Entertainment

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s personality cannot be compared to present-day politicians: Pankaj Tripathi

Published

3 years ago

January 16, 2024

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

[ad_1]

Mumbai [Maharashtra], January 16 (ANI): Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is upbeat with his forthcoming movie on late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee highlighted his poetic side and said that he cannot be compared with present-day politicians.

“The personality of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is such that it cannot be compared to present-day politicians. He was a poet… He was a leader whose staunchest enemies were also his admirers…”On his upcoming film ‘Main Atal Hoon’, actor Pankaj Tripathi says, “The personality of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is such that it cannot be compared to present-day politicians. He was a poet… He was a leader whose staunchest enemies were also his admirers,” said Tripathi on his upcoming film ‘Main Atal Hoon.’Sharing what he has learned from Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s personality, Pankaj said in an interview with ANI, “I’ve learned that a person should be democratic from the inside; that even when I’m upset with you, I know deep down that I’m angry with you and you don’t like me, but I still enjoy this. He motivates you to believe that everyone can do anything in life.”The actor also divulged about how he prepared for the role of late PM Vajpayee, he said, “After preparing and reading about Atal ji’s characteristics, you would not feel the same way about modern-day leaders. Politicians, who were not just his opponents but even his staunchest critics, respected him and adhered to his legislative etiquette. It is tough to find an opponent for Atal in Indian politics. I was wondering if I could do justice to this. But I have attended two of Atal ji’s political rallies. I went to listen to him, standing in the crowd five hundred metres away.””Atal Bihari Vajpayee is well-known among people. We’ve told you about the young child from Bateshwar who grew up to be Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As said in the poem, ‘Manushya ko chahiye chunautiyon se lade, Ek svapn toote to doosra gadde.’ This is Atal ji’s poetry, which has been unexpectedly included in the film in a scene,” he concluded.

Director of the movie Ravi Jadhav said, “Even before we were writing the film, it was known that Pankaj Tripathi was playing this role.”Producer Vinod Bhanushali said, “Last December, Atal ji celebrated his ninety-ninth birthday, and we are releasing the film in his one hundredth year. We consider it fortunate that he has lived for eighty years. I informed Ravi ji that we needed to write that much life in two hours and a few minutes.

He added, “Prior to this film, we had shot the film in Uttar Pradesh. The UP administration provides extensive assistance for films. Whether we are discussing permits or location, you will receive a lot of help.”‘Main Atal Hoon’ is helmed by director Ravi Jadhav. The film is written by Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav.

The film is all set to hit theatres on January 19, 2024. It is backed by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan and Kamlesh Bhanushali. (ANI)

[ad_2]

Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Dubai Miracle Garden returns as UAE’s cooler season begins

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2026

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

Dubai’s Miracle Garden has reopened for its 15th season as temperatures begin to fall across the UAE. The popular attraction in Al Barsha South welcomed visitors on Thursday, 8 October, with the new season being launched under the theme “Fifteen Years, Blooming Together”.

Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of Miracle Group, inaugurated the new season. The garden will remain open until 31 May 2027, with a programme of weekly themes and events planned around the UAE’s cultural and national calendar.

Visitors will see activities linked to occasions including Pink October, United Nations Day, UAE Flag Day and Diwali. The programme will also include live music, family entertainment and fitness activities held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Events are also planned for Commemoration Day and Eid Al Etihad.

“For fifteen seasons, Dubai Miracle Garden has grown alongside Dubai and its people,” Sheikh Theyab said. “This season is dedicated to the community that made it possible, particularly the families and residents who return year after year.”

Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, group chief executive of Miracle Group, said the weekly programme was intended to encourage visitors to return throughout the season.

“As we mark our 15th season, Dubai Miracle Garden continues to bring people together through shared experiences,” he said. “Our weekly programme gives families a new reason to return, with cultural celebrations, live entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout the season.”

The garden features more than 150 varieties of flowers and is known for its large-scale floral displays, some of which have previously set Guinness World Records.

Since opening in 2013, it has attracted millions of visitors and become one of Dubai’s established family attractions.The garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 11pm at weekends.

Tickets start at Dh105 for adults and Dh84 for children. Children under three can enter free of charge.

Entertainment

Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone

Published

2 months ago

August 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.

The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.

The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.

Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.

Other ticket options

Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375

Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.

Bigger family attractions

Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.

The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

Six sports and top rugby action

Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.

Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.

The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.

The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.

Music all weekend

Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.

Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.

For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.

With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

9 months ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.