Custom Search

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sandra Bullock tops box office after 10 years

Reporting by Dean Goodman
Editing by Vicki Allen

LOS ANGELES -- Sandra Bullock achieved her first No. 1 movie in 10 years at the weekend box office as moviegoers across the United States and Canada said yes to "The Proposal," which also marked her biggest opening.

The Walt Disney Co romantic comedy sold an estimated $34.1 million worth of tickets during the three-day period beginning June 19, the company said on Sunday.

"It definitely met and exceeded our expectations," said Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. "In a summer with a lot of sequels, it's always nice to have an original movie."

"The Proposal" also earned $10 million from 10 foreign markets, with No. 1 bows in Australia ($3.3 million) and Russia ($2.8 million) leading the way.

Bullock last went to No. 1 in North America with the 1999 film "Forces of Nature," which co-starred Ben Affleck. Her previous best opening was $17.6 million for her most recent film, "Premonition," in March 2007.

The 44-year-old actress stars as a book executive who fakes an engagement to her lowly assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to avoid deportation to her native Canada. The laughs ensue when she meets his parents, with "Golden Girls" veteran Betty White stealing the show. Anne Fletcher ("27 Dresses") directed. Disney declined to reveal the budget.

Critics' reviews were mixed, but exit surveys were strong, Disney said. Men accounted for 37 percent of the audience, a surprisingly large turnout for a romantic comedy.

Its reign likely will be short-lived, though, with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" opening worldwide on Wednesday through Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures.

"HANGOVER" PERSISTS

After two weekends at No. 1, "The Hangover" slipped to No. 2 with $26.9 million. The hit bachelor-party comedy now has banked $152.9 million, according to Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros. Pictures.

The only other new release in the top 10 was the Jack Black prehistoric comedy "Year One," which came in at No. 4 with $20.2 million, in line with the expectations of its distributor, Sony Corp's Columbia Pictures.

The $60 million film, from "Groundhog Day" director Harold Ramis, stars Black and Michael Cera ("Juno") as hunter-gatherers banished from their primitive village.

Just ahead of it, at No. 3, was Disney's Pixar-produced cartoon "Up" with $21.3 million. It has earned $224.1 million after four weekends, surpassing the $223.8 million lifetime total of Pixar's 2008 Oscar-winning smash "WALL-E."

Zoradi said he expected "Up" to pass 2004's "The Incredibles" ($261 million) to become the second-biggest Pixar film after 2003's "Finding Nemo" ($340 million). Comparative data are not adjusted for inflation.

Rounding out the top five was Columbia's "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" with $11.3 million. Denzel Washington and John Travolta star in the hijacking thriller, which has earned $43.3 million after 10 days.

Director Woody Allen's 40th film, "Whatever Works," starring "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood, earned $281,000 from nine theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The best comparison is with his 2005 comeback, "Match Point," which opened to about $400,000 in eight theaters on its way to $23 million. "Whatever Works" was released by Sony art house unit Sony Pictures Classics.

Source: Reuters.

Shaan charms the Dhaka audience

By Nazia Ahmed

"Musu musu hasi...deo malailai...msu musu hasi deo..." was the definitive pop anthem in '99 -- from little kids to mommies and daddies, and not to forget lovebirds in every nook and cranny! Who knew that the suave, disarming smile behind the song held so much promise and enthusiasm for decades to come! Shaan (aka Shantanu Mukherjee) has carved a niche for himself in the Bollywood music industry as well as international TVdom through hosting the mega-popular talent hunt "SaReGaMaPa."

On June 20 evening, the charming star enthralled Dhaka music lovers with his impeccable performance and incredible showmanship.

The evening started with a duet by Shopon Chowdhuri and Nasreen Chowdhuri of Antor Showbiz, the event management company who made it all happen. Next the band Shironamheen took the stage and performed its famed numbers "Poronto bikel cafeteria," "Eka pakhi boshe achhe," "Prithibita" (cover of the James song), and lastly "Tumi cheye achho tai."

Then came the lovely Manisha, the runner-up of "SaReGaMaPa 2009" with hit film numbers "Zara zara," "Chance mar ley" and "Urey.”

Then with a dramatic prelude came Shaan singing "Mai hu Don." To the audiences' amazement, the artiste hummed two lines from the ever-familiar Nazrul Sangeet "Amar apnar cheye apon jey jon." Shaan carried on with his hitlist: "Jabse tere naina," "Tuney mujhe pehchana nahi," "Woh pehli bar," and the famous "Musu musu hasi." After each medley he added an old Bengali classic like "ei poth jodi na shesh hoy," adding flair and diversity to his repertoire. The young artiste not only executed the songs with vocal accuracy but his act got the audience on their feet with "Main aisa kyu hoon," "Chanda mama," "Welcome" and "Chand sifarish."

With "Bumbum boley," Shaan once again proved that his popularity among children isn't just on screen. He got some children from the audience to come up the stage, and sing and dance with him. The persisting age-old sound management issues seemed to have ticked the singer off from time to time, but he was in control. His duets with Manisha were just as much lively: "Heshona," "Ghazab," "Khushi se khud khushi kar le," "Jigarse piya," and "Das bahana". After a 15-minute break the performance resumed with "Om shanti om," "Bindas," "Dil kya kare," "Tanha Dil," and "Bhulja." Shaan also sang parts of the Bryan Adams classic "Summer of 69." He finished off with his disco numbers "Its the time to disco" and "Lets go party tonight."

The show continued till 12 am, which was expected, as the talented musician captured every heart at the venue that night with each song. The band supporting him was Groove from Mumbai. The hall was jam-packed with hundreds of fans who were left craving for more even after almost 30 songs from Shaan! But Shaan assured them there would be more to come as he is intimately attached to this country and it's people.

Source: The Daily Star.

What does music mean to our Bollywood singers, composers?

By IANS

New Delhi -- They give Bollywood music buffs their regular doses of sounds, melodies and beats that take not only the country but the world by storm. Recent example being the double Oscar for Indian music director A.R. Rahman.

Music has taken them places, music is what they eat, sleep and live with. So on the occasion of World Music Day, June 21, many artists belonging to the Hindi filmdom came out and revealed what exactly music means to them.

IANS spoke to a few of them to know their views.

Alka Yagnik: Music is like the breath I take every moment, to be able to live!

Shaan: For me music is that wonder that makes the moment far more alive. And personally for me, it's the best way to express my emotions.

Sukhwinder: Music for me is my life, my existence and it gives me energy.

Vishal Dadlani: Music is the ocean I live in. I spend all day, everyday, with music and I'm grateful for this blessing I have received!

Kailash Kher: Music to me is everything... I can see god when I do live performances or do a recording with people around me.

Sunidhi Chauhan: Music is oxygen, life, the universe for me.

Anushka Manchanda: I don't know where I would be without music. Music gives you hope, it gives you faith. It has the power to make people come out of tough times and feel better. Music is full power. That's what it is.

Toshi Sabri: Music is like breath for me.

Anand Raaj Anand: Music is a universal language... It is the language of the soul.

Sajid Ali: Music to me is a tool with which I express myself, my being, and get connected to all other people, my family included. Music has given me everything that I ever needed.

Wajid Ali: My way of living is encompassed by music. I'm thinking of music when I drive, when I play, when I gym, when I bathe even. In our family music runs in our blood. Sometimes I find this close association with music even scary. I thank god for having blessed us with this divine ability, because I cannot even think of what else I would have done with my life other than music. The satisfaction is beyond something I can explain or imagine. Just like people cannot survive without water, just like people cannot survive without air, I cannot survive even for a second without Music.

Shibani Kashyap: Music is my life, my passion and whatever music I make and compose is an extension of my personality. Music feeds my soul. I've composed and written a song called "Don't stop the music, just let it flow...", I'll be performing this in Mumbai on June 21.

Palash Sen: I know that I'll never die... Gonna live my rock and roll everyday. Got my reasons to stay alive... My music is my medicine everyday.

Source: Bollywood.com

Recalling the spirit of Sufia Kamal

Chhayanaut's Nazrul Festival ends

By Nadia Sarwat

"It was February 21, 1953. We attended programmes all day, observing the first Language Martyrs' Day. Barefoot, we went to the Shaheed Minar, which was just a bare brick structure covered by black cloth then. We were at memorial meetings and rallies, mourning those who had embraced martyrdom to secure our right to speak Bangla. In the evening, Sufia Kamal asked me what my plans are, and my tired answer was that I wanted to go back to my hall (at Dhaka University). She asked me, 'aren't you invited to the dinner celebrating International Poetry Festival?' I told her as they are celebrating the occasion on a national mourning day, I don't intend to go.

"To my surprise, she told me that we should protest this by going there, in front of all. I could not but agree with this brave woman and went to the dinner. Our presence itself was a protest, as we were in a total contrast with the jovial atmosphere. Sufia Kamal wearing a white cotton saree and me in a cotton shirt -- both of us wearing a mourning badge. We were barefoot. Responding to the host's reluctant query, Sufia Kamal said that we were there to protest the event as it dishonoured the Language Movement, and that we wanted the guests to pay homage to the martyrs. I translated her words into English, as there were many non-Bengali guests. We left the dinner after the guests acknowledged the Language Martyrs' Day. That's how bold and determined Sufia Kamal was," noted Nazrul researcher Dr. Rafiqul Islam reminisced in his memorial speech on the concluding day of the Nazrul Festival at Chhayanaut. The festival marked the 98th birth anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal.

Dr. Islam spoke on the life and philosophy of Sufia Kamal, who was inspired by the progressive and secular thoughts and views of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain.

The concluding day's programme was inaugurated by veteran Nazrul exponent Sudhin Das at the Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban. Together with his wife, Neelima Das, the seasoned artiste also rendered a song at the event. Chhayanaut general secretary Khairul Anam Shakil delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by Chhayanaut president Dr. Sanjida Khatun. Artistes of Nazrul Academy and music school Hindol presented group performances at the programme. The last day's evening session featured performance by artistes of Chhayanaut along with guest artistes. Yasmin Mushtari, Rawshan Ara Mustafiz, Ferdousi Rahman, Muntarin Mahal, Dr. Nashid Kamal and Fatema Tuz Zohra were among the guest performers.

A dance-drama, titled "Shajol Shyam Gahano Deya" was a major attraction on the closing day. Based on the theme of monsoon, the dance-drama staged by Chhayanaut artistes featured Nazrul's songs and poetry on rain. The performance was directed by Sharmila Bandopadhyay. The dance-drama began with the song "Megher-o hindola." The repertoire included several songs portraying different aspects of nature and life in monsoon. Featured songs were: "Megh-medur baroshay kotha tumi," "Rimi rimjhim rimjhim namilo deya," "Chanchalo shyamolo elo gaganey" and the composition which inspired the title of the dance-drama, "Esho hey shajolo shyamo ghano deya."

Students and teachers of Chhayanaut, including Khairul Anam Shakil, Nasima Shaheen, Shahin Samad, Sharmin Shathi Islam, Sumon Majumdar, Nandita Dutt, Bijon Chandra Mistri and others performed songs. Bhaswar Bandopadhay and Mahmuda Akther's recitation was also a part of the production. Sharmila Bandopadhyay herself performed in the dance sequences along with Arno Komolika, Sonia Rashid and other dancers.

Source: The Daily Star.

Drama serial 1920 on ntv

By Cultural Correspondent

Drama serial “1920” will be aired on ntv tonight at 8:15 pm. The story revolves around friends studying together -- all aged between 19 and 20. They all have individual dreams, but there are shared aspirations. Two friends Pinky and Anila have different tastes -- the former goes for flowers and latter, for automobiles. Another member of the group, Ayon, is moody and somewhat more mature than his friends. Promiti is involved in theatre. So she draws special attention at her university. Srabonti is proud of her talents as a dancer.

The serial is written and directed by Hridi Haque. The cast includes Tisha, Sharmin Shila, Kusum Sikdar, Dipa Khandokar, Hridi Haque, Nafiza, Jitu Ahsan, Shahriar Shubho, Abhik, Shahiar Huda Rumi, Lucky Enam, Irin Parvin Lopa and Kumkum Hasan, among others.

Source: The Daily Star.

Print of iconic Einstein photo sells for $74K

CONCORD, N.H. — One of the original signed prints of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers has been sold by a New Hampshire auction house for $74,324.

Bobby Livingston, of RRAuction.com in Amherst, says the picture was taken in 1951 after a 72nd birthday celebration for the physicist.

Einstein had nine prints made. He signed the print that was auctioned on Thursday and gave it to journalist Howard K. Smith.

In his inscription, Einstein said his gesture was aimed at all of humanity. Livingston says it also was aimed at the Red Scare and the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s.

David Waxman of Great Neck, N.Y., is the new owner. He is a specialist in important scientific books and autographs.

Source: Associated Press.

Hollywood studio Paramount axes top executives

Reporting by Dean Goodman
Editing by Jackie Frank

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood studio Paramount Pictures, which suffered the first big bomb of the summer last weekend with an Eddie Murphy comedy, has fired its top production executive after barely 18 months in the job.

The Viacom Inc-owned studio said on Friday it would replace Paramount Film Group president John Lesher with former DreamWorks production chief Adam Goodman. Also out is production president Brad Weston.

Paramount, which is struggling to regain its momentum after a lengthy reliance on co-productions led to a major shakeup four years ago, did not cite a reason for the latest personnel shift in its statement.

The studio has the top film of the year so far in North America with "Star Trek," but its slate has otherwise been boosted by films from partners such as DreamWorks Animation ("Monsters vs. Aliens"). The unrelated DreamWorks Pictures has also been a major supplier, but it quit Paramount last year, leaving Goodman behind at Paramount.

Murphy's "Imagine That," which Paramount said cost $55 million to make, has earned $9.2 million after eight days.

Paramount will likely top the worldwide box office next weekend with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," although the sequel is a legacy of its DreamWorks partnership.

Goodman becomes the third executive to oversee all of Paramount's film production since studio chairman and CEO Brad Grey arrived at the studio in January 2005 with a mandate to produce more films in-house. Lesher, who had been closely involved with such Oscar-winning arthouse fare as "Babel" and "There Will Be Blood," took over as head of the film group in early 2008.

Source: Reuters.

Prophet comment controversy: SRK says 'writing error'

By Agencies

The Bandra police has filed a case against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan for allegedly making comments about Prophet Mohammad but the actor said it is a writing error and not a thought or view that he believes in.

"We have registered an FIR against Shah Rukh Khan after we received an application from an advocate who alleged that the actor made some statements hurting the sentiments of Muslims," said senior police inspector of Bandra police station, Prakash George.

The complaint was registered against Shah Rukh and the publisher of the magazine in which the purported remarks were published.

Complainant Khalid Babu Querishi alleged that in the July issue of the ‘Time and Style’ magazine, Shah Rukh had used objectionable language against the Prophet which is unacceptable," George said.

The case was registered under section 295-a (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments) and 34 (acts done by several persons with common interest) of IPC.

In a message, the actor who is currently abroad shooting for Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan", said that there is no more important figure in history than Prophet Mohammad. "Being a Muslim and standing up for the tenets of Islam is my most important agenda," he said.

The actor's response came a day after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him.

Referring to protests on the issue, Shah Rukh said, "If they have seen my interviews about Islam and the Prophet, they should know that it is a writing error and not a thought or view I believe in."

He said, "for all practical purposes... Prophet Mohammad is the most important positive figure in Islam". Khan's statement will be recorded on his return from the US.

SRK effigy beaten with shoes

A large number of protesters put a garland of shoes round an effigy of film star, Shah Rukh Khan here to protest against his alleged "derogatory" remarks against Prophet Mohammed.

The protestors, gathered at Jehangirabad square after Friday prayers, beat up Shah Rukh's effigy with footwear to vent their anger with film star.

Later, they dispersed peacefully at the end of the protest which lasted about 30 minutes.

Shah Rukh in an interview to a magazine compared Prophet Mohammed with Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill.

Source: Screen India.

Schwarzenegger's plane makes emergency landing

LOS ANGELES — Federal investigators on Saturday were looking into what prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plane to make an emergency landing, a mishap the governor called "a little adventure" on Twitter.

The chartered jet was about 10 minutes away from landing Friday at the Santa Monica Airport when the pilot reported smoke coming from an instrument panel.

The pilot made a "quick, steep, but safe landing" at 6:23 p.m. at Van Nuys Airport in the San Fernando Valley, Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said.

No one was injured.

Authorities intend to follow-up with the New Jersey-based private charter company that ferried Schwarzenegger, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said Saturday.

Gregor said the FAA will make sure NetJets Inc. diagnoses and fixes the problem that prompted the emergency landing on Friday.

Schwarzenegger, who was heading to Santa Monica after a speech in Mendota, tweeted about the incident, calling it "a little adventure," and posting a link to a photo of the jet parked on the runway on his Twitter feed.

"All's OK, though," he tweeted.

NetJets spokeswoman Maryann Aarseth said the NetJets Hawker 800 was carrying the governor, three passengers and two crew.

"The crew followed standard emergency procedures by informing the passengers of the situation and diverting to Van Nuys where they landed the aircraft safely," Aarseth said in a statement Saturday.

Source: Associated Press.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Paris to follow Ronaldo to Madrid

By ANI

Paris Hilton is all set to chase new love Cristiano Ronaldo all the way to Madrid.

After spending two wild nights with the footballer in Los Angeles, the hotel heiress is planning to go on a holiday in Europe.

And she is very excited about the holiday, not only because of her fascination for the Portuguese winger, but also due to her popularity in Europe.

"I am totally going to Madrid to see him. I love spending time in Europe. They get me there,” the Sun quoted Paris as telling after her racy encounter with Ronaldo in Hollywood.

In fact, Paris, who is currently in Dubai filming the latest version of her ''search for a pal'' show, also revealed that she was coming back to England very soon.

"London is totally my favourite city in the whole world. I love it. I would totally move to London one day. There's lots of restaurants with really good food. I love Top Shop and Harrods,” she said.

She added: "My favourite thing about London is the accents. I love a British accent."

Breathing life into Tagore’s characters

Festival by Sanglap Group Theatre at Shilpakala Academy

By Nadia Sarwat

Sanglap Group Theatre, a troupe from Mirpur is celebrating its 31st anniversary with a theatre festival featuring Rabindranath Tagore's plays. Six plays by troupes from the capital and outside -- originally written by Tagore or adaptations of his works -- are being staged at the festival, which began on June 18. The plays are being staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 8pm everyday till June 24.

The festival began with a rally that started from BSA. After the rally, noted theatre personality Ramendu Majumder, president of ITI, formally inaugurated the event at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The newly elected President of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), Liaquat Ali Lucky and general secretary Jhuna Chowdhury were also present as special guests a the inauguration. Freedom fighter Rafiqul Islam, founder member of and adviser to Sanglap Group Theatre delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by the troupe's president, Habibur Rahman Habib.

Praising the initiative by Sanglap, Jhuna Chowdhury said in his speech, "In-depth study and performance of Tagore's works got a momentum in the post-Liberation War Bangladesh. Tagore is omnipresent in every sphere of our cultural. But from my personal experiences, I have noticed that many young theatre activists are indifferent towards Tagore's litterateur and plays. Festivals like this would help to generate interest in Tagore among youngsters."

"Many are apprehensive about staging Tagore's play, as they find them difficult. But Tagore, who defined the modern Bengali, was very liberal when it came to staging his plays -- allowing directors enough freedom to interpret his plays from their perspectives. Theatre troupes should definitely work more on Tagore's plays without reluctance," said Liaquat Ali Lucky.

Ramendu Majumder said, "It takes a skilled director to bring Tagore's characters to the stage from the pages. As we have a dearth of original/unique plays, we can always turn to Tagore for inspiration. I'm looking forward to see more innovative, experimental productions based on Tagore's plays and litterateur by young directors."

Subachan Natya Sangsad staged "Khudhito Pashan" on the first day of the festival. The play is an adaptation of a surreal short story (with the same title) by Tagore. Samar Chattyopadhyay adapted the play while renowned actor-director Khaled Khan has directed it.

The play begins with a Muslim aristocrat arriving at a deserted rail station in a small town. The protagonist finds his way to a haunted palace. A tax collector in colonial India, he moves into the marble mansion. Supposedly, the edifice was once used as a 'pleasure palace' by King Shah Mahmud II. Wails of courtesans who were subjected to the tyranny of the king in the palace still seem to resonate in the air. The protagonist goes through some unexplainable experiences, and comes to a profound realisation. Ahsan Habib Nasim played the tax collector in the Subachan production.

Tirjak Chattogram staged "Bishorjon" on the second day of the festival. Natyalok Sylhet will stage the play "Shasti" tonight. Other plays to be staged at the festival are "Rakto Karobi" (by Prangoney Mor), "Daakghar" (by Swapnadal) and "Debotar Grash" (by Sanglap Group Theatre).

This year has witnessed three theatre festivals on Tagore's works so far -- two in Dhaka and one in Chittagong.

Source: The Daily Star.

Ali Akbar Khan passes away

By Agencies

Sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan died in San Francisco in the US after a prolonged kidney ailment, according to a family friend here.

88-year-old Khan died at his music centre at 10 am IST, Rabin Pal, the secretary of sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar, said.

He is survived by wife Mary, three sons and a daughter.

Pal, a family friend of the sarod maestro, said that he was informed about the death of Khan by the Ustad's family in San Francisco.

Khan's secretary in Kolkata Ashish Roy said the maestro, who was on dialysis, had been ailing for over four years and his condition had deteriorated in the last four months.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, Khan was a colossus in the world of Indian classical music for the last five decades.

Source: Screen India.

“Bijoyini”: Special play on Sufia Kamal’s birth anniversary

By Cultural Correspondent

On the 98th birth anniversary on poet-litterateur-activist Sufia Kamal, Rtv will air a single-episode play “Bijoyini” tonight at 9 pm. Adapted by Delwar Hossain from a story by Sufia Kamal, the play has been directed by Rawshan Ara Nipa.

The play follows Kashem, who comes from an affluent family, and his infatuation with his childhood friend Masuma. But Kashem's father does not approve of his interest in Masuma, whose family is not well off. Kashem marries a girl of his father's choice and Masuma also gets married, to a schoolteacher. Years later, Kashem meets Masuma again, and after her husband dies of typhoid, expresses his interest in Masuma despite having a wife. Masuma does not agree, as she believes in true love and not lust. An infuriated Kashem does not take this refusal well. He becomes vindictive and spreads vicious lies about Masuma, who is forced to leave the town. Searching for her for years, Kashem eventually finds Masuma again.

The cast includes Farzana Chhobi, Mahmud Hassan, Aforza Sultana, Tanzina Lily and others.

Source: The Daily Star.

Stories of triumphant women

Yukta stages Katha Manobi

By Jamil Mahmud

Oppression of women is as old as the human civilisation. History only narrates and highlights the bravado of kings and warriors, carefully sidelining the contributions of women and the inspiration they provided.

Featuring the triumphs of eight historic and contemporary women, Yukta, an organisation of recitors, arranged a programme at the British Council Auditorium (on Fuller Road) on June 18. The programme, "Katha Manobi," was inspired by Indian author Mallicka Sengupta's collection of poems (with the same title).

From the epic 'Mahabharat' to contemporary times, Sengupta chose eight characters -- Draupadi, Ganga, Sultana Razia, Madhabi, Khona, Shah Banu, Medha Patekar and Malati Mudi -- and narrated their struggles, passion and valour.

Draupadi is known as the wife of 'Pancha Pandav.' She is a symbol of grace, nobility and fidelity. Her dignity came under threat at the Kaurav court, but Draupadi took charge and faced off her oppressor, emerging triumphant.

Sultana Razia is another historic character. She was the first and only female emperor of Delhi (from 1236-1240 AD). During her reign, Razia had to face the conspiracies by her fellow royals and was eventually killed. Her indomitable courage, however, made her immortal.

In contemporary India, the valour of Medha Patekar, Shah Banu and Malati Mudi has made them symbols of freedom. Medha Patekar, a research worker and social activist in Gujrat, became an iconic figure for her bold protest against a government decision to build a dam on the river Narmada.

Shah Banu is a Muslim housewife. In 1985, her husband divorced her and refused to pay her alimony. An illiterate Shah Banu filed a case at the high court. After years of excruciating wait, Shah Banu's case went to the Parliament of India. Though it failed to triumph, Shah Banu became a public figure. In 1990, Malati Mudi became a hero in Purulia, after she stabbed her landlord who had violated her.

Members of Yukta -- Shirin Khan Moni, Krishti Hefaz, Shamim Ara Koli, Mushfiqua Naznin Lucky, Shubhra Das and Riya Mahmud -- took part in recitation at the programme. Nishat Jahan Rana was the director of the show. Ferdousi Priyobhashini did the stage design, while Ishrat Nishat was the light designer.

This was the premiere show of the programme.

Source: The Daily Star.

Hopeful 'Slumdog' will improve kid stars' lives: Boyle

By Agencies

British director Danny Boyle says he feels conflicted that his Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" has distorted the childhoods of its young stars from Mumbai's shantytowns, but hopes the movie's huge success will improve their lives.

The rags-to-riches story of an orphan from Mumbai's slums who becomes champion of the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" started out as a relatively small production but went on to make more than USD 350 million worldwide and win eight Oscars, including best picture and best director for Boyle.

The success made instant stars of the film's ensemble of child stars, but in particular changed the lives of Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and Rubina Ali, 10-year-olds who grew up in the shantytowns where the film is set. The two children went from the slums to a jet-setting lifestyle of glamorous awards ceremonies and publicity appearances.

Boyle, who is serving as jury president at the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival, said that he's mindful of the complications "Slumdog" created for Azhar and Rubina, but said he hopes the film did more good than harm.

"I'm conflicted constantly about it. I think ultimately it's right they were in the film," he said.

The filmmakers have drawn up an education plan and established a trust fund for the two children and hired a social worker to monitor their families. They also donated USD 747,500 to a charity devoted to improving the lives of Mumbai street children.

When the two children's shanties were razed as part of a slum-clearing campaign, the filmmakers and Indian government officials offered them new homes. But efforts to improve their living conditions have been complicated by the changing demands of their families and jealousy from their neighbours.

"Any way you can educate kids from those kind of circumstances, I think a lot of people agree is the cleverest, strongest, most sustainable way of trying to break their cycle of poverty that people are in in those kinds of communities.

You've got to say it's a good thing," Boyle said, but adding that "real solutions will come in the end from Indians themselves."

"It won't come from some movie. It'll come from political change and development in the attitude of the government to its responsibility to its citizens and the provision of water, sanitation, basic human rights that are provided to people," he said.

Azhar and Rubina recently performed on TV in Hong Kong.

Boyle said he and his fellow filmmakers would prefer that the families accept fewer invitations for such appearances because they distract the children from school. However, they are reluctant to criticize the parents because "it's money. How can they resist it?"

He said the two children's exposure to the Western film industry may not have been a bad thing because it made them more sophisticated and forced them to learn English.

Boyle is developing another film set in Mumbai, a thriller that draws background from Suketu Mehta's book "Maximum City."

Source: Screen India.

Leighton Meester Swamped by Sex Tape Rumors

‘Gossip Girl’ star has not confirmed authenticity of video

By Matthew B. Zeidman

NEW YORK – Leighton Meester, the brunette co-star of “Gossip Girl” and arguably the heart of the popular CW franchise, has been blindsided by the online dissemination of a sex tape allegedly featuring the transplanted New Yorker and her ex-boyfriend.

The video in question was released Friday by Celeb-hotline.com, a Web site specializing in the sale of nude and other controversial clips featuring high-profile celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie and Lindsay Lohan.

While the site merely suggests that a sex tape featuring a woman resembling singer Britney Spears may be real, telling subscribers to “decide for yourself,” it insists the material purportedly featuring the 23-year-old “Gossip Girl” actress is “100% the REAL Leighton Meester.”

Los Angeles broadcaster KTLA has estimated the video, if authentic, was filmed 5 years ago. Neither Meester nor her reps have spoken publicly regarding the film, though the site’s owners’ would be leaving themselves open to a costly libel lawsuit if it were proven Meester was not the subject of the tape, making it less likely to be a phony.

It was not immediately clear who owned the site, which was registered through an online proxy service, or who solicited the video. Celebrity tabloid Web site TMZ quoted company spokesman Kevin Blatt early Friday as saying Celeb-hotline.com was eager to complete the then-pending sale.

Blatt, who has billed himself online as a publicist and “celebrity sex tape broker,” has previously brokered the sale of sex tapes featuring Hilton and “Austin Powers” co-star Verne Troyer. He and TMZ were among those sued by Troyer last year, who alleged his tape was stolen (TMZ posted clips of the video online). After Troyer’s ex-girlfriend admitted she had been the one who leaked the sex tape online, both sides reached a settlement limiting further promotion without Troyer’s permission.

Meester is best known for her “Gossip Girl” portrayal of cunning queen bee Blair Waldorf, a high school senior at a posh prep school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Earlier in the decade, she also appeared on a number of other television dramas, including “24,” “House” and “Veronica Mars.”

Source: Hollywood Today.

Bappida now in commercials, acting and even film direction

By Agencies

After composing music for many evergreen numbers and lending his voice to numerous soulful songs, Bappi Lahiri is all geared up to change tracks and present himself as an actor and a film director.

This year Lahiri would be seen acting in at least two Hindi films, one of them a big-budget. He also has plans to direct a film next year.

"I have always been experimenting in Bollywood. I started off the disco culture in the country. Many people are now bringing international artistes like Kylie Minogue to India, but I brought Samantha Fox years ago.

So why is the man popularly known as 'Bappida' exploring new grounds after tasting success as a musician? "Previously, I had also produced a Bengali film, 'Lal Dorja', which won a Golden Lotus Award. Since I have stayed in the industry since the seventies, I want to experiment further," he says.

In the upcoming romantic comedy 'Main aur Mrs Khanna', he plays an NRI tycoon, who happens to be a music lover.

"You have already seen a glimpse of my acting in a cold drink advertisement, which is a huge hit. Now you will soon see me in a full-fledged role in 'Main aur Mrs Khanna', where I am cast alongside Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor," Lahiri said in an interview.

On the other hand, in 'Its Rocking Dard-e-Disco', which stars Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta, Sneha Ullal and Aryaman, he is playing a 'Disco King'.

"I will make you laugh like anything in that film. My role is completely comic. I have done it in the style of Kishore 'mama'," he says.

On his plans to don the director’s hat, Bappida reveals, "Yes, I want to be a film director. I am planning to start shooting for the film in 2010. But I am not going to make a commercial film, it will be an art film. We are, however, still working on the storyline."

The man with the 'Golden Bling' says his love affair with gold ornaments has helped him to carve out a niche of his own when it comes to style.

"You see, gold is in my image. I am known as the golden man. If I don't wear these golden chains and other ornaments, people will ask me 'Bappida, where is your gold'. And if others wear gold, they say 'Oh! He is following Bappida".

The man who is known to have introduced the use of disco music in Indian cinema with an Indian flavour is best known for his songs like 'Koi Yahan Nache Nache', 'Jimmy Jimmy', 'Zubi Zubi', 'Jee Le Le', 'Bambai Se Aaya mera Dost', 'Raat Baaki', 'Tamma Tamma Loge' and 'Chalte Chalte'.

He recently lent his voice in Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Chandni Chowk to China' and had also worked in Mani Ratnam’s blockbuster 'Guru'.

However, when it comes to non-musical assignments, he says he is very choosy. "I am very selective. If I get some good projects, only then will I do it."

The 56-year-old veteran music composer-singer recently came out with an international album, 'My Love', a Rhythm 'n' Blues album by an Indian, featuring American rapper Jiddah.

He has finished working on another international project 'Slumstars' - which will feature six children from the slums of Mumbai’s Dharavi. The album is expected to release after August.

"Those slum children have sung very well in the album.

I am happy that I have brought out their talent. I want the whole world to know about them, their lives and also their pain," the Kolkata-born musician says.

His tour with the world-famous musical group 'Jackson 5' is also on track. "They will come to India next year. They will perform here and will also sing a song for me," he said

Source: Screen India.

What's your favorite movie to watch with Dad?

By Annie Barrett

Mine is Father of the Bride, which thankfully made our list of 24 Movies To See With Dad. Awwwwwww. It's not that I would particularly like to deal with anything remotely involving a wedding. Oh hell no. It's the uber-relatable scenes of Annie Banks and George (Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Steve Martin, pictured) playing basketball in the driveway that suck me in. That was soooo me and my dad, the only glaring difference being that Annie Barrett could actually shoot the frickin' ball one-handed and had pretty amazing form all-around, whereas Annie Banks is the sorriest excuse for a student-athlete to hit theaters in the early '90s. (I smell another photo gallery!)

My runner-up dad movie is 2001: A Space Odyssey -- I remember the first time we watched it together, the normally sedated Bill Barrett nearly leapt out of his big red chair to punctuate the final fetus-meets-home plant moment with a resounding "F---in A, Ann! Did you see that? ARE YOU WATCHING THIS?" I most certainly was. Hi, dad! Happy early Father's Day.

Source: Entertainment Weekly.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Lindsay Lohan posts topless picture on Twitter

By Cristina Everett

For a minute, Lindsay Lohan was pretending to be serious about acting again.

The starlet landed a role in the independent movie, “The Other Side,” and told producer Kent Harper she would be “serious” and “committed” to the project, which starts filming in October.

So what does an attention-craving actress do until fall?

In Lohan’s case: post a semi-nude photo of yourself on the web.

The actress, 22, sent out a topless picture of herself with long, blonde extensions strategically covering her chest on Twitter.

Lohan, who is Fornarina’s summer 2009 spokeswoman, took the self-portrait on her Blackberry during a shoot for the Italian clothing label in January.

"OLD PHOTOS," she tweeted on Monday. "I'm THAT bored."

Lohan may have been bored, but she wasn’t dumb.

She tagged E! correspondent Ben Lyons and gossip blogger Perez Hilton in the photo’s caption.

Lohan’s latest self-exploitation stunt comes after string of mishaps that have followed the actress.

After two unidentified men attempted to unsuccessfully break into her Hollywood residence in May, Lohan’s relationship with on-off gal pal Samantha Ronson finally hit rock bottom.

The actress is now under investigation for the disappearance of $400,000 worth of Dior jewelry that went missing from a magazine photoshoot in London.

Source: DAILY NEWS.

Calvin Klein Ad Taps Foursome Sex

Sexualized Billboard Shocks Parents, Hits Cultural Nerve in NYC's Soho Neighborhood

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES

Edgy is Calvin Klein's middle name.

And now, once again, the fashion company is shocking and titillating passersby with a new ad campaign in New York City's Soho neighborhood, a place where young mothers with strollers mingle with artists and hipsters.

A giant 50-foot-tall billboard advertising Calvin Klein jeans features two young men and a young woman entangled half-clothed (a male and female kissing) as a third man lays at their feet, either undressing or putting his pants back on.

Some say they find the ad so outrageous they won't buy Calvin Klein products again. Others have called it "disgusting."

"Not only the billboard, but a company -- a corporate giant in America -- feels it appropriate to put a semi-nude photograph in a major billboard in a high-traffic area where tens of thousands of children see this kind of activity going on," said Randy Sharp, director of special projects for the American Family Association, a Christian organization that promotes preservation of traditional values.

"If it were going on in the back of a parking lot with steamed windows, they would be arrested, and yet they broadcast it to a whole city," he told ABCNews.com.

The organization has launched an appeal on its Web sites – twomillionmoms.org and twomilliondads.org, whose members have sent off more than 15,000 e-mail complaints to the company.

Tapping Into Cultural Outrage

Calvin Klein's in-house agency, CRK Advertising, has a history of tapping into that cultural outrage.

In 1981, a coquettish Brooke Shields told consumers, "You wanna know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing."

And just last year, one of its ads starring Eva Mendes was banned because of the hint of a nipple.

Retail sales of products sold worldwide under the Calvin Klein brand names generated more than $5 billion in revenue in 2007. Its 55 licensing agreements for fragrances, handbags and even furniture bolster $156 million of those sales.

Calvin Klein Ads and Porn

Shields and actor Mark Wahlberg, who modeled male underwear, were the early poster children for the designer's haute couture line. Photography was shot by Bruce Weber, known for his equally sexualized work for Abercrombie & Fitch.

Consumers protested in 1995 when the company planned to air 30-second interviews with young men and women in front of cheap wood paneling as an unseen adult asked provocative questions about their physiques.

The ads were dropped after television stations refused to air them, and retailers threatened to drop the Calvin Klein label. The FBI even investigated the company for potential child pornography charges.

But the campaign didn't hurt the bottom line. In 2003, Calvin Klein was sold to Philip Van Heusen for more than $600 million. And that didn't even include the jeans line, which had been sold earlier to the Warnaco Group.

Calvin Klein Inc. did not return calls from ABCNews.com, but has earlier said its "intention was to create a very sexy campaign that speaks to our targeted demographic."

Some of those younger consumers are less judgmental about gender roles and have a more tolerant view of their sexuality, embracing gay marriage in larger numbers than their parents and, perhaps, seeing a threesome or even foursome as no big deal.

Many couldn't understand what all the "commotion" is about. One commenter on New York magazine's Web site declared, "All I can see are beautiful people having a good time…It's not the advertising that makes little children confused, it's the uptight handling with sex-related issues in general of their parents."

Even those who have never considered a ménage a trois (or more) don't seem shocked by the notion that more is merrier.

"I think that many younger people are OK with threes and fours, theoretically," said Lauren, a 28-year-old New York City teacher who did not want her last name used. "In college, many people engage in threesomes either with three friends, strangers or even their main partner and then a friend."

But some say Calvin Klein, whose earlier ads seem tame by comparison, has hit a cultural nerve.

"It's just porn from a guy who's done kiddie porn," said Bob Garfield, ad critic at Advertising Age and co-host of National Public Radio's, "On the Media." "If you pay attention to it, you're just doing his advertising for him."

Even the New York media -- accustomed to the bare midriffs that adorn Times Square -- has looked down its nose at the sexual implications of the four semi-nude models on the billboard.

"There's no such thing as a foursome," chided the Daily News. "Anything over three and it's called orgy."

Calvin Klein Genius

That remark, said Ashara Love, a 51-year-old who belongs to Loving More, a Colorado-based organization that promotes polyamory, reflects society's disapproval of more sexually free attitudes.

Polyamory is a "gender identity" not a lifestyle choice, according to Love, who said she does not use her birth name to protect her parents, who do not know she is "out."

"With cultural imperatives, the mainstream media frequently reinforces what you should think," said Love, who is happily married but engages in threesomes. "Hey guys, it's over there, pay no attention, it's just an orgy."

What critics are upset about, according to Love, is the unusual combination of one girl and three young men.

"Everything about our arts and culture is homoeroticism and denial," she told ABCNews.com. "What men are really afraid of is having sex with another guy. That's what's scaring people."

But Love and others, say the brilliance of Calvin Klein is his ability to tap into the next wave of shifting attitudes -- especially among those who buy their products.

Reaching Youth Where They Are Culturally

"He reaches young kids at a place where they are and opens them up even more," she said. "Everyone is really comfortable. They are having a good time, no wink, wink, nod, aren't we naughty for doing this. Everyone is completely in the moment and it's extremely confronting for people. It pushes the cultural input button."

But media observers say the issue is less about censorship and more about "media sanity" and what is age-appropriate.

"I can guarantee everyone below Houston Street [in Soho] is having a conversation with their children right now," said Liz Perle, editor-in-chief of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that provides ratings for parents.

"It's just not age appropriate for kids who haven't even kissed a boy to be introduced to sophisticated, mature behavior," Perle told ABCNews.com. "They are not emotionally ready to deal with that yet."

Common Sense Media works with Time Warner, Best Buys and Netflix to help families "make better decisions."

"We are not negative Nellies," she said.

That Calvin Klein billboard -- towering over a community that is now more child-friendly -- is a reminder that the age of the Internet has changed a child's perception of the world and "normalizes" highly sexualized content.

"Childhood used to be about a system of revealed secrets that are learned when they are ready to handle them," said Perle. "Our society is so desensitized that we have in-your-face violence and in-your-face sexuality."

"Here [in the billboard ad] are these beautiful people engaged in activities that are not age-appropriate for kids."

Source: ABC News.

Aliya Sharafi: A woman with a musical mission

By Arts & Entertainment Desk

Aliya Sharafi, daughter of legendary singer Kalim Sharafi, is a talented musician in her own right. Currently working as an interpreter in three languages in the office of the Attorney General in the Ontario Court of Justice, she hopes to perform in Bangladesh end July/August.

Aliya recently responded by e-mail to a variety of questions sent to her by The Daily Star. We reproduce the questions and her answers:

Who are your gurus and are ghazals your forte?

I have been learning kheyals from Ustad Phool Mohammad for the better part of my life. My guru Padmabhushan Girija Devi trained me in thumri, dadra, kajri and chaiti. Now I learn ghazals from the young maestro Jaswinder Singh. Later I hope to learn ghazals from Shanti Hiranandji, the foremost disciple of Begum Akhter. I intend to specialise in ghazals.

Your guruji Jaswinder Singh's latest CD was released by Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. It must be a major honour for him…

Guruji had three other CDs prior to this. This one has been released by SAREGAMA, a major platform for music in India. It is a major honour for any singer to have a CD released by a poet of the stature of Javed Akhter and an intellectual like Shabana Azmi, daughter of Kaifi Azmi, a renowned ghazal writer.

Apparently you have bagged a Canadian government grant to study music in Mumbai. To what do you attribute this honour?

The Art Council of Canada awards this grant to established and talented artistes in Canada. It is difficult to get this grant but if you have made a sufficient contribution towards the Canadian community through your art then you are eligible for this grant. Ultimately one has to go through a lifetime of contributions to the community to get this honour. For me, therefore, it is a privilege to gain acceptance from The Art Council of Canada.

What would you say are your main achievements ?

Apart from this grant, I did playback for the first time at the age of 12 for the film Sutarang. It was called Emon moja hoi na and turned out to be a super hit. Other playbacks include Dushtu Meye Paliye Berai (a duet with Farida Yasmeen) in Kagojer Nauka, Naach re O Kath Putli Naach (duet with Abdul Alim) in Soye Nadia Jage Pani and Agun Jalaish na Amaar gaye re (with Mahbooba Rahman in Gunai Bibi.

Achievements and awards:

Getting the first position in the ghazal genre in the Education Week of the then East Pakistan in 1967. Singing for Bangladesh TV in Rag-rang as a classical artiste. Representing Bangladesh in the West as an artiste in the semi- classical genre. Being the first Bangladeshi artiste to sing at the Lincoln Centre Broadway New York, as reported by the New York weekly Shaptahik Bangalee. In this concert I sang thumris. Opening my music school Prachee Sangeet Vidyalay, which won me recognition both at home and abroad.

Where does music figure in your life in Toronto?

I have been singing in Toronto since 2000. My most memorable show there was envisaged for the Bengali community at the 50th anniversary of the Bangla Bhasha Andolon(Language Movement). I managed to gather artistes from all across Canada to perform on a common stage in a "gaantha' programme. Previously the Bangladeshi community in Toronto had never seen anything like that.

I have established my music school and been a judge for organisations such as Udichi and Fobana. I have also been a judge on the internet for Paltalk singers. Which is a new technology where we are able to conduct these occasions where singers from all over the world log in to compete and we are appointed as judges to promote these.

You are evidently a multi-tasker. Where does singing fit into your scheme of things?

Music is my passion and I intend to focus on it. My job is for daily survival.

Source: The Daily Star.

Commemorating Tagore artiste Zahidur Rahim on Desh TV

By Cultural Correspondent

Today marks the death anniversary of Zahidur Rahim, a renowned Tagore singer of pre and post-Liberation Bangladesh. Rahim was one of the frontline campaigners against the ban on Rabindra Sangeet in the late 1960s by the then Pakistan regime. During those tumultuous times, Rahim played a stellar role in preserving this genre at that time through his renderings of Rabindra Sangeet at various programmes.

In particular, Rahim is credited with popularising the Tagore song "Amar Shonar Bangla," in the '60s-- which eventually became our National Anthem.

Zahidur Rahim died on June 18, 1978. To commemorate this day, Desh TV will air a special programme "Zahidur Rahim Swaraney" tonight at 9:30pm. Publisher and a trustee of the Liberation War Museum (LWM) Mofidul Haque will host the programme. Dr. Sarwar Ali, another trustee of the LWM, and noted Tagore artiste Iffat Ara Dewan will be discussants at the programme.

The programme is produced by Ushnish Chakrabarty.

Source: The Daily Star.

Kareena Kapoor fumes on 'nude' query

By BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork

New Delhi media was in for a shock as Kareena Kapoor staged a walk out of a press conference in the city where she was present to promote her upcoming film ‘Kambakht Ishq’. Visibly upset and fuming with anger, she marched towards her suite when a female reporter questioned her if she would be willing to go totally nude for camera if the script demanded so.

Informs an onlooker who was present at the venue, "The question shocked her. Just a few minutes back, she had patiently handled queries regarding her professional life. She had also commented around wearing a bikini in ‘Tashan’ and now ‘Kambakht Ishq’ mainly because the 'script demanded it'. Though averse to doing so in future projects, she admitted that she would keep the subject and story in mind and would do 'anything' that is required by the script."

Though it was a diplomatic stand on affairs, things went a little too far when an over zealous reporter popped the question - 'Would you mind going nude for a role?' "This was it", adds the source, "Kareena lost her cool at that very moment and rather than choosing to blast the reporter and create a scene, she simply aborted her stay at the press conference. The flabbergasted reporter didn't know what hit her. The event coordinator too felt disgusted about the entire incident and found himself in trouble as this situation was totally unforeseen."

The source continues, "There were problems for Kareena from the very beginning of the event. First and foremost the chosen venue itself wasn't conducive enough to handle a large media that had assembled. Around 100 odd reporters and journalists had gathered in a room that wasn't large enough to host a mega celebrity press conference like this. With the claustrophobic venue not helping the cause enough, queries like these were enough for Kareena to blow her fuse."

For media and the film, director Sabbir Khan came to rescue though. He handled the situation well by staying on at the venue and continued to interact with the reporters. "Yes, Kareena was justified in walking out but Sabbir too did all to ensure that promotion of ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ didn't get impacted", says a fellow reporter, "He realises that the film is just a few days away and didn't want any bad blood to spoil the show. He had a thin rope to walk on and did pretty well in rescuing the event from turning into a complete disaster."

Source: Screen India.

Taylor Swift Raps And Wins At CMT Awards

"T-Swizzle" collaborates with T-Pain and Def Leppard, while Brad Paisley takes home most awards.

By Gil Kaufman

Yes, technically a bunch of other artists won hardware at the Country Music Television Awards on Tuesday night, but mostly the show seemed like a dream factory come true for reigning teen country queen Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old megastar made her MC debut as T-Swizzle in a cute rap clip with T-Pain for "Thug Story," performed her single "You Belong With Me" and ended the show by joining one of her favorite bands, '80s pop-metal stars Def Leppard, on their indelible arena rocker "Pour Some Sugar on Me."

The night began with a skit about Swift living her fantasies (keep wishing about the whole "Star Trek" and Tennessee Titans thing), and in between the performances, for the second year in a row, she dominated two categories: Best Video of the Year and Best Female Video, both for her elaborate "Romeo and Juliet"-style "Love Story" clip.

"I wanna thank CMT for letting me live so many of my dreams this year!" Swift said. "I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos, and I want to thank Garth Brooks for always putting his fans first. I take my cues from you. And I want to thank my little brother, Austin, for agreeing to be my date tonight."

Though it was clearly Swift's night, it was Brad Paisley who actually won the show's award tally, taking home Best Male Vocalist ("Waiting on a Woman"), Performance of the Year ("Country Boy" with Alan Jackson, George Strait and Dierks Bentley) and Best Collaboration ("Start a Band" with Keith Urban). Accepting for the latter, whose video features two kids playing "Rock Band," Urban urged, "Learn guitar, kids ... the real thing." Paisley added, " 'Rock Band' never got anyone a date ... never."

Other winners included Rascal Flatts for Group Video of the Year ("Every Day"), Sugarland for Duo Video of the Year ("All I Want to Do") and Kid Rock for Wide Open Country Video ("All Summer Long"). Accepting his award, the always humble Rock joked that his win must really have been based on the creativity of the video for the song — which mashes up Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London."

"What's more creative than a strip pole on a pontoon boat?" Rock quipped.

In addition to the appearances by T-Pain and Def Leppard, the show featured a number of other decidedly non-country visitors, including rocker Ted Nugent as a presenter and Sugarland hooking up with fellow Georgians the B-52s on that band's pop classic, "Love Shack."

Source: MTV.com

Shiney hasn't confessed, he's being framed: wife

By Agencies

Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, arrested on the charge of raping his domestic help, appeared remorseful, police claimed on Wednesday but his wife rubbished reports that he has "confessed", saying he was being framed.

Ahuja, 35, who will be produced in court on Thursday after being in police custody for three days, was "completely shattered and is repenting for what he had done," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi told reporters.

Refuting that Ahuja has made any confession, his wife, Anupam said he is "completely innocent". "This is a frame-up," she said but did not want to speculate on being asked who could be interested in targeting her husband.

Ahuja's lawyer, Srikant Shivade, said if the actor has given any statement to police on his alleged role in the crime, it would not have evidential value in the court. "We will wait until the charge sheet is filed," he said.

Ahuja was arrested on Monday on the charge of raping his 18-year old domestic help when she was alone at their residence in suburban Oshiwara the previous day.

Police claimed that during interrogation Ahuja said it never occurred to him that the crime he was committing was so "serious".

"He thought the victim would keep quiet and not complain to anyone," a police officer said adding "though the actor was uncomfortable during interrogation, yet he answered many of our questions."

Anupam held a press conference accompanied by her neighbours and friends to give her version as television channels started airing reports of what Ahuja purportedly said during interrogation.

"I am proud to be Mrs Shiney Ahuja. He is my man. I know him for 15 years...he doesn't drink," she said. Asked about medical reports which police claimed showed that the maid was sexually assaulted, Anupam said she had heard different versions of these reports and would rather wait for the documents to be produced before court.

"He is a celebrity. May be he is a soft target," she said on being asked why she felt Ahuja was being targeted.

Anupam said she has not spoken to her husband ever since his arrest. "I have only seen him in court. We have looked at each other. He knows and I know that he is innocent".

Ruchika Wadhwa, who is Ahuja's neighbour, said he was a loving father who was often seen in the evenings taking his two-year old daughter on a pram in the housing complex.

Ahuja, who is lodged in the Andheri police station lock-up, was questioned for the third consecutive day. Police is contemplating a DNA test on him to gather corroborative evidence.

A team of Mumbai police has gone to Roha in nearby Raigad district, the native place of the victim, to verify from her school whether she was a minor.

Source: Screen India.

RGV vows to make movie of aspiring filmmaker who shocks him

By Agencies

In a bid to promote his yet-to-be-released thriller "Agyaat", filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come up with a contest whose winner stands a chance to make a movie with him.

The maverick director has promised to produce a movie of an aspiring filmmaker "who can shock him."

Both he and producers, UTV, have invited entries for "Agyaat Short Film Contest."

Anyone who has a chilling and scary story to tell in visual can participate in the contest by sending an entry.

Participant can shoot a short film and upload the link on Agyaat's website. The winner will get a chance to direct a film that will be produced by UTV and Varma.

Varma, who is back with another chilling experience after "Phoonk", takes the audience into an unknown zone with "Agyaat".

He says that "Agyaat" is about the unknown or forces that cannot be defined. "Neither it is about supernatural powers or creatures or evil forces, it is about something beyond human understanding. And most of all it is very scary," he said.

"There are so many people who have potential to become a good director but they never get access to the industry. This is our endeavor to find potential filmmaker. It’s easy to shoot a film now with just a mobile phone, handy cam and a laptop so we are inviting people to showcase their talent," Varma said.

"The clip should shock, thrill or scare us. Once we are convinced with the capability of the person, we would give him or her a chance to direct the film and take their subject forward," Varma said.

Shikha Kapoor of UTV Marketing further adds, our film is meant for connoisseurs of horror genres who enjoy all kinds of horror and super natural films. This would be an additional bonus for them to be able to direct a film.

"Agyaat" has an ensemble cast of Priyanka Kothari, Nitin, Gautam Rode, Ravi Kale, Howard Rosemeyer, Kali Prasad, Rasika Duggal, and Joy Fernandis. The movie will be released on July 24.

Source: Screenindia.

Miley Cyrus 'Shown' In Scandalous Photo

By Karla Casillas

Miley Cyrus is involved in another photo scandal.

A new photo has surfaced on the Internet allegedly showing Miley Cyrus engaged in sexual activity. Her representative was quick to debunk the authenticity of the photo.

"The alleged photo of Miley Cyrus circulating the internet is completely fabricated," her rep told the New York Daily News.

Gossip websites have also gone an extra step to prove the photo is a fake and easy to Photoshop by posting the original picture and detailing where it could have been cropped. Lalate news pointed out that the photo's color is distorted and that it's a small size—all techniques to prevent people from seeing where the crop was made.

This is not the first time the pop star has been involved in a photo scandal. Parents were outraged when she shot a semi-topless photo for Vanity Fair magazine and when cell phone pictures of her posing in a bikini surfaced, Daily News reported.

Source: TheCelebrityCafe.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Baron Cohen _ as Bruno _ poses nude on cover of GQ

NEW YORK — Sacha Baron Cohen strips down as his naked alter ego — the flamboyantly gay Austrian fashionista Bruno — for the July cover of GQ magazine.

He sports a tanned glow and a shaggy head of highlighted hair, and is artfully posed.

The actor-comedian's 2006 movie, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," was a surprise box-office hit.

His new film, "Bruno," is scheduled for release July 10.

Baron Cohen staged an elaborate prank at the recent MTV Movie Awards. In character as Bruno, he descended from the ceiling on a wire in a fake mishap that ended with his bare hindquarters in rapper Eminem's face. Eminem stormed off in a huff, but later said he was in on the joke.

Source: Associate Press.

Indian Hollywood filmmaker set to cast Johnny Depp in next

By Agencies

After making waves at Cannes with his maiden film, India-born Hollywood director Nagendra Karri is all set to strike it big as the filmmaker is in talks with heavyweights Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe for his second film 'Mobster' with Depp being his favourite.

Born in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, 26-year-old filmmaker whose first film 'Where are you Sophia' got the opportunity to be screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, hopes to rope in the 'Pirates of the Carribean' actor for the thriller.

"Yes, we are in talks with the three actors but I am particular pushing for Johnny Depp. He has shown keen interest in the script. We are also in touch with agents of Eva Green for one of the main characters in the film," Karri who was the city to promote 'Where are you Sophia' said.

'Mobster' is about organisational crime and its domino effect on the people. The story revolves around an ex-CIA whose life gets affected by it and how he changes the order of the mob. The story begins in New York and then travels India to end in Moscow, he said.

Karri is also planning to make the Hindi version of the film simultaneously and wants to cast Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for the lead role.

"I have some actors in mind. Aamir and Kamal Hasan are the two I would love to cast. Abhishek Bachchan and Rahul Bose are also in my wish list. I intend to talk with them in the coming weeks," Karri said.

The movie is slated to roll in September this year.

But before embarking on this huge project Karri has brought his first directorial venture 'Where are you Sophia' to his home country and is set to release the film in September.

"It is an unconventional film which will generate curiosity in the Indian audience. I am hoping that people would love to see the film made by an Indian Hollywood filmmaker. I am looking forward to support here," said the director whose film generated a buzz at Cannes.

"The fact that it was an independent film which gained entry in the Cannes Film festival 2009 was huge for me. It went to have a successful screening, with more than 2000 people watching the film and applauding it," he added.

A 92-minute-suspense-thriller, the film is about a chance encounter between a journalist played by Amanda Boyd and a stranger (Peter Elias). She takes him on a journey where he is introduced to the realms of the unknown, which only he can unravel as he faces the mysterious forces in the evil town of Highlands.

When asked that how does he expect the reception of the film here considering the fact that it doesn't have a famous star cast, the filmmaker said, "I think the Indian audience has started appreciating good scripts. So I am hoping that my film will score."

Source: Screen India.

Puppy survives after accidentally being flushed down toilet

BY Denise Chow

A week-old British puppy is safe and sound after being accidentally flushed down the toilet by his 4-year-old master.

The tiny cocker spaniel was rescued by an employee of a drainage company after being trapped in a sewage pipe for close to four hours, according to two British dailies. Firefighters and the RSPCA had failed at their attempts to free the pup.

Daniel Blair, 4, had been trying to give the muddy dog a bath, after his twin brother Nicky took the young pup for a walk in the garden of their Middlesex home.

The young boy placed the dog in the toilet and pulled the chain to wash it. Their mother, Alison, told Britian’s Daily Mirror that she ran into the bathroom to find the dog missing.

"I assumed it was dead," she told the Daily Mirror. "I went into the garden, managed to lift up the drain cover and was amazed to hear him crying."

Will Craig, 22, an employee at Dyno-Rod, the drainage firm, used specialty camera equipment to locate the puppy’s whereabouts in the pipe, nearly 20 yards away from the house. Craig was then able to nudge the dog towards a manhole, where firefighters were able to lift the puppy to safety.

"At first, I didn’t want to do it because I was scared of hurting the dog," Craig told the Daily Mail. "But the RSPCA said I was his only hope."

Pictures of the puppy in the pipe were posted on Dyno-Rod’s website, and were also broadcast on British television.

The pooch has since been named Dyno, after the company who rescued him.

Source: DAILY NEWS.

Antara Mali ties knot with editor of GQ magazine

If at all, there was as prize for the most secretly guarded wedding, then this one will be written boldly in golden words! We are indeed talking about the hush-hush wedding of actress Antara Mali and Che Kurien, the editor of GQ magazine, which took place on Friday evening.

One has to give it to this couple for closely guarding the wedding so much so that there was not even an ounce of news whiff of romance between the couple. For starters, Antara's husband Che has credit of working in organisations like Reuters, Time Out Mumbai and The Indian Express, prior to him joining GQ.

If the reports are to be believed, then, the newly-weds are already on the way to their honeymoon to an undisclosed destination. We wish the lovely couple a lovely and a Mast married life!

Source: BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork.

Miley Cyrus involved in another photo scandal: real or fake?

By Cristina Everett

Just when we thought Miley Cyrus was starting to steer clear of her “bad girl” image, new photos allegedly showing the pop princess engaged in a sexual activity have hit the Internet.

"The alleged photo of Miley Cyrus circulating the internet is completely fabricated," the singer's rep tells the Daily News.

While Cyrus, 16, has been busy working on her new movie, “The Last Song,” in Georgia, fans are left wondering if the "Hannah Montana" star is as innocent as she wants people to believe.

It is unknown whether the images of Cyrus are authentic, but this wouldn’t be the first time the teen has been involved in a photo scandal.

In 2008, parents were outraged when the then 15-year-old singer posed semi-topless for the cover of Vanity Fair.

The singer continued to raise eyebrows when her cell phone was hacked and leaked pictures showed Cyrus proactively posing in bikinis and a wet bathing suit.

As for the teen star’s latest photo scandal, several websites have debunked the authenticity of the photos by proving how an original image could have been altered.

Source: DAILY NEWS.

Leonardo DiCaprio to Star in Online Poker Movie

By Dan Cypra

Move over, “Titanic,” there’s a new sheriff in town. Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio will star in an untitled film about internet gambling outfits in Costa Rica, according to the Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly.

The screenplay will be written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who both served in the same capacity in the 1998 film “Rounders,” which turned many of today’s poker prodigies onto the game. According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), “Rounders” marked the first official writing credits for Koppelman and Levien. The duo has also teamed up with DiCaprio to bring “Beat the Reaper” to the big screen. The film, which will be released next year, has the following plot according to IMDB: “ER doctor Peter Brown’s life is turned upside down when he crosses paths with a mobster who appears to know him from his former life as a hitman.”

No release date has been given for DiCaprio’s online poker movie. An article on MTV.com noted that DiCaprio’s plate is quite full: “DiCaprio has an enormous list of films in pre-production. For the time being, at least, he’ll be working on Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception.’ Whenever he’s finished with that, he will probably have developed five more projects.” IMDB notes that DiCaprio has 21 films in development.

Whether the film will focus on online poker, casinos, or sports betting remains to be seen and various websites pitch the movie in several different ways. Tokwiro-owned online poker rooms Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker are both based in San Jose, the Central American country’s capital city. A report by CBS News program “60 Minutes” identified the offices of the sites as being located in a “strip mall.” Both Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker comprise the CEREUS Network, which was formed in November.

Action Poker, the flagship site of the network of the same name, has offices in Costa Rica. Joining the site in the tropical nation is Doyle’s Room, which opened the 2009 calendar year by jumping to the USA-friendly Cake Poker Network. Ten-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Doyle Brunson, whose “Texas Dolly” moniker has made him one of the industry’s foremost faces, is the site’s namesake. Also holding a presence in Costa Rica is PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site. According to PokerScout.com, which ranks online poker site traffic, PokerStars has a seven day running average of 22,000 cash game players. It happily accepts customers from the United States.

“Rounders” starred Edward Norton and Matt Damon. The movie was released five years before Chris Moneymaker became a household after the Tennessee accountant defeated Sammy Farha in the 2003 WSOP Main Event. Since then, Koppelman and Levien have kept their love for poker alive, teaming up for ESPN’s short-lived series “Tilt,” which starred Michael Madsen as Don “The Matador” Everest. “Tilt” premiered in 2005, ran for one season, and featured appearances by poker superstars including Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Erik Seidel, and T.J. Cloutier. Negreanu is fresh off a cameo in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

Finally, Koppelman and Levien wrote “Oceans Thirteen,” which came out in 2007. It was the third installment of the franchise, which stars Damon, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts. “Oceans Thirteen” returned to its roots in Las Vegas as the team sought revenge on casino owner Willy Blank (played by Al Pacino). The movie also stars Don Cheadle, who founded Ante Up for Africa along with Norman Epstein and “Celebrity Apprentice” runner-up Annie Duke.

Source: POKER NEWS DAILY.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Aniston jokes about her rocky love life

By ANI

She might have had a rocky love life, but Jennifer Aniston did not hesitate to poke fun at her rocky love life at the Accepting Women In Film ceremony, where she was honoured with the Crystal Award as an advocate of expanding the role of women in Hollywood.

"I'm trying to be more careful than I have been in the past about the titles of movies that I choose to be in,” the Sun quoted her as saying.

"It's funny - I kind of noticed something a couple years ago that there seemed to be this strange parallel to the movies I was doing and my life off screen.

"It started with, well, The Good Girl. Then that evolved into Rumour Has It, followed by Derailed, and then there was The Break-Up. And then on the lighter side was Friends with Money, which I felt was a bit on the nose," she added.

Poking fun at her recent split from John Mayer, Aniston said: "If anyone has a movie called Everlasting Love With an Adult Stable Man, that would be great! I'm at table six, and my agents are at table 12."

Source: Agencies.

‘Idol’ devotion brings hopefuls to Foxboro

By Lauren Beckham Falcone

Say what you will about “American Idol” - it’s unfair, it’s cruel, its ratings are dipping.

But say this, too: It brings out the devotion in people.

There’s no other way to explain the swath of sopping-wet moral support systems standing outside Gillette Stadium in Foxboro yesterday who held umbrellas and hands with the thousands of rain-soaked idealists vying for the most coveted prize in pop culture.

The Fox mega-hit show kicked off its ninth season at the home of the Patriots [team stats], and while host Ryan Seacrest braved the downpour to welcome the throngs, the real star of yesterday’s show was dedication - to family, friends and giving stardom a shot.

Who knew a talent competition could be a testament to the human spirit?

Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, boyfriends, girlfriends and best friends stood together for hours. And though the forecast was rain, the attitude was the complete opposite.

“It’s an opportunity,” said a smiling but soaked Katie Stevens, 16, of Middlebury, Conn. “You have to take it. No matter what happens, it was worth it.”

Her mother, Clara, skipped a Dunkin’ Donuts run to ensure a spot in line by 5 a.m.

“I could have used it,” she said. “But we’re here!”

Of course, you have to wonder about some people - the girl wearing a belt as a headband; the guy sashaying his way down the line asking people to marry him; the mother of four who thought it was perfectly OK to make her 6-year-old stand in line since 3 a.m. “She tired and bored,” the mother said. “But I brought snacks.”

Yet, for the most part, it was an optimistic event - the crowd sang and cheered. Friends went for coffee runs or held contestants’ places in line while they ran to their cars for a change of clothes.

“You have to support people,” said Sheena Seymour, 18, of Worcester, who cheered on pal Kaiti Figueroa, 20, of Somerville. “It’s her dream. I mean, I can’t feel my feet because they’re cold and wet, but I’m here.”

And so were the singers, who might not have the chops to make it past the first round. But what led them to that long line at One Patriot Place is as compelling as any good vocal performance.

“I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 13 to 15. Simon’s not as scary as cancer,” said Gina Naomi Baez, 21, of Long Island, N.Y.

“I was always afraid, but I was in a talent show this year and people said I was good,” said Alison Sullivan, 21, Tyngsboro.

“My friend Dave Wilkinson always encouraged me,” said Sarah Gay, 21, of Danvers. “He and I made a pact to do this together, but he shipped out to Iraq today. So I’m here and this is for him. And me.”

“I’m a junior in college and if I don’t do it now, I never will and I’ll always regret it,‘ said a waterlogged Megan Podsiedlik, 21, of Tully, N.Y. “That’s the great thing about ‘Idol.’ Everyone gets a shot. That’s why we’re all here.”

Source: Boston Herald.