Entertainment

A global sensation fuelled by diaspora’s enthusiasm

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2023

Staff Reporter

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Punjab [India], October 14 (ANI): In the realm of cinema, where linguistic borders are increasingly fading into insignificance, the unexpected success of the Punjabi film ‘Mastaney’ in Seoul, South Korea, in September sent ripples across the industry. The burning question was whether the Korean audience had suddenly developed an affinity for Punjabi language movies. The answer, however, is a testament to the enduring influence of the Punjabi diaspora, Khalsa Vox reported.

Punjabi cinema has been steadily making inroads into international markets for a while now. It all commenced with cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Manmohan Singh’s groundbreaking film ‘Jee Aayan Nu.’ This cinematic masterpiece showcased a Punjab far removed from the stereotypical portrayal of rustic villages, horses, and bandits. Instead, it presented a Punjab with opulent farmhouses, complete with swimming pools and modern luxury, which resonated deeply with viewers, especially those residing abroad, according to Khalsa Vox.

Khalsa Vox is a new-age online digest that brings to you the latest in Punjab politics, history, culture, heritage and more.

The adept direction of Manmohan Singh and the novel approach in ‘Jee Aayan Nu’ significantly contributed to its worldwide triumph. Prolific actor Gurpreet Ghuggi, a notable figure in ‘Mastaney,’ recollects how this film shattered stereotypes and struck a chord with international audiences.

Munish Sahni, a distributor and producer of several successful Punjabi films, underscores the noteworthy surge in overseas demand for Punjabi cinema. ‘Mastaney,’ for instance, gained popularity in South Korea and Africa, thanks to the widespread presence of the Punjabi diaspora. This trend is also evident in established markets like Canada and Australia, as well as emerging markets.

Deepa Rai, a UK-based film director, highlights the increasing number of cities in the UK where Punjabi films are being screened, signifying a growing market. Sharan Art, the director of ‘Mastaney,’ reveals that the overseas market consistently accounts for 60 per cent of the industry’s success in contrast to the domestic market. The triumphant release of ‘Carry on Jatta 3’ in 30 countries, including Spain with Spanish subtitles, illustrates the global allure of Punjabi cinema.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the overseas success of Punjabi cinema is fundamentally propelled by Punjabi communities. Daljit Thind, a prominent Punjabi film producer, notes that except for occasional non-Indian, non-Punjabi viewers, the audience is predominantly Punjabi. Punjabi cinema holds particular significance in Canada, often surpassing Bollywood. Rai points out that only big-budget films featuring bankable actors like Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, Amrinder Gill, and Ammy Virk secure theatrical releases abroad.

Munish Sahni contends that what works in India also resonates with international audiences because “audiences are universal.” While Deepa Rai suggests that ‘Mastaney’ struck a chord due to its Sikh culture-specific theme, Sahni counters that this year’s major Punjabi films are diverse, underscoring their universal appeal.

Religious subjects have also found resonance abroad. Harry Baweja’s ‘Chaar Sahibzaade,’ which portrayed the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, garnered significant acclaim. Baweja believes that approaching religious themes objectively can yield remarkable results. Behind the triumph of ‘Mastaney’ lies not only its grand scale but also its portrayal of a lesser-known historical facet, a formula that continues to captivate audiences, as reported by Khalsa Vox.

The cornerstone of Punjabi cinema’s enduring global success is its commitment to quality. Producers are thinking innovatively and expanding into uncharted territories. Dubbing Punjabi films in foreign languages is one approach that broadens the potential viewership. However, maintaining a consistent stream of Punjabi content is equally pivotal in establishing Punjabi cinema as a regular choice for audiences.

In the grand scheme of things, while ‘Mastaney’ alone might not be the sole catalyst for global recognition, it undoubtedly paves the way. As envisioned by Sharan Art, when Punjabi cinema begins to reflect the diverse narratives of the Punjabi diaspora, it will forge deeper connections with international audiences. Until then, wherever Punjabis tread, Punjabi cinema will invariably follow, dismantling barriers and rendering boundaries irrelevant. The future holds the promise of a thriving Punjabi cinema on the global stage, Khalsa Vox reported. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

1 month ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.

Announcements

Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

Published

4 months ago

June 14, 2025

Staff Reporter

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

● Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

● Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

● Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.