Entertainment

Akshay Kumar visits Abu Dhabi temple site

Published

1 year ago

April 30, 2023

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar paid a visit to the developing structure of the Hindu temple coming up in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The temple is being built by a Swaminarayan sect, known as BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) on the outskirts of the UAE capital. Akshay Kumar was accompanied by veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani and businessman Jiten Doshi.

Besides offering a prayer, they got a tour of the site while attending a Rivers of Harmony exhibition. Kumar and the troupe got to lay down a brick in the foundation of the temple. They have now joined more than 40,000 people who have placed their bricks to help in the construction of the Mandir by “giving harmony a hand.”

Known for his habit to rise early, Kumar reached the site at 8am and was to be a 40-minute session, but he stayed along with chief host Swami Brahmaviharidas, the head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, for two hours.

The priest shared details of the project’s completion and development with the temple’s board of directors and key volunteers in the audience. The temple is due to open in February of 2024.

Going with the feel of the company around the site, the Hindu cleric described the temple as “this project is scripted in heaven and is now being screen played here on earth.” In reel life, Kumar featured in the film Ram Setu last year, which was about an atheist archaeologist who turns into a believer. Kumar and Bhagnani are collaborating for the sequel of the latter’s film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, to be directed by Abu Dhabi regular Ali Abbas Zafar.

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Swami Brahmaviharidas led the delegation as they explored the breathtaking design and architecture, crafted entirely from magnificent pink Rajasthani stones and Italian marble, without a trace of steel.

According to witness accounts, Kumar was awe-inspired when Swami Brahmaviharidas unveiled the intricate carvings beneath each of the seven spires housing different deities. The carvings wrap around the plinth of the Mandir and depict the life story of the respective divinity.

ALSO READ: New Hindu temple of Dubai opens in Jebel Ali

The temple is not just about Hindu civilisation alone. There is a spot where 14 international value tales from ancient civilizations are being carved – a unique feature not found in any other Mandir around the world.

Brahmaviharidas shared a tale from the Babemba tribe in Africa; the story reflects the concept of Ubuntu, which translates to “humanity towards others”. In this tribe, if anyone commits a crime, the entire tribe stops their work and circles the person who committed the crime for two days.

During this time, they speak only of the person’s praises, refusing to acknowledge the wrongdoing. This story struck a chord with Kumar, to which he said, “this is very heart touching.”

While Kumar took time out to greet the workers on the site, he and the priest expressed gratitude for the generosity of Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan and support of India prime minister Narendra Modi.

Kuumar Kavita Shyam

Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)

Entertainment

‘KGF’ fame Yash’s new haircut for upcoming film ‘Toxic’ garners fans’ attention

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2024

Staff Reporter

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23 (ANI): Actor Yash, best known for headlining blockbuster ‘KGF’ franchise, has a huge fan following. The audience not only enjoys his acting skills but also adores his style.

Fans have usually seen Yash sporting a long beard and long hair. Surprisingly, the actor has now donned a new look for his upcoming film ‘Toxic’.

Celebrity hairstylist Alex Vijaykanth, who has been working with Yash for over a decade now, gave him the shorter and edgier hairstyle.

Sharing a picture with Yash on his social media, Alex in the caption wrote, “Crafting a look that’s truly explosive. A custom pompadour for Rocking Star Yash! From the iconic long hair look to the shorter, edgier and intense style for Toxic. Creating a hairstyle that perfectly complements characters played by @thenameisYash is a challenge I relish, and this pompadour is a testament to it.”In the image, Yash is seen getting a grooming session done by Alex.

Fans in no time chimed in the comment section and praised Yash’s new look.

“Woww…Yash looks so handsome,” a social media user commented.

“Yash Boss stealing hearts! With this look,” another one wrote.

‘Toxic’ was announced in December 2023.

Taking to Instagram, Yash shared a post which he captioned, “‘What you seek is seeking you’ – Rumi A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups TOXIC.”Helmed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is all set to hit the theatres on April 10, 2025. The film is touted to be an action-oriented film set against the backdrop of the drug mafia. (ANI)

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Announcements

Tech Mahindra Global Chess League to Host its Second Edition in London

Published

4 weeks ago

June 29, 2024

Staff Reporter

The Global Chess League, a joint initiative between the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, is set for a highly anticipated second edition in London. Following the success of the first edition, the league aims to unite the world’s top chess players in one of the most historic cities.

The 10-day, one-of-a-kind chess league featuring top players will take place at Friends House, located in the heart of central London, from October 3rd to 12th, 2024. Based on the feedback from fans worldwide, London was selected as the venue for this season to connect with the fast-growing fan base and enthusiasm for chess in the European region.

Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, said, “After a fantastic response to the inaugural season, we are excited to continue our mission of expanding the reach of chess worldwide and drawing in new experiences for chess fans. Tech Mahindra’s commitment to usher in a new era in the modern chess ecosystem is commendable, and we are confident that the second edition of the league will provide the right platform and push needed to further elevate the sport.”

Through this innovative league, FIDE and Tech Mahindra aim to revolutionize the fan experience of chess through a new format and ecosystem, providing an inclusive platform for fans to support their favourite teams and stars, similar to major global sports leagues. The second edition will feature top players from around the world, including reigning world champions and rising stars, competing in a unique team format that emphasizes strategy, collaboration, and high-stakes play.

Mohit Joshi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tech Mahindra, said, “Chess and business share key values such as planning, speed, strategy, and risk management. The infusion of technology opens exciting new opportunities, transforming both fields. The Global Chess League’s second edition creates a unique platform for the global growth of Chess.”

Building on the success of its first season, the league aims to further broaden the viewership base through live broadcasts, interactive fan experiences, and community engagement activities like soon to be launched Global Chess League Trophy Tour. In the tournament, the players will compete in a unique joint team format consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player per team. Each team will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system.

Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Global Chess League Board, said, “We will continue to leverage the Global Chess League’s innovative format and next-gen technologies to captivate and engage fans worldwide. The second edition is seeing unprecedented excitement from our partners and stakeholders. Together with FIDE, our vision for the league is to bring the best from the chess world.”

The second season will see FIDE and Tech Mahindra collaborate to tap into the growing chess fan base, build a larger audience for chess viewing, and engage in exciting fan activities such as the ongoing all-inclusive hackathon. The hackathon engages with participants of all chess skill levels and technical expertise and collates ideas for improving the way chess is experienced, played, and consumed. Participants can propose ideas in various categories, including education, digital innovation, social impact, business, and arts, among others.

Entertainment

Enrique Iglesias to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this September

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2024

Staff Reporter

Global superstar Enrique Iglesias is returning to Dubai for a concert at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, September 13.

Iglesias, who is known for his infectious dance tracks and chart-topping ballads, has sold over 180 million records worldwide in a career spanning well over two decades and is one of the world’s most streamed and viewed artists with over 40 billion streams across all platforms.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7dTtmfI1N1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

He has received countless awards as a singer and songwriter, with a legacy of hits that have made him a global phenomenon.

Fans will be singing and dancing the night away to a setlist including the likes of Hero, Bailamos, Escape and Tonight.

This will be Enrique Iglesias’ first concert at Coca-Cola Arena having last played in Dubai at the Jazz Festival in 2017.

Exclusive presale tickets to see Enrique Iglesias in Dubai will be available from 8am on Wednesday, 29 May for 24 hours. General tickets will then go on sale on Thursday, 30 May at 8am.