring Yemeni-British novelist Dr. Hamdan Dammag, who highlighted his experience of writing as an expatriate and the challenges of maintaining cultural and linguistic identity in contexts of alienation. In another session titled “Poetry and the Love of Language,’ Iraqi-British writer Fay Nasir reflected on her experiences in writing and translation, emphasising the emotional relationship between language and identity and the role of poetry in expressing memory and nostalgia.As part of the “KnowTalks” series, a session titled “Building Sustainable Urban Communities” was held featuring Dr. Cathy Garner, President of the World Capital Institute.The session focused on how cities are transforming amid accelerating economic and environmental changes.She stated that around 70% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, making them the hub for major decision-making regarding sustainability, justice, and resilience.Dr. Cathy also underscored that cities consume the largest share of global energy and generate the majority of emissions due to population density, making them hubs of opportunity and challenges related to issues including heat stress, flooding, and pollution.During its participation, MBRF also organized various meetings and discussions with leading knowledge entities and publishing houses to explore prospects for future collaboration across several fields. Recently, American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MBRF to strengthen collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, capacity building, community engagement and professional development.The partnership supports the UAE’s knowledge economy and advances Arabic as a language of scholarship and innovation.The collaboration will be advanced through the Centre for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilisations (CASIC) at AUS, reflecting the centre’s role in fostering research and partnerships that deepen understanding of Arab and Islamic civilisations and their contemporary knowledge contributions.Under the agreement, AUS and MBRF will pursue joint academic and research initiatives in areas of mutual interest including knowledge management, digital transformation, sustainability, future foresight and the role of artificial intelligence in knowledge dissemination, alongside efforts that support the preservation and development of Arabic in digital and scholarly contexts.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:47:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Demi Lovato says Paris Hilton hit the decks at her wedding]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/18/demi-lovato-says-paris-hilton-hit-the-decks-at-her-wedding]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Reality star Paris Hilton had a fateful moment as she hit the decks at Demi Lovato and Jutes' wedding reception.The 33-year-old singer-songwriter confirmed during an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ this week that 45-year-old socialite Paris served as the reception’s DJ in May 2025, reports ‘Female First UK’.The musical wedding also saw Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik perform the band’s timeless rock ballad Iris for the couple’s first dance.The host showed a photo of John performing the track, which Demi said she and her husband had always planned to use for their first official dance. She said, "We were so grateful to have him perform”.As per ‘Female First UK’, Demi gushed that it was a "really cute and sweet” moment. Another image showed Paris behind the decks at the reception. Demi said the DJ set added to the atmosphere of the night, describing it as "electric”.She also spoke briefly about the wedding itself, saying, "We had an amazing wedding. He is just my whole world. I love him so much”.The singer went on to discuss her appearance at the Jonas Brothers’ 20th anniversary tour kickoff at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last summer.She joined Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas onstage to perform their Camp Rock songs This Is Me and Wouldn’t Change a Thing, marking their first time performing the tracks together in years. Demi said the reunion was "so much fun” and "very nostalgic”, though she admitted it was "very nerve‑wracking” to perform in front of a stadium crowd again. Jutes, whose real name is Jordan Lutes, recently admitted he will be "forever grateful" to John for his powerful performance.Speaking on The Zach Sang Show, the 34-year-old musician said, "That’s like one of the coolest things. That was, in the moment, me and Demi were looking at each other and I was just like, ‘What’s going on right now?’ I was like, ‘This is the most iconic song ever. He’s right there and it’s for us’. Such a legend for doing that. Forever grateful. I was just like, ‘This is actually a movie moment. I don’t know what’s going on’. It was just him and an acoustic (guitar). I was thinking, ’cause I looked up the acoustic version, a couple different acoustic versions online, and they were kind of more chill”."So I was like that’s obviously what he’s going to do. There’s no way he’s going to come in and just like rip. And he just ripped it. He had everyone singing. I was like, ‘Dude, this is like a sold out concert level’. He really killed it. It was unreal”, she added.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:55:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Kajol offers lighthearted and quirky mantra for dealing with weight gain]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/18/kajol-offers-lighthearted-and-quirky-mantra-for-dealing-with-weight-gain]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Bollywood actress Kajol, on Tuesday, shared a lighthearted and quirky take on dealing with weight gain, through a post highlighting her quintessential sense of humour. The actor took to her social media account, to post a cheeky “mantra” for those who find it hard to accept a few extra kilos. Sharing a witty message, Kajol wrote on her social media account, “When ur weighing scale tells u that u have put on weight but can’t see it always assume it’s gone to ur head and u have just become smarter ! #namasteFollow me for more hidden gems. (Sic)”The actress is often seen sharing such pun-intended, fun and quirky thoughts on social media, offering her followers a dose of humour and positivity. In a similar post highlighting the actress’ class sense of humour, Kajol had revealed how most of her life is a compilation of random moments turned into a shot. The “Maa” actress was seen posing by the door in a social media post. Giving the context in the caption, Kajol revealed that as she was deciding if she should shut the door or not, her confusion resulted in these beautiful pictures.“Deciding whether I should shut the door or leave it open... And somehow that became the shot! A lot like most of life (sic)”, the caption read.On the professional front, Kajol will next grace the screen with the forthcoming action thriller, “Maharagni: Queen of Queens”. The actress will play the role of Maya in her next, a woman on a revenge mission. The project revolves around the tale of a mother and daughter duo.Helmed by debutant director Charan Tej Uppalapati, “Maharagni: Queen of Queens” features Prabhu Deva, Naseeruddin Shah, Samyuktha (marking her Bollywood debut), Jisshu Sengupta, Aditya Seal, Pramod Pathak, and Chhaya Kadam in significant roles, along with others.Meanwhile, Kajol has made her first crochet bag, and is proudly displaying her artwork. Recently, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a picture of herself holding the bag. She wrote in the caption, “Made my first crochet bag! A little bulky, slightly unpredictable but all me, a lot like my life choices I think”. Earlier, the actress shared a rare candid moment with her husband Ajay Devgn. She wrote, “In a rare moment of understanding we both agree that we both deserve a medal and a trophy”.The picture features the gorgeous couple posing together against a muted green backdrop. Ajay Devgn is seen dressed in a deep dark black suit paired with a white shirt and glasses, sporting his signature beard. Kajol, on the other hand, looks stunning in a maroon saree with intricate detailing, styled with a sleek ponytail and a statement choker necklace. Ajay and Kajol fell in love while filming their movie “Hulchul” and strengthened their bond through their work journey on “Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha.” After dating for a few years, Kajol and Ajay got married on Feb.24, 1999, in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Muscovites turn to culture and art to detach from the reality of war]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/18/muscovites-turn-to-culture-and-art-to-detach-from-the-reality-of-war]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In front of Moscow’s ornate Bolshoi Theatre, its soft yellow lights illuminating a snowstorm in the Russian capital, Valentina Ivakina had come to “escape today’s problems.”It is a knowing reference to the war that has been raging between Russia and Ukraine for the past four years, with Muscovites increasingly turning to culture and art to detach from the reality of the conflict, unleashed by the Kremlin’s February 2022 offensive. Concert halls are packed, the famed Tretyakov Gallery is teeming even on a midweek afternoon.A Marc Chagall exhibition at the Pushkin Museum: sold out. Museum attendance in Moscow, which competes with Saint Petersburg as Russia’s cultural capital, jumped 30 per cent in 2025, according to deputy mayor Natalya Sergunina. Ivakina has spent much of the winter bouncing from show to show. On a stormy evening, the 45-year-old marketing specialist was heading to a Sergei Prokofiev opera at the Bolshoi’s historic stage.The night before, at its New Stage, she was at a ballet based on an Anton Chekhov work. A week ago, the theatre. “It’s a certain attempt to escape reality,” she said, standing on the glittering square in front of the Bolshoi as she talked about having “fewer opportunities to go somewhere and leave the country.”Russians have become accustomed to alluding about the war in code, avoiding specific phrases or opinions that could land them years in prison under military censorship laws. Usually a single phrase — “the context” — is enough to know the underlying topic of conversation. The conflict, launched when Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has become Europe’s deadliest since World War II, killing tens of thousands of civilians and hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Immediately hit with sanctions, Russia has been pushed off the world stage — athletes banned, artists’ shows cancelled and tourist visas harder to obtain.At home, the state has pushed the war into daily life — promoting the army, soldiers, and masculine narratives of “patriotic values” as core Russian values. Those who openly oppose are liable to arrest and prosecution.“There seems to be very few things left to cling to,” said Viktor Chelin, a photographer coming out of the Chagall exhibition, titled “The Joy of Earthly Gravity”, with his wife. Trips to the museum are “a kind of silent conspiracy,” he told AFP. “You walk around and understand that you’re united with others by the admiration of a certain beauty.” “Something enormous happened in Russia, which we are all afraid of. We close our eyes to it, but try to live and maintain and certain normality,” said Chelin, 30.Wearing a cap pulled low, he talked about “the feeling, as they say, of a feast in time of plague,” a reference to the 1830s play by Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s national poet, written during a cholera epidemic.He and his wife moved to Georgia for two years after Russia launched its offensive, before returning to Saint Petersburg. They are now regular visitors to the grand Hermitage Museum, housed in the former palace of the Tsars.“We’re not even going to see specific works of art, we’re grounding ourselves, as if we’re connecting to something familiar,” he said. Sociologist Denis Volkov of the Levada Centre — designated a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities — said escapism is prevalent across Russia.“People don’t want to follow events, they don’t want to get information about what’s happening on the battlefield,” he told AFP. “There’s been a continuous desire to cut down the flow of bad news, to filter it out somehow, not to discuss it with relatives or friends. Perhaps that’s where this surge in interest in culture comes from.”He added, however, that the mindset also chimes with the line being put out by the authorities — that life in Russia continues as normal, despite the war. “Festivals, parties, concerns —it reflects the authorities’ policy that life goes on. They fight somewhere over there, and here we live our lives without worry,” Volkov said.Outside of the Chagall exhibition in Moscow, former piano teacher Irina refutes the idea of trying to escape from the war. In her short fur coat and bright pink lips, she said she is well aware of “everything that’s happening in the world, and where black and white lie.” “We live with it, yes, we live with it,” she said. “We often go to all the exhibitions that nourish us and lift our spirits.”Meanwhile, drone debris crashed onto the historic Maidan square in central Kyiv early on Monday as explosions echoed out during a rare daytime Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital, AFP journalists reported. The Ukrainian air force described the rush hour barrage as an “unusual” attack of “various types of strike drones,” adding that its air defence units had downed 194 Russian drones out of 211 launched overnight and into Monday. Three people were killed in the attacks overnight, local authorities announced — one in the Zaporizhzhia region and two more in the Dnipropetrovsk region.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/18/muscovites-turn-to-culture-and-art-to-detach-from-the-reality-of-war]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:45:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Irish town of Killarney celebrates Jessie Buckley&#039;s Oscar win]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/17/irish-town-of-killarney-celebrates-jessie-buckleys-oscar-win]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Born and raised in southwest Ireland's County Kerry, Oscar-winner Jessie Buckley's journey from local productions to the global stage is something her hometown of ‌Killarney has followed with pride.Buckley won the best actress Oscar on ​Sunday evening ⁠for her portrayal of William Shakespeare's wife Agnes ‌in Hamnet, a film based ‌on a novel by Maggie O'Farrell, and adapted for the screen by O'Farrell and director Chloe Zhao.Buckley's mother Marina is a well-known singer and ‌harpist in the town, and the actress was an enthusiastic member of ⁠the Killarney Musical Society, developing a talent that would eventually take her to Hollywood.Marie Moloney, a long-time member of the society, told Reuters that the atmosphere in Buckley's hometown was "electric".She remembers Buckley as "a pleasure to work with" who worked hard and took direction well. "She came to us in ​the year 2000 and she was in the children's chorus in ‌Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat"."She came again in 2008 at 17 years of age and auditioned and got the lead role in ⁠Carousel as Julie Jordan," for which she won best actress at the Association of Irish Musical Societies' (AIMS) amateur music awards.Buckley is the first Irish woman to ​win the ‌Academy Award for Best Actress, with Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Negga ‌the only other Irish women to be nominated in the category. Buckley was previously nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for The Lost Daughter in 2022.Cillian ‌Murphy was ‌the first Irish-born actor to win ⁠Best Actor in 2024 for 'Oppenheimer'. Ireland's President Catherine Connolly congratulated Buckley ‌on her win, calling Buckley's achievement "an historic moment"."This achievement is a thoroughly deserved testament not only to Jessie’s outstanding performance ⁠in Hamnet, but to her performances both in film and ​on stage across her career to date.""I know that her proud community in Kerry and beyond will be sharing with her in ⁠this wonderful achievement."Reuters]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Over 25,000 attend House of Wisdom&#039;s ‘The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish’ exhibition in Sharjah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/over-25000-attend-house-of-wisdoms-the-dice-player-mahmoud-darwish-exhibition-in-sharjah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah has drawn the curtains on its four-month exhibition “The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish”, attracting more than 25,000 visitors, including researchers, scholars, and prominent cultural figures. The exceptional turnout reflects the enduring resonance of Mahmoud Darwish’s legacy and his lasting presence in both Arab and global cultural memory.Marking the exhibition’s success and the strong public engagement it generated, HoW announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Palestinian Museum, the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, and the Barjeel Art Foundation to transform the exhibition into a travelling international exhibition. Starting from Sharjah, the exhibition will tour cultural institutions around the world, extending the reach of Darwish’s legacy and reaffirming his status as one of the most influential poetic voices in modern Arab culture.Exhibition's success reflects public trust in Sharjah’s cultural initiativesMarwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, said: “The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish’ exhibition reflects Sharjah’s vision of honouring leading figures of Arab culture and presenting their creative legacy to new generations. At House of Wisdom, we have transformed this tribute into an ongoing cultural project that extends from Sharjah to audiences around the world.We are proud to sign an agreement that will take the exhibition on an international tour, expanding the reach of Darwish’s literary and human legacy and bringing this cultural experience to new destinations worldwide.”She added: “The strong public engagement with the exhibition reflects the trust audiences place in the cultural initiatives led by Sharjah and House of Wisdom. It also demonstrates the ability of Arab culture to attract broad audiences when presented through a contemporary and open vision. Mahmoud Darwish continues to hold a significant place in Arab and global cultural memory, proving that poetry remains a powerful bridge for dialogue between cultures.”Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, said: “In line with our commitment to supporting Arab art, we believe this exhibition will serve as a cultural ambassador for Palestine and Arab creativity, whose influence has transcended time and place. As it travels to cities around the world, it will also help strengthen engagement with international artistic and cultural institutions.”Amer Shomali, Director General of the Palestinian Museum, said: “This step opens a new window for Mahmoud Darwish’s works and documents to reach audiences who have not had the opportunity to encounter them before, through an exhibition that remains faithful to the integrity of the content and the text.”Laila Abbas, Director of Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre in Ramallah, Palestine, said: “This collaboration with HoW is significant because it broadens engagement with Darwish’s experience. It opens new avenues for discussing poetry, memory and justice. It marks an important step in supporting the Palestinian cause and amplifying its voice across the world.”Four months and six facets of a renowned creative figureThe exhibition kickstarted on November 12, 2025 in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). It ran until March 13, 2026, at HoW, tracing Darwish’s life and literary journey from his early roots in the village of Al-Birwa to his lasting presence in Arab and global cultural memory.Organised across six thematic sections inspired by the faces of a dice, the exhibition explored key dimensions of the poet’s life through the themes The Son, The Poet, The Exiled, The Lover, The Activist, and The Absent Presence, offering insight into the personal, political, and artistic forces that shaped his work.The exhibition also featured an interactive cultural experience that moved beyond conventional display, using audiovisual installations and multimedia elements to immerse visitors in Darwish’s poetry and prose while tracing the evolution of his creative vision across different stages of his life.A diverse cultural and community programmeAlongside the exhibition, HoW organised poetry evenings and cultural activities for different age groups. These included an evening titled “The Butterfly’s Burden” inspired by a poem of the same title. The evening brought together writers from the UAE to discuss Darwish’s poetry and longstanding impact.HoW organised an evening and a discussion panel titled “Stories, Poems and Music” with poet Dareen Shubair and musician Judy Samara, and moderated by writer Samia Ayish. A poetry evening titled “In the Words of Mahmoud Darwish” was organised by the Poetry Club and the Palestinian Cultural Club at the American University of Sharjah in collaboration with HoW.As part of the Wisdom Talks series, HoW hosted Lebanese journalist and editor Ivana Marshalian for a session exploring Mahmoud Darwish’s literary journey. Marshalian reflected on her personal encounters with the late poet, as well as her book “I, the Undersigned...Mahmoud Darwish” that highlights human and intellectual aspects of Darwish’s experience.The exhibition was organised in collaboration with several cultural institutions dedicated to preserving literary and artistic heritage, including the Palestinian Museum, the Mahmoud Darwish Foundation, the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, the Barjeel Art Foundation, and October Gallery in London, alongside the official sponsor Sharjah Islamic Bank. The exhibition also received support from the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:16:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[&#039;KPop Demon Hunters&#039; wins two Oscars]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/kpop-demon-hunters-wins-two-oscars]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Netflix's smash hit "KPop Demon Hunters" -- a tale of good and evil incorporating traditional Korean mythology and set to a thumping soundtrack -- on Sunday won the Oscar for best animated feature.It snapped up a second Academy Award for best original song for "Golden," the film's infectious anthem about empowerment, self-reliance and personal growth. It was the first K-pop song to win the category.The movie -- co-produced with Sony Pictures Animation -- premiered on Netflix in June 2025, but quickly found a massive global following and is currently the streaming giant's most-watched original film of all time.When a special singalong version was released in North American theaters for one weekend only, it easily topped the box office chart."This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere," co-director Maggie Kang told the audience, with co-director Chris Applehans and producer Michelle Wong at her side.The movie tells the tale of HUNTR/X, a popular K-pop girl group whose members live double lives as weapons-wielding demon slayers. Their songs help create a magical barrier called the Honmoon that protects humanity.The role of demon hunter is passed down over the generations.The current trio -- Rumi, Mira and Zoey -- are sassy women who dress well but also are goofy and wolf down Korean food between performances and hunting missions.They must square off against a demon boy band, the Saja Boys, who are sent by the demon lord Gwi-ma to weaken the Honmoon. A battle for humanity ensues.The film borrows from the idea of shamanism -- the tradition of having intermediaries to interact with the spiritual world, and features sweeping recreations of Seoul's skyline.Kang has explained the project was years in the making."This silly K-pop movie idea could represent so many aspects of my culture. Once I realized that, it was full force, making the most Korean movie I could make," she told The New York Times in an interview published in January."I wrote a lot of things in Korean first, in my head, and thought about, what is the best way to translate this emotion or dialogue into English?"The main cast is made up of mostly Korean actors.'Golden'Developing the music was a years-long process."This concept is so wackadoo, the songs had to be fantastic for it to be accepted," Kang told the Times."Golden" -- which topped the charts in more than two dozen countries -- is the movie's musical centerpiece, featuring lyrics in English and Korean.It is Rumi's battle cry, as she reveals to the world that she is also a half-demon."I'm done hidin', now I'm shinin' like I'm born to be," says the song, which was written by a team including Korean-American singer EJAE, who is Rumi's singing voice."We're goin' up, up, up, it's our moment / You know together we're glowin' / Gonna be, gonna be golden."The tune also has won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for best original song in a motion picture, and a Grammy for best song written for visual media.The best original song Oscar is sweet revenge for EJAE, who has said in multiple interviews that her dreams of being a K-pop star were dashed after a decade of training when she was told she wouldn't cut it."Rejection is redirection. And so never give up. It's never too late to shine like you were born to be," EJAE said in January as she accepted her Golden Globe, borrowing from her own lyrics.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/kpop-demon-hunters-wins-two-oscars]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:06:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[&#039;One Battle After Another&#039; triumphs at 98th Academy Awards]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/one-battle-after-another-triumphs-at-98th-academy-awards]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" was crowned best picture at the 98th Academy Awards, handing Hollywood's top honor to a comic, multi-generational American saga of political resistance.The ceremony on Sunday, which also saw Michael B. Jordan win best actor and "Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw make Oscar history as the first female director of photography to win the award, was a long-in-coming coronation for Anderson, a San Fernando Valley native who made his first short at age 18 and has been one of America's most lionized filmmakers for decades. Before Sunday, Anderson had never won an Oscar.But "One Battle After Another," the favorite coming in, won six Oscars, including best director and best adapted screenplay for Anderson, the Oscars' first trophy for best casting and best supporting actor for an absent Sean Penn."I wrote this movie for my kids to say sorry for the housekeeping mess that we left in this world - we're handing off to them," said Anderson while accepting the screenplay trophy. "But also with the encouragement that they will be the generation that hopefully brings us some common sense and decency."Ryan Coogler's Jim Crow-set, blues-soaked vampire tale "Sinners," which came in with a record 16 nominations, also landed some big and even historic wins. Coogler, the widely loved filmmaker, won the first Oscar in an unblemished career that started out with Jordan in 2013's "Fruitvale Station."Arkapaw was also the first Black person to win for best cinematography. Only the fourth female cinematographer ever nominated, her win was a long-in-coming triumph for women behind the camera."I really want all the women in room to stand up," said Arkapaw. "Because I don't feel like I get here without you guys."And Jordan, one of Hollywood's most liked leading men, won best actor in one of the night's closest races. The Dolby Theatre rose to its feet in the most thunderous applause of the night."Yo, momma, what's up?" said Jordan after staggering to the stage.The Oscar night belonged to Warner Bros., the studio of "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners," which scored a record-tying 11 wins. It was an oddly poignant note of triumph for the fabled studio, which weeks earlier agreed to a sale to Paramount Skydance, David Ellison's rapidly assembled media monolith. The $111 billion deal, which awaits regulatory approval, has Hollywood bracing for more layoffs.But "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" - the much-acclaimed heavyweights of the season - were each Hollywood anomalies: big-budget originals born from a personal vision. In a year where anxiety over studio contraction and the rise of artificial intelligence often consumed the industry, both films gave Hollywood fresh hope.Jessie Buckley won best actress for her performance as Agnes Shakespeare in "Hamnet," making her the first Irish performer to ever win in the category. At an Oscars where no other acting award seemed a sure thing, Buckley cruised into Sunday's Oscars at the Dolby Theatre as the overwhelming favorite."It's Mother's Day in the UK," said Buckley on the stage. "I would like to dedicated this to the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart."From the start, when host Conan O'Brien sprinted through the year's nominees as Amy Madigan's character in the horror thriller "Weapons" in a pre-taped bit, Sunday's ceremony was quirky, a little clunky and preoccupied with the shifting place of movies in culture. There was, of all things, a tie for best live-action short film.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:47:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before big show]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/chanel-event-brings-oscar-nominees-together-the-night-before-big-show]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Teyana Taylor, Mick Jagger, Kristen Stewart and Wagner Moura were just a few of the stars mingling on the patio of the storied Polo Lounge on the Saturday night before the Oscars. They gathered at the iconic spot at The Beverly Hills Hotel for the 17th annual pre-Oscar dinner co-hosted by Chanel and film producer Charles Finch. On the red carpet, Jessie Buckley noted how intimate it felt with only a handful of photographers and reporters looking on.The co-director of the animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters,” Maggie Kang, was excited to be in the mix, but also thinking about Sunday, when her film is expected to win best animated feature and best original song.There’s also the big performance of its hit song “Golden,” which producers have said will celebrate the bigger cultural phenomenon of the movie. “It’s epic. It’s a lot of drama,” Kang said. “I had tears just watching the rehearsal. It was really amazing. It’s going to be a big cultural moment.”The patio was packed with Oscar nominees, winners, filmmakers and celebrities mingling and sipping drinks. Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos chatted with Sigourney Weaver and Jessica Alba, while Stellan Skarsgård found himself deep in conversation with Nick Cave. Elsewhere, Stewart posed for a photo with Taylor, and Nicole Kidman caught up with Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne, who also found her way back to her “Bridesmaids” co-star Maya Rudolph. Hours earlier, Byrne and Rudolph rehearsed a bit for the show at the Dolby Theatre.On another part of the patio, Jagger made his way to “Sentimental Value” filmmaker Joachim Trier, Molly Sims and her film producer husband Scott Stuber spoke with “Love Story” star Sarah Pidgeon, who was sipping juice, while “Marty Supreme” director Josh Safdie and his cowriter and co-editor Ronald Bronstein tried to make their way toward one another. A glass might have been a casualty of the meeting.Chanel has been tied to cinema for nearly a century. Samuel Goldwyn famously invited house founder Gabrielle Chanel to Hollywood in 1931 to design dresses for the likes of Gloria Swanson. Decades later, she was working with French New Wave luminaries both on screen and off, including Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Alain Resnais and Louis Malle. And the collaborations continue to this day. As a nod to the era for Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague,” they recreated a haute couture bustier dress from a 1956 collection.Chanel has also helped support independent filmmaking, including Stewart’s directorial debut “The Chronology of Water,” film restorations like Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas,” film festivals and burgeoning talent behind the camera. “I felt, like, mutually seen and supported by these people since I was a very young person,” Stewart said. “Functioning in like, you know, this sort of industry, business, Hollywood slash fashion world as a kiddo is a bizarro, and with them it’s always felt incredibly authentic and sort of from a storyteller’s perspective, and so it doesn’t surprise me that they want to support storytellers.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:37:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[New generation of Irish actors harness talent for global stardom]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/16/new-generation-of-irish-actors-harness-talent-for-global-stardom]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[When the envelopes are opened at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, one of the few guarantees is that actors from Ireland — population just over five million — are increasingly likely to be in the frame. Performers from the Emerald Isle have become regular fixtures on Oscar shortlists in recent years, with wins, nominations and breakout performances. Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan are among those helping cement the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of screen acting.Now Jessie Buckley, who has swept all major awards this season for her role as William Shakespeare’s wife in Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet”, is poised to add a Best Actress Oscar to her collection. Thousands of miles from Los Angeles the next wave of Irish acting talent is being shaped on rehearsal floors at institutions like The Lir Academy in Dublin’s docklands.Founded in 2011 and linked to Trinity College Dublin, The Lir Academy — whose alumni include Mescal — admits only small cohorts of just 16 students each year for intensive conservatoire-style training. In the rehearsal room, however, there is little talk of Hollywood.The focus is on voice, movement, accents and classical text, which produces performers with technical control and — crucially — “authenticity”, Director of Actor Training Gavin O’Donoghue said. One of the most important elements of learning here is the ability to be a spontaneous actor on stage and on screen,” O’Donoghue told AFP on a grey Dublin morning between classes. “Screen acting demands being rooted in emotional and psychological truth, and Irish actors do that really well.” The foundational skills taught at The Lir Academy are reinforced by Ireland’s wider theatre-first tradition in which actors often do stage before screen.Ireland’s tradition of playwrights — from J.M. Synge who helped set up Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 1899 to Martin McDonagh whose film “Banshees of Inisherin” was nominated for a raft of Oscars in 2023 — underpins the acting culture from which many screen stars emerge. At the Abbey, Ireland’s national showcase, actors perform in intimate auditoriums where language and psychological detail are paramount, according to its artistic director Caitriona McLaughlin.“There is something about having to perform live in the moment that makes screen actors who come through Irish theatres exciting to watch,” she said. “Irish actors have it all,” McLaughlin said as she kept an eye on last rehearsals for an upcoming centenary revival of Sean O’Casey’s 1926 Irish classic “The Plough and the Stars”. “They have a strong connection with words so can play into the psychology of a character, they are physical, energetic, and have a great capacity for humour as well as drama,” she said.Irish actors’ “vocal quality” that allows them to excel at accents like British and American and “lose themselves in the character” also makes them unique, according to McLaughlin.Actors like Andrew Scott — who honed his craft at the Abbey — Saoirse Ronan, and Cillian Murphy of “Peaky Blinders” fame, can easily play British or American roles due to their aptitude for accents, she said. Opportunities for young actors to build careers at home before Hollywood comes calling are also a factor in the current success, said state film-funder Screen Ireland’s marketing head Louise Ryan.The group supports debut shorts and features, allowing young actors to lead films and develop their craft, and also promotes Ireland as a film location, Ryan said at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin. “You can get 360-degrees experience with lead roles in indigenous films, and in parallel get a part in a big-budget TV show shot here like “Wednesday” which helps you get those international breaks,” she said. Ireland’s small scale also means directors, casting agents and actors know one another, with talent spotted early and word travelling fast.“It is easier to break talent here as streaming shows like ‘House of Guinness’ and ‘Say Nothing’ are casting largely from the Irish pool,” Dublin-based casting director Maureen Hughes said. According to the Abbey’s McLaughlin, Ireland has always had the talent “right from the formation of this theatre”, but the difference now is that the world is looking.“This brilliant wave of talent is being exposed nationally and internationally,” she said.Meanwhile, legendary movie director Steven Spielberg on Friday defended enjoying the arts as a shared live experience, appearing to take aim at Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet’s controversial remarks about ballet and opera. The man behind “Jaws” and “Saving Private Ryan” told a South by Southwest audience in Austin, Texas that communal artistic experiences — from cinema to the opera house — must be preserved.Speaking at a keynote panel to promote his upcoming sci-fi film “Disclosure Day,” the 79-year-old director drew cheers when he invoked the performing arts forms that Chalamet seemed to dismiss in a recent appearance.“The real experience comes when we can influence a community to congregate in a strange, dark space,” Spielberg said. “All of us are strangers, and at the end of a really good movie experience, we are all united, with a whole bunch of feelings that we walk into the daylight with, or into the nighttime with, and there is nothing like that.”“I mean, it happens in movies, it happens at concerts and it happens in ballet and opera. And we want that to be sustained.” Spielberg grinned as the audience broke out into cheers. The remarks landed as a pointed rejoinder to Chalamet, who sparked a firestorm last month after appearing to question the cultural relevance of classical performance arts.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:33:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[‘Undertone’ uses audio and soundscapes to scare you]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/15/undertone-uses-audio-and-soundscapes-to-scare-you]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Alfred Hitchcock famously claimed he didn’t watch his films in theatres. When asked if he missed out on hearing the audience scream, he said, “No. I can hear them scream when I’m making the picture.” While Ian Tuason, the mind behind the buzzy new auditory horror “Undertone,” reveres and references Hitchcock as much as the next horror filmmaker, he has to disagree with him on this one. For Tuason, the real screams are the point.“My favourite thing about this whole process is just watching it with audiences. I think that’s probably why I wanted to make a horror film ... just to kind of witness the reactions,” Tuason said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “The same way as when you tell a ghost story at a campfire, it doesn’t feel that great unless you see your friend scared.” His debut film “Undertone,” which opens in theatres on Friday (yes, the 13th), is already doing just that. After playing at the Sundance Film Festival, it had some calling it the “scariest movie you’ll ever hear.”“Undertone” is a minimalist horror, set in one location, with essentially one character. Evy (Nina Kiri) is a paranormal podcaster who is taking care of her dying, comatose mother upstairs. She’s the skeptic of the podcast, which she does with a remote co-host (Adam DiMarco) in the middle of the night. Nothing can scare her, but this new investigation, in which they try to decode a series of unnerving audio files sent anonymously, has rattled her.Tuason always dreamed of being a filmmaker, but he began his career in virtual reality and made a name for himself as an early proponent of immersive 3D sound for his cinematic horror shorts, which have been viewed millions of times. Soundscapes became his calling card. So, when he sat down to write “Undertone,” he included every audio cue, resulting in a 250-page script.“Sound in movies, it makes space for the audience to imagine what they’re not seeing,” Tuason said. “Whatever you imagine that’s scary is going to be way scarier than what I can show you. There’s going to be millions of different versions of this movie in millions of minds and that’s all because of the power of suggestion driven by sound and a lot of negative space.”In the process of shooting, he even found himself taking out a lot of the visuals he thought he’d need, stripping it down to its barest form: A woman listening to audio clips through her noise canceling headphones and freaking herself, and the audience, out. They figured it out with the help of a local Toronto postproduction studio, REDLAB. When A24 came on board to distribute the film, they were able to do the mix again in Dolby.“It’s definitely meant to be seen in the theater in Dolby, because that is the exact vision that Ian had,” said producer Cody Calahan. “But at home, on headphones, alone, it is a different experience ... You can kind of watch it twice.” Behind the film is a deeply personal story of demons, loss and grief. In 2020, during the pandemic, both his parents received terminal cancer diagnoses, and he moved back home to their Toronto suburbs to care for them. His mom died a few months later, followed by his father two and a half years later. During that time, Tuason was drinking a lot too, but also writing, melding together an audio play he’d created with the story of a lone caregiver.He wrote it figuring that he’d just have to make it himself with whatever resources he had. It could be set in his childhood home (nothing to rent) and feature one actor (“I could afford that,” he said). And he didn’t hold back: Even he was surprised by his own capacity for honesty about some of his darkest moments.“I didn’t really have to write in a way where I’m trying to pitch it,” Tuason said. “I think that’s what gave it its honesty. Because I was going to make it either way.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:52:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Mrunal Thakur reunites with BFFs from her former TV show ‘Kumkum Bhagya’]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/15/mrunal-thakur-reunites-with-bffs-from-her-former-tv-show-kumkum-bhagya]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Actress Mrunal Thakur, on Wednesday evening, reunited with her former co-stars from the popular television show Kumkum Bhagya, further taking fans down memory lane. Actor Supriya Shukla, who essayed the role of Mrunal’s mother in the show, shared a carousel of pictures on her social media account that featured members of the Kumkum Bhagya team as they came together after many years. In the post, Supriya penned an emotional note for veteran actress Madhu Raja on her birthday and reminisced about their long-standing bond.The carousel included a happy group picture showing the actors standing together, and smiling together as they posed for the camera. Mrunal looked stunning in a lavender traditional salwar kameez. For the uninitiated, before venturing into Bollywood, Mrunal Thakur was a popular face on Indian television. The screws rose to fame playing Bulbul in “Kumkum Bhagya,” where she portrayed the second lead in the show.Mrunal exited the hit TV show in 2016, when her character Bulbul was killed off in the storyline, marking the end of her character’s journey on the show. In the show “Kumkum Bhagya,” Supriya Shukla essayed the role of Mrunal’s mother, while the titular role in the show was played by Sriti Jha. The show went on to become one of the most popular daily soaps on Indian television. Talking about Mrunal Thakur, the actress was last seen in the movie “Do Deewane Sheher Mein” opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi.Meanwhile, ahead of the release of “Dacoit”, actors Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh sought divine blessings at the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple recently. The promotional journey of “Dacoit” began on a spiritual note as the two actors visited the temple to seek blessings at the advent of the film’s campaign. The two stars were seen dressed in traditional Indian wear as they offered prayers at the temple. Sesh shared: “Every film is a leap of faith. We put years of work into something and then place it in the hands of the audience. Starting this journey at Tirupati felt right. It was important for us to begin with gratitude and seek blessings before stepping into the whirlwind of promotions.” Sesh had earlier visited the Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal ahead of the release of his upcoming film.Sesh has launched its first song, Rubaroo. The romantic track, picturised on Sesh and co-star Mrunal Thakur. Directed by Shaniel Deo, “Dacoit” also stars Anurag Kashyap in a pivotal antagonist role.Talking about the number, he said: “Rubaroo is special because it captures the emotional heartbeat of the film, the vulnerability, the connection, and the quiet intensity between these characters. Launching promotions with this song felt right. Before we begin sharing this story with audiences, I wanted to take a moment to seek blessings and gratitude.”“We’ve poured a lot into this film, and I’m looking forward to everyone experiencing it in April.” Dacoit also stars Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla, among others.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:49:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Low and slow meets forever: US postage stamps honour lowrider car culture]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/15/low-and-slow-meets-forever-us-postage-stamps-honour-lowrider-car-culture]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[From Mexican American and Chicano barrios in the American Southwest to the halls of the Smithsonian on the National Mall and even the streets of Japan, lowrider culture has become part of mainstream car culture around the globe.The US Postal Service is joining the club with a new series of stamps dedicated to the low and slow rolling works of art. The stamps — complete with pinstriping — are being unveiled on Friday during a celebration in San Diego.For the lowrider community, it’s validation of the vibrant artistic expression that blossomed in the 1940s in the working-class communities of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas as everyday cars were transformed into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.Lowriders are known for their dazzling paint schemes, glistening chrome, luxurious interiors and gravity-defying hydraulic systems. They’re symbols of creativity, craftsmanship, pride and identity.Antonio Alcalá grew up in San Diego admiring the cars from afar, so it was an honor for him to design the stamps. The challenge was finding the right mix of cars and colors to represent the lowrider world. He poured over tons of photographs before whittling it down to five: a 1946 Chevy Fleetline, three classic Chevy Impalas and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Each brings its own flare, from curvaceous body lines and low stances to a hint of the mechanics that make the cars hop.“It’s a real thrill,” said Alcalá, the postal service’s art director. “The postage stamps are supposed to represent the best of America. They’re kind of a way that the United States signals to the rest of the world these are things that we find important about our people, our accomplishments, our culture, etc. So to have it commemorated on a stamp is a big deal.”Alcalá watched a video of Danny Alvarado pinstriping a car, and his heart stopped as the brush effortlessly glided over the metal flake paint leaving behind intricate swirls. He knew that would be the final touch for the corner of each stamp. Alvarado, an illustrator and sculptor, has spent about 50 years perfecting his craft and is now teaching others how to spin the brush just right.For him, the stamp project has special meaning — his father worked as a mail carrier for more than 20 years and it marks another corner turned as lowrider culture gains new fans and more respect. In the 1980s, some cities imposed anti-cruising laws and height restrictions, often seen as targeting Chicano youth and associating lowriders with gangs despite the community’s emphasis on artistry and family.But with the Hispanic US population increasing and lowriding becoming more popular, restrictions have been rolled back in recent years. California repealed cruising bans in 2024, and just last year New Mexico lawmakers celebrated Lowrider Day at the state capitol, even though a proposal to enshrine the lowrider as New Mexico’s state vehicle didn’t gain enough traction.Founder and president of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, Roberto Hernández began cruising in the late ‘70s when cruising was banned in California. With the stamp unveiling, Hernández feels “like we got the final stamp of approval as lowriders.” Alvarado agrees, adding that widespread recognition of the positive aspects of lowriding has been a long time coming.“It’s a big hit. I mean the lowriding community is so excited about these stamps,” Alvarado said from his home in Monrovia, California. “Everybody I’ve talked to already knows about them, so they just can’t wait till they come out.” Alvarado mentioned car clubs in Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Chicago, Dallas, New York and the ones that are popping up overseas - from London to Hungary, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Humberto “Beto” Mendoza, whose photographs were used as the basis of three of the stamps, ticked off his own list, describing lowrider culture as both a family affair and a big melting pot.He has travelled far and wide photographing many of the iconic masterpieces that have graced magazine covers. That includes “El Rey,” a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala that is featured on one of the stamps and is on display at the National Museum of American History. Mendoza was a fan of lowriders long before he built a career photographing them for a living. When he was a boy, his father, a Mexican immigrant, taught him how to frame images with a point-and-shoot and then eventually bought him his first real camera. From there, Mendoza hustled, carrying with him a photo album of his work as he persuaded more lowriders to document their fancy rides.The stamp project was unexpected, Mendoza said, noting that it couldn’t have come at a better time. He had just suffered a stroke in 2022 and was in a dark place. The project was a ray of light for him and for the wider lowrider community. “We’re usually outcasted, you know, so them acknowledging us in this community is historic,” he said. “We feel accepted now.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Cowboy boots and line dancing: country music fever grips UK young]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/15/cowboy-boots-and-line-dancing-country-music-fever-grips-uk-young]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Trinity Smith has been wearing her cowboy boots all week to break them in ahead of a weekend of non-stop dancing.The 24-year-old teacher is one of tens of thousands of British fans flocking to a London country music festival, as the genre enjoys a surge in popularity among young adults.At the O2 Arena in east London, the sheer number of cowboy hats, fringed jackets, denim micro?shorts and rhinestone boots on display makes you wonder if the spot should be renamed "Nashville-on-Thames".From Friday to Sunday, stars from Keith Urban to Zach Top -- along with up?and?coming artists, including several from Britain -- are performing at the Country to Country (C2C) festival.Organisers say the event, the biggest of its kind in the UK, has drawn around 45,000 people, many in their 20s and 30s.A tattoo stand is constantly busy, with cowboy boots, cacti and bull skulls proving especially popular."We've been learning line dancing all year to be able to come here," said Smith, who came to the festival from Peterborough, in central England, with her partner."I like stomping my heels," she added.'Massive' growth in popularityC2C has existed for several years but has been continuously expanding with sister events in Glasgow and Belfast. Manchester will come on board next year.In mid-May, the historic Royal Albert Hall, one of London's best known venues, will also host another country?music festival.Country has long since spread beyond its US heartland.But in the UK -- home of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Oasis -- the genre's rise has been especially striking in recent years."It's the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and the UK has the fastest growth anywhere in the world," said John Finch, director of the UK Country Music Association.Country accounts for only a small part of the British music market, but its popularity rose by almost 11 percent in the past year.For Finch, this is "massive". Moreover, he says, the growth was mainly driven by the "younger generation" discovering it for the first time "rather than the older generation like me who's been in country for some time".Beer, breakups and partyingA recent report by the British Phonographic Industry highlighted the "spectacular" growth of country music, driven in part by artists such as Beyonce.Other influences have been Morgan Wallen and Post Malone. And, of course, Taylor Swift, who first rose to fame as a country singer.TikTok has turbo-charged the trend, allowing aspiring artists to find global audiences overnight.For Lewis Pittam, a 26-year-old actor and singer living near London, the appeal is obvious: "I think it's so much more modernised now especially with the up-and-coming artists that are around," he said.William Martin, 22, and Cameron Fulton, 23, friends from the northeastern city of Newcastle, said it was the lyrics that hooked them."One minute singing about a truck and a beer, one minute singing about a girl that you fell out of love with. A different song for a different occasion," said Martin."You've got the sad songs, heartbreak songs, and then party in the summer," added Fulton, a mechanic.Alyssa Flaherty, who at 22 is already well known, travelled from Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music, to perform on Sunday.She still marvels at the enthusiasm of British crowds.Playing her first English gig last August in York in the northeast, she said she had "no idea if these people are even going to know who I am or what they're coming to see."People were singing my songs back to me and I was like what is this?"Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:35:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Palestinian actor says he can&#039;t attend Oscars because of US travel ban]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/14/palestinian-actor-says-he-cant-attend-oscars-because-of-us-travel-ban]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees said a ‌travel ban imposed by the Trump administration is preventing him from attending ​this ⁠weekend's Academy Awards, whose nominees include a movie in ‌which he has a starring ‌role."The Voice of Hind Rajab," a film about a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024, has been Oscar-nominated for ‌best international feature film.Malhees, who plays the role of a call center ⁠operator attempting to help her, said he cannot attend the Academy Awards show, known as the Oscars, because he has been barred from entering the US."I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship," Malhees said on Instagram, adding "it hurts" he would not attend the ​Oscars.In a December proclamation restricting entry of foreign nationals, President Donald ‌Trump said he had "determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority."The proclamation restricting ⁠entry of people from some countries cited security reasons and went into effect on January 1, according to the State Department's website.The State Department did not ​immediately respond ‌to a request for comment.The movie was spurred by an incident ‌in which five of Rajab's family members and two ambulance workers who went to save her were also killed by Israeli fire. Israel says the incident is under ‌review.Malhees says the ‌film's other Palestinian cast members ⁠have citizenship that allows US travel but he only holds ‌a Palestinian passport.Trump has also attempted to deport foreign pro-Palestinian voices from the United States.On Friday, an immigration judge ordered the ⁠release of Leqaa Kordia, who lost over 170 family members in ​Gaza and has been detained for a year. Two previous orders have not led to her release.Reuters ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:29:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Shakira says she feels like she’s just getting started]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/14/shakira-says-she-feels-like-shes-just-getting-started]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Shakira is on her way to drop her son off at flag football practice. It’s an ordinary experience for a mother who, in the not-so-recent past, has been at the center of some pretty extraordinary circumstances.The boundary-breaking Colombian performer has spent the last year on her first global tour since 2018, where she has made history: Nearly 20 years after her first concert in Mexico City ‘s Zócalo, the capital’s main square, Shakira returned earlier this month to break the plaza’s attendance record with about 400,000 fans showing up to see her. It’s impressive for any artist and one that certainly backs up her reputation as the Queen of Latin Music.Across her three-decade-plus career, Shakira has set records and challenged genre lines: from 1991, when she signed a deal with Sony Music Colombia at just 13 years old and released her debut album “Magia” - to breakthrough albums like 1998’s “Dónde Están los Ladrones?” and 2001’s “Laundry Service” — all the way to her most recent, 2024’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.”But this year is different. “I’m being able to make so many of my dreams, as an artist, come true on this tour,” she told The Associated Press over the phone on Tuesday. “It’s everything I ever dreamt about.”That’s not all: In February, it was announced that she is a 2026 nominee for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - a logical selection for an artist lauded for her ability to bridge Latin music with rock and pop. If she were to be inducted, she would join a small class of Latinos who have done so. She would become the first artist from Colombia, as well as the first Latina born and raised in Latin America, to enter the Rock Hall.Your Zócalo concert was massive. What was going through your mind?That’s such a unique moment in time. After playing 13 stadium concerts in Mexico City, I never thought I was gonna have so many people gathering at Zócalo to watch my show one more time. It was just absolutely incredible. And one of those experiences that are unforgettable and that I wish my parents could have seen. That was just really, really, truly magical.The love and friendship story that I have with Mexico is just uncanny, you know? Nothing compares to it, and it’s given me so much. My Mexican fans have given me so much of love and support since the beginning of my career. It was quite incredible also to be able to perform “Dónde Estás Corazón,” which was (my) first song that ever played on Mexican radio, like outside my country, you know? And so that was like a full circle moment.You’re also headed to the Pyramids of Giza for the first time in nearly 20 years.It was just one of the most unforgettable performances of my life, and I just wanted it to happen again with this show, with this tour, which to me is the tour of my life. ... I actually feel like I’m just starting my career. It’s a weird feeling because it’s been 30 years, but I feel at the threshold of a new beginning and that is all because my audience has been so emotive and so loyal as well. I’ve had a blast really performing in every country, every city where we’ve been. And the next thing is going to be Copacabana (Beach in Rio de Janeiro) as well.You’ve said your dreams have come true this year. What’s left on the list?I don’t know what’s going on! But this year, all of those dreams I had way, way back, now they’re coming true. So, I’m going to just ask for more. I’ve always thought it would be pretty crazy to sing at the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées in Paris. That would be like the ultimate concert as well. But you know, I can’t complain. Being in Copacabana this year and the (Giza) Pyramids in Egypt and in Zócalo, that fills my heart. I feel so accomplished as an artist this year, but I’m also so pumped.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 10:23:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis adapt ‘Scarpetta’ book series for TV]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/12/nicole-kidman-and-jamie-lee-curtis-adapt-scarpetta-book-series-for-tv]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[When Jamie Lee Curtis’ blockbuster film “True Lies” premiered worldwide, it would’ve been improbable to think that 30 years later she would be giddy about a TV show — about as improbable as performing her iconic helicopter stunt without special effects. “I guarantee you when I was ... literally hanging under a helicopter above the Florida Keys over the Seven Mile Bridge in Florida, I did not imagine I’d be sitting in New York City that many years later with Nicole Kidman,” Curtis said. “Not only being co-bosses on a show, but then also playing her slutty sister. I was not imagining that as my future.”The Oscar winners co-executive produced and star in “Scarpetta,” a new mystery crime series from Prime Video, out from March 11, based on Patricia Cornwell’s popular books. Curtis credits Kidman as one of the major Hollywood players who helped shrink the gulf between perceptions of film and TV roles with prestige series like “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers.”Kidman, 58, plays the titular character Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist who solves complex murders. Upon returning to Virginia, she comes across cases eerily reminiscent of one three decades prior that catapulted her career forward. To prepare for the role, Kidman spent time with a medical examiner in Tennessee, where she learned how to hold a scalpel, and how to identify and dissect organs.“My sister and my mother were obsessed with the novels, so I would read them,” the Emmy-winning Kidman said. “When I mentioned it to my sister, she was like, ‘Well, I mean, that’s it. You have to do it.’”The book rights to Cornwell’s iconic fiction series were optioned throughout the years with megastars sometimes attached, including actors Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie, and even Kidman previously. But those iterations didn’t come to fruition. At the 2021 Oscars, Kidman approached Curtis’ table and introduced herself — they’d never met, despite working in similar circles for decades. Months later, when Kidman heard Curtis was leading the charge on “Scarpetta,” she wanted in.“I have a philosophy where characters come to you at the right time,” Kidman said. When she first considered playing Kay Scarpetta, the timing wasn’t right, and neither were the scripts. But the second time, it all came together. “Here she is, and I’m ready now,” she said, reflecting on her decision to embrace the project.Curtis plays Scarpetta’s free-spirited sister Dorothy. The “Halloween” franchise star had no intention of acting in the show but agreed to at Kidman’s request. The eight-episode season was led by showrunner Liz Sarnoff, whose credits include “Lost” and “Barry,” and is also a longtime fan of the books.The cast includes Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino, Kay’s ex-partner and Dorothy’s husband and “The Mentalist” star Simon Baker, who plays FBI profiler and Scarpetta’s husband Benton Wesley. Another Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose, is Dorothy’s tech-savvy daughter, primarily raised by Kay. A companion storyline set in the 90s follows the doctor’s early career, with Rosy McEwen, who bears a striking resemblance to Kidman, portraying the younger version. Jake Cannavale — Bobby’s actual son — plays the young Marino, with Hunter Parrish portraying babyfaced Benton.DeBose, who presented Curtis with her Oscar for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” was offered the role in a personal text message from Curtis. Her character, Lucy, is grieving her dead wife and seeks comfort in an AI replica. It’s a pivot for an actor known for upbeat Broadway performances.“I hope audiences will also find a way to have compassion for her,” said the 35-year-old, of a fictional character that had real-life reverberations. Five months after filming, DeBose faced a loss of her own when her mother died. “I’m more clear now than I was when I was actually shooting this series ... that grief manifests in very different ways.”Cornwell, who has sold more than 120 million copies of the “Scarpetta” series worldwide, was heavily involved in the adaptation. “Dream come true 1 literally,” said the New York Times bestseller, who started the series in 1990. The 69-year old, who began penning “Postmortem” while working in the office of Virginia’s chief medical examiner, is currently writing the 30th book centered around a serial poisoner. She says Kidman and Curtis uncovered new layers of her beloved characters.“I’m learning things from them,” she said. “When I sit back and I’m working on my book, suddenly I’m seeing Jamie in my head, or I’m hearing Nicole. My characters have come alive.”Prime has found massive success with popular novel adaptations like “Reacher,” “Jack Ryan,” the “Bosch” universe and “Cross,” all possessing deep troves of source material. They’re betting “Scarpetta” will be their next big hit.Kidman, whose divorce from country music star Keith Urban was finalized in January, has a busy slate of upcoming projects, including the series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “Girls and Their Horses” and “Discretion,” as well as the films “The Young People” and “Practical Magic 2.”Curtis hopes the series, produced by her company Comet Pictures, inspires young women in the industry with another model for leadership, both in front of and behind the camera. “I hope that they see people — women — doing all these different jobs. This show doesn’t exist without me calling Jason Blum, saying, ‘Hey, I found out that the rights to Patricia’s books are available. Let’s (expletive) go!’” said Curtis, recalling her conversation with the Blumhouse Television founder, who helped produce it. “They will hear that and go, ‘Oh, that’s how you get (expletive) done!’ You persevere.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:14:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ellie Goulding welcomes second child with boyfriend]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/11/ellie-goulding-welcomes-second-child-with-boyfriend]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has embraced motherhood for the second time. The singer has welcomed a daughter with her actor boyfriend Beau Minniear.The 38-year-old singer, who also has son Arthur, four, from her marriage to Caspar Jopling, revealed she became a mother for a second time, when she gave birth to a little girl at a hospital in London, reports ‘Female First UK’.In a post on Instagram, Ellie wrote, "On Friday I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. We are totally obsessed with her. It was fitting that I spent International Women’s Day with her and the incredible female team at St Mary’s, who provided me and my baby with extraordinary care and kindness. I will always be in awe of midwives. This addition to my family fills me with so much joy, especially as Arthur is so happy to become a big brother to this little angel”.An insider added to The Sun newspaper,"Ellie and Beau are absolutely besotted with their little girl. Both mum and baby are happy and healthy. This is the start of a really exciting chapter for them and Ellie and Beau are both in a wonderful baby bubble”.Ellie became a mother to Arthur during her marriage to Caspar, which lasted from 2019 until 2024, and she went on to strike up a new romance with Beau.As per ‘Female First UK’, she went public with her pregnancy in December when she showed off her bump at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London.She later opened up about her baby news in an interview with Nylon magazine. The ‘Love Me Like You Do’ singer told the publication, "I didn't want to become just a pregnant woman first. Not every woman has this luxury. I have amazing people around me. I have an amazing boyfriend. I do have it a little easier in that I do have amazing support”."I'm still working every day and still writing every day. It's just that I am growing a human inside me. I'm perhaps not the most, like, Mother Earth about it, if you know what I mean? It's a beautiful thing to be able to grow a child, and I feel very lucky that I'm healthy, but it's not all I am right now”, she added.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:15:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Celebrity voice coach says Aussie actors nail tricky accents]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/11/celebrity-voice-coach-says-aussie-actors-nail-tricky-accents]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Geoffrey Rush, Rose Byrne, Cate Blanchett — voice coach Victoria Mielewska has trained some of Australia’s most famous thespians in the delicate art of the accent and says actors from Down Under have a unique talent for getting it right. Byrne, a native of the greater Sydney area, is vying for the best actress Oscar this month for her powerhouse role as an overwhelmed mother in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”. So uncannily convincing is her American accent that some have expressed shock that she is in fact Australian.“She masters that American absolutely beautiful accent that she does,” Mielewska, who worked with Byrne on the 2022 comedy “Seriously Red”, said at her home in Sydney’s leafy north. “She’s worked quietly and beautifully for many years.” For Mielewska — whose company Creative Voice trains everyone from actors to business executives in speaking — teaching an actor an accent is much more than just an impression. The actor must learn to really live in the physicality of the voice.“I work in quite a vulnerable, free way,” she explained.“The ultimate goal is not to listen to an actor at work and not to listen to the accent, but for them to be able to work with it and through it — to get the truth of the work.” To go American, Mielewska said it’s all about getting the Rs and the vowels right.“It’s very intricate, an American accent,” she said, describing it as “very muscular”. “If I’m working with an Australian who is doing an American accent, I will say, ‘You have to start going to the gym in your mouth’.”It’s as much about where one’s tongue sits in the mouth as it is about their seating posture, Mielewska explained. A Midwestern twang is “a very feet on the ground, back in the heels of your boots type of accent”, she said. And what about the classic English “received pronunciation”, long the go-to sound of the British ruling class? “I’d get them to sit back in the chair... you actually feel that there’s a lot of space between you,” she said.Australian actors can nail the US accent in part because Americans’ natural way of speaking echoes the Antipodean approach to life — more relaxed and, in some ways, “lazy”, Mielewska said. “Australians can do American pretty well by and large, because we come from a fairly neutral place,” she said. “Australians can go from something that’s kind of midline and relaxed and start to work with it, and the muscles respond in time.”It’s not always so easy the other way round. For years, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have endured mockery for mangled attempts at accents — from Don Cheadle as a Cockney in “Ocean’s Eleven” to Leonardo DiCaprio playing a Rhodesian (modern-day Zimbabwean) in “Blood Diamond”. Some Americans, Mielewska said, are unfairly maligned.Meryl Streep’s turn as wrongfully accused mother Lindy Chamberlain in the true story 1988 film “Evil Angels” (“A Cry in the Dark” in its US release) — and her often-misquoted line “a dingo took my baby” — has sometimes inspired ridicule in Australia. But Mielewska said that, contrary to popular belief, Streep got it bang on — Chamberlain was born in New Zealand, and her accent is not typically Aussie.Australian is also uniquely incompatible with the American lilt, she said. That’s because, Mielewska said, American actors need to “let go” and relax. “What they’re doing is surrendering their own accent and their own muscular habits of the way they speak,” she said. Some actors have shortcuts to get into a tricky voice. Byrne has said she has a go-to phrase — “Patty hired 24-hour security for Katie” — when she finds herself struggling to summon the Yankee drawl. She is now in the running to become the third Australian to win the best actress Oscar after Blanchett and Nicole Kidman. Mielewska says the star — known for her humble and understated style — “comes from a very soulful, connected place”. “Of course her work is going to be truthful.”Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:11:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee channel their bond into a new book]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/11/gloria-steinem-and-leymah-gbowee-channel-their-bond-into-a-new-book]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, says she doesn’t pay much attention to celebrities. With one key exception: that time she first met Gloria Steinem. “I was just starstruck,” Gbowee confesses to The Associated Press of the moment a mutual friend introduced her to the feminist icon. “Everyone knows of Gloria, regardless of which continent you come from.” Steinem, for her part, protests that she’s not any more of a star than Gbowee.“She’s a GLOBAL celebrity,” the famed activist, now 91, says of Gbowee, 54, who won the Nobel in 2011 for her work promoting peace and women’s rights in Liberia. In any case, their introduction two decades ago — via filmmaker and fellow activist Abigail Disney, who’d made a documentary about Gbowee’s peace movement — led to a strong friendship, separated by an ocean but fueled by shared commitment to social justice. “Their spirits were in sync,” recalls Disney. “I said: ‘My work is done here. You guys do your thing.’”Steinem smiles when repeating the phrase “sister-friend,” a term she says Gbowee invented: “It just expressed how we felt.” Now, the friendship — and that phrase — has led to something tangible and colourful: “Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together For All,” a picture book for kids. Dubbed “a journey of activism, sisterhood and friendship,” it’s both a joint biography and a call to a new generation to fight for equality.With vivid illustrations by Kah Yangni, the two women trace their childhoods, young Steinem traveling the United States in a trailer with her antique-dealer father, over “miles of highways fruit stands, gas stations, diners,” and Gbowee in Liberia, “a land rich with timber, ripe with hopes for a new tomorrow.” They learn about injustice and inequality in their countries, and grow up to fight it — meeting as adults around a kitchen table. The friends spoke in separate interviews — Gbowee from Liberia, and Steinem from her Manhattan brownstone — about their friendship, their book, and that kitchen table.The two of you live on different continents and have fought different sorts of battles. How did you get to know each other?GBOWEE: Gloria and I were introduced by a mutual friend, Abby Disney, many moons ago. And from that time onward, I was like, “If I ever need to talk to you, can we? And it was “Yes, yes, yes.” And it’s been that way for a long time. When I was pregnant with my daughter (now 16), we had the baby shower at Gloria’s home.STEINEM: I remember her as a kind of global, amazing figure who somehow from Africa to the US, through Europe, everywhere, is a unifying figure and unifying storyteller. .... I mean, she IS the movement. Look at her life. She’s an inspiration, whether we’re talking about an ecological global save-the-trees movement or about women’s equality.You’ve spoken about how a conversation with Gloria — at her kitchen table — influenced your decision to stick with the feminist movement at a time you were struggling, and ultimately inspired this book.GBOWEE: It was our Easter Sunday conversation in 2009, where I was really feeling funky about being in the feminist movement. Did I want to stay? Did I want to leave? And she said to me, “One of the reasons you feel the way you’re feeling is because you need a sister.” She was telling me about how she had all these sisters from Alice Walker to different people she used to go on trips with, they didn’t need anything from each other, just to be there for each other. She said, “That’s the kind of person you need, that you can be very vulnerable with.” It was a beautiful conversation.What made you want to write the book together?STEINEM: First of all, we wanted to communicate, to write, to somehow connect with each other despite the global distance. ... I think that as children, we were interested in stories and were ourselves storytellers, as well as consumers of stories. We also had a relationship to the natural world, which perhaps is true for most children. Just a sense of kinship with trees and flowers and gardens.GBOWEE: During the pandemic, I started writing a lot. Someone put me in touch with Scholastic and I sent a manuscript and they looked at it and said, “Let’s talk some more.” I raised the issue of wanting to collaborate with a few individuals. And once I said “Gloria,” they were like, “Do you know her?” I was like, “Of course I know Gloria!”The two of you describe your childhoods in the book, and it’s striking to read that you weren’t introduced to regular school until you were about 10 years old.STEINEM: Until the sixth grade. We lived in rural Michigan in the summertime ... And in the wintertime, my father always put the whole family in a house trailer and we were working our way, buying and selling antiques and so on, to Florida or California. I think my family thought because I was always reading books in the back seat, that was enough.It doesn’t seem to have set you back.STEINEM: Well, I’m probably still lousy at math.What age is this book directed at, and is it for girls?STEINEM: (Laughing) I mean, it’s called “Rise, Girl, Rise,” but I think boys could tolerate that title, too. Girls have read “The Hardy Boys” for years and other boys’ books and felt connected.GBOWEE: They say from age 11, but I would say I’d read it to my seven-year-old grandson. I would read it to my five-year old grandson. None of my kids have children, but I have daughters of the heart and they have children. So they’re my grandchildren. And that book is appropriate for them. The message of love and acceptance and everything else is something I want to pass on to them.Your home seems to be the centre of constant meetings of activists from around the world. What have you been discussing recently?STEINEM: There’s a continuing series of meetings going on in my living room, sometimes initiated by me, sometimes by other people. We’re all certainly concerned with the political system in an electoral sense. And, you now, we live in a democracy that’s one of the few in the world that’s never had a female elected leader. That’s kind of ridiculous. I mean, we’re choosing from half the country’s talent.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:55:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Doja Cat slams Timothee Chalamet over his remarks]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/10/doja-cat-slams-timothee-chalamet-over-his-remarks]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Rapper Doja Cat is not really pleased with actor Timothee Chalamet. The rapper thinks that the actor has a lot to learn.The 30-year-old rapper took to TikTok to respond to the 30-year-old Oscar-nominated star’s controversial comments, saying "no one cares” about ballet and opera, reports ‘People’ magazine.In the clip, which was subsequently deleted from TikTok, the rapper appeared to be getting ready while wrapped in a towel."Hey, by the way, opera is 400 years old, ballet is 500 years old”, Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, said. "Somebody named Tim-oh-tay Cha-lam-et had the nerve, big guy, by the way, had the nerve to say, on camera, that nobody cares about it”.As per ‘People’, the Grammy-winning artiste went on to highlight the etiquette and respect surrounding ballet and opera."I’m sure you can walk into an opera theater right now, seats will be filled out and nobody’s saying a word as the performance is going because everybody has that much respect for it”, she said. "There is an etiquette around opera. There is etiquette around ballet. It is amazing. It’s an amazing theater medium. It’s f****** beautiful and people go there everyday to the dance studio”.Referencing Chalamet’s comments about the performing arts mediums struggling, Doja Cat added, "It doesn’t matter if the industry is having a tough time at any time, which a lot of industries have a tough time. Your industry has a tough time, my industry has a tough time. Doesn’t mean people don’t care about it. People care. The dancers care, the singers care, the audience cares. There’s still an audience”.She concluded with a message for Chalamet, saying, "People give a f***. You show up in a nice outfit. You sit the f*** down and shut the f*** up. That’s the usual etiquette around those things. Maybe learn something from that”.Chalamet has been under fire since his February 24 comments went viral with former co-star Matthew McConaughey.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:18:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Singer Tommy DeCarlo dies at 60]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/10/singer-tommy-decarlo-dies-at-60]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Tommy DeCarlo, who became the lead singer of classic rockers Boston for nearly 20 years based on a Myspace tribute to the band's original singer, has died.DeCarlo's children, Annie, Talia and Tommy Jr., said in posts on his Facebook and Instagram pages that their father, who had been struggling for months with brain cancer, died Monday. They said, "He fought with incredible strength and courage right up until the very end.” He was 60.Brad Delp, the original singer of the band that was founded in 1975 and had hits including "More Than a Feeling” and "Peace of Mind,” died in 2007.DeCarlo, then a 43-year-old working at a Home Depot in North Carolina, wrote, sang and recorded a tribute song to Delp. He posted that song along with a few Boston covers to his Myspace page and sent the link to the band.DeCarlo initially got a polite rejection, according to Rolling Stone. But founding guitarist and songwriter Tom Scholz, struck by his voice's resemblance to Delp, invited DeCarlo to perform at a tribute concert for the late singer. Scholz then asked him to join the band."It wasn’t like I was trying to sing like Brad,” DeCarlo said in a bio on the band's website, "it was just that I loved to sing along with him.”DeCarlo toured with Boston for nearly 20 years and sang on their 2013 album, "Life, Love and Hope.”Reuters]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:14:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Oscar nominee Benicio del Toro says ‘One Battle’ has ‘heart’]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/10/oscar-nominee-benicio-del-toro-says-one-battle-has-heart]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Benicio del Toro won his first Oscar 25 years ago for “Traffic.” This year, he is once again in the Academy Award conversation for his soulful turn as karate dojo owner — and part-time savior of immigrants — Sergio St Carlos in “One Battle After Another,” a role he says reflects his own sensibilities. “There is a lot of me in there,” Del Toro said ahead of the Oscars gala on March 15, where he will vie for best supporting actor honors with co-star Sean Penn, Swedish veteran Stellan Skarsgard, Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”) and Delroy Lindo (“Sinners”).In Paul Thomas Anderson’s high-octane, politically charged thriller about leftist revolutionaries, white supremacists and immigration raids, Sensei Sergio provides a sense of calm at the film’s heart.Most of Del Toro’s scenes come opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Bob Ferguson, a highly strung, and somewhat strung out, former militant who must hunt for his missing daughter (Chase Infiniti) when the past comes back to haunt him. The 59-year-old Puerto Rican actor acknowledged he was surprised by the reception he has received for his role, which accounts for less than 15 minutes of screen time.“It feels good, and it also can make you a little bit uncomfortable too,” he said in a Zoom conversation. “I’m proud of it.” “One Battle After Another” — which earned 13 Academy Award nominations — is the front-runner to take the best picture Oscar.“I did enjoy the film, and I felt that the film did have a lot of potential,” Del Toro said, noting that he felt his co-stars were “really the protagonists,” with his to a lesser extent.“Perhaps there’s something in a movie that is so dark... since it brings a little bit of a sense of hope,” he added of his character — though he admits he did not initially see him that way. Del Toro was initially studying business at a university in California when he dropped out to pursue acting. After some small television roles, an appearance in a Madonna music video and a few big screen appearances, his major breakthrough came in 1995 with “The Usual Suspects.” And then in 2001, he won the Oscar for best supporting actor for Steven Soderbergh’s “Traffic,” in which he played a Mexican border cop who tries to remain honest amid the drug wars. He bested a stacked field that included Willem Dafoe and Jeff Bridges. A second Academy Award nomination followed for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “21 Grams.”Del Toro, who has worked with top directors from Soderbergh to Inarritu to Denis Villeneuve, says he was immediately drawn to “One Battle” for the chance to work with Anderson for a second time, after “Inherent Vice” (2014). The director “just creates a real comfortable place for creativity, for collaboration,” he said.Anderson asked him if would play a karate instructor and sent him a photo of a tiger... in a martial arts kimono. But as time passed, the character evolved from someone just helping Ferguson on his search into more of a “fighter for the underdog, a protector of these migrants who were looking for the American dream,” he said. In one scene, Sensei Sergio introduces Ferguson to his extended family — and to some of the migrants he hides so they can avoid arrest. “I felt very, very, very, very strong about it,” Del Toro said. “I felt like it needed to be treated with humanity... with respect.” He says he is happy his work has been honored because of what his character represents. “There’s a heart there... I think that’s why people are gravitating towards Sensei,” he said. Meanwhile, “One Battle After Another,” which has been nominated for 13 Academy Awards, follows washed-up leftist revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he is forced back into the game when his daughter (Chase Infiniti) goes missing.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:11:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Denmark exploring if gastronomy can be recognised as an art form]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/10/denmark-exploring-if-gastronomy-can-be-recognised-as-an-art-form]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Imagine dining on “edible plastic” made from algae and collagen from fish skins. While you ingest the dish, ocean-borne plastic pollution seemingly floats above you, projected across the restaurant’s huge domed ceiling. It’s an experience — and dish — inspired by large garbage patches found in our seas. In Denmark, chef Rasmus Munk doesn’t offer dishes at the Alchemist restaurant. Instead, he whisks guests on an “immersive dining experience” combining performance, music, projections in its planetarium-like domed dining room, and, of course, food.Opened in 2019 at the site of a former industrial harbor area in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, Alchemist was named the world’s fifth-best restaurant in 2025. It has two Michelin stars, signifying excellence in cuisine, out of a maximum three possible for one establishment. Guests at this restaurant can experience 50 “impressions,” most of them edible. Dining there means trying various foods — a large eyeball dish featuring caviar and codfish eye gel, nettle butterflies served atop cheese and artichoke leaves — over many hours, in a slow process that invites reflection on the food and surrounding projections.“We convey messages through our food, our food is our medium of expressing ourselves,” said Munk, whose dishes also explore issues such as state surveillance and animal welfare. Once known for herring, and rye bread, the Scandinavian country’s cuisine has been in ascendancy since 2003 when René Redzepi’s world-beating Noma first burst onto the scene, preaching a “New Nordic” philosophy that celebrated foraging, fermenting and Scandinavia’s seasonal larder. Emboldened by the success of the New Nordic movement, Denmark’s Michelin-starred restaurants are now asking a new question: Can gastronomy be art?Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said in January that Denmark would explore whether gastronomy could be formally recognized as an art form. If realised, it could become the first nation to legally place cooking — or at least the highest versions of it — on a similar pedestal to painting.It’s not clear how the culture ministry’s plans will be impacted by the country’s March 24 general election.Munk, 34, who says he spent almost a decade honing his “artistic practices,” has been a driving force behind the move and described it as a “big milestone.” “I don’t think all food is art ... I think the craftsmanship needs to be on the highest level,” he said, noting that ultimately it’s a political decision what gets called art and what not and that, for now, “this is a closed society for chefs.”The change, still in its exploratory phase, would eventually require a vote in Denmark’s 179-seat parliament to reclassify gastronomy from craft to art.It could also make the country’s chefs eligible for state subsidies and funding from private foundations — like writers and musicians — to get their projects off the ground.Other nations with famed food cultures, including France and Japan, haven’t made similar moves. Last year, UNESCO granted Italian cooking cultural heritage status. Denmark has previously expanded what constitutes art and culture, for example by awarding a lifetime national arts honor to heavy metal act King Diamond. Last year, the Sonning Prize, Denmark’s largest cultural award, was awarded to French gastronomic artist and chemist Hervé This.The Nordic nation of 6 million people has become a dining destination, home to 37 Michelin-starred restaurants, including Copenhagen’s two-star Kadeau, which was opened in 2011 by head chef and creative director Nicolai Nørregaard. “I approach it like I would approach making a piece of art, like an artwork or a piece of writing,” Nørregaard said. “It’s about getting sort of an experience.”The 46-year-old head chef, whose recipes reference the seasonal flavours of Danish island Bornholm, said that such recognition would be a “big step.” “To acknowledge that this can also be looked upon as art ... that’s what’s important for me,” he said. But not everyone, even some within the industry, are toasting the idea. Nick Curtin, the American executive chef and owner of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred Alouette restaurant, argues that art and gastronomy are fundamentally different.“Art’s sole purpose is expression. It’s to evoke emotion. Food must be consumed,” he said. “(Art) can evoke disgust or disappointment or pain or sorrow or joy or longing. Food actually can’t express all of those things. It can, but it shouldn’t.” Some in Denmark’s art scene also have expressed concern that such a change might see greater competition for funding between chefs and more traditional artists like painters. Holger Dahl, the architecture and art critic at Denmark’s 277-year-old Berlingske newspaper, is more blunt: “I think it’s quite silly, there’s no use, it doesn’t make any sense.” “It’s a little bit like a bicycle and a car — they have round wheels, they’ll take you from one point to another point, but it’s not like a very good bicycle all of a sudden turns into a car,” he said. “It doesn’t happen.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:55:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah&#039;s Milan centre to give Arabic training to municipal staff]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/09/sharjahs-milan-centre-to-give-arabic-training-to-municipal-staff]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ The Arabic Cultural Institute in Milan, established by the Sharjah Book Authority, has signed an agreement with the Municipality of Milan to deliver Arabic-language and cultural training to staff working with migrants and refugees. The programme will provide beginner-level Arabic courses and introductory modules in Arab culture for personnel at the Milan Reception Centre and across the city’s wider reception and integration network. The agreement responds to rising demand in municipal services, as more Arabic-speaking beneficiaries seek support through Milan’s migrant assistance system. Founded in 2024 through a partnership between the Sharjah Book Authority and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the institute was established to expand Arabic language education in Europe and strengthen academic and cultural exchange between the Arab world and European institutions. Opened in 2024, the Milan Reception Centre is the city’s sole specialised facility dedicated to migrant and refugee services. It employs around 100 cultural and linguistic mediators and supports approximately 1,000 beneficiaries each month.The centre also serves as a coordination link between the Municipality of Milan and a range of public and international bodies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Organisation for Migration. The first courses are scheduled to begin in March, with registrations already exceeding expectations. The response reflects growing interest in learning Arabic and in strengthening cultural understanding linked to the Arab presence within Italian society and public service institutions. The initiative reflects the Sharjah Book Authority’s broader strategy to expand the professional and educational use of Arabic beyond the Arab world and to consolidate Sharjah’s role as a bridge for cultural and knowledge dialogue between East and West.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:39:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Singer Rihanna&#039;s LA mansion struck by gunfire]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/09/singer-rihannas-la-mansion-struck-by-gunfire]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Pop superstar Rihanna's Los Angeles home was hit by gunfire on Sunday after a woman opened fire on the property while the singer was reportedly inside, according to US media.The shooting erupted after 1:00 pm (2000 GMT) when a suspect fired approximately 10 rounds from a vehicle across the street from the mansion in the Beverly Hills area, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police.At least one round pierced a wall of the residence, where Rihanna lives with partner A$AP Rocky and their children, local news station KTLA said. The singer was inside the residence, the reports said.Rihanna, one of the world's most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting.Officers said the suspect was a woman in her 30s who allegedly fled the scene before being arrested without incident a short time later. Police recovered a weapon during the arrest, KTLA added.Investigators are still determining a motive for the attack.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:26:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Good dad intentions are at the heart of Carell’s ‘Rooster’]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/09/good-dad-intentions-are-at-the-heart-of-carells-rooster]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Recently, Steve Carell had a misunderstanding with his adult daughter over whether or not to give her a ride home. While both preferred she take an Uber, they agreed Carell could go hours out of his way to drive her instead — thinking it was what the other really wanted to do. His wife, Nancy, eventually stepped in, telling them to stop “acting like idiots” and to just be honest. That’s when Carell realised he was “trying too hard” to do what he thought was a good dad deed. “She would really have preferred to take the Uber and I would really have preferred to just go home without dropping her off,” Carell said in a recent interview.That type of push and pull between a father and his adult daughter is at the centre of Carell’s new series “Rooster,” premiered on Sunday on HBO. Carell plays Greg Russo, a successful author of “beach reads” whose protagonist is named Rooster. When Greg’s daughter Katie (Charly Clive), a professor at Ludlow College, finds herself in the middle of a humiliating breakup, he takes a job at the small liberal arts school to stay close to her.The series, created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, is Carell’s first outright television comedy since leaving “The Office” in 2011. Carell said he was already a fan of Lawrence but reading the pilot episode was all he needed to be “in instantly.” He loved the tone and how unique it was. Casting Carell to be the lead in your comedy is like winning the lottery, says Tarses. “You’re excited, you get this guy, and then he exceeds your expectations, and then, he’s a nicer guy than you think.”They credit Carell for taking moments that weren’t meant to be funny and adding comedic touches, like when Greg folds his puffy coat before handing it to an attendant at a party.In another scene, Katie explains to Greg why she has a problem with him being at the school. As she speaks, Carell opted to eat a handful of corn nuts, causing a noisy distraction.“We had to turn the volume down,” said Lawrence. “I could have watched it for two hours.” While Carell is making a return to comedy with “Rooster,” Danielle Deadwyler, known for dramatic roles like “Till” and “The Piano Lesson,” is making her debut in the genre. She plays a poetry professor who finds herself promoted to dean.“I needed something to balance me out and to allow my nervous system to recoup itself after years of drama,” said Deadwyler, who says she’s learned that comedic acting is still “just acting” and a “through line of everything is the need to stay extremely grounded.”John C. McGinley of “ Scrubs, “ plays the president of Ludlow College with a penchant for gossip. He invites faculty and students to partake in a backyard cold plunge and sauna as a sort of “safe space” for sharing feelings.It’s a daily ritual in McGinley’s own life that he’s been doing for about 25 years. Lawrence knew this about McGinley and decided to make it a regular practice for his character. “One of Billy’s biggest strengths is he writes from familiarity,” said McGinley. Phil Dunster is Archie, Katie’s narcissistic estranged husband. He already had a relationship with Lawrence from working on “ Ted Lasso. “ Like Carell, Dunster was impressed by the script.“When I read the script, it was just like, ‘Oh man, I wanna watch this show.’ I think that’s a really nice feeling when you have come across something that you go, ‘Oh, I’d love to watch this.’” A hallmark of a Bill Lawrence show is that there are quirky supporting characters who end up becoming a running joke throughout the series and “Rooster” is no different. There’s a police officer who often misplaces his gun and an administrative assistant who throws herself at Greg when no one is watching.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:23:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos turns lens on photography in Athens exhibition]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/09/filmmaker-yorgos-lanthimos-turns-lens-on-photography-in-athens-exhibition]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Oscar-nominated filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos paused his filmmaking and promotion schedule this week to celebrate a quieter creative pursuit: photography. The 52-year-old Greek director on Friday inaugurated an exhibition of his photographs in his hometown of Athens, presenting images he has taken over the past five years — many captured while making his films, wandering through movie sets and nearby neighbourhoods, or on trips back to Greece.The exhibition gathers 182 still photographs, in colour and in black and white, from the filmmaker known for his distinctive — and often disturbing — cinematic style. It opens days before Lanthimos returns to Hollywood for the March 15 Academy Awards ceremony. In his latest film, “Bugonia,” a pair of conspiracy obsessed men kidnap a powerful female executive they accuse of being an alien. The movie received four Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actress for Emma Stone, along with nods for adapted screenplay and original score. The photos, all shot with a film camera, features several portraits of Stone, a frequent star in his films.Lanthimos on Friday said he was happy to dive into something different. Photography, he said, began for him as a technical foundation for filmmaking but gradually became something more personal. “In film school you learn that cinema is basically 24 photographs per second,” he said. “So photography is where it all begins.”Over time, working with still images opened a creative outlet separate from the complex machinery of movie production, he added. “You can be alone with a camera, walking without having something specific in mind,” Lanthimos said. “A photograph can have value on its own, but many photographs together can create another kind of value.”For Lanthimos, photography also offers something cinema rarely can: immediacy. “You create something and almost immediately it exists,” he said, describing the process of shooting and developing film in a darkroom. “You can take a photograph, print it and hold it in your hands. That satisfaction is very direct.” While Lanthimos remains one of contemporary cinema’s most distinctive filmmakers, he said photography will play a growing role in his creative life.Unlike movies, he said, photographs are free to evolve long after they are taken. “You can present them in a book, in an exhibition, combine them in different ways,” Lanthimos said. “There’s a freedom in photography that is very exciting.” The exhibition at the Onassis Foundation runs through May 17.Meanwhile, in the Yorgos Lanthimos film “Bugonia,” a disturbed, conspiracy obsessed man kidnaps the head of a pharmaceutical company and tortures her in an attempt to save humanity. The kidnapper, played by Jesse Plemons, believes his hostage, played by Emma Stone, is an alien. While the situation is heightened, Lanthimos believes that the film isn’t so far-fetched.“Not much of the dystopia in this film is very fictional,” Yorgos said Thursday at the Venice Film Festival. “A lot of it is very reflective of the real world.”“Bugonia” had its world premiere at the prestigious Venice festival, where it’s was in competition for the top prize, the Golden Lion. Focus Features released the film in North American theatres on Oct. 24. The film is a remake of the 2003 Korean film “Save the Green Planet!,” and blends elements of science fiction, horror and comedy. Plemons’ character is obsessed with the idea that Stone is one of an alien species that has have infiltrated Earth with plans to destroy it. The adaptation, written by Will Tracy, has been in development for several years, with Ari Aster involved before Lanthimos came on board to direct.“I have never before been given a script that felt so ready to be made,” Lanthimos said. “I just thought it was so funny and entertaining but also extremely impactful and made you really think about things deeply. I immediately was interested in making it. It felt very relevant then and that was three years ago and it feels even more relevant now.”This is Stone’s fourth time working with Lanthimos and Plemons’ second. Both recently appeared in the film “Kinds of Kindness.” Lanthimos last had a film at Venice in 2023, when “Poor Things” won the Golden Lion prize. It went on to win several Oscars including best actress for Stone.“I love the material he’s drawn to and the worlds he wants to explore,” Stone said. She added that although it sounds cliche, having familiar cast and crew around feels like family and a “really comforting and safe environment to explore.”Part of the role required shaving her head, which she said was the “easiest thing in the world.” Stone said she especially loved how “funny and (expletive) up and alive” the script was, and how it reflected the world. Over the course of developing the script and making the film, Lanthimos said its themes only became more relevant.“Humanity is facing a reckoning very soon,” Lanthimos said. “People need to choose the right path in many ways otherwise I don’t know how much time we have with everything that’s happening in the world with technology, with AI, with wars ... climate change.” He added that he hopes his film “will trigger people to think about what’s happening today all over the world.”Agencies]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:12:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ryan Gosling surprises Eva Mendes on Tonight Show]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/08/ryan-gosling-surprises-eva-mendes-on-tonight-show]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The birthday surprise was not subtle. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling showed up together in public Thursday evening for the first time in more than a decade, with Gosling enlisting “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” host for help in surprising his longtime partner for her 52nd birthday.Gosling was on the show to promote his upcoming film, “Project Hail Mary,” in which he plays a high school teacher tasked with saving the world. So he asked Fallon to arrange for an audience full of — you guessed it — high school teachers. Because Mendes absolutely loves teachers, he said.And then there was the request that they surprise Mendes by singing “Happy Birthday” when she came out on stage. It was unclear whether Gosling also ordered up the marching band that played backup, but Fallon wound up crediting him for the whole deal, which we assume included the, um, confetti cannon.So back to Gosling, who along with Mendes is very private about their relationship and hasn’t been seen at a public event with her (His partner? His wife? Who knows, who cares) since they promoted their 2013 movie “The Place Beyond the Pines.”He talked about the movie, of course, sharing some funny video from a promotional spot he recorded. “This was crazy,” the “Crazy, Stupid, Love” actor told Fallon and the “Tonight Show” audience. “I swear, this is not a paid ad. I swear this happened. This was not planned. I had to do a little thing with Alexa, where I just was supposed to ask her facts about the movie. ... And this is what happened. This is what she said, I swear.”In the video, Gosling quizzed Alexa about why people should see the movie in theaters instead of waiting for it to stream at home. “Because the Imax visuals are absolutely stunning,” Alexa said. But it was what she said next that warmed Gosling’s heart.“Plus, Eva Mendes herself called it a masterpiece that brings back the magic of the big screen experience that you just can’t get the full impact of on your couch at home,” Alexa said.“That Eva Mendes is great, isn’t she?” Gosling said in his trademark slight-smirk delivery.“Absolutely. She’s got this incredible range that people don’t always give her credit for” — at this point Gosling blurted an enthusiastic “Thank you!” — “from her breakthrough in ‘Training Day’ to that beautiful performance in ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ with Ryan Gosling, she brings this authentic vulnerability to every role.”At this point, Gosling kissed Alexa, who was made out of red plastic and had a “Project Hail Mary” image emblazoned on her speaker. “Plus, she’s been smart about stepping back from acting to focus on family,” Alexa continued, “which shows she’s got her priorities straight.”“I couldn’t agree more,” said Gosling, who’s been with Mendes since 2011 and welcomed two daughters with her. Whether they are officially married is, of course, a mystery. And he did kiss Alexa, which could complicate things. That Alexa, she’s a hustler. But married or not, Gosling was 100% committed to surprising Mendes on her 52nd trip around the sun. Turns out she was backstage at the show, thinking she was going to get the opportunity to tell the audience full of teachers how much she appreciated what they do every day. So someone brought her to the set, where Gosling greeted her with a “Hi, sweetheart” and held her hand as he pulled her to center stage.Mendes, apparently thinking her appearance wouldn’t be part of the show, immediately burst into a paean to teaching, telling the educators who were assembled, “I love teachers so much, you guys. We owe so much to you guys. You’re so underpaid and you’re so — I just — thank you so much. I had so many amazing teachers.”Then she turned to Fallon and said, “You’ll cut all this, right?” Seems she hadn’t put two and two together when Gosling pointed her toward the mark on the floor where she was supposed to stand for the cameras.Tribune News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:45:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Lily Collins gets back her diamond engagement ring stolen three years ago]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/08/lily-collins-gets-back-her-diamond-engagement-ring-stolen-three-years-ago]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Actress Lily Collins’ engagement ring is back on her finger after three years, as it was once stolen. The “Emily in Paris” actress shared on her Instagram Stories that she was left “speechless” after the jewelers was able to get her “original” rose-cut diamond ring back to her after three years.“Having this home means SO much to us,” she wrote across a selfie in which she showed off her ring, reports people.com.“I’m still speechless its back in my finger.” The actress’ engagement ring, in addition to her wedding ring and other belongings, were stolen from a West Hollywood hotel on May 6, 2023.At the time, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed that officers responded to a burglary call at a hotel after a well-known female celebrity’s belongings were stolen from a secured locker.The actress was staying at the hotel when she went to the spa and locked up her belongings, sources told and when she returned, her items were gone. The report for the items stolen was categorized as “over $10,000.”Collins and her husband Charlie McDowell got engaged in September 2020. They announced the news on Instagram with photos of the proposal and a close-up of the ring.Appearing on Live with Kelly and Ryan shortly after, Collins said she “was very surprised by” the custom Irene Neuwirth-designed rock.“But it’s exactly what I would’ve wanted and he knew me so well, obviously.”The couple wed on September 4, 2021 in Dunton, Colorado.“I’ve never wanted to be someone’s someone more than I do yours, and now I get to be your wife,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the pair kissing at the altar.For the special day, Collins wore a custom and “magical” gown that she described as a “combination of Western Americana and British Victorian.”The dress was handcrafted over the course of nearly 200 hours and was adorned with lace, silk organza petals and swarovski-beaded micro flower appliqués. It was pared with a dramatic floor-hitting hooded cape.Soon, Collins will be stepping into Audrey Hepburn’s shoes in a new movie about the making of Hepburn’s best-known movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which means there will no doubt me more noteworthy jewelry moments to be had for the star.Collins confirmed that she will portray Hepburn, the British actress and fashion icon who died at 63 in 1993, in a new film that goes behind-the-scenes of the 1961 romantic comedy.Indo-Asian News Service]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:40:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Book shows how Prince’s sound grew out of the place he called home]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/03/08/book-shows-how-princes-sound-grew-out-of-the-place-he-called-home]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Get ready for a deep dive into the Purple One. Among the questions suggested by Rashad Shabazz’s “Prince’s Minneapolis” are: When the late singer wrote “slave” on his cheek to protest his record company, was he thinking about his paternal great-grandparents, who were born into slavery? When the singer contacted Jonathan Cain of the band Journey to make sure “Purple Rain” didn’t sound like Journey’s hit “Faithfully,” how was that related to top 40 music Prince listened to as a kid? And how might growing up in both north and south Minneapolis have influenced the “Minneapolis Sound” he represented?Shabazz writes that the Minneapolis Sound bears echoes of history and geography, including the forced removal of Indigenous people, the city’s history of segregation and the waves of immigrants who brought their music here. We asked Shabazz — who’ll be in Minneapolis later this month to discuss “Prince’s Minneapolis” — to elaborate. (This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.)Why are we still fascinated by Prince?He told false stories about himself, and he really never let people in. He had nondisclosure agreements with his friends to never tell the public that they spent time together. So the public is curious.Nearly a decade after he died, that’s not letting up?There’s a backlog of 40 years of trying to understand this man who did not want to be understood, outside his music. That’s part of it. And he made so much music — the 20,000-plus songs in his vault. In the aftermath of his death, the record company and estate have been releasing them so he’s re-emerged in contemporary popular culture. His “Purple Rain” song was in “Stranger Things,” so it’s back on the charts.“Around the World in a Day” was back on the charts when it was released in an expanded, deluxe edition.While writing, you drew on your previous book, “Spatialising Blackness,” about growing up in Chicago?I wanted to use that framework: a kind of historical geography, looking at spatial phenomenon over time in very precise detail. I was always a big fan, of course, because I lived in Minneapolis and saw him many times and had a college girlfriend who is, in many ways, responsible for this book.So, not a biography of him as much as of Minneapolis music?What I wanted to do is take a broader approach, to look at the context in which he emerged.But he’s been written about a lot, especially by writers in the Twin Cities music scene ...I was going to write about the music community he came out of but then Andrea Swensson wrote that fabulous book (“Got to Be Something Here”). I thought, “This is great. A lot of this is done.” I began to think, “The term ‘Minneapolis Sound’ is associated with Prince,” but I wanted to think critically about what that means in terms of the sonic reality of the music he created, what that entails in instrumentation and harmony and rhythm. But I also thought about geography, that there was a larger music community than the one he was born into, coming up in the late 1960s and ’70s.You trace Prince’s musical influences back how far?To the birth of the city. I began to see he was part of a musical community that came along more than a century before he was even thought of. Music was one way the city was able to bring together diverse groups from western Europe, from the south, from the northeast. Black and white, as well as immigrants coming in.How did Thaddeus Giddings, who had an enormous impact on music education here, influence Prince?As superintendent of music education (starting in 1910), Giddings helped create a deeply democratic element that raised the music literacy of all students in Minneapolis public schools. It was universal and Minneapolis was the first district in the country to make music education compulsory. That had a tremendous impact on Prince.You argue we can hear the history of immigration, racial politics and culture blending in Prince’s songs. Can you talk more about that?Minneapolis, like many American cities, carved the city up along race lines, as well as economic lines. So the stark racial geography that created north and south Minneapolis was accompanied by sonic forces. Black people, living in the north, are mostly listening to R&B, blues-inspired jazz. But, also, early rock ’n’ roll and the blues are being played in those same places by Prince’s mother and father. Downtown, where white musicians were playing, you might hear white pop music, jazz standards. All of those sonic forces, articulated through geography, have rhythmic patterns, harmonic patterns.Which Prince absorbed?By the time Prince is 14 or 15, he is playing funk, he’s deeply interested in R&B — James Brown, of course; Sly and the Family Stone; the Jacksons. He’s really interested in that but he’s also into pop music and a lot of the radio that proliferated in Minneapolis was white rock music. So Black musicians — him and Jimmy Jam and Morris Day and Terry Lewis — had to have a bit more of an expansive vocabulary. They couldn’t just play only Black music, though they played a lot of it.The result is that he “broke down sonic walls?”All musicians all over the world, no matter where they are at, are drawing on the sonic geography around them. It just makes sense. If he was from Chicago, he’d have sounded different. If he was from Seattle, he’d have sounded different. This was the music around him, the music of Minneapolis.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:33:00 +0400</pubDate>
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