Tag: Art

International

Indian Expat Anilkumar Bolla Wins Record Dh100 Million UAE Lottery Jackpot

Tanisha Cardozo

The mystery winner of the UAE Lottery’s record-breaking Dh100 million jackpot has finally been revealed. The lucky winner is Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian expat and long-time Abu Dhabi resident, who has now become the UAE’s newest multimillionaire.

Anilkumar struck gold in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018 held on October 18, according to the Khaleej Times. The jackpot was not shared, meaning Anilkumar will take home the entire Dh100 million — making it one of the biggest individual lottery wins in the UAE’s history. He matched all seven winning numbers, defying odds of 1 in 8.8 million.

Speaking to the media, Anilkumar shared his disbelief and joy upon receiving the life-changing call from the UAE Lottery team. “I was at home, relaxing, when they called. I was completely shocked and overjoyed. This win is beyond my wildest dreams. I kept asking them to repeat the message — it took time to sink in,” he said.

When asked about his plans for the massive prize, the Abu Dhabi resident said he intends to make wise investments and fulfil the dreams of his family. “I was just thinking about how to invest this amount in the right way. After winning, I felt like I have money — now I need to work on my thoughts in the right way. I want to do something big,” he said, adding that he hopes to buy a supercar and celebrate with his family at a luxury resort. “My mom and dad had very small dreams. I want to fulfil whatever dreams they have.”

Anilkumar’s win was part of a landmark night for the UAE Lottery, which also saw 10 other participants win Dh100,000 each. Since its launch, the UAE Lottery has created over 200 winners of Dh100,000 and distributed more than Dh147 million in total prizes to over one lakh players.

Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director of the UAE Lottery, congratulated Anilkumar on his historic win. “The Dh100,000,000 prize will not only change his life but also signify a remarkable milestone for The UAE Lottery, reinforcing our mission to uplift people’s lives while delivering exciting and responsible lottery experiences,” Burton said.

One of the most striking aspects of this win is that Anilkumar will receive the entire amount tax-free. The UAE does not impose income tax on lottery winnings. In contrast, if someone were to win ₹240 crore in India, the prize would be taxed at a flat 30%, plus a 15% surcharge and 4% Health and Education Cess — leaving the winner with roughly ₹154 crore after deductions.

For Anilkumar, however, the dream remains untaxed and unfiltered — a once-in-a-lifetime moment that turned a quiet day at home into a story the world is talking about.

Fit & Fabulous

Vogue World: Hollywood — When Silver Screen Icons Met High-Fashion Drama

Tanisha Cardozo

The event witnessed when silver screen icons met high-fashion drama — Vogue World: Hollywood turned the Paramount Pictures Studios Lot in Los Angeles into a runway of cinematic dreams. Celebrating the intertwined legacy of film and fashion, the show brought together Hollywood’s brightest stars, style powerhouses, and designers who continue to shape global fashion narratives. The charity-driven night not only celebrated creativity but also raised millions for important causes.

Dakota Johnson captivated the audience in a Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele. Adorned with crystal floral appliqués and a delicate tulle neckline, her look was a picture of timeless elegance. With open straight hair, wispy bangs, dewy makeup, and a sleek black clutch, Dakota effortlessly combined sophistication with understated charm.

Kim Taehyung, globally known as BTS’ V, made a stunning appearance in a hanbok-inspired grey trench coat. The ensemble was completed with a red norigae-style belt and hat — a poetic nod to Korean heritage with a contemporary twist. His warm smile and effortless poise added an extra dose of charm to the red carpet.

Miley Cyrus brought modern power dressing to life in an all-Saint Laurent outfit. Dressed in an oversized trench coat layered over a crisp white shirt, sheer tights, and pointed slingbacks, she radiated bold, unapologetic confidence. A leather biker cap sealed her edgy yet refined aesthetic.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan represented global elegance in a gold Manish Malhotra creation that balanced heritage and haute couture. The ensemble, crafted from archival brocade with metallic floral motifs, paired beautifully with a tea-length skirt and monochrome makeup. Her sleek bun and subtle grace made the look stand out.

Madison Beer’s vintage Valentino mini dress brought back the playful glamour of the ’90s. The black-and-white striped piece, paired with strappy sandals and minimal accessories, highlighted her effortless cool-girl charm.

Kendall Jenner channeled cinematic nostalgia by wearing an original Moulin Rouge costume once donned by Nicole Kidman as Satine. The crystal-covered black-and-silver bodysuit, designed by Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie, shimmered under the lights, complemented by fishnet stockings, high heels, and a dramatic black hat.

Hailey Bieber embodied futuristic sensuality in a custom Mugler leather dress from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The off-shoulder silhouette, dramatic cutouts, and sculpted rosette accentuated her refined yet daring aesthetic. Her slicked-back bun, diamond studs, and glossy lips completed a look that was effortlessly magnetic.

The night of Vogue World: Hollywood will be remembered as a celebration of timeless artistry — where legends of the silver screen and icons of modern fashion came together to remind the world that style, much like cinema, is an eternal story of reinvention.

Social

Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou Emphasizes Integrity and Accountability During Vigilance Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

“Working with honesty and integrity in government is essential to fulfilling the very purpose of celebrating Vigilance Week,” said Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function held at the Secretariat’s Seminar Hall, Porvorim.

The event, organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, marked the beginning of Vigilance Week 2025 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.” The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of India’s former Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who championed the values of accountability and service.

Dr. Candavelou emphasized that vigilance aims to ensure good, effective, and corruption-free governance. He noted that the celebration of Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to review policies, reassess administrative practices, and rededicate oneself to the ethical norms of serving people honestly.

In his address, Amarsen Rane, Director of the Department of Vigilance, stated that the government exists to serve people, and that public servants must remain vigilant, guided by conscience and the mission of the administration. “Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on activities of personnel and taking prompt action to promote fair practices and integrity in official transactions,” he said.

Dr. Candavelou administered the oath of vigilance, reaffirming the commitment of all attendees to uphold honesty and transparency in their work. The event also featured a skit presented by artists from the Department of Art and Culture, illustrating the importance of vigilance in everyday governance.

As part of the observance, the Vigilance Department organized several public engagement activities, including skit and poster-making competitions, along with a state-level elocution competition featuring participants from colleges across Goa.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information and Publicity) S. S. Gill, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jaques, IAS, Secretary (Protocol) Sanjiv Gadkar, IAS, Secretary (Co-operation) Yatin Maralkar, IAS, and other departmental heads and staff members.

Vigilance Week serves as a reminder for public servants to introspect, reaffirm ethical conduct, and promote accountability in governance. As Dr. Candavelou highlighted, the celebration is not just symbolic but an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public trust and uphold the values of integrity that define India’s administrative spirit.

International

Belfast Street Artists Bring Murals and Messages of Unity to Thailand

Tanisha Cardozo

Belfast’s vibrant street art scene is taking its talent global. Three artists from the Northern Irish capital—Zippy, Emic (Eoin McGinn), and Rob Hilken—are currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand, creating murals as part of an international sister event to the Hit the North Street Art Festival, one of the largest graffiti festivals in Ireland.

The new festival in Chiang Mai features live painting, workshops, and musical performances, all designed to celebrate creativity, foster cultural exchange, and explore themes like climate change, cultural identity, and connection through public art.

Zippy, who also serves as co-organiser of Hit the North, painted a mural of a swan in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Mai. The swan, inspired by the Hongsa Swan from Thai folklore, symbolises peace and purity. In Chiang Mai, her mural features centipedes—symbols of unity and protection in northern Thai mythology—alongside native flowers and human hands, reinforcing themes of resilience and connection.

Emic’s mural delves into identity and strength, developed in collaboration with Thai artists. Rob Hilken continues his “Spaghetti” series—looping abstract visuals inspired by motion and human interaction—on the walls of Chiang Mai.

The collaboration is part of a pilot exchange supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant. Adam Turkington, founder of Hit the North, is also in Thailand to give talks on the impact of street art festivals and their role in building creative communities.

Zippy said reconnecting with Thai artist Sanchi, who previously painted in Belfast, helped bring the initiative to life. “He’s really brought people together and made the whole exchange possible,” she said.

Since its founding in 2013, Hit the North has transformed Belfast with over 750 murals, shifting public perception of the city’s mural tradition from political to artistic. The evolution of the city’s street art culture now serves as inspiration for Chiang Mai, which is already rich in history, art, and folklore.

Zippy hopes the murals in Chiang Mai ignite long-term growth in the local street art movement. “What I love about street art is that it’s accessible—it belongs to everyone,” she said. “It’s amazing to think we might help spark something similar here in Chiang Mai.”

Spotlight

DJ Ashton: From Goa’s Dance Floors to India’s Top Stages

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

DJ Ashton’s journey into the world of music began as a childhood dream, nurtured by the vibrant cultural rhythms of Goa. Surrounded by music from an early age, Ashton found himself gravitating towards the DJ console, often accompanying his friend, DJ Jose and DJ Omar, to events and shows. It was during those early experiences that he learned the craft, watching closely and absorbing everything he could.

He started spinning at renowned clubs like Tito’s, Mambo’s, Butters, Cohiba, Cavala, and Thalassa—places that would become his second home. His major breakthrough came when he clinched the All-India Foster DJ Mastermix Contest, a win that firmly established him in the fiercely competitive DJ circuit. Over the past two decades, DJ Ashton has performed at Goa’s top venues including Club Leopard Valley, Southern Deck, La Calypso, Folga, and DTR Down The Road, all while sharing the stage with global names like Sick Individuals, DJ Da Fresh, and Eve Carey.

🎧Spinning His Way Across India

Currently, he holds a residency at Cavala, where his We Did Start the Fire Retro Fridays have become a staple of Goa nightlife. He is celebrated for his ability to blend genres effortlessly—retro, hip-hop, moombahton, old-school, Bollywood, Konkani mixes, and EDM—keeping dance floors alive until the early hours. Ashton believes that reading the crowd is an art, and he tailors every set to the emotional and rhythmic flow of the audience.

Beyond Goa, his talent has taken him to cities like Hyderabad and Pune, and to luxury events hosted by brands like WizCraft and MTV at venues such as JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. One of his most memorable gigs was a high-voltage New Year’s Eve party at Club Leopard Valley, and another, performing alongside The Doorben Band at a prestigious New Delhi event.

🎶Beyond the Decks: DJ, Educator, Dreamer

His professional toolkit includes the Pioneer CDJ2000nxs and DJM 900nx2 mixer—gear he swears by for its stability, quality, and flexibility. He is also working on his production, VDJ, further expanding his creative repertoire beyond live sets.

But his influence doesn’t end behind the console. Ashton co-founded Bass Nuts Music School (formerly BPM DJ Academy) with fellow artist Kay, to mentor the next wave of talent. The academy is a hub of creativity and learning, reflecting Ashton’s belief in giving back to the community that shaped him.

Staying current with global trends while maintaining his unique sound is a delicate balance Ashton has mastered. Influenced by the likes of Skrillex and Tiesto, he continues to explore and innovate within his music, fusing genres to create signature sounds. He adapts his approach whether it’s an energetic club night, a culturally rich Indian wedding, or a polished corporate event—each requiring its own rhythm and vibe.

Looking ahead, Ashton is working on original tracks that mix EDM, hip-hop, Afro-house, melodic techno, and Bollywood influences. His dream? To open his own nightclub someday—a space where music, culture, and community come together under one roof.

For DJ Ashton, music is not just a career—it’s a way of life. And he shows no signs of slowing down.