Aamir Khan faced backlash from various political parties following his comments regarding the claim that Sonam Wangchuk was the inspiration for the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the movie '3 Idiots'. Critics accused the actor of remaining silent due to apprehension concerning the ruling establishment.
During a session at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan stated that neither he, nor the director Rajkumar Hirani, nor the writer Abhijat Joshi had met Wangchuk when the film was produced. Khan clarified, saying, 'No, that's not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn't know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing this film '3 Idiots'... However, what Mr Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn't have to be based on the character of '3 Idiots' for us to respect him and the work that he does.'
When questioned about Wangchuk's hunger strike concerning alleged issues with the NEET examination, Khan expressed concern for his health, stating, 'I think all of us are very concerned for his health... We hope that it ends well. All of us are hoping he ends his fast and looks after his health.'
The clarification prompted strong reactions from politicians. RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha questioned the delay in Khan's statement, remarking, 'It took them years to say this. I don't even remember how many years ago the film was released. Until now, everyone believed the same thing. Only now have you realised that this is what should have been said. It shows having a spine in front of the state is not an easy option.'
Similarly, senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai questioned Khan's apparent fear, suggesting that Khan ought to emulate actor Naseeruddin Shah in speaking without fear and at least show sympathy for Wangchuk. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also criticized the actor, asserting that the Modi government has revealed the character of everyone, causing them all to yield and lack the courage to speak.
Advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan suggested that Khan's reply indicated he had become a diminished version of the person who created '3 Idiots' and several other revolutionary films. Former Congress leader Sanjay Jha added a comparison, noting, 'Now Aamir Khan says Phunsukh Wangdu in '3 Idiots' is not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. Correct. Just like 'Gandhi', the 1982 film is not based on Mahatma Gandhi.'
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 20th day at Jantar Mantar. His protest began on June 28, demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged multiple irregularities in the examination.
Former French national team player Emmanuel Petit expressed his opinion that Zinedine Zidane could become the head coach of the national team. Petit compared him to an alchemist, claiming that everything he touches turns to gold.
According to Petit, Zidane possesses a special aura and charisma that allows him to find a way into the hearts and minds of footballers. When he enters the locker room, everyone pays attention to him. Even stars like Kylian Mbappé look at him differently because Zidane is a symbol of all of France and is respected worldwide.
Petit noted that Zidane is not prone to speaking much, but when he does speak, his words have a strong influence on the players. He never loses his passion. It is enough for Zidane to enter a room with a small number of coaches or footballers to change the atmosphere. Petit concluded that Zidane is a true leader capable of inspiring everyone without saying a word.
It should be recalled that there were previously reports that after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Zinedine Zidane would take the position of head coach of the French national team, replacing Didier Deschamps.
The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One in Bengaluru showcases the creativity of the city through its art and design elements. This approach allows hotels to evolve into cultural centers that deeply connect with creative communities.
Through carefully considered interior designs, curated exhibitions, and commissioned artworks, the hotel elevates the guest experience and storytelling. Such a strategy positions the establishment not merely as a place for lodging, but as a significant creative landmark where the worlds of culture and hospitality merge. Areas like lobbies, lounges, courtyards, elevators, and corridors are designed to function as adaptable venues capable of hosting exhibitions and collaborative projects.
The incorporation of regional aesthetics alongside handcrafted details helps convey a sense of authenticity while upholding the high standard of elegance expected from a luxury hotel. By prioritizing innovation in spatial design, the hotel successfully creates highly memorable gathering spots.
A prime illustration of this concept is found at The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru, which houses original pieces from over 25 contemporary Indian artists. Biswajit Chakraborty, the hotel’s general manager, stated to YourStory that every installation was deliberately chosen to narrate stories about the city, societal shifts, and the connection between humanity and nature. He further explained that the collection serves to forge meaningful ties with the destination, making art an intrinsic element of every guest stay, rather than just being decorative.
The hotel's architectural vision was developed by the acclaimed studio Yabu Pushelberg, focusing on the concept of the fractured grid. The firm conceived the hotel as a residence for an art collector, blending an eclectic mix of international modernism and Indian heritage. The property itself occupies two towers in the center of Bengaluru, integrating expansive stone-filled areas with both local and global influences.
The roster of artists featured includes Saju Kunhan, Thukral & Tagra, GR Iranna, and Sucheta Ghadge. Manjunath Kamath’s large ceramic discs reflect the culture and philosophy of ancient Southern Indian dynasties, while Sumedh Rajendran employs provocative imagery to address themes of development using skeletons and animals. Prakash Ghadge’s artwork, characterized by tonal variations using dots and dashes, is noted for inducing deep observation, contemplation, and meditation in viewers.
The Four Seasons Hotels, founded in Toronto, have expanded into a worldwide luxury brand boasting over 120 locations globally, alongside private jets and yachts. Their core principle remains treating others as they wish to be treated. Chakraborty affirmed that the hotel’s philosophy has remained constant for over sixty years, emphasizing that true luxury is defined by how individuals are treated since 1961.
The Mumbai property opened in 2008, followed by the Bengaluru location in 2019. Chakraborty noted that both establishments share the same dedication to genuine care and intuitive service. At the Bengaluru site, this philosophy manifests through hospitality, art, and experiences celebrating the spirit of Bengaluru while retaining the unmistakable identity of Four Seasons.
The guest experience within the living gallery has been meticulously planned. Chakraborty described how a gradual transition is created from the fast pace of the city upon arrival to a tranquil and personal haven within the guest rooms, moving through public spaces. He highlighted that Bengaluru is inherently a city where creativity and innovation thrive, serving as India's high-tech capital where tradition meets modern thought.
Exhibitions are presented in the designated Art gallery, curated by CUR8, which also hosts literary workshops. These events gather writers, artists, and thought leaders to discuss topics such as hospitality, literature, culture, and storytelling. Beyond art and literature, the hotel offers various culinary pop-ups and immersive dining experiences to introduce guests to diverse global cultures and traditions.
Chakraborty emphasized the goal of allowing guests to experience Bengaluru through the hotel, citing the art collection, dining, wellness options, cultural programs, and interactions with staff. Each month, the hotel's gallery changes its theme, focusing specifically on promoting Indian artists to guarantee a fresh and authentic cultural encounter with every visit. Artists featured in the last year include Yusuf Arakkal, V Hariraam, SG Vasudev, and CS Krishna Shetty. Furthermore, a partnership with MeMeraki showcased eight Indian art forms, ranging from Pattachitra to Thangka paintings.
More recently, CUR8 hosted an exclusive presentation by artist-designer Jeena Raghavan, recognized for her textured canvases that combine abstraction with magical realism. The Vilasa exhibition is currently running until the end of July, featuring artists like Arunava Mandal and Gautam Bansal, with works such as The Brahma Kamals and Cartography of Forgotten Dreams on display. Additionally, Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated alongside contemporary Vietnamese art by Phan Hong Thanh, Duc Viet, Phan Van Thanh, and Minh Du, capturing daily life, nature, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
The hotel also provides a range of gastronomy, wellness, and mixology services; for instance, the Copitas cocktail bar will host an exclusive event by Nouvelle Vague, recognized among the world's top 50 bars. Ultimately, Chakraborty concluded that the hotel aims to be more than just a dining spot, striving to be a venue where guests celebrate the creative energy that defines Bengaluru.
Egyptian artist Amr Diab sparked widespread online buzz following the release of the official poster for his new album 'Habaytak' (I Loved You), scheduled for release in Summer 2026.
The social media discussion was not driven by the album itself or the artist's appearance, but rather by the fact that he was pictured wearing three luxurious women's watches. This detail caught the attention of fans, who began searching for information about the brand and price of these watches, leading to the images going viral across various platforms.
These watches are the Mini Royal Oak model, which is considered one of the most sought-after designs in the world of luxury timepieces and is widely worn by celebrities globally. According to common pricing, each of these models costs approximately $282,000 USD, a fact that surprised many fans after the information became widely circulated.
Critics suggest that wearing three watches simultaneously is an important element of the album's promotional visual concept, especially considering the famous singer's reputation for meticulous attention to detail in official photoshoots and album covers.
The superstar recently completed recording songs for his new album, preparing for its imminent release and reaffirming his dominance in the summer music season. While working on the album, Amr Diab collaborated with numerous renowned poets, composers, and arrangers, including Tamer Hussein, Aziz El Shafei, and Ayman Bahgat Ammar, as well as other figures from Egypt and the Arab world. The album features both names involved in his past successes and new participants whom he hopes will bring a fresh perspective to the tracks.
It is worth noting that Diab's last album, 'Ebtadeina', was released last summer and achieved the highest streaming count for an Arabic album across various music platforms.
