The veteran Indian singer Asha Bhosle will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival. Bhosle, 81, has lent her voice to more than 12,000 songs in about 850 films and is known for her versatility – she has recorded every style of music from Bollywood to folk songs, classical music, pop, ghazals and hymns. Bhosle, who made her acting debut last year with the film Mai, features in the Guinness World Records as "most recorded artist in music history". In 2008 she was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Diff runs from Wednesday, December 10, to December 17. – The National staff
J K Rowling to publish new Potter stories
Here's an early Christmas present for Harry Potter fans – starting on Friday, December 12, J K Rowling will post her new works online for 12 straight days, her Pottermore fan website announced. Potter's enemy Draco Malfoy features prominently in the stories and a new potion or two will be introduced, The Telegraph reported. – The National staff
Anushka on Virat: I have nothing to hide
The Bollywood star Anushka Sharma says her relationship with the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is not a secret affair – she just doesn't want to talk about it. "Nobody is hiding anything," the actress said when asked if the two were in a relationship. "We are living our life very normally. It's just that we don't want to talk about it. We can't subject it to entertainment news. We will not hide if you guys see us together, but we will not talk about it." Sharma is currently promoting her new film PK, in which she is cast opposite Aamir Khan. PK is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and is out in UAE cinemas on December 18. – IANS
Bill Cosby counter-sues
Bill Cosby is counter-suing the woman who accused him of sexual assault when she was 15, claiming she attempted to extort money from him. The legal action alleges that Judith Huth’s lawyer approached Cosby’s representatives demanding US$250,000 (Dh918,000) to stop her from filing claims. It also says the woman tried to sell her story to a newspaper 10 years ago. In recent weeks, more than a dozen women have accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them. Meanwhile, graffiti commenting on the allegations against Cosby were removed on Friday from the comedian’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Apparently the word “rapist” was written three times across the star. – The National staff
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
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)
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed
Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.
Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.
The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.
One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.
That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday (UAE kick-off times)
Real Sociedad v Leganes (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Real Valladolid (4pm)
Valencia v Granada (7pm)
Eibar v Real Madrid (9.30pm)
Barcelona v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Sunday
Real Mallorca v Villarreal (3pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Levante (5pm)
Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (7pm)
Getafe v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Real Betis v Sevilla (midnight)
