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Akshay Kumar visits Abu Dhabi temple site

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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.

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OSCAR SHOCKS AND SURPRISES: WHO IS LIKELY TO WIN BIG ON HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT

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On the big screen, Deadpool clashed with Wolverine in a spectacle that set social media abuzz, while animated darling Inside Out 2 stormed the box office — leaving Joker’s sequel in its shadow. Off-camera, there was more drama as Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni found themselves locked in a bitter legal feud.

The off-screen action, however, didn’t stop there. There were debates over The Brutalist’s daring use of AI and Anora’s controversial decision to forgo an intimacy coordinator sparked plenty of heated exchanges on social media.

As the Academy Awards draw near on Sunday, March 2,  2025, the anticipation is palpable. We look at some of the possible winners on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Best Picture: Anora leads, but there others 

Anora is just barely ahead—but only by a hair. Why? A string of major wins, including the Critics Choice, Producers Guild, and Directors Guild Awards, put it in prime position. But rivals like Conclave and The Brutalist are lurking. We could see a historic upset here.

Best Director: Close fight between Sean Baker and Brady Corbet

Two directors, one golden statuette. Sean Baker (Anora) and Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) are neck and neck. But history favours Baker, thanks to the Directors Guild Awards’ near-flawless Oscar track record. Still, nothing is certain.

Best Actor: Both Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet are in the race

Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) was cruising toward his second Oscar—until Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) crashed the party with a major SAG win! Brody is still the favourite, but don’t be shocked if Chalamet pulls off a dramatic last-minute upset.

Best Actress: Demi Moore has a fair chance 

Demi Moore (The Substance) has swept the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards. But with Anora’s Mikey Madison taking the BAFTA and I’m Still Here’s Fernanda Torres still in play, Moore’s victory lap could be premature.

Best Supporting Actor: Could Kieran Culkin lose?

Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) has dominated awards season. Could someone else steal the statue? Sure. But at 87.7% likelihood, this one looks locked in.

Best Supporting Actress: This could be a clean sweep for Zoe Saldana 

Despite chatter that controversy around Emilia Pérez could hurt her chances, Zoe Saldaña is sweeping through the competition. The numbers say she’s almost certain to take home gold.

Best Animated flick: The Wild Robot could go for gold

Chris Sanders has been nominated four times — but never won. At 55 per cent, The Wild Robot is the favourite. But Flow and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl are still in the game.

Best International movie: A twist in the tale

Emilia Pérez was expected to dominate — but controversy, critic-audience divides, and I’m Still Here gaining ground could mean a shocking upset.

Final Thoughts: Who will win, who’ll lose

There’s no such thing as a sure thing at the Oscars — but if the data is right, expect major moments, potential heartbreaks, and perhaps a few historic wins.

(Source: Hollywood Reporter, BBC)

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Bollywood power couple Govinda’s marriage on the rocks after 40 years

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Salman Khan’s ‘Nepotism’ Joke Steals the Show at Nephew Ayaan’s Song Launch in Dubai

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Salman Khan has never been one to hold back, and at a recent event in Dubai, he added his signature dose of humour to the oft-debated topic of nepotism in Bollywood. The superstar, fondly known as Sallubhai, was in town to launch his nephew Ayaan Agnihotri’s debut song, “Universal Laws”, and in true Salman style, he had the audience in splits with his witty remark.

As Dubai’s DJ Bliss – who hosted the event – praised the Khan family for their unwavering support for Ayaan, Salman quipped, “That’s what nepotism is!” His playful jab left everyone in the room in splits.

And as the crowd cheered, Salman officially launched the song, marking Ayaan’s much-anticipated entry into the music world.

A Star-Studded Affair

The event turned into a Bollywood reunion, with stars like Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, and other celebrities coming together to celebrate Ayaan’s big moment.

During his speech, Salman highlighted that Ayaan, the son of Atul Agnihotri and Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Salman’s sister), hails from a family of seasoned film producers. He also mentioned that Ayaan’s cousin, Alizeh Agnihotri, who recently made her Bollywood debut, shares the same film-driven lineage.

Ayaan and Salman’s Previous Collaboration

This isn’t the first time the uncle-nephew duo has joined forces. Salman and Ayaan previously worked together on the track, “You Are Mine”, where the young artist showcased his rap skills alongside the Bollywood megastar. The song, composed by Vishal Mishra, became a talking point among fans.

Salman & Sanjay Dutt Spotted in Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, Salman is keeping busy with multiple projects. A recent video circulating on social media showed him and actor Sanjay Dutt filming on the streets of Saudi Arabia. The clip, shared by an X user, captured the two actors casually chatting with crew members.

The buzz is that Salman and Sanjay are working on a cameo appearance in the Bollywood remake of the 2021 Argentine film Seven Dogs. While details remain under wraps, fans are excited to see the duo share screen space again.

From family celebrations in Dubai to shooting in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan is proving yet again that his star power knows no boundaries.

(Inputs from Hindustan Times, Zee News)

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