Ray’s birthday celebrated

By Ariful Islam Mithu / May 4, 2009

The Indian Cultural Centre celebrated the 88th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray by screening a documentary on Ray and a film by him at the centre’s auditorium in the city’s Gulshan area on Saturday.

The organisers screened a documentary titled ‘Satyajit Ray retrospective’ directed by K. Bikram Singh and also screened a film ‘Samapti’, directed by Satyajit Ray.The documentary was based on an interview of the prolific writer and director, Satyjit Ray and it described his childhood and different aspects of his works, and also his philosophy of life.

The total interview was taken in the room which clearly tells the audience about his thirst for knowledge. The documentary showed Ray’s room that was full of books and the armchair on which he used to sit. Ray said in the interview that he spent most of the time in the chair when he stayed at home.On his death Satajit Ray believed that he was not concerned about his death as it would come naturally.

 The screening of the documentary was followed by the screening of the film ‘Samapti’ directed by Satyajit Ray. The story is based on the short story by Rabindranath Tagore of the same title.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Shotti Bolchhi released

Cultural Correspondent / May 4, 2009

Shotti Bolchhi, a solo album by Joy was released at Basundhara Shopping Mall in the city on Saturday.

Popular singer Bappa Majumdar unveiled the cover of the album as the chief guest while Kazi Shiraz and Shahria Akhter, parents of Joy were present as guests. Among others, proprietor of G-Series, Nazmul Bhuiyan Khaled and the musicians of the album Dipto, Palash, Emon, and Pavel were present during the launching ceremony of the album.

The CD album is produced by Agniveena and priced at Taka 60. The album is available at all music shops across the country.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Indian Idols delight Dhaka audience

Cultural correspondent / May 4, 2009

Bhavya and Rajdeep, two contestants of the musical talent hunt competition called India Indian Idol-4 rocked the audience at a concert at Dhaka Sheraton in the city on Saturday. It was organised by Shalook Events

Bhabya Pandit who finished 10th in the Indian Idol-4 came first on the stage and sang eight tracks of Hindi films one after another. She sang ‘Aja nachle’, ‘Dance pe chance marle’, ‘Sajna ve sajna’ and ‘Chhamiya’. She also enthralled the audience by singing ‘Lal meri pat’ a song of the legendary singer Runa Laila of Bangladesh.

 Rajdeep Chatterjee, the 4th idol in the talent hunt programme, performed ten tracks in the concert from Hindi films. He also sang band songs and Panjabi bhangra. He delighted the audience by singing ‘Ya Ali’, ‘Soniyoo’, ‘Veegi veegi’ and ‘Piya re’. The audience also enjoyed the songs ‘Baranday roddur’ a popular song of the Kolkata-based music band Bhumi. The Panjabi bhangra also delighted the audience.

 A section of the audience were annoyed about the mismanagement of the organisers as the programme started at 8:30pm which was scheduled to begin at 6:00pm. ‘Performances of the Indian artistes were enjoyable but the sound system was poor. Munna, a listener, told New Age.

The organisers hoped that music performances of the young Indian artistes in our country will make a cultural link between the singers of the two countries.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Tagore Drama Festival

Ritwik stages Antar Andar

By Rahad Abir / May 4, 2009

On the occasion of the weeklong ‘Tagore Drama Festival’, organised by the theatre group Prangane Mor, festivity remains around the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the city.

The festival enthrals the audience because five theatre groups from Bangladesh and India are staging their plays, written by Rabindranath Tagore or based on the story of the litterateur.Ritwik, an Indian participant group staged the play ‘Antar Andar’ on the second day of the festival, on Saturday. The play ‘Antar Andar’ is based on the famous story of Rabindranath titled ‘Strir Patra’. The story ‘Strir Patra’ based on a letter written by Mrinal, the protagonist and the narrator of the story.

 Whatever higher education we receive, acquire modern views, many of us cannot free ourselves from feudal outlook. Still today we consider women as our property. In the marriage life a woman has no world except her husband. A wife who accepts it becomes a good wife in the society.But in ‘Strir Patra’, Mrinal is an exception. She has a strong personality, and thinks in a different way. She composes poetry in secret, and finds her own freedom. Including Mrinal, the play ‘Antar Andar’ focuses on the lives of three women.

Goutam Roy Chowdhury both scripts and directs the play. He has done some experiments here. That is why to the general audience the play seems to be a little bit unusual but obviously it delights the audience. As in the story, in the play too no sequence is maintained as regards time and space.As the entire play presents Mrinal’s thoughts, it develops according to the incidents described in the letter.The play ends with rounds of applause and the audience was touched by the director’s speech. The theatre group also staged ‘Chaturanga’ on the inaugural day of the festival.

The organisers are also arranging an open air cultural programme each day which includes music, dance and recitation at the entrance of the National Theatre Hall. The programme continues till the beginning of the play.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Rabindra Kacharibari in Shahzadpur Of trials and tribulations

By Golam Mostafa Jibon / Sirajganj, May 4, 2009

Rabindra Kacharibari at Shahzadpur in Sirajganj district is rapidly losing its appeal. Archaeological Department officials allege that some members of the local elite have grabbed a sizeable portion of land in the estate and have set up trade centres and clothing markets in the restricted area. Besides, say the officials, they face hurdles in preserving the memorabilia at the Rabindra Memorial Museum due to inadequate space and a shortage of manpower. 

The memorabilia include dishes, bathtubs, hookahs, seals, shoes, wooden sandals, water filter, bedstead, piano, sofa, spectacles, palanquin, harmonium, metal vessels and rare photos belonging to the Tagore household -- all of which are in urgent need of maintenance. 

Musical instruments such as the harmonium and piano are damaged, as they are not in use. Meanwhile, the sofa and palanquin have been infested with insects. The rusty dishes and blurry photographs too bear testimony to the appalling state of the museum. Likewise, the dusty books should be kept in bookshelves, say sources. Besides, a library is necessary together with a parking lot for visitors. Nahid Sultana, custodian of the museum, told The Daily Star that many visitors come to the museum every day. However, due to lack of space and a parking lot, the authorities do not allow them to hold picnics in the area. Many parts of the old Kacharibari building has developed serious cracks, which worries the locals. 

On the other hand, visitors cannot spend much time in the area because of the absence of a guesthouse and hygienic restaurant. She further said that due to the illegal establishment of trade centres and clothing markets, the estate of Kacharibari is fast losing its original splendour. The visitors who spoke to this correspondent urged the authorities to set up public toilets, a parking lot and a restaurant. They called for the eviction of the illegal land grabbers and the sanction of adequate funds before the upcoming Baishakh 25, birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

A taste of Bangladesh

Thousands attend cultural programme at Bangladesh Embassy in DC

News Desk / May 4, 2009

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC recently organised a daylong cultural programme at the embassy premises, says a press release. The event, organised as a part of the Cultural Tourism, DC's annual celebration, was attended by a large number of guests from various parts of the U.S. Tourists from other countries also attended the event. Cultural Tourism, DC is a Washington-based non-profit organisation dedicated to showcasing cultural diversity through holding such events in collaboration with the embassies. This is the second consecutive year that this cultural programme was held.

M. Humayun Kabir, the Bangladeshi ambassador to the U.S. and his wife Rokeya Kabir welcomed the guests at the embassy. Prior to the cultural programme, the ambassador said that Bangladesh has an illustrious cultural heritage, which has been further enriched by numerous creative minds of the country. Kabir said that the event at the embassy was an effort to showcase various aspects of Bangladeshi culture and connect with a wider audience in the U.S. as well as elsewhere. 

The day's programme included a display of Bangladeshi handicrafts and other exportable items, and a show where expatriate Bangladeshi artistes performed. A video presentation on Bangladeshi culture and traditions was screened at the programme. Bangladesh's history, art and also contemporary achievements in various spheres, including women's empowerment and our country's contribution to peacekeeping under the UN were also highlighted in the video. 

The guests were served traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. The event attracted about 3,500 people thanks to vigorous publicity and efforts by the embassy.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Brad Pitt bitten by art bug

By ANI / May 04, 2009

It seems Brad Pitt has been bitten by the art collecting bug, for the actor has reportedly reserved millions of dollars to update his collection. 

The Hollywood heartthrob is allegedly being chased by dealers who are trying to lure him with various pieces. But the 45-year-old was purportedly eyeing works by names in big demand, reports the ‘Sun’. 

Pitt is reportedly looking to bag a drawing by American Richard Serra, a painting by Japan’s Yayoi Kusama and another drawing by Canadian Marcel Dzama, which are slated to go under the hammer in New York. 

But the actor was claimed to have kept his ambition under wraps from partner Angelina Jolie, who allegedly looks to another side on the matter.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Pran-er Khela at Bengal Shilpalaya

Cultural Correspondent /  May 4, 2009

Bengal Foundation has been promoting traditional Bangla songs over the last two decades. A musical soiree, titled "Pran-er Khela," is a regular monthly feature at the Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi. Featuring seasoned and emerging artistes, performing 'Adhunik,' folk and songs of Tagore, Nazrul, Atulprasad, D.L. Roy, Rajnikant and more, this programme has become quite popular in the city. Noted Nazrul singer Yasmin Mushtari and emerging Rabindra Sangeet artiste Azizur Rahman Tuhin performed at this month's instalment of the soiree on May 2 at Bengal Shilpalaya. 

Tuhin began his performance with the Rabindra Sangeet, “Shudha shagor tirey.” One after another, the artiste sang “Amar priyar chhaya,” “Megher koley rodh heshechhey,” “Chhinno patar shajai tarani,” “Megher porey megh jomechhey,” “Prakhor tapan taapey” and “Tumi robey nirobey.”

Mushtari sang both familiar and not often performed Nazrul classics including, “Arunkanti ke go jogi bhikhari,” “Poran priyo,” “Roshghono shyam,” “Sha(n)jher pakhira phirilo kulaye,” “Sur-e o banir mala diye” and “Harano hiyar nikunjo pathey”. Bengal Foundation released an album of Nazrul Sangeet by Mushtari that received a positive response. 

Musicians providing 'sangat' with the artistes were: Sunil Kumar Sarkar on the keyboard, Pinu Sen Das and Sultan on 'tabla,' Almas Ali on the violin, Momtaz Begum on 'tanpura' and Nazmul Alam Jaru on percussion.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

I am bisexual, says Pink

By Agencies / May 04, 2009

After years of dodging away from questions on her sexual orientation, popstar Pink has finally confessed that she is a bisexual. 

The 'So What' singer has long been dogged by rumours she is sexually attracted to both men and women, but has refused to comment on the stories throughout her career. However the star has finally decided to spill the beans insisting that she is not ashamed of it, 'News of the World' reported. 

"I'm not embarrassed about being bisexual. This is who I am. Love is pure and I try to keep it that way," Pink told the newspaper. The star, real name Alecia Moore, married motocross champ Carey Hart in 2006, but split in 2008, only to recently reconcile with the sports star earlier this year but she claims she would be equally happy to be with a woman. 

"I would also be just as happy with a new woman. I'm not complicated, I sing about love in all its shapes, forms and colours," she added.

The 29-year-old star also insisted that she is not trying to be a part of a trend by her confession. 
"I think it's unnecessary to draw the subject out, but I think it even more stupid not to discuss it. It seems as if bisexuality is a trend and I should whip up the masses. Well, I don't believe in trends, I just believe in me," Pink said.

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

Terminator franchise turns grim

By NY Times / May 4, 2009

“Terminator Salvation,” the fourth and latest film in the “Terminator” franchise, is the first to devote much of its screen time to a landscape in ruins.

It's set in 2018, 14 years after Judgment Day, that apocalyptic moment when Skynet, the artificial intelligence system created to defend the United States from attack, became self-aware and launched nuclear bombs to destroy the human race. Once again, John Connor is the film's hero (this time played by Christian Bale) as he tries to lead the resistance against the machines and the cyborg assassins that they have created called terminators. As he began developing the vision for the film, the director, McG (“Charlie's Angels,” “We Are Marshall”), spoke to researchers at the California Institute of Technology and futurists to discuss what a world after nuclear destruction might look like. “I wanted it to feel dirty and credible,” he said. “I was very influenced by 'Alien,' 'The Road Warrior' and 'Children of Men,' most particularly.”

To sketch out the details of the landscape and solidify the film's look, McG hired the production designer Martin Laing. A long-time collaborator of James Cameron, the creator of the franchise and director of the first two films, Laing had a firm grasp of the Terminator world. “I used to pass the model of the Terminator, the T-800, that James Cameron has in his office on a daily basis,” he said. “And on occasion, I had to glue the toe back on it because it always used to get kicked off.”

For “Terminator Salvation,” Laing sketched designs for 10 new models of Terminators and drafted paintings of the scenes that would eventually come to life on location in New Mexico.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

David Hasselhoff hospitalised for alcohol poisoning

By ANI / May 04, 2009

Former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff has been rushed to an L.A. hospital because of alcohol poisoning on May 2. 

According to ‘RadarOnline’, the vodka-guzzling ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge was taken to Cedars-Sinai medical centre after his daughter Hayley, 16, found him unconscious on the floor of his home in Encino, California. Hayley then called her mom and Hasselhoff’s estranged actress Pamela Bach, who lives 10 minutes away in Hollywood, and the duo then drove him to the hospital. 

The 56-year-old actor, who has had a history of alcohol problems, was registered with a .39 alcohol level this time round. While a source had earlier revealed that Hasselhoff was "barely breathing when they got him to the hospital," reports suggest that he is recovering. 

"This is about the seventh time he’s been taken to a hospital over the last few years with alcohol poisoning," Us magazine quoted the source as saying. 

According to ‘TMZ’, Hasselhoff's rep, Judy Katz, said the star was "fine and well and happy and is celebrating his father Joe Hasselhoff's 80th birthday tonight at dinner ... along with his girlfriend, Kimberly."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Sharmila Tagore on Cannes jury

Agencies / May 04, 2009

Indian actress Sharmila Tagore has been named as one of the members of the international jury of the Cannes Film Festival. 

Tagore follows India's Arundhati Roy, Aishwarya Rai and Nandita Das, who served on the Cannes jury in recent years, perhaps making up for the country's no-show in the Festival's official sections since 2002. This year's festival jury will be headed by French actress, Isabelle Huppert. The other members of the jury are Asia Argento (Italy), Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Turkey), Lee Chang-Dong (South Korea), James Gray (US), Hanif Kureishi (UK), Shu Qi (Taiwan) and Robin Wright Penn (US). 

Tagore, 52, who currently heads the Central Board of Film Certification is the grand-daughter of poet Rabindranath Tagore. She came into public limelight in 1959 when Satyajit Ray cast her as Apu's ill fated bride in 'Apur Sansar' (The World of Apu) while she was still a teenager. However, it was in commercial cinema that Tagore found her stardom in the 1960s, when movies such as 'Kashmir Ki Kali', 'Waqt', 'Anupama', 'An Evening in Paris' and 'Aradhana' got the box-office ringing. 

Tagore was the first Indian actress to appear in a bikini on-screen in 'An Evening in Paris' which was considered a daring move in the industry at that time. Tagore's children Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan have taken forward her legacy and are leading names in Bollywood.

The Cannes Film Festival is from May 13 to 24.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Madonna adoption case heard amid paternity dispute

Agencies / May 04, 2009

Malawi's highest court began deliberating on Madonna's bid to adopt a 3-year-old girl from the southern African country, as a dispute erupted over whether a man trying to stop the proceedings is the girl's father. 

Madonna was not at Monday's closed-door hearing at the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, and a ruling may not be announced for several days. 

The 50-year-old pop star is fighting a lower court's decision that she cannot adopt Chifundo "Mercy" James because she had not been screened over time by Malawi authorities. The court said the rules were bent when Madonna adopted her son David from Malawi last year. 

Madonna found the girl in 2006 at Kondanani Children's Village, an orphanage in the southern town of Bvumbwe just south of the commercial capital of Blantyre. It was the same year she adopted David, whom she found at another orphanage in the central Mchinji district. Madonna's Malawian lawyer Alan Chinula said he was "hopeful" the appeal would succeed, and argued the lower court had relied on outdated law to block the girl's adoption. 

James Kambewa, a 24-year-old a security guard claims to be the girl's father and has sought help from the Malawi Law Society to stop the adoption. Kambewa acknowledged he has never seen the child, who according to court documents was placed in the orphanage when her 14-year-old mother died a few weeks after giving birth to her. But Kambewa said he now wanted to claim custody of Chifundo. 

"I may be poor, but I think I have what it takes to raise a daughter," he said. "I will fight the adoption." The brother of the girl's mother said the family does not know Kambewa. "How can he claim he is the father when he hasn't been around all this time?" said Peter Baneti, who explained that the girl was put in the orphanage because there was no one to breast-feed the baby. 

Baneti said he had agreed to the adoption on behalf of the family, and that Kambewa was "just an opportunist." Madonna spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said in an e-mail message she doesn't know if Kambewa is the father. "All I know is that Mercy has been in an orphanage since the day she was born," Rosenberg said. 

Madonna has founded a charity, Raising Malawi, that helps feed, educate and provide medical care for some of Malawi's more than 1 million orphans, half of whom have lost parents to AIDS.

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

Rahman launches 'Jai Ho' world tour with musical extravaganza

By Agencies / May 04, 2009

It was perhaps an experience of a lifetime for over 40,000-music lovers as Oscar winning music maestro A R Rahman launched his worldwide 'Jai Ho' tour here, holding them enthralled with a range of popular hits from Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam movies. 

It was a musical extravaganza this Kerala town has never seen before as music lovers from across the world thronged the corporation stadium to see their idol perform for the first time after winning a double Oscar for his score in 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Such was the response of the crowd that Rahman himself acknowledged at the end of the show that he would be delighted to return to Kozhikode once more. 

The show is the first of the 39 such live shows to be conducted by the maestro all over the world during the next five years. The show was enlivened by the participation of noted playback singers Hariharan, K S Chithra, Benny Dayal, Rahid Ali, Javed Ali, Mohammad Aslam and Sayanora who sang 30 popular songs from Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam movies. But the song that had the audience on their feet was undoubtedly the Oscar winning 'Jai Ho'. 

The proceeds of the world tour would be spent for the welfare of HIV-positive children.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Supreme Court gives notice to Big B

Agencies / May 04, 2009

A Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice S S Kapadia issued notice to actor Amitabh Bachchan on a petition from the Income-Tax Department and put the matter for final hearing on October 28. 

The Income-Tax department has challenged a Bombay High Court order which gave tax relief to Bachchan. The case relates to the actor's income from the popular TV game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. The High Court had allowed I-T exemption on 30 per cent of Bachchan's total income of Rs 50.92 crore from the show. 

The High Court had accepted the actor's plea that being an artiste he should be given tax relief under Section 80 RR of the Income-Tax Act. The I-T department in its appeal challenged the order on the grounds that the relief is for those artistes who either earn by performing outside the country or receive payment from foreign agencies. 

It was submitted by the I-T department that Bachchan was acting as an anchor in the television programme show for Star India Ltd and cannot be termed artiste for his role in the show.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Madhavan signs films with two young promising directors

Bollywood Hungama / May 04, 2009

There are good things happening for Madhavan when it comes to his Bollywood stint. He has now signed films with two young promising directors - Navdeep Singh of ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’ fame and Aanand Rai who has earlier directed Strangers - and both the films are slated to go in floors soon. 

"Yes, I have signed films with both Navdeep and Aanand. These are my kind of directors because for them what holds utmost importance is a concrete storyline. I saw that in 13B and this is why I worked with director Vikram Kumar. I got a similar feeling when Navdeep and Aanand narrated the scripts of their respective films to me. I was simply blown over and had no hesitation signing up for the films", says Madhavan from Bangkok where he is currently lodged for a business trip. 

When released ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’ [Abhay Deol, Gul Panag, and Raima Sen] had got terrific reviews but was a box office flop, mainly due to horrific promotional and marketing strategy. Same was the case with ‘Strangers’ [Jimmy Sheirgill, Kay Kay Menon, Nandana Sen, and Sonali Kulkarni] which arrived at theatres sans any promotion though critics were much kinder. However, over a period of time, the films have been doing quite well on home video, especially ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’ which has gained a cult status for itself. 

While Aanand Rai's film with Madhavan is interestingly titled ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, the name is yet to be decided for the Navdeep Singh project which is produced by Mukesh Talreja and Nikhil Advani. In fact, this is the fourth film in which Mukesh Talreja and Nikhil Advani are collaborating after ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’, ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ and ‘Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai’ (which is currently under production). 

"Once I wrap up ‘Three Idiots’, I begin shooting for the Navdeep Singh project in the month of August", informs Madhavan who also has ‘Sikandar’ lined up for release. Incidentally, ‘Sikandar’ was all set for release in March before the producers v/s multiplexes strike released in an array of releases in the same month, hence resulting in ‘Sikandar’ to be moved ahead. In addition, Madhavan has also wrapped up the shoot of ‘Teen Patti’ which has been directed by Leena Bajaj (who had earlier made ‘Shabd’ with Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai). 

"I have just returned from the London schedule of the work. With legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley, it can't get bigger and better. I am so eagerly looking forward to the release of the film", states Madhavan. Well, one looks forward to what more does Madhavan have to offer in months to come, what with his biggest film of 2009, ‘Three Idiots’ (directed by Rajkumar Hirani and co-starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sharman Joshi), being all set for a December 2009 release. Moreover, he has also been signed by Sahara and Shemaroo for a project each. 

"All these projects should be getting on floors soon. 2009 and 2010 are certainly looking promising and I can't wait to begin shooting with Navdeep and Aanand. Hopefully, we should be having some good quality movie outings ahead", signs off Madhavan.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

David Cook's Older Brother Adam Dies

'American Idol' singer speaks about his brother's battle with brain cancer at a fundraiser Sunday.

By Gil Kaufman / May 04, 2009

David Cook often paid tribute to his older brother while on "American Idol." On Sunday morning, just one day after Adam Cook, 37, died following a decade-long battle with brain cancer, the season-seven winner honored his brother again, serving as grand marshal at the 12th annual Race for Hope 5K run in Washington, D.C. 

"I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now," Cook, 26, told the crowd at the benefit for brain-cancer research while choking up a bit, according to People magazine. "I lost one today, but I gained 9,000, and I will be here every year that they will have me." Adam Cook, a married father and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana, died on Saturday while undergoing another round of chemotherapy to treat the deadly disease, which had reportedly spread to his spine. 

Cook stood in the rain on Sunday morning addressing the race's 9,000 participants and broke the news about his brother, whose initials the singer had prominently placed on his guitar during his run on last year's show. Adam was able to come out and see his brother perform Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" on "Idol" last season, after residents from the brothers' hometown raised more than $45,000 to pay for Adam to travel on a private plane with a nurse to attend the show. Cook canceled a pair of concerts in March to go home and spend time with Adam. He also wrote a song, "A DailyAntheM," in honor of his brother for his debut album. 

"David is beyond the most courageous young person I have ever known," said Jeff Kolodin, co-chair of the charity race, which benefits the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, according to People. Cook's team was the top fundraiser for the annual event, totaling more than $98,000 in pledges out of the race's total $2 million. 

"What he did this morning when he was dealing with the most raw emotion was incredible," Kolodin said. "He talked to 9,000 people in a pouring rainstorm today. No one knew his brother had died, but he publicly said to everyone at the race, 'I do have some bad news.' The crowd went pretty much silent and people were crying." Kolodin said Cook spent the rest of the day "hugging survivors, signing autographs for them, taking pictures." 

The race co-chair praised Cook for sharing a very private moment with a group of strangers. "He was willing to put his personal, raw emotion out there, knowing he was being filmed," he said. "He's a heck of a person." A post on Cook's Web site said an official announcement from the singer about Adam's death would likely be coming soon. 

"Idol" judge Paula Abdul told People that Adam Cook was part of the show's "extended family," saying he "supported his brother wholeheartedly, even through his own fight. My heart goes out not only to David, but his family as well." 

Fellow judge Simon Cowell also had kind words for the family, telling the magazine, "I was incredibly saddened to hear the news. I met Adam Cook a few times at 'American Idol.' He was an incredible guy, and right now my thoughts are with David and his family." Cook's followers also expressed their condolences on his official site. "May all of the love you have for Adam reflect back to you from heaven," Janet wrote. 

Another fan, xodcfobxo, shared a story about seeing Cook at Sunday's race: "I was at the race today, and the pain in David's eyes when he was telling us about Adam was so heartbreaking, all I could do was cry. I am just glad there were so many fans there for him in his time of need, and that there will continue to be fans and loved ones to help him through this incredibly difficult time. All my thoughts and prayers go out to David, his friends and family."

Source: http://www.mtv.com

Get ready for ‘Friends’- the porn movie

By ANI / May 04, 2009

While there are on and off reports of a ‘Friends’ movie for a long time, the beloved sitcom is set for a different kind of revival— as a porn film. 

The porn-version of the sitcom, titled ‘Friends - A XXX Parody’, will hit DVD stores this summer (09). While the Central Perk would turn perkier, the film’s racy plot would be a combo of both comedy and sex. 

"Hilarity and deep penetration ensues when Freebie accidentally spills the beans about Moanica's bachelorette party, leading the boys to decide to throw a bigger and raunchier bachelor party,” ‘Contactmusic’ quoted a movie spokeswoman as saying of the movie. 

The DVD comes as part of a package of sitcom parodies, which are currently in production at film studio New Sensations, and they include ‘30 Rock - A XXX Parody’, ‘Scrubs - A XXX Parody’ and ‘Seinfeld - A XXX Parody’.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Kangana trades suicidal characters for a comic one in ‘No Problem’

By Dipti Nagpaul D’Souza / May 04, 2009

In her last chat with us, Kangana Ranaut had confessed that she doesn’t mind being compared to Meena Kumari when playing the depressive diva. However, it seems, in a bid to reinvent and broaden her horizons, she has signed Anees Bazmee’s ‘No Problem’, where she will be seen in a comic role. The director confirmed the news, stating that she plays Akshaye Khanna’s love interest in the action comedy. 

“Kangana is a very good actress but she has, sadly, only been seen in roles that have required her to look devastated and depressed. I thought this character would be a good change for her as well as the audience. Kangana too, showed immediate interest.” The actress agrees, adding that she is happy to play a character that is a departure from her previous work. “It’s a genre that I personally love and I am glad to be able to do a comedy film with such an established star cast,” she said. 

Unwilling to reveal too much too early, Bazmee, who is credited for successful comedies like Singh is Kinng, No Entry and Welcome, said that the winsome actress plays a young, bubbly and romantic girl in the first half while the second half of the film sees her partake in the action that follows. “She wants to do as much action herself as she can but we won’t push her too much and use a duplicate where necessary,” he explains. 

The director seems extremely impressed by Ranaut’s histrionics. “She has performed all the characters very well and has improved with every movie. And it’s evident that Kangana puts in a lot of hard work. I have sketched out a strong character for Kangana and I’m sure she will live up to everyone’s expectation,” That’s a lot of confidence, we must say.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

David Hasselhoff's Weekend -- The Real Story

By TMZ Staff / May 4th 2009

We've gotten to the bottom of the David Hasselhoff mystery, and it ain't the way his ex is painting it.

Here's what we know. This past Saturday, David was at home with his daughter Hayley and there was a squabble. David had been drinking but nowhere near the level that his ex is painting it. The Hoff had not been feeling well, and the illness, combined with the alcohol, made a trip to the hospital prudent.

David walked to the car, where he was driven to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He had not passed out, contrary to reports. He walked on his own power and was released yesterday.Hasselhoff is fine, though he regrets drinking. 

Bottom line -- David's ex, Pamela Bach, is on the warpath and her story just doesn't ring true.

Source: http://www.tmz.com

Beckhams planning to move to Milan

Agencies
Posted: May 04, 2009 

Celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham have decided to move from Los Angeles to Milan, just two years after they had first decided to make a permanent home in the Californian city. 

But after establishing themselves in the entertainment capital's social circles, the Beckhams are now hatching a secret plan to move back to Europe, reported ‘Daily Mail online’. The decision comes after Beckham moved to the football club AC Milan and Victoria was left in Los Angeles to bring up the couple's four children by herself. 

"Victoria hated the idea of moving to Milan at first but she's warmed to it. David has become friendly with George Clooney, who lives near Lake Como, and the couple have built a strong social circle in the city," a source close to the couple told the newspaper. 

Victoria who had flown into Milan for David's 34th birthday is going house-hunting in Italy this week. "Victoria flew to Milan on Friday ahead of David's birthday celebrations and plans to see several properties during her trip," the source added.

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

Arrested Me: Britney Fan Locked Up After Concert

By Singersroom / May 04, 2009

There’s always one at every concert who is dying to get up close and personal… At Britney Spears’ concert in Connecticut Saturday, 20 year old Kyle King decided to evade security and dance with Britney during the encore performance of “Womanizer”.

Unfortunately for Kyle King, Britney and her dancers, after dancing for a few seconds without noticing him, had Kyle ushered off with security.

King ended up at the police station and according to TMZ, paid $250 bond Sunday after being charged with “breach of peace and interfering with the police”.

Source: http://blog.singersroom.com

Madonna a no-show at adoption appeal

By UPI / May 4, 2009

LILONGWE, Malawi-- U.S. pop star Madonna did not attend a Monday hearing at the Malawi Supreme Court regarding her intended adoption of a young girl named Mercy.

Madonna, who is already the mother of two biological children and a son she previously adopted from Malawi, was told last month she could not adopt Mercy because she didn't meet the southeast African nation's residency requirement. The judge said at the time that she feared ruling in Madonna's favor could potentially open the door for child trafficking.

E! Online said Madonna's attorney took part in closed-door appeal arguments Monday, but the singer, who was not required to be there, didn't go. 

The hearing took place shortly after Mercy's 15-year-old father James Kambewa told CBS's "The Early Show" he opposes Madonna's bid to adopt his daughter even though he has never met her. Mercy's mother died not long after giving birth to the child, whose age has been variously reported as 3 or 4.

"I want to take care of her and I'm capable to take care of my baby," E! quoted Kambewa as saying in an "Early" interview that aired Monday. "Mercy, she is a Malawian -- so (I) need her to grow as a Malawian, as well with our culture."

"I did not want my granddaughter to be adopted," said Lucy Chekechiwa, Mercy's maternal grandmother. "But because they have been persistent enough, I have been forced to let my granddaughter go."

E! said it could be several days before a ruling in the adoption case is announced.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Source: http://www.upi.com