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LIL NAS X, JUSTIN BIEBER TOP STAR-PACKED MTV VMAS

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Marking its return to live broadcast following 2020’s virtual ceremony due to the pandemic, the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) saw a long lineup of energetic performanc­es on Sunday. Lil Nas X won Video of the Year on a night that Justin Bieber triumphant­ly returned to the stage as a performer and as the winner of the Artist of the Year title.

Much of the early show belonged to Bieber, who for his first VMAs performanc­e in six years rappelled from the ceiling of the Barclays Center (New York, US) at the start of the show for a performanc­e of Stay with Kid LAROI and then his single Ghost.

The VMAs celebrated MTV’s 40th anniversar­y, mixing moments between early network stars like Cyndi Lauper and show opener Madonna with high-octane performanc­es by newer stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello and Chloe.

Bieber was the leading nominee going into the ceremony. He took home the best pop honour for Peaches ,a song that featured Daniel Caesar and Giveon. Sporting baggy clothes and a hoodie, Bieber showed his

As Justin Bieber won Artist of the Year and Best Pop, Lil Nas X received the Video of the Year award

Historian, author and activist Saleem Kidwai was remembered during the ‘Yaadein Aur Mehfil’ event held at a city café run by acid attack survivours. Hailing from Lucknow, he was professor at Ramjas College, Delhi University, and had authored several books.

Social worker Madhavi Kukreja recalled the good time spent with the historian. “He was one of the first academicia­ns who publically spoke about LBGT rights. It was because of him that I could become a better ally to the community,” she says.

Kidwai had co-authored Same-Sex Love in India: appreciati­on for the awards being in-person and thanked his wife, Hailey, for supporting him. “We are in unpreceden­ted times with this Covid thing that’s happening right now. It’s a big deal. Music is such an amazing outlet to be able to reach people and bring us all together,” Bieber said during his acceptance speech for Artist of the Year award.

Opening the show, Madonna told the screaming crowd: “They said we wouldn’t last. But we’re still here.” Moments after Olivia Rodrigo performed her hit good 4 u, she collected the night’s first award for her massive hit song Drivers License. She later won Best New Artist. The singer called this the “most magical year of my life”.

Readings from the Literature and History (2000) with Ruth Vanita. The event was organised by Awadh Queer Pride and The Humsafar Trust.

Trust’s chairman Suhail Abbasi, who was the special guest on the occasion, talked about the bond with the activist. He shared how he was impressed by his personalit­y and imbibed a lot from him. “I also want to congratula­te the people of the community present and wished everyone a Happy Judgment Day of Article 377 (September 6),” he said.

Pride’s founder member Darvesh Singh Yadavendra

Billie Eilish won the fanvoted video for good for her song Your Power. In her acceptance speech, she spoke about the satisfacti­on of writing the song and women empowermen­t. “We need to protect our own women at all costs,” said Eilish.

Lil Nas X hit the stage with Jack Harlow, then performed his controvers­ial song Montero (Call Me by Your Name). Host Doja Cat, Kacey Musgraves and Shawn said, “Saleem sir was a guiding light behind Awadh Queer Literature. He encouraged and suggested panels for the event. He was very approachab­le and ready to help the queer

Mendes also took to the stage.

Before the show, Machine Gun Kelly got into a heated argument on the red carpet with UFC fighter Conner McGregor. Video showed McGregor being held back by security from Kelly who later won best alternativ­e for his song My Ex’s Best Friend.

The Foo Fighters performed and then accepted the Global Icon Award, an honour handed out for the first time at the VMAs. It was their first performanc­e at the VMAs since 2007. individual­s in whatever way possible.”

A discussion and some culture activities were also held to mark the day when Article 377 was scrapped.

TSomeone may feed lies about you to a superior at work, be careful. Not updating notes can make some students suffer. A friend may refuse to return something borrowed. LOVE FOCUS: The time to get down on one knee and propose has come, so don’t hesitate.

LUCKY NUMBER: 1 LUCKY COLOUR: Rosy Brown

CSome can get monetarily penalised at work due to late reporting. Chances of getting shortchang­ed while shopping seem possible today. Those travelling by air would do well to travel light.

LOVE FOCUS: Your crude ways may not be tolerated by partner for long. LUCKY NUMBER: 3 LUCKY COLOUR: Light Red

 ?? PHOTO: REUTERS ?? Lil Nas X rocked a lilac design that was half-gown, half-suit
PHOTO: REUTERS Lil Nas X rocked a lilac design that was half-gown, half-suit
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 ?? PHOTO: AP PHOTO: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS PHOTO: ANDREW KELLY/REUTERS ?? Justin Bieber accepts the award for Artist of the Year award
Dave Grohl from The Foo Fighters
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly walked the red carpet in fiery bold outfits
PHOTO: AP PHOTO: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS PHOTO: ANDREW KELLY/REUTERS Justin Bieber accepts the award for Artist of the Year award Dave Grohl from The Foo Fighters Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly walked the red carpet in fiery bold outfits
 ??  ?? Sufia Kidwai and Madhavi Kuckreja at the event held in memory of Saleem Kidwai.
Sufia Kidwai and Madhavi Kuckreja at the event held in memory of Saleem Kidwai.
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 ??  ?? Sohail Abbasi, Darvesh Yadavendra & Rakhi Kishore
Sohail Abbasi, Darvesh Yadavendra & Rakhi Kishore
 ?? PHOTO: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS ?? Billie Eilish
PHOTO: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS Billie Eilish
 ?? PHOTOS: DEEPAK GUPTA/HT ??
PHOTOS: DEEPAK GUPTA/HT
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