Latest news with #Akram
Elle
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Why The Internet Is Obsessing Over 'Dept. Q's' Alexej Manvelov Who Plays Akram
Dept Q is one of those few shows that is stacked with a knockout cast. You might've come for Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie or Kelly Macdonald - and rightfully so, but we'd have no qualms if you finished the series thinking breakout star Alexej Manvelov who portrayed Akram was your favourite character. Just shy of a month since its release, it is evident that the world still cannot get enough of Netflix's Dept. Q. Still going strong, it has held a top 10 spot in Netflix TV series' since premiering on May 29. But of course, what was not to love? The combination of an emotionally tortured yet highly skilled police detective tasked with the responsibility of forming a cold case unit against the backdrop of Edinburgh and Lothian's moodiness (and of course, those interiors throughout the series) makes for the perfect crime solving settings in this adapted Nordic noir. One of the series' main characters, Akram is first introduced to viewers as a quiet and obedient Syrian expat working in Department Q as Detective Carl Morck's assistant. While he might have had a mysterious air about him in the first episode, it was easy to overlook Akram as an uninteresting assistant aiming to impress - through willingness to help Carl sift through case files and offering his colleagues (Rose) a sweet treat that was supposedly made by his wife, we don't expect to get much out Akram. However, this all changes in the second episode when we see Carl interrup Akram's prayers. A quiet frustration takes over his face, yet he does not verbally express this to Carl, until the final moments of the episode, when he calmly, yet firm states, 'Carl when I am praying, don't interrupt me,' after helping ease his boss out of an anxiety attack. Beyond this, as the episodes go on, Akram's charming and personable nature as compared to Carl's is also an added factor in him becoming one of our favourite characters in the series. In an interivew with The Upcoming, Manvelov touched on Akram's evasive nature. 'He's multi-layered, with the backstory we came up with makes him a mystery, but also very human.' While the mystery of what his job was previously in Syria remains a mystery for the entirety of the series, it comes to a head for the first time in episode six when Akram pays Edmund a visit, and uses physical violence to get answers out of him. Even after Edmund threatening to kill Akram, as polite and calm as ever, he responds, 'Okay. But in the meantime, please tell me who you work for,' all while crushing his already broken femur and maintaining his usual stoic mannerisms and facial expressions. It's at this point exactly, were we really begin to wonder, who on earth is Akram? Prior to this, while questioning a group of drug addicts who get violent, Akram manages to escape the situation, unharmed, despite leaving one of the drug addicts hospitalised with a crushed windpipe. Even by the end of the series, the truth about Akram's former profession and the mysterious death of his wife is never answered, which only adds to the build up of season two, and naturally we're left in awe and slight fear of this mysterious and impressively dangerous man, but even more so by Manvelov's enigmatic and chilling performance. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
India.com
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet 19-Year-Old Who Learned English In Just 4 Days, Speaks 46 Languages, Writes 400—Not from US, China, Japan, Pakistan, Europe; He's From….
photoDetails english 2918933 At just 19, this teenager has stunned the world by speaking 46 languages and writing in 400. He's not from the US, China, Japan, Europe, or Pakistan and his story is nothing short of extraordinary. From setting records to inspiring students worldwide, he's proof that age is just a number when passion meets talent. Updated:Jun 20, 2025, 02:11 PM IST Meet Teen Genius Who Speaks 46 Languages! 1 / 8 At just 19, when most teens are figuring out college or hobbies, one young man is rewriting the limits of the human brain. Mahmood Akram can fluently speak 46 languages and read, write, and type in over 400. Is he from the US, China, Japan, or Europe? None of the above—he's from India! From Chennai to the World 2 / 8 Mahmood Akram hails from Chennai, India. Raised by a multilingual father, he grew up surrounded by alphabets, scripts, and dialects. His father, Shilbee Mozhippriyan, speaks 16 languages—and passed the language bug on to young Akram early in life. Learned English in Just Six Days! 3 / 8 Akram started learning Tamil and English at age 4—and stunned his parents by mastering English in only six days. By age 6, he had already surpassed his father's knowledge in ancient Tamil scripts like Vatteluttu, Grantha, and Tamizhi. By Age 8, Master of 50 Languages 4 / 8 Akram wasn't just speaking—he was writing and typing in dozens of scripts. By 8, he had learned 50 languages through books, online platforms like Omniglot, and sheer dedication. His capacity to absorb language structures was compared to a supercomputer! World Records Before Age 10 5 / 8 At just 8, Akram set a world record for being the youngest bilingual typist. At 10, he typed India's national anthem in 20 languages in under an hour, winning him a second world record—and even the prestigious German Young Talent Award. Global Recognition & Scholarships 6 / 8 Akram's talent led him to international stages. After winning a talent show, he earned a scholarship to study at Danube International School in Vienna, Austria. Today, he's pursuing multiple degrees across India and the UK. Why Tamil Still Reigns in His Heart 7 / 8 Despite mastering dozens of tongues, Akram has a clear favorite: Tamil. 'It's my mother tongue and closest to my heart,' he says. His passion for Tamil culture and heritage keeps him grounded while his achievements soar globally. A Living Example of Limitless Learning 8 / 8 Mahmood Akram is more than a prodigy—he's a symbol of what curiosity, hard work, and parental encouragement can achieve. With each new language, he shows the world that age is no barrier when the hunger to learn is truly alive. (Images credit: @ashmi50/X, @Brice_rwanda/X & social media)
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why you should look beyond the leading men in these hit shows
Matthew Goode and Jon Hamm are the talented and charismatic headliners in a couple of impressive recent crime dramas, Dept. Q and Your Friends and Neighbours. But marquee stars don't guarantee a satisfying series. Even with intelligent scripts, thoughtful direction and distinctive design, the leads can't carry the load alone. And both of these series benefit from scene-stealing supporting players. Goode can convincingly play a charmer, which he did as Lady Mary's love in the final season of Downton Abbey, a will-they-or-won't-they romantic interest for Alicia in The Good Wife, and a drinking buddy for Matthew Rhys in The Wine Show (the actors created a dream TV assignment, basing themselves in a Tuscan villa to sample Italian wines). In Dept. Q, though, he convincingly moves away from such roles to play detective chief inspector Carl Morck, a classic, troubled police detective. Recovering from an injury sustained in the line of duty, he's wounded psychologically as well as physically and spends much of the gripping nine-part thriller looking gaunt, dishevelled and depleted. Initially confident to the point of cockiness, Morck has that violently knocked out of him, although he remains a brilliant detective, reliably the smartest guy in the room. Or is he? Enter Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian expat of mysterious background who's as still and steady as Morck is restless and nervy. Loading While Morck ricochets around like a pinball and is prone to impatient, profanity-filled outbursts, Akram is quietly assured and speaks volumes with his eyes. A keen observer, he's attuned to those around him, the scope of his skill-set subtly emerging through the series. In a terrific scene at the end of the second episode, he calmly talks Morck through an anxiety attack, and then adds, firmly but evenly, a request – which is more like an order – that Morck should never again interrupt him while he's praying. In a season based on the first book in a series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen and transplanted to a gloomy and forbidding Edinburgh, Morck and Akram form an intriguing odd couple at the heart of an idiosyncratic team of investigators. Operating from the bowels of the police HQ, the cold-case unit is installed in a disused shower quarters (hence the 'Q'). Outsider Akram deftly manoeuvres his way into the fledgling operation, initially by bringing sweet treats to appreciative underling detective constable Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne). Bright, sharp-eyed and spirited, she too inveigles her way into the ad hoc team; another outlier who proves her worth, even though her blemished history on the force has seen her relegated to desk duties. Akram and Rose's value, to Morck, the investigation team and the drama, grows through the series, lending to its rich texture. Loading Like Goode in Dept. Q, Jon Hamm is initially the drawcard for the blackly comic thriller, Your Friends and Neighbours, created by Jonathan Tropper. Hamm indelibly remains Mad Men 's brooding advertising executive Don Draper, but since that landmark series, has taken on a number of notable roles (Landman, The Morning Show, Beirut). But his return to heading a TV series sees him perfectly cast as hedge-fund manager Andrew 'Coop' Cooper, Tropper using Hamm's leading-man looks to good effect. Coop looks like he belongs in the affluent enclave where social lives and business deals revolve around the country club. Yet it soon emerges that it's no coincidence Coop is spending a lot of time home alone watching old movies, frequently films noirs whose male protagonists find their lives spiralling out of control. Soon after the nine-part series begins, Coop loses his job, and it emerges that his marriage to Mel (Amanda Peet) disintegrated largely because he was wedded to his work. As he battles to keep up appearances, find another job and maintain the family's lifestyle, he decides on a dangerous course of action. However, the women in this cleverly crafted series happily don't conform to simple stereotypes, and while Coop is at the heart of the action, they also have nuance and substance. There's no obvious femme fatale or Nice Girl here. Mel's marriage-ending infidelity is seen as a response to Coop's inattention. The way the character is written and played makes her a sympathetic figure, a decent person devoted to her ex and their kids, and also struggling in the aftermath of the break-up, even though she outwardly appears to be happily moving on. Loading Coop's secret lover, Samantha Levitt (Olivia Munn), has been dumped by her husband for a younger woman and is rocked by insecurities amid an acrimonious divorce. She's closest to a femme fatale, although it becomes clear that she has her reasons. Other supporting female roles are cleverly constructed and cast. Olivia Cross (Kitty Hawthorne), who becomes the unwitting and unwilling catalyst for Coop's dismissal, is smart and ambitious, but not devious. Lu (Randy Danson), a diminutive yet fearsome grandmother, enters Coop's life during his dalliance with the dark side. She has stews bubbling away upstairs as she conducts her trade in stolen goods from a steel cage behind a pawn shop, a gun handy to deter potential threats. And then there's housemaid Elena (Aimee Carrero), who initially makes an impact with one superbly delivered line in response to Coop's arrival at a boys' night at the luxury home of Mel's lover (Mark Tallman) and goes on to occupy a central role in the action. Through the savvy Elena, the series pivots to provide a different perspective on the families of this affluent community. She's part of a largely unnoticed contingent of migrant workers that keeps the plush residences clean and tidy, women who know a lot about the dirty linen behind the pristine facades. Tropper gives all of these characters vivid life, enriching the tapestry of the show woven around his star. They're vibrant and compelling, and, along with Dept. Q 's supporting cast, bring to mind the quote by famed Russian acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavski: 'There are no small parts, only small actors.'
The Age
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Why you should look beyond the leading men in these hit shows
Matthew Goode and Jon Hamm are the talented and charismatic headliners in a couple of impressive recent crime dramas, Dept. Q and Your Friends and Neighbours. But marquee stars don't guarantee a satisfying series. Even with intelligent scripts, thoughtful direction and distinctive design, the leads can't carry the load alone. And both of these series benefit from scene-stealing supporting players. Goode can convincingly play a charmer, which he did as Lady Mary's love in the final season of Downton Abbey, a will-they-or-won't-they romantic interest for Alicia in The Good Wife, and a drinking buddy for Matthew Rhys in The Wine Show (the actors created a dream TV assignment, basing themselves in a Tuscan villa to sample Italian wines). In Dept. Q, though, he convincingly moves away from such roles to play detective chief inspector Carl Morck, a classic, troubled police detective. Recovering from an injury sustained in the line of duty, he's wounded psychologically as well as physically and spends much of the gripping nine-part thriller looking gaunt, dishevelled and depleted. Initially confident to the point of cockiness, Morck has that violently knocked out of him, although he remains a brilliant detective, reliably the smartest guy in the room. Or is he? Enter Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian expat of mysterious background who's as still and steady as Morck is restless and nervy. Loading While Morck ricochets around like a pinball and is prone to impatient, profanity-filled outbursts, Akram is quietly assured and speaks volumes with his eyes. A keen observer, he's attuned to those around him, the scope of his skill-set subtly emerging through the series. In a terrific scene at the end of the second episode, he calmly talks Morck through an anxiety attack, and then adds, firmly but evenly, a request – which is more like an order – that Morck should never again interrupt him while he's praying. In a season based on the first book in a series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen and transplanted to a gloomy and forbidding Edinburgh, Morck and Akram form an intriguing odd couple at the heart of an idiosyncratic team of investigators. Operating from the bowels of the police HQ, the cold-case unit is installed in a disused shower quarters (hence the 'Q'). Outsider Akram deftly manoeuvres his way into the fledgling operation, initially by bringing sweet treats to appreciative underling detective constable Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne). Bright, sharp-eyed and spirited, she too inveigles her way into the ad hoc team; another outlier who proves her worth, even though her blemished history on the force has seen her relegated to desk duties. Akram and Rose's value, to Morck, the investigation team and the drama, grows through the series, lending to its rich texture. Loading Like Goode in Dept. Q, Jon Hamm is initially the drawcard for the blackly comic thriller, Your Friends and Neighbours, created by Jonathan Tropper. Hamm indelibly remains Mad Men 's brooding advertising executive Don Draper, but since that landmark series, has taken on a number of notable roles (Landman, The Morning Show, Beirut). But his return to heading a TV series sees him perfectly cast as hedge-fund manager Andrew 'Coop' Cooper, Tropper using Hamm's leading-man looks to good effect. Coop looks like he belongs in the affluent enclave where social lives and business deals revolve around the country club. Yet it soon emerges that it's no coincidence Coop is spending a lot of time home alone watching old movies, frequently films noirs whose male protagonists find their lives spiralling out of control. Soon after the nine-part series begins, Coop loses his job, and it emerges that his marriage to Mel (Amanda Peet) disintegrated largely because he was wedded to his work. As he battles to keep up appearances, find another job and maintain the family's lifestyle, he decides on a dangerous course of action. However, the women in this cleverly crafted series happily don't conform to simple stereotypes, and while Coop is at the heart of the action, they also have nuance and substance. There's no obvious femme fatale or Nice Girl here. Mel's marriage-ending infidelity is seen as a response to Coop's inattention. The way the character is written and played makes her a sympathetic figure, a decent person devoted to her ex and their kids, and also struggling in the aftermath of the break-up, even though she outwardly appears to be happily moving on. Loading Coop's secret lover, Samantha Levitt (Olivia Munn), has been dumped by her husband for a younger woman and is rocked by insecurities amid an acrimonious divorce. She's closest to a femme fatale, although it becomes clear that she has her reasons. Other supporting female roles are cleverly constructed and cast. Olivia Cross (Kitty Hawthorne), who becomes the unwitting and unwilling catalyst for Coop's dismissal, is smart and ambitious, but not devious. Lu (Randy Danson), a diminutive yet fearsome grandmother, enters Coop's life during his dalliance with the dark side. She has stews bubbling away upstairs as she conducts her trade in stolen goods from a steel cage behind a pawn shop, a gun handy to deter potential threats. And then there's housemaid Elena (Aimee Carrero), who initially makes an impact with one superbly delivered line in response to Coop's arrival at a boys' night at the luxury home of Mel's lover (Mark Tallman) and goes on to occupy a central role in the action. Through the savvy Elena, the series pivots to provide a different perspective on the families of this affluent community. She's part of a largely unnoticed contingent of migrant workers that keeps the plush residences clean and tidy, women who know a lot about the dirty linen behind the pristine facades. Tropper gives all of these characters vivid life, enriching the tapestry of the show woven around his star. They're vibrant and compelling, and, along with Dept. Q 's supporting cast, bring to mind the quote by famed Russian acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavski: 'There are no small parts, only small actors.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Expats empty-handed after job offers on visit visas: What every UAE jobseekers need to know
Under UAE law, employers face fines up to AED 1 million for hiring without a work permit, while employees working on visit visas risk penalties and deportation/ Image generated by AI for creative & illustrative purposes only Many expatriates arriving in the UAE have been found working without formal contracts or employment visas, leaving them vulnerable to legal and financial troubles. Despite receiving job offers or offer letters, these individuals often start working on visit visas, only to be abandoned by employers and forced to leave the country empty-handed. Starting Work Without a Legal Visa: A Growing Problem Jobseekers arriving in the UAE are being warned strongly against beginning work while still on visit visas—even if they have received job offers. According to UAE labour laws, it is unlawful to work without a valid employment visa. Yet, several cases have emerged where expats start working based on job offer letters or verbal promises, hoping to secure a permanent employment visa later. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi, a UAE-based recruiter and founder of Chronicle L.L.C FZ, told Khaleej Times that 'It's illegal to hire or allow anyone to work on a visit visa.' She emphasized that 'Employers must obtain labour approval and issue valid work permits before an employee begins any job duties.' Al Obaidi pointed out that many candidates, especially those new to the UAE or on visit visas, 'often lack clarity on hiring processes' and are sometimes 'left unsupported or misled. Awareness is key to protection.' Personal Stories: Legal Limbo and Financial Loss Two individuals' experiences highlight the risks faced by those working on visit visas without formal contracts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo Akram (name changed), a sales executive, received a job offer from a lighting and home décor company in Abu Dhabi. He was instructed to return to India as his initial visa was expiring and re-enter the UAE on a new visit visa to begin the employment visa process. Akram spent over Dh2,500 on travel, flew back, and started work the day after arriving on April 22, 2025. He worked for approximately 40 days, during which the company promised his employment visa would be completed by early June. However, on June 2, Akram was informed that the company would not continue with his hiring. With his visit visa nearing expiry and no legal work permit, Akram faced the prospect of returning home without a job. Yasir, 29, a marketing graduate, found a job at an event management firm via a job portal. He received an offer letter and was told his visa application was underway. Yasir started working in January 2025 and stayed nearly two months. Each time he inquired about the visa, he was told it was pending. In early March, citing budget constraints, the company canceled his hiring plan without issuing an official termination letter and paid him only half the promised salary. With his visit visa expiring, Yasir had no legal status in the UAE and was forced to leave the country on March 6, 2025. Legal Framework: Work Permits and Residency Visas Are Mandatory Under UAE law, working on a visit visa is prohibited. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 require employees to have a valid work permit and residency visa before beginning any job. Employers who violate these regulations face heavy penalties. According to Article 60(1)(a) of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for hiring without proper documentation. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi highlighted common red flags that candidates should watch for, including: Being asked to pay for jobs or visas Starting work before receiving a legal employment visa Receiving only verbal job offers Changes in job terms mid-process 'These are unacceptable and unethical practices,' she said. She added that ethical hiring involves 'issuing a formal offer letter, completing the visa process before onboarding, and being transparent about salary and responsibilities.' Employers have a responsibility 'to support candidates who are new but show potential.' Emotional and Psychological Impact of False Promises Beyond the legal implications, the human cost of unethical hiring practices is deeply significant. Dr Amir Javaid, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the emotional toll these false job promises take on individuals. He explained that such experiences often lead to 'emotional instability, anger, and irritability,' especially for expatriates who find themselves isolated and vulnerable in a foreign country. 'Behind every CV is a person who may have left home in search of a future,' Dr Javaid told Khaleej Times. 'When their hopes are shattered by broken promises, it causes profound feelings of betrayal and insecurity.' This emotional upheaval can result in long-term psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some affected individuals may require professional psychiatric care to cope and recover. Dr Javaid urged jobseekers to remain vigilant for signs of trauma following such experiences. Symptoms might include mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and a noticeable lack of motivation. From an employer's perspective, Dr Javaid emphasized the critical role of responsibility and transparency. 'Companies must avoid making false promises, provide clear and timely notice when changes occur, offer alternative roles where possible, and prioritize the psychological safety of their employees.' He further recommended that organisations foster empathetic communication and engage occupational health teams to support employees' mental well-being.
