SINGAPORE: Aamir Khan, the Bollywood superstar with a conscience, says his next movie about a small town teenage girl who uses the Internet to become a singing sensation will be much bigger than his last film, which was India’s highest grossing ever.
Khan, 52, plays a sleazy music producer in the film “Secret Superstar” and says he is second lead to teenager Zaira Wasim, playing a schoolgirl who defies her conservative Muslim family to pursue her dream of a singing career.
Khan’s last film “Dangal,” or wrestling pit, was based on the true story of a former wrestler who trains two of his daughters to become champions in the sport. It was the highest grossing movie for Bollywood, as India’s Hindi film industry is known, and was powered by huge collections in China.
“While both are about the empowerment of the girl child, I feel it (Secret Superstar) is a much bigger film,” Khan said in an interview in Singapore ahead of the movie’s release later this month. He and his wife have produced the film.
“While Dangal was about the dream of a father which a daughter fulfils, this is about the hopes and aspirations of a 14-year-old girl from a small town in India. I don’t know what the box office will be but it’s a bigger film than Dangal in what it’s trying to say.”
Three of Khan’s films are in Bollywood’s top four all-time hits. Besides Dangal, these include “PK,” in which he played an alien dealing with religious divisions in India, and “3 Idiots,” about the frailties in India’s education system.
All three have also done well in China, and Khan said he was “very happy with the type of relationship that’s building between me and my audience in this part of the world with each film.”
He also produced and acted in a popular television documentary series on social ills in India called “Satyameva Jayate,” or Truth Alone Triumphs.
That series led him to set up a non-profit to work on a project to ease the shortage of water in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, he said.
Despite the social messages in his movies, Khan said he has no desire to become politician, as some other Bollywood stars have.
“The desire in me to contribute back to society is something I can do very well in the field that I am in,” he said. “I don’t have to join politics. That’s an area I don’t ever want to go into.”
Khan was embroiled in controversy two years ago when he said his Hindu wife had asked him if they should move out of India over concerns about insecurity. Khan later said the family had no plans to leave.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been accused of intolerance toward liberal and dissenting views.
Khan said intolerance had not affected his ability to express himself as an actor.
“For me, when I’m making a film, my primary responsibility is to give my audience a good time. Then if it’s giving a message which is important and creative, if it’s changing the way we look at things, great.
“If it’s giving a message which is highly negative, then I would not be a part of it.”
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan says next film will be biggest yet
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan says next film will be biggest yet
‘Headquarters of your life’ coming to Saudi Arabia, says Wyndham Hotels regional president
RIYADH: HQ, the new hospitality brand launched by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and renowned hotelier Sam Nazarian, is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025, Arab News has been told.
Dimitris Manikis, president of Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, at the hospitality group, unveiled the company’s ambitious plans for the Kingdom – including the launch of HQ – at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh.
Speaking to Arab News, Manikis shared insights into Wyndham’s steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s flourishing hospitality landscape, saying: “We are very serious and very bullish about our presence in the Kingdom.”
He added: “We’re really excited to bring this new brand into Saudi Arabia as well, because it’s about smart luxury. It’s about F&B (food and beverage), entertainment, music, and it’s about smart hospitality as well.”
Manikis went on to say: “In the next 18 months, you’re going to have the first HQ brand in Saudi Arabia.”
Citing Nazarian’s track record of success with brands like Mondrian, Delano, and SLS, Manikis said: “Sam is notoriously famous for bringing up new concepts and ideas. So when I asked him: ‘What exactly is HQ and why would you call it brand HQ?’, he said: ‘I want the brand to be the headquarters of your life.’”
The President added: “I have no doubt whatsoever that HQ will be an amazing brand to grow in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular.”
Manikis reflected on Wyndham's impressive footprint across the Kingdom, which includes a robust pipeline of 20 upcoming projects. Notable among these ventures are the imminent openings of the Ramada hotels.
Additionally, the introduction of Wyndham Garden last year marked a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion efforts.
The optimism surrounding Saudi Arabia’s tourism prospects was palpable in Manikis’ remarks, citing the Kingdom’s remarkable achievement of surpassing the Vision 2030 tourism target of 100 million visitors in 2023.
“The bar has gone to 150 million tourists,” he remarked, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s accelerated progress towards becoming a global tourism destination.
However, he cautioned against neglecting the crucial role of infrastructure development in sustaining this growth momentum.
“Infrastructure, planes, airports, railways, roads, highways,” Manikis said, stressing the necessity of robust infrastructure to accommodate the influx of tourists.
Commending the government’s proactive measures, including the launch of a new airline and airport expansions, he expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s readiness to meet escalating demand.
“I do believe that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actually going to fulfill the promise. And they're going to have an amazing Expo (2030). I don't think there's going to be any doubt about that,” he said.
As anticipation mounts for marquee events like the Expo and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Manikis underscored the importance of post-event planning.
“It's not just about the event, it’s about what you do after,” he cautioned, advocating for sustainable strategies to leverage event infrastructure effectively beyond the festivities.
In addition to the HQ brand, Wyndham is poised to capitalize on the burgeoning extended stay segment.
“We are very bullish on extended stay,” Manikis stated, recognizing its potential to cater to diverse clientele, including families, business travelers, and digital nomads.
He added: “We added 11 beautiful luxury, extended stay products. And hopefully we’re going to extend the extended stay concept here in the Kingdom as well.”
At WEF summit, PM Sharif says world peace impossible without peace in Gaza
- Pakistan does not recognize Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders
- PM Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Saudi Arabia for always coming to the aid of his country in difficult times
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that there would be no peace in the world without peace in Gaza, amid Israel’s continuing attacks on the besieged Palestinians territory.
The statement came during the prime minister’s address with the closing plenary of a two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Riyadh on global collaboration, growth and energy for development.
Palestinians have been suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine in a humanitarian crisis brought on by the Israeli offensive that has demolished much of the territory since October 7 attacks by Hamas that killed around 1,200 Israelis.
Israel retaliated by imposing a total siege on Gaza and mounting an air and ground assault that has killed about 34,500 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health authorities.
“The world will not be in peace unless there is permanent peace in Gaza,” PM Sharif said, citing the example of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
“Look at what has Ukraine brought to the world, you know, commodity prices went sky-rocketing, we could not import, procure vital raw materials for our agri-economy and industrial economy.”
Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Sharif said that conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere had led to inflation, which was “breaking the back of developing countries.”
Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Saturday for the WEF special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development on April 28-29.
The conference has convened more than 700 participants, including key stakeholders from governments and international organizations, business leaders from the World Economic Forum’s partner companies, as well as Young Global Leaders, experts and innovators.
During his address, the Pakistan prime minister thanked Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries for supporting Pakistan through difficult times.
“I have to acknowledge from the core of my heart the support we have been given and received from the Saudi leadership,” he said.
“I think, a friend in need is a friend in deed and we will never be able to repay back to them what they have done to Pakistan in difficult times.”
Sharif said his government was going for “deep-rooted structural reforms” to put the country on path to economic recovery.
“It will hit me as prime minister, obviously,” he said. “But ladies and gentlemen, without that nothing will happen.”
Pakistan is facing a chronic balance of payments crisis, with nearly $24 billion to repay in debt and interest over the next fiscal year — three-time more than its central bank’s foreign currency reserves.
The country is in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a new loan program after its ongoing $3 billion program expires this month.
‘Beneath the Surface’ dives deep into world of corals
- Red Sea Global documentary, recently screened in Jeddah, explores efforts to conserve this vital ecosystem
- Protecting and conserving corals is a ‘shared responsibility,’ says Red Sea Global official
JEDDAH: A documentary on the plight of coral reefs, “Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals,” produced by Red Sea Global in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, was recently screened for an audience of ocean enthusiasts in Jeddah.
The 45-minute documentary released on Earth Day follows Saudi free diver and environmentalist Salma Shaker on a journey of discovery and hope, in the process highlighting the unique resilience of Red Sea corals and their potential contribution to global coral health.
Currently airing on the Discovery channel in over 130 countries, viewers are taken on a journey into the depths of the sea where these vibrant underwater ecosystems are found.
At its core, “Beneath the Surface” aims to shed light on the undiscovered treasures of the Red Sea’s coral reefs, highlighting their biological diversity and vital role in sustaining the global ecosystem.
“The coral reefs in the oceans are the backbone of the planet’s entire ecosystem on which humans survive,” the documentary says. “However, pollution and climate change are threatening their survival.”
Shaker is portrayed in the documentary as a Saudi youth role model, inspiring others to prioritize the protection of the Red Sea’s ecosystem and its coral reefs.
The documentary delves into her relationship with her father, who has been a pivotal figure in shaping her connection to the sea. A marine geologist, fisherman, and diver himself, he instilled in her and her siblings a deep love for the ocean.
She told Arab News: “The core concept of the movie revolves around how the resilience of Red Sea corals in the face of climate change can offer hope for coral reefs worldwide. Without giving too much away, the movie explores this idea in depth, and I believe the message will resonate strongly with viewers.”
She added that she has visited Red Sea Global many times, and seen the corals’ “awe-inspiring” beauty.
“The untouched and protected corals create an underwater paradise that feels like stepping into an aquarium. Every aspect, from the marine life to the vibrant colors, is simply breathtaking,” she noted.
Red Sea Global’s commitment to marine environment protection is evident throughout the film, underscored by its dedication to sustainable development practices as the bedrock of its mission.
Raed Albasseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, told Arab News: “Partnering with Warner Bros. to produce this film is an additional step we’ve taken. Our primary objective is to deliver the highest quality content to the broader public, including the Saudi population and especially the youth.
“We aim to showcase the beauty of these coral reefs, their significance to the economy, and their importance to humanity as a whole. Through this film, we hope to inspire individuals to take an active role in preserving and enhancing these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.”
Since around 2016 and 2017, Red Sea Global has collaborated extensively with various platforms within King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, he added.
Speaking about these environmental efforts to protect coral reefs, Albasseet explained: “Working with scientists, we’ve documented the environmental significance of our development sites, guiding master planning and project development. Leveraging this expertise, we’ve implemented long-term programs to protect corals during development and operations, aiming to enhance coral growth.”
They have also launched pilot projects for coral enhancement across ambitious regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, facilitating future coral growth. “Beneath the Surface” documents the company’s unveiling of Corallium, the new brand for its Marine Life Centre in AMAALA, at COP28 last November in Dubai. “Our Corallium project in AMAALA underscores our commitment to coral preservation and growth,” he added.
Omar Al-Attas, head of environmental protection and regeneration at Red Sea Global, told Arab News: “The breathtaking beauty of Saudi Arabia’s marine ecosystem is a gift that must be showcased and shared with the world. It's a shared responsibility for us all to focus on protection, conservation, and enhancement efforts.”
Speaking about the documentary, Al-Attas added: “In addition to raising awareness through this film, we want to shine a spotlight on the comprehensive initiatives undertaken by Red Sea Global to preserve, conserve, and enhance the environment. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t clap with one hand’ — success requires collective effort. Together, we can create a success story to inspire and educate the world.”
Through its Coral Gardening Pilot Project, Red Sea Global is monitoring around 300 reef sites, testing coral farming techniques, and establishing several floating marine nurseries to conserve and grow rescued coral populations, with a success rate of about 97 percent.
The multi-project developer is keen on utilizing the latest technologies in coral cover monitoring, employing robots and adopting machine learning approaches, capturing three-dimensional images and assembling them into digital twins. This enables scientists to identify potential negative events and respond to and solve them rapidly, such as coral bleaching and the arrival of invasive species.
US, Britain urge Hamas to accept Israeli truce proposal
- “Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel,” Blinken said
- Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron also described the Israeli proposal as “generous”
RIYADH: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian group.
Hamas negotiators were expected to meet Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Monday to deliver a response to the phased truce proposal which Israel presented at the weekend.
“Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel,” Blinken said at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
“The only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide and they have to decide quickly,” he said. “I’m hopeful that they will make the right decision.”
A source briefed on the talks said Israel’s proposal entailed a deal for the release of fewer than 40 of the roughly 130 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza in exchange for freeing Palestinians jailed in Israel.
A second phase of a truce would consist of a “period of sustained calm” — Israel’s compromise response to a Hamas demand for a permanent ceasefire.
A total of 253 hostages were seized in a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which about 1,200 Israelis were also killed, according to Israeli counts.
Israel retaliated by imposing a total siege on Gaza and mounting an air and ground assault that has killed about 34,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Palestinians are suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine in a humanitarian crisis brought on by the offensive that has demolished much of the territory.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who was also in Riyadh for the WEF meeting, also described the Israeli proposal as “generous.”
It included a 40-day pause in fighting and the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners as well as Israeli hostages, he told a WEF audience.
“I hope Hamas do take this deal and frankly, all the pressure in the world and all the eyes in the world should be on them today saying ‘take that deal’,” Cameron said.
Cameron is among several foreign ministers in Riyadh, including from the US, France, Jordan and Egypt, as part of a diplomatic push to bring an end to the Gaza war.
IsDB, SFD, Arab Coordination Group join hands to raise $500m for education initiatives
RIYADH: A global partnership involving the Islamic Development Bank will inject $500 million into educational initiatives across member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation.
During the annual meetings and golden jubilee celebrations of the IsDB, the Arab Coordination Group and the Saudi Fund for Development also joined The Global Partnership for Education, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Global Partnership for Education is a multi-stakeholder partnership and funding platform that aims to strengthen education systems in developing countries.
The amount will be raised by the Smart Finance for Education Initiative, an innovative financing tool.
Moreover, partners also pledged an additional $350 million to the initiative, including $150 million from the IsDB, $100 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and $50 million from The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development as well as $50 million from the Global Partnership for Education.
The initiative aims to enhance access to quality education in 37 OIC member countries, where 28 million children are without schooling.
Also at the event, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, a member of the IsDB concerned with providing Shariah-compliant insurance services, signed a retakaful agreement for a percentage of the shares allocated to Indonesia for the benefit of the country’s Eximbank.
A retakaful agreement is an Islamic reinsurance contract where takaful operators transfer a portion of their risk to a retakaful operator in compliance with Shariah principles.
The arrangement aims to provide strategic expertise and capabilities in the field of retakaful through a quota-sharing treaty specifically designed to support the launch of the financial institution’s new export credit takaful program product.
This comes as the business expected to be insured under this treaty is estimated at a value of $13 million during the year 2024.
During the IsDB annual meetings and jubilee celebrations, the bank’s president, Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Jasser, confirmed that the entity has designed a strategy for eco-conscious growth and low carbon reduction by supporting members to reach the zero-carbon goal.
Al-Jasser also pointed out that 40 of the bank’s projects are about renewable energy, green projects, and financing climate action.
He underlined the bank’s focus on green initiatives and sustainable development sukuk, indicating they are compatible with the Capital Markets Union standard.
The IsDB’s 2024 annual meetings are being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh from April 27 - 30.
The annual sessions coincide with IsDB’s golden jubilee, as the institution celebrates 50 years of promoting economic and social development in 57 member nations under the slogan “Taking pride in our past, shaping our future: authenticity, solidarity, and prosperity" reflecting the bank’s legacy and future goals.
