Latest news with #Ashi
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Ashi Singh reacts to her age-gap with Shabir Ahluwalia in the show ‘Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil'; says ‘It never felt like I am working with someone very senior'
Ashi Singh , who is currently seen as Kairi Sharma in Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, recently addressed the much-discussed age gap between her and her co-star Shabir Ahluwalia. In an exclusive conversation with Times of India TV, Ashi shared her thoughts on the dynamic and her experience working alongside the seasoned actor. Talking about their onscreen equation, she revealed, 'Till now we are mostly doing that nok-jhok and clash session and I really hope that this chemistry — because that is more difficult to show — I hope that comes out very well. Rest, when you work with Shabbir sir, it never felt like I am working with someone very senior.' Despite Shabir's long-standing presence in the industry, Ashi emphasized how grounded and approachable he is on set. 'Of course, I know in my head that he is very senior, he is amazing in his work. But he never gives you that vibe, he never makes you feel that way. So it's a very comforting space with him. So it's not that difficult to work with him. He is an easy person to work with,' she added. Addressing the topic of age-gap romances, Ashi reflected on how perspectives have evolved, both onscreen and off. 'In fact, I would say recently and in the last few years only we are watching this age gap thing. Before that, there was nothing like that. In our real life, there was a taboo that age difference should be this much. Like we used to say that the girl should be younger. So now in our real life, there is nothing like this. Girl can be older, boy can be older… If your age is 18 and you want to marry a 40-year-old, you are free to do what you want to do.' The actress believes the audience is more accepting today. 'So even if we are showing this, people are accepting that this is possible. This is not something that can't happen.' Describing her character, Ashi said, 'Kairi is full of life, hope, and conviction — she's someone who truly believes in love, in purpose, and in creating her own path. What drew me to her character is that she's not afraid to be vulnerable, yet she's incredibly strong in her beliefs. She's the kind of person who walks into a room and lights it up but also has the depth to navigate the most difficult situations with grace. Working with Shabir has been amazing; he brings so much nuance and restraint to his performance, and that contrast plays out beautifully onscreen. '
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Transforms Into a Global Luxury Destination
As luxury hotels rise from desert sands and ancient historical sites open to international visitors, the travel world is turning its attention to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom, which was closed to international tourists just a few years ago, is emerging as luxury travel's new frontier, blending centuries-old heritage with cutting-edge sustainable design and five-star hospitality. More from WWD The 'Experience Economy' Reshapes Travel Velocity Black Is Transforming Consumers' Luxury Experience Waldorf Astoria Staffers Get Uniforms Designed by Nicholas Oakwell Saudi Arabia's government has invested over $800 billion in tourism, making it the world's fastest-growing tourism market. In the first quarter of 2025, international arrivals jumped 23 percent, building on record numbers from 2024, according to data released last month by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The country surpassed its ambitious visitor target for 2030, seven years ahead of schedule, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global arts and culture destination. World-class exhibitions and high-end hospitality concepts are attracting a sophisticated international audience seeking immersive cultural experiences. Tourism spending has surged, with international visitors contributing about $37.6 billion to the Saudi economy in 2023. The sector now accounts for 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, up from just 3 percent in 2019, with plans to reach 10 percent by 2030. Saudi Arabia has raised its ambition further, targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, including 70 million international arrivals — a goal that would place the kingdom among the world's top seven most-visited countries. Riyadh Air: The Kingdom's New Global Carrier Central to Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is Riyadh Air, the kingdom's new flagship carrier launched to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030. The first flights are set to take off at the end of this year. With a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, Riyadh Air represents Saudi Arabia's determination to create a world-class aviation experience. The airline, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has already placed orders for dozens of aircraft, including 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The recently unveiled cabin interiors rival the most luxurious airlines in the world, with four-tier seating including a dramatic 'Business Elite' class featuring 52-inch-high privacy walls, 78-inch fully flat beds, and what the airline claims are the world's largest business class screens at 32 inches. The branding incorporates Saudi heritage through a color palette of deep purples, mocha gold, and veined stone accents. The airline has partnered with high-end French audio company Devialet to embed speakers directly into the headrests, eliminating the need for headphones. Saudi couturier Ashi has designed the uniforms, which were revealed during Paris couture week. 'Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart,' said Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Riyadh Air. 'We aim to permanently transcend our guests' perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.' Douglas emphasizes the market necessity driving the airline's creation: 'We're not trying to create a market that doesn't exist. Riyadh, the capital city of a G20 country, is not well enough connected. Today, you do not have the option to fly direct to Tokyo. You do not have the option to fly direct to Shanghai or Seoul or Sydney, and the list just goes on and on.'. Hosting the World: Major Global Events Saudi Arabia's event calendar has expanded dramatically as the country has opened up. Cultural festivals like MDLBeast Soundstorm, one of the world's largest music festivals, are attracting international artists and visitors in unprecedented numbers. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become a fixture on the racing calendar, and the kingdom has invested heavily in sporting events ranging from championship boxing matches to golf tournaments. The upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup will put the kingdom at the center of the global sports stage. The recently completed Diriyah Gate project, a $50 billion cultural and lifestyle destination near Riyadh, showcases the kingdom's UNESCO World Heritage site while offering luxury retail, dining, and entertainment experiences in a setting that honors Saudi Arabia's historical roots. To accommodate the projected influx of visitors, Saudi Arabia is dramatically expanding its tourism infrastructure. Hotel capacity is scheduled to double from 400,000 rooms to 800,000 rooms by 2035, with major international hospitality brands establishing a presence in the kingdom. Airport development is accelerating, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh undergoing significant expansion and the new King Salman International Airport under construction with a capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually. Ground transportation is being enhanced with new high-speed rail connections and road networks linking major tourism destinations. Red Sea Global: Redefining Luxury Tourism Perhaps no project better exemplifies Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions than the Red Sea Development. Red Sea Global is creating what aims to be the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism destination, with strict environmental protections and a commitment to operate using 100 percent renewable energy. The project, which will eventually encompass 22 islands and six inland sites, is already welcoming guests to its first luxury resorts. Major international hotel brands are making significant investments in Saudi Arabia. Marriott International has been particularly aggressive in its expansion within the kingdom with 40 hotels and more than 11,000 rooms in its development pipeline for the country. 'We are super excited about what's going on in Saudi,' says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. 'The vision is very compelling.' Marriott's current investments include the St. Regis and The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Nujuma Reserve at the Red Sea, an upcoming Edition hotel in the Red Sea, and multiple luxury properties across key Saudi cities. Among its newest properties is Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which opened in January in Diriyah, the historic district of Riyadh known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Bab Samhan — named after one of the most iconic gates in historic Diriyah — is the first luxury hotel to open in the UNESCO World Heritage area. Its location offers panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah and is within walking distance to At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the popular Bujairi Terrace dining district. Edmundson highlights the strategic importance of the Saudi market, noting, 'Luxury is such an important part of the Saudi vision.' She also praised the kingdom's commitment to sustainability: 'They've approached building in a way to really protect the environment.' Even with the remarkable momentum, Saudi Arabia's tourism transformation faces challenges. The kingdom must balance its conservative cultural identity with the expectations of international visitors and continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and workforce. But Douglas highlights that beyond transportation, Riyadh Air serves as a powerful branding vehicle for the kingdom's tourism aspirations, carrying the message of Saudi Arabia's transformation to global markets and helping to overcome some of the perception challenges. 'Riyadh Air will play a considerable role in opening our kingdom to the world for many more people to enjoy our hospitality, warmth and beautiful tourist sites.' Best of WWD The Definitive Timeline for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sean John Fashion Brand: Lawsuits, Runway Shows and Who Owns It Now What the Highest-paid CEOs at U.S. Fashion and Retail Companies Make Confidence Holds Up, But How Much Can Consumers Take?
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ashi Singh: Sometimes people get roles based on followers, which I don't appreciate
Ashi Singh acknowledges the necessity of social media for actors today, despite her personal aversion to it. She recognises that follower count can influence casting decisions, pushing her to maintain an online presence to avoid missing opportunities. In the era of social media, actress Ashi Singh , who began her career with television, feels that being active on social media is essential. While the actress prefers to stay away from it, the job demands otherwise. Talking about her social media presence , the actor says, 'I don't enjoy being on social media. But it's important. Sometimes people get roles based on followers, which I don't appreciate. At the same time, I don't want to lose out on a good opportunity only because of that. That's why I still show up online.' Ashi made her TV debut with Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai and was also seen in the film Qaidi Band . When asked if doing films was ever her plan, she says, 'When I was auditioning, I never thought that I'd audition for film or for TV. That was never on my mind, and I gave a chance to everything that came my way. When I got my first TV show, it was like the biggest successful thing that happened in my life. It will always remain close to me." Ashi adds that she continues to choose roles based on the strength of the character, not the platform. 'Even till now, I never think that, okay, I want to work on whatever platform. I just feel that whatever I'm playing should be good, and I should enjoy it more than anything else. My character should be remembered. People won't remember the platform.'
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ashi Singh binge-watches courtroom dramas to prep for her role as a lawyer in ‘Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil'
Actress Ashi Singh is stepping into the new territory with her role as Kairi in Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil . The show pairs her opposite Shabir Ahluwalia, who plays Yug — and sparks are set to fly when their characters collide. Kairi, a spirited final-year law student juggling academics, part-time work, and family responsibilities, dreams of becoming a successful lawyer. And for Ashi, bringing this determined and emotionally layered character to life demanded more than just memorizing legal jargon. To ensure an authentic portrayal, Ashi immersed herself in legal dramas across genres and cultures. 'I started with Suits and then went deep into Law & Order for the real procedural stuff. But the most unexpected source of inspiration was the K-drama Vincenzo. It's not a typical courtroom drama, but the back-and-forth between the leads, who are both lawyers, really helped me understand how to balance a lawyer's confidence with emotional vulnerability,' she revealed. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones 'Plus, the takraar between them felt oddly familiar to Kairi and Yug's dynamic in our show.' Known for her powerful performances, Ashi has always been drawn to strong, multidimensional roles. But Kairi, she says, stands apart. 'I've always enjoyed playing strong characters, but Kairi feels different — she's got fire, she's sharp, and she leads with her heart. I knew I couldn't just play her with surface-level confidence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo I ended up giving myself a crash course in courtroom rhythm by binge-watching legal dramas. I'd tell myself 'just one episode,' and suddenly it's 2 AM and I'm deep into a binge! But it really helped me go beyond the legal jargon — it showed me how layered, flawed, and real a character like Kairi can be. I'm genuinely excited for the audience to meet her and see the little quirks and shades I've added to make her my own,' she laughed. 'The moment I read about Kairi, I knew she was someone I wanted to bring to life,' Ashi added. 'I'm genuinely excited for the audience to meet her and see the little quirks and shades I've added to make her my own.'
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Staying relevant in showbiz is not easy: Ashi Singh
Ashi Singh is making her television comeback after a year with 'Uff... Yeh Love Hai Mushkil' alongside Shabir Ahluwalia. She acknowledges the challenges of finding desired roles in the industry, noting the prevalence of stereotypes in TV content. After a year away from television , Ashi Singh is set to return to the small screen with Uff... Yeh Love Hai Mushkil , alongside actor Shabir Ahluwalia . Ashi says, 'The last show I did was in 2023. It's been just over a year. I shot for a web series that hasn't released yet. Uff... Yeh Love... is different from what I have done earlier on TV and hence, I was happy to take it up. ' She admits that it's not easy to bag roles that one really wants to do on television. 'I've been lucky to get interesting roles, but a lot of TV content still leans on stereotypes. Audiences enjoy it and so showmakers stick to what works,' says Ashi, who has acted in shows like Aladdin, Meet and Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai. Talking about the challenges that actors face, she says, 'The first break is hard, but once you're part of the industry, staying relevant or moving forward is even harder. It's not easy at all. When you're starting out, you're a blank slate. But once you're established, expectations grow. That's the challenge I've faced in this past year. It was frustrating to wait for a good project, but I'm a positive person and that helped me. I believe that if something doesn't happen, it wasn't meant for me. When I got this show, I realised that the wait was worth it.' Starting her career at 17 meant missing out on a regular college life, but Ashi has no regrets. 'I did my schooling and college in Mumbai. After 12th, I chose distance education. I didn't go to college, but I stayed in touch with my friends. We still hang out, split our bills... it feels just like college. And acting is something I always wanted to pursue, so I'm happy with my journey so far.'
