Dishoom star to recreate Abu Dhabi stunt for promotional event
The stars of action-adventure movie Dishoom are pulling out all the stops to promote the film ahead of its release on Thursday. The latest stunt involves stars Varun Dhawan and John Abraham, who will recreate the film's most expensive helicopter action sequence – which was filmed in Abu Dhabi, along with many other action sequences – live for fans in Delhi. The duo will arrive at an event at a cricket ground in Noida hanging from a chopper, just like in the film. Co-star Jacqueline Fernandez will accompany them, from the comfort of a seat inside the chopper. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is busy ensuring that all safety measures and protocols are in place for the stunt at the event, the date of which has yet to be announced. – Sonali Kokra
Liam will return to One Direction, says sister
The sister of One Direction singer Liam Payne says the 22-year-old will return to One Direction when the popular boy band ends its hiatus. Ruth Payne took to social media to reassure fans that he is not abandoning the group, despite his recently announced solo record deal. “So happy for Liam,” she wrote on Twitter. “I am biased but he is so talented it would have been a shame for him not to release music for two years.” One fan responded: “He’s still staying in One Direction though, right?” She responded: “Yeah, I’m not sure how a solo career in the band ‘hiatus’ would affect membership”. Liam said One Direction will always be his “family”when he announced his solo deal with Capitol Records. – IANS
Kabali earns $2m in North America
The Tamil action drama Kabali, starring superstar actor Rajinikanth, got off to a flying start internationally, earning US$2 million (Dh7.3m) in the US and Canada on its opening day, according to distribution company CineGalaxy. It comes as Rajinikanth fever sweeps India, where the film is showing on 12,000 screens and many employers declared a day's holiday on Friday so that workers could go and see it. "It is easily the best opening for an Indian film from premiere shows in North America. The film has collected $2m from the premiere shows and it includes both the Tamil and Telugu version," said Sanjay Dusari, co-founder of CineGalaxy Inc. Kabali was shown on more than 400 screens in the US and Canada. "No other star's film could have achieved this kind of opening," added Dusari, "To collect $2 million from premieres is no easy feat and it was possible because of the excellent pre-release buzz and Rajinikanth's association with the project." The film tells the story of a gangster looking for redemption and his campaign for equal pay rights for Tamils in Malaysia. – IANS
Designer Rahul Mishra debuts new collection in India
Award-winning fashion designer Rahul Mishra showcased his latest collection, Monsoon Diaries, at FDCI India Couture Week in New Delhi. About 36 looks, including bridal ensembles, were sent down the ramp at the Taj Palace, featuring hand-woven artwork inspired by the flora of the monsoon. The designer used fabrics including khadi, organza, merino wool and georgette, and a colour palette of indigo, celadon green and natural earthy tones. Mishra's silhouettes comprised lehngas, anarkalis, saris and evening gowns. "It is dedicated to nature and is inspired by German biologist and artist Ernst Haecke's work Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms of Nature, 1899)." said Mishra. The collection took four months and more than 250 artisans to create by hand. It features weaving techniques including French knots and wire work. Mishra's contemporaries, designers Manish Malhotra and Ritu Kumar were among those attending the event. The five-day couture fashion showcase concludes on July 24. – IANS
Administrator of Prince’s estate dismisses more inheritance claims
The administrator of Prince’s estate has further solidified the inheritance claims of the pop superstar’s six siblings by dismissing more than a dozen other claimants, according to court documents. Prince, who died suddenly at the age of 57 in April, apparently without a will, has long been identified in public records as the only son from Mattie Shaw’s marriage to John L Nelson, who also fathered Prince’s younger sister, Tyka Nelson. In the court filings on Friday, Crosby formally validated the claim of heirship of Tyka Nelson and said she does not have to submit to genetic testing. In court documents released last week, Crosby also validated the claims of heirship of five known half-siblings who he said have demonstrated they share at least one genetic parent with Prince. Prince’s estate, estimated to be worth more than US$500million (Dh1.8billion), could be divided up under Minnesota law into equal shares for his siblings and the nearest surviving descendants of any deceased siblings. – Reuters
Pakistani singer Khan unites Bollywood and Qawwali in UK shows
Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, known for his Bollywood hits and performing Qawwali – Sufi devotional music that dates back more than 700 years – is taking the two genres to Britain in August for three concerts. Khan, who performed at last year’s Nobel Peace Prize awards, said his short British tour would include classical music from Pakistan as well as popular songs from Indian movies, including the recent film Sultan. Khan spoke about the challenges faced by the Pakistani music industry and his efforts to promote the musical legacy of his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a Qawwali master who died in 1997: “I think that our family is very fortunate, very lucky, that on their own merit, from themselves, using whatever means necessary, singing Qawwali, in all corners and areas, in every place, singing in villages, they’ve promoted it. Its reputation, its respect, they’ve increased this for the listeners. It’s not a bad thing to have done. It gives birth to spirituality and brings peace to life that everyone would have experienced, whoever is a Qawwali listener, they would see how calm they are.” – Reuters