Modhesh World returns for its 16th edition on Thursday at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the season will feature a special appearance by Nancy Ajram. The Lebanese pop star will perform a selection of her children's songs on August 24 for the price of an entry ticket. Taking up more than 34,000 square metres of the venue, it is set to be the biggest version of Modhesh World yet, with eight separately designed halls full of rides and activities for the family. Running until August 29, Modhesh World is home to five new attractions this year: The Slide, with three lanes; the shape-shifting glass called Mirror Maze; the zombie shooting game Valkyrie; the multiple trampoline space dubbed Fly Jump; and the X Rider – a 5-D motion picture theatre experience thrill. The theme park also features souvenir shops and plenty of dining options. Parents can take a breather with two lounges dedicated to families. Large parking spaces at the Dubai World Trade Centre will also be made available to visitors. For details, visit www.modheshworld.com. – Saeed Saeed
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher tie the knot
Hollywood couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are married. According to People magazine, the actors tied the knot over the Fourth of July weekend. Rumours of an impending wedding began last December when Kunis joined Kutcher to watch a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game wearing what appeared to be a wedding band. The news also arrives on the back of Kunis giving birth to their first child Wyatt nine months ago. The couple were friends first before officially dating in 2012, having starred together on the hit sitcom That 70s Show from 1998 to 2006. – The National staff
ManI Ratnam may direct Karthi in his next film
Ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam, whose last outing was the successful romantic comedy O Kadhal Kanmani, is rumoured to be directing actor Karthi in an upcoming, as-yet-untitled Tamil project. "Karthi has expressed his interest to be part of the project, but he's yet to sign on the dotted line. The official announcement is expected to come soon," a source close to Karthi said. Reportedly, the project would be bilingual and will be made in Malayalam with Mammootty. Karthi started his career in cinema as an assistant to Ratnam on his 2004 Tamil-Hindi thriller Aayitha Ezhuthu. Although he was offered the opportunity to act in this project, he chose to work in the direction department. Ratnam's new film will have music by Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman. – IANS
Comedian Amy Schumer headlines July 4 Festival
American comic Amy Schumer headlined the inaugural Fourth of July Freedom Festival in New York. She was joined by a host of acts including Sam Smith, country singer Sara Evans and singer Queen Latifah. The latter closed the event with a versatile set ranging from jazz standards to Broadway tunes to rap – mirroring her adaptable career. The bawdy Schumer was also a crowd favourite, and she warned parents with little ones early on: "Take a lap." The comedian – who had a breakthrough this year thanks to her popular Comedy Central series Inside Amy Schumer, hosting the MTV Movie Awards and upcoming film that she wrote – spoke about dating and life in Hollywood. – AP
Vanessa Williams marries for third time
Vanessa Williams tied the knot with her fiance, Jim Skrip, on the Fourth of July, according to her representative. No details of the ceremony were provided. This is the third marriage for Williams, who was previously married to public relations consultant Ramon Hervey and former Los Angeles Laker Rick Fox. The singer and actress met Skrip, a former accountant, while travelling in Egypt. The 52-year-old Williams, a former Miss America contestant, has released eight studio albums and received several Emmy nominations for her performance on ABC's Ugly Betty. Her biggest hit remains 1992's Save the Best for Last – AP
High-tech Marvel theme park cuts summer tour short
The indoor high-tech travelling theme park The Marvel Experience has stumbled and will cut short its summer tour. Producers of the show that includes 360-degree projections, holograms and a 4-D motion ride said Sunday its big debut in Philadelphia will be its one and only stop. The Chicago, New York and St. Louis legs have been cancelled. Refunds will be available. No reason was given for the show’s abrupt cancellation. The $30 million show had previously made stops in Phoenix, Dallas and San Diego before being retooled for the current run. — AP
