Latest news with #Abbas
News18
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
This Tamil Actor Starred With Aishwarya Rai, Rajinikanth; Then Turned Taxi Driver After Flops
Last Updated: Mirza Abbas Ali's fall from superstardom to obscurity highlights the film industry's unpredictability and the resilience required to survive its highs and lows Popular South cinema actor Mirza Abbas Ali, once a superstar of the 90s, has faced significant highs and lows in his career. Known for his work alongside big stars like Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth, Abbas starred in many successful films during the early 90s. However, his career took a downturn, leading to financial struggles so severe that he couldn't afford rent. Abbas, who has acted in both South Indian cinema and Bollywood, made his Bollywood debut with ' Ansh: The Deadly Part '. Unfortunately, the film did not perform well, and Abbas even advised his fans against watching it, admitting it was not up to par. The early 2000s saw a string of flops for Abbas, which caused his career graph to plummet. Despite having worked with superstars like Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth, he quickly vanished from the acting scene. Quit Acting After Career Began To Decline Abbas became a well-known face in Tamil cinema with hits like 'Kadhal Desam', ' V.I.P. ', and ' Kandukondain Kandukondain '. Yet, as his career declined, he started taking on supporting roles before eventually disappearing from the industry altogether. He ultimately left films and moved abroad, settling in New Zealand, where he took up jobs as a mechanic and taxi driver to support his family. Struggled To Pay Rent In an old interview, Abbas recounted the hardships he faced, 'Initially, some of my films were successful, but then a series of flops left me without money to pay rent or even buy cigarettes. Out of self-respect, I initially resisted taking up other work, but eventually, I sought help from producer RB Chaudhary, who gave me a role in ' Pooveli '. However, I soon quit films as I no longer enjoyed it." Abbas's financial struggles were so dire that he had to use petrol station washrooms because he couldn't afford to use the facilities at construction sites. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he attempted to reconnect with fans through Zoom calls to offer some encouragement and support. 'I tried to motivate people by connecting with them over Zoom," he shared. First Published:
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' co-star Mirza Abbas Ali left the industry and became a taxi driver in New Zealand: ‘I would use the restroom at petrol stations'
Actor — popularly known as Abbas — was one of the most charming faces of the 1990s. He had a strong fan following in the South, having appeared in several Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Abbas made his debut with 'Kadhal Desam' and soon became a familiar face in hits such as 'Pooveli', Jeans', Padayappa', 'Suyamvaram', and 'Kandukondain Kandukondain'. However, he gradually made the decision to step away from the film industry. Abbas about making an exit from the industry Abbas' career began to decline steadily in the early 2000s following a few commercial setbacks. After his small role in 's romantic hit 'Minnale' (2001), starring R. Madhavan, he was mostly seen in cameo and supporting roles. Eventually, he withdrew from cinema entirely. Abbas spoke about his decision to leave the industry in an old interview. Abhishek Bachchan Breaks Silence On Divorce Rumours With Aishwarya Rai Abbas was heartbroken after his first break up In a conversation with Rednool, Abbas shared that he had reached a breaking point after failing his Class 10 exams and going through a heartbreak. At one point, he even contemplated ending his life but became concerned about the pain it would cause his loved ones. He ventured into Bollywood with 'Ansh: The Deadly Part'. The film was unsuccessful, and Abbas soon found himself struggling financially. 'Following my initial achievements, some of my films failed, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride stopped me from seeking alternative employment. However, I eventually approached producer R. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now B. Choudary and requested work. He offered me a role in Pooveli. But over time, I left films because I got bored. I wasn't enjoying my work. I distinctly remember advising my friends, who had come to watch my Bollywood debut Ansh: The Deadly Part, not to waste their time as I considered it 'bakwaas',' he admitted. Abbas did odd jobs in New Zealand Abbas later relocated to New Zealand and took up a variety of odd jobs to support his family. From working as a bike mechanic to driving taxis, he did what was necessary. Sharing some of his experiences abroad, he recalled, 'I would not use the toilet at the construction site. Instead, I would go to a petrol station, buy something, and use the restroom there. People there would often say they felt they had seen me somewhere. I would respond, 'Yes, I get that a lot.' Sometimes, I would reveal I was Abbas, and they would be shocked. I just registered their reactions in my mind.'
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Tamil heartthrob who romanced Aishwarya Rai became ‘destitute', worked as a mechanic and drove taxis to make ends meet
Actor Mirza Abbas Ali, best known as Abbas, was a heartthrob in the 1990s, having made his debut in the film Kadhal Desam, before going on to star in VIP (1997), Pooveli (1998), Jeans (2008), Padayappa (1999), Suyamvaram (1999), Malabar Police (1999), and Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). But his career stalled at the turn of the century, and he was reduced to playing supporting roles and cameos after some of his projects flopped. A notable example is Minnale, which starred R Madhavan in 2001. A few years later, Abbas felt a disillusionment setting in, and he quit the film industry altogether. Abbas moved to New Zealand, where he took up several menial jobs to make ends meet. In an interview with Rednool a few years ago, he opened up about his life, which was difficult even before he became a model, and then an actor. Abbas said that he was so distraught after flunking his Class 10 exams and being dumped by his girlfriend that he considered taking his own life. But he decided against it, and gave himself a second chance. 'During my teenage years, I went through a tumultuous period where I contemplated taking my own life after failing the 10th grade. The departure of my girlfriend at the time intensified those thoughts. However, something profound occurred that transformed me. While standing by the roadside, contemplating stepping in front of a speeding vehicle, I noticed a passing motorist and had a realisation: if I were to act on my impulses, that person's life would also be profoundly affected. Even in my darkest moment, I found myself considering the well-being of another individual,' Abbas said. Also read – Legendary Bollywood music composer lived as paying guest in final years, banned family from attending funeral He attempted to crossover into the Hindi industry with the film Ansh: The Deadly Part, but it flopped. 'Following my initial achievements, some of my movies faced failure, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride prevented me from seeking alternative employment. However, I soon approached producer RB Choudary, requesting work. He offered me the opportunity to be part of the film Pooveli. However, I eventually left films because I got bored. I wasn't enjoying my work. I distinctly recall advising my friends, who came to watch my Bollywood debut film Ansh: The Deadly Part not to waste their time as I considered it to be bakwaas. In order to provide for my family, I worked as a bike mechanic and drove taxis in New Zealand.' Read more – Bollywood's most celebrated Golden Age writer died penniless, burdened by heavy debts; Javed Akhtar blamed Raj Kapoor Opening up about his life in New Zealand, he said, 'I would not use the toilet that was at the construction site. I would instead go to a petrol pump, buy something and use the restroom there. People there would wonder if they have seen me somewhere. I would be like, 'Yes, I keep getting that.' Sometimes, I would reveal I am Abbas, and they will be shocked. I just registered their reaction in my head.' Also read – Star of Bollywood's Golden Era died penniless due to flamboyant lifestyle, influenced Amitabh Bachchan and won praise from Mahatma Gandhi Abbas said that he isn't particularly fond of social media, but he made an exception during the pandemic, when he thought to help others going through difficult times by sharing some of his own experiences. 'While residing in New Zealand, I utilised Zoom calls to connect with fans. My intention was to assist those in need,' he said. Abbas made another attempt at acting some years ago, and scored a contract to appear in an advertisement for a toilet cleaning liquid. He said that the deal helped him run his household, and that he put his ego aside to take up alternative paths in his career. His last credited role came a decade ago.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nottinghamshire resistant to Somerset bowling pressure on day two
Somersets Matt Henry excited the Taunton crowd with some big hitting on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship match with Nottinghamshire at Taunton. (Image: Harry Trump) Rothesay County Championship, day two: Nottinghamshire 214-3 trail Somerset 379 by 165 runs Ben Slater's 15th first class hundred spearheaded a solid Nottinghamshire batting display on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton, writes Richard Latham, ECB Reporters' Network. Advertisement The home side extended their first innings score from an overnight 275 for six to a challenging 379 all out, Tom Banton dismissed for 84 and Matt Henry making an unbeaten 41 off just 29 balls, with four fours and three sixes. By the close, Notts had posted 214 for three in reply, opener Slater contributing an unbeaten 116, off 224 balls, with 14 fours, and sharing useful partnerships with Haseeb Hameed (24), Freddie McCann (20) and Jack Haynes (34 not out). Like their opponents on day one, Somerset bowled few loose deliveries and every run had to be fought for on a day of soaring temperatures. Jack Leach conceded just 42 runs from 25 overs of left-arm spin and Craig Overton 31 from 13. Banton was unbeaten on 57 at the start of play, having been dropped on two, and shouldered major responsibility for lifting Somerset to a competitive score. With only nine runs added to the total, he lost partner Kasey Aldridge, caught at second slip by McCann low to his right off Abbas. Advertisement Overton looked in good touch, scoring 24 and helping Banton add 44 for the eighth wicket, before being pinned lbw by Hutton with the total on 330 in the 111th over, both sides having been forced to settle for two bonus points. Left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White had bowled tightly throughout the innings and reaped the reward of a second wicket when Banton, who had battled away for four hours and 17 minutes, striking 8 fours, mistimed a reverse sweep straight to Abbas at backward point. The remainder of the innings was all about Henry, who treated the 2,000 children admitted free from schools around the region, to some exciting hitting. The New Zealander survived a chance to Joe Clarke on the long-on boundary and produced numerous clean strikes in a last wicket stand of 39, to which Leach contributed just six before being caught at bowled off a leading edge by Farhan Ahmed. Abbas was the pick of the Notts attack with three for 59 from 27 overs, while new ball partner Hutton ended with three for 94. The visitors had to negotiate a tricky 15 minutes before lunch, but reached the interval on 15 without loss from three overs, Leach having opened the home bowling attack with Henry. Advertisement The afternoon session saw Somerset bowl without much luck in rising heat. They made a breakthrough with the total on 38 as Hameed got a thin edge to a delivery from Henry to be caught behind by James Rew. Slater was soon looking to capitalise on a pitch offering no more than occasional assistance to the bowlers and moved confidently to a half-century off 62 balls, with 9 fours. McCann contributed to a second-wicket stand of 66 before pushing forward to off-spinner Archie Vaughan and providing Rew with a second catch. At tea, the scoreboard read 124 for two, Clarke having begun positively to be on 14, while Slater was unbeaten on 65. The final session saw Leach strike with the vital wicket of Clarke, on 18, as the Notts player aimed a big drive at a wide delivery and edged into the safe hands of Overton at slip. Haynes had a heart in mouth moment next ball as it rapped his back pad and went straight to Overton. Somerset's huge appeal for either leg before or a catch off an inside edge went unheeded and it proved a big moment as a meaningful fourth-wicket stand developed. Advertisement Slater remained unmoved and brought up a hugely valuable century with a square cut for two off Vaughan, having faced 171 deliveries and extended his boundary count to 14. It was an innings of patience and sound shot selection on a pitch, which like the first day, required application with both bat and ball. By stumps, the partnership with Haynes was worth 71 and Notts could reflect on a decent afternoon's work.
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's New Administrative Capital Shares Urban Planning Expertise in Madagascar
Taarek Refaat In a significant step to bolster African cooperation and export Egyptian expertise in sustainable urban development, the Administrative Capital for Urban Development Company (ACUD) has announced its active involvement in supporting the development of a new administrative city in Madagascar. The visit, led by Eng. Khaled Abbas, Chairman and Managing Director of ACUD, came at the official invitation of Madagascar's Secretary of State for New Towns and Housing and follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both nations during the Cairo Urban Forum in November 2024. The Egyptian delegation visited the Madagascan capital Antananarivo from June 22 to 25, 2025, where they explored avenues for technical collaboration and shared Egypt's landmark experience in developing its New Administrative Capital (NAC)—a national megaproject viewed as a model for future smart cities in the region. Sharing Expertise for a Future Capital At the heart of the visit was a field tour of the Tana-Masondro New City Project, located approximately 28 kilometers from Antananarivo and spanning over 2,340 acres. The site is set to become Madagascar's future administrative capital and a major urban expansion initiative. During the tour, Eng. Abbas reviewed master plans, ongoing works, and requested detailed technical documents for evaluation and advisory input from the Egyptian side. In a high-level meeting with the Secretary of State, Abbas presented Egypt's integrated approach to smart and sustainable urban planning, including infrastructure development, digital governance, and public-private partnerships. The two parties agreed to form a joint steering committee comprising specialists from both countries to oversee cooperation and begin technical collaboration on the new city's design and implementation. Business Forum Highlights Egyptian-Malagasy Partnership The visit also featured ACUD's participation in the Egypt-Madagascar Business Forum, which was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Egypt's Deputy Minister for Maritime Transport, Rear Admiral Nehad Shaheen, and a delegation of private Egyptian firms. On the Malagasy side, ministers of foreign affairs, transportation, public works, energy, water, industry, and commerce joined the discussions. Eng. Abbas took part in knowledge-exchange sessions that showcased Egypt's urban development model, highlighting successful strategies in financing, planning, and managing large-scale cities such as the NAC. Presidential Reception and Bilateral Commitment The visit concluded with a meeting between Eng. Abbas and President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, during which Abbas conveyed the greetings of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and affirmed Cairo's readiness to support Madagascar's urban ambitions. President Rajoelina welcomed the Egyptian offer of expertise and emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in areas of development, urban planning, and sustainable infrastructure. A Strategic Partnership in the Making The collaboration reflects a broader strategy by the Egyptian government to expand its footprint in African urban development initiatives, positioning ACUD as a regional leader in smart city planning. The signed MoU outlines a roadmap for Egyptian companies to provide technical support, human resources, and consultancy in the design and execution of the Tana-Masondro project. The success of the mission also owed much to the coordination efforts of the Egyptian Embassy in Antananarivo, particularly Ambassador Rabab Saeed, who was praised for facilitating the visit and advancing Egypt's diplomatic and developmental goals in the region. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
