French drama fest begins Apr 12

By Cultural Correspondent

April 09, 2009

An eight-day French theatre festival begins at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on April 12.
  The festival is a part of the cultural policy of Alliance Francaise for the promotion of both French art and Bangladeshi talented artistes, said the organisers at a briefing at the Alliance Francaise in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The festival will enable the audience to know more about French classic and modern authors through the rich language Bangla, they said.Alliance Francaise director Saliha Lefevre, festival director Jacques Bounin and festival coordinator Al Nomaan attended the briefing. National professor Kabir Chowdhury is expected to inaugurate the festival at 6:00pm, organised by the Alliance Francaise de Dacca, Natukay Theatre Dhaka and Fame School of Dance, Drama and Music Chittagong in association with the French embassy in Dhaka.

Foreign minister Dipu Moni will also be present at the ceremony as chief guest.France ambassador to Dhaka Charley Causeret, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation chairman M Hamid, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote president Nasiruddin Yousuff and poet Sayed Samsul Haq will also attend the programme. ‘We are going to hold the festival for the second time as the French plays are not only for the French but also for the people across the globe,’ said Lefevre at the briefing.Two noted theatre groups–– one from Kolkata and the other from France–– will also perform during the festival. The organisers will also hold a seminar on ‘Theatre practice in Bangladesh and French drama’ on April 17.Kabir Chowdhury, professor Sayed Ahmed, Ataur Rahman and Ramendu Majumdar will speak on the subject.

After the session, the organisers will accord a reception to Kabir Chowdhury, Sayed Ahmed and late professor Zia Haidar for their contributions to the Bangla literature and theatre by translating and staging French plays in Bangla.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

New dramas of Fahim Music

By Entertainment Report

April 9, 2009

Fahim Music recently has released VCDs of drama serial 'Tomar Doway Valo Achhi Maa,' 'FDC' and special drama on Independence Day 'Nirobe.'

'Tomar Doway Valo Achhi Maa' has scripted and directed by Mahfuz Ahmed and story has been written by Kazi Shahidul Islam. Mosharraf Karim, Hasan Masud, Chanchal Chowdhury, Sohel Khan, among others, have performed in the drama serial.Kochi Khondaker has scripted and directed the dram serial 'FDC.' Story of the serial revolves with a man named Shofi, hailed from Narail, works as a second-class gateman due to his interest on film industry. He wants to become a director, while film-mad Liku wants to become a hero. On the other hand, Tinni, a rich man's daughter, also wants to become a heroine. Everybody come to Dhaka to fulfil their dreams. FDC becomes a dream place for them. Mosharraf Karim, Hasan Masud, Anisur Rahman Milon, Sohel Khan, Tisha, Nafiza, Mizu Ahmed, Ilias Kanchan, Monir Hossain, Bappi Ashraf, among others, have performed in the serial.

Muhammad Kamal Raj has directed the drama 'Nirobe' where Hasan Masud, Mir Sabbir, Tushar Khan, Khushi, Siddiqur Rahman, Mahmudul Islam Mithu, Monir Hossain, Tareque Masud, among others, have performed.

Source: http://nation.ittefaq.com

HSBC-Kali O Kalom Tarun Kobi O Lekhak Purashkar

Obayed Akash and Simon Zakaria awarded

By Jamil Mahmud

Thursday, April 9, 2009

To encourage young authors of the country, monthly literary magazine Kali O Kalom and banking giant HSBC have jointly taken an initiative to honour and encourage them with "HSBC-Kali O Kalom Tarun Kobi O Lekhak Purashkar." At a programme at the Shaheed Zia Auditorium, National Museum, the awards for the year 2008 were formally conferred to Obayed Akash and Simon Zakaria on April 7. Akash and Zakaria received the honours for poetry and creative writing respectively.  KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Moushumi Bhowmik: Music erases boundaries

By Kavita Charanji, New Delhi

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Singer-researcher-composer Moushumi Bhowmik was in Delhi recently for a presentation and performance of “Music as Absence, Memory and Desire: A journey through 'biraha' in the folk repertoire of Bengal.” Kolkata-based Moushumi has a clear perspective of 'biraha.' In her words, “In Bengal, we don't categorise 'biraha' as a distinct tradition or genre. It is more an emotion and in Bengal the word means longing in a state of separation.”  KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Mitali remembers Kanika BandopadhyayMitali remembers Kanika Bandopadhyay

By The Daily Star

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Mitali, Indo-Bangladesh Cultural Society, observed the 9th death anniversary of legendary Rabindra Sangeet singer and exponent Kanika Bandopadhyay at Mohar Kunja (a park opposite Rabindra Sadan on Cathedral Road, Kolkata) on April 5, says a press release. 

The day was marked by members of Mitali placing wreaths to a mural of the artiste, fondly known as "Mohordi" to her students. Artistes of the organisation performed choral renditions led by Rabindra Sangeet artiste Mitalee Roy Papri.

T.K. Sengupta, president of Mitali, spoke on the occasion. He also inaugurated an exhibition on Kanika Bandopadhyay at Mohar Kunja. Kamalesh Sengupta, Parama Bhowmik, Shibani Sengupta and Mithun Si of Mitali and journalist Dilip Kumar Deb offered their homage to Kanika Bandopadhyay on the occasion.

Kanika Bandopadhyay breathed her last on April 5, 2000 at Thoracic Department of SSKM Hospital, near Mohar Kunja.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Another celebrity eliminated from ABC's 'Dancing'

By Agency, Los Angeles

April 9, 2009

David Alan Grier may have to take his dancing back to Broadway, because the comedian was eliminated from 'Dancing With the Stars.'

The 53-year-old was bounced from the ballroom Tuesday despite having improved his score by two points during the last-chance dance-off. Grier and professional partner Kym Johnson earned 24 points out of 30 for their Viennese Waltz Tuesday, beating Lawrence Taylor in the dance-off duel by four points. Judges praised the pair's improvement, but fans failed to keep the couple in the competition. Viewer votes are combined with judges' scores to determine which couple is eliminated each week. Fans apparently spared the show's lowest scorer, reality star Steve-O, from elimination. He and professional partner Lacey Schwimmer earned just 18 points for their pantomime-inspired Viennese Waltz Monday, but escaped Tuesday's dance-off.

Source: http://nation.ittefaq.com

S.M. Sultan Sangrahashala yet to open doors

By Tarek Alam, Narail

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Though five years have passed, Sultan Sangrahshala is yet to open its doors. Despite a plan to exhibit priceless paintings by master artist S.M. Sultan, shortage of staff has stymied the proposal. 

Locals have expressed their ire at not being able to view the paintings and have demanded that the Sangrahashala be opened as soon as possible.  KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Bollywood disasters - Let's not blame the multiplexes

By Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood Hungama

April 9, 2009

Yesterday, a journo friend of mine asked me an interesting question:

"Do you think high ticket rates at multiplexes are hampering poor foot-falls, especially in 2009 when the biggest money spinners have ironically been flops like Delhi 6 and Chandni Chowk To China?"

Well, without really getting into any pause or a debate, my instant answer was NO. The fact is simple - Films are flopping because they are plain bad. Period. Except for may be a stray Luck By Chance which flopped this year in spite of being a well made film, each of the other duds have turned out to be so because of poor content.  KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Farah Khan at the 4P Business Awards 2009!

By Mridul Mamun

April o9, 2009

Farah Khan at 4P's Business, Marketing and Advertising Awards 2009

Source: Media News.

Video: Ranbir 'stalked' by Pretty babes? - Check out the entertaining making of Kapoor's ad!

By Bollywood Hungama News Network

April 9, 2009

Check out the making of the 'Panasonic Viera' ad which features the hot actor Ranbir Kapoor in a smashing avatar. Don't miss the chemistry between Ranbir and the sizzling models on the sets of the ad. A Must Watch!

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Music directors today lack a taste for ghazals: Jagjit Singh

By IANS

New Delhi, April 9

Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh popularised the genre in films with songs like "Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho" and "Hoshwalon ko khabar kya". But the singer rues that the current lot of music directors lack a taste for such soulful renditions.  KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Film Viewers’ Forum embarks on its journey in Dinajpur

By, Kongkon Karmaker, Dinajpur

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Film Viewers' Forum, a platform of cine lovers of Dinajpur, was recently launched. On the inaugural day, four movies directed by Oscar winner Satyajit Ray were screened. These went down very well with cine goers as the private movie theatres are in a dilapidated condition. 

Ray's four films were “Jono Aronnya” (1975), Kapurush O Mohapurush (1965), Charulata (1964) and Agantuk (1991).

Ziaul Haque convener of Film Viewers Forum, told The Daily Star that the Forum has already screened three shows in various parts of the district and the next films will be screened on April 17. He also went on to add that so far the non- profit Forum has 60 members who are at the forefront of the campaign to revive cinema, particularly with quality films from other countries.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Video: Shilpa Shetty's IPL Passion Fever

By Bollywood Hungama

April o8, 2009

Shilpa Shetty's IPL team Rajasthan Royals got associated with UltraTech Cement for the forthcoming cricketing fiesta. Shilpa along with Raj Kundra, Yusuf Pathan and other team members were present at the event held in Mumbai. Take a look!

Source: http://www.indiafm.com

Miley voted new teen idol

By Agencies
Posted: Apr 09, 2009

'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus has been voted the favourite American teen idol dethroning pop singer Britney Spears, according to a new poll. 

The 16-year old topped the list of popular young star with a 32 per cent votes while boy band the Jonas Brothers came second with 27 per cent in an online survey conducted by ‘PopEater.com’. Comeback queen Britney Spears had to settle for a third position in the poll. Young country sensation Taylor Swift was named the celebrity who has the best influence on young people, ‘Contactmusic’ reported. 

The Backstreet Boys were voted the greatest teen idols of the 1990s in the survey which received 57,000 votes in total.

Source: http://news.google.com

Megan Fox to play She-Hulk?

By ANI
Posted: Apr 09, 2009

Megan Fox is reportedly being lined up to play the role of She-Hulk. The ‘Transformers’ star is the favourite to portray the giant green female in the big screen adaptation of the popular comic book series about The Incredible Hulk’s cousin. 

“She-Hulk comics are popular so it's only natural that the character makes the transition to the big screen,” the Sun quoted a movie insider, as saying. 

“The idea is to make She-Hulk sexier but even more savage than the Hulk, which is why Megan is the big favourite for the lead role. 

"She’ll be green of course and will have to hang on to a few more pieces of clothes than the male version when she transforms,” the movie insider added.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Sajid chats up Sylvester, Akshay

By Chaya Unnikrishnan
Posted: Apr 09, 2009

Sajid Khan has interviewed Sylvester Stallone and Akshay Kumar as part of a promo for the making of Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakkth Ishq. It was Nadiadwala’s idea of getting the two superstars together for a chat. He wanted someone with a sense of humour and also who repected the dignity of the superstars, as the interviewer. Sajid who is known for his tongue-in-cheek humour fitted the bill perfectly. “I know both of them inside-out,” smiles Sajid who found it interesting to be sitting amidst the two fitness freaks, one of whom (Stallone) is heavily into gymming and weight-lifting while the other (Kumar) doesn’t touch weights. 

Sajid, apparently, impressed Stallone with his knowledge about the actor-director who also writes screenplays. Stallone, who is known as the ultimate action-hero has also directed the iconic musical Staying Alive starring John Travolta but hadn’t acted in it. Khan has brought to fore many such little-known nuggets of the Rocky star. “At the end of the interview, Stallone told me if he wants to know something about his own movie, he will call me before logging onto google,” laughs Khan. 

The interview will start airing on news channels from next month onwards.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Gwyneth, Scarlett to play love rivals in 'Iron Man 2'

By Agencies

Posted: Apr 09, 2009

Two of Hollywood's hottest leading ladies, Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johannson will play love rivals in the upcoming superhero sequel 'Iron Man 2'. 

The two bombshells will compete for the affection of Robert Downey Jr, who plays the lead in the film. In a recent press conference to promote his other film 'The Soloist', Downey Jr confirmed reports of a love triangle between the film's main characters Tony Stark, Pepper Potts and Black Widow, reported ‘MTV.com’. 

While Paltrow will reprise her role as Stark's Assistant Pepper Potts, Johannson will play Russian femme fatale Black Widow in the film, which will see Mickey Rourke as Iron Man's chief nemesis. Paltrow had earlier moved her entire family from London, where she is based with rocker husband Chris Martin and two children, to Los Angeles for the shooting of the film, which is expected to hit theatres in May next year. 

Don Cheadle will take on the role of Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes which was earlier played by Terrence Howard, in the film which will be a sequel to the 2008 hit.

Source: http://news.google.com

Jackman 'heartbroken' after 'Wolverine' leak

By Agencies

Posted: Apr 09, 2009

Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman is furious and heartbroken over the online leak of his film's unfinished version. 

The unfinished copy of the much hyped action thriller 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' was stolen and posted illegally on a website a month before its release. 

"It's a serious crime and there's no doubt it's very disappointing. I was heartbroken by it. Obviously people are seeing an unfinished film. It's like a Ferrari without a paint job," said the 40-year-old actor, who reprises his role as genetic mutant Wolverine, a cross between human and a wolf. 

The copy, downloaded an estimated 100,000 times, did not have special CGI effects added in and frequently showed actors hanging from wires in front of green screens, ‘Contactmusic’ reported. The 20th Century Fox have vowed to track down the culprit and FBI officials are currently investigating the case. The film is set to release in May.

Source: http://news.google.com

Everyone has turned on me after the break up: Lohan

By Agencies / Apr 09, 2009

Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan has said that she was publicly humiliated by her own friends after her break-up with DJ Samantha Ronson. 

After her much public spat with Ronson, Lohan was barred from entering a social event by bouncers hired by her ex. The 22-year-old Lohan said that the day she broke up with Ronson was "the worst night" of her life, ‘Us’ magazine reported. 

"Everyone's turned on me," said Lohan adding that on the night of her infamous showdown, Nicole Richie walked by her saying "Uck" and she was also insulted by Drea De Matteo. 

The actress said that post the break-up her life had become an "absolute hell". 

"I'm not a bad person and this is what happens. I was raised to treat people well, and I'm so tired of this drama. I'm a 22-year-old girl who's in love. I felt like I was in Mean Girls, but worse, Mean Girls was a movie," the teary star told the magazine in an interview. Lohan, who was dating 30-year-old DJ for over two years, was dumped last weekend. Their tumultuous relationship made tabloid headlines because of the many public fights that the couple had. 

The star has finally acknowledged that her relationship is over while denying that she was suicidal over it. "I'm just really hurt! The whole situation is sick," said Lohan, who was also locked out of the LA mansion she shared with Ronson as the later changed the keys of the house.

Source: http://news.google.com

Victoria Beckham turns down Desperate Housewives cameo

By Agencies / Apr 09, 2009

Looks like Victoria Beckham prefers being an animated character on 'Spong Bob' than playing a Desperate Housewife. 

The fashionista wife of football star David Beckham has reportedly turned down an offer from the producers of the hit American show "Desperate Housewives" to do a cameo. Eva Longoria, a close friend of Victoria, was the one who first came up with the idea of casting singer turned fashion designer in a special guest appearance. But the 34-year-old mother of three had to decline the offer because of her previous commitments to her fashion projects, ‘Daily Mail’ reported. 

Despite declaring that the director was a big fan of the former Spice Girl, Eva recently confirmed that Victoria wasn't getting involved in the series. 

Victoria had earlier made a much hyped guest appearance in popular TV show 'Ugly Betty' soon after moving to Los Angeles from Britain.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Mayor: Madonna Promises $500,000 for Quake Relief

Mayor of Madonna's grandparents' hometown says pop star has promised $500,000 for quake relief

By The Associated Press

PACENTRO, Italy April 8, 2009

The mayor of an Italian town shaken by Monday's earthquake says Madonna has promised $500,000 to help people in need.

Fernando Caparso, the mayor of Pacentro, the mountainside village where two of the pop star's grandparents were born, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that that he had spoken to the pop star's manager. He said he was deeply moved by Madonna's effort to assist the town as well as surrounding areas.
Pacentro, 100 kilometers (60 miles) from hard-hit L'Aquila, felt Monday's earthquake but didn't suffer major damage. Caparso said most of the donation would go to areas harder hit.

Liz Rosenberg, the pop singer's spokeswoman, said Madonna had pledged a "substantial amount," but didn't disclose the exact figure.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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

"Eastbound & Down" will return to HBO

By Nellie Andreeva / Apr 8, 2009

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - HBO has renewed the comedy series "Eastbound & Down" for a second season. Production on the new episodes will begin this year for a 2010 premiere.

"Eastbound" stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a star pitcher whose self-destructive behavior knocked him out of the major leagues. He returned home to North Carolina to teach gym at the middle school he once attended, but eventually scored another big-league job offer.The series, executive produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, had a slow start, drawing 671,000 viewers in its February 15 premiere.

But like Alan Ball's vampire drama "True Blood" last year, it grew steadily throughout its six-episode run, peaking at 950,000 viewers on March 15, a day after the telecast of Ferrell's "You're Welcome America" HBO special, and closing its freshman season with 904,000 viewers March 22. The series ended 35 percent higher in the ratings than where it started.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)

Source: http://www.reuters.com