Latest news with #Habibi
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sophie Choudry recalls being visibly shaken after man flashed her in broad daylight in Bandra: ‘He literally unzipped'
Singer and actress Sophie Choudry has spoken out about a deeply disturbing incident she experienced in Mumbai's upscale Bandra locality, shedding light on the everyday harassment women continue to face, even in seemingly safe environments. In an interview with Hauterrfly, Sophie recounted the recent moment when she was flashed by a man in broad daylight. 'He literally unzipped in broad daylight' 'It happened just a month ago,' Sophie said, visibly shaken. 'I was driving through a lane in Bandra when I noticed a man literally unzipping and putting everything on display. It was shocking.' She stressed that such incidents are far too common and are often brushed off. 'I don't even think some men realise what they're doing. Sometimes, it's so casual for them, like it's not even criminal,' she explained. The incident, while disturbing, wasn't her first. Sophie revealed, 'The first time someone flashed at me was when I was a schoolgirl in London. It happens across the world, but that doesn't make it any less horrifying.' She also recalled similar experiences in Khar, where men would stop their bikes and expose themselves while she was walking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'No hands' is my new rule for fan photos The conversation also delved into the issue of personal space and celebrity boundaries. 'One thing celebs deal with constantly is fans who want photos. And while that's totally okay, there are those who try to use that moment to get too close,' she said. 'They'll pretend it's innocent and try to slip their hand around your waist.' 'Nice glares mam': Sophie Choudry makes a splash with her uber chic airport look Sophie has since established a clear boundary. 'Now, the first thing I say when someone asks for a photo is, 'No hands.' My team is also very alert about this. I'm happy to pose with you, respectfully, but you don't get to touch me. That's not part of the deal.' Sophie rose to fame with hit tracks like Habibi, Le Le Mera Dil, and Babylove, and became a regular at music awards and concerts. Her film career includes roles in Shaadi No. 1, Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Shootout at Wadala, and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara! She also took part in reality TV, making appearances in Bigg Boss 8 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sophie Choudry Says Man Flashed At Her In Mumbai's Bandra: ‘He Was Unzipping...'
Last Updated: Sophie Choudry shared a disturbing incident where a man flashed at her in Bandra, Mumbai. Calling it 'disgusting,' she also opened up about inappropriate fan behavior. Singer and actress Sophie Choudry recently opened up about a disturbing experience that took place in one of Mumbai's poshest localities—Bandra. In a candid chat with Hauterrfly, Sophie recounted a moment that left her stunned and disgusted: a man flashed her in broad daylight. 'It happened just a month ago," Sophie began, visibly unsettled. 'I was driving through a lane in Bandra when I noticed a man literally unzipping and putting everything on display. It was shocking." She added that while it was appalling, such incidents are not isolated. 'I don't even think some men realise what they're doing. Sometimes, it's so casual for them, like it's not even criminal. There have been times when men have stopped their bikes while I was walking in Khar and just exposed themselves." Sophie pointed out that this wasn't the first time she'd experienced such vile behavior. 'The first time someone flashed at me was when I was a schoolgirl in London. It happens across the world, but that doesn't make it any less horrifying." The conversation took a wider turn when Sophie highlighted the everyday challenges of being a public figure, especially when it comes to personal space and boundaries. 'One thing celebs deal with constantly is fans who want photos. And while that's totally okay, there are those who try to use that moment to get too close. They'll pretend it's innocent and try to slip their hand around your waist," she said. Sophie, however, has a clear boundary. 'Now, the first thing I say when someone asks for a photo is, 'No hands.' My team is also very alert about this. I'm happy to pose with you, respectfully, but you don't get to touch me. That's not part of the deal." Over the years, Sophie Choudry has carved a unique identity in the entertainment industry. She began her career as a singer and quickly gained popularity with chartbusters like Habibi, Le Le Mera Dil, and Babylove. Her distinctive voice and glamorous presence made her a staple at music awards and live events. Sophie ventured into Bollywood with David Dhawan's Shaadi No. 1 and followed it up with notable appearances in Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Shootout at Wadala, and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara!. In 2014, she entered the reality TV space with Bigg Boss 8, and later danced her way through Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7. Though she may have exited those shows early, her impact has been lasting. Courageous and vocal, Sophie continues to use her platform to advocate for dignity, safety, and respect for women—not just in showbiz, but everywhere. First Published: May 23, 2025, 17:01 IST
Time Out Dubai
22-05-2025
- General
- Time Out Dubai
The 20 classic Dubai words and phrases we use every day
Feeling a little lost in translation? There are some essential terms that you'll need to know about when navigating life in the UAE. From Arabic words that are used in everyday conversation (the elusive yaani) to confusing lingo in apartment adverts (chiller-free… post-dated cheques…) here is your handy guide to Dubai words you need to know. Dubai words. Credit: Adobe Express Classic Dubai words and phrases Ahlan wa sahlan Definition: Literally translated, ahlan wa sahlan means welcome, however, it is commonly used as a general greeting just like hello in English. How to use it in a sentence: 'Ahlan wa sahlan, please come in.' Alhamdulillah Definition: Arabic for Praise be to God and thank God. It is used to say thank you to God for good things that happen to you. How to use it in a sentence: 'I passed my class, Alhamdulillah.' Arbab Definition: Arbab is originally a Persian word that means 'boss' or 'landlord'. In Dubai, it's used to describe someone who oversees you or your work. How to use in a sentence: 'Arbab, can I please have the day off?' Boss Definition: A casual way to address a man, similar to saying mate. It is often said to delivery drivers, petrol station attendants and people preparing your food. How to use it in a sentence: 'Yes boss. Thank you, boss.' Chammak Definition: A very colloquial way to describe teens that hang around malls at night and try hard to be part of the cool group. How to use it in a sentence: 'On a Friday night, this spot is full of chammaks.' Chiller-free Definition: A place that is advertised as chiller-free means that the tenant does not pay for air conditioning usage. How to use it in a sentence: 'The apartment is chiller-free.' DEWA Definition: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority is the authority which supplies electricity and water to residents' homes. How to use it in a sentence: 'My Dewa bill was quite high this month.' Ejari Definition: An online registration system initiated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) that all tenants and landlords must use when living in Dubai. How to use it in a sentence: 'I need to sort the Ejari out for my new apartment.' Habibi Definition: An endearing way to say my love/my dear in Arabic. It can be used to address a friend or sweetheart. How to use it in a sentence: 'Habibi, come to Dubai.' Inshallah Definition: Arabic for if God is willing and used to say the outcome of something is in God's hands. How to use it in a sentence: 'I will send over the paperwork today, inshallah.' Khalas Definition: It's an Arabic word for 'finish' or 'that's it'. How to use it in a sentence: 'Khalas, I don't want to be a part of this anymore.' Khalli walli Definition: A very Dubai-specific way of saying forget about it. How to use it in a sentence: 'Khalli walli, I don't want to go out anymore.' Mabrook Definition: Congratulations. How to use it in a sentence: 'Mabrook on your new car. It looks amazing.' Mashallah Definition: Arabic saying that translates in English to God willed it and is used to praise God when something happens. How to use it in a sentence: 'You are so pretty, Mashallah.' Post-dated cheques Definition: Cheques that are dated for a later date in the future and often required when renting a home in Dubai. How to use it in a sentence: 'I have to provide four post-dated cheques to my landlord when I sign my lease.' RERA Definition: RERA stands for the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – a government agency responsible for regulating the real estate sector in Dubai. How to use it in a sentence: 'I am going to contact RERA to find out if my landlord is allowed to increase my rent this much.' Wallah Definition: Arabic for I swear by God and used to prove you are telling the truth. How to use it in a sentence: 'Wallah, this is the best meal I've had.' Yaani This might be one of the trickiest words to translate. Definition: It is the Arabic word for 'means' or 'like'. It can also be used as a filler word instead of 'um' or 'you know'. How to use it in a sentence: 'Yaani, why am I involved?' Yakhee Definition: Bro or bruh. How to use it in a sentence: 'Yakhee, just come here.' Yalla Definition: Arabic saying meaning let's go and often used to hurry people along. How to use it in a sentence: 'Yalla, let's go.' Everything you need to know about Dubai… 18 things you need to know before moving to Dubai Here are a few quick things you need to know about arriving in Dubai Convenient things you can use your Emirates ID for Pay for petrol, withdraw cash and more Everything you need to know about Global Village What to do at the family attraction
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Congrats, you own crypto now: Coinbase joins the S&P 500
Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, officially joins the S&P 500 today (May 19), replacing Discover Financial Services (DFS) following its acquisition by Capital One (COF). The move marks a major moment of mainstream legitimacy for crypto, which until recently prided itself on being an alternative to the financial system. With a market cap of $67 billion and shares up almost 30% since the announcement (although news of a hack has also broken since), Coinbase's inclusion brings more than bragging rights. Passive index funds that track the S&P — and active managers who take it as their benchmark — will be forced to buy Coinbase stock, creating demand and cementing visibility. For investors with 401(k)s or mutual funds, that means you likely now hold crypto exposure, whether you ever meant to or not. 'This isn't merely a nod to Coinbase's market capitalisation or financial performance,' said Meryem Habibi, chief revenue officer at Bitpace. 'It reflects a broader institutional acceptance of crypto as an enduring component of global finance.' Founded as a retail crypto trading platform, Coinbase has evolved into an infrastructure company that also serves institutions and developers — a pivot that has helped it survive regulatory crackdowns and crypto's brutal winters. Its S&P inclusion follows strict profitability, liquidity, and governance standards, underscoring that even Wall Street's most staid types now see Coinbase as part of the system. Risks, of course, remain. Coinbase still relies heavily on trading volumes in a volatile sector, and analysts caution that the inclusion says more about market structure than long-term dominance. 'The event sets a new precedent: Crypto-native companies can evolve into systemically relevant financial entities,' Habibi elaborated. 'Rather than signalling the demise of TradFi, it highlights a convergence, where digital-native infrastructure is being woven into the mainstream financial fabric. Just as fintechs were once disruptors and are now embedded within the banking ecosystem, crypto firms like Coinbase are reshaping the core of capital markets.' For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region's first original global musical unveils cast, new single
The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai , the region's first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi , performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show. Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very 'multicultural heartbeat of Dubai', according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a 'genre-bending spectacle' – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time. 'It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,' said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. 'The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.' Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025. The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai's iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show's larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show's soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical. 'Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It's a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,' said Khaled, the composer who's worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally. Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai's vibrant culture are woven into the narrative. The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey. Stellar ensemble of international talents Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina , a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London's elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia . While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will . Dubai-based performer Isiako ( Khalid ) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim , drawing from her rich experience in Dubai's live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam , adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia. Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias , the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo's performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal's Concordia University. Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, 'We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.' The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. 'Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,' added Boukris. 'This is not just a show — it's a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.' Now, with the soundtrack's first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun. The musical's official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night. sudha
