Michelle Obama sit downs with Oprah
As Michelle Obama prepares to exit the White House alongside her US presidential husband Barack, she sat down for to talk with television talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey last week. According to the First Lady, the weight her husband’s presidency placed on their family has lifted “knowing that we’ve made it this far, and we’ve survived and in many ways thrived”. But, she sounded concerned about the future, saying that when it comes to the nation, she prays that Americans still have “hope”. Obama’s demeanour was relaxed throughout the conversation, which aired on Monday night on CBS but was taped last week in the family’s private residence before the Obamas left for their annual Christmas holiday to Hawaii. The women are friends, and Winfrey is a political supporter of President Obama. When Winfrey asked whether Obama thought her husband’s administration achieved the hope that it was all about, she said she did — and then drew a contrast with his successor. “Yes, I do. Because we feel the difference now,” she said, referring to the election results which will put Republican Donald Trump in the White House next. “See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?” The interview will be re-aired on Wednesday, December 21 on Winfrey’s OWN network. — The National staff
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan delivers baby boy
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan and husband Saif Ali Khan have welcomed a baby boy. The actress gave birth at the Breach Candy Hospital on Tuesday, December 20. The couple have named their boy Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi, according to the Times of India. Filmmaker Karan Johan, who is the family's close friend, made the announcement on Twitter, posting: "My Bebo had a baby boy!!!!!!! Am so so happy!!!!!!! #TaimurAliKhan". In a statement to the press, actor Saif Ali Khan said he was pleased to share the news about the birth of his son and thanked well wishers for their affection. Khan has two children, Sara and Ibrahim, from his first marriage to actress Amrita Singh. — The National staff
Director Abbas of duo Abbas-Mustan to launch son in new movie
Abbas Burmawalla of the Bollywod directing duo Abbas-Mustan has finished shooting for the movie Machine, which will mark his son Mustafa's film debut. The director said, on the sidelines of the Harvey India's Christmas lunch in Mumbai, that they had finished shooting this year and were happy with how the film had turned out. The movie is a romantic thriller that the filmmaker says is a "twisted love story". The directors are known for commercial hits like Shah Rukh Khan's Baazigar (1993), Akshay Kumar's Ajnabee (2001) and Race (2008) and Race 2 (2013) with actor Saif Ali Khan — IANS
Rob Kardashian seeks help after online spat with partner Blac Chyna
Rob Kardashian has apologised for his social media blow out fight with Blac Chyna, with whom he has a child. The reality TV star posted a picture of him and Chyna on Instagram and captioned the picture with a candid admission that had moved beyond an apology, according to E! News. "This weekend I was in an emotional bad place and did some things that embarrassed myself and my family," he wrote. "I apologise and I'm seeking help to deal with my flaws/issues. Please pray for me and I'm sorry @blacchyna. You are a great mother to our child and I love you." Kardashian also shared a separate picture of daughter Dream Kardashian taking a bath. "I am going to get better for you Dream. You are my life and gave me a new start on being a better me. Love you," he wrote. Kardashian's apology comes after Chyna's Instagram was allegedly hacked on Saturday. — The National staff
Alan Thicke honoured in memorial attended by Hollywood stars
Many Hollywood stars turned out to honour Alan Thicke this week. E! News reports that the entire cast of Growing Pains, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Kirk Cameron, Bog Saget, Alex Trebek and Bill Maher attended a memorial in honour of the late actor who died last week. Thicke had a heart attack while playing hockey with his son Carter. A family member shared pictures on a public page and wrote a heartfelt note about the evening’s emotional events. “Tonight’s memorial for Alan was just about perfect. So much family and so many historic friends came out to remember our beloved father-figure,” the post read. “Speaking for Alan so beautifully was (I’m realising now) an all-star cast.” The 69-year-old starred in many iconic TV shows. — The National staff
Stardust Awards kick-starts award season in Bollywood
The who's who of the film industry turned out for a night of fun and glamour to cheer on the winners at the Sansui Colors Stardust Awards on Tuesday night. Hosted by Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Farah Khan and Maniesh Paul, the award night saw the biggest blockbusters of 2016 vie for the honours in the best film, story, actors and music categories. Karan Johar's production Kapoor and Sons won for Best Story (pictured), while Rishi Kapoor picked up the supporting role award for the same film. Shah Rukh Khan won the Editor's Choice Best Actor Award for Fan and superstar Amitabh Bachchan won the viewer's choice actor award for Pink. Anushka Sharma was named the best actress for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Sultan, while Karan Johar got the title of best director for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. — The National staff
