A reality show about South Asians who have made UAE their second home is coming to Colors TV Middle East. Hosted by Karishma Fernandez, Salaam Namaste UAE follows the lives of expats from different walks of life. One of them is Ruchika Kalia, who is behind the initiative "Wings of Angelz – Build a Ramp", which works towards making public spaces in the UAE friendlier towards the disabled and those needing wheelchairs. Also in the spotlight is the local group behind "Shukran Workers", who organised film screenings dedicated to people who work as domestic help. Salaam Namaste UAE debuts on Saturday, March 26 at 8pm. – The National staff
Justin Bieber cancels fan meet and greets
Justin Bieber took to Instagram this week to tell his fans he can no longer meet them in person. “I’m going to be cancelling my meet and greets,” he wrote on the social media site. “I enjoy meeting such incredible people but I end up feeling so drained and filled with so much of other people’s spiritual energy that I end up so drained and unhappy. Want to make people smile and happy but not at my expense and I always leave feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point of depression.” He added that he felt a lot of pressure to meet people’s expectations and that he would rather put on a great show and stay in a healthy mindset. His forthcoming Purpose World Tour includes 114 shows in North America and Europe. – The National staff
Hilary Swank gets engaged
Hilary Swank and former tennis professional Ruben Torres are now engaged. The two-time Oscar winner announced the news on Instagram. Swank posted a picture of herself and Torres in the countryside with a large ring on her finger. "Went on a hike and this happened!," she wrote. "I am so happy to share with you all this exciting and incredible news … the engagement to my dear Ruben!! #engaged." Swank won Best Actress Academy Awards for Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby. The 41-year-old actress was previously married to actor Chad Lowe. The Colombian-born Torres attended the University of Southern California and played his last professional tennis match in 2008. – AP
Stars unite for the spring festival
Several Indian singers have collaborated for a music video celebrating the festival of Holi, which marks the beginning of Spring. Titled Deewaren- #IndiaUnites, the video features Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, Javed Ali, Suraj Jagan, Ash King and Jonita Gandhi. The video aims to show the festival extends beyond the barriers of caste, religion or creed and is produced by The Moody Nation, a platform dedicated to creating content and films, and Paytm, a mobile payment company. "The power of music is ubiquitous. There is something about music that can heal you, shape you, and change the way you are feeling. We fused music and a strong story to drive home the message that we need to stand together and unite in the face of adversity," said Vinay Jaiswal, partner at The Moody Nation. – IANS
John Abraham to advocate safety for women
Actor John Abraham will be hosting a special episode of TV show Saavdhan India, addressing the safety issues for women in India. The series documents crime stories inspired by real life events and in one episode Abraham will narrate a story of innocent girls who are accosted and brutally raped. Abraham is also in the process of promoting his forthcoming film Rocky Handsome, directed by Nishikant Kamat, which revolves around a murderous rampage followed by the kidnapping of a seven-year-old girl. – IANS
