Latest news with #SiliconOasis
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Indian actor and dancer Shobhana on dancing with the universe
We are at the Sarvakalasala Art Studio at Silicon Oasis in a class conducted by one of India's biggest classical dancers and actors, Shobana Chandrakumar, whose academy is called Kalarpana Research Institution. Chandrakumar has acted in stellar films across India, including the recent super hit Mohan Lal starrer Thudarum, was conferred India's third-biggest honour, the Padma Bhushan, this year. The eminent artiste who is currently shooting for the epic film Ramayana playing Kaikesi, comes to Dubai regularly to conduct these classes herself. Unfazed by the fuss and adulation, Shobana confesses, 'I'm still in a state of shock and when people ask me when am I celebrating, I tell them, let me recover.' Her gurus, though, are extremely proud. 'They were ecstatic and I sincerely believe that I shine this way because they've been so giving to me.' In class, as a teacher, she describes Bharatanatyam as molten chocolate falling on a steel rod. ' There is a general impression that Bharatanatyam is tough to perform. That it is staccato and looks forced. But, the angular dance form it is, has plenty of room for flow. Rods are angular but it depends on what you pour into it — electricity or molten chocolate." Shobana succinctly explains how the dance form has risen like the phoenix over generations and timelines. 'Bharatanatyam originated from male dancers who taught the Devadasis (temple dancers) who preserved the dance form and taught the teachers of today. Both my gurus learnt from Devadasis,' she adds. But learning a dance form is more than just the dance, it is a great lesson in aesthetics and wisdom. 'The legendary Chitra Akka (Chitra Visveswaran) and Padu ka (Padma Subrahmanyam) have bestowed upon me their life experiences and wisdom and I feel compelled to pass it on,' adding, 'Only now have I have mustered courage to ask my gurus about their gurus and they have been most generous in sharing that knowledge.' Ask her what separates a good artiste from a great artiste? 'If you don't have humility, then you are unintelligent. Humility should be so ingrained within you that you shouldn't even know that you are humble.' But then, how does humility protect her from the deviousness of the world? ' Of course I have an ego and that arises especially when people take your naïveté for granted. That is when your ego sorts them out - it draws a strict boundary,' she adds. So, does she see her qualities reflect in her students. 'Yes I do. They don't preen with praise. That is my quality,' she laughs. How does she infuse disciple, spirit and devotion in her students? ' I don't inculcate discipline and devotion. Students either have it or don't depending on their upbringing. Yes, inculcating the spirit of performance is a teacher's job. Explaining the nuances of music is my job — telling them to bubble up, smile and pour out their emotion in their dance, telling them how would they like to be seen onstage.' So, does learning a dance form, make you sensitive to other forms of art? 'Not necessarily because art is largely interpretative. I don't get impressed by speed, acrobatics or drama. For me it is very academic. I can't enjoy a performance unless it is very different. The same extends to all art forms. Artists have that magic of going beyond grammar. Only then you be a complete artist.' Ask her what were her most trying times as a student? ' When I had to rehearse my classical dance steps while at a film shoot. Those days, we were given accommodation in small lodges. So I would wake up by 4 am, go to the terrace and practice. I remember actor Satyaraj complaining since my dancing woke the entire unit up.' Shobana's recent film Thudarum where she was paired opposite Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been a super hit and is a fond recall of Malayalam cinemas two biggest names coming together. 'Lal is fascinated by the world of art and here is how our conversation goes when we start talking of Natyashastra. Me: Natyashastra is tough because there are certain things that we don't do anymore. Lal: Why do you say so? Me: In Satvika abhinaya, there are instances when the face goes white, loses colour and you get goose bumps. It's a state of the dance. Lal: Close your eyes. Lal: Now open them! Lal shakes his hands and displays his goose bumps and says 'That's it right!' Me: There's Something about Mary. There's something about Lal. (Laughs) Shobana is currently pursuing her doctorate on Natyashastra from Tamil University. 'It is not an honorary doctorate, I'm working on it for the past 10 years,' she adds. A seeker forever.
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Fabyland makes its grand entrance at Silicon Central Mall
In a landmark addition to Dubai's entertainment landscape, Fabyland, one of the region's prominent family entertainment centres, has officially opened its doors at Silicon Central Mall. This highly anticipated launch introduces a world of immersive fun, multi-generational experiences, and interactive learning, all under one roof. Designed as a flagship concept, the new Fabyland at Silicon Central Mall reimagines traditional entertainment with a broader and inclusive offering. In addition to thrill rides and carnival-style arcade games, the venue features, for the very first time, bowling alleys and billiards zones, opening new avenues of entertainment for teenagers, young adults, and families seeking shared leisure experiences. With its expansive layout and engaging atmosphere, Fabyland at Silicon Central sets a new benchmark for indoor entertainment in the Silicon Oasis locale. Children's celebrations take centre stage, with customisable party rooms and thoughtfully curated birthday packages that include interactive experiences such as magic shows, clowns, and piñata games, designed to turn every celebration into a cherished memory. For schools and learning groups, Fabyland offers a curated edutainment programme blending fun with foundational knowledge across science, arts and crafts, and more. Shirazul Haq Khan, mall manager, Silicon Central Mall, remarked: "Every new addition to Silicon Central is part of a bigger story, where we are creating spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and relevant to the community. Fabyland brings a fresh energy to the mix, and we're excited to see how it adds to the everyday experiences of our visitors. This is exactly the kind of offering we believe the community has been waiting for." The grand opening of Fabyland coincides with a broader phase of growth and transformation at Silicon Central Mall, which continues to strengthen its position as a premier lifestyle and retail destination in Dubai. The mall recently welcomed a dynamic mix of global fashion, footwear, and dining brands, enriching its appeal to the city's diverse audience. Complementing the retail expansion are curated F&B concepts such as Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Chinese Palace, Bazooka, and China Bistro, ensuring an all-encompassing lifestyle experience that spans shopping, dining, and entertainment. Navaneeth Sudhakaran, general manager of Line Investments & Property, Dubai and Northern Emirates, added: "With Fabyland joining our growing portfolio, we're reinforcing Silicon Central's position as a destination that blends international retail, dining, and leisure in one cohesive experience. Our focus is on a meaningful curation; bringing in brands and concepts that add value to the way people shop, connect, and unwind. This launch is a step forward in that vision." As Silicon Central Mall continues its journey of growth, visitors are invited to discover its evolving story, where every visit is an engaging and memorable experience for all.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's new parking subscriptions offer relief; residents ask for more spaces
Dubai motorists are optimistic as new monthly parking subscriptions have been rolled out, citing the added convenience, reduced risk of fines, and easier day-to-day planning. The new plan, rolled out by Parkin, allows residents and commuters to subscribe to designated public and roadside parking zones across the city, including areas like Silicon Oasis, Dubai Hills, and Wasl Communities. Many residents see it as a much-needed upgrade, while others highlight that limited parking availability and neighbourhood-specific challenges still need to be addressed. In Silicon Oasis, long-time resident Mohammed Khalid, a logistics supervisor, said the subscription brings welcome relief, especially for families with multiple cars. But his main concern isn't cost or convenience, its space. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'I live in a building with very limited indoor parking. We're a family of six, and we have four cars between us, only two of which can park in the building,' he said. 'This monthly plan will help me not worry about the ticket expiring. It's more convenient for the entire household,' he added. While Mohammed appreciates the relief the plan offers, he says the hassle of finding public parking in the neighbourhood still remains. 'Every evening, at least one of us drives around in circles, hoping someone moves their car.' Still, he sees this as a step in the right direction. 'It gives us peace of mind, but more public plots or multi-storey options would make life easier.' Motorists can avail the service through the mobile application or Parkin website. Fewer fines Over in Dubai Hills, 29-year-old HR executive Nour Al Rahma is relieved by the change. The area, known for its mix of tech offices and residential buildings, has seen high parking turnover. 'I've been fined twice just because I forgot to renew my parking. You think it's still valid, but it expired a day before,' she said. 'This subscription solves that — now I can pay for three months upfront and not stress every morning. It's also good that I can manage everything from the app.' Nour plans to subscribe to the Dh1,400 package for three months. 'It's worth it if it saves me from one or two fines — those add up quickly.' Under the new rules, up to three vehicles can be added to a subscription under the same traffic file registered in Dubai, although only one vehicle can be active at a time. Users can switch between cars every 30 minutes via the app or website. 'No more guessing games' Another resident of Dubai Hills, Egyptian expat Reem Hassan, who commutes daily to a nearby school, says the program has simplified her daily routine. 'I used to keep checking the clock during meetings or class breaks, worried I was overtime. Now it's just one flat fee, and I don't need to think about it,' she said. Residents with light vehicles in Dubai Hills can now subscribe to zone 631G. The subscription allows only one vehicle to be linked per plan, with pricing starting at Dh500 for one month. Longer-term options include Dh1,400 for three months, Dh2,500 for six months, and Dh4,500 for a full year. Parkin's variable parking rates In April, Parkin introduced new variable parking tariffs across Dubai. Under the revised rates, premium public parking spots cost Dh6 per hour during peak hours — from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm — across all zones, excluding weekends and public holidays. Paid public parking in Dubai is mainly divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D. Premium areas within these zones are now marked as AP, BP, CP, and DP. These premium spaces typically offer easier access to public transport, such as being within 500 meters of a metro station, or are located in high-density and commercial zones with heavy demand.
Gulf Business
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai motorists alert: New flexible parking subscriptions launched
Image credit: Getty Images Motorists in Dubai can now benefit from new flexible parking subscription packages introduced by Parkin UAE, designed to simplify and enhance the parking experience across the city. Download the app to explore subscription options near you or check our website: — ParkinUAE (@ParkinUAE) The announcement with regards to this was made on ParkinUAE official X account. Read- The Roadside parking Motorists can access convenient roadside parking across Dubai's main streets and areas. These spaces are typically regulated by meters or zone codes (A & C) and are ideal for short-term parking during errands or brief visits. Key benefits of the subscription model Unlimited parking: Enjoy unrestricted daily parking in multiple areas without individual payments. Exclusive savings: Access special rates available only to subscribers, offering more value for frequent users. Worry-free convenience: Avoid the hassle of extending sessions or incurring fines, with seamless parking access. Available parking zones and pricing Wasl Real Estate: Park in popular Wasl-managed areas with subscriptions starting from Dhs300/month for zones W and WP. Silicon Oasis (Zone H): Convenient parking near homes and offices, with subscriptions from Dhs1,400 for three months. Silicon Oasis (Limited Area): Dedicated parking from Dhs1,000 for three months in select Silicon Oasis areas. Dubai Hills (Zone 631G): Annual subscription options available for frequent commuters and residents. Roadside and plot parking (Zones A, B, C, D): Subscriptions from Dhs500/month allow for seamless access without the need for meter payments. Plot-only parking: Starting at Dhs250/month, users can park up to three vehicles in designated plots across zones B and D. Parkin's new subscription plans are aimed at delivering a more streamlined, cost-effective parking solution for all types of motorists in Dubai. Users can choose the package that best suits their lifestyle and parking habits.
