Entertainment

Artificial Intelligence in its current form not threat to creativity: Javed Akhtar

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2023

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New Delhi [India], September 22 (ANI): Amidst concerns by artists and other creatives that artificial technology would rapidly replace them, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar believes that the technology of artificial intelligence in its current form is unlikely to hurt or become a threat to the artistry of content creators.

According to the prolific writer and poet, who has notched up an extensive repertoire as a screenwriter penning verses for films says creativity stems from instinct and the writer needs a leap of faith to turn it into something tangible.

“Nobody can stop technology. It is fait accompli. Innovation will never stop and will only continue…Yes, with the help of Artificial Intelligence, you can write a letter to a deputy collector or write a job application,” he said adding that the technology cannot substitute for the creative instinct.

Akhtar, who has to his credit five National Film Awards for best lyricist during an event in the national capital to mark the launch of his latest book-‘Talking Life in Conversation with Nasreen Munni Kabir’ said “Ultimately, writing cannot be done only through data. There is a kind of leap of faith in creative writing or creative work and an instinct (of the creator) attached to the process.”Akthar was speaking at the event organised by The Anant Raj Corporation (TARC).

While the emerging technology is increasingly being used by creators to pen books, poems, essays and news articles among others, essentially to reduce the cost of production, it is increasingly being used by creators to make videos which combines images, voice and effects with the potential to disrupt.

On the potential misuse of such emerging technology, the lyricist writer said,”Technology gives birth to new possibilities. In new possibilities, there is always a possibility of misuse. So to stop that misuse you will have to bring laws.”On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued an interim order protecting the”personality rights” of Anil Kapoor and restraining various entities from misusing his image, name voice or other elements of his persona- including his signature catchphrase ‘Jhakaas’ for financial gain without his consent.

Meanwhile, speaking on how copyright issues are hampering creativity from flourishing, Akthar said,”You see when a writer writes a book, should the person have rights over it or not? By publishing the book, the publisher, or for that matter anyone earns millions and does not pay anything to the creator. How can that be acceptable?””You buy a house and you want ownership of it. And If I write, why should I not be given ownership of it? Copyright is something which gives a writer, a painter or a musician the due right they deserve and the remuneration attached to their creation,” the 77-year-old poet-lyricist said.

Notably, an amendment in the Copyright Act was brought in 2012, with the primary objective of establishing an equitable and just framework for the sharing of revenue to protect the rights of owners and authors.

Akhtar, also praised the late Arun Jaitley for having supported the Copyright (Amendment) Bill that was passed unanimously in Parliament in 2012, while he was still a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.

“Till my last breath I will be thankful to him (Arun Jaitley). The Bill was introduced by the UPA but he heard everything and read everything and he said ‘it is a gentleman’s promise that I will see to it that the Bill is passed because it is right’,” Akhtar recalled.

Meanwhile, during the course of the book launch event on Thursday, Akthar asked about what he thought about current productions in the Indian film industry said that”content is a part of the larger society.””Indian film industry or Indian films and their content is a part of the larger society. It is not that movies are portraying something that is not happening in our society. Indian films have always reflected what is happening in the society. Even commercial films are realistic,” said Akhtar.

The veteran poet, however, painted a gloomy picture on how language itself had shrunk in society.

“You do not have that level of vocabulary that your grandparents had,” he told the gathering. “For the pursuit of creating wealth, we have left behind our culture, tradition, mythology, language, and literature.” (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

Bollywood singer Vishal Mishra set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Staff Reporter

Bollywood’s award-winning playback singer and composer Vishal Mishra is all set to make his electrifying debut at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena on November 22. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the maestro takes the stage to perform his chart-topping hits live for the first time in the city.

Renowned for his soulful voice and a discography brimming with heartfelt melodies, Vishal Mishra has left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. From chartbusters like “Pehla Pyaar” and “Zihal e Miskin” Vishal’s music has captured hearts worldwide. His signature blend of melody and emotion, combined with his ability to connect deeply with audiences, promises a concert that will be nothing short of magical.

Speaking about the upcoming concert, the 32-year-old star who rose to fame with the hit song “Kaise Hua” from Kabir Singh, shared his excitement: “Performing in Dubai is always like a dream, and I am thrilled to finally connect with my fans here at the Coca-Cola Arena. Music has the power to unite people, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone. I promise it will be a night filled with love, energy, and pure magic.”

A Night to Remember:

The Coca-Cola Arena, one of Dubai’s premier entertainment venues, will set the stage for this extraordinary event. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, the arena will provide the perfect setting for Vishal Mishra to bring his music to life, offering fans a front-row seat to the essence of Bollywood’s musical brilliance.

Attendees can look forward to an intimate yet high-energy experience, as Vishal performs his Bollywood Chartbusters like “Pehle Bhi Main” from movie ‘Animal’, Oscar award winning “Nacho Nacho” from Movie RRR and fan favourites such as Zihal-e-miskin, Aaj Bhi and Manjha.

With fans across the region eagerly awaiting this event, tickets are already selling fast. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Vishal’s music or only discovering his artistry for the first time, this concert promises a night to remember for all.

Event Details:
Date: 22nd November 2024
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94400/vishal-mishtra-live-in-coca-cola-arena-dubai

Entertainment

Neha Kakkar set to Headline Inaugural Indian Musical Festival in Dubai

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Suhani Singh

The Indian Musical Festival (IMF), Dubai’s biggest music festival, is set to debut with an unforgettable performance by Bollywood’s Pop Queen, Neha Kakkar. Taking place at Etisalat Academy on December 28, 2024, this premier event will bring Neha Kakkar back to Dubai, three years since her last live show in the city, for a show-stopping experience filled with energy, music, and the true spirit of Bollywood. Known for her iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and hits that have dominated the charts, Neha’s performance at IMF Dubai is anticipated to be the must-attend musical celebration of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB3A04IIh7F/?igsh=ZHUzbWw5Z2JvcTR6

Neha Kakkar, with her infectious charisma and talent, has become one of the most-watched female artists worldwide, amassing over 4 billion views on YouTube and a fanbase of more than 78.7m followers on Instagram. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist awarded the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in 2021, underscoring her massive influence and popularity. Her recognition on platforms such as Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 and the Asia 100 Digital Stars lists further highlights her global impact, solidifying her status as an international music icon.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Aadhil Noushad, Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to bring the Indian Musical Festival to Dubai, with Neha Kakkar headlining our maiden edition. It is our pleasure to unite the fans with the music and artists they love through unforgettable performances and energy. We look forward to making IMF Dubai a landmark festival that celebrates Indian music and culture on a grand scale.”

This maiden edition of IMF Dubai is expected to be a celebration like no other with more than 10,000 tickets on sale, making it one of the biggest music carnivals in the UAE. It is set to capture the heart of Bollywood through Neha Kakkar’s most beloved songs and deliver an electrifying night to fans and music lovers across the UAE. As the headline artist, Neha will take the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, blending powerful vocals with captivating stage production in an evening that promises non-stop entertainment and high-energy performances.

Tickets for IMF Dubai’s inaugural concert are now on sale, with a limited-time 15 per cent discount available on all categories during Phase 1 of ticketing. Given the high anticipation around this event, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of Dubai’s largest Bollywood musical celebration of 2024. This exclusive event not only brings fans closer to one of India’s most celebrated pop sensations but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Bollywood music scene in Dubai.

IMF Dubai, organised by Notout Entertainments LLC and Elounge India with ticketing partner Qtickets, represents a landmark commitment to premier Indian entertainment in Dubai. As IMF Dubai launches its flagship festival, it sets a new standard for Indian musical events in the region, with future editions already in the planning stages to make an even greater impact. IMF Dubai is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, music, and a shared passion that connects people across borders.

For more information on tickets, event details, and more, please visit imfdubai.com/.

To book your tickets now, visit tinyurl.com/4jpwarkw.

For more queries and the latest updates, visit tinyurl.com/jkr44nvs.

Announcements

GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL SPECTACLE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI” TO PREMIERE IN DECEMBER 2025

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Staff Reporter

Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.

“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for “Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

An Unforgettable Story

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent

At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life. “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”

Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said: “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.” He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end.