Kanye West teenage sketches valued at $3.1 million
Kanye West’s teenage artwork has surged in value to an estimated $3.1 million, according to a recent reappraisal. The drawings and paintings, created while he studied at Polaris School in Chicago, first gained public attention in 2021, when they were valued between $16,000 and $23,000. The collection, consisting of five pieces, was later acquired by Washington DC-based collector Vinoda Basnayake, though the purchase price was not disclosed. A 1995 drawing of Kanye’s mother, Donda West, is now valued at around $335,000. The collector argued that earlier valuations underestimated the significance of the works, framing them as the early creative foundation of a globally influential artist. Despite this financial rise in value, Kanye’s public image remains controversial due to antisemitic remarks and resulting brand and event disruptions, including cancelled partnerships and festival setbacks. (IANS)
Nicole Kidman reveals she’s training to become a death doula
Nicole Kidman has revealed she is training to become a death doula after being inspired by her experience during her mother Janelle Ann Kidman’s final days before her passing in September 2024 at age 84. She said her mother felt lonely while dying and that family members, due to work and responsibilities, could not always provide constant support, which made her reflect on the need for dedicated end-of-life care.
A death doula is a non-medical professional who offers emotional, spiritual, and practical support to people and families facing terminal illness and grief. Kidman said she wants to learn this role as part of her personal growth and to help others in similar situations.
She joins others like Riley Keough and Chloe Zhao, who have also explored death doula training to process grief and understand mortality. (IANS)
Kriti Sanon on calorie-deficit prep for Cocktail 2
Kriti Sanon has shared details about her preparation for Cocktail 2, revealing that she followed a very strict diet and a consistent workout routine for the film. She said it was the first time she adopted a calorie-deficit diet, which was challenging, especially while shooting in Italy, where food options like pizza and pasta were constantly around. She also reflected on her career choices, saying she wanted a lighter project after the emotionally draining experience of Tere Ishk Mein. Kriti emphasised the importance of balancing intense and fun roles to avoid emotional exhaustion. She added that her upcoming character is very different from her previous ones and described it as one of her “hottest” roles, crediting director Homi Adajania for bringing out a new side of her. Cocktail 2, also starring Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, is set for release on June 19, 2026. (IANS)
Katy Perry denies sexual assault allegations from Ruby Rose
Katy Perry has strongly denied sexual assault allegations made by actress Ruby Rose, calling them “categorically false” and “dangerous reckless lies.” The claims were made by Rose on social media, where she alleged an incident involving Perry at a Melbourne nightclub nearly two decades ago when she was in her 20s. Rose said it had taken her almost 20 years to speak publicly about the alleged experience and shared detailed posts describing the incident. Perry’s representative rejected the accusations in a statement to Page Six, also referencing Rose’s history of making public allegations that were previously denied. Rose later added further details online and said she intends to formally report her experiences. The situation has sparked significant attention on social media. (IANS)
