Bollywood remembers Feroz Khan

Agencies / May 05, 2009

A week after his death, family, friends and colleagues of actor-filmmaker Feroz Khan paid rich tributes to him at a memorial service organised by his children-actor Fardeen and Laila. 

Best remembered for his films like Qurbani, Aadmi aur Insaan, Mela and Oonche Log, 70-year old Khan, died of cancer in Bangalore recently. 

Old friends Dharmendra, Waheeda Rahman, Mumtaz, Zeenat Aman, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Shah Rukh Khan were prominent among those from the film fraternity who participated in the memorial service along with family members which included actor Hrithik Roshan, who is the husband of Feroz Khan's niece Suzzane. 

The late actor's younger brother Sanjay Khan conducted the proceedings. The memorial service was held at a suburban five star Hotel on Monday. An emotional Dharmendra recalled his close friendship with Feroz since 1959, Mumtaz spoke of the late actor's magnamity and said Mumbai without Feroz Khan is like a Safari without a lion. 

Sanjay Dutt recalled how he was influenced with Feroz's flamboyance and generosity. Sanjay khan remembered that his brother had read the entire Quran at the age of 13.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Vaibhavi wants Shah Rukh for Malaysian show

Agencies / May 05, 2009

Bollywood choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, who is all set to stage her musical 'Merchants of Bollywood' here, hopes to fly in Shah Rukh Khan for her show as the actor has a huge fan following in the country. 

"I am very excited to see it being staged here in Malaysia. Perhaps I can try pulling Shah Rukh from his busy schedule to come and see the show in Kuala Lumpur," Merchant said during a press conference. 

Shah Rukh Khan has a huge fan following in Malaysia. He was recently conferred with the title 'Datuk', which is equivalent to British Knighthood. Khan was the first Indian actor to be conferred the honorary title. And getting Shah Rukh in the audience will ensure that Merchant's semi-autobiographical show is a sell-out. 

The song and dance extravaganza will feature 48 songs including smash hits from Bollywood movies. The cast of 53 will go through 1,200 costume changes and wear 2,500 pieces of Indian jewellery. The musical will open in Kuala Lumpur from July 14, its maiden stop in Asia after touring countries such as Britain, Spain, Italy and Germany since its inception five years ago, a newspaper reported. 

Vaibhavi said that the 'Merchants of Bollywood' is very close to her heart as the story reflected her life. "This is not just another project, it is not fictional. This is a part of me, a story that says dreams do come true," she said.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

'99' not to release this Friday

BollywoodHungama / May 05, 2009

Here's piping hot news! Anupam Mittal and Aditya Shastri, the producers of ‘99’, are in the midst of a storm. The duo had decided to defy the producers and distributors' directive [of not releasing a film until and unless the terms with multiplexes are settled] by releasing the film this Friday [8th May]. In fact, several industry people spoke to the two producers, telling them in very clear words that this tantamounts to revolting against the film trade associations, but to no avail. The producers had even issued ads in the papers, announcing the release date of the film. 

Till Monday morning, the producers of 99 were firm on releasing the film this Friday, but it has been decided to push the film ahead by one week. The producers are planning to release the film on 15th May. What happened? "We've been in talks with several industry leaders since the past few days and today [Monday], Ratan Jain [President of A.M.P.T.P.P., the producers' association] also called from Singapore [he's shooting ‘De Dhana Dhan’ with Akshay - Katrina there], requesting us to abide by the rules. That's when we decided to push the film ahead by one week," producer Anupam Mittal confirms. 

Anupam continues in the same breath, "I made it clear to Ratan-ji that we've made the film specifically keeping the IPL in kind. Our film has a cricket backdrop and hence, it's timely and topical, given the fact that the matches are currently being played in South Africa. What's more, an incident that occurred in South Africa in 1999 has also been incorporated in our movie. There's no way out for us." 

But going against the film industry is just not done. "I am all for solidarity. I sincerely believe that the associations are fighting for a cause and I stand by them completely. But what I can do is push the film by one week, not beyond that. I am helpless. I explained my stand to Ratan-ji too," Anupam states. 

Anupam adds, "Everyone feels that the matters [producers versus multiplexes] would get sorted out in the next couple of days. But even if the strike isn't called off, I would go ahead with its release next week. I can't wait till the next big cricket event takes place to release my film."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Adnan's wife files criminal complaint against him

Agencies, May 05, 2009

Pakistani singer Adnan Sami is facing possible arrest after his wife Saba lodged an FIR accusing him of torture, cheating and extortion, police said. 

Police said they today served a 72-hour notice to Adnan prior to his arrest, allowing him time to seek anticipatory bail in accordance with a court directive. This is not for the first time that Saba has filed a complaint against the 35-year-old popular singer who has been involved in a public spat with his wife. Earlier, she had lodged a complaint accusing him of a non-cognisable offence. 

"Last night, Saba lodged an FIR with Oshivara police alleging that Adnan has tortured her physically and mentally. A probe is on," Deputy Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik said. 

Adnan had, last month, sought anticipatory bail from a court after his wife lodged a complaint against him. The court did not grant his plea then as an FIR was not registered against him but had told the police to give him 72 hours notice in case a complaint is filed against the singer so that he can approach the court for anticipatory bail. 

Such a notice has been given to Adnan, police said. In the police complaint, Saba alleged that Adnan is not giving possession of five flats he had gifted to her. Adnan is also not returning Rs 5.30 crore which he had taken from her, police said quoting the FIR. 

The trouble between the couple began in January when Saba registered a complaint at Oshiwara police station, accusing Adnan of mental and physical torture. The singer was summoned to the police station and warned against any misbehaviour with his wife in future. Saba, accompanied by her lawyer, went to Oshiwara police station last night to lodge the FIR. 

Saba has charged Adnan with various offences under IPC such as 498-a (Husband subjecting wife to cruelty), 406 (Criminal breach of trust), 420 (Cheating), 384 (Extortion), 323 (Voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (Intentional insult), 506 (Criminal intimidation) and 34 (Acts done by persons in furtherance of common intention), police said.

Source: http://www.screenindia.co

A. R. Rahman working with Mick Jagger, Joss Stone

ANI / May 05, 2009

Mick Jagger and Joss Stone have reportedly joined hands once again to compose sweet music, and this time they are being helped by Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman. 

Their first collaboration occurred in 2004 on track Lonely Without You, for the soundtrack to the movie Alfie. Their next songs are expected to be even more special, as they are said to have been working with Bob Marley’s sons Damian and Stephen, Rahman, and rapper NAS. 

The duo’s new album is expected to be issued on the UN’s International Day Of Peace, September 21. “Joss and Mick hit it off when they worked with producer Dave Stewart on the Alfie soundtrack, so were keen to collaborate again,” the Sun quoted a source as saying. 

“When this project was suggested they were keen to get on board, especially considering the glittering cast of other musicians involved,” the source revealed. The bass for the recordings is being played by musician Shiah Coore, who is currently said to be dating Joss 

“Shiah was dating someone else when he met Joss, but their attraction was so strong he ended it with his previous partner. They have been seeing each other for three months now and things are going really well,” the source said. 

The musicians are currently hard at work at the Los Angeles studio complex established by Muppets creator Jim Henson. U2 frontman BONO is also involved in the project, and has been recording separately with Damian.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Britney to splash £15k on oxygen chamber to refresh her voice!

ANI / May 05, 2009

Britney Spears is getting her life back together, and she’s leaving no stone unturned to make sure that her voice remains as refreshing as it used to be. 

While she has been lip-synching to virtually all her songs on her ‘Circus’ world tour, the Womanizer star is planning to dish out a whopping 15,000 pounds on an oxygen chamber. 

“Since her Vancouver gig, where she ran off stage as it was too smoky, she’s become paranoid about breathing in too much bad air,” The Sun quoted a source as saying. The source added: “She’s keen on an oxygen chamber that will reverse any smoke inhalation damage.” 

However, the 27-year-old singer is not the only celeb to indulge in the expensive device. Singers of the likes of Madonna, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson also own such chambers.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Slumdog' child star up for MTV's special award

Agencies / May 05, 2009

'Slumdog Millionaire' star Dev Patel is not the only cast member of the Oscar winning film who is up for an award at the upcoming MTV Movie Awards. 

Child star Ayush Khedekar who plays the young Jamal, has been nominated in a special category of the most shocking cinematic moments. Khedekar's 'Jumping in the Poop Shed' scene has been nominated for the Golden Popcorn, reported 'E!Online'. 

Other nominees in the same criteria are Angelina Jolie, Ben Stiller and Amy Poehler. The winner will be decided through public voting taking place on MTV's website. The award ceremony will be held at Universal City, California on May 31.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Tommy Lee begs Pamela Anderson not to remarry

Agencies / May 05, 2009

'Bay Watch' star Pamela Anderson is being begged by former husband rocker Tommy Lee not to marry for a fourth time. 

The 42-year-old blonde bombshell who is all set to walk down the aisle for a fourth time with surfer Jamie Padgett, 26, has been asked by Lee to reconsider her decision, reported ‘Sun’ online. Friends close to Lee, with whom Anderson has two sons, told the newspaper that the 46-year-old 'Motley Crue' drummer is "shell-shocked" over his ex-wife's wedding plans. 

"Tommy's been bombarding Pam with phone calls, e-mails and text messages pleading with her not to make a mistake. He always believed they would end up together again," the source said. 

But as of now he has not been able to convince Anderson to cancel her wedding plans. "She's totally over Tommy and just doesn't seem to get it," added the source.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

Dom DeLuise dead, age 75

Reuters / May 5, 2009

LOS ANGELES - Dom DeLuise, the portly and popular comic actor who starred in movies such as "Blazing Saddles," has died in a Los Angeles hospital at age 75, celebrity TV show "Entertainment Tonight" reported on Tuesday.

The American actor, who co-starred alongside Burt Reynolds in movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit II" and "The Cannonball Run," died in his sleep on Monday.ET said it confirmed the death through a family member. DeLuise's New York-based agent was traveling to Los Angeles and unavailable for comment.

"Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss him very much," Reynolds told ET.

(Editing by Sandra Maler)

Source: http://www.reuters.com

Cinco de Mayo at Clinton Young Elementary

Gary Moore, The Indianapolis Star / May 5, 2009

Katherine Martinez, age three and one half holds a pinata made for her at the Clinton Young Elementary School Cinco de Mayo Celebration. She has a second grade sister Cheyenne Martiinez w2ho attends the school. Students were able to taste Mexican food, do games, learn how to make pinatas, participate in an open market, have passports stamped, and take part in dancing. Photo taken 5/1/09.

Source: http://photos.indystar.com

Miss California Denounces Racy Photo Leak

By Gina Serpe / May 5, 2009

Miss California wanted to be in the public eye—now the public is getting an eyeful of Miss California.

The first of a reputed six racy photos of Carrie Prejean, donning little more than her traditional family values, leaked online yesterday and immediately sparked a new round of calls for the already controversial beauty queen to be stripped of her tiara.

The photo—showing a topless, pink-underpants-wearing Prejean with her arm strategically placed—first appeared on TheDirty.com before making its way around the web. While only the single photo has been released, the site says there are five more, at least one of which is rumored to show Prejean completely nude.

The photo could affect her status as Miss California—Prejean's contract with the organization prohibits her from being "photographed in a state of partial or total nudity."

The anti-gay-marriage contestant turned traditional-marriage advocate quickly issued a statement denouncing the leak as the latest in a series of "attacks on me and my integrity as a woman."

"My comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street," says Prejean.

"I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid website that openly mocks me for my Christian faith.

"I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be. But these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks."

Source: http://www.eonline.com

David Hasselhoff's Fall From A-List to Addiction

Hasselhoff's Drinking Now Overshadows His Once Huge TV Career

By LUCHINA FISHER / May 5, 2009

He was once considered one of the world's biggest TV stars.

These days, David Hasselhoff, the star of the iconic television series "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider," is known as much for his acrimonious divorce and drunken antics off-screen as he is for his current role as one of the judges on "America's Got Talent." 

Reports that he was hospitalized this weekend after a drinking bender only add to the fodder of Hasselhoff as a washed-up television icon. Hasselhoff's reps, however, say all is not as it appears. 

"He's a recovering alcoholic," his attorney Mel Goldsman told ABCNews.com. "But he's really been doing great." 

Goldsman called reports that Hasselhoff suffered from a case of alcohol poisoning and had to be hospitalized Saturday "nonsense."

Source: http://www.abcnews.go.com

Britney Spears: This hotel guest's list of demands

CBS News / May 05, 2009

This CBS News report out of London lists pop star Britney Spears' desires during her stay at the famed Dorchester Hotel. Spears will be in London next month for eight shows at London's 02 arena as part of her Circus tour. It will make those of you who think that you're a picky guest think again.

Among her requests: a room that has "never" been smoked in, humidifiers in all areas, a selection of current magazines, fresh flowers she'll arrange herself, chick-lit novels, DVDs of Marilyn Monroe movies, 100-watt light bulbs, running routes for Hyde Park and more. She won't need special pillows because she bring her own. And one more thing: Security will sleep outside her room.

Hoteliers: What are the strangest requests you've ever received, whether from a pop star or anyone else? Hotel guests: What are oddest things you've ever requested from your hotel?

(Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Source: http://content.usatoday.com

MTV’s 2009 Movie Award Nominations Are Packed With Comic Book Nods — Vote Now!

By Splash Page Team / May 4, 2009

Voting is officially open for the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, and you’ve never had more opportunities to let your votes do the talking when it comes to comic book movies.

Last year’s wealth of films based on comic book properties is indeed reflected in this year’s list of MTV Movie Award nominees, with 11 nominations spread over 7 categories — from the grand “Best Movie” all the way to the most head-scratching “Best WTF Moment.”

You can log in and cast your votes for all of the categories before Wednesday, May 27, but voting for “Best Movie” will remain open right up until the big show on Sunday, May 31. Read on for a roundup of the categories and nominees comic book fans should pay extra attention to this year.

BEST MOVIE: “The Dark Knight” takes on “Iron Man” in this category — but the real question is whether either film will be able to compete with “Twilight” in the MTV audience. Come on, comic book crew, give ‘em heck!

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE: Angelina Jolie’s role as the super-sexy Fox in “Wanted” nabbed her a nomination for best female performance. Are you going to be the one to deny Fox a vote (or anything else, for that matter)? I didn’t think so.

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE: It’s Batman vs. Iron Man as Christian Bale’s performance in “The Dark Knight” receives a nomination alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s “Iron Man,” Tony Stark. Can either of them beat Zac Efron, though?

BEST VILLAIN: Sure, the late, great Heath Ledger is likely to have his great performance as The Joker in “The Dark Knight” recognized by fans, but Luke Goss is also in the running for his “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” role.

BEST KISS: “Wanted” gets another nomination for its steamy lip-lock between Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. But was it more memorable than the vampire-human makeout session in “Twilight”? Only you can decide!

BEST FIGHT: It’s another comic book twosome, but instead of locking lips, these comic book duets are fighting to be recognized as the best brawl of 2008. Christian Bale and Heath Ledger worked out their anger issues in “The Dark Knight,” but Ron Perlman and Luke Goss got downright supernatural in their “Hellboy II” battle. 

BEST WTF MOMENT: It’s a big ol’ spoiler, so we’ll understand if you refrain from checking this one out — but there’s a lot to be said for the “Wanted” moment that’s vying for this head-scratching award. Sure, it was a bit of a departure from the comic book story, but it was still a big part of this hit adaptation. If you’ve seen the film, go ahead and vote it up, folks.

Head over to the official MTV Movie Movie Awards page for all of the categories, as well as video nominations and information about this year’s big event.

Source: http://splashpage.mtv.com

Cage stunt car in New York crash

A car driven by actor Nicolas Cage's stuntman for his latest film has crashed into the front of a restaurant in New York's Times Square.

BBC / 5 May 2009

Two pedestrians suffered minor injuries during shooting of the chase sequence, after the car skidded out of control and mounted the pavement. 

Regular traffic had been halted for filming and replaced with stunt cars. Cage's latest film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, is set in present day New York and due for release next year. 

Incident captured 

The movie is based on a famous Mickey Mouse sequence in Disney animation Fantasia, and sees Cage play a sorcerer who recruits a reluctant college student. 

A statement from the production said that the two pedestrians had been taken to hospital for checks but later released. One woman suffered an injured foot, while a man was hit on the head by a pole which fell after being struck by the Ferrari. The stunt driver was unhurt in the accident. The statement added that filming by the movie's second unit "will continue as planned". 

The accident was captured in an amateur video, which has been shown on the New York Post newspaper's website.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk

Madonna Adoption Try Tug Of War

Her Lawyer Tells "Early Show" It's Too Late Girl's Supposed Father To Seek Custody

BLANTYRE / Malawi, May 5, 2009

(CBS) It's now a waiting game for Madonna. The pop star's appeal of a court ruling against her attempt to adopt four-year-old "Mercy" James, of Malawi, was heard Monday in the Supreme Court of the poor southern African nation. 

Their decision could be announced come anytime in the next few days or weeks, says CBS News correspondent Priya David, who was in the courtroom as arguments were heard. Most of the discussion, she says, revolved around a single point -- residency.

Malawi law indicates a person must be a resident of Malawi to adopt. Madonna's attorney, Alan Chinula, conceded that the singer isn't a resident, but argued that it was more important to consider the best interests of the child overall -- the same argument that swayed a judge in the case of David Banda, the son the pop star adopted from Malawi two years ago. 

In an exclusive interview, Chinula told David that James Kambewa, who suddenly came forward claiming to be Mercy's father, is out of luck. Kambewa, 24, who says he does odd jobs and makes about $20 a week, tried to stop the adoption. He responded to reporters' questions about his motives by telling David, in English, "I do not want my baby to be taken, or even to be adopted with Madonna."

Through a translator, he added, "I never ran away from the pregnancy. Whatever they write, let them write. Let them write what they want to write, but what I know is I never ran away from my baby's pregnancy." But asked by David if Kambewa's attempted intervention will work, Chinula responded, ""It is too late. We've closed. The case is closed. It is too late." 

That, explains David, is because the court won't hear any new evidence. James didn't show up in court, but advocates for orphans in Malawi did. One of them, Ulemu Kammayani of Malawi's Human Rights Commission, told David it's in Mercy's best interests that she be adopted by Madonna. Not all orphans' advocates in the courtroom saw trhings that way. Malawi, David points out, has a million orphans. 

Mercy's whereabouts are unknown. She'd been in an orphanage almost since birth. As for Madonna -- she was in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute gala.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com