Indian culture

“We’re growing up with the betel nut culture. When we start eating hard food, we also start chewing”

One of India's biggest stars is banking on a remake of Hollywood feelgood hit "Forrest Gump" to revive the fortunes of Hindi-language Bollywood, after a string of weak box-office showings.

Aamir Khan's "Laal Singh Chaddha," an adaptation of the 1994 U.S. classic starring Tom Hanks, hits cinemas today ahead of India's 75th independence celebrations.

Indian musical 'Beyond Bollywood' will be at Zorlu PSM between Nov 26 and Dec 1. The show, realized by writer, director and dance director Rajeew Goswami, features the colorful world of India never seen before with more than 1,000 costumes.

The Dora Stratou Theater, popular for its traditional Greek dance productions, will be hosting the 7th Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival from July 5 to 7. Two nights of performances will feature international artists from seven countries as well as choreographic works by Greece's first Bollywood Dance Academy.

A Bulgarian citizen of Syrian origin, who was involved with the formation of Islamic State, was detained in Sofia in a special operation by GDBOP and DANS on September 29, the state indictment service announced today. A total of two men and one woman are in constant detention win connection with two offenses - illegal production and distribution of tobacco for hookah and terrorism.

The Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office has initiated checks following media publications that school students consumed foods and drinks containing ingredients dangerous to the health, the Prosecutor's Office said on 5th of October.

The Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office (SAP) reaacted on publications in the media about drinks and foods consumed by schoolchildren containing health hazards or environmental pollutants, the prosecution said, reported by investor.bg. 

Experts from several Bulgarian ministries propose the smoking of hookah to be banned for people under 18 years of age, reported the Bulgarian National Television.

Svetlana Yordanova, Deputy Minister of Health says that smoking of hookah, according to the opinion of experts, is more harmful than cigarette smoking.

"The Ministry of Healthcare is initiating an inter-ministerial task force to develop and propose measures to curb the use of hookahs and vegetable products for smoking," he said. The first meeting of the working group will be on August 30th.

A number of herb types with narcotic effects are being put in hookahs, according to the head of the Turkish Thoracic Society. 

Speaking at the association's 20th congress, Prof. Ali Fuat Kalyoncu said tobacco is often being mixed with herbs such as opium when hookah is served.