Entertainment

Ewan McGregor talks about being reluctant to play Obi Wan-Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2024

Staff Reporter

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Washington [US], February 1 (ANI): Scottish actor Ewan McGregor shared that he was reluctant to play Obi Wan-Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’, according to Variety.

“It wasn’t a done deal for me. I didn’t think it was at all who I was. I believed, at that point, I was a Danny Boyle actor. ‘The Beach’ was more important and I meant it, it wasn’t flippant. I did ask a lot of people for advice,” Ewan McGregor said.

“I am happy that I am this character for a lot of people, but when these films came out, they were so disliked. That was hard. The first one was panned and we still had to make another two! It was weird to be in a film that was hammered,” added McGregor.

He enjoyed making ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi,” though. “I would love to do the second season, but there’s no talk of it yet. There is a lot going on at Disney.”In Goteborg, he also discussed a certain beloved classic, “Trainspotting.””It’s such a special film to a lot of people. Very, very special to me. I find it very moving. I am proud of it and everything about it. When we did ‘Shallow Grave’ it was our first movie, when it came out it left a mark on British cinema, and there was a certain expectation of what we could do next. Your first director, it’s like your first love or something,” shared the actorHe was given the script at Sundance. “They made a big deal out of saying they are not offering it to me. I went, ‘….hell you have to let me play that role! John, the writer, didn’t think I was quite right so I went away and stopped eating. Next time I saw them, I was super skinny.””I am looking forward to T:3 when we are all in our 70s, in a retirement home for smackheads, stealing nurse’s drugs,” he said. Also remembering “unsung hero,” late cinematographer Brian Tufano.

“We were both asked to leave the Danny Boyle camp on his fourth movie,” he laughed.

“But the first time I saw ‘Trainspotting’ in London with my uncle, I remember crossing the street, getting a drink and feeling a bit numb. Sent me off the rails for years and years. Not really. I am joking!,” shared the actor.

According to Variety, McGregor developed an interest in acting after watching his uncle Denis Lawson. “I got to see him in the theatre first, a huge experience for a child, and then on TV. Then a film called ‘Star Wars’ he was in. It blew our tiny minds,” he said.

He didn’t decide to become an actor at that same time, despite what some people may have said. “They are called unauthorized biographies. My uncle is still baffled that ‘Star Wars’ had such an impact. I wanted to be like him, but I also really profoundly got moved by it. I was in it and it was the same with movies. I told him when I was 9 and he said: ‘Come back to me when you are older.’ Which I did.”The miniseries ‘Lipstick on Your Collar’ cast him after he dropped out of school at the age of 16. “I was incredibly nonchalant because I was obsessed with another script. The last recall for both was on the same day, I had to get across town. I just did and said: ‘I have to go.’ They went: ‘Who is this guy?’ And they cast me. The other film collapsed and it was never made. I just thank my lucky stars. This was my start,” he said.

“I had a perm and black hair for it. Just saying.”He also talked about being Scottish. As he mentioned, “Being Scottish is deeply who I am, but it means different things for different people. Leaving Scotland was hard, but I aimed for London. I knew that’s where I would start. And I was right! I am Scottish wherever I am,” reported Variety. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

3 months ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Entertainment

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

Published

3 months 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

5 months 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.