Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Cinema is instrument of social change: Dia Mirza 

Mirza is also a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development.

Cinema is instrument of social change: Dia Mirza 

Bollywood actress Dia Mirza who is in Abu Dhabi for IIFA 2023 on Saturday discussed the role of cinema and IIFA as a platform in raising awareness and driving action for sustainable development.

Dia who is also a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development has often been vocal for change and has contributed her efforts in the field of social change, conservation, and the environment.


Speaking to ANI, Dia said, "I am very proud of IIFA, that they use this platform to make a difference. And I truly believe in the power of communication and the fact that it can lead to behavioural change, awareness building. And I think cinema is one of the most powerful tribunes and instruments of social change, positive social change. Very proud of what I stand for as an artist."

On a partnership of IIFA and the United Nations, Dia said, "I am very grateful for this partnership. One of the goals, the 17th goals of the sustainable development goals and to use the medium of communication, the creative art, the vacuum of the culture. And the fact that I engage with so many people, so many diverse people across the globe of course primarily trans of Indian cinema and also just lovers of the art. And to be able to convey the sustainable development goals, and the urgency of every individual to adopt the goals and understand what really these goals are. There are many people out there that don't know what are sustainable development goals. I really believe that this is going to be a powerful partnership to help spread that awareness and will moments on the goals."

Coming back to IIFA, the mega celebrations started on Friday, with Sobha IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao.

Last night, Singers like Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, and Sukhbir Singh rocked the IIFA stage with their performances.

The most highly awaited special addition this year to the Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer, Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry.

The grand finale - Nexa IIFA Awards will take place today and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal.

More For You

Jonas Brothers

From Camp Rock to global tours — the Jonas Brothers’ two-decade glow-up is unmatched

Getty Images

The Jonas Brothers turn 20: The band that soundtracked a whole generation

What were you doing in 2005? Because somewhere in New Jersey, three boys with matching outfits, side-swept fringes, and more ambition than stage time were getting ready to take over the world. Fast forward 20 years, and the Jonas Brothers, Nick, Joe, and Kevin aren’t just a band. They’re a time capsule, a comeback story, and proof that growing up doesn’t mean fading out.

As they hit the big 2-0, we’re not just celebrating songs. We’re talking glow-ups, heartbreaks, breakups, makeups, and a tour that’s basically a love letter to fans across generations. Buckle up, nostalgia is coming in hot.

Keep ReadingShow less
Love You

Scenes from Love You, the 95-minute Kannada film made entirely using over 30 AI tools

Instagram

Kannada priest makes India’s first AI film without actors or crew on £9,500 budget

In a quiet village near Bengaluru, a temple priest has done something no one expected. He made a full-length Kannada film without hiring a single actor, technician or musician. Narasimha Murthy, who serves at the Hanumantharai Temple in Siddehalli, created Love You, a 95-minute film entirely powered by Artificial Intelligence.

Murthy didn’t come from a film background, nor did he have access to a big team. Instead, he joined hands with Nuthan, a graphic designer who taught himself how to use AI tools. Together, the two-man team used around 30 different AI applications to design the cast, create visuals, generate drone-like shots, compose music and even script dialogues. The film cost £9,500 (₹10 lakh) to make, most of which went into buying software licences, and took just six months to complete.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tina knowles and Beyoncé

Tina Knowles reflected on the unwavering support of her daughters

Getty

'With them, I could get through anything': Tina Knowles on her daughters’ support during cancer battle

Tina Knowles, the mother of global music stars Beyoncé and Solange, has publicly shared her recent experience with breast cancer, revealing how a missed mammogram may have delayed its detection.

In an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, the 71-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist said she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in her left breast. The diagnosis came after doctors discovered two tumours during a mammogram appointment she had postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh makes a statement in sheer black couture at the Thunderbolts London premiere

Getty Images

Florence Pugh stuns in see-through dress at 'Thunderbolts' London premiere, breaking red carpet rules

At the premiere of Thunderbolts in London on 22 April, Florence Pugh stunned attendees with her bold fashion choice, confidently showcasing a striking Elie Saab couture gown. Known for her daring style, the 29-year-old actress embraced a gothic look, wearing a sheer black dress with intricate lace tulle.

The design featured cut-outs around her midriff, offering glimpses of her torso while maintaining an air of elegance. The gown’s detailed sequins and floral appliqué added a touch of sophistication to the sultry ensemble, which was completed with black strappy heels.

Keep ReadingShow less