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Legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis passes away at 96

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Mikis-Theodorakis

‘Serpico’ and ‘Zorba the Greek’ music composer Mikis Theodorakis has died at 96. The beloved Greek composer’s rousing music and life of political defiance won acclaim abroad and inspired millions at home.

The Greek flag was lowered to half-staff at the Acropolis as three days of national mourning were declared. Theodorakis’ death at his home in central Athens on Thursday was announced on state television and followed multiple hospitalisations in recent years, mostly for heart treatment.

Theodorakis had a prolific career that began at the age of 17. As a composer he began in earnest, as he worked in a huge range of genres from film scores and ballet music to operas, as well as chamber music, ancient Greek tragedies and Greek folk, setting the work of leading poets to music, including Spain’s Federico Garcia Lorca and the Greek Nobel laureate Odysseas Elytis.

A music series based on poems written by Nazi concentration camp survivor Iakovos Kambanellis, ‘The Ballad of Mauthausen’, described the horrors of camp life and the Holocaust.

But it was the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ ‘Zorba the Greek’ in 1964, and the slow-to-frenetic title score by Theodorakis that made him a household name. The movie starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, and Irene Pappas picked up three Academy Awards.

Fans of his music were as varied as his work. ‘The Beatles’ sang a cover of his song and he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union.

But the towering man with trademark worker suits, hoarse voice, and wavy hair also is remembered by Greeks for his stubborn opposition to post-war regimes that persecuted him and outlawed his music.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared three days of national mourning, posting a photograph with Theodorakis at his home following a recent hospitalization.

“I had the honour of knowing him for many years and his advice has always been valuable to me, especially concerning the unity of our people and overcoming divisions,” Mitsotakis wrote.”The best way to honour him, a global Greek, is to live by that message. Mikis is our history.”

Born Michail Theodorakis on the eastern Aegean island of Chios on July 29, 1925, he was exposed to music and politics from a young age.

Theodorakis began writing music and poetry in his teens, just as Greece entered World War II. During the war, he was arrested by the country’s Italian and German occupiers for his involvement in Left-wing resistance groups.

Bollywood

Arjun Kapoor falls victim to online scam, warns fans

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Mumbai, Dec 26: Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor recently took to his social media to warn his fans about an online scam involving someone impersonating his manager.

The actor shared a post on Instagram, cautioning his followers about a fake account that had been reaching out to people, claiming to offer opportunities to connect with him. The scammer had been targeting unsuspecting fans, using the actor’s name to build credibility and trick people into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links.

Arjun shared a post that read, “It’s come to my attention that a random account is reaching out to people claiming to be my manager and offering opportunities to connect with me. Please know that these messages are not legitimate, and I have no association with them. I would never anyone to click on links or share personal details Through such means. Please don’t fall for these scams-stay safe and alert. If you come across such messages. Kindly report the account immediately. Have a safe and merry Christmas.”

Meanwhile, yesterday, the Gunday actor extended his best wishes to the team of Baby John. Taking to his Instagram stories, Arjun shared the poster of Varun Dhawan starrer and wrote, “Wishing the entire team massive success !!! Are you going to reflect on the year or deflect from reflection? Dhawan dropped heart emojis as the reaction.

Work-wise, Arjun Kapoor was recently seen portraying the modern-day version of Raavan, Danger Lanka, in Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again.” The film also features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, “Singham Again,” the fifth installment in the popular Cop Universe, was released on November 1.

Arjun penned a heartfelt note, thanking Rohit for making every moment on set unforgettable. He captioned the post, “The perfect role, at the right time, with a director who believes in you — sometimes, that’s all it takes. Grateful beyond words for the trust he’s shown in me when not many were willing to, and for creating a character so close to his vision that the audiences have loved. This journey of becoming Danger Lanka has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you, @itsrohitshetty sir and team, for making every moment on set unforgettable. I’d do this all over again in a heartbeat!.”

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Rs 2 crore assistance by Allu Arjun, makers of ‘Pushpa-2’ for family of stampede victim

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Hyderabad, Dec 25: Actor Allu Arjun, producers and director of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ have announced Rs 2 crore for the family of the woman who was killed and her son who was critically injured during the premiere show of the movie at Sandhya Theatre on December 4.

Allu Arjun’s father and well-known producer Allu Arvind made the announcement on Wednesday after meeting Sri Teja, who is undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital.

Allu Arvind told media that the cheque was handed over to Dil Raju, chairman, Telangana State Film Development Corporation.

Allu Arvind said to support the boy and his family, the film unit decided to give financial assistance of Rs 2 crore.

While Allu Arjun has given Rs 1 crore, Mythri Movies, the producers of the movie have extended assistance of Rs 50 lakh. Film’s director Sukumar has also given Rs 50 lakh to the family.

Allu Arvind said they spoke to doctors and were happy to know that he is recovering.

Allu Arjun had announced Rs 25 lakh for the family two days after the incident. He had also assured all support to the family including treatment expenses of the boy.

Sri Tej’s father Bhaskar had said on Tuesday that he received a demand draft of Rs 10 lakh from Allu Arjun.

Bhaskar said that the actor’s manager is also in regular touch with the family to get updates on the boy’s condition.

The family is receiving support from both the Telangana government and Allu Arjun.

Bhaskar said Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy gave them a cheque of Rs 25 lakh.

The boy’s father said after 20 days, they noticed some body movement.

“He also opened his eyes but did not recognise any of us,” he said.

A woman named Revathi died and her son Sri Tej was critically injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre.

Actor Allu Arjun was arrested in the case on December 13 and was released on interim bail the next day.

The Chikkadpally Police, which registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, interrogated Allu Arjun for more than three hours on Tuesday.

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Bollywood

Anil Kapoor: ‘Subedaar’ is much more than just an action film

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Mumbai, Dec 24: On Anil Kapoor’s 68th birthday on Tuesday, the makers of “Subedaar” shared the actor’s first look from the upcoming film, which he says is much more than just an action movie.

Anil said in a statement: “Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life.”

The first look starts with gritty visuals, accompanied by a gripping Subedaar theme track. Anil embodies a rugged and intense persona with absolute finesse. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle, powerhouse performance.

He said: “Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years!”

Directed by Suresh Triveni, the action drama is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Triveni.

“I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life,” said the actor.

“Subedaar” also stars Radhikka Madan in the lead role. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. Featuring the dynamic Anil Kapoor, alongside the talented Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter.

An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, the action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January.

On December 23, the actor remembered his father Surinder Kapoor on his 99th birth anniversary. He said that his simplicity, honesty, and joy not only defined him but gave his life meaning.

“Subedaar” is a Prime Video Original film.

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