Doors opened at 8:00 p.m., and attendees—draped in shimmering sarees, festive Indo-Western outfits, and celebratory winter colors—entered an atmosphere filled with music, memories, and anticipation. The venue, The Matrix Club in Naperville, Illinois, sparkled like a festive mandap, complete with cascading chandeliers, colorful décor, and the aroma of chaat and festive beverages. The celebration of Bollywood nostalgia was organized by Rajshri Events, Mauj Entertainment, and Kashif Khan Events and was entitled, “Golden Diva of Bollywood – Madhuri Dixit.” Families, fans, and Bollywood lovers from across the Midwest gathered to see one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons. The evening was anchored by Shalin Bhanot, actor and Bigg Boss star, whose high-energy entrance set the tone for the night. With his signature charm, he greeted the crowd with a booming, “Chicago, are you ready?” sparking cheers, whistles, and applause throughout the hall. Bhanot led a lively fan contest to crown “Chicago’s Biggest Madhuri Dixit Fan.” The competition drew laughter, dance-offs, and a spirited performance by Rita Shah, whose rendition of “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” won the crowd’s heart. The excitement reached its peak as lights dimmed and music swelled. Shalin announced:“Presenting the incomparable, the eternal Madhuri Dixit!”To thunderous applause, Madhuri Dixit-Nene entered in a stunning crimson lehenga, radiating timeless grace and warmth. She greeted the Chicago audience with a heartfelt:“Namaskar! Thank you for braving the weather to celebrate with me tonight.” What followed was an intimate, unscripted evening filled with conversation, memories, dance, and pure Bollywood magic. Madhuri shared stories from her journey—her early days as a trained Kathak dancer, her first performances, and candid anecdotes from her decades-long film career. The crowd erupted with joy as she reenacted a moment from her 1991 Chicago tour when a broken heel forced her to dance barefoot with Anil Kapoor. She delighted fans by performing select steps from her iconic songs, from “Ek Do Teen” to “Dola Re Dola.” Under the Naperville lights, her Kathak spins and expressive grace transported the audience through Bollywood’s golden era. Shalin added humor and energy with spontaneous skits, including a playful “Devdas” act and a hilarious moment where he donned a ghagra, joking, “Ab samajh aaya why it takes so long to get ready!”
https://newsindiatimes.com/madhuri-dixit-shines-at-golden-diva-of-bollywood-celebration-at-the-matrix-club-chicago/
Tag: chicago
Cubs Extend Qualifying Offers to Shota Imanaga, Kyle Tucker
The Chicago Cubs made both a no-brainer and a questionable decision Thursday regarding their 2026 roster moves.
Chicago extended a qualifying offer (QO) to both starting pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Kyle Tucker. This year’s qualifying offer is valued at $22.05 million. If both players decline the offer, the Cubs will receive compensatory draft picks in return.
Extending the qualifying offer to Kyle Tucker was an easy decision. It’s an almost guaranteed way for Chicago to secure an extra draft pick. Tucker is expected to command close to $400 million in free agency, making the chances of him accepting the Cubs’ $22.05 million offer roughly 0.0001%.
On the other hand, the qualifying offer to Shota Imanaga was more surprising given the current situation between him and the organization. Just a few days prior, the Cubs declined a $15 million option on Imanaga’s contract, which allowed the left-hander the opportunity to pick up a $15 million option of his own. Unexpectedly, Imanaga declined that option, choosing to become a free agent after only two seasons in Chicago.
It’s a bit shocking that the Cubs would essentially offer Imanaga a $7 million pay raise after his struggles in the second half of the season. Considering his performance, it’s unlikely Imanaga would command more than $22.05 million in free agency, which makes it plausible that he might accept the qualifying offer and spend at least one more season with Chicago.
Declining the option may place Imanaga in a challenging position this winter as he looks to sign his second Major League Baseball contract.
The most likely outcome appears to be Tucker declining his qualifying offer, while Imanaga accepts his, giving the Cubs one extra pick in next year’s MLB draft.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/cubs-extend-qualifying-offers-to-shota-imanaga-kyle-tucker-11007558