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Canadian stars join fans as Canada earns historic point in first home men's World Cup match
A late goal by Canada striker Cyle Larin not only rescued a result for the host nation but also sparked celebrations among thousands of fans, including several well-known Canadian celebrities, during the country's first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on home soil.
Among the 43,002 spectators at BMO Field were actor and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, NHL star Connor McDavid and actor Mike Myers.
Myers attended the match wearing a Canada jersey and a red bucket hat, while Reynolds joined the crowd in celebrating when Larin scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia.
The result marked a historic moment for Canada, which earned its first-ever point in a men's World Cup match. The stadium was largely filled, with only a few empty seats visible.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he was aware that many notable Canadians were following the tournament but remained focused on his team's performance.
He mentioned spotting music producer Boi-1da on television and said his priority was ensuring the team gave Canadians something to be proud of.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette also attended the event and concluded the opening ceremony with a performance of Canada's national anthem, "O Canada."
While Canada has previously hosted major international sporting events, including the 2015 Women's World Cup, two Winter Olympics and the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, this is the first time the men's World Cup is being held in the country. Canada is set to host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver during the tournament.
Canadian defender Alistair Johnston praised the atmosphere inside the stadium, saying fans were fully engaged and emotionally invested in the match rather than simply attending for entertainment.
1 day ago
Tamar Braxton kicks off 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame honouring Tricky Stewart
Tamar Braxton opened a spirited 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony Thursday night with a tribute to a new inductee — the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart — with one of the biggest songs he's known for: Beyoncé's “Single Ladies.”
A few other tracks he's responsible for? Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Mariah Carey's “Touch My Body” and Justin Bieber's “Baby.”
Dallas Austin, a songwriter and producer known for work with Boyz ll Men and Madonna, introduced Stewart. “Think about that catalog,” he said, listing off those zeitgeist-shifting records. “Those are cultural moments."
Stewart thanked God, his family, artists he's worked with and mentors — giving a special shout out to Grammy award-winning music producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid and the iconic singer-songwriter Babyface. “I wanted to be like L.A. and Baby,” he reflected.
It set the tone for an event with a lot to celebrate. The gala, held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, also features a wide variety of inductees: Taylor Swift, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, the songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (known for Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It"), and songwriter Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You").
Swift has no doubt brought new eyes to this year's ceremony, and with good reason — her songwriting has undeniably shaped contemporary pop music trends. She is the youngest woman to ever be inducted in the Hall of Fame. (The man who beat her? Stevie Wonder, who started his recording career at 13, it was announced on stage.)
Kiss founders Simmons and Stanley — fresh off the band’s farewell — will also be recognized for their glam rock classics “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Love It Loud.”
In addition to Swift, Simmons and Stanley, nominees this year include the soft rock legend Loggins (“Footloose,” “Danny’s Song”) and the alt-rock icon Morissette (“You Oughta Know,” “Ironic”).
Last year's inductees included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Tony Macaulay.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Some already in the hall include Gloria Estefan, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond and Phil Collins.
2 days ago
Arjun Rampal reveals how personal setbacks left him feeling isolated
Actor Arjun Rampal has spoken about what he described as the “darkest phase” of his life, revealing that he was dealing with a failing marriage at the same time his mother was diagnosed with cancer.
In a recent interview on YouTube talk show Cancelled to Crown, Rampal said the period left him feeling deeply isolated and emotionally drained.
“I think the loneliest I have ever felt is when I was not connected with myself the way I am today,” he said, adding that his personal relationships were falling apart while he was struggling internally.
He said his marriage was going through serious difficulties and reflected on how relationships often change over time. “Love is not constant. Everything in life is not constant. We are not constant,” he said, adding that sometimes people simply do not grow in the same direction.
Rampal said the situation became even more difficult as his mother was battling cancer at the same time. He also mentioned that he had recently lost his father and was drifting away from friends, leaving him feeling as though he was “losing everything” he had built.
On the personal front, Rampal is now in a relationship with model and designer Gabriella Demetriades, whom he met in 2018. The couple have since built a family together, welcoming their son Arik in 2019 and Ariv in 2023.
The actor separated from his former wife, model and producer Mehr Jesia, in 2018.
Reflecting on Gabriella’s role in his life, Rampal said she became a strong support system during a turbulent period. “I was very lucky because I got somebody like Gabriella into my life who I think was a very strong anchor,” he said, adding that she was also going through her own struggles at the time.
He said both leaned on each other through difficult circumstances and eventually moved forward together.
Rampal also stressed the importance of taking responsibility during hardships instead of blaming others. “You can’t blame. If you blame, you are going to become even more miserable,” he said.
With inputs from NDTV
4 days ago
Florida police conclude Hulk Hogan died of natural causes, close investigation
Florida police have officially closed their investigation into the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, concluding that he died of natural causes and that there was no evidence of criminal activity.
The Clearwater Police Department on Friday released a 72-page report detailing its review of witness statements, medical records, surveillance footage and an examination of Hogan's body.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24 last year at the age of 71.
Investigators said there was no indication that his death resulted from anything other than natural causes.
“There has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death,” the report stated, adding that the case has been closed as a non-criminal investigation.
According to police, Hogan was at his Florida home when he stopped breathing. His wife, Sky Daily Hogan, along with a home health aide and an occupational therapist, were present at the time. After calling emergency services, they performed CPR until firefighters and paramedics arrived.
Family members told investigators that Hogan had been dealing with several serious health problems in the weeks leading up to his death, including leukemia, an irregular heartbeat, pneumonia and kidney failure. He had also undergone multiple surgeries and hospital treatments over the years.
Police said early comments from the occupational therapist led to speculation that a recent surgery may have contributed to Hogan’s death through damage to a nerve involved in breathing. However, the therapist later clarified that he had been shaken by the emergency situation and had spoken inaccurately.
The local medical examiner previously determined that Hogan died from a heart attack and decided that a full autopsy was unnecessary. A separate private autopsy commissioned by the family reached the same conclusion, finding no evidence that trauma or toxic substances contributed to his death.
Hogan was one of the biggest stars in the history of WWE and played a key role in transforming professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon.
He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. During his career, he faced legendary wrestlers including Andre the Giant, Randy Savage and The Rock, as well as WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.
Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was removed from the Hall of Fame in 2015 after recordings surfaced of him using racist language, but he later apologized and was reinstated in 2018.
A private funeral attended by family and close friends was held several weeks after his death at a church in Florida.
5 days ago
A select list of Tony Awards winners
Here are a selection of the winners at the 2026 Tony Awards.
Best Musical“Schmigadoon!”
Best play“Liberation,” by Bess Wohl
Actress in a leading role in a playLesley Manville, “Oedipus”
Actor in a leading role in a playJohn Lithgow, “Giant”
Musical revival“Ragtime”
Play revival“Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman”
Actress in a leading role in a musicalCaissie Levy, “Ragtime”
Actor in a leading role in a musicalJoshua Henry, “Ragtime”
Actor in a featured role in a playAlden Ehrenreich, “Becky Shaw”
Actress in a featured role in a playLaurie Metcalf, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman”
Actress in a featured role in a musicalShoshana Bean, “The Lost Boys”
Actor in a featured role in a musicalAli Louis Bourzgui, “The Lost Boys”
Direction of a musicalZhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”
Direction of a playJoe Mantello, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman”
Original score“Schmigadoon!” (Music & Lyrics: Cinco Paul)
Book of a musical“Schmigadoon!” Cinco Paul
Choreography"Cats: The Jellicle Ball," Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons
Play"Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Joe Mantello
6 days ago
Sushmita Sen says she built her wealth on her own amid renewed 'gold digger' debate
Actress Sushmita Sen is once again making headlines after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi defended her against past accusations of being a "gold digger," describing her instead as a successful and wealthy woman who earned her fortune through her own efforts.
The debate dates back to July 2022, when Modi publicly announced that he was dating the former Miss Universe by sharing photographs of the two together. The announcement sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some users labeling Sen a "gold digger."
Responding to the criticism at the time, Sen wrote on social media that she prefers "diamonds" over gold and dismissed the allegations. She also shared a photo with her daughters, Renee and Alisah, saying she was happy, unmarried and surrounded by love.
Four years later, Modi revisited the issue during an interview with Humans of Bombay, where he rejected the accusations against Sen.
"She's not a gold digger; I am a diamond digger," Modi said, adding that Sen is financially successful and owns an impressive collection of diamonds.
According to Modi, the actress has built her wealth independently and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle that includes high-end accessories, luxury vehicles and an upscale home.
Sen remains one of Bollywood's most recognized personalities and has often spoken openly about her unconventional career choices and decision to embrace motherhood while continuing her acting career.
The actress is widely regarded as a self-made star, having established a successful career in the entertainment industry after becoming Sushmita Sen, the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1994.
8 days ago
Bubly welcomes second child with Shakib Khan
Dhallywood actress Shobnom Bubly has announced the birth of her second child with actor Shakib Khan, sharing the joyous news with her fans and well-wishers through her verified Facebook page on Friday.
In her post, Bubly wrote, “We are delighted to share that we have been blessed with a baby girl on May 11. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and happiness as we welcome this precious new member to our family.”
Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan appeals for wellbeing of Ilias Kanchan
The actress also expressed her gratitude to her followers for their continued support, prayers, and well wishes.
“Please keep our daughter in your prayers,” she added.
The star couple previously welcomed their son, Shehzad Khan Bir.
9 days ago
Aamir Khan to marry Gauri Spratt on July 5
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5, according to media reports.
The actor, who was previously married to Reena Dutta and filmmaker Kiran Rao, introduced Gauri to the media during celebrations marking his 60th birthday last year. At the time, he revealed that she was working with his production house.
Before making the relationship public, reports had suggested Khan was dating someone outside the film industry. Speaking to reporters at the event, the actor joked that he had successfully kept the relationship hidden from the media. He also disclosed that he and Gauri had been together for around 18 months before going public, noting that her residence in Bengaluru helped them stay away from public attention.
Originally from Bengaluru, Gauri Spratt is the daughter of Rita Spratt, a former salon owner. According to her professional profile, she studied at Blue Mountain School and later completed a fashion styling and photography course at the University of the Arts London in 2004. She currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai and is reportedly the mother of a young son.
Khan married his childhood friend Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple have two children, Junaid and Ira. They divorced in 2002 after 16 years of marriage. He later married Kiran Rao in 2005 after the two met during the production of the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan. The couple separated in 2021 but continue to co-parent their son Azad.
In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Khan described himself as fortunate to have found happiness with Gauri. He said her presence had brought him peace and that the couple were enjoying their life together.
Over the past year, Khan and Gauri have appeared together at several public events, including the Macau International Comedy Festival in China.
Source: NDTV
11 days ago
Producer TP Aggarwal Challenges FWICE Directive Against Ranveer Singh in Court
Veteran film producer TP Aggarwal has moved a Mumbai civil court challenging a non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) against actor Ranveer Singh over his reported exit from Don 3.
Aggarwal, a former president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), filed a petition before the Bombay Civil Court in Dindoshi against both FWICE and IMPPA, arguing that no individual, organisation or trade body has the legal authority to impose a ban or direct members not to work with a person.
The dispute arose after FWICE reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following complaints from Don 3 producers Excel Entertainment over alleged losses and scheduling disruptions linked to the actor’s withdrawal from the project.
Speaking to Indian media, Aggarwal criticised FWICE’s action, saying it exceeded the federation’s jurisdiction. He referred to previous legal rulings and a Competition Commission of India (CCI) case, which, according to him, established that such directives are beyond the authority of industry bodies.
Aggarwal said contractual disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than trade associations. He added that producers facing such issues should first approach their respective industry associations, which can attempt mediation before the matter is taken to court.
He also questioned IMPPA’s silence on the issue and said the association should have intervened. Although no longer serving as IMPPA president, Aggarwal said he decided to seek legal intervention in his capacity as a patron of both IMPPA and the Film Federation of India.
The court is yet to hear the matter.
Source: NDTV
12 days ago
Young YouTubers score major box office wins as Gen Z fills theaters
Two low-budget horror films created by young YouTubers dominated the North American box office this weekend, drawing large numbers of Gen Z viewers to theaters and outperforming major Hollywood releases.
Leading the pack was Backrooms, a horror movie directed and co-written by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons. The film earned an impressive $81.5 million from 3,442 theaters across the United States and Canada during its opening weekend.
The success is particularly remarkable because the movie was made on a budget of just $10 million. Its opening weekend revenue nearly matched that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, which had debuted at the top of the box office the previous week.
Another YouTuber-directed horror film, Obsession, also continued its strong run. Directed by 26-year-old YouTube creator Curry Barker, the film earned $26.4 million in its third weekend, a 10% increase from the previous week. It secured second place at the box office, ahead of the latest Star Wars installment, which earned $25 million and dropped sharply from its debut.
Industry observers say the success of these films suggests YouTube creators may be helping bring younger audiences back to movie theaters rather than drawing them away.
The weekend also saw the release of family comedy The Breadwinner, starring comedian Nate Bargatze, and World War II drama Pressure featuring Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser. However, it was the YouTuber-led horror films that attracted the biggest crowds.
Both "Backrooms" and "Obsession" were produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster.
Abhijay Prakash, president of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, described the weekend as a major milestone for the company, which has long focused on original horror films aimed at younger audiences. He said the studio has actively searched YouTube for emerging talent and believes the latest success could encourage more filmmakers from digital platforms to enter Hollywood.
"Backrooms" began as an internet horror phenomenon before Parsons transformed it into a popular web series using open-source animation software. The concept eventually attracted major producers and was adapted into a feature film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
The film has also performed strongly overseas, earning $118 million globally so far. Distributor A24 said Parsons has become the youngest director ever to have the world's top-grossing film. The movie also delivered the biggest opening weekend in the studio's history, surpassing Civil War.
Audience surveys showed that younger moviegoers drove the film's success. About 86% of viewers were under 35 years old, while more than half were under 25. Many attended in groups, resulting in sold-out screenings and repeat visits.
The popularity of both R-rated horror films has become so intense that some theaters have reportedly stationed employees outside screening rooms to ensure younger viewers are accompanied by adults where required.
Meanwhile, "Obsession" has now earned $104.7 million in North America, becoming the highest-grossing domestic release ever for Focus Features.
Cinema operators said the strong turnout demonstrates that audiences are still eager to visit theaters when compelling content is available.
"The Mandalorian and Grogu" fell nearly 69% from its opening weekend but has still earned $246.6 million globally.
The musical biopic Michael finished fourth with $11.7 million, bringing its domestic total to $339.9 million. Sony's "The Breadwinner" rounded out the top five with $7.5 million, while "Pressure" debuted in seventh place with $5.8 million.
Box office analysts said Hollywood has been searching for new ways to attract audiences back to theaters, and the strong performance of films created by internet personalities could point to a promising new trend for the industry.
13 days ago