Latest news with #Veronica
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Who said what: French Open day 6
"Am I a good liar? Let's say it doesn't matter, really. Oh, my God. I couldn't play poker." -- Iga Swiatek struggles to hide her relief at not having to face Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16. Ostapenko has won all six of their meetings "I'm from Wuhan in China so I handle the hot weather quite well. I actually like these conditions, but I'd like to say thanks to all the crowd who suffered today." -- Zheng Qinwen kept her cool on the hottest day of the tournament "I have heard a lot saying I'm not smart enough, that I'm stupid, and I'll never make it, and I don't have anything to make it to the top. I guess I want to send a quick message to them to quit their job, because honestly, I think they know nothing." -- World number one Aryna Sabalenka brushed aside the doubts coaches had about her in her youth "I was in my towel, and I put my towel like this down in the box, and the guy was yelling aggressive with me. He reach out for me. I thought this was very strange, because I did not do anything against him and he should not interact with a player on the court, it's a bit embarrassing." -- Holger Rune on the interaction that led to a spectator being removed from his match "The players have to be respected. We are not animals. We are trained to do our best. There are some ups and downs." -- Frenchman Quentin Halys, who lost to Rune in five sets "Your mind drives everything. When your mind goes, sometimes your body can go too. That's the most important thing, to stay locked in. Tell yourself to keep going." -- Tommy Paul opens up on the challenge of staying focused after coming through his second straight five-set match "Muscle memory kicks in when it's a tight moment and you want to go for that big serve again. You have to fight those demons and hit a slower serve to change up the rhythm, especially in those tight moments." -- Alexei Popyrin details the importance of variety and the need to resist temptation "It changed a lot honestly. I have to say that I was pretty scared when Veronica, she got pregnant. During the pregnancy was probably the worst moment because I had so many thoughts on how it's going to be, how I could manage to be a father, to be a great father, an example, not just in the court but off the court." -- Lorenzo Musetti speaks about adjusting to life as a father. His partner Veronica is pregnant again with their second child "That's not what we're saying. I have to stop you right there." © 2025 AFP
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Review: Why Gen Z Finds This Toxic, Sexist Cocktail Re-Release Hard To Drink
New Delhi: Some films age like fine wine; others, like a cocktail left out too long, are sweet, sour and a little hard to swallow. Almost a decade and a half later, Cocktail (2012) is back in theatres, stirring up nostalgia with its catchy tunes and memorable characters. But as the crowd settles in for a revisit, there's a lingering aftertaste - something a little sour beneath the glitter. What seemed like a fun, modern rom-com back then now stands glaringly problematic under the lens of evolving social values and gender awareness. Let's unpack why Cocktail remains a cautionary tale wrapped in glossy packaging and why it serves up red flags even to today's viewers. The 'Party Girl' Stereotype At the heart of Cocktail is Veronica, played with undeniable charisma by Deepika Padukone. On the surface, Veronica is the quintessential modern woman: independent, unapologetically fun-loving and living life on her own terms. Yet, the film quickly reduces her to a trope - the "party girl" who drinks, hooks up and flaunts societal norms. Instead of celebrating her complexity, the narrative punishes her lifestyle, positioning her as emotionally unstable, unworthy of lasting love and ultimately 'rehabilitated' only after she conforms to traditional expectations. This portrayal isn't just outdated, it's harmful. Veronica's carefree spirit is framed as a red flag, a moral failing that justifies the mistreatment she endures. The film sends a loud, clear message: women who drink, enjoy casual relationships, or dress how they please are "bad girls" who deserve heartbreak and betrayal. In contrast, the "good girl" who plays by society's rules: quiet, virginal, domesticated, is worthy of respect and lifelong commitment. This binary traps female characters (and viewers) in a narrow moral corridor, suffocating the full spectrum of womanhood. Toxic Male Privilege (No Surprises, There) If Veronica embodies one end of the gender stereotype, Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) personifies the problematic male lead we've seen far too often. He's a serial offender of emotional and moral red flags: cheating on his girlfriend with her best friend, lying to his family about his relationships and switching allegiances with barely a second thought. Yet, Cocktail never holds him accountable. Instead, his behaviour is excused as part of his charm, and he emerges unscathed, earning the love and respect of the 'right' woman by the film's end. This toxic masculinity not only normalises infidelity and deception but also reinforces the damaging idea that men's desires and mistakes are forgivable, even romantic. Meanwhile, women are tasked with adjusting themselves, changing their appearance, curbing their personalities and forgiving betrayals to fit into men's idealised "wife material" boxes. Gautam's unchecked privilege is a glaring red flag that the film overlooks, perpetuating sexist norms that continue to plague real-life relationships. Female Friendships Undermined By Patriarchal Drama One of the film's touted strengths is its depiction of female friendship between Veronica and Meera (Diana Penty). At first, their bond seems refreshing: two women supporting each other in a big city. However, the narrative soon sours this relationship with betrayal, jealousy and misunderstandings, almost all catalysed by Gautam's actions. Instead of portraying female solidarity as unbreakable, Cocktail falls into the trap of pitting women against each other, reinforcing the tired trope of "girls can't trust each other." When Meera and Gautam's affair comes to light, Veronica's hurt is real and profound, yet she is ultimately expected to forgive and fix the broken triangle, flying across continents to orchestrate their wedding, despite being the one most wronged. This outcome subtly shows that female relationships must be sacrificed or reconciled around men's needs and desires, rather than standing on their own terms. The Domestic Makeover Of A 'Bad' Girl One of the most talked-about elements of Cocktail is Veronica's transformation. After a traumatic accident, she gives up drinking, starts cooking and fits neatly into the "good Indian woman" archetype. By the film's conclusion, Veronica's transformation into a domesticated, sober, and more 'acceptable' woman signals the ultimate moral message: happiness and love come only after shedding one's 'wild' traits. It's a neat, tidy ending that Bollywood audiences have seen before: wild girl tamed, party over, curtains drawn on freedom. The painful irony? Veronica is the character with the deepest emotional intelligence and capacity for empathy, yet she is forced into self-erasure to fit the narrative's conservative mould. This moral arc sends dangerous signals, especially in a country where women's choices are already policed by societal expectations. It validates the notion that women must suppress their desires, freedom and personality quirks to earn love and respect. For today's audiences - more aware and vocal about gender equality -this message feels regressive and tone-deaf. Revisiting Cocktail In 2025 Watching Cocktail today is a bit like revisiting an old friend who hasn't quite grown up the way you hoped. The film still delivers on music, chemistry and memorable moments - but the underlying messages about gender roles, morality and relationships are noticeably dated. Cocktail is a textbook example of Bollywood's struggle with portraying modern womanhood beyond reductive stereotypes. Veronica's journey, Gautam's unchecked privilege and the regressive moral undertones combine to create a cocktail that tastes bitter in 2025. So, if you're heading to the theatres for Cocktail's re-release, enjoy the music and the performances. But keep an eye out for the stereotypes that linger like a stubborn hangover. Because some cocktails, no matter how intoxicating, are best enjoyed with a healthy dose of critical awareness.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty's 'Cocktail' to re-release in cinemas on this date
Back in 2021, when the film completed nine years of its release, Deepika said, 'Veronica will always be one of my most special characters I've played; one that changed a lot for me professionally and impacted me personally.' read more Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty's 'Cocktail' which came out on July 13, 2012, is coming back to cinemas on May 30. The news was confirmed by a post by the multiplex chain PVR-Inox. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Back in 2021, when the film completed nine years of its release, Deepika said, 'Veronica will always be one of my most special characters I've played; one that changed a lot for me professionally and impacted me personally.' And back in 2012, ahead of the release, Saif Ali Khan spoke about how he came on board for the film. Khan revealed, 'At one point we thought we should do different things as he wanted to do this and I wanted to do something else. We had a chat and we decided that we should actually work hard towards creating a strong company with one identity which is why we co-produce.' He added, 'I called Dinesh and said I would like to do this film because I liked the story. Actually, my secretary called me in the night and said 'I wish you were doing Cocktail'.' The actor continued, 'I said that I probably can since it's my production. (Laughs) I would not say I hijacked it because nobody was signing it and we could have waited longer but it was fine because we did not have an actor.'
CairoScene
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
How To Style the Infamous Labubu - The Scene Styled Version
Imagine, if you will, arriving at Runway magazine with a Labubu dangling from a Birkin. Would security not intervene? Like fruit flies over a summer platter of watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches, Labubus have descended — relentlessly. These snaggle-toothed, wide-eyed creatures have invaded every corner of the internet, clinging to luxury handbags with the deranged persistence of a bad trend gone viral. Once a niche toy, Labubu has become the final boss of bag charms, colonising feeds and flattening taste in its path. Attempts at understanding this phenomenon have yielded little clarity. Is it irony? Visual noise? A collective act of sartorial rebellion? Whatever the appeal, it's proving durable — and divisive. For every perfectly composed flat lay featuring a Labubu, there's a viewer silently asking: why ruin a thoughtfully designed bag with something that looks like a 'cinnamon roll but could kill you'. Imagine, if you will, arriving at Runway magazine with a Labubu dangling from a Birkin. Would security not intervene? And yet, here we are. A styling guide exists — not out of necessity, but damage limitation. If the Labubu cannot be stopped, perhaps it can be subdued. The 'Monsters I Found You' Vinyl Face Labubu Alberta Ferretti | embroidered flared trousers Zara | CROPPED LINEN BLEND SHIRT in light Khaki Zara | LINEN BLEND KNIT TOP in Sand SORELLINA | Malachite Beaded Necklace RENNA | Wide Tidepool Band With Sapphire BRENT NEALE | Large Snail Pendant On 18" Chain BRENT NEALE | Knot Ring W- Diamond Pears Miu Miu | Aventure nappa leather bag Pamela Zamore | Veda Wide Hoops Loewe | Giraffe Charm Miu Miu | Leather Trick String Ting | Costa Azzurra Cerise La Twin Flame | Pine Mary Jane Cartier | Panthere De Cartier in solid Gold Cartier | Yellow Gold Juste Un Clue The 'Monsters Flip With Me' Vinyl Plush Labubu Les Tien | Eazy Classic Cotton Sweatpants in Navy Les Tien | Veronica Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Sweatshirt in Navy Sight | Gray Tank Top Golden Goose | Ball Star Suede Sneakers in a Neutral color Longchamp | LE PLIAGE XTRA XS HANDBAG in Cashew - Leather Éliou | Aureo Multi-Stone Necklace in Burgundy Joie DiGiovanni | Green Elephant Knotted Silk 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Bracelet in Multi The 'Monsters Let's Christmas Series-Plush Pendant' Labubu Rag & Bone | Miramar Wide Leg in Franklin color Polo Ralph Lauren | Short Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt in Dark Vintage Heather Guest in Residence | COLLEGIATE STRIPE POLO in the french blue combo Onitsuka Tiger | MEXICO 66 in White/dark blue Rimowa | Original Cabin Carry-On in aluminum Rabanne | Embellished Raffia Tote Bag in Neutral Color Minty | 18k Yellow Gold L'Heure Bleue Ceramic Diamond Tennis Bracelet in Blue Cartier | JUSTE UN CLOU TORQUE NECKLACE, SMALL MODEL, DIAMONDS Free People | Prismatic Beaded Bag Charm in Red Free People | Beaded Necklace Bag Charm in Blue A Better Feeling | Gloop in black amber Loewe | Tomato vine charm in classic calfskin
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Elvis Costello may be done with new music: 'Let somebody else make records'
It's been some 50 years since Elvis Costello first made the trip across the pond from London to New York. And the bespectacled singer-songwriter behind such classics as 'Alison,' 'Pump It Up,' and 'Veronica' returned to his early days playing smaller rooms in the city at the Soho Sessions loft space on Tuesday night. After performing in the intimate setting at the private event before a star-studded crowd — including Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Morgan, Susan Sarandon, Liev Schreiber, tennis great John McEnroe and supermodel Paulina Porizkova — Costello reflected on his first New York show. Advertisement 10 Elvis Costello made a surprise appearance at the Soho Sessions showcase on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin 10 Elvis Costello played one of his first New York shows at the Palladium in 1978. Redferns 'I don't think the place I played first was very much bigger than this, if it was bigger,' Costello, 70, exclusively told The Post. 'The Bottom Line would have been the first time. And then we moved on up to the Palladium on 14th Street, when 14th Street was pretty interesting. Advertisement 'You have to play everywhere in the end,' he added. 'You find the places that you feel good in, you know? And I've had venues that I like here. But it was nice to be in this one.' While he may still enjoy playing cool new venues such as the Soho Sessions hot spot, Costello has no plans to make any new music — 48 years after releasing his debut album, 1977's 'My Aim Is True.' 'Right now, I've made so many records, might be time to let somebody else make records for a while,' he said. 10 Elvis Costello and his wife of 22 years, jazz singer-pianist Diana Krall, are living in Manhattan with their twin sons. Getty Images for RS Advertisement Five decades later, Costello is also a certified New Yorker himself, living in Manhattan with his wife of 22 years, jazz singer-pianist Diana Krall, and their 18-year-old twin sons Dexter and Frank. 'I like being here,' he said. Costello also has a special connection to New Orleans, which was on display at the Soho Sessions, where he was the surprise guest during Grammy-winning NOLA musician Trombone Shorty's set that also featured Big Easy legend Ivan Neville on keyboards. 10 Elvis Costello performed numbers such as his classic 'Pump It Up' at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. @kimmancusophotography Advertisement 10 Elvis Costello joined Trombone Shorty during his set at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin 'I worked down in New Orleans with Allen Toussaint,' Costello said of the late musician with whom he collaborated on 2006's 'The River in Reverse.' 'That's why we did that first song ['On Your Way Down']. 'We made a record together right after [Hurricane] Katrina,' he continued. 'It was only three months after, and the city was still under curfew … He lost his home and his studio, so he had to rebuild a different life. And that was very inspiring.' Costello has also collaborated with Paul McCartney, with the two Rock & Roll Hall of Famers co-writing 15 songs together. In fact, they partnered to pen Costello's biggest US hit, 1989's 'Veronica.' Although the song is upbeat, there's a heartbreaking personal story behind it. 10 Whoopi Goldberg met up with actress Gina Gershon at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin 10 Liev Schreiber and wife Taylor Neisen attended Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin 'The song is about Alzheimer's. You know, it's about the onset of dementia my grandmother was going through,' who titled the song after his grandmother's Catholic confirmation name. 'And I wanted to write a joyful song about the little last glimmers of light. So I feel quite proud of the fact that we took a serious subject like that, and it wasn't a melancholy-sounding record.' Advertisement As with every Soho Sessions event, this one had a charitable component, benefiting the Trombone Shorty Foundation that supports the next generation of musicians. Costello has long been lending his talents for good causes, going all the way back to Live Aid in 1985. 10 Elvis Costello played to an intimate, star-studded crowd at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. @kimmancusophotography 10 Trombone Shorty (left) jammed with his fellow New Orleans music Ivan Neville at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin 'They need to have the people that raise awareness,' said Costello. Advertisement But he's not looking for a pat on the back. 'You don't want to really feel good about yourself for doing something you should be doing, just helping other people.' Having turned 70 last August, Costello hasn't been phased by that big birthday. 'I don't think it matters so much,' he said, adding that he feels 'fortunate' as a new septuagenarian. 'You know, my parents are no longer with us, which is something you have to face,' he said. 'But my wife and I have two boys who are just about to graduate from high school. And I have an older son [Matthew, 50, with first wife Mary Burgoyne] in England.' 10 Supermodel Paulina Porizkova was among the star-studded crowd at Soho Sessions on Tuesday night. Dave Doobinin Advertisement Costello, who released a super deluxe edition of his 1986 album 'King of America' last August, will be hitting the road with his band The Imposters on June 12. 'We're actually gonna concentrate just on the songs from the first couple years,' he said. 'It gets quite difficult to put the whole story, 50 years of music, into one evening.'
