Google Doodle honours Indo-American artist Zarina Hashmi

 

Google Doodle honours Indo-American artist Zarina Hashmi on her 86th birthday

Indo-American artist Zarina Hashmi. (Photo: Google)

Today, Google Doodle commemorates the birthday of Zarina Hashmi, an influential Indian American artist who would have turned 86 today. The doodle, designed by guest illustrator Tara Anand from New York, pays homage to Hashmi's artistic style by incorporating her signature geometric and minimalist abstract shapes.

As per media reports, Hashmi was known for her remarkable sculptures, prints, and drawings. Her artwork, aligned with the Minimalist movement, skillfully employed abstract and geometric forms to evoke a profound spiritual experience within the viewer.

Born in 1937 in the small Indian town of Aligarh, Zarina Hashmi experienced a contented childhood alongside her four siblings until the partition of India occurred. The tragic event forced Zarina, her family, and countless others to relocate to Karachi in the newly established Pakistan.

At the age of 21, Hashmi married a young diplomat, embarking on a journey that took her across the world. During her travels to Bangkok, Paris, and Japan, she had the opportunity to explore the realms of printmaking and immerse herself in the influences of modernist and abstract art movements.

In 1977, Zarina Hashmi made a significant move to New York City, where she emerged as a passionate advocate for women and female artists of colour. She swiftly joined the Heresies Collective, a feminist journal dedicated to exploring the intersection of politics, art, and social justice.

Subsequently, Hashmi took on a professorial role at the New York Feminist Art Institute, an institution that aimed to provide equitable educational opportunities for women artists. In 1980, she collaborated on co-curating an exhibition titled "Dialectics of Isolation: An Exhibition of Third World Women Artists of the United States" at A.I.R. Gallery. This exhibition played a vital role in showcasing the artistic voices and perspectives of women artists from marginalized backgrounds.

Hashmi gained significant recognition for her captivating intaglio and woodcut prints, which skillfully incorporated semi-abstract depictions of the houses and cities she had resided in throughout her life.

Her identity as an Indian woman, born into the Muslim faith, coupled with her experiences of constant movement during her formative years, greatly influenced her artistic expression. Notably, Hashmi's artwork often featured visual elements inspired by Islamic religious decorations, characterized by precise geometrical patterns that held immense aesthetic appeal.

Her art continues to captivate viewers worldwide, as evidenced by its inclusion in permanent collections at esteemed institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with several other distinguished galleries.

These prestigious placements attest to the enduring appeal and significance of Hashmi's artistic contributions.

source: www.livemint.com

Taylor Swift Eras Tour

Taylor Swift Eras Tour: What were the surprise songs on night one in Cincinnati?

Taylor swift The Eras Tour. source: wikipedia

Taylor Swift took over downtown Cincinnati Friday night for the first show in the city on her Eras Tour.

Fans, or Swifties, have been following the tour closely to see what "surprise songs" Swift might play during her Cincinnati show. 

The singer has been surprising audiences each night with songs that aren't a part of her set list each night. 

Many fans shared their thoughts on what could be the surprise songs for the shows this weekend. 

Night one in Cincinnati, the surprise songs were "Evermore and "I'm Only Me When I'm With You." 

Taylor Swift's first Eras Tour stadium concert in Cincinnati is packed with fans, including actress Millie Bobby Brown.

The Stranger Things actress was spotted by fans who took to Twitter to post pictures of their sightings.

Cincinnati resident Emilio Estevez was also spotted at the show.

Swifties have driven and flown in from around the country and even the world.

Many of them started the party early here at the "Swiftinnati" party at The Banks.

There are live DJs, food trucks, makeup artists, friendship bracelet stations and merchandise for sale.

For some, this is their first concert.

For others, it's their fifth or sixth.

But regardless if you're a new Swiftie or a lifelong listener, fans say the excitement surrounding the concert is something they've never experienced.

"I've loved Taylor Swift since I was really young. Me and my sister always loved her," said Alee White, from Kentucky.

"With Red, it was one of the first ones I ever listened to. I have so many memories of my grandma rocking me in the hammock while Starlight would be playing, and then Reputation was so exciting and such a big time to be a Taylor Swift fan and also so stressful just hearing that music. It was like, oh my gosh, this is phenomenal," Evie Grimmitt said.

source : www.wlwt.com

Janette Manrara showcases growing baby bump.

Strictly star Janette Manrara resembled a glowing goddess on Saturday as she stepped out wearing a bump-skimming summer dress.

The It Takes Two presenter – who is expecting her first child – looked fabulous in turquoise as she reunited with her close friend, Ashely Roberts.

Over on Ashely's Instagram page, the duo delighted fans with a sweet video to celebrate Janette's growing baby bump. In the clip, Janette and Ashely could be seen dancing along to Miami Sound Machine's hit song, 'Conga' - and wow did their moves look flawless!

Embracing the warm sunshine, Janette looked stunning in a bold, turquoise summer dress complete with ruffled straps and a rippling maxi skirt. For the sweet update, the 39-year-old presenter opted to go barefoot.

She wore her sleek chocolate tresses down loose and shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of trusty, black sunglasses.

 Perfection! Ashely, 41, meanwhile, looked stunning in a slinky black mini dress which she teamed with a pair of Y2K black shades

In her caption, singer Ashley penned: "Conga da bump @jmanrara".

Fans and friends flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts, with one writing: "So cute. Love your friendship," while a second gushed: "Brilliant [laughing face emoji] the bump having a [little] dance."

A third chimed in: "That baby got moves," and a fourth sweetly added: "Smashed it both of ya."

Janette and Ashely struck up a close friendship when they both appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2018. They have remained the best of friends ever since, frequently cropping up on each other's Instagram page.

It's been an exciting time for Janette and her and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec! The couple are due to welcome their first child later this summer after trying for a baby "for the past couple of years".

The lovebirds shared their exciting baby news exclusively with HELLO! magazine back in February. "For the past couple of years we hadn't been using protection but nothing was happening, so we thought IVF was the next best thing for us to do," said Janette, who quit her role as a professional dancer two years ago so she and Aljaž could try for a baby.

"I turn 40 later this year and the NHS offers really good services to women under 40. The doctor said that as soon as I got my period we would start injections, but my period never came.

"I know that IVF can be really strenuous on a woman's body and there is no guarantee it will work, so to know that this little miracle just came from a wonderful night we had together is amazing."

Before announcing their pregnancy, Janette and Aljaz revealed that they were on the hunt for a new home. After relocating from London to leafy Cheshire, the couple are now much closer to their friends, Strictly dancer Gorka Márquez and his fiancée, Gemma Atkinson.

"It's something both of us have craved for a while," Aljaz told HELLO! "The pace of life in London is too fast and we couldn't see us functioning here as a family. It's so green up north, it reminds me of Slovenia."

source: www.hellomagazine.com

Kim Kardashian Believes

 Kim Kardashian Believes Her Kids Will 'Appreciate My Silence' amid 'Hurtful' Drama with Ex Kanye West.

Kim Kardashian with sons Saint and Psalm and daughter Chicago. PHOTO: HULU

Kim Kardashian opens up about keeping her drama with ex Kanye West to herself and praising him around their four children

Kim Kardashian always keeps her kids as her first priority. 

In an emotional conversation with mom Kris Jenner in the second episode of season 3 of The Kardashians, released Thursday, the SKIMS co-founder, 42, opens up about how public drama with ex Kanye West affects their four kids — Psalm, 4, Chicago, 5, Saint, 7, and North, 9.

"I still feel the need to not talk about it and protect it from my kids and I always will feel that way but God, if people knew," she says. "I would just never do that to my kids."

Speaking of the ups and downs of their relationships, Kardashian says she spent "hours and hours of my days as the cleanup crew." 

 Jenner points out that's why divorce ended up being the best option. 

 In a confessional, Kardashian adds, "It's the hardest feeling to watch someone you really loved, and you have a family with be so different than what you knew." 

 Jenner says she thinks that the former couple's oldest, 9-year-old North, "is hearing something, and maybe she won't say it. That's what breaks my heart." 

 Kardashian however explains that none of the kids are aware because of a policy she implements when their dad is making headlines.

Photo:KIM KARDASHIAN/INSTAGRAM

"It's a chain to my whole household. No TV, only Apple TV," she says, explaining she "can't risk" them catching a news teaser.

 "I have to figure out a way to protect and so they still haven't seen anything, but I go into crisis mode," Kardashian admits in the confessional. "I am the one being accused for and being blamed for so many things. And it really, really is hurtful and it sucks, but I can control how I react and I can control if I'm a mess. Then my kids will see that.

" Jenner reassures her daughter that "there's nothing" the family wouldn't do for her, to which she says, "I just hate that I bring the drama." 

"I really do believe that one day, my kids will appreciate my silence, my understanding, and my grace, and I will try to keep it together at all times."

source: www.people.com

 Al Pacino, 83, and 29-year-old Noor Alfallah are expecting a baby.

Al Pacino, winner of the Hollywood supporting actor award for “The Irishman,” poses backstage at the 23rd annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2019. A representative for Al Pacino confirms that the 83-year-old actor and 29-year-old Noor Alfallah are expecting a baby. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Al Pacino, 83, and 29-year-old Noor Alfallah are expecting a baby, the actor’s representative confirmed Wednesday.

Pacino’s publicist, Stan Rosenfield, verified the news first published by TMZ, but said there would be no statement at this time. The baby would be Pacino’s fourth child. He has a 33-year-old daughter, Julie Marie, with acting coach Jan Tarrant and 22-year-old twins Anton and Olivia with actor Beverly D’Angelo.

Pacino and Alfallah reportedly began dating last year. She describes herself as a “raconteur” on her Instagram page and her IMDB page notes that she’s a producer on two movies currently in post-production, including the Pacino-starrer “Billy Knight.”

Pacino’s baby news follows close on the heels of longtime friend and fellow actor Robert De Niro’s own. A representative for the 79-year-old actor confirmed earlier this month that De Niro had become a father for the seventh time, but few other details — including the identity of the mother — were released.

source: www.sentineltribune.com

 

The 10 Best Celebrity Cameos in TV Shows.

That really happened!

Television has been graced with countless memorable cameos and guest appearances that have left an indelible mark on the medium. From A-list celebrities to iconic figures, these guest stars have brought their charisma, talent, and star power to enhance our favorite shows. Whether it's a surprise appearance, a self-referential portrayal, or a hilarious parody, these cameo moments have become legendary.

From the likes of Michelle Obama in Black-ish to Danny DeVito in Friends and Liam Neeson in Life's Too Short, these guest stars have added an extra layer of excitement, laughter, and authenticity to our beloved television series, solidifying their places as some of the best cameos and guest appearances in television history.

Michelle Obama in ‘Black-ish’

Season 8, Episode 1 (2022)

Michelle Obama's appearance in Black-ish is considered one of the best television cameos of all time because it brought both cultural significance and star power to the show. As the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama's presence added a sense of authenticity and importance to the storyline.

Her cameo showcased her charisma, relatability, and advocacy for issues such as education and social equality, which aligned perfectly with the show's themes. Moreover, her cameo helped raise awareness about the series and sparked important conversations about representation and diversity in television, making it a memorable and impactful moment.

9Cher in ‘Will & Grace’

Season 3, Episode 7 (2000)

In the Will & Grace episode titled “Gypsies, Tramps, and Weed” of the third season, Jack’s (Sean Hayes) character, who idolizes Cher and has a Cher doll, brings her to a restaurant and treats her as if they were the real Cher. Unknowingly, the real Cher appears behind him, but he does not recognize her and mistakes her for a drag queen instead. In the fourth season, Cher makes another appearance as herself, only this time she arrives in Jack’s dream in heaven. As she descends from a staircase, Jack asks her if she is God, to which she responds, “It depends on which bathhouse you pray at,” and then proceeds to encourage Jack to follow his dreams of being in the entertainment industry.

Her cameo showcased her wit, charm, and musical talent, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for viewers. Additionally, Cher's cameo highlighted the cultural impact and enduring popularity of the show, solidifying its status as a beloved sitcom and reinforcing the significance of guest appearances in television history.

8Matt Damon in ‘Entourage’

Season 6, Episode 12 (2009)

Matt Damon's appearance in Entourage is brilliantly played with his public image. Matt Damon portrayed a fictionalized version of himself, hilariously mocking his own persona as a serious actor. The cameo showcased his comedic skills and willingness to embrace self-deprecating humor. It also added a layer of authenticity to the show, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Damon's cameo became a standout moment, creating buzz and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. It exemplified the power of a well-executed celebrity cameo to enhance the entertainment value and elevate the overall appeal of a television series.

7Steve Wozniak in ‘The Big Bang Theory’

Season 4, Episode 2 (2010)

In an episode of The Big Bang Theory titled "The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification," Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak appears as a guest at a tech conference. The main characters, Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), are thrilled to meet him and seek his validation for their scientific work.

Wozniak engages in humorous exchanges with the characters, displaying his wit and charm. He ultimately agrees to take a picture with them, providing a memorable moment of geeky excitement. Wozniak's role added an element of authenticity and celebrated his status as a technology icon within the show's geek culture narrative.

6Prince in ‘New Girl’

Season 3, Episode 14 (2014)

In the New Girl episode titled "Prince," musical legend Prince played a fictionalized version of himself. The plot revolves around the main character, Jess (Zooey Deschanel), and her friends attending a star-studded party at Prince's mansion. Prince interacts with the characters, offering them advice and serenading them with his music.

As an iconic musician and cultural icon, Prince's cameo elevated the fan-favorite New Girl episode to legendary status. His enigmatic persona, combined with his mesmerizing musical performances, created an unforgettable experience for viewers. His cameo stands as a testament to the impact that a larger-than-life celebrity can have when they make a guest appearance on television.

5Stephen Hawking in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’

Season 6, Episode 26 (1993)

Stephen Hawking made a memorable guest appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation in the episode titled "The Descent, Part I." In the episode, he played a holographic representation of himself playing a poker game with the ship's crew, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). Hawking's character engages in intellectual banter and philosophical discussions, showcasing his renowned brilliance and scientific prowess.

His cameo emphasized the show's commitment to celebrating knowledge and the exploration of ideas. Hawking's appearance added a layer of authenticity and brought a real-world scientific luminary into the fictional universe of Star Trek, making it a remarkable and highly cherished television moment. Funnily enough, Stephen Hawking is also famously known for his cameo appearances on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory.

4Danny DeVito in ‘Friends’

Season 10, Episode 11 (2004)

In an unforgettable episode of Friends, Danny DeVito played the character of Roy, a stripper hired by Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) for her bachelorette party. Roy arrives at the wrong location and ends up at Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica’s (Courteney Cox) apartment instead. DeVito's character injected a burst of laughter and energy into the episode. DeVito's cameo in Friends showcased his versatility as an actor and his ability to steal the scene with his larger-than-life personality.

Though many big-name celebrities have made guest appearances on the sitcom, DeVito’s distinctive presence, physical comedy, and impeccable timing created unforgettable comedic moments. His appearance added an extra layer of comedic brilliance to an already beloved sitcom, making it a standout and cherished television moment.

3Ricky Gervais in ‘The Office’ (US Version)

Season 5, Episode 16 & 17 (2009)

In the episode titled "Lecture Circuit," David Brent (Ricky Gervais), the regional manager of the Wernham Hogg Paper Merchants in the British series, visits Dunder Mifflin as a motivational speaker. Gervais' role as David Brent brings a mix of awkwardness, cringe comedy, and deadpan humor to the episode. His interactions with the characters, especially with Michael Scott (Steve Carell), create comedic tension and highlight the stark contrast between the British and American styles of office management (and humor).

As the creator and star of the original British version, Gervais' cameo as David Brent showcased his comedic brilliance and maintained a sense of continuity between the two versions. His presence not only paid homage to the original series but also added a meta and self-aware element to the American iteration. Gervais' cameo exemplified the perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and cultural significance, making it a standout moment for fans of both versions of The Office.

2Liam Neeson in ‘Life's Too Short’

Season 1, Episode 1 (2011)

Liam Neeson made a guest appearance on the series Life's Too Short, in which he played a fictionalized version of himself. In a comedic twist, Neeson visits the office of the main character, Warwick Davis (as himself), who is an actor struggling to find work. Neeson offers his assistance by suggesting various ways to help Davis improve his career, all while hilariously referencing his intense and action-packed film roles.

Neeson's willingness to parody his tough guy image and engage in hilarious banter with Warwick Davis showcased his impeccable comedic timing and versatility as an actor. His self-deprecating portrayal demonstrated an enthusiasm to embrace the unexpected and provided a delightful surprise for viewers.

1Jack Black in ‘Community’

Season 1, Episode 13 (2010)

Jack Black made a brief appearance as the character of Buddy in Community, a charismatic but manipulative individual who enrolls at Greendale Community College. Buddy quickly becomes popular among the students and starts a "Hipster Mafia" group. Jack Black's portrayal of Buddy added a burst of energy and eccentricity to the episode. His comedic timing, over-the-top personality, and ability to command the screen created a memorable and entertaining presence.

Though Community has always made an effort to feature major guest stars such as Owen Wilson, Betty White, John Goodman, and Giancarlo Esposito, Black’s over-the-top portrayal and impeccable comedic timing generate laugh-out-loud moments and create a dynamic presence on screen. His guest role showcased his infectious comedic prowess and provided a standout moment in the series.

Source : www.collider.com

Johnny Depp at Cannes

 

Johnny Depp at Cannes: ‘I Don’t Have Much Further Need for Hollywood’

Johnny Depp at Cannes

At a news conference, the controversial star of the opening-night film used McDonald’s metaphors to answer questions about how he is viewed. Cannes Film Festival Day 1 Highlights Red Carpet Photos What to See Meet the Jury 15 Cannes Fashion Moments Johnny Depp’s Return Johnny Depp at Cannes: ‘I Don’t Have Much Further Need for Hollywood’ At a news conference, the controversial star of the opening-night film used McDonald’s metaphors to answer questions about how he is viewed. Give this article Video 1:00 ‘Do I Feel Boycotted Now? No, Not at All,’ Says Johnny Depp Mr. Depp, who has not starred in a major Hollywood film in five years, spoke during a news conference at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest movie, “Jeanne du Barry,” a French-language.

CANNES, France — At first, you had to wonder if they were running out the clock. Twenty minutes after the Cannes Film Festival news conference for “Jeanne du Barry” was supposed to begin on Wednesday, neither the film’s actress-director, Maïwenn, nor her lead actor, Johnny Depp, had actually shown up. Were they hoping to avoid questions? For Maïwenn, who was accused of spitting on a journalist in February, and Depp, who recently won a defamation suit against his ex-wife Amber Heard after she made allegations of physical and sexual abuse, queries about their personal scandals could overwhelm all talk of the movie they were meant to promote. Both had been in attendance the previous night when “Jeanne du Barry” opened the festival, but Cannes premieres are famously fawning and conclude with a customary standing ovation. Meeting the press would be a whole different matter. Depp, who has not starred in a major Hollywood film in five years, had already missed the morning photo call for “Jeanne du Barry,” a French-language drama in which he plays Louis XV opposite Maïwenn’s titular courtesan. It fell to Maïwenn to shoulder that appointment alone, and 25 minutes after the “Jeanne du Barry” press conference was meant to start, Maïwenn entered the media room with her leading man still nowhere to be found. At first, she talked around his absence, revealing that she had originally offered Depp’s role to several French actors who passed. Eventually, she reached out to Depp, reasoning that his nationality was less important than her other concerns: “I wanted to feel strongly about the actor, particularly as I would be hugging and kissing him later on.” Questions to Maïwenn were mostly kept to a minimum, and none were about her altercation with the French journalist Edwy Plenel, who said Maïwenn spat on him in a Paris restaurant — something she more or less confirmed — because he had been investigating multiple claims of sexual abuse against the director Luc Besson, who had a son with Maïwenn when she was just 16. (Besson denied the accusations, from nine women, and the French authorities said that after an inquiry, the director would face no charges. If nothing else, Cannes is a reminder that nearly every major figure in the French film industry has a sizable “controversy” section on Wikipedia.)

But it was all just a warm-up for Depp, who entered 42 minutes late to extensive muttering from the journalists, then walked over to the dais to kiss Maïwenn on the top of her head.

Depp, who spoke mostly in murmured metaphors, at first discussed the French-language requirements of the role, but he was soon asked whether he felt that Hollywood had boycotted him after he was bounced from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise in 2020 as his legal battles with Heard began to heat up. “Of course, if you’re asked to resign from a film you’re doing because of something that is merely a bunch of vowels and consonants floating in the air, yeah, you feel boycotted,” Depp said. “Do I feel boycotted now? No, not at all. But I don’t feel boycotted by Hollywood because I don’t think about it. I don’t have much further need for Hollywood myself.”

The 59-year-old Depp continued, “It’s a very strange, funny time where everybody would love to be able to be themselves but they can’t. They must fall in line with the person in front of them. If you want to live that life, I wish you the best. I’ll be on the other side somewhere.” 

 Depp’s presence at the festival has caused no shortage of controversy, and though he was cheered at the “Jeanne du Barry” premiere, an open letter in Liberation, signed by more than 100 actors, criticized the festival for allowing him to attend. That missive followed a blistering open letter published by Adèle Haenel, a star of “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” who announced she would be retiring from the French film industry because of “its generalized complacency toward sexual aggressors.”

 Reminded that there are people who think he shouldn’t have come to Cannes, Depp launched into a metaphor about being banned from McDonald’s, then imagined his critics as “39 angry people watching me eat a Big Mac on a loop. Who are they? Why do they care? Some species or tower of mashed potatoes, covered in the light of a computer screen, anonymous, apparently with a lot of spare time. I don’t think I’m the one who should be worried.” 

 Efforts to steer the conversation back to “Jeanne du Barry” were mostly halfhearted: Depp continued to rail against the media and his critics, insisting, “For the last five or six years in regards to me, the majority of what you’ve read is fantastically, horrifically written fiction.” But when asked whether he felt the film might lead to a career comeback, Depp was blasé. 

 “I keep wondering about the word ‘comeback,’” he said. “I didn’t go anywhere. As a matter of fact, I live about 45 minutes away. Maybe people stopped calling out of whatever their fear was at the time. But I didn’t go nowhere. I’ve been sitting around.”

source: www.nytimes.com