Connect with us
Wednesday,12-August-2026
Breaking News

Entertainment

Legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis passes away at 96

Published

on

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

Mini Mathur calls ‘Alliance’ the best digital detox experiences of her life: Had so much fun

Published

on

Mumbai: Mini Mathur, the winner of the reality show ‘Alliance’, called it the best digital detox experience of her life. She shared that she did not miss her phone at all during her time in the show.

Mini said that, given it was her first experience of a reality show, she was surprised that she ended up having so much fun.

The ‘Mind the Malhotras’ actress was asked, “This was your first reality show, while many contestants had years of experience in this space. How challenging was the learning curve in the beginning, and what surprised you the most?”

Mini believes that the fact that she did not enter the show with any preconceived notion ended up working in her favour.

“I did not come with the sole intention of winning. Of course, I did not come to lose either, but my focus was simply to enjoy every challenge and give it my best. I think people connected with that enthusiasm,” she added.

Explaining her strategy for ‘Alliance’, Mini added, “Many people told me that reality shows are all about creating drama, speaking to the cameras, and manufacturing conflicts. But I never wanted to be known for that. I wanted people to see me exactly as I am—authentic. That is how I played the game.”

Talking about her learning curve, she said, “The learning curve lasted through the first couple of weeks. Fortunately, many contestants were also new to reality television, so we were all learning together. That made the environment much more comfortable because there were fewer preconceived ideas.”

Mini also revealed how the show unexpectedly turned out to be a fun experience for her, also becoming the best digital detox of her life.

“What surprised me the most was how much fun I ended up having. I honestly thought I would come out mentally exhausted, physically drained, and probably needing therapy. Instead, I came out feeling sharper, more focused, and fitter than I have felt in a very long time,” she concluded.

Continue Reading

Bollywood

Catherine Zeta-Jones says ‘You are everything to me’ as son Dylan turns a year older

Published

on

Los Angele : Hollywood star couple Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ son Dylan turned a year older on Saturday, and celebrating his special day, the actress penned a heartfelt birthday wish for her son on social media.

Catherine posted a few throwback photographs of Dylan over the years on her Instagram handle, expressing her immense love for him in an emotional birthday wish that read, “Happy Birthday to my son Dylan!!!!! You are everything to me and you bring such joy to my life. Have a wonderful new year ahead sweetheart and thank you for all those thus far. @dylan__douglas I (red heart emoji) U (sic).”

Douglas and Zeta-Jones started dating back in 1999, and the lovebirds exchanged wedding vows in 2000. The couple has been blessed with two children – son Dylan Michael and daughter Carys Zeta.

In April, as Carys turned 23, both Douglas and Zeta-Jones dropped lovely birthday notes for their daughter.

Douglas uploaded a picture of himself with his daughter on a red carpet, and penned, “Happy Birthday Carys! May YOUR new year bring you joy and inspiration. All the love in the world! @carys.douglas Dad.”

Carys commented on the post saying, “Thank you Dadda I love you so so much.”

Zeta-Jones also shared a couple of old pictures of her daughter, along with the text, “Happy Birthday Carys! May today and all days be a special as you. I love you. Mama.”

Carys replied in the comment section saying, “Thank you my dear Mamma I love you so.”

Work-wise, in February, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that she will once again be seen as the enigmatic Morticia Addams in the third Season of the acclaimed show, ‘Wednesday’, which is expected to premiere on Netflix in July 2027.

Featuring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, the latest season of the drama promises to be the darkest chapter of the story yet.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

AICWA offers condolences to ‘Ghajini’ actor Pradeep Rawat

Published

on

Mumbai, Aug 5: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has offered its condolences to the late actor Pradeep Rawat. The actor passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday.

The body said in a statement, “With his powerful screen presence, he portrayed some of the most unforgettable villainous characters alongside many of Bollywood’s legendary comedians and actors. His remarkable performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and cherished by generations of film lovers. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the Bollywood film industry. It is truly heartbreaking to lose such a talented and respected artiste”.

They further mentioned, “On behalf of the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. May God grant eternal peace to his noble soul and give strength and courage to his loved ones to bear this irreparable loss. Rest in Peace, Pradeep Rawat Ji. Your legacy will live on forever”.

The actor was known for his roles in ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Ghajini. He died on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Bhiwandi after prolonged illness.

The actor was born on January 21, 1952, and worked predominantly in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. He was known for his negative roles, his first appearance was in B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ as Ashwatthama.

Continue Reading

Trending