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From Nitin Desai to Gufi Paintal, celebs who bid adieu to world in 2023

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New Delhi [India], December 31 (ANI): Many great faces who left a lasting impression on the audience passed away this year. They will always be recognised for their outstanding contribution. Their legacies will live on and inspire future generations.

As the year is about to end, it’s time to reflect on those who have left a legacy and indelible mark in the film industry.

Satish KaushikVeteran Bollywood icon Satish Kaushik passed away on March 9, 2023, at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack. The shocking news of his demise sent shockwaves throughout the Indian film industry, leaving his fans bereft.

His first film role came in 1983 with ‘Masoom’ where he played a small but memorable part. He went on to appear in several films in the 80s and 90s, including classics like ‘Ram Lakhan’ and ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’, among others.

However, it was his part as the endearing Calendar in the 1987 classic ‘Mr India’ established Satish Kaushik as a household celebrity. He penned the screenplay for the cult classic ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and directed popular films like ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’ and ‘Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain’. He has directed and produced several hit films, including ‘Tere Naam’ and ‘Milenge Milenge’.

Nitesh PandeyActor Nitesh Pandey, who was best known for his role as Dheeraj Kapoor in Rupali Ganguly’s famous TV drama ‘Anupamaa’, passed away at the age of 51. Born on January 17, 1972, he was known for his work in TV, theatre and cinema.

Nitesh appeared in shows such as ‘Tejas’, ‘Manzilein Apani Apani’, ‘Saaya’, ‘Astitva Ek Prem Kahani’, ‘and ‘Durgesh Nandini’. He also had a production house. He also acted in films like ‘Badhaai Do’, ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’, among others. ‘Anupamaa’ and ‘Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara’ are few of his last works. He died on May 23, 2023. Indeed, his passing away created a vacuum that can never be filled.

Aditya Singh RajputActor Aditya Singh Rajput has worked in several TV shows and films. Born and brought up in Delhi, the actor made his name in the entertainment industry at a very young age. He took part in reality shows such as ‘Splitsvilla 9’. Other TV shows in which he participated include ‘Love’, ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Code Red’, ‘Aawaz Season 9’, ‘Bad Boy Season 4’, and others. He died in Mumbai on May 22, 2023, at the age of 32.

Vaibhavi UpadhyayFrom working in TV shows such as ‘Left Right Left’, ‘CID’, and ‘Ishq Kills’ to movies like ‘CityLights’, Vaibhavi has created an everlasting impact with her acting skills. She became a household name with her role as Jasmine Mavani in the 2017 sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’.

Vaibhavi had also worked alongside Deepika Padukone in the ‘Chhapaak’ film in 2020 and was also seen in the movie ‘Timir’ (2023). She was seen in the web series ‘Zero KMS’ starring Naseeruddin Shah. The actor lost her life in a car accident in May 2023.

Gufi PaintalVeteran actor Gufi Paintal was best known for appearing as Shakuni Mama in BR Chopra’s TV serial ‘Mahabharat’. Gufi has appeared in both TV shows and films. He was seen in ‘Bahadur Shah Zafar’, ‘Mahabharat’, ‘Kanoon’, ‘Om Namah Shivay’, ‘CID’, ‘Ssshhhh…Koi Hai’, ‘Dwarkadheesh Bhagwaan Shree Krishn’, ‘RadhaKrishn’ and ‘Jay Kaniya lal Ki’ among other shows. He made his debut with the 1975 film ‘Rafoo Chakkar’.

Following this, the actor appeared in other films, including ‘Dillagi’, ‘Desh Pardesh’, and ‘Suhaag’. Paintal also directed the movie ‘Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’, which sketches the life of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th-century devotee of Krishna. The veteran actor passed away on June 5. With his acting skills, he left an everlasting mark on people’s minds.

Javed Khan AmrohiJaved Khan Amrohi started his acting career in the theatre in the 1970s and then later in films. He made his film debut with the movie ‘Jalte Badan’ in 1973 and later continued to play supporting roles and appeared in many films including ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, ‘Woh 7 Din’, ‘Tridev’ and ‘Aashiqui’. He was also known for his roles in ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’, ‘Ishq’, and ‘Lagaan’. He died on February 14, in Mumbai.

Mangal DhillonActor Mangal Dhillon was best known for working in shows such as ‘Junoon’ and ‘Buniyaad’. The Faridkot-based actor was also a producer-director and writer. He was not only a big name in Bollywood and TV, but also in Punjabi films.

He worked in many Punjabi films and made a distinct identity for himself. Mangal Dhillon was seen in Rekha starrer ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’. He also worked in other movies including ‘Dayavan’, ‘Zakhmi Aurat’, ‘Vishwatma’, ‘Pyaar Ka Devta’, ‘ Amba’, ‘Toofan Singh’, ‘Dalaal’, and many more.He was also part of well-known TV shows such as ‘Katha Sagar’, ‘Kismat’, ‘Ghutan’, ‘Rishta’, and ‘Param Vir Chakra’, among others. He played different characters on screen and always gave his best. He passed away on June 11, 2023.

Rio KapadiaIn his career, Kapadia has starred in several critically praised films with an impressive cast. He has appeared in films such as Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Happy New Year.’ He has also appeared in ‘Khuda Hafiz’, ‘Mardaani’, ‘Dil Chahta Hain’, and more films.

Apart from films, he also acted in several popular Indian daily soaps like ‘Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke’, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, among others. He was also seen in ‘Made In Heaven Season 2’. He died on September 14, leaving behind a vacuum and many memories.

Nitin DesaiDesai was noted for his innovative studio design and had collaborated with filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He was famed for his work in movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), Lagaan (2002), Devdas (2003), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015).

He had won three Filmfare Awards for Best Art Direction and four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction. He died on August 2. Indeed, his passing was a great loss for the film industry.

Rajkumar KohliThe veteran film director was known for his films like ‘Lootera’, ‘Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahaani’, ‘Raaj Tilak’, ‘Naagin’, ‘Badle Ki Aag’ and ‘Pati Patni aur Tawaif’. He worked with actors like Sunil Dutt, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Shatrughan Sinha, as well as, actresses Reena Roy, and Anita Raj. Kohli died from a heart attack on November 24, at the age of 93.

Dinesh PhadnisDinesh was best known for his role as Inspector Fredricks, aka Freddy, in ‘CID’. He also acted in Hrithik Roshan-starrer film ‘Super 30’. He passed away on December 5 at a Mumbai hospital. He was 57.

Junior MehmoodHe has been featured in over 200 films in different languages. He was best known for movies like ‘Brahmachari’ (1968), ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), ‘Parvarish’ (1977), and ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’ (1980). He was battling with stage four cancer and passed away in Mumbai on December 8. He was 67.

Pradeep SarkarNoted Bengali director Pradeep Sarkar made his debut in the Hindi film industry with the screen adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Parineeta’. Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt played pivotal characters in the film. His last directorial on the big screen was ‘Helicopter Eela’ starring Kajol and Riddhi Sen in thelead roles.

He had directed ‘Laga Chunari Mein Daag’ starring Rani Mukherjee, Konkona Sen Sharma, Abhishek Bachchan, Kunal Kapoor, ‘Lafangey Parindey’ featuring Deepika Padukone and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

He directed web series namely, ‘Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala’, ‘Forbidden Love’, and ‘Arranged Marriage.’ His passing away left his close ones and the film industry in shock. He died on March 24 at the age of 67. (ANI)

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Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.

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Dubai Musical Debuts with Amanda Maalouf’s Anthem

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In a performance that blended emotion, elegance, and East-West harmony, Lebanese-French singer Amanda Maalouf on Wednesday gave a select UAE audience a stirring preview of the upcoming musical Once Upon A Time in Dubai, set to premiere in December 2025.

The exclusive showcase featured Maalouf performing “Habibi,” one of the show’s signature numbers, at an invite-only preview attended by media, partners, and cultural stakeholders. The song—a poignant blend of Arabic influences and Western theatrical arrangement—earned enthusiastic applause, offering a glimpse of what producers are calling “a new kind of musical for a new Dubai.”

“Dubai is more than a setting—it’s a character in this story,” said Stéphane Boukris, co-producer of the musical. “This project is about cultural unity, artistic innovation, and shining a spotlight on a new generation redefining identity in the Middle East. We’re proud to bring this bridge between France and the UAE to life.”

For Maalouf, whose performance marked the first public taste of the show, the moment was deeply personal. “Habibi is a song that speaks from the heart—it’s a journey through love, self-expression, and identity,” she told reporters after the performance. “Performing it here in Dubai, where East and West meet so beautifully, is a dream. This is just the beginning [of great things together].”

The team behind Once Upon A Time in Dubai says the musical is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural project designed to showcase Dubai as a city of stories, voices, and future-forward artistry.

The production is backed by Universal Music and features a cast and crew with international credentials, with more previews and announcements expected soon.

A collaboration between a visionary French team and Universal Music, the musical tells the story of a young generation rising in the heart of Dubai, navigating identity, ambition, and tradition in a rapidly changing world. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled and set against the backdrop of the UAE’s global crossroads, the show promises to be a landmark moment for original musical theatre in the region. The story, told through original music and dance, will premiere later this year, with full production details expected to be announced over the coming months.

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Philippine film legend Nora Aunor passes away at 71

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Veteran actress, politician and beloved superstar Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her son, Ian De Leon, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 16 April 2025. Sharing a photo of his late mother, he wrote:

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us today at the age of 71. She was the heart of our family,  a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.”

The late star’s wake will be held at The Chapels, Heritage Park in Taguig, according to her daughter and fellow actress Lotlot de Leon.

A National Treasure

In 2022, Nora Aunor was officially recognised as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Philippine government, the highest honour given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the country’s arts and culture. She was honoured alongside screenwriter Ricky Lee and the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Cause of Death

Neither the 71-year-old’s family nor authorities have confirmed a cause of death yet. However, according to the media outlet Inquirer.com, she was at a Pasig hospital for an undisclosed procedure.

Career Highlights

Nora Aunor rose to fame as a singer and actress, later becoming one of the most respected names in Philippine cinema. She is best known for her award-winning performance in the critically acclaimed film Himala.

Her most recent film appearance was in Mananambal, alongside actress Bianca Umali. On television, her final role was in the GMA Afternoon Prime series Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law.

A true icon, Nora Aunor leaves behind a rich legacy and a nation in mourning.

Tributes Pour In

“Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak. Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema… Nora, salamat sa sining. Salamat sa puso,” wrote Charo Santos-Concio said in her post.

“Despite her legendary status, she carried herself with such modesty — confident in her craft, yet never boastful,” Actress Lovi Poe said in her post.

“The FDCP mourns the passing of National Artist Nora Aunor — an icon, a legend, and a voice that captured the soul of a nation. Her performances were never just roles; they were reflections of truth, hope, and resilience,’ wrote The national film council of the Philippines.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and every Filipino soul mourning the loss of our beloved Superstar and National Artist,” said noted social activist Persida Rueda-Acosta.

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