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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Julia Roberts to shoot in India: Report

By Agencies

Post the sweeping success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' it seems that India is the most sought after destination for Hollywood with latest reports saying that none other than superstar Julia Roberts will be visiting the country. 

Roberts and Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem will be coming to India to shoot for their upcoming film 'Eat, Pray, Love', reported Contactmusic. 

'No Country for Old Men' actor Bardem and Roberts are set to star in the on-screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling novel of the same name. 

Bardem is negotiating with executives at Columbia Pictures to play Felipe, the man Roberts' character falls in love after meeting him at an Indian 'ashram'. 

The film is being produced by actor Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner through their production company Plan B, and actor Richard Jenkins will also be a part of the starcast. 

The shooting of the film is scheduled to begin in July and will take place in New York, Rome, India and Bali.

Concerns over first flick on Mumbai attack suspect Kasab

By ANI

Bollywood is all set to release the first film based on the Mumbai terror attacks, but not everybody thinks it's just to showcase the horrific events while the lone suspect is still going under trial. 

Titled ''Total Ten'', the film tells the true story of Azam Amir Kasab, 21-the Pakistani national alleged to be the sole terrorist caught alive during the attacks in November. 

''Total Ten'' refers to the terrorists who attacked Mumbai. 

But many people have raised concerns that the low-budget film risks prejudicing Kasab's trial, as it ends with him being sentenced to death and hanged. 

Kasab is accused of 166 counts of murder and waging war against India. 

Abbas Kazmi, his lawyer and a terror case veteran, said that the film might shatter one of the highest-profile trials ever held in the country. 

"Any depiction of the attacks would jeopardise the proceedings," A news agency quoted him as saying. 

However, the filmmakers have shrugged off suggestions that they could prejudice the case, which is being heard before a judge without a jury. 

The film's producers want their film to be released as soon as possible, before it is beaten to the screen by one of at least 17 similar films that are in production. 

"We are only showing what was shown to the world by TV channels live. The best part is that we have a Kasab lookalike playing the role," said Sugath Kumar, one of the producers of ''Total Ten''. 

As the stakes in Kasab's trial are very high, legal experts have said that ''Total Ten'' is on very shaky ground. 

Majeed Memon, one of India's leading criminal lawyers, said: "A film likely to reflect on the character of an accused must be considered unjust." 

The police, on their part, seem unlikely to be swayed by the film's celebration of their heroics as the terror strike unfolded over 60 hours. 

Deven Bharti, a senior officer with the Mumbai Crime Branch, which assembled the case against Mr Kasab, said: "The film-makers have not contacted us to check any details. I doubt the portrayal of events is at all accurate. When the film comes before the censors we will look into the matter." 

However, it still remains to be seen whether the Indian public will flock to see recreations of scenes that were repeated endlessly on television and remain burnt into the minds of many.

‘Jackson’s comeback London gigs won't happen’

By ANI

Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts in London will not take place, according to Jackson family stalwart Arthur Phoenix. 

Phoenix, the family’s former publicist and advisor to Jackson’s brother Tito, expressed his doubts over the King of Pop performing at the O2 Arena stage to begin his 50-run shows next month. 

"I just don't see it happening. I think there were 10 shows planned and then ticket sales were overwhelming and another 40 concerts were added,” Contactmusic quoted Phoenix as saying. 

"But Michael is not mentally, physically or spiritually ready for these shows. There's something missing in his soul. He's like Mike Tyson - it's over! 

"There are family members who feel the same way but they're afraid to speak," he added.

Kate Winslet wants to turn her back on Hollywood

By ANI

‘Titanic’ star Kate Winslet is so sick of life in the spotlight that she is considering a hiatus from Hollywood. 

After bagging an Oscar for her role in the film ‘The Reader’, she has started to feel overexposed. 

She is now planning to turn her back on the film industry for some time. 

The actress, however, says that she would love to do some musicals. 

"I think I have to take time off. I'm sick of me and I'm sure everybody else is too!” Contactmusic quoted her as saying. 

"But I would love to do some theatre. It would be a good challenge. I need to keep scaring myself. And that would sufficiently scare me. Maybe a musical or something completely different," she added.

Enrique Iglesias kissed a male fan

By ANI

Enrique Iglesias has revealed he once pulled a male fan on stage and shared a kiss with him during a concert. 

The Spanish singer, who always has females drooling to join him, said the boy-on-boy smooch was the result of a challenge from his manager. 

"I brought up a guy once. It was a bet - my manager said I didn't have the guts to do it. I'm not homophobic at all. The kiss was good, but there were no tongues," Contactmusic quoted him as saying. 

The Hero hitmaker further said he tries not to repeat the act but hates to disappoint enthusiastic fans. 

He added: "I know it's a bit cheesy. I try not to do it and then I see someone in the crowd that wants to come up so desperately."