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Khaleej Times
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback with Vaani Kapoor explores romance, food, and freedom
Under the soft glow of a high-end lounge at Dubai Mall's Reel Cinemas, away from the earlier frenzy of a press conference packed with influencers, journalists, and fans eager for a glimpse, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor sat down for a quiet, intimate chat. It was the kind of moment that felt both relaxed and historic—especially considering what it took to get here. Behind the velvet ropes and the spotlight, the atmosphere was meticulous. A list of media dos and don'ts had been circulated well in advance. Questions were to steer clear of controversy, and conversations were expected to remain squarely on the film. The restraint wasn't surprising. After all, Abir Gulaal marks Khan's much-awaited return to Bollywood—nearly a decade since his last Hindi film—and comes at a time when borders between art and politics have only grown more charged. Khan, an actor, singer, and producer with an unwavering fanbase in India, announced his Bollywood comeback earlier in the month, sending social media into a collective swoon. The announcement, according to reports, comes 18 months after an Indian court effectively ruled that the de facto industry ban on Pakistani artists—imposed in 2016—was unlawful. For many, Abir Gulaal isn't just another romantic drama; it is the reopening of possibilities. And yet, when the duo spoke, none of that weight was apparent. They were breezy, candid, and effortlessly charming—much like the film itself. Their latest cinematic outing is a romantic comedy set in the vibrant food scene of London, where Gulaal (played by Kapoor), a free-spirited aspiring chef, finds herself clashing—and eventually connecting—with her uptight restaurateur boss, Abir (played by Khan). 'It felt like a breeze,' Khan said with a soft grin. 'After the intense work I've done in the past few years (The Legend of Maula Jatt, Barzakh), this was light-hearted. Something you come back to, unwind, go to sleep, and not have to think too much. Plus, it's about chefs and restaurants—I love being in the kitchen.' 'Same,' Kapoor nodded. 'I was craving something like this. Gulaal has this childlike quality—I think she's kind of like my alter ego. And of course, working with Fawad was a huge plus. He's so talented.' There's an unmistakable ease between them, both on and off screen. Their characters are cut from different cloths—Abir is reserved and measured; Gulaal is spontaneous and unfiltered. Yet, their chemistry works, perhaps because it draws strength from the tension. 'It's like two worlds collide,' he said. 'And that's what makes it fun,' she added. 'The chemistry wasn't forced. It was very organic.' In a film that orbits around themes of food, freedom, and love, the actors found personal resonance. 'I love food. I consider myself a romantic. And freedom…' Khan paused, weighing his words carefully. 'Let's just say it's something we all aspire to. And in this story, the characters do find their own versions of it.' 'Freedom to love,' Kapoor added thoughtfully, 'should never be restricted. It's a feeling. An emotion. You can't put a rule on that.' Even off-screen, the roles left their mark. 'I think every character leaves behind little nuggets,' he said. 'Abir taught me to be more understanding.' 'Gulaal reminded me to stay curious,' she added. 'She's impulsive and joyful—she reminded me of my younger self.' Of course, it wasn't all introspection. There were laughs too. On who's more likely to burn something in the kitchen, Kapoor cheekily responded, 'The one who enters the kitchen—because I don't!' 'That's a smart answer,' Khan laughed. And if they had to swap lives with their characters? 'It'd be a freaky Friday,' Fawad quipped, deadpan, alluding to the Hollywood body swap comedy that features Lindsay Lohan. Their comfort food? Kapoor swears by dal chawal and rajma chawal. Khan, with the flair of someone unafraid of unpopular opinions, admits, 'Karela. Bitter gourd. I love it.' When it comes to dream restaurants, they got personal. Kapoor would pay tribute to her father's lovingly made kheer (rice pudding), while Khan envisions a space built around mastering the deceptively simple French omelette. 'It's the simplest dish, but one of the hardest to make right. That's what makes it so beautiful.' Dubai, a melting pot of culture and cuisine, proved a fitting backdrop for Abir Gulaal 's pre-release spotlight. The cast and crew, including composer Amit Trivedi, the voice behind the beautiful numbers in the film, were rocking up a stage in Global Village on the weekend. So in a time when politics often threaten to overshadow cinema and its artistry, Abir Gulaal feels like a palate cleanser, as Kapoor rightfully points out to another reporter -- light, flavourful, and surprisingly bold in its quiet return to cross-border storytelling. And in Khan's signature French omelette way—it may be simple, but it's anything but ordinary.
Khaleej Times
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Birthdays, appointments, meetings, all rescheduled for India-Pakistan clash
Indian and Pakistani expats in the UAE are putting their weekend plans on hold as the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Champions Trophy takes centre stage on Sunday. From birthdays and family gatherings to business meetings and even doctor's appointments, everything is being rescheduled to make way for the game. For Sharjah based Pakistani expat Irfan Mohammed, missing the match was never an option. 'We had a team bonding session planned for Sunday afternoon. I was thinking of an excuse when my boss himself postponed it. It turns out he realized no one was coming anyway.' Even medical appointments aren't spared. A general physician in Karama said multiple patients called to reschedule their check-ups. 'They just say they have 'personal reasons,' but let's be honest, it's because of the match.' Many personal events are also being moved. Amit Verma, an Indian expat in Bur Dubai, said, 'My daughter's birthday was planned for Sunday, but we moved it to today." Another Indian expat Nazia Khan faced a similar situation. 'We had a big family reunion lined up, but my brothers refused to come. We've now shifted it to next weekend—because, of course, cricket comes first.' Indians and Pakistanis together constitute around 55 of the UAE population, with Indians making up about 38% Pakistanis around 16.72%. While many are rearranging their schedules to watch from home or restaurants, thousands are heading to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, having secured tickets well in advance. 'We booked a block of seats the moment sales opened,' said Rizwan Ahmed, a Pakistani expat attending with his colleagues. 'It's a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. You just don't miss this.' Tickets sold out within minutes, and with demand far outstripping supply, resale prices have skyrocketed. Originally priced at Dh500, general admission tickets were listed for as much as Dh3,500 on various platforms. 'A friend of mine got a ticket for Dh800 last month. That same ticket is now going for Dh4,000,' said an Indian expat. For those unable to get stadium tickets, Dubai's cinemas and restaurants are stepping up to create a stadium-like atmosphere. VOX and Reel Cinemas screening the match at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Burjuman, with tickets priced from Dh42 to Dh95 per person. Roxy Cimemas also host live screenings at Dubai Hills Mall, The Beach JBR, and City Walk. Restaurants are pulling out all the stops to recreate the match-day experience. Raza Iqbal owner of Desi Village Restaurant & Café in Al Garhoud said they have set up massive screens and decked out the venue in team colours. 'We have got a Dh149 minimum spend, and staff will be in team jerseys,' he said. The cricket fever went up a notch when Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was spotted grabbing a bite at Raju Omlet in Business Bay on Friday, sending fans into a frenzy. 'I was just picking up my breakfast when I saw Rohit walk in,' said an excited fan, Priya Menon. 'Forget food, I just wanted a selfie.'
Khaleej Times
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
India vs Pakistan in Dubai: Where to watch Champions Trophy 2025 game live
Were you one among the hundreds of thousands waiting in queue to get tickets to one of the most anticipated cricket matches this year, but had no luck? If you couldn't manage to snag a ticket, then you could catch the hottest game of the year on TV from the warmth of your home. Else, you could visit one of the numerous spots around town screening the game. If you prefer to sit back comfortably in your couch for the nail-biting thriller, then here's where you can watch India vs Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: However, if you're planning to head out and catch the game with others at a lively spot, then we've put together a short list of places where you could watch the match live, across Dubai. Soul St, JVC This instagrammable spot located in FIVE, JVC, will be screening the big game. Make sure to book your spot in advance for just Dh150 (which will be redeemable on food and drinks). To book in advance, call 04 455 9989. Keep in mind that the dress code is smart casual, so maybe, leave your flip flops behind! Mahi Cafe, Al Nahda If you're looking for an unbeatable deal, Mahi Cafe in Al Nahda has you covered. Their 'Champions Trophy half-century' deal offers a starter, cocktail, and single-flavour shisha for just Dh50. With five screens and a 130-inch projector screen, Mahi Cafe offers plenty of space for fans to gather and catch all the cricket action. TJ's, Taj JLT |If you're looking for a place to relax and immerse yourself in the thrill of the game, TJ's is the place for you. Those planning to catch the game will have to make a minimum spend of Dh200, which will be redeemable on food. Vox, Reel Cinemas Want to catch the game on a real big screen? Vox and Reel Cinemas are both showcasing the match at select locations. Reel Cinemas has opened advance booking for the India vs Pakistan game, and will be screening the match live at Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall. Tickets are priced a Dh95 per person. Vox Cinemas will be screening the match live across 10 locations. These include: Burjuman, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Shindagha, Mall of the Emirates, Megaplex (Cineplex Grand Hyatt), Reem Mall - Abu Dhabi, Wafi Mall at Wafi City and Yas Mall - Abu Dhabi. Tickets start at Dh42 per person. The Permit Room, Mankhool The Permit Room, a quirky India restaurant located at Majestic Premier Hotel in Mankhool, has an electric rooftop which would serve as the perfect setting for fans to enjoy the ICC Champions Trophy. The restaurant is also offering great bucket deals that are sure to get your match-day excitement to the next level. Pair your house spirits with complimentary bar nibbles, or enjoy a premium spirit and get a complimentary starter to keep you fuelled through all the game-day excitement. With a massive 200-inch projector screen, The Permit Room is home to the largest screen in the city, offering every cricket fan a front-row seat to every run, wicket, and nail-biting moment. For enquiries, contact: 0547911796 Tipsy Tikka, Mankhool Located at Four Points by Sheraton in Mankhool, this spot will be showcasing the match and offering several game-time promotions. Beverages start at Dh30, so, gather your squad.
