Hollywood
Enrique Iglesias releases special India edition for ‘Sex & Love’ album
MUMBAI: Global superstar Enrique Iglesias has once again acknowledged his legion of Indian fans by releasing a `Special India Edition’ of his latest album `Sex and Love’.
This special edition not only includes global hits such as ‘Bailando’ ft. December Bueno & Gente De Zona, ‘I’m A Freak’ ft. Pitbull, ‘Heart Attack’ and ‘There Goes My Baby’ ft. Flo Rida but also four bonus tracks including the English version of ‘Bailando’ ft. Sean Paul, December Bueno & Gente De Zona, ‘El Perdedor’ (Bachata Version) feat Marco Antonio Solis, ‘I’m A Freak’ (Salim-Sulaiman Remix) and the brand new single ‘Noche Y De Dia’ feat. Yandel & Juan Magan.
Iglesias said, “I’m overwhelmed that my latest album `Sex and Love’ is Triple Platinum in India! I can’t thank my Indian fans enough for their support and love. Here’s a `Special Edition’ of the album just for my fans in India – Hope you all enjoy it!”
Released in March 2014, `Sex & Love’ went to become the highest selling international album in India across all labels.
Since its release, `Sex and Love’ has bagged a whole bunch of awards globally including the prestigious Latin Grammy Awards 2014 for `Song of the Year’, `Best Urban Song’ and `Best Urban Performance’ for ‘Bailando’. Iglesias also received the Billboard Music Award for `Top Latin Album in 2015’. However, the icing on the cake was his massive haul of a phenomenal nine awards at the 2015 Latin Billboard Music Awards including `Artist Of The Year’ `Latin Pop Album Of The Year’ and `Hot Latin Song Of The Year’.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
