Latest news with #FrenchMontana
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Los Angeles-based production manager Deep Barot creates a buzz in film circles with his work
Indian-origin production manager and filmmaker Deep Barot is quickly gaining recognition in independent film circles for his precise and emotionally resonant work, most recently with the short film Silent Cycle. The 12-minute drama, directed by Smahi Anand, has quietly made waves on the international film festival circuit — from Beverly Hills to Ayodhya — earning praise for its restrained storytelling and psychological depth. But while audiences have connected with the film's meditation on loneliness and disconnection, much of its success is being credited to the man behind the scenes: Deep Barot. Barot, who is based in Los Angeles, has emerged as a key figure in cross-cultural indie productions, particularly for his ability to execute tightly-run, high-impact shoots on limited budgets. For Silent Cycle, he served as the production manager and producer, overseeing the film's five-day shoot in upstate New York with a lean crew and minimal resources. 'The story demanded more from stillness than it did from action,' said director Smahi Anand. 'And Deep was the one who made that stillness come alive on set.' Crew members have echoed that sentiment, describing Barot's meticulous planning as essential to the production's smooth execution. 'Every moment was scheduled to the second,' one team member noted. 'In minimalist cinema, even a small misstep can derail the tone. Deep ensured we never lost control.' The results have spoken for themselves. Silent Cycle has earned several accolades, including Best Original Screenplay at the Boston International Film Festival, Best Woman Director at the Ayodhya Film Festival, and the Audience Choice Award at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. It has also screened at the Beverly Hills, Chicago South Asian, Yellowstone, and Pasadena International Film Festivals, and is currently advancing in the selection process for the BAFTA Student Awards. Beyond the awards, the emotional resonance of the film has struck a chord. At a screening in Chicago, an elderly couple reportedly approached the filmmakers to express how deeply the film had affected them. 'This was the first film in years that made me feel understood,' one of them said. Barot, who was seated at the back of the auditorium that evening, recalls the moment as a career-defining one. 'You don't always know if people will feel what you feel when you make something this small, this internal,' he said. 'But when they do — it stays with you.' Though Barot has previously worked on larger-scale productions — including music videos like VIBE (Guru Randhawa x French Montana) and Tell Me (Karan Aujla x OneRepublic ft. Disha Patani) — Silent Cycle marked a departure, demanding patience, sensitivity, and a willingness to step back from spectacle. 'This film asked us to breathe with the characters,' he said. 'Every shot had to carry the weight of the ones we didn't take.' Looking ahead, Barot has a packed slate, including an upcoming feature film and a high-profile music video with Diljit Dosanjh. Still, Silent Cycle holds a special place in his journey. 'It reminded me of why I got into this industry,' he said. 'Not for the noise. For the silences.' In an era dominated by visual effects and large-scale productions, Barot's work on Silent Cycle underscores a quiet truth in filmmaking: sometimes, less is more.
News18
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Dubai Princess Seen With French Montana At Paris Fashion Week; Sparks Dating Buzz
Last Updated: Sheikha Mahra was earlier married to Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's royal family, from April 2023 until their separation in July 2024. Sheikha Mahra, daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is rumoured to be dating rapper Moroccan-American French Montana. Their recent public appearances have only fanned rumours about a blossoming romance between. The buzz started after they were seen together at Paris Fashion Week, holding hands, attending private events, and fashion shows, according to Sheikha Mahra also posted photos on Instagram, including a picture of two hands holding a love lock in front of the Eiffel Tower. The photo appears to have been captured at the famous Pont des Arts, commonly known as the Love Lock Bridge, in Paris. For those who may not know, it is a spot where couples fasten padlocks to the bridge's railings and toss the keys into the Seine River as a symbol of everlasting love. French Montana & Xtianna (Sheikha Mahra) made their first official appearance as a couple at #ParisFashionWeek. Though French Montana and Sheikha Mahra have not confirmed the relationship, sources close to them suggest they are romantically involved. The speculation goes back to October 2024, not long after Sheikha Mahra divorced Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum. The divorce was finalised in July 2024, just a month after their daughter was born. Photos from last year showed Sheikha Mahra and French Montana spending time together at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Nammos Dubai. They also went on a desert trip, where French Montana wore traditional Emirati clothes like the kandura and gutra, and participated in local traditions. Sheikha Mahra was married to Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum from April 2023 to July 2024. She announced their divorce on Instagram, citing infidelity and using the Islamic triple talaq method. She wrote: 'Dear Husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. Take care, Your ex-wife." After the split, she launched her perfume called 'Divorce" under her brand, Mahra M1. Sheikha Mahra is known for supporting women's empowerment and promoting UAE-based designers. She holds degrees in International Relations from a UK university and the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration. Meanwhile, French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, is famous for hit songs like Unforgettable and No Stylist. He is also active in charity work, supporting education and healthcare in Uganda and North Africa. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
UAE Moments
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Sheikha Mahra & French Montana Spark Dating Rumors in Paris
Looks like there's a new royal-meets-rapper duo making waves. Dubai's Princess Sheikha Mahra and Moroccan-American rapper French Montana were spotted together in Paris during Fashion Week, and the internet can't stop talking about it. Walking arm-in-arm, the two were seen enjoying the Paris streets—and the Eiffel Tower backdrop didn't exactly kill the romance vibes. Paris, Love Locks, and Instagram Hints Sheikha Mahra, who also goes by Xtianna on Instagram, shared a few not-so-subtle posts: a classic Eiffel Tower shot, a cozy dinner, and most telling of all—two hands holding a love lock near the Pont des Arts, aka Paris' famous Love Lock Bridge. Nothing is confirmed, but sources close to them say something's definitely brewing. This Isn't Their First Public Hangout Flashback to last year: Sheikha Mahra and French Montana were spotted together in Dubai, enjoying camel rides and desert adventures. He even wore traditional Emirati menswear—talk about getting into the local vibe. A New Chapter After Divorce This public appearance comes months after Sheikha Mahra's highly publicized divorce from Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum. In 2024, after their daughter's birth, she called out infidelity on Instagram and ended their marriage with a bold triple talaq post. Since then, she's been busy launching her perfume brand—fittingly called 'Divorce.'
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Roses and rumours: French Montana and Dubai Princess turn heads at Paris Fashion Week
French Montana and Sheikha Mahra have ignited romance rumours after being photographed holding hands in Paris. Image: X American rapper French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, was spotted with the Princess of Dubai, Sheikha Mahra, during Paris Fashion Week, fuelling romantic speculations. It appears that the rapper and Mahra have debuted their romance publicly as they made their first official appearance as a couple during this prestigious fashion affair, as they were spotted together walking hand-in-hand with Mahra holding a rose. In another picture, the pair was photographed sitting together as the 'Unforgettable' rapper washed his hands in a restaurant. Despite being spotted together publicly numerous times during Paris Fashion Week, the couple seem to be keeping things private for now. More pictures of French Montana and the Dubai heiress that were shared with the public. Image: X However, the 31-year-old made an Instagram highlight on her official account and titled it 'Paris' with a white heart and shared photos of the Eiffel Tower, luxurious dinners, and holding a lock alongside another hand, which appears to be of a man with a red heart placed over it. A screenshot of Sheikha Mahra's Instagram story that she recently shared which shows her holding a lock alongside another hand, that is believed to be that of French Montana's. Image: Instagram Stories Mahra's relationship with the rapper comes after she divorced her husband shortly after she welcomed her baby girl in May 2024, and announced the separation on Instagram, sharing that it was due to infidelity issues. In addition, the Dubai royal decided to turn the breakup into financial gain as she launched a perfume brand, 'Mahra M1', and named the first fragrance that she launched 'Divorce.' Montana recently appeared on an interview, 'On Sited with Rah Ali', where Ali asked the rapper if there is a special lady in his life. He replied: 'I'll skip that one, I just want to keep my private life, my private life. I feel like every time it hits the media, it goes down to sh*t after that.' Besides being known for his music, the 40-year-old hitmaker is also known for his notorious dating life. In the past, he used to date Khloe Kardashian, Evelyn Lozada, Iggy Azalea and Amber Rose, among others. All his past relationships were very public; however, it seems like this time around, Montana wants to keep things under wraps.
Khaleej Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Sheikha Mahra and French Montana spotted together in Paris
Sheikha Mahra, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Moroccan-American rapper French Montana sparked social media speculations of a relationship after their joint appearance at Paris Fashion Week. According to the pair were seen attending several fashion shows and private events in the French capital, including being photographed walking hand-in-hand. Images later surfaced on Sheikha Mahra's Instagram account, including a photo of two hands holding a love lock near the Eiffel Tower. While neither Sheikha Mahra nor French Montana have made any official statement confirming a relationship, media outlets have noted that the two have been spotted together on multiple occasions over the past year. Their first public appearance together reportedly dates back to October 2024, shortly after Sheikha Mahra finalised her divorce from Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024 due to infidelity. The former couple had been married since April 2023 and share a daughter born in June 2024. Following her divorce, Sheikha Mahra launched a new fragrance titled Divorce under her brand Mahra M1. She remains active in supporting women's empowerment initiatives and local design talent in the UAE. French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, is known for chart-topping singles such as Unforgettable and No Stylist. In earlier sightings, the two were seen together at the Four Seasons Resort Nammos Dubai and on a desert outing where French Montana appeared in traditional Emirati attire.
