The Bachchan clan. Dave Hogan / Getty Images
The Bachchan clan. Dave Hogan / Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan says there's no point responding to gossip



Bollywood's famed Bachchan family is under constant media scrutiny, with rumours finding their way into print almost every day, but the actor Abhishek Bachchan says it's better to keep quiet than to constantly issue clarifications. "What is the use of clarifying things? I don't think people even care what I think, that is why I don't say much," said the actor, whose comedy Bol Bachchan was a blockbuster hit last month. "The media will write what they want to. They write something and then I react. I don't see any point in that." * IANS

Sabyasachi Mukherjee to be final act at Delhi Couture Week

The designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee will close the forthcoming third edition of Delhi Couture Week. "I am privileged to be closing the event. Customarily, there is enormous pressure on most designers to go over the top during such occasions but I am going to keep my show very restrained and structured," said the 38-year-old designer, who is known for blending ethnic and modern aesthetics. For the five-day fashion extravaganza, which begins on August 8, the designer will showcase a collection titled New Moon. "The collection will be a blend of austere and architectural designs. It will be a very modern outlook on how India perceives couture, with a strong emphasis on simplicity," he said. Known for his love of Indian fabrics and ethnic designs, Mukherjee has styled some of the biggest Bollywood stars, including Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji. * IANS

Saahil Prem in search of debut film's title

The actor and director Saahil Prem has taken the social networking route to hunt for an apt title for his forthcoming dance film, tentatively called Someday. "The film was made for the youth so we thought, why not leave it to them to decide on the movie's title?" said Prem, who is also the film's leading actor. Fans can visit Someday's Facebook page to submit entries. The winner, to be announced next month, will receive a cash prize and a credit in the movie. * IANS

Neha Bhasin: solo music albums have diminished

The singer Neha Bhasin, who recently released her new single Tera Mera, says it has become harder to sell individual work at a time when Bollywood soundtracks have taken over the music industry. "Solo music albums have almost diminished now. It does not make much money nowadays. It used to at one time, but it is only Bollywood music that sells now," said the 29-year-old, who has sung popular Bollywood numbers such as Dhunki and Kuch Khaas Hai. "Even if you are a known Bollywood singer, it does not give you enough opportunity to release your own stuff. It is not easy. The medium has changed." Bhasin is currently a contestant in the celebrity dance series Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. "I'm already busy in my career and can't give much time to dancing, but Jhalak has given me an opportunity to explore the hidden and sleeping dancer inside me," she said. * IANS

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Aggro%20Dr1ft
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEjari%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYazeed%20Al%20Shamsi%2C%20Fahad%20Albedah%2C%20Mohammed%20Alkhelewy%20and%20Khalid%20Almunif%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESanabil%20500%20Mena%2C%20Hambro%20Perks'%20Oryx%20Fund%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fresh faces in UAE side

Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.

Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.

Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.

Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.

Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.

A Prayer Before Dawn

Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire

Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai

Three stars

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

- Joan of Arc

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

How to avoid crypto fraud
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