Latest news with #Diako
UPI
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Reza Diako: Philip filled with desperation, desire in 'Chosen' S5
1 of 2 | Reza Diako's "The Chosen" Season 5 is now streaming on Prime Video. Photo courtesy of HillTop Entertainment NEW YORK, June 15 (UPI) -- Reading Lolita in Tehran, The Persian Version and The Diplomat actor Reza Diako says his character Philip, Jesus Christ's apostle, is still grieving the loss of his friend, John the Baptist, and searching for a father figure in The Chosen Season 5, which began streaming on Prime Video Sunday. "Biblically, he is at the point where, in the text, he asks about, 'Where is the father?' It's a small phrase, but, for me, it sort of was the foundation of Philip's journey," Diako told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "It's been almost like looking for a transcendent father figure constantly, but also wanting material representation of it in this world." Written and directed by Dallas Jenkins, the latest episodes of the hit, faith-based drama follows the events of Holy Week, leading up to the Last Supper, the eve of Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. Leading the cast are Jonathan Roumie as Jesus and Luke Dimyan as his betrayer Judas, while Shahar Isaac, Paras Patel and Elizabeth Tabish play Peter, Matthew and Mary Magdalene, respectively. "What's interesting in the Last Supper is that we have these moments where we remember all the disciples are human," Diako said. "[Philip] cannot accept that he lost John and, now, he's going to be losing Jesus, as well," the actor added. "That desperation and desire was really lovely to be able to portray." Although Season 5 shows Jesus preparing his followers to continue preaching the word of their God after Jesus' execution, the mood on the production's set was respectful, but not somber, thanks to the closeness and good humor of the cast and crew. "It's really beautiful because I don't have brothers and, now, i suddenly have all these brothers and, also, multiple other sisters and aunts and uncles," Diako said. "It's so lovely to get to know them over time, outside of this historical piece," he said, noting breaks between takes might find the actors listening to music, playing video games, napping or challenging each other with trivia questions. "There's so much going on," he added. "I just love seeing the family and the humanity of it underneath. Everyone enjoys being together. It's a genuine connection." Season 6, which is in production now, will chronicle Jesus' public torture and murder at the hands of politicians who feel threatened by his popularity. Diako expects this cast and crew, who know each other so well, to continue to support each other as the story grows more intense. "I spent a lot of time with the disciples, so we know each other like brothers and it's cool because everyone knows how everyone else is, personally, so we get to laugh and get to have fun," he said "But then, also, when there are emotional moments, without even having to speak, there's like an unspoken understanding of how that person might need a moment to prepare or drop from something or decompress," Diako added. "Here, you can just literally be you and feel accepted like a family."
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Scammers impersonate Postbank officials to rob SASSA grant beneficiaries
Postbank warns SASSA social grant beneficiaries about a surge in scams where fraudsters impersonate officials to steal grant cards and PIN information for black and gold cards. Image: File Brazen scammers are impersonating Postbank officials and entering the homes of SASSA social grant beneficiaries in an effort to rob them of their money. This is according to Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako, who on Friday urged SASSA social grant beneficiaries using its Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards to be wary of the rise in fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information. 'The recent scam involves fraudsters impersonating Postbank officials and targeting social beneficiaries in their homes. The beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information under the pretext that there is something that requires fixing on the cards; or fear is instilled in them that they will not receive their future grant payments if they don't hand over their card's PIN information,' said Diako. Postbank assured beneficiaries that there is nothing that requires fixing on any of its Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards, and that both cards will continue to work beyond 31 May 2025 for the payments of their grants. 'Beneficiaries are also reminded that they should not listen to anyone that tells them to change their SASSA Gold Cards or Postbank Black Cards to other banks' payment methods, even if they are advised to do so by government officials,' said Diako. Diako appealed to beneficiaries to stay alert and vigilant. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He said even if people are wearing what may appear to be Postbank uniforms or branded cars, beneficiaries will be able to identify imposters if they show up unannounced or without an appointment. 'Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that through the necessary home visit channels. Beneficiaries should always remember that their cards and PINs are personal keys to their money. They should never give them to anyone,' he said. For any enquiries, customers can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55.
