Jacko’s ‘Bad’ outfit up for grabs

ANI
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Its good news for Michael Jackson fans: the much-hyped ‘Bad’ outfit is being auctioned and expected to fetch a whopping 35,000 pounds. 

The famous gold and gem encrusted leather outfit, in which Michael did the ‘moonwalk’ in his Bad video, has gathered a lot of media attention. The costume’s black jacket is decked out with 11 gold police-style badges on the chest, with crests on the sleeve and buckles on the arms. The outfit also features an incredible belt with a Bad logo decorated with dozens of small amber crystals. 

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get your hands on the most iconic costume in pop history,” The ‘Daily Star’ quoted an auctioneers Profiles spokesman, as saying. 

“Michael originally presented these pieces to the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum while being honoured there,” the spokesman added.

Other items included in the auction are Marilyn Monroe’s own bathing suit, a bright purple outfit worn by Sir Elton John, 61, on stage and items belonging to Elvis Presley. The fans can bid for the items on ‘liveauctioneers.com’.

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

Eva to quit US for France

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Actress Eva Longoria Parker has decided to move to her husband's native country France once she wraps up her superhit TV 4series 'Desperate Housewives'. 

The Latin actress who currently lives in Los Angeles with husband Tony Parker, a star player for the San Antonio Spurs basketball team, wants to move to France with her husband for some peaceful living. 

"Tony and I will be moving to France after Desperate Housewives. Actually after his basketball career. Not for just a while, but we'll be living there for a bit," said the 34-year-old actress who married Parker in a lavish ceremony in France in 2007.

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

I love my body the way it is: Kim Kardashian

ANI
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Kim Kardashian has defended her famous curves, insisting ‘I love my body the way it is’. 

The socialite is sick of people making assumptions about her body so she has posed in a bikini for the cover of ‘Life & Style’ magazine without any airbrushing. 

"I love my body the way it is. I'm not perfect. I have cellulite, so what," the magazine quoted Kardashian as saying. Kardashian received some criticism for her photoshopped Complex magazine shoot, but she's has posed for the mag to show how comfortable she is with herself. 

"I chose to do the shoot because I am so sick of people giving me a hard time for those photos that came out in Complex," she said

"I wanted to say, ''This is me, take it or leave it,’” she added.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Bollywood celebrities turn out to make their vote count

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

The star power was on display in the city with Aamir Khan, John Abraham and Vidya Balan turning out early to cast their votes for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in the Maharashtra. 

Film director Karan Johar, Sonali Bendre, Sonam Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Paresh Rawal, former cricketer Sandip Patil and classical singer Padmaja Phenani Joglekar were among the other celebrities who came out to exercise their franchise. Aamir Khan urged the public to come out and vote. 

"Being an Indian it is our duty to come out and vote. Every citizen should come out and vote and this is why I am here," Khan said. Actor John Abraham said that the public should vote for "change". 

"People enjoy their holiday but people also know their responsibility that you should also come out and cast your vote. Because we live in a democracy where we have been give the power to choose the good. If we don't vote, we don't have the right to complain," said Abraham. 

Actress Vidya Balan, who cast her vote at Subhash Nagar in suburban Chembur, said, "everyone should vote to ensure a government capable of giving us peace and security." Amrita Rao, who was one of the early voters, said people should remember to vote first and enjoy their holiday later. "Don't vote for candidates with criminal background," she said. 

TV show judge and actress Sonali Bendre also voted this morning. Recalling the first time she voted, Bendre said, "at that time, I really felt like an adult." "Voting is one thing which keeps our democracy alive," Bendre added. 

Polling is being held in Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North. In Thane district, polling is being held in four Lok Sabha seats - Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Palghar. 

Altogether 196 candidates, including 17 women, are in the fray. Over 1.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. Elaborate security arrangements are in place, police sources said. The first and second round voting in Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, was held on April 16 and 23.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Meeting held to resolve producers and multiplexes dispute

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Some good news now! A crucial meeting between producers/distributors and multiplexes was held on 29th April and the issues were discussed in the most cordial atmosphere. The meeting was extremely positive, with the two factions agreeing that there has to be a quick solution to the various problems. In fact, the multiplexes are also keen that the deadlock ends as soon as possible. 

Another meeting is likely to take place in the next week. Let's see how much time it takes for the two sides to arrive on a common consensus. One only hopes that the embargo on new releases is lifted and people get their staple diet of new movies week after week.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Shilpa skips voting but urges others to "make a difference"

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan may have taken a break from the IPL season to cast his vote but fellow actor Shilpa Shetty who owns the Rajasthan Royals decided to stay put in South Africa to cheer her team on. Interestingly, the actress may have decided to skip the voting season, but that did not stop her from advising others to exercise their franchise. 

"Just regret the fact that I won't be in India to cast my vote, really wanted to this time. Elections have to be taken seriously if you are a responsible citizen," Shetty who co-owns the team with billionaire fiance, Raj Kundhra wrote on her blog. Shetty also posted a video of herself on her official website asking everybody to exercise their right to vote, saying, "Please go vote and make a difference". 

"Unfortunately with the unexpected turn of events and the IPL being shifted to SA it's become difficult. I would not miss voting for anything otherwise. But to all those Indian citizens who want the best for our Country, now is the time to make the decision, don't waste your democratic right to choose," wrote the actress. Shilpa may have missed the voting season but a host of Bollywood stars turned up to exercise their democratic right. 

Stars like Aamir Khan, John Abraham and Vidya Balan, Karan Johar, Sonali Bendre, Sonam Kapoor, Rahul Bose and Paresh Rawal turned out early to cast their votes for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Becks smitten by Hungarian nude model

ANI
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

David Beckham and Victoria’s strained marriage hit another roadblock after a nude model claimed that the footie ace made a play for her. 

Blonde Mariann Fogarassy insists that the 33-year-old hunky sportsman has been emailing her with “private party” invites ever since they got close after an AC Milan match last week. The sexy Hungarian has graced the cover of several magazines all over the world and is a successful glamour model. 

She said that Becks was smitten when he spotted her last week after a match in Budapest between Inter Milan and a Hungarian team. Mariann insisted that Becks had made it clear what he wanted after he “squeezed her elbow and smiled”. 

“Beckham squeezed my elbow for a moment and smiled,” the ‘Daily Star’ quoted her as saying. 

“Then I put my business card into his pocket. I knew he must have felt it. And in fact an email arrived today, saying that just in case I’d be in Milan next week, I’m invited to the club’s party. Luckily, I’ll be shooting in Milan next week,” she added. However, Becks’ spokesperson dismissed the claims. 

“There is no truth in this story. I was there and there was no interaction with this woman at the stadium,” said the rep. “There is also no party in Milan. She is a fantasist seeking publicity,” he added. 

The sportstar is no stranger to rumours that he has strayed behind Victoria’s back. The former Spice Girl has admitted how difficult it is constantly fighting off the desperate girls who keep throwing themselves at the England star. 

Victoria is still fuming about his alleged affair with PA Rebecca Loos, 31 – again while the couple were living apart.

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

Paris Hilton groped during night-out

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Socialite Paris Hilton was at the receiving end of some unwanted attention during a night-out with boyfriend Doug Reinhart. The hotel heiress was groped by a fellow clubber at a posh Los Angeles night spot. 

The 27-year-old Hilton was manhandled by the man and as her boyfriend stepped into stop the misbehaviour, a fight ensued between the two, reported ‘Daily Mail’ online. 

"Doug pushed the guy away and then a friend of the groper threw a beer bottle at his head. Someone managed to get him in a headlock before Doug went over and started punching him. Then the groper started to attack Doug and Doug's pal Frankie Delgado decided to get involved," an onlooker told the newspaper. But Hilton seemed unfazed by the fracas, as she smiled for the cameras while stepping out of the night club on her way home. 

And the socialite looked unaffected by the incident as she stepped out for some retail therapy on Robertson Boulevard carrying an oversized Chewy Vuitton bag.

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

Freida Pinto on People's annual beauty list

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

US First Lady Michelle Obama scored a rare accolade for a political spouse by being named on celebrity magazine People's annual list of the world's 100 most beautiful people. 

Obama, who has been hailed as a style icon by fashionistas around the world since her husband was elected President, was named in the list alongside A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Christina Aguilera. 

"I had a father and a brother who thought I was beautiful, and they made me feel that way every single day," Michelle Obama told ‘People’. 

"I grew up with very strong male role models who thought I was smart and fast and funny, so I heard that a lot. I know that there are many young girls who don't hear it. But I was fortunate." 

‘People’ Magazine does not rank its annual list, but actress Christina Applegate graces the cover of this week's issue. Previous cover girls of the most beautiful issue have included Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson and Michelle Pfeiffer. 

Among other new faces on the list this year was Indian actress, Freida Pinto, star of Oscar-winning movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ 

"The beauty of life is that it takes turns that are sometimes bigger than your wildest dreams," Pinto was quoted as saying by the magazine.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Britney Spears is the new icon for gay community

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Pop princess Britney Spears has been chosen by her gay fans for an award which honours artistes who provide role models for the homosexual community. 

The 'Womanizer' singer is to be honoured as a gay icon at a forthcoming celebration of modern pop culture, 'NewNowNext' prize giving. 

The singer will receive the 'AlwaysNextForeverNow' award which pays homage to role models within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, reported ‘Contactmusic’. The ceremony, to be hosted by iconic drag queen RuPaul, will be aired on US network MTV's gay-themed station Logo on 13 June. 

The 27-year-old singer who is currently on a world tour to promote her comeback album 'Circus' is making headlines with her revealing costumes and raunchy onstage antics.

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

Zeta Jones wants to play 'Hairy Angel', Susan Boyle

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

The overnight sensation Susan Boyle has found a new fan in Oscar winning actress Catherine Zeta Jones who is keen to play Boyle on screen. 

The 47-year-old 'Britain's Got Talent' contestant, who claims to have never been kissed or had a boyfriend, acquired celebrity status after her audition in the popular talent show, ‘Daily Mail online’ reported. And now Zeta-Jones wants to play Boyle, popularly known as 'Hairy Angel' in a biopic, the newspaper said quoting sources. 

The 'Chicago' actress has apparently asked for the film rights to the singer's life story and her sensational appearance on 'Britain's Got Talent'. Reports also suggest that 'Titanic' director James Cameron has also expressed interest in a similar project. 

Boyle, a church volunteer from Scotland, has become a star in the US and UK after her performance of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from 'Les Miserables' on the ITV show. The video of the Scottish singer's performance became the most popular clip on YouTube leaving behind US President Barack Obama's inaugural speech. 

"This is one of many requests we have had to play her (Boyle), for movie deals and for stories of her life. All these people are coming out and want to be associated with her. She is the biggest thing in the world. It is mental," a source on the show said of Zeta-Jones' proposal.

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

'Top Gun' Star Kelly McGillis Confirms Lesbian Rumors

Tom Cruise's girlfriend in the 1980s hit "Top Gun" confirmed in an interview the longstanding rumor that she's gay.

Agencies/Thursday, April 30, 2009

Kelly McGillis told the Internet show Girl Rock! that she was single, and in the market for a female partner.

"Definitely a woman," she said when asked if she's looking for a man or a woman. "I'm done with the man thing. You need to move on in life."

McGillis, 51, has been married and divorced twice, and has two daughters with her second husband, Fred Tillman.The actress said coming out as a lesbian was "an ongoing process from the time I was probably 12."

She added that "I had a lot of things happen that convinced me that God was punishing me because I was gay." McGillis was attacked and raped in her apartment in 1982 when she was a young actress working in New York.

The actress also told Girl Rock! that now that her daughters are grown, she's looking to get back into acting, but is having a hard time - because she won't dye her hair!

"Whenever I get an offer, they ask me to dye my hair," the graying star said. "And I just won't."

Source: http://www.foxnews.com

No wedding anniversary for Victoria Beckham?

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

Victoria Beckham has reportedly cancelled a lavish bash to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary as she is angry with footballer husband David Beckham for neglecting the family, ‘Daily Star’ reported. 

"Being apart is hard for them. It's the first time in their marriage that Victoria has been angry at David," the newspaper reported quoting a source. The 35-year-old fashionista is reportedly upset with Beckham as she has been single-handedly raising their three sons, Brooklyn, 10, Romeo, 6, and four-year-old Cruz in Los Angeles while he plays for Italian team AC Milan. 

Victoria was said to be planning the extravagant anniversary party with the help of her A-list friends Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes and supermodel Heidi Klum. But she decided to cancel the July event after allegedly accusing her husband of neglecting his family. 

"David really misses the three boys and still doesn't really understand why she wouldn't move to Milan to keep the family together. They are trying to make it work, but the resentments are simmering," the source said. 

However a spokesperson for the couple denied the reports saying the celebration would be low-key. "They have some private 10th anniversary celebrations planned," the spokesperson said.

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

Applegate on People's `Most Beautiful' cover

By AP/New York, April 30, 2009

A smiling Christina Applegate graces the cover of People magazine's "Most Beautiful" issue.

The 37-year-old actress, who recently battled breast cancer, certainly has much to celebrate: She says she's finally found her "perfect type" in her new beau, Dutch musician Martyn Lenoble.

Applegate had a double mastectomy last July and reconstructive surgery months later. The star of ABC's "Samantha Who?" calls Lenoble an "angel" who loves her "from head to toe."According to Applegate, Lenoble has been her "rock" and gave her reason to live — and smile.

The annual "Most Beautiful" issue features 100 famous faces, including Michelle Obama, Zac Efron and Cindy Crawford posing without makeup. It hits stands Friday.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.google.com

Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick Jump on Hollywood's Surrogate Trend

'Sex and the City' Star Is the Latest Famous Woman to Have Kids Through Surrogate Mom

By LUCHINA FISHER
April 30, 2009

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's announcement Tuesday that they are expecting twins this summer wasn't exactly the announcement many had expected.

Only recently, the couple had been dogged by rumors that they were divorcing -- something Broderick's rep Simon Halls told ABCNews.com was "ludicrous and untrue." Included in the surprise announcement was the news that Parker, who had given birth to the couple's first child, son James Wilkie, now 6, would not be carrying the twins, rather, a surrogate would. 

"Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are happily anticipating the birth of their twin daughters later this summer with the generous help of a surrogate. The entire family is overjoyed," their reps said in a statement widely reported in the press. 

While many questions remain unanswered about why Parker, 44, and Broderick, 47, have gone the surrogacy route, they are certainly not alone. The couple joins a long line of other celebrities who have chosen this increasingly common path to having children and aren't afraid to talk about it. As a result, some of the stigma that once accompanied surrogacy seems to be diminishing.

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

Shilpa Shetty on the cover of Blender

By Bollywood Hungama / May 01, 2009

With IPL being the flavour of the season, it becomes needless to say that each and every 'Bollywoodian-turned-IPL custodian' got transformed into spotlight's darling. If the last season of IPL saw many a hugs, tears, trials and tribulations, this year promises to be a 'Long' extended celebration from of last year as 'Miss Long Legs' Shilpa Shetty puts her business acumen to test, by partnering with 'Rajasthan Royals'. And it is this same actress-cum-model-cum-international star-cum-businesswoman-cum-everything in between Shilpa who has been featured on this month's 'Blender' magazine!

Now this leggy dame comes full circle as she gets candid with the hip music and entertainment magazine 'Blender' in a no holds bar conversation. What's more is that the mag is adorned with the lass in a well 'blended' outfit that goes that extra mile in accentuating her already famous curves.Also in this month's issue be ready to see the biggest hits and hitters of the IPL, and for some eye candy to heat up the already hot summer is a list of the sexiest rock and roll babes.

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

IIFA 2009 Nominations

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork

Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Best Film 

A Wednesday

Dostana

Ghajini

Jodhaa Akbar

Race

Rock On

Best Director 

A.R. Murugadoss – Ghajini, Madhur Bhandarkar – Fashion, Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On 

Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar, Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday 


Best Actor in a Leading Role – Male 

Aamir Khan – Ghajini 

Abhishek Bachchan – Dostana 

Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar 

Naseeruddin Shah - A Wednesday 

Shah Rukh Khan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi 


Best Actor in a Leading Role – Female 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Jodhaa Akbar 

Asin – Ghajini 

Bipasha Basu – Race 

Katrina Kaif - Singh is Kinng 

Priyanka Chopra - Fashion 


Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male 

Abhishek Bachchan - Sarkar Raj 

Arjun Rampal - Rock On 

Irrfan Khan - Mumbai Meri Jaan 

Sonu Sood - Jodhaa Akbar 

Vinay Pathak - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi 


Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female 

Bipasha Basu- Bachna Ae Haseeno 

Ila Arun - Jodhaa Akbar 

Kiron Kher – Dostana 

Shahana Goswami - Rock On 

Kangana Ranaut – Fashion 


Best Actor in a Comic Role 

Abhishek Bachchan – Dostana 

Anil Kapoor- Race 

Rajpal Yadav – Bhoothnath 

Tejpal Singh - Jodhaa Akbar 

Shreyas Talpade - Welcome to Sajjanpur 

Tusshar Kapoor - Golmaal Returns 


Best Actor in a Negative Role 

Akshaye Khanna – Race 

Imran Khan – Kidnap 

Paresh Rawal - Oye Lucky Lucky Oye 

Pradeep Rawat – Ghajini 

Vishwas Badola - Jodhaa Akbar 


Best Story 

Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On 

Haidar Ali - Jodhaa Akbar 

Madhur Bhandarkar, Ajay Monga, Anuradha Tiwari – Fashion 

Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday 

Shiraz Ahmed – Race 


Best Music 

A.R.Rahman - Jodhaa Akbar 

A.R.Rahman- Ghajini 

Pritam – Race 

Shankar Ehsaan Loy - Rock On 

Vishal Shekhar – Dostana 


Best Lyrics 

Anvita Dutt Gupta - Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno) 

Jaideep Sahni - Haule Haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) 

Javed Akhtar - Jashn-E-Bahara (Jodhaa Akbar) 

Javed Akhtar- Socha Hai (Rock On) 

Sameer - Pehli Nazar Mein (Race) 


Best Playback Singer – Male 

Atif Aslam - Pehli Nazar Mein (Race) 

Farhan Akhtar - Socha Hai (Rock On) 

Javed Ali - Jashn-E-Baharaa (Jodhaa Akbar) 

KK- Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno) 

Sukhwinder Singh - Haule Haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) 


Best Playback Singer – Female 

Bela Shinde - Man Mohana (Jodhaa Akbar) 

Monali - Zara Zara Touch Me (Race) 

Shilpa Rao - Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno) 

Shreya Ghoshal - Teri Ore (Singh is Kinng) 

Sunidhi Chauhan - Desi Girl (Dostana)

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Remembering an icon - Feroz Khan

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

How would I describe Feroz Khan? A style icon? A legend? A great storyteller? He was all this and more. I interacted with him a few times. During the premiere of ‘Dayavan’ [at Minerva] and later ‘Prem Aggan’ [at Liberty, if my memory doesn't fail me]. We met briefly. We lost touch. Much later, RGV invited me for a screening of ‘Jungle’ at Adlabs, much before its release. He was re-launching Fardeen Khan. 

I distinctly remember, I was [pleasantly] surprised to get a call from Khan-saab that evening. The voice on the other line was very humble, very soft. It was not a call from a film-maker of larger than life movies, but a doting father who was anxious that his son find a foothold in the industry. I interacted with Khan-saab at Johannesburg again, during IIFA. He was promoting ‘Janasheen’. I kept asking questions, he fielded them like a pro. Fardeen was nervous, not Khan-saab. He shielded his son like a lion. Later, at the premiere of ‘Janasheen’ [at New Excelsior], Khan-saab stood at the entrance introducing Fardeen to the heavyweights. 

We met again at Dubai, during IIFA again. Khan-saab had decided to remake ‘Qurbani’ and had also recorded a song. I requested him to play the song again. He did. He was keen to make it with Saif, Priyanka and Fardeen. Today, that dream remains unfulfilled and I sincerely and genuinely hope that FK Jr. completes his dream some day. 

Khan-saab was a style icon, blessed with a dashing personality. He made great movies - very stylish and very interesting. But I'd remember him as a doting father who wanted only the best for his son Fardeen. We will miss you, Khan-saab.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

I will go to South Africa only if KKR wins: SRK

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

After a string of defeats suffered by Kolkata Knight Riders, team owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has decided not to go back to South Africa unless KKR starts winning. The actor, who flew down to the city to cast his vote in the general elections, said that he will stay put in Mumbai as he doesn't want to be a part of the "sadness" which follows every defeat. 

"If they are doing well, I will go back otherwise, I don't like going back and feeling sad for the boys because there is a lot of talent in the team and a lot of hardwork," said a demoralised Shah Rukh. The Kolkata Knight Riders have played fives matches out of which they managed to win only one match in the second season of Indian Premiere League. "I feel very bad when we are not winning. I don't want to participate in that sadness with them," Shah Rukh said. 

His team has been dogged by controversies since the very beginning, be it the multiple-captaincy issue, or a clash with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, or the tell-all blog written by an alleged team insider. Shah Rukh's latest comments are quite contrary to the sentiments expressed by him in his official blog, titled 'Keep the Faith' a few days ago. 

"I don't know if the path we have chosen is correct or not...It's just a path we the Knight Riders have chosen to walk on and will stick to it, till the very end," Shah Rukh had said in his blog.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Aamir, Shah Rukh lead IIFA nominations

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Two of Bollywood's biggest names, Shahrukh and Aamir Khan are leading this year's International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards nominations. The 10th IIFA festival, which begins from May 11 to 13, will be held in Macau, in China. 

"2009 celebrates a decade of IIFA magic and promises to be yet another enthralling experience to be held at the Venetian Macao," said Amitabh Bachchan, the IIFA brand ambassador while announcing the nominees here. 

Shahrukh Khan has been nominated for his portrayal of the simpleton Surinder Sahni in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' while Aamir got the nod for his acting in the gory revenge drama 'Ghajini'. Other nominees in the category are Naseeruddin Shah for 'A Wednesday', Abhishek Bachchan for 'Dostana', and Hrithik Roshan for 'Jodhaa Akbar'. Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan has three nominations this year. Best Actor and Best Comic Actor for 'Dostana', along with Best Actor in a Supporting Role for 'Sarkaar Raj'.

While 'Ghajini' and 'Jodha Akbar' have gathered the most nominations with a nod in all the prominent categories including, Best Picture, Direction, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female) and Best Music, other films which have got multiple nominations are 'A Wednesday', "Rock on', 'Fashion' and 'Race'. 

The nominees in the Best Film category are 'A Wednesday', 'Dostana', 'Ghajini', 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Race' and 'Rock On'. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif are in the race for the 'Best Actress' title along with newcomer Asin, but Anoushka Sharma who made a much hyped debut opposite Shahrukh Khan failed to make it to the list. 

IIFA's best director list is dominated by debutante directors, including Abhishek Kapoor for 'Rock On', Neeraj Pandey for 'A Wednesday', AR Murugadoss for 'Ghajini' while the established names on the list are Madhur Bhandarkar for 'Fashion' and Ashutosh Gowariker for 'Jodhaa Akbar'. Oscar winning musician, AR Rehman has bagged two nominations in the 'Best Music' category for 'Ghajini' and 'Jodhaa Akbar' while other names on the list includes, Pritam for 'Race', Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy for 'Rock On' and Vishal and Shekhar for 'Dostana'.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

David Beckham turns designer

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Footballer David Beckham is all set to give his fashion designer wife Victoria a tough competition by launching his own clothing-line for Adidas, 'Originals by Originals'. 

Beckham, who has earlier modelled for Armani's underwear line, will unveil his own fall-winter men's line, ‘WWD magazine’ online reported. Partnering with 'Undefeated sneaker' boutique owner James Bond, Beckham's designer wear will feature updated American sportswear as well as reinterpretations of Adidas's iconic styles.Designers Jeremy Scott and Kazuki, who created spring collections for the label, will also work on the new line. 

Surprisingly Beckham, who already has an athletic endorsement relationship with Adidas, has no plans to use his image or personal appearances to promote the new line.

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

Chunky Pandey to rock and roll as Elvis Presley

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Steve Martin has done it, so have Jonathan Rhys Myers and Kurt Rusell and now it is Bollywood's own funnyman Chunky Pandey who will play the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Pandey, a self confessed Elvis devotee said that he wanted to interpret his idol in a never before seen manner. 

"I am playing Elvis Presley in 'Hello Darling'. The project is really exciting for me because I get to play my idol. I am a huge Presley fan and I wanted to interpret the legend in my own way. So you will get to see my version of the King," Pandey said from Mumbai. The actor who was Bollywood's reigning heartthrob during the late 80's has been out of the spotlight for some time. Pandey admitted that he harmed his career by making some wrong choices but he has learnt the lesson now and will only take up those roles which interest him. 

"I have made mistakes in my career by associating with films which were mediocre because I needed money at that time. I don't want repeat those mistakes. I have realised that there is no point doing a small film," said Pandey, who shot to fame with the cult classic 'Tezaab' which also won him a Filmfare award in the Best Supporting actor category. 

The second most important film of Pandey's career was David Dhawan's 'Aankhen' which saw him star alongside Govinda. But while Govinda has turned politician, Pandey wants to stick to his day job, that is acting. The 'Aankhen' star now wants to play a villain. 

"I am bored of comedies, I have been doing too many of them lately. What I want to do now is to play a dark character. I want a role that taps into my dark side and it will be a refreshing change for me after all the comic roles," said the 44-year-old actor. 

Pandey who has had a successful stint in TV as a judge in the popular reality show 'Zara Nachke Dikha' and 'Great Indian Laughter Challenge', achieved superstar status in the Bangladeshi film industry during the 1990s despite the fact that the actor cannot speak Bangla. After an absence of more than a decade Pandey made his comeback into Bollywood with a series of supporting roles. The actor who was last seen in the Sangeeth Sivan's action flick 'Ek:The Power of One', is excited about his upcoming releases one of which is 'Khalbali' which was postponed after the Mumbai terror attacks as one of the pivotal scenes in the film included two hotels being blown apart by bombs. 

"Khalbali' was supposed to release the same week as 26/11 incident. The film is a comedy and the two hotels that are blown up are a part of a comic sequence meant for laughs, but respecting the public sentiment, it was decided that the release will be postponed. And the film is expected to hit theatres soon now," said Pandey. 

Other than 'Khalbali', Pandey will be seen in Priyadarshan's 'De Dhana Dan', Anil Kapoor's 'Short Kut' and Ekta Kapoor's 'Paying Guest' among others.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Court asks Britney's manager to stay away from her

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 200

A Los Angeles court has ruled against Britney Spears' ex-manager Sam Lutfi ordering him to stay away from the singer for three years after her father Jamie filed a restraining order request in January. 

Jamie had filed for the order after learning that Lutfi had attempted to contact Spears over Christmas and had allegedly smuggled a cell phone to the singer in a hotel, ‘Contactmusic’ reported. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Aviva Bobb issued the restraining order yesterday against Lutfi and his legal associate Jon Eardley asking them to stay at least 100 yards away from Britney and her sons, the website said. 

Under the terms of the new order, Lufti cannot contact the singer via phone, mail or email. Lutfi has now filed a lawsuit against the Spears family for defamation and battery.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Naomi Campbell may quit modelling for motherhood

Agencies
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who is dating Russian property tycoon Vladislav Doronin, is planning to bid adieu to her successful career to settle down and become a full time mother. 

Campbell who began her modeling career as a teenager, achieved supermodel status at a young age but is now contemplating turning away from the spotlight to start a family with her billionaire boyfriend, ‘Hello’ magazine reported. 

"It'll be 25 years (as a model) next year. In terms of fashion shows, I don't really see myself doing every show everywhere. I'm a woman and I'd like to be a mother one day," Campbell said. 

The British supermodel, who is famous for her temper tantrums was recently in India to walk the ramp for a charity event. Campbell has also acted in 'Karma and Holi', a crossover film starring Sushmita Sen and Randeep Hooda.

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

Emraan Hashmi robbed of Rs. 2 lakhs by credit card miscreant

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 29, 2009

Emraan Hashmi was in a for a rude shock when he received a call from his bank HSBC about some heavy-duty transactions made on his credit card on April 26th and 27th . The transactions amounted to nearly Rs. 2 lakh and a stunned Hashmi had no choice but to lodge a police complaint. 

Apparently around 11 transactions were done on the above mentioned 2 dates and strangely Emraan had himself done none of them. Most of these transactions were for purchase of airline tickets said the bank authorities. 

While the police are yet to figure out the person behind this crime, Emraan is surely not amused one bit. In fact the actor is very upset with this whole incident and wants the miscreant to be caught and punished as soon as possible.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Britney Spears & The Pussycat Dolls Concert Review

By FanBolt

April 29, 2009

Britney Spears is back, and she knows how to put on a show. The Circus Tour is surely rolling into an arena near you, and if you have a couple of hundred dollars and enjoy pyrotechnics, magicians and trapeze artists then this show is definitely one not to be missed. The Spears doubters, and there have been many, have disappeared as ticket prices have sky rocketed on auction sites, and Britney merchandise is flying off the shelves on every tour stop. As show time approached everyone from young girls adorned in home made Britney t-shirts to twenty somethings who were those young girls just a few years ago, as well as their boyfriends and parents who were constantly looking at their watches, flooded into the sold out arena.

The Pussycat Dolls opened the show and made their way through a high energy, 45 minute set. With the massive stage they had to work with the group and were forced to spread out, and rarely stayed in one place for too long. An entire song was never completed in the same spot. The Dolls emerged in sparkling hoodies and kept the audience as involved as possible. It’s obvious who the real star of the show is. Nicole Scherzinger may be the next Beyonce, it seems as if she has become too big for the group format to work for her. Constantly in front of the other members with multiple spotlights fixed on her throughout the set, Scherzinger’s powerful voice and stage presence made the rest of the group look, merely, like back up dancers. Although, they are a pop group, the quintet does have talent. Performances of mega hits “Stickwitu,” and “You Are My Destiny,” were especially strong.

The queen of pop was lowered down from the ceiling as the arena shook with ear splitting screams. A video montage played which starred Perez Hilton welcoming everyone to The Circus. Dozens of costume changes, risque dance moves, and a flow of hit songs followed. To keep with the circus theme the stage was in the round, one big stage attached to two smaller stages for the three ring effect. To keep everyone happy Spears and her army of dancers, clowns, jugglers and magicians were constantly moving. Spears only addressed the crowd once saying “Hello Oakland.” In her last stop in Northern California she hadn’t even gotten that much right, saying hello to Sacramento from the stage in San Jose. The scale of this show is unlike any other currently running, but it felt more like a scripted spectacle than anything else.

The circus performers were a big part of the 90 minute set, when Spears would disappear for a costume change the circus act would take over, at times taking the audience out of the show. Once Britney left the stage the cell phones would come out and the texting began. Spears had no problem getting them back on their feet though, she must have lowered down from the ceiling or risen up from beneath the stage a half dozen times. As far as the actual music went the backing track covered most of the vocals, so the star could concentrate on hitting her spots. At times it looked as if she were bored, letting the dancers around her move and shake giving the illusion she was actually expending effort, when in reality she was just hitting another spot on cue. That being said, Britney is quite the polished performer, at one point losing a few hair extensions as a dancer was lifting her into the air. In the general admission area it was painfully obvious what had just happened and some murmurs rippled through the handful of fans toward the front. Britney gracefully landed back on the couch she had been lifted off of and covered the platinum blonde hair as she was lowered out of sight. 

The song selection was varied and Spears mixed up new hits “Circus,” with older ones, “I’m a Slave 4 U.” She even went back to the beginning, and, performed a remixed version of “Baby One More Time,” the song that rocketed her to superstardom. She saved “Womanizer,” for the encore. Spears gave many different looks throughout the night. At some points she was reminiscent of a younger Madonna, at others, after a long dance routine on a pole, a stripper and at some points memories of her cringe worthy VMA performance surfaced. For the most part the show was what one would expect. Between the ring of fire, the final burst of confetti and the pop songs that seem to never grow old, Britney is back, and here to stay.

Concert Review Written By: Tyler Sobie

Source: http://www.fanbolt.com

Multiple Secret Endings For ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’?

By Josh Wigler

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

As it is, Wolverine has enough on his plate with a brand new movie opening this weekend that’s already seen an online security breach and closures due to Swine Flu. But just to prove that he really is the best at what he does, the metal-boned superhero has added some extra incentive to see “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” when it comes out this week.

According to various outlets, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” will feature multiple secret endings that run after the closing credits. The catch is that these Easter Egg endings will vary from print to print — meaning you’ll have to see the film multiple times in different theaters to view every ending. While the exact number of endings remains unclear, at least two of these post-credit scenes have been identified online. First Showing caught a screening of the film that featured Deadpool in the print’s closing. While the website wouldn’t disclose the details of the scene, it seems likely that this ending will pave the way for the oft-rumored “Deadpool” spin-off starring Ryan Reynolds.

Meanwhile, SlashFilm attended a showing of “Wolverine” and saw a different final scene. In this print’s alternate ending, Logan is seen drinking at a bar in Japan. He speaks in Japanese with a barmaid, telling her that he’s not drinking to forget something — he’s drinking to remember. This ending gels with Hugh Jackman’s previously stated desire to see Wolverine head to Japan and embrace the character’s samurai roots.

Easter Egg endings are hardly uncommon in superhero films — how could we forget Samuel L. Jackson’s surprise appearance as Nick Fury in “Iron Man“? Even Brett Ratner’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” featured an after-the-credits scene with Patrick Stewart returning from beyond the grave.

Source: http://splashpage.mtv.com

UK-Indian actress lands role in Bollywood film 'Veer'

Agencies
Posted: Apr 28, 2009

Parveen Bhairon, an Indian-origin actress from Coventry is thrilled to land a role in Salman Khan starrer Bollywood film 'Veer'. 

She is the latest British Indian actor to feature in an Indian film after Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel. Bhairon, 26, plays a supporting role in the film, which is said to be an epic love story about an Indian warrior fighting under the British Raj. The film has been written by Salman Khan who also plays the lead role. Other actors in the movie include Jackie Shroff, who plays the villain, and Sohail Khan.

Bhairon, who has shot scenes in Bristol and Bath, told the local media: "It's been fantastic so far. I met Salman Khan a few times. He is very focused on his work - it's quite inspiring to see. 

"We haven't been told what the film is all about - it's a bit of a secret - but the costumes are quite elaborate and there are a few fighting scenes. I'm looking forward to getting into the dialogue, which will come later. It's been interesting and exciting but a lot of hard work." 

Bhairon, who will soon leave for Mumbai to shoot more scenes of the film, said, "I really want to launch my career in Mumbai. It'll be the perfect stepping stone. It's a difficult thing to do but I'm not ready to give up yet. These last few months have been surreal and I'm really excited about my future".

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Tom Hanks Honored By Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, More

Steven Spielberg and others show support at Film Society of Lincoln Center gala.

By Eric Ditzian

Apr 28 2009

NEW YORK — On Monday night, two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks was honored for a lifetime of career accomplishments at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's annual gala tribute. 

When MTV News caught up with the 52-year-old actor on the red carpet, Hanks was at a loss for words. "I don't know what to say," he confessed. "It's the capital of the world and we blocked enough of the streets. I'm at a loss for understanding how it happened." 

He may not have known exactly how to express his appreciation, but Hanks was still in a great mood, at one point busting into a quick rendition of Jackson Browne's "Linda Paloma," before escorting his wife, the actress Rita Wilson, inside the closed-door event. The A-listers out in force to support Hanks were effusive in their praise of the Hollywood powerhouse. 

"My favorite Tom Hanks anything was always 'Bosom Buddies,' " Julia Roberts told MTV News, referring to the early '80s sitcom in which Hanks made his name. "I texted my best friend this morning who I've been best friends with since I was a girl and said, 'I'm doing this thing with Tom Hanks tonight. What do you think I should say?' And she goes, 'You should talk about our utter devotion to 'Bosom Buddies.' " 

"Look, I'm being paid a lot of money to be here tonight," Charlize Theron said, smiling, before going on to recall working with Hanks on her first major film. "I opened my script the other day of 'That Thing You Do!,' which I was honored to be in, and he wrote in it, 'No matter what, I will always claim to have discovered you.' " 

Other stars in attendance included Steven Spielberg, Sally Field, Ron Howard, Christopher Walken and Adrien Brody. In past years, the Film Society has honored Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Martin Scorsese, Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep.

Source: http://www.mtv.com

Fox Prefers Lie to President Obama

By Joal Ryan

Mon, April 27, 2009

One hundred days, schmunhundred days.

Fox is opting out of airing a President Obama prime-time press conference timed to mark the leader's 100th day in office Wednesday, in favor of its regularly scheduled program about a man who can read liars. No political comment presumably intended. 

In a statement today, Fox said it would alert Lie to Me viewers to the press conference with an "onscreen graphic" pointing interested parties to its sister outlets, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, both of which will carry the planned Q&A.

Fox's free-TV competitors, ABC, CBS and NBC, which don't have a really important American Idol results show to worry about later in the night, have all blocked out the 8 p.m. Wednesday hour for Obama. The CW, which doesn't do news, will use to time slot to commemorate the latest new episode of America's Next Top Model.

Obama, as a rule, has been a big prime-time draw, although not so much for Fox, which lagged behind its competitors for its coverage of the president's March 24 press conference.

Source: http://www.eonline.com

Pussycat Dolls feud in public

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Popular girl band "Pussycat Dolls" may be on the verge of breaking up as two of the band members, Melody Thormton and Nicole Scherzinger, had a public showdown on stage during a show in Arizona. 

Thornton made a sarcastic remark about Scherzinger while on stage, which resulted in the latter storming off, reported ‘Sun online’. Sherzinger had created "massive tension" within the band when she insisted that their last two singles be released under the name 'Pussycat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger'. The name change reportedly infuriated other group members, prompting Thornton to shout to fans while on stage, "Thank you for supporting me, even though I'm not featured. Don’t let anyone stomp on your dreams!" while giving Nicole a dirty look. The entire episode happened as other group members Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt and Jessica Sutta looked on. 

Though the show continued, the rest of their performance was "majorly awkward" and as soon as the last song was over, the girls ran off stage looking furious, a concert goer told the newspaper.The 30-year-old Scherzinger is reportedly set to quit the girl group in a bid to become a solo star.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Eminem to return to big screen

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Rapper Eminem is all set to return to the big screen, seven years after his bio-pic ‘8 Mile’ earned him rave reviews. 

The Grammy winning artiste, who proved that he possesses the emotional range most musicians-turned-actors lack in his successful debut, said that he has done a cameo in a big film this year but refrained to tell which one. 

"Can't tell you what movie it is, or what I did in it, but last year (I filmed) a cameo," he said during an appearance on Sirius' Shade 45 radio show. When prompted by his manager Paul Rosenberg, that the film is "kind of a big deal," Eminem jokingly said, "It's a murder-mystery, comedy, epic, drama, Disney movie." 

Eminem's onscreen comeback coincides with the rapper's return to the music scene with 'Relapse', his first album since his 2004 hit 'Encore' which will hit stores this May.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Brangelina to battle ex bodyguard

ANI
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are drawing plans to combat their former bodyguard, who is planning to pen his experiences while working with the couple. 

The pair is said to be furious that Mickey Brett, with whom they once entrusted their lives and those of their kids, was planning to bring their private lives into the public domain with a tell all book. The two have roped in top lawyers in the US and the UK to keep Brett from spilling the beans. Their American litigator Marty Singer dubbed Brett as a “pathological liar” who held a history of legal troubles. 

According to Singer, Brett was banned from entering the US after lying to Immigration officials, and had even fooled his former celebrity employers into believing that he was a British SAS commando while in fact he had never served in the military. 

He said Brett was also interrogated in the murder of British tycoon Donald Urquhart in 1993 though he was later cleared, and had been taken into custody for attacking a restaurant owner in Namibia in 2006. Singer continued that Brett, who had been convicted 11 times for several crimes, was bound by a confidentiality agreement over his book and TV proposals. He added that Brett had said that he never inked the pitches and that his ghost writer, Robin McGibbon, embellished many of the stories, a claim denied by McGibbon. 

"Our client disputes what has apparently been said by Mr. Singer, but is not in a position to comment further at this stage," the New York Daily News quoted Brett's attorneys as saying.

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

Madonna begs Kabbalah leader to pray for Mercy

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Pop superstar Madonna has reportedly begged Kabbalah leader Eitan Yardeni to pray for her success in adopting four-year-old Malawian girl Mercy James. 

Madonna, whose plea to adopt the girl was turned down by a Malawian court last month, has filed a fresh appeal in the country's Supreme Court. The hearing has been fixed for May 4. 

"They have been praying at every waking hour. The adoption process has been stressful for Madonna. She's been telling pals it felt as painful as childbirth," a source told 'News of the World' newspaper. The spiritual leader of the the Kabbalah centre in Toronto has reportedly flown in to New York at Madonna's request to pray for superstar's success on May 4. 

The 50-year-old star who already has a three-year-old adopted Malawian son, David, as well as her daughter Lourdes, 12, and eight-year-old son Rocco was devastated by the ruling last month.

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

Feroz Khan wanted to remake 'Qurbani' with Fardeen

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Feroz Khan wanted to complete his dream project, the remake of his most successful film 'Qurbani' and the legendary filmmaker was still working on the film during his last days. 

Khan's son, actor Fardeen Khan, was to reprise his father's iconic role in the new version. The 69-year-old filmmaker had already recorded three songs for the film with music composer Anand Raj Anand but with his death, his last wish remains unfulfilled. 

The 1980 blockbuster is one of the most successful films of Feroz Khan. The film, a love triangle between Vinod Khanna, Zeenat Aman and Khan, is still remembered for its stylish treatment and hit songs like 'Aap jaisa koi...', 'Laila Mein Laila' and the title track 'Qurbani qurbani'. 

"Ferozji wanted to remake Qurbani with Fardeen in lead and he was in the process of rewriting the script. It is one of his most successful films and he wanted to recreate the same magic in a bigger way," Feroz Khan's manager Rajkumar Tiwari told a reporter over phone from Bangalore. 

"He had already recorded two songs for the film with music composer Anand Raj Anand. This project was very close to his heart and he was putting all his energy into it before falling ill," Tiwari added. 

Khan had announced the remake of 'Qurbani' as 'Kurbani' at the 2006 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) event in Dubai. The actor-filmmaker died at 1:30 am at his farmhouse in Bangalore. He was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and was being treated at a Mumbai hospital. His son and actor Fardeen Khan besides some other family members were at his bedside when the end came. Khan last acted in comedy film 'Welcome' with Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Anees Bazmee, who directed the iconic actor in his last film, said, "I will always be grateful to him for giving me the oppurtunity to work with him in 'Welcome'. 

"He was initially reluctant to work in the film but I convinced him because the role was written with him in mind," said Bazmee. 

"He enjoyed acting after a long time and became friends with Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar. I remember how he had become very emotional during the last day of the shoot and threw a party for the entire cast and crew," Bazmee added.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Knightley's anti-domestic violence ad banned in UK

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

The anti-domestic violence advertisement starring British actress Keira Knightley has been banned by British censors. The advertisement has been barred from British television after it was branded too violent by advertising censors, reported ‘Contactmusic.com’. 

The advertisement depicts 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' star as an actress returning home from a film set who is confronted by a violent boyfriend accusing her of having an affair with a co-star. Knightley is then shown getting knocked down and kicked multiple times. Advertising censor body Clearcast rejected the promo on the ground of the violent scene in the end where Knightley is being repeatedly kicked on the floor. The advertisement 'The Cut' was made for UK charity Women's Aid and was launched in British cinemas this month and has been an instant success on YouTube with one million hits. 

"The reason we are still in conversation with Clearcast about it is because it is too violent. Part of the campaign is to raise awareness about domestic violence, and spark debate, which the advert has done, even if it doesn't make it on television," said Chris Hirst, MD of Grey London Advertising Agency which created 'The Cut'.

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

Sharmila and Soha to star together in an English film

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

It's always a pleasure to see Bollywood's current generation of star kids share screen space with their real life parents on screen. So, after the Deols who created some frenzy courtesy Apne, it's now the turn of mother-daughter duo of Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan to be seen on the big screen together for the first time. 

Sharmila and Soha will be seen in an English film directed by Sangeeta Datta (erstwhile assistant to Rituparno Ghosh). We got in touch with Soha who confirmed the news. "Yes Mom and I are doing a film together. It's an English film by a British production company and directed by Sangeeta Datta. It's an absolutely lovely script and shooting starts in May in London." 

The as yet untitled film is not your typical boy-meets-girl love story and is in fact a family drama revolving around a father and his three daughters. Besides Sharmila and Soha, the film also stars Girish Karnad, Om Puri and a bunch of British actors. 

It may be recalled that Sharmila and her son Saif Ali Khan starred together in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parineeta. Now it will be interesting to see Sharmila along with her daughter Soha in this flick. We simply can't wait to see the mother-daughter jodi on the silver screen!

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

RGV signs Vivek Oberoi for ‘Rakta Charitra’

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Ramgopal Varma has signed Vivek Oberoi for the role of Paritala Ravi in his new film ‘Rakta Charitra’. Here's what RGV has to say: 

"After thinking hard on every actor both known and unknown, I have finally zeroed in on Vivek Oberoi as the most ideal choice to play Paritala Ravi. He has remarkable intensity in his eyes which I noticed in the making of ‘Company’, a voice which commands attention, an arrogance in his demeanour, an enormous power in his stance, and also a certain vulnerability which makes one instantly warm up to him, which is what is needed to fit in a role of Paritala Ravi's profile. 

"After a rough look-test done and when I saw the approximation of how Vivek could look like in different phases of Ravi's life, from being a rebel in the jungles to a political strong-arm man, I was absolutely convinced that my search ended." 

RGV talks about the film at length: 

"This is the name of the film I am intending to make as my next after ‘India 24/7’. It's inspired by the story of Paritala Ravi from Andhra Pradesh who got assassinated in January 2005. Even though the actual incidents of the story happened and the related characters existed in South India, I decided to make it in Hindi because I strongly felt that the sheer uniqueness of the story deserves to be told to a much wider audience. 

"Paritala Ravi was arguably the most feared individual ever in the history of the blood-ridden faction politics of South India. He was a prime accused in innumerable murder cases and also survived numerous assassination attempts, the most brutal of which happened on a quiet Friday afternoon in November 1997 when a road near Rama Naidu Studio in Hyderabad was turned into a death field by a bomb which killed 26 people, but failed to get its intended target Ravi. 

"I, in the course of my life, have read biographies of various people and have also come to know through various sources the life stories of many highly dangerous men including that of Velupalli Prabhakaran, the LTTE Chief to Pablo Escobar, the Columbian drug lord to our very own Dawood Ibrahim, but all those stories pale in comparison to Ravi's life story. 

"How Ravi, a soft-spoken shy guy, under a force of certain circumstances retreated into the jungles, became a rebel and how he mounted a volcano of violence to avenge his father's and brother's deaths and how in time he became a folklore legend and eventually a minister in N.T. Ramarao's Cabinet reads more grippingly than any fiction writer anywhere in the world can ever imagine. 

"Ravi's name sent shivers up the spines of not only his rivals, but even the law enforcement agencies. He was a rebel, a feudal lord, a robinhood, a killer of hundreds and saviour of thousands till the day he was gunned down by a death squad allegedly put together by his arch rival Suri, who wanted to avenge his father's and brother's deaths, in a bizarre déjà vu. 

"I have been following Ravi's rise to power since long, but I first heard of Suri only after the bomb explosion at Rama Naidu Studios. I was both amazed and chilled to see that even after being confined to a prison cell, how the fire of Suri's vengeance continued to burn unabated for 7 long years till he finally succeeded, armed with nothing but a severe desire to kill Ravi as his one and only weapon. 

"In my research for the film, I have met various associates of Paritala Ravi and Suri and also their family members. I have also met Suri, who is presently lodged in Anantpur jail on trial for the killing of Ravi and what I finally managed to piece together from all the various police records and eye witness accounts is the most fascinating story I have ever heard or could hope to hear in my life. This is the story of a man's phenomenal rise to power and a story of the most intense blood curdling conflict ever heard of between two individuals and it is also the ultimate statement on the oft-heard disastrous consequences of a fatal mixture of caste, crime, family feuds and politics. 

"I decided to film this story at one stretch and release it in 2 parts about 3 months from each other, a first of its kind ever attempted in the history of Indian cinema. I want to call the films ‘Rakta Charitra’ - I and ‘Rakta Charitra’ - II. Why I want to make it in two parts is because the sheer drama and content the story possesses is so incredibly rich and of such high magnitude that it is not possible to do justice to do it in a film which is lesser than 5 hours. Also, Ravi's life can be broadly divided into 2 parts from the time how circumstances created his rise to how he created circumstances that felled him. 

"I believe that ‘Rakta Charitra’ is going to be the most defining film of my career not because of how well I will make it, but sheerly because of the material I have at my hand. To put it simply, I don't have to work hard to make it well, but I have to work hard to spoil it."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Courtney Love slams Pamela Anderson for being poor

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Courtney Love, who is better known for being the widow of 'Nirvana' frontman has slammed former friend Pamela Anderson for being poor. 

"Pam Anderson doesn't even have a credit card. And she lives in Paradise Cove, which is in Malibu, but it's a trailer park in Malibu," said Love about the former Bay Watch star, reported ‘New York Post’. 

Courtney Love who was left with a fortune of USD 320 million after the death of her rocker husband, had been friends with Anderson, but her latest statement points at a fall-out between the two. Anderson who shot to fame with her role in the hit 90's series 'BayWatch' lives in a trailer park in the posh locality of Malibu, California where a house costs more than a million dollars. 

Anderson who has two sons from her marriage to rocker Tommy Lee, is known to be worth millions with her bestselling tell-all book deal and revenue from her acting career. The actress' manager declined to comment on the statement made by Love.

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

Actor Feroz Khan dies

Agencies
Posted: Apr 27, 2009

Bollywood actor Feroz Khan, who made a place in the hearts of film lovers with his romantic portrayals in blockbusters like 'Qurbani' and 'Janbaaz,' died after battling cancer for a year. 

The 69-year-old actor-filmmaker died at 1:30 am at his farmhouse here. He was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and was being treated at a Mumbai hospital. His son and actor Fardeen Khan besides some other family members were at his bedside when the end came. 

The actor's mortal remains would be buried at his farm house later in the day as per his last wishes Born and brought up in Bangalore, the Bollywood actor first made his mark in 1965 when his film 'Oonche Log' clicked with the audience. He then went on to woo the audience with the mushy musical 'Arzoo' where he played a sacrificing lover. But the biggest hit of his career was 'Qurbani' opposite Zeenat Aman. 

In 1986, he directed and starred in 'Janbaaz' which was a box office hit. After he directed and starred in 'Yalghaar' in 1992, the charismatic actor took a long break from acting and took to producing and directing films. 

He launched his son Fardeen Khan with the 1998 film 'Prem Aggan,' which bombed at the box office. He was last seen on the screen in the 2007 hit 'Welcome'.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Salma Hayek weds Francois-Henri Pinault - again

By Issie Lapowsky

Monday, April 27th 2009

It's "I do" part deux for Salma Hayek.

The actress and her billionaire French husband François-Henri Pinault renewed their vows Saturday as part of a two-day celebration in Venice, People magazine reports. 

The couple originally wed during an intimate Valentine's Day ceremony in Paris, but this weekend's nuptials featured a guest list of some of the entertainment world's hottest celebrities, including Penelope Cruz, Stella McCartney and Bono.The celebration began Friday at a masquerade ball/rehearsal dinner at the Punta Della Dogana, followed by Saturday's wedding ceremony. 

The 42-year-old bride wowed the 150 wedding guests in a Balenciaga gown, accompanied by a bouquet of orchids, stephanotis and crystals. The couple's 19-month-old daughter Valentina and her eight-year-old step-sister preceded Hayek down the aisle as flower girls, while the groom's 10-year-old son acted as a page boy. 

A reception was held at the Palazzo Grassi, where the couple first met in May 2006. Guests wore black tie and took advantage of the invitation to wear Venetian masks. 

Over the course of the night, revelers such as Woody Harrelson and Charlize Theron accompanied Bono on stage, seranading the crowd with a chorus of "Stand by Me." There was certainly no shortage of celebrity couples in attendence - Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, Hayek's ex, Ed Norton and his producer-girlfriend Shauna Robertson, and Cruz and Javier Bardem were all on hand. They danced the night away with fellow A-listers Gael Garcia Bernal, Lucy Liu, Ashley Judd and David Blaine, among others. 

Hayek and Pinault's first wedding at City Hall came as a surprise to many; they'd called off their engagement just months before. Reportedly, the couple had found it too difficult to conduct a relationship across the Atlantic. Pinault owns the Paris-based firm, which owns Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent, while Hayek lives in Los Angeles.

But the twosome reconciled, and by December's Dubai Film Festival, a mutual friend told People they were "very evidently in love with each other."Though rumors have surfaced that this weekend's festivities cost a grand total of $2 million, Hayek has denied she'd ever foot such a large bill for her nuptials. 

"I think spending millions of dollars on a wedding is ridiculous and it has never been my dream," she said. "I would never do that."

A honeymoon may be next on the happy couple's to-do list. After the wedding, Hayek and her family were spotted en route to the Marco Polo airport.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com

Aerosmith play for unhappy fans

Rock stars Aerosmith are to hold a free concert in Hawaii to placate angry fans who brought a legal case against them.

BBC NEWS 

Monday, 27 April 2009

The Walk This Way hitmakers cancelled a sold-out show in Maui two years ago, leaving hundreds of fans out of pocket. 

They filed a class action case, which claimed the band had pulled out in favour of a bigger gig in Chicago and a private show for car dealers in Oahu. Lawyers for the would-be concert-goers said Aerosmith had now agreed to put on a new show, and would pay all expenses. 

"Everyone who bought a ticket to the original concert will receive a free ticket, and all out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed regardless of the amount," said Brandee Faria. 

Cost claims 

Aerosmith's lawyer, Jay Handlin, said the band were happy to have reached a settlement. 

"The band is about the music," he said. "So they are glad to be able to resolve this in a way that really focuses on connecting or reconnecting the people of Hawaii with the band and its music." 

No date has been set for the rescheduled gig, but it is likely to take place as part of the band's recently-announced North American tour. It could prove to be a costly gesture, however. The original legal case said ticketholders were between $500,000 (£343,394) and $3m (£2.06m) out-of-pocket once travel fees, handling charges and other expenses had been taken into account. 

Fronted by the Jagger-esque Steven Tyler, Aerosmith are one of the USA's biggest rock bands. The Bostonians have won four Grammy awards in their 39-year career, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001. 

In the UK, they are best known for later-period commercial hits such as Love In An Elevator and I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.

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