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Sound check: Snap review of new music

King, Jason Derulo’s songWorth your time: Yes The influence of Indian music, and Indian musicians is becoming increasingly prominent, as is evident in the spate of notable collaborations we’ve seen in the recent past. The most prominent one among them is inarguably King’s latest release,  Bumpa, which sees him join hands with American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo. Derulo, whose resume is peppered with global hits like It girl, Marry me, and Ridin’ solo, adds his signature melodic beats to Bumpa, an offering that visually resembles his suggestive previous numbers.  The dance number ticks all the boxes when it comes to the making of a catchy song. Derulo even packs in his signature moves while rendering his English verses. However, at a time when the industry is becoming increasingly aware not to objectify women, King’s track appears to be a step in the wrong direction. Today in music April 29, 1997: Boy George was accused of being a ‘professional liar’ by Kirk Brandon at a court hearing. Brandon was suing him over claims in his autobiography that the pair had slept together On top of my playlist: Yash Narvekar Bas ek pal: I think this was the first time that a sad, romantic track was arranged in such an experimental and beautiful way. Coupled with KK’s vocals, this was the complete package.  Dilbar mere: The melody, arrangement, and lyrics were different and fresh when compared to the other tracks that were released around that time. This song stood the test of time. Kishore da [Kumar] has been an all-time favourite. Kaisi hai yeh rut: Dil Chahta Hai was a game-changer. It changed how people perceived filmmaking and film music. The album has songs [of all] genres.  Maula mere:I have been a fan of Mithoon since I heard this track. The production in this album is amazing. Muqabla: This song will always remain close to my heart. It is the ultimate party number.

29 April,2024 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
ANI

Zendaya talks about reviving her music career, says, "maybe one day"

Actor and singer Zendaya has not ruled out the possibility of reviving her music career eventually. The 'Challengers' star recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and was asked about her previous music releases, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "I love music, and it's something that's been special to me," said Zendaya. "I think being in the music industry, maybe it didn't kill the joy of music, but it's when you put music and business together. Sometimes it cannot feel so good." Zendaya released her debut self-titled album in 2013, which included the breakthrough track 'Replay'. And, while she has prioritised her acting career above music in recent years, she hinted that if the "right timing" comes, she may release something again. "You know, I think if the right timing and it came, because I like creating it for myself, but if there was a moment, maybe I would, you know, put out a little something," the Euphoria actress said before reminding fans: "Don't get crazy! We'll see, but maybe one day." Though she hasn't recorded any new music in several years, she has collaborated on tunes with other musicians, notably Labrinth, who scored the smash HBO drama 'Euphoria'. In addition to her conversation with Hudson, Zendaya discussed her surprise presence during Labrinth's set at Coachella last year to sing renditions of "I'm Tired" and "All For Us." The 'Dune: Part Two' star called the musician "so talented" and a "wonderful person," but revealed that she initially turned down his offer to perform at the music festival. "He asked me if I wanted to come out and perform and immediately I was like 'Oh, absolutely not.' I was like, 'I can't do that,'" Zendaya recalled, noting that she had too much "stage fright." "I have bad memories of performing live when I was a kid," she explained, but added that she eventually convinced herself to do it, saying she "can't run from this forever." Coachella ended up marking Zendaya's first live performance in more than seven years, as per The Hollywood Reporter. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Hollywood luminaries gathered in a dazzling spectacle on Saturday night to pay homage to actor Nicole Kidman, as she was bestowed with the esteemed AFI Life Achievement Award. As per Variety, the ceremony unfolded at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Kidman's esteemed colleagues and friends, including Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Reese Witherspoon, and Naomi Watts, joining in to celebrate her unparalleled contributions to the world of cinema. Draped in a resplendent gold sequin gown, Kidman was greeted with a thunderous standing ovation as she made her entrance, accompanied by the timeless melody of 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.' The evening kicked off with a lighthearted video featuring Morgan Freeman, playfully spoofing Kidman's recent AMC Theatres ad campaign, emphasizing her ability to infuse even the most sombre moments with a sense of joy, as per Variety. Freeman, a recipient of the same honour in 2011, took to the stage to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Kidman, reminiscing about his admiration for her work, particularly her role in the beloved musical 'Moulin Rouge'.He serenaded Kidman with a poignant rendition of Elton John's 'Your Song', encapsulating the sentiment of the evening. Naomi Watts, Kidman's longtime friend and fellow Australian, fondly recalled their enduring bond, describing Kidman as "the sister I never had".Watts praised Kidman's generosity and unwavering support throughout their careers, lauding her as a beacon of strength and resilience in the industry, Variety reported. Bob Gazzale, President of AFI, hailed Kidman as a paragon of Hollywood's golden era, embodying the timeless allure and romance of the silver screen. Throughout the evening, Kidman's illustrious career was showcased through a montage of her most memorable performances, ranging from the enchanting showgirl Satine in 'Moulin Rouge' to her haunting portrayal of Virginia Woolf in 'The Hours', which earned her the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002. In receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award, Kidman stands among the pantheon of Hollywood legends, a testament to her enduring legacy and indelible mark on the world of cinema. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 08:16 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
IANS

Beyonce to perform at MTV Video Music Awards after 8-year hiatus

Singer-songwriter Beyonce is set to perform at the upcoming edition of MTV Video Music Awards to mark its 40th anniversary this September. This is the first time since 2016 when the 'Cowboy Carter' hitmaker will grace its stage, reports 'Mirror.co.uk'. Back in 2016, she won eight trophies, and performed a 16-minute Lemonade medley. Even having earned VMA nominations in 2018, 2020 and 2021, the 42-year-old still didn't grace the show with an appearance and skipped last year to tour with Renaissance. "Beyonce is a huge get for the VMAs and will be a huge ratings draw," a source said. "She is currently figuring out how her appearance will look and whether it will be one song or a tribute similar to her 2014 closing performance when she received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award." The source continued: "As it's such a big year, the ceremony wants to reclaim some of its prestige so reality TV stars from some of the more lowbrow shows and TikTok will have had a harder time gaining entry while artists like Dua Lipa, Muni Long and Billie Eilish will be given priority treatment." "They are also hoping to book Taylor Swift," they added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 08:05 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Pic/AFP

Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost stun at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Star couple Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost had a glamorous night out at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The couple attended the event in Washington D.C., where Jost was selected by the White House Correspondents’ Association to be the host for the organisation’s prestigious event. Johannson wore a custom Giorgio Armani Prive white silk strapless column gown trimmed with crystals. Jost, meanwhile, chose a Giorgio Armani navy blue one-button peak lapel tuxedo trimmed in satin. He paired it with a white evening shirt and a bow tie, reports people.com. The event, usually attended by the president and the first lady, helps raise money for the WHCA, funds journalism scholarships, and honours recipients of the WHCA’s professional journalism awards. The dinner's featured speaker has usually been a comedian, with names like Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel, and Conan O'Brien hosting the annual dinner and roast in the past. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Tom Holland, Zendaya Pic/AFP

Tom Holland shows love for Zendaya's 'Challengers'

Actor Tom Holland demonstrated his unwavering support for lady love Zendaya's latest cinematic endeavour, 'Challengers,' which hit theatres on April 26.The 27-year-old expressed his excitement for the film and his admiration for Zendaya's role in it. Taking to Instagram, Holland shared the movie's poster featuring Zendaya as tennis star Tashi Duncan, alongside co-stars Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. Accompanying the post was a caption that left no room for doubt about Holland's weekend plans: "I know what I'm doing this weekend!"           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) Further extending his endorsement, Holland shared the trailer of the Luca Guadagnino-directed film on his Instagram Stories, exclaiming, "CHALLENGERS IS OUT NOW!" and tagging Zendaya with a resounding "LETS GOOOO!" Holland's public display of support for Zendaya's film came amidst revelations about their supportive and equal relationship. A source revealed to People Magazine that they take immense pride in each other's successes and offer unwavering support, which forms the cornerstone of their relationship's strength. Despite their celebrity status, both Holland and Zendaya maintain a private demeanour, with the insider revealing that the couple prefers to keep their personal lives away from the spotlight of social media. However, as earlier reported, discussions about marriage have been a reality for the couple, indicating the depth and seriousness of their commitment to each other.Zendaya, in recent interviews, has provided rare insights into their relationship dynamics, particularly observing Holland's graceful navigation through the sudden fame that accompanied his role as Spider-Man. She commended his resilience and adaptability in handling the abrupt changes in his life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 05:56 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Ariana Grande Pic/AFP

Ariana Grande teases fans with sneak peek into studio sessions for next single

Pop sensation Ariana Grande is keeping her fans on the edge of their seats with exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of her chart-topping hits.As anticipation builds for her next single, the 30-year-old star recently treated her followers to a sneak peek into the making of her Billboard Hot 100 hit, 'We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)', on her Instagram handle. Sharing black-and-white footage on Instagram, Grande showcased early recordings of the song, offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the track that soared to the top of the charts in mid-March. In the video, Grande is seen collaborating with co-writer and producer Max Martin, piecing together the melodic elements that would later become the bridge of the beloved track. "This song holds such a special place in my heart, and I can't thank you enough for all of the love you've shown it," Grande expressed her gratitude to her dedicated fanbase in the caption of the video.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) According to Billboard, 'We Can't Be Friends' serves as the second single from Grande's seventh album, 'Eternal Sunshine,' which made a stellar debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. With the lead single 'Yes, And?' premiering in January, Grande continues to captivate audiences with her signature music style. Hinting at what's to come, Grande teased her next single from 'Eternal Sunshine' while acknowledging fans' anticipation. Assuring her followers that she's working diligently to deliver another hit, Grande expressed her appreciation for their patience and unwavering support. Family and collaborators alike joined in the excitement, with Grande's mother, Joan Grande, and brother, Frankie, showering her with praise in the comments section.Songwriter Ilya Salmanzadeh, who co-wrote 'We Can't Be Friends,' hailed the recording as "magic in the making," emphasizing the special bond shared with Grande.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Anne Hathaway Pic/AFP

Anne Hathaway recalls being 'a chronically stressed young woman'

Actor Anne Hathaway has learned to relax as she ages. The 41-year-old 'Devil Wears Prada' actor said that she likely played "chronically stressed out young women" because she was "a stressed out young woman" off-screen, reported People. "I was a really stressed out young woman. And as a formerly chronically stressed young woman, which leads to, you know, all manner of things, I just remember thinking one day, 'You are taking this for granted, you are taking your life for granted,' " Hathaway said on an interview with David Marchese on The New York Times podcast The Interview. "You have no idea. Something could fall through the sky and that will be lights out for you. So when I find myself, like, the old instincts rising, I just tell myself, I'm like, 'You are not gonna die stressed,' " Hathaway said. Marchese asked the mother of two what was bothering her up, and she answered, "I didn't know how to breathe yet. And that wasn't very easy. That was complicated not knowing how to breathe." Putting it more simply, the 'Idea of You' actress said that " literally everything" in her life as a young woman in Hollywood stressed her out at one point."I was just very, very, very in my head, about a lot of things. I guess maybe that's the easiest way to put it," she clarified. Hathaway said she felt "somatic" stress at the time, meaning she felt physical symptoms of the tension in her body as opposed to just in her mind, reported People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Justin Bieber Pic/Instagram

Justin Bieber's crying selfie leaves fans concerned, wife Hailey reacts 

Days after Justin Bieber surprised fans with an impromptu performance at Coachella, he shared a series of pictures on Instagram - one of them being in tears, which left fans concerned.  Justin bombarded his feed with multiple images, most of them being selfies. A closer look shows tears rolling down his eyes as he rocked a lime green bucket hat. His wife Hailey commented, “A pretty crier.” Meanwhile, a concerned fan wrote, "Don't cry, my dear, otherwise I'll cry too."            View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) Justin and Hailey’s relationship has played out a lot over the years, going through its ups and downs, and has been the hot eye for cameras since then. The two first met when Hailey was 12, and later began dating in 2015 before briefly breaking up in 2016, though they quickly reconciled. After only a few weeks of rekindling their romance, the ‘Lonely’ singer and the ‘Rhode Skin’ founder got engaged in July 2018 at a resort in the Bahamas. They married at the Montage Palmetto Bluff waterfront resort in 2019, one year after quietly saying ‘I do’ in a New York City courthouse. Earlier this year, Justin garnered headlines after he turned down Usher's offer to perform at the Super Bowl VIII Halftime show. Usher played a major role in the launch of Justin's career in the late 2000s after record executive Scooter Braun had spotted the teenager singing on YouTube and convinced the 'Yeah!' hitmaker to meet with the budding star. The rapper met Justin in 2009 and after being impressed by his voice, signed him to his label RBMG where he quickly released the megahit hit singles 'One Time', 'One Less Lonely Girl', 'Baby' and the multi-million selling album 'My World 2.0'. Bieber, who was supposed to perform in India in October 2022, called off his concert due to health issues. The gig would have marked Bieber's second visit to India. In 2017, Bieber performed in Mumbai as part of his Purpose World Tour. This time he was set to perform live at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.  Speaking of Bieber's health, he was diagnosed with the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which caused partial paralysis to his face, earlier this year. Following this, he took a break from performing on stage.  (With inputs from IANS)

28 April,2024 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington. Pics/AFP

Ethan Hawke recalls Denzel Washington's advice on winning an Oscar

Actor and writer Ethan Hawke has shared the advice he got from his 'Training Day' co-star Denzel Washington after he lost at the 2002 Academy Awards, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In the same year, the two were nominated for their roles in the 2001 film, including best actor and best-supporting actor, respectively. While Washington won in his category, Jim Broadbent beat out Hawke for his performance in Iris. In his recent appearance on Max's Who's Talking to Chris Wallace, he shared why Washington whispered in his ear during the ceremony that it's better to lose the Oscar. "You don't want an award to improve your status. You want to improve the award's status," Hawke recalled, quoting his former co-star. "That's the way he thinks, and that's what I'm talking about playing with [baseball great] Babe Ruth." "I think when all is said and done, he's the greatest actor of our generation," he said. The actor admitted that he was just thankful to be nominated. "I was at the Oscars sitting beside Denzel Washington and nominated against Ian McKellen. I had already won. It was impossible for me not to see it any other way." 'Training Day', directed by Antoine Fuqua, follows a rookie cop who spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be. It stars Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris and Ethan Hawke as Jake Hoyt. It also features Scott Glenn, Eva Mendes, Cliff Curtis, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Macy Gray in supporting roles, as per The Hollywood Reporter. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 April,2024 06:47 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Still from Challengers

'Challengers' movie review: Alluring and truly sensual entanglement

Film: Challengers           Cast: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor, Darnell Appling, Bryan Doo, Shane T Harris, Nada Despotovich, John McShaneDirector: Luca GuadagninoRating: 3/5Runtime: 131 min A modern take on Chaucer’s ‘The Knight’s Tale’, Luca Guadagnino’s tennis psychodrama is generously ladled with overt sexual interplay. The film makes every tennis match look sexual and every conversation thereof, a challenge. We meet the three main characters at a low-point in their lives. Tennis superstar who turned coach because of a career threatening injury, Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) has taken on the responsibility of coaching her husband, Art, and has since transformed him into a world-famous Grand Slam champion. Of late though, he has been on a losing streak - so to jolt him enough to put up a big fight, she signs him up for a lowly “Challenger” event and he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor). In flashback, we see the threesome at a time when Tashi was primed to become the next big tennis superstar. She had these two bashful boy players, Art and Patrick literally eating out of her hand. Guadagnino throws in many dialogues that sound cliched, through Tashi’s tennis talk. To her, tennis “is a relationship. When I play out there like I did today, I feel like I am in love. Nothing else exists” And, going by the sensual allure of this movie, the audience is bound to find themselves hooked. We see the trio in snippets across several years and in different cities. The night following the US Junior Open leads to a lifelong entanglement. Even though Tashi and Art are married, the movie keeps reflecting on their past and raising questions as to who is in love with whom? The trio, now older but still entangled in ways that are yet to be exposed, have reached a point where the challenger match holds their entire future in balance. Gudagnino turns this into a psychological character study showing up humans as a callous lot. The central love triangle exposes each in the ways they try to cope with fame, love and hard-work. Tashi is the one who had to toil hard from humble beginnings while the two privileged white boys fresh from boarding school, used tennis mainly to step away from boredom. As the years pass she now has to face Art's success. Justin Kuritzkes’ smart dialogue lends an edge to the verbal volleys. The narrative teases us with questions. Who does Tashi love? Is she playing a game with both? What is it that drives her? The same goes with Patrick and Art. The sexual energy between the three is almost palpable. The situation is fluid and unstable. The plot keeps churning and the past-present shifts add to the complexity. Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom makes everything look crystal clear. The game is shot brilliantly with physical and emotional heft. The camera floats around gently and turns swinger whenever the play dictates. Marco Costa’s editing gives tempo new meaning while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score lends gravity to the physical and psychological parlays. Jonathan Anderson’s costuming adds weight to the allurement. Zendaya, Faist and O’Connor manage to play their roles with great conviction.    ‘Call me by your Name’ Guadagnino has made yet another sharp, flirtatious and engaging film. It’s also a great deal of fun to watch!

27 April,2024 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson Thomas
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