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  • Talha Anjum is about to make acting debut

    Talha Anjum is about to make acting debut

    Rapper and singer Talha Anjum is set to make an unexpected debut as an actor in an upcoming film, Kattar Karachi, which is already creating a buzz among the fans. The film also stars the talented actor Imran Ashraf, who will be returning to the silver screen in a new role as a mafia boss.

    Alongside the two stars, Kinza Hashmi and Syed Jameel are also set to appear in the film. The trailer for Kattar Karachi promises a cinematic experience filled with drama.

    The crime thriller delves into the gritty underworld of Karachi, combining a noir-inspired visual style with a high-stakes narrative.

    Imran Ashraf’s character, a powerful mafia boss, will reign over the chaotic streets of Karachi, while Talha Anjum, playing the protagonist, will defend his position at all costs.

    Kinza Hashmi also seems to step away from her usual sweet and gentle roles to take on a much stronger, more intense character. Instead of her typical roles in romantic dramas such as Ishq Tamasha, Azmish  and Ruposh. She now portrays a woman involved in Karachi’s tough underworld, showcasing power and determination.

    The intense rivalry between the two leads sets the stage for a dramatic clash of power and emotion, promising Kattar Karachi to be a thriller.

     Talha also posted a poster of his film with the caption, “I’m excited to share this amazing news with my fans—my film “KATTAR KARACHI” is hitting cinemas across Pakistan! Thank you for your unwavering love and support. Here’s to new beginnings and unforgettable journeys!”

    The film will be released in cinemas across Pakistan on 20th December 2024.

    Earlier, as 2024 comes to a close, Spotify finally revealed Wrapped 2024, highlighting the music that the world and Pakistan listened to.

     This years’ Wrapped celebrates the artists, songs and trends that made 2024 a record breaking year.

    This year, rapper, singer and lyricist Talha Anjum has made history by becoming the most streamed local artist in Pakistan for 2024, surpassing Atif Aslam, who held the top spot for three consecutive years.

    Talha Anjum has become a leading figure in Pakistan’s hip-hop scene, starting with just a phone and his passion for rap, he quickly rose from the underground to mainstream success. As a part of Young Stunners, he helped shape the desi hip-hop movement, earning a massive following in both Pakistan and India.

    Despite his big win, Talha honored Atif with heartfelt words, sharing a concert clip on Instagram and writing, “There are charts & then there’s legacy. What Atif bhai is to Pakistani music, to his millions of fans around the world including me is more than any chart or any number.. let’s not get deviated from the real facts here people!! ❤ ”

  • Esports World Cup 2025: Life changing opportunity for Esports athletes

    Esports World Cup 2025: Life changing opportunity for Esports athletes

    The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the most significant events in the world of competitive gaming following the success of the 2024 tournament. This annual event continues to grow in prestige and popularity, engaging the best gamers from around the world to compete for massive prize pools and the honour of being the world’s best.

    Esports World Cup 2024

    The 2024 edition of the Esports World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The event was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 3 to August 25, 2024.

    It consisted of a combined prize pool of over $60 million featuring 22 video games. This staggering amount was distributed across various games, making it one of the largest prize pools in esports history.

    Saudi Arabia’s Esports team, the Falcons, won the Esports World Cup 2024. The world competition, held for the first time in Riyadh, saw Team Falcons scoring 5665 points.

    The Falcons had strengthened their lead by winning the Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile Championship in Week 1 and Free Fire in Week 2, earning them 1,000 points for each tournament.

    The team was awarded $7,000,000 (1.93 billion PKR) in prize money and the World Cup trophy at the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 25, which was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who presented the trophy to the team.

    Team Falcons’ participation and success in the eight-week-long Esports World Cup event reflected the significant investment made in Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.

    The second place in the tournament was secured by the Netherlands’ Liquid, which won $4,000,000 (1.1 billion PKR), followed by Team BDS in third place, winning $2,000,000 (55 crore PKR).

    The Free Fire team HotShot from Pakistan participated in the event but was eliminated during the league stage. Eight Pakistani players competed in Tekken, with four of them qualifying for the top eight. However, they were unable to win the trophy, as South Korea’s Ulsan defeated Pakistan’s Atif Butt 5-0 in the Tekken 8 final.

    Esports World Cup 2025

    The excitement among esports fans is already building, with many now looking forward to the 2025 edition. The tournament is set to take place once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June to August 2025, promising another thrilling summer of competitive gaming.

    The prize pool is expected to exceed $60 million this time, continuing the trend of substantial financial incentives for participants – underscoring the growing importance and recognition of esports as a legitimate competitive sport again.


    Games and Competitions

    The Esports World Cup 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of games catering to a wide range of gaming enthusiasts. Some of the games expected to be included are:

    Dota 2
    Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
    PUBG Mobile
    Honour of Kings
    Apex Legends
    Rainbow Six Siege

    This diverse selection will cater to fans of various genres, from first-person shooters to multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), offering something exciting to watch and cheer for.

    The upcoming event could feature 24 games, two more than the previous edition, but the final decision has yet to be made.

    The Esports World Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the global gaming community. It brings together players, teams, and fans from all corners of the world, fostering a sense of unity and shared passion for gaming. The event also highlights the immense talent and dedication required to excel in esports, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills on an international stage and offering them an opportunity to change their lives.


    Chances for the Pakistani Esports teams

    Teams from Pakistan will also participate in national qualifiers for various games.

    The Free Fire Esports World Cup 2024 featured a Pakistan qualifier, where the top teams advanced to the next stages. Similar qualifiers are expected to be held for other games in 2025.

    The top teams will compete in regional competitions after the national qualifiers. Success in these events will earn them points and an opportunity to advance to the global stage.

    Teams can also accumulate points by performing well in international tournaments throughout the year. This year, for instance, the top six teams from PMSL 2024 qualified for the Esports World Cup 2024.

  • Imran Khan biggest military product himself: Talal Chaudhry

    Imran Khan biggest military product himself: Talal Chaudhry

    Senator Talal Badar Chaudhry on Thursday lashed out at former Premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter’s campaign to boycott military-made products.

    “The biggest fauji [army] product was founder PTI [Imran Khan] himself,” said Talal Chaudhry while addressing the 344th session of the Senate.

    The Senator highlighted the aggressive approach of Imran Khan’s party, saying that it had been 28 years since the party formed yet they never “talked about reconciliation.”

    “When Nawaz Sharif [three times Prime Minister] was in jail, they [PTI] used to do politics over Nawaz Sharif’s illness and had also used it for bargaining.” 

    Talal criticised the former ruling party’s sudden wish to begin a dialogue with the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led government, claiming that PTI was demanding the negotiation to “save Faiz Hamid [ex-spymaster]” from an ongoing military trial.

    Former Director General (DG) of the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen (r) Faiz Hamid was formally charged with engaging in political activities and misusing his authority as the chief of the country’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Tuesday.

    According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the former spymaster was also charged with violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

    “These actions have compromised state security and interests,” ISPR added.

    As per the statement, the process of Hamid’s field general court-martial (FGCM) was initiated on August 12 under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

    On Thursday, recalling the PTI leadership’s reported past claims of not holding dialogue with the mandate-stolen government but with the establishment, Chaudhry criticised PTI’s leadership’s sudden tilt to have a dialogue with the government and asked, “Are we no more thieves? Whenever the PML-N-led central government offered negotiation in the past, it was considered a weakness, he said.

    Meanwhile, in a telephonic conversation with the Geo News programme “Geo Pakistan” Friday, advisor to PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah revealed that the former ruling party had not approached the government yet to initiate the process of dialogue despite the rival party’s claims of having formed a negotiations committee.

    Recently, jailed Imran Khan-founded party established a five-member negotiation committee comprising Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Hamid Raza, lawyer Salman Akram Raja and former Speaker NA Asad Qaiser.

    Rana Sanaullah assured that his party (PML-N) would not turn down any message for negotiation from PTI, noting, “If PTI reaches out, we will not refuse to engage.”

  • Rajab Butt, Emaan tie the knot: Barat day pictures and videos

    Rajab Butt, Emaan tie the knot: Barat day pictures and videos

    Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s top trending content creators, recently tied the knot with his beloved Emaan in a grand celebration that spanned several events. The big day took place on Thursday evening with family and friends joining the couple to celebrate the joyous occasion.


    Rajab Butt looked dashing in an off-white sherwani, while Emaan looked stunning in a maroon bridal dress. They both appeared incredibly happy in the many videos and pictures from the main event have surfaced online.


    Here are some highlights from Rajab Butt and Emaan’s wedding:


    Mehndi Ceremony: Rajab’s close friends and family attended the festivities with a vibrant mehndi ceremony. The event was filled with music, dance, and lots of fun.

    Check the pictures below:

    Barat Day: The barat day was a grand affair, with Rajab and Emaan looking radiant as they greeted guests and celebrated their special day.


    Romantic Photo Shoot: Rajab and Emaan also had a romantic photo shoot, capturing beautiful moments together.

    Family Moments: The couple shared many heartfelt moments with their families, making the day even more memorable.

  • Man sentenced to nine years in jail for leaking indecent images of ex-fiancée

    Man sentenced to nine years in jail for leaking indecent images of ex-fiancée

    A Judicial Magistrate in Karachi has sentenced a man to nine years in jail for leaking indecent images of his former fiancé under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) on Thursday.


    The court sentenced Muhammad Shoaib to nine years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 90,000 on him for taking obscene photos of the woman before posting them on Facebook and Instagram through fake accounts.

    If Shoaib fails to pay the fine, he will undergo additional imprisonment.


    The case was heard by Judicial Magistrate Yusra Ashfaq, where the man was charged under Sections 20 (dignity of natural person), 21 (modesty of natural person and minor), 24 (cyberstalking) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016. He was awarded a three-year imprisonment on each count, making his sentence a total of nine years long. 


    The court ruled, “The prosecution has demonstrated that the accused tarnished the dignity of the complainant and her family, violated the complainant’s modesty, displayed obscene videos without her consent, and displayed them publicly.”


    Additionally, the detailed order also mentioned that the convict has previously been convicted on similar charges back in 2017. “Despite having been convicted in a similar case in 2017, he persisted in his harassment, reportedly utilizing digital platforms to share obscene images and videos of the victim publicly through different modus operandi.”


    The court noted that forensic investigation suggests that the convict had leaked the photos and videos with “deliberate intention” to inflict emotional distress over the victim.


    Federal Investigation Agency’s Assistant Director-Legal Sheraz Rajpar informs the court that the victim’s father had lodged a complaint against Mohammad Shoaib.


    The father informed the FIA Cyber Crime Cell that back in September 2019, his daughter’s inappropriate images and videos were being shared through Instagram and Facebook, which caused distress to his daughter and his family. Notably, his daughter had been engaged to Shoaib, but the relationship ended. 


    FIA seized the electronic devices that Shoaib used for making different social media accounts and harassing the victim.


    While the convict’s lawyer contended in front of the court that his client was falsely implicated in this crime, the court rejected the defence plea and noted that the evidence available before the court directly infers his involvement in the harassment. 


    The other FIR against Shoaib was also registered by the same ex-fiancée, and he was convicted in August 2020 for using different social media platforms, including Gmail and Facebook, to commit similar offences.


    However, that conviction was later challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC), and it is still pending.


    “Therefore, the defence’s argument that imposing a punishment would violate the principle of double jeopardy lacks merit as the prior social mediums were Facebook and Gmail,” the court said in the final verdict.

  • Imran Khan disappointed with party leadership

    Imran Khan disappointed with party leadership

    Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail, expressed his “disappointment” with the current party leadership over their “lack of action on the D-Chowk incident,” Geo News reported on Thursday.

    Correspondent Shabbir Dar reported that Khan raised serious concerns about the political environment outside the prison.

    “When I read the newspapers, I got the impression that there was a friendly atmosphere outside the prison, and everyone was living happily,” said the former Prime Minister.

    “I expected the D-Chowk issue to be raised vigorously in Parliament and other forums, but to my surprise, that didn’t happen,” he added, expressing shock at the party leadership’s response.

    He voiced his grievance, saying, “When I am cleared of one case, a new one is initiated against me. PTI should have shown a stronger reaction to this.”

    PTI conducted an unsuccessful march towards Islamabad following Khan’s “final call” on November 24, which led to multiple fatalities, including security officials and protesters.

    When the protesters reached their destination at D-Chowk, no party leader was visible at the site. Meanwhile, when the government launched a crackdown, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reportedly left Islamabad in the early hours of November 27.

    Imran Khan has since instructed his party leaders and supporters to initiate a “civil disobedience” movement starting December 14.

    In a statement issued from his X account, Khan demanded the release of PTI workers and called for the formation of a five-member negotiation team.

    The team aims to discuss two key demands with the government: the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, and the release of all under-trial PTI workers.

    Khan outlined “two stages” for the proposed civil disobedience movement. In the first phase, he wrote, “We will appeal to overseas Pakistanis to limit remittances and initiate a boycott campaign. In the second phase, we will escalate further.”

    This, however, is not Khan’s first call for a civil disobedience movement. In 2014, he made a similar announcement during a 126-day sit-in in Islamabad, even famously burning his electricity bill on stage as a symbolic gesture.

    Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, while talking to journalists, explained the potential impact of a boycott by the Pakistani diaspora. She stated that Pakistan’s economic system “is actually sustained by the hard work of overseas Pakistanis.”

  • ‘No pressure on me’: Syra on marrying again

    ‘No pressure on me’: Syra on marrying again


     
     
     What does it take to live life on your own terms as a single mother in the spotlight? Actress, model Syra Yousaf has the answer. 
     


     
    Appearing as a guest on Mashion’s Mashadi podcast, Syra opened up about remarriage, societal pressure and financial independence.   


    When host Tamkenat Mansoor asked if Syra felt pressure from society or family about marrying again, the actress replied: “I think, you know, recently the divorce rates have also gone up, so, I see it this way, even our elders are now beginning to understand that it’s not that easy to end something and get into something new. At least, in my family, everyone is very chilled out. They’re like, ‘Do it at your own pace.’” 

     The Mere Naseeb actress talked about societal expectations, saying, “Society, on the other hand, sometimes says, ‘Don’t be alone,’ and things like that. And, of course, the importance of having a male figure in your life is acknowledged. So, in that sense, yes, sometimes there is pressure. But I think people have become more accepting of single mothers not settling for ‘just anyone.’ There isn’t this constant push that remarriage is a must.”


     
    On the topic of financial independence, Syra emphasized its vital role in decision making, especially for single mothers. 
     
    “For those people, financial independence is extremely important because you can’t make decisions without it. And if you have daughters, like I have a daughter, it becomes even more important to set an example for them. If I can make decisions, it’s because I am financially independent,” she explained.
     


     When asked about the qualities she seeks in a partner, Syra’s answer reflected her strong personal belief. 


     
     She said, “I think, for me, what’s really important in a person is that they have to be God-fearing. If you’re not God-fearing, then it’s important because that eventually reflects in so many aspects of your life actually every aspect of your life, your personality, and so on. So yeah, I think for me, it’s really important that the person I’m considering is God-fearing.”

    Talking about red flags in a relationship, the Sinf-e- Aahan actress said, “For me, I know that if somebody, for example, is rude to people providing them a service, like if you go somewhere and they’re rude to waiters or staff, then I’m like, ‘No, not this person.’ Because that reflects secondhand embarrassment. Yes, if someone is rude to staff or anybody in a position of service, not just staff but even in regular interactions, I feel very anxious about that.”

    Syra Yousaf and Shahroz Sabzwari tied the knot in 2012 and divorced in 2020.

  • Babar-Rizwan opening creating problems for middle order, says former cricketer

    Babar-Rizwan opening creating problems for middle order, says former cricketer

    Questions are often raised about the performance of the Pakistan cricket team’s middle-order batting line. Former national player Sohaib Maqsood has shared his thoughts on the root cause, opining that the main problem is not the batters coming to play in the middle but the method of arranging the players. 

    Sohaib Maqsood has released a short video on X (Previously Twitter) in which he highlights the problems of the Pakistani middle order.

    He said, “We have been hearing for years that Pakistan’s middle order is useless. The same middle order is fine in ODIs and Tests, but the problem arises in T20s where the problem is not the players but the method of playing is wrong. The problem is the roles given to the middle order, due to which their performance is criticized.”

    Explaining his point, Maqsood said, “Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are very big players, but I had said earlier that the team’s middle order will not develop until both of them open together in T20 because when both of them are in form, they play 14 to 15 overs together. In this case, the player who comes in fourth and fifth position gets to play only 9 to 10 balls on average. In such a situation, when a match is lost, the debris falls on the middle order, and if the opposing team chase the target, the bowlers come under criticism. Whose responsibility is it to win the game now, those who played 15 overs or those who got only 10 balls?”

    Explaining the solution, he said, “I conditionally say that you change the way you play T20 cricket like other countries, which will start developing our middle order, and eventually you will have proper middle-order performers in 12 to 16 months.”

    The Pakistan cricket team has faced several issues with their middle order in recent matches against Australia and South Africa.

    Recently, during the T20I series against South Africa, Pakistan lost the first match by 11 runs due to the middle order’s inability to capitalize on a strong start by Mohammad Rizwan. In an effort to address these issues, Aaqib Javed has been appointed as the interim red-ball coach after Jason Gillespie’s resignation on Thursday. 

    Promising new players like Muhammad Irfan Khan, Usman Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have also been selected for the squad.

  • Riko Shibata: Everything You Need to Know About Nicolas Cage’s Wife

    Riko Shibata: Everything You Need to Know About Nicolas Cage’s Wife

    Riko Shibata has come into the spotlight for becoming the fifth wife of Hollywood star Nicolas Cage. Reports regarding Shibata indicate that her husband is more than 30 years older than her. Riko Shibata was born on 10th January 1995 in Japan. She grew up in a very conservative Japanese family.

    If you’re curious about how Shibata met her husband and other information regarding her life, you’re at the right place. There is less information available about Riko Shibata, including her life, work, and endeavors before marriage to Cage. However, we will discuss her relationship with Nicolas Cage. This blog will also explore how the couple met and how they’re doing. Let’s start our topic of discussion with a quick overview of Nicolas Cage’s wife’s life, age, and career.

    Nicolas Cage’s Wife: Age, Personal Life, and More

    Riko Shibata is a personality who came into the limelight after she married Nicolas Cage. Shibata was born in 1993. Unfortunately, many details about her family and schooling haven’t been disclosed since she doesn’t have a Wiki page. Although he seems to belong to social media, her profile is private. 

    Shibata married Cage in February 2021, and they were introduced a year earlier. They met in Shiga, Japan, sometime in 2020. The couple were spotted on their first date in New Orleans in February 2020. In an interview, Cage revealed that he was extremely happy. Their ceremony at the Wynn Hotel was kept small and intimate on his father’s birthday.

    Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata Relationship Timeline

    How Did the Couple Met?

    According to Cage, they met through friends in Shiga when he was filming for his movie. That is what he told Flaunt Magazine in an interview done in October 2021. In February 2020, Riko was seen for the first time holding hands with Cage when the photographs were taken during their trip to the nine-foot tomb in New Orleans. 

    She Got Engaged To Cage Over Facetime

    Shibata and Cage got engaged in August 2020. Their engagement story is a piece of dramatic information he shared on his brother’s radio show. His brother’s radio show belongs to Marc Coppola. 

    Cage said, “I came back to Nevada, and she traveled back to Kyoto, Japan, and for six months, we were apart.” He said, “We were in love and could not wait to be together. So everything was perfectly timed. Because the moment was right, I felt like popping the question, so she agreed to marry me through FaceTime.”

    Her Unique Engagement Ring

    Nicolas Cage made a unique and thoughtful gesture when he proposed to Riko Shibata. Cage chose a beautifully designed black diamond ring for her as a gift. Indeed, that is one of the colors she favors. “Her favorite color is black, so she wanted the black gold and diamond,” Cage explained. Cage made and personalized the ring according to Shibata’s liking and FedExed it to Japan. He did everything to make the day a true memory. 

    Riko Shibata Met Cage’s Ex-Wife at Their Wedding

    Despite the small turnout, the wedding had a few guests, including Kim Cage. She is his ex-wife, with whom he has a 16-year-old son. Cage and Kim have remained friends even after their divorce, which took place in the year 2016. 

    While Shibata wedded Cage, the actor announced, “Indeed, and we are quite satisfied.”  Shibata’s name was Riko Cage on the marriage license filed with the Clark County Clerk’s Office. They were featured for the very first time together on the cover of Flaunt magazine last year.

    Cage’s Previous Marriages

    Before Riko, Cage had high-profile romantic relationships and was married four times. His former wives include actress Patricia Arquette, singer Lisa Marie Presley, waitress Alice Kim, and make-up artist Erika Koike.

    Cage’s relationship with Riko is unique because it is based on trust and respect. He is quite settled and happy with Riko by his side. This relationship is distinctly different from his past relationships.

    The Couple’s Age Difference and Public Reaction

    Riko and Cage are in the midst of a happy love affair. The most fascinating thing about this couple is the 31-year age gap. Nicolas is 1964-born and old enough to be Riko’s father. Meanwhile, Riko was born in 1995. However, this huge age difference should clarify the couple’s love and commitment to each other.

    Mixed reactions had already started for fans and media since the initial days of their relationship. Some find their relationship cute and genuine. They have praised the couple for going beyond conventional norms. But others have voiced discomfort about the years between them and questioned the integrity of their other.

    Despite criticism and scrutiny, Riko and Cage do not bat an eyebrow. They keep busy with their love life and things they enjoy rather than the public’s thoughts. Their relationship proves true love does not know boundaries.

    Read Also: Who is Laura Savoie? Her Career and Relationship with Dennis Quaid

    Riko Life as Nicolas Cage’s Wife

    It is not easy being married to a Hollywood star. But Riko has gotten used to it fairly well. She often accompanies Cage on red-carpet occasions and public appearances. Her calm presents a balance to Cage’s more ebullient disposition. Riko’s support is shown through many interviews in which Cage extolled Riko’s wisdom and kindness. Although it is orbiting near bright lights in Hollywood, Riko remains lowkey. She considers it best to maintain her privacy and dodge the hassle of any controversy.

    The Secret to Their Successful Marriage

    Riko and Cage are compatible in most aspects of their marriage. Communication and shared interests do have an impact on their companionship. Cage frequently declares Riko to be the indispensable factor for his stability. For him, her cool and rational perspective helps him negotiate the execution of seemingly impossible tasks. They may be safe from the papas, the stigma of fame, and personal struggles. They love to travel and get to know cultures in one way or another. They get to know each other better and add more depth to their partnership.

    The Arrival of Their First Child

    In September 2022, Riko and Nicolas Cage gave birth to a daughter. This was a big step for them. Riko’s initiation into motherhood opened up a new chapter in life. It revealed that he was thrilled to have a girl since he was already the father of two sons. Although they protect their child from exposure, the couple has offered a glimpse into their happiness. 

    Final Thoughts

    Riko Shibata is much more than just a spouse to Nicolas Cage. She is now living a quiet life, belonging to a particular race, her educational qualifications, and her home. From exchanging wedding vows to broken-down serenades, Riko and Nicolas Cage are becoming a motivational story. Riko is modest and stays away from scriptural reports. However, her inner strength and elegance speak volumes of her character.

    In caring for and supporting Cage in different ventures, Riko remains an object of curiosity and admiration. Her story of life is about love, being her person, and the beauty of embracing one’s roots.

  • Indian teen becomes world’s youngest chess champion

    Indian teen becomes world’s youngest chess champion

    Newly crowned world chess king Gukesh Dommaraju said becoming a champion was a dream that was more than a decade in the making, as he underlined his ambition to strive for “greatness”.

    Gukesh was just seven when he watched compatriot Viswanathan Anand lose the world chess title in November 2013 to challenger Magnus Carlsen of Norway — a match that fired up his dream to bring the crown back to India.

    Eleven years later, on Thursday, in Singapore, the 18-year-old beat China’s Ding Liren after a gruelling tournament of 14 match days to become the youngest undisputed world chess champion.

    Speaking to reporters after the match, Gukesh cited the 2013 game as a defining episode for his success.

    “I was in the stands and I was looking inside the glass box (where the players were) and I thought it will be so cool to be inside one day,” he said of the tournament in his hometown of Chennai.

    “When Magnus won, I thought I really want to be the one to bring back the title to India. And this dream that I had more than 10 years ago has been the most important thing in my life so far,” he added.

    “I’ve been dreaming about… living this moment for like more than 10 years.”

    And this is just the beginning, Gukesh said, underlining his plan to be more than a one-hit wonder.

    He wants to stay at the top “for the longest time possible”, to ultimately attain Carlsen’s eminence as the highest rated chess player in history.

    The teenager said he felt the jitters in the opening game in Singapore on November 25 which his more experienced opponent won.

    But as the tournament wore on, he gained more confidence, winning a total three matches, including the dramatic final game, and settling for a draw in nine.

    Thursday’s final match was already heading for a draw and most pundits and spectators at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa were resigned to the tournament extending to rapid-fire tiebreaker games on Friday, which would have favoured Ding.

    The Chinese grandmaster became world champion last year in similar fashion by beating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi in Kazakhstan in the quick-fire playoffs — akin to a penalty shootout in football.

    But the teenager tenaciously pressed on, forcing a blunder by Ding.

    Gukesh admitted that it was “humiliating” losing the first game.

    “No matter how you prepare for it, you come here as an 18-year-old and you lose the first game like the way I did… It was quite tough to handle that,” he said.

    But he chanced upon his idol Anand in the lift who told him he had 13 more games to go.

    “It was a nice reminder… I needed some mental toughness at that point,” he said.

    Former five-time world chess champion Anand was among the first to congratulate the young champion, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    “It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India… and for me, a very personal moment of pride,” Anand said in a post on X.

    Modi described Gukesh’s feat as a “remarkable accomplishment” which he said was “the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination”.

    Ding resigned after making an endgame blunder, and took home $1.15 million while Gukesh got $1.35 million of the $2.5 million prize fund.

    But the teenager underlined that the world title crown was just part of a bigger dream.

    “Becoming world champion does not mean I’m the best player in the world,” said Gukesh.

    “Obviously, there’s Magnus. So it’s also a motivating factor that… there is someone at a very, very high level and someone that will keep me doing the right things, working hard and trying to reach the level of greatness that Magnus has achieved.”