Kareena Kapoor says the portrayal of women in Indian cinema is changing now that film directors are beginning to offer them roles that are more meaningful. Kapoor, 32, said: "Women's roles are being written by new and young directors and they are showing that we are not just objects of desire," she said. Kapoor was speaking on New Delhi Television channel on Monday after receiving its Entertainer of the Decade award. She has featured in more than 50 films since she joined the film industry in 2000. – AP
Vishal Bhardwaj and his wife Rekha are collaborating on an album
The filmmaker and composer Vishal Bhardwaj, who has been keen to collaborate musically with his singer wife Rekha for some time, says they are close to releasing an album. “We have been working together on an album for the past three to four years but because of my film commitments, it always gets behind,” Bhardwaj told reporters. “I think we will come out with the album within the next year.” Vishal said the collection of songs is based on the work of the Urdu poet Bashir Badr because “he has been our source of inspiration since we were children”.
Projects roll in for Shraddha Kapoor
The actress Shraddha Kapoor is keeping herself busy. In addition to the imminent release of her romantic musical Aashiqui 2, she has also begun shooting the film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein in Bangalore this week. Kapoor says she's ever mindful of the responsibility that comes with working with leading production houses such as Hindujas Ventures, Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions. "It is a big privilege and there are so many people who would do anything to get an opportunity like this," she said. "The pressure comes and goes. It's both nerve-racking and exciting." – IANS
Manchu family to star together in movie
The brothers Manchu Vishnu and Manchu Manoj will produce and act in a Telugu epic drama that will also feature their father, Manchu Mohan Babu. "It will be a bombshell of an entertainer and will be the film to watch out for this year," they said in a statement. "We promise it will be two hours of non-stop entertainment like never before." Besides the Manchu family, the film will also feature the actors Hansika Motwani, Praneetha, Varun Sandesh and Tanish. The Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon will also play a prominent role. – IANS
Dharmendra all praises for Akheeva
The veteran actor Dharmendra has nothing but compliments for his latest co-star, the Australian model Kristina Akheeva, who is making her Bollywood debut in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. "She is a very beautiful girl. We wanted such a girl. I thought that it would be great if the audience could fall in love with her at first sight. People will surely love her," said the 77-year-old actor. The film, directed by Sangeeth Sivan and featuring Dharmendra's sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, is scheduled for release in June. – IANS
Follow us
@LifeNationalUAE
Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Scoreline
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Japan
Saudi Arabia Al Muwallad 63’
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
