I didn`t have a chance to understand Kareena: Bipasha

Mumbai Aug 22: While her new found friendship with one time foe Kareena Kapoor remains a mystery for many, Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu admits that she didn't have a chance to understand Kareena'. "I never had a chance to understand her but now the awkwardness is gone," the dusky actress said on the sidelines of an event. Both the actresses were said to have a good time at a recent party organised by Kareena for beau Saif Ali Khan. It is said that both could not see eye to eye during the shooting of 'Ajnabee', Bipasha's first movie in Bollywood. The 'Bong' actress is not new to controversies relating to her alleged rivalries with her female co-stars. While there were rumours of actress Deepika Padukone getting miffed up with Bipasha during the promotion events of 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', her rivalry with Katrina Kaif has been in limelight recently. Rubbishing all the rumours Bipasha said that there is no equation between her and Katrina. She also insisted that while she had made only friends during the shooting of 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'.

Kareena invited to Saif’s native place ‘Pataudi’

Spicezee Bureau New Delhi, Aug 23: Saif Ali Khan's ladylove Kareena Kapoor has been invited by the Nawab of Pataudi to be a part of his family's annual reunion at Saif's ancestral village, Pataudi in Haryana. With this, Kareena becomes Saif's only girlfriend who has been bestowed with the privilege. This move is indicative of the fact that the Pataudi family has accepted Kareena with open arms and are very much looking forward for her to be a part of their family. In an interview given to a news daily, Saif confirmed the reports by saying "Yes, Kareena has been invited to Pataudi this December. Our family gets together every winter. Since Kareena is now a part of our family and my parents are extremely fond of her, she has been invited." With reports suggesting that Saif gets along famously well with Bebo's mum Babita, looks like it is Kareena's turn now to woo beau's parents.

Yuvraj & Bipasha sizzle in ad campaign

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu had a great time working with cricketer Yuvraj Singh while shooting an ad campaign. "It was fun and Yuvi is a bundle of energy. It feels great working with him," Bipasha said about shooting an advertising campaign with him for Reebok. Asked about the brand, she said: "The stylish clothes and patterns are amazing. Being a fitness conscious person myself I associate with it as it is the kind of clothing I wear. I am sporty person and these clothes are a part of my life." The company spokesperson said there was great chemistry between the actress and the cricketer during the shoot Monday. "The chemistry between the duo is evident. And the combination looks classy not just in this ad campaign, but for the other sub-brands too. We will have the classic, rugby looks among others that will be revealed."

Janet creates lingerie with Aussie designer

Sydney, Aug 21: Singer Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the Superbowl made headlines four years ago when her bustier ripped. Now, she really wants people to see her underwear, and is launching her own lingerie line. The Grammy-winning singer has joined forces with Sydney-based designer Bruno Schiavi to create Pleasure Principle, a lingerie line named after her 1987 global hit. Schiavi, who founded the Jupi Corporation in 1996, has previously teamed up with Australian singer Delta Goodrem and actress Priscilla Presley to create underwear lines. Jackson, 42, said the collection would be lacy and sexy. "You will see a lot of satin and lace combined and rich colors such as burgundy and beige, silver and peach as well as your classic black and white," Jackson said in a statement. "It makes you feel incredible and offers variety as diverse as the women who will wear it." The brand's first collection will debut in U.S. department stores in November with 14 bra styles and sizes ranging from 32A to 44G. The line will also be launched in Australia, Japan and Europe.

Gwen Stefani gives birth to her second baby boy

Los Angeles, Aug 22: Singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani gave birth to a boy named Zuma on Thursday in Los Angeles, her second child with husband Gavin Rossdale, her spokesman said. Stefani and her baby are "happy and healthy" following the birth at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, publicist Dave Tomberlin said in a statement. Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale weighs 8.5 pounds, Tomberlin said. Stefani, 38, and Rossdale, 40, have one other child, a son named Kingston who was born in 2006. The California-born Stefani rose to fame with the band No Doubt in the 1990s, scoring hit songs such as "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak." Her 2004 album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." became a breakout solo hit. Stefani and Rossdale, who gained fame in the British rock band Bush, married in 2002.

Shah Rukh reveals his version of the infamous Khan spat

The Shah Rukh-Salman spat has many versions. One of the many conjectures to the cause of the quarrel was that Shah Rukh taunted Salman with Aishwarya's name. Salman was incensed with rage and busted Shah Rukh. But, that's not the real truth behind the story. Shah Rukh Khan has finally broken the silence about the infamous episode that took place at Katrina's birthday bash. According to the actor, the reason for the fight was professional. Shah Rukh had rejected Salman's offer to star in his home production 'Mr Aur Mrs Khanna' as the actor had other commitments. Salman, who had appeared in Shah Rukh's movie 'Om Shanti Om' felt offended and upset. Perhaps, the whole episode was just an outburst due to Salman's displeasure on SRK's behaviour.

Madonna kicks off "Sticky & Sweet" tour

London, Aug 22: Madonna kicks off her "Sticky & Sweet" world tour at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday, the latest test of her enduring appeal that comes a week after her 50th birthday. The "queen of pop" will be hoping to eclipse her last trot across the globe in 2006. "Confessions" became the top-grossing tour ever by a female artist with ticket sales of $195 million. "Sticky & Sweet," featuring hits that span nearly 30 years in pop music including her latest album "Hard Candy," includes 49 dates and is due to wrap up in Sao Paulo on December 18. As of Thursday, roughly half the tour venues had yet to sell out including Cardiff, although Live Nation announced in June that the tour was on target to gross more than $250 million. "Sticky & Sweet" is also a major test for Live Nation, the tour company that signed Madonna to a 10-year contract in 2007 reported to be worth a total of $120 million. Record label executives, smarting as some top acts jump ship to sign new deals with the likes of Live Nation and coffee chain Starbucks that reflect changes in the music industry, wonder if companies are paying too much to attract household names.

Preview: Mallika, Rahul return with ‘Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam’

Mumbai, Aug 22: After a relatively dull weekend at the BO with just about average reviews to Yash Raj's 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' and Rumy Jaffry's 'God Tussi Great Ho', which was nothing but a despicable remake of a Hollywood superhit, things are looking up at the home BO as three different genre of flicks release today. 'Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam', 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' and 'Phoonk' are set to release across the country today. Though all the three flicks are made sans big banners and superstars, they boast of enjoyable cinema. While 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' is an offbeat flick that looks into the life after the series blast that struck the local train service, 'Phoonk' is yet another attempt by director Ram Gopal Varma to scare off the audiences. Out of the three releases, it's the Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose starrer 'Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam' that seems to promise commercial cinema. Here's taking a look at what the movie is all about: After winning the heart of millions with their sleeper hit 'Pyaar Ke dide Effects', the oddball couple Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat are at it again doing what they do best- kissing, dancing and romancing.

RGV’s scariest flick till date `Phoonk` all set for release

Mumbai, Aug 21: Director Ram Gopal Varma is all set to spin some black magic as his yet another horror flick releases today. Brave heart Ramu has openly challenged the audience to "dare to watch 'Phoonk' all alone from start to finish in a theatre, without getting out even once, and win Rs5 lakhs". After scaring the audience with his 'supposedly' scary movies like 'Bhoot', 'Vaastu Shastra', 'Darna Mana Hai', 'Darna Zaroori Hai', Ramu has again dropped a bomb in the form of 'Phoonk', his latest offering. The film, which is based on black magic, is being touted as the scariest of all his horror movies till date. 'Phoonk', the film which deals with high interest subject of black magic and fear, features a whole new set of star cast including Kannada film super star Sudeep, debutant Amruta Khanvilkar, Ahsaas Channa, Kenny Desai and Ashwini Kalsekar. Speaking to the media on her role in the film, debutant Bollywood actress Amruta Khanvilkar said, "My role in the film is about a lady who truly believes in God. Somewhere down the line she starts believing in black magic. She begins to think that just as powerful as God is, so is the evil black magic. But slowly as the film progresses she thinks that practical things like doctors and medicine also exist. So my character turns from a complete believer in God towards an atheist," said Amruta.

Does Amitabh Bachchan shave off his beard for `Pa`?

Mumbai, Aug 20: Director R Balakrishna of "Cheeni Kum" fame has once again teamed up with Amitabh Bachchan in "Pa" and says he is giving the legendary actor a complete makeover. Big B is said to have agreed to cast off his beard for this emotional drama. "I'm not going to tell you whether I've asked Mr. Bachchan to shave off his beard or not. But for sure, this is going to be his most startling makeover in recent times, Balakrishna, who is also known as Balki, told reporters. "While Abhishek will be given a more intrinsic personality change, I'm totally changing Mr Bachchan's look," he added. After "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj", Amitabh and Abhishek will again be seen playing father and son in a film.

Sharon Stone dating a boy half her age?

London, Aug 20: "Basic Instinct" star Sharon Stone is reportedly dating a man who is less than half her age. Contactmusic.com reports that Stone, 50, is dating a 24-year-old guy called Chase Dreyfous. The actress is not talking about it, but Dreyfous boasted about his new romance with friends at a recent party. A source said: "Sharon called him and he showed the caller ID to everyone. She is really into him and even asked him to come with her to Mexico."

MP police to probe links Monica used to get into `Bigg Boss`

Bhopal, Aug 20: Madhya Pradesh police will probe links Bollywood starlet Monica Bedi used to bag a role in the reality show 'Bigg Boss' that is dogged by controversy. Bedi was extradited along with gangster Abu Salem from Portugal in 2005 and lodged as an undertrial in Central Jail here in connection with a fake passport case. Though the Salem's alleged companion was acquitted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate's (CJM) court here and later by the Sessions Court, the prosecution has appealed against her acquittal in the High Court. After Monica's entry into Bigg Boss, the Indian version of British reality TV show 'Big Brother', police would probe how she got the offer, police sources said today. The sources alleged that Monica was given roles in Hindi films in the past because of underworld pressure.

Selma Blair

 

 

US actress Selma Blair poses for the media during a photo call to promote the movie "Hellboy 2-The Golden Army" in Berlin.

I`m not being choosy, there were no good offers: Suniel Shetty

New Delhi, Aug 17: Actor Suniel Shetty says that he`s doing fewer movies these days because he hasn`t got any exciting offers, not because he has become finicky about roles.

"The truth is that since the last year or so, I haven`t got good film offers at all. Trash was coming to me in the name of scripts. I am not insecure that I would go for any role. I`m in a position now that I don`t need to compromise," Suniel told reporters in an interview.

The actor also talked about the nearly two-year break he took from films.

"I took a sabbatical for a year and a half and that is when people in the industry realised my worth. I have some good films now, both as an actor and a producer, and I am very happy."

Suniel turned producer in 2003 with his own production banner "Popcorn Motion Pictures". His first two productions were "Khel" and "Rakht", which turned out to be box-office duds.

He then took a much-needed break and returned with comedy film "Bhagam Bhag" in 2006 that turned out be a big hit.

Though his latest venture with Apoorva Lakhia - "Mission Istanbul" - did not fare well, Suniel said that he had no plans of quitting as a producer.

"Popcorn Motion Pictures is my obsession. I started my career as a businessman with a restaurant and garment business. But Suniel Shetty - the businessman - can take over only movies and not any other venture," said the actor who was here to launch his fashion apparel house `Crossover Bollywood Se`.

Suniel, who entered filmdom as an action hero with "Balwaan" (1992), feels that the dynamics of action in films have changed over the years.

Zayed fell on face while doing stunt in Bangkok

Mumbai, Aug 19: Zayed Khan, who`s currently into performing his own stunts, had an accident when he jumped out of a high-rise building in Bangkok while shooting for `Blue`. The fall went wrong and Zayed`s forehead hit the windshield of a car.

`The blood gushed out and was all over my face. It took a while for everyone to realise I was injured,` Zayed told reporters from Bangkok.

After a visit to the hospital, a couple of stitches, heavy sedation and antibiotics on Sunday, Zayed was back to shooting Monday morning.

`Fortunately the cut is hidden by my hair. So no continuity problems,` said Zayed, whose family back home panicked when they heard about the mishap.

The actor said that he had a ball shooting in the Bahamas for `Blue` and then for `Yuvraj`.

Jennifer Lopez offers new moms tips to get fit

Washington, Aug 19: Jennifer Lopez has offered some valuable tips to new mothers to get back in shape.

The 'Waiting For Tonight' hitmaker insisted that the gruelling effort of triathlon training is worth the results.

She gave birth to twins Emme and Max on 22 February 2008 and has since been preparing to take part in the endurance sports like swimming, cycling and running to bounce back into shape.

"You`ve got to start slow and give yourself time. This is not something that is natural to me but it`s something that is a challenge," Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.

"I`m always into challenging myself and seeing what I can do. You have to start little by little and you just work up to it.

"The swimming is a killer, I`m not going to lie. I`m not a natural swimmer," she said.

"(Swimming is) very foreign. I`m a good athlete - I feel like my stamina. I can get it up there if I work really hard but … the swimming is a killer (Olympic swimmer Michael) Phelps - he has nothing on me," she added.

Emma Roberts slammed for hairy arms

London, Aug 19: Superstar Julia Roberts` niece Emma was slammed and picked on for having hairy arms on the set of her new movie.

Julia too was ridiculed for having underarm hair for her role in `Notting Hill`. Emma said her onscreen love interest Alex Pettyfer made fun of her through out the filming of the movie `Wild Child`, reports contactmusic.com.

She said: `He was really mean to me...and he used to tease me for having hairy arms. I teased him too though, especially for having been a model.`

 

Aamir Khan roped in by MoT to groom uncouth cabbies!

 Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has been roped in by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) to groom the uncivilized taxi drivers in the country.
Aamir, who played a tourist guide in the movie 'Fanaa', had managed to make a fashion statement among the cabbies all over. However, MoT alleges that the taxi drivers wearing scarves around their necks appear to be scary and uncouth to foreign tourists. The ministry has, therefore, selected the 'Ace Khan' for conducting sessions on personal grooming and courteous behaviour with tourists.

Considering the growth rate of the cases of molestation and harassment of foreign tourists, the tourism ministry, under a new plan, has decided to campaign aggressively among service providers such as taxi drivers and tourist guides.

"Tourist guides crowd around foreigners and try to pull them or laugh at them. We have received many such complaints of misbehaviour. There have also been cases of molestation by the general public or service providers such as taxi drivers and guides.

This portrays India in a poor light and hampers tourism," senior MoT official Leena Nandan said.
 

Hayden asks mom to stop selling her undies on internet!

Los Angeles, Aug 19: Hayden Panettiere recently had to stop her mother from selling her underwear on the internet. According to Contactmusic, the actress felt really embarrassed when her mom put her undies on the net for sale to apparently raise money for 'Save the Whales' campaign.
 

For the past few days, the actress had been raising money for the cause by auctioning off her belongings through her website 'Panettiere`s Closet'.

Contactmusic quoted the 18 year old saying, "You acquire a lot of stuff so I decided to put it on the website. Mom pulled out some embarrassing stuff, but I`m like, `Just don`t pull out my underwear."

Jade Goody `diagnosed with cancer`, quits Bigg Boss

 

London, Aug 19: Reality TV star Jade Goody has been diagnosed with cancer and has withdrawn from the this seasons 'Bigg Boss', the Indian version of the famed reality show 'Big Brother'. The infamous housemate will now be flying back home for treatment.

According to Goody's spokesman, the news was broken to the 27-year-old, mother of two while she was appearing in the show. "She went for tests and results have come back and she has cervical cancer".

A UK based daily that broke the news reported that Goody was called into the Diary Room, where she was made to speak with her consultant in the UK by telephone and soon after getting the news she burst into tears and ran into the house in hysterics, telling housemates: "I have cancer".

"She was phoned up and informed. This is a massive blow for her", said the spokesman.

The newspaper reports claim that Goody had undergone hospital tests earlier this month after her third cancer scare. It followed four mystery collapses.

She had apparently agreed to participate in 'Bigg Boss' as she wanted to make amends for being accused of being a racist during last year`s UK edition of Celebrity Big Brother, where Goody had referred to Shilpa Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom" and thereafter the makers of the reality show had received more than 50,000 complaints about Goody, Danielle Lloyd and former S Club singer Jo O`Meara`s alleging racist bullying.

Goody was later evicted through an audience vote from 'Big Brother', which Shetty had ultimately won.

'Bigg Boss', the desi version was featuring 14 Indian celebrities and was hosted by actress Shilpa Shetty, Goody had allegedly got £100,000 for her appearance on the show. Endemol, the production house hasn't commented on the same as yet but is expected to replace Goody with a new contestant as the series has just begun.

`Munnabhai` inspires seminar on modern Gandhigiri

Johannesburg, Aug 19: Bollywood film "Lage Raho Munnabhai" has inspired a slew of protests worldwide using Gandhian methods, such as people swamping officials with flowers. Now it`s the turn of the academics to discuss modern Gandhigiri.

Mahatma Gandhi had led a march in South Africa in 1908 to protest a law asking all Indians and Chinese to carry registration certificates with them, and hundreds had publicly burnt such documents following him.

On the centenary of that historic march, the Centre for Indian Studies (CISA) at the Witwatersrand University, Indian Consul-General Navdeep Suri and the Gandhi Centenary Committee Monday hosted a colloquium on The Bonfire of 1908: Passive Resistance Then and Now.

The Mahatma`s great-granddaughter Kirti Menon headed the colloquium. PK Dutta of Delhi University, an expert on Indian popular culture, related how Gandhian ideas were now being revived in India in new ways.

Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie from the University of the Western Cape, a granddaughter of Gandhi, spoke about a housing project next to a busy motorway in Cape Town that has resulted in a lot of social tensions there. She said that Gandhian strategies might have led to a different outcome.

Rehana Ebrahim-Vally from the University of Pretoria shared views on how young Indian people in South Africa understand Gandhi`s ideals and how it relates or does not relate to their sense of being of Indian origin.

Ari Sitas, a professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Crain Soudien of the University of Cape Town spoke about the relevance of Gandhian ideas to new movements that are trying to address globalisation.

Sitas addressed the role of Gandhi in what he called "neo-Gandhians" in the anti-militaristic movements across the globe, while Crain referred to the African Renaissance led by South African President Thabo Mbeki and how Gandhian philosophies might have led to different outcomes in his attempts to bring about such a transformation.

Britney Spears gets a new look, with a new man?

London, Aug 19: Troubled pop star Britney Spears, who is making an impressive comeback professionally, has got herself a new look and she might have found a new man in her life too.

Spears has got her hair done in a crinkled, more feminine look and was seen holidaying in Mexico with hotelier George Maloof. She was spotted relaxing near the poolside with the multi-millionaire at their hotel in Cabo San Lucas, thesun.co.uk reports.

The singer had recently appeared on an MTV Video Music Awards promotional video along with comedian Russell Brand.

Amitabh Bachchan to join Keith Vaz in diabetes appeal

London, Aug 19: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is to join Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz this week to open the new premises of a diabetes charity in Leicester.

The new building of the Silver Star Appeal will help support the work of the Leicester-based charity which aims to raise awareness about diabetes and provide free blood sugar tests through mobile assessment units.

Hundreds of fans are expected to turn out to see the legendary actor in Leicester, a city that has been dubbed Little India for its large Indian-origin population.

Bachchan is in Britain as part of his global Unforgettable tour.

"It is a great honour to welcome a star of the calibre of Amitabh Bachchan to Leicester to contribute to this important cause, and one which I know will delight all local people," said Vaz who launched the charity after discovering he was diabetic.

There are over 2.2 million people in Britain diagnosed with diabetes but another 750,000 who would have Type 2 diabetes don`t yet know it because they have not been tested, experts say.

Grint says kissing Emma Watson would be like snogging his sister!

London, Aug 19: While most boys would give their right arm for a kiss with English actress Emma Watson, her co-star Rupert Grint has revealed that he is terrified of locking lips with her.

The reason that Grint is terrified is, he feels that kissing Watson will make him feel like he is snogging his own sister.

Both Grint and Watson have been acting together in the 'Harry Potter' series, with the first having been filmed seven years ago.

The kiss that they have to share is in the final flick of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

"The kiss will be quite uncomfortable," the Sun quoted him as saying.

"Emma`s like a sister to me so it``s going to be, like, really, really weird," he added.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1' is not due for release until November 2010.

Shah Rukh’s biography to get a sequel `Shah Rukh Can`

Mumbai, Aug 19: After a tremendous response to Shah Rukh Khan's biography 'Still Reading Khan' by good friend Mushtaq Shiekh, a sequel to the same called 'Shah Rukh Can' is to hit the stores soon.

The prequel that had come out in 2006 had generated phenomenal sales, setting a record of highest online sales.

The sequel will be priced at Rs395 and will be an account of SRK's life, from his childhood in Delhi to the sets of `Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain'. The book's author Mushtaq Sheikh, who had earlier authored `Still Reading Khan` and `The Making of Om Shanti Om`, in an interview to a news daily, said, "It's an introspective study about SRK, the human being, the actor and film personality. He's openly talked about his life, his idols, and also about how exciting his journey from television to cinema has been. He has spoken about his seniors, contemporaries and has not made any controversial statements about anyone".

Each chapter of the book that contains 24 coloured pages with pictures from Shah Rukh's childhood and growing up years, will start with the actor's quote. According to reports, `Still Reading Khan` as priced at a throbbing 3,000 bucks and since it was beyond the reach of SRK admirers from the masses, the publishers thought of coming up with a more affordable copy.

Himesh makes a ‘hatless’ show in ‘Karzzz’ promo

New Delhi, Aug 18: Himesh Reshammiya, the singer, composer and actor, is all set to sway the crowds with his 'hatless' look in the upcoming Bollywood flick 'Karzzz'. Going by the looks of the promo of the movie, Himesh has gone for a complete makeover this time, and the visibly leaner actor is even flaunting a more 'in' hairstyle (this could be figured easily as the promo flaunts his 'Himesh-sans-cap' look!) Himesh is working hard to gather due credit for 'Karzzz', for he is the actor-composer-singer, in the movie. The promo has used all the new-age editing effects, and is almost on the verge of putting Reshamiya on the league of international singer-actors who act, compose and sing in their movies. The movie is a remake of 1980, Rishi Kapoor starrer 'Karz', and the crooner will have to do justice to the example set by the veteran actor. He will serenade Urmila Matondkar, and debutante Shweta Kumar in the reincarnation-themed flick. This theme was quite popular in the 80s, and Rishi Kapoor had quite mastered the 'lost-memory' expression, but it will be touched upon after a long hiatus in contemporary Bollywood.

Shah Rukh attends Saif’s birthday party sans Salman

Mumbai, Aug 18: Bollywood's ace actor, Shah Rukh Khan made an appearance with an élan at good friend Saifu's birthday party, which was thrown by ladylove Kareena at 'Four Seasons' in Worli Mumbai on Sunday night. Besides SRK, the grand party also saw the who's who of Bollywood which included- Soha Ali Khan, Sussanne Khan Roshan, Gauri Khan, Farah Aqeel Ali, Imtiaz Ali, Karisma-Sanjay Kapur, Konkona-Ranvir Shorey, Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shabina Khan, Arbaaz-Malaika along with Amrita Arora and boyfriend Shakeel Ladak, Atul-Alvira Agnihotri, Dino Morea-Lara Dutta and Karan Johar. While the group supporting SRK (evidently) was spotted at the do, Salman Khan and his family chose to attend a party thrown by Subhash Ghai's to celebrate his wife Rehana's birthday at the JW Marriott in Juhu, inspite of a special invitation from Bebo. According to insiders, while SRK, KJo, Gauri, Sussanne, Farah etc. sat at a clear distance from Salman Khan's khandaan, Bebo and Saif had a tough time looking after the two groups and had to divide their time between both.

Saif, Lara Dutta get Rajiv Gandhi award

Mumbai, Aug 18: Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Lara Dutta have been given the 11th Rajiv Gandhi annual award for their contribution to Indian cinema, at a function attended by political stalwarts and Bollywood personalities. "This is for the first time I have received an award which is not completely related to films," said Saif after receiving the award Sunday from Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Lara Dutta thanked the jury members for selecting her for the prestigious award and said it was a great honour for her to receive the award. She said, "I have grown watching Rajiv Ji and have always admired him for his ideologies and vision. It's a great achievement to receive an award by his name." Deshmukh also honoured Padma Bhushan Baba Kalyani, Chairman of Kalyani Group for his outstanding contribution to the field of business. Deshmukh also handed the award to journalist Vir Sanghvi for his contribution to the field of journalism. "This award is special to me because of two reasons. First the award is in memory of a person whom I admired because of his visionary power and secondly it has been awarded by Deshmukh Ji," said Sanghvi while receiving the award. Darsheel Safary of "Taare Zameen Ke" fame was awarded as a child prodigy, by Congress MP Rajiv Shukla.

Shahid Kapoor turns bad boy for `Kaminay`

Mumbai, Aug 18: The chocolate boy, Shahid Kapoor is euphoric with three consecutive solo hits and is certainly relishing every bit of his success. But now the eye candy gets rid of his 'good boy' image to play his first ever-negative role for Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming flick ' Kaminay'. Shahid has so far only played the nice-guy-next-door characters in his films. It might be titillatingly hard to imagine the chocolate boy with his cute, dimpled smile playing a mean and scheming role. Shahid will be changing his look to appear stylish with long hair and a goatee for the film. The actor will be playing a gambler. He loots, robs, cons, gambles and deceives and packs punches with a flair that's almost eerie

Producer- Director fall out dismisses ‘Singh is Kinng’ sequel reports

Mumbai, Aug 19: 'Singh is Kinng' producer Vipul Shah and director Anees Bazmi have fallen out with each other invalidating the recent reports indicative of a sequel to the film. According to reports, Anees is awfully annoyed with producer Shah as he didn't give him any credit when the Akshay-Katrina starrer 'Singh is Kinng' became a success. Previously, while planning for a sequel to the film, Vipul had said that he was keen on Anees for its direction. But now, giving credence to the tiff, Bazmi has been missing from the post-release publicity of the flick.

Priyanka to play twelve characters in Gowariker’s next

Mumbai, Aug 19: Starlet Priyanka Chopra is gearing up to play not one, but twelve characters in Ashutosh Gowariker's next flick 'What's Your Rashee?'. The movie is said be based on astrology and will see Priyanka playing twelve different characters depicting the twelve zodiac signs, implying that each character will have a trait related to a particular zodiac sign. Giving Piggie chops company will be, ex-flame Harman Baweja who is still recovering from the debacle of his launch vehicle 'Lovestory 2050'. The movie will be a romantic comedy based on a novel 'Kimball Ravenswood' written by US based Gujarati writer Madhu Rye. This will be the first time that Gowariker will venture into romantic comedy after making great epics like 'Lagaan' and 'Jodhaa Akbar'.

Ghajini to release during Christmas

After the success of TZP, which released during the Christmas season last year, Aamir's next film – Ghajini is also slated to release during the same time. According to a source, "It was a meet which lasted through the night while Aamir was shooting an ad with Darsheel Safary. It was a marketing cum distribution meeting with 10 people who brainstormed for hours and finally reached an agreement on the date."

But here is the real reason why the film is being pushed back. Says a source, "Aamir's got just one more day of shoot left for Ghajini. The scenes to be shot on this day require him to be sporting his same old hair style. Now with Aamir sporting his short hair...he requires at least a month and a half more to grow back his hair to match his old style for the film. Being the perfectionist that he is he is willing to postpone the shoot and because of that the film release further."

About Aamir Khan

Birth Date:March 14, 1965

Birth Place:
Mumbai, India

Height
5' 5"

Aamir Khan was born on March 14, 1965 to film producer Tahir Hussain and Zeenat. He has two siblings – Faisal Khan and Nikhat.

The actor began his scholastic career at St Annes School, Bandra and shifted to Bombay Scottish School when Std. VIII. He completed his Junior College from Narsee Monjee College, Vile Parle, Mumbai.

Aamir made his first movie appearance at the age of eight in his uncle Nasir Hussain's Yaadon Ki Baarat though his career actually started with the film Holi in 1984. He received his first critical and commercial success with the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 where he won his first Filmfare Award for the Best Debut Male.

He married Reena Dutta on April 18, 1986 and has a son Junaid and daughter Ira from this marriage. They divorced in 2002 and he subsequently tied the knot with Kiran Rao in 2005.

Aamir's extensive career saw him give great performances throughout the '90s in films such as Dil (1990), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) and Rangeela (1995).

Dharmesh Darshan's blockbuster Raja Hindustani (1996) earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor after eight previous nominations. The film also became one of the third highest grossing films of the '90s!

In 1998, his performance in the movie Earth based on the novel The Ice-Candy Man received rave reviews from Indian and international critics.

He produced his first movie Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001). The film went on to become a blockbuster hit and went on to be nominated for the Oscars. That same year he set up his own production house called Aamir Khan Productions Ltd.

In 2006 his movie Rang De Basanti went on to become one of the highest grossing films of that year. Taare Zameen Par (2007) is based on the relationship between a father and his dyslexic son. The film has been very well received by the public and has also done very well at the box office. The Government of India has granted a tax exemption for the film. As expected he won his first Filmfare award for best director for Taare Zameen Par.

He recently lost the legal custody of his younger brother Faisal to father Tahir Hussain. His brother is believed to be suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. But within a few weeks Tahir Hussain surrendered custody as he claimed he was incapable of looking after Faisal.

Potter fans angry about summer release

 

Fans of boy wizard Harry Potter have reacted angrily to news that Warner Bros was delaying the release of the next episode in the movie series from this November to July 2009.
 

The entertainment giant said Friday it decided to postpone the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to take advantage of a "relative dearth" of major summer releases because of the recent writers' strike. "There is no production delay or production consideration," said Warner Bros executive Alan Horn. "It feels like we have an opportunity in the summer."

But while the decision may appear to make sound business sense, fans of the series found it hard to justify. Words fail me. Well, polite words, anyway," a contributor called Emma commented on a website. "I can think of plenty of swear words."

Many other fans were not ashamed to use such language, but others signed an online petition demanding that the film be reinstated to its original Nov 21 release date. Others vowed to boycott the theatrical release of the movie and wait till it came out on DVD.

'I began to see clearly'....Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore feels she has become a better person after she quit smoking

Actress Julianne Moore believes her decision to quit smoking is the reason she is a better actress and person. Moore quit smoking almost 15 years ago and says it has had a good impact on her life.

A website reports her as saying, "I began to see most clearly. I was 31 or 32, and I quit smoking. I was so emotional. I had been so unhappy, and I realised that I had just been literally stuffing it back with those cigarettes in my mouth. I felt like I woke up suddenly."
 

She has starred in such acclaimed hits as The Hours and Far From Heaven.

Spears won't have sex with a girl

The singer-actress has refused to play a lesbian in Tarantino's next

Troubled pop singer Britney Spears, who is working on a comeback, won't play a lesbian stripper in Quentin Tarantino's new movie.

A website reports that Spears was roped in to play dancer Varla in a remake of the 1965 cult film Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and her character was to murder the boyfriend before taking the girlfriend hostage. She was also to have sex scenes with another girl before the climax.

But Spears' representatives have denied that she is doing any such role.

Cindy Crawford in Beijng to cheer US team

 

 

 

 

Supermodel and actress Cindy Crawford is in Beijing for a few days to cheer for the teams from the United States. This is not her first visit to Beijing, but she said being in the city when the Olympics are taking place makes the visit more special.

Crawford said, "This is my fourth trip, but to be here now, during the Olympics is even more spectacular because it's such a great combination of the old and the new."

The model was seen giving the US Basketball team a boost at the sidelines as well as rooting for gold medallist record holder Michael Phelps. She said, ''We were able to see the US basketball team and we got to watch Michael Phelps win two gold medals. I am also going to go see some gymnastics tomorrow.''

''I'm friendly with Michael Phelps, I got to meet him with Omega as he is also an Omega Ambassador like I am," she added. She also said that she had met Michael four years ago when he was just trying out for his first Olympics, and to see him grow to a more poised man from the kid that he was then was quite overwhelming.

"I'm rooting for Michael Phelps along with the rest of the world," she said. Crawford explains that a big benefit of the Olympics is that it is an event that attracts everyone.

"Even if you're not a sports fan, to be here at the Olympics or any Olympics and to see this level of competition, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement of it,'' she feels.

Crawford also took time during her trip to visit the Omega Pavilion where she signed autographs for fans.

HOT: Himesh to smooch on screen

Pooja Bhatt has managed to convince  Himesh to smooch on screen for Kajra Re. The film produced by T-Series and directed by Pooja stars Pakistani actress Mona Liza opposite Himesh.
According to a source, "The film has a few intimate scenes between Himesh and Mona Liza. While Pooja had tough time trying to get Himesh to perform those, the nasal singer completely refused to do a kissing scene which is supposed to be a very essential part of the script. This particular kissing scene was supposed to be shot during the Jordan schedule that concluded just a few days back. Himesh's argument was that he wouldn't be comfortable doing anything that he cannot sit and watch along with his wife and son. A huge altercation followed between Pooja and Himesh over this matter. Himesh refused to budge from his stand and Pooja had no choice but come back without canning the smooching scene! 

Adnan Sami hospitalized

 

Renowned singer cum composer Adnan Sami has been hospitalized. Sources close to Adnan said that his hospitalization was due to a bad case of food poisoning which he suffered a couple of days back. That also explains the reason why Adnan was missing from the grand music launch of Vikram Bhatt's film 1920, for which Adnan has composed the music.

Deepika leads I-Day Parade in New York

The India Day annual parade was held on a grand scale on August 17 in New York, celebrating 61 years of India's independence.

Grand Marshal Deepika Padukone and Chief guest Dr Vijay Mallya led the parade, amid much fanfare. The India Day parade has showcased India's culture on Manhattan's Madison Avenue since 1981

Rajnikanth to return Rs 10 crores?

Superstar Rajnkanth has been shocked by the poor fate of his Tamil film, Kuselan. The chief distributor of the film, Pyramid Saimira, is under pressure from smaller distributors and theatre-owners, as they incurred huge loses. They are now demanding their money back. 

Rajni, who has been observing silently, has reportedly decided to act. He has reportedly held secret parleys with the administrators of Pyramid Saimira and assured them that he will pay Rs 10 crores to be disbursed to the distributors and theatre owners, who have lost their money.

It was ace director Mani Ratnam, who started this trend of compensating distributors and theatre-owners, when his film, Iruvar (1997) failed. 

 

Jordan`s new look, small bust and fat lips

After much anticipation, well-endowed Jordan aka Katie Price has finally unveiled her new look – a smaller bust but much-fuller lips. The model was spotted while shopping in Los Angeles, for the first time since she had gone under the knife last week. Wearing baggy clothes, Jordan was not only looking thinner on the chest but had a significantly enhanced pout, clearly indicating she had work also done on her lips. The mother-of-three had gone for breast-reduction last year also to drop down from a 32G to a 32C. However, in February, Jordan, real name Katie Price, said that the reduction surgery had failed, taking her down to 32F instead. "I was disappointed because they looked big and I wanted them to be a lot smaller." News.com.au quoted her, as saying.

Lynne Spears’ book to hit shelves soon

Britney Spears' mum Lynne's much anticipated 'parenting book' is set to hit the stands in September. The book titled "Through the Storm" is scheduled to release on Sept 16. The book was "delayed indefinitely" following the announcement of her daughter Jamie Lynn's pregnancy in November, reports a news agency. The direction of the book were also changed from being an advisory for parents raising high-profile kids to a tell-all of her own experiences. The 272-page tome describes how Lynne's ordinary life as a mother was changed when Britney made it to pop superstardom and how the whole family suddenly became a tabloid fodder after Britney's troubles and Jamie Lynn's untimely pregnancy went public. It also talks about son Bryan.

Oops… Salman proposes marriage, Katrina disposes

It's finally happening… Bollywood most eligible bachelor Salman Khan is all set to tie the knot but looks like after delivering umpteen heartaches and rutted love affairs the actor is getting a taste of his own medicine as his lady love Katrina Kaif has turned down his marriage proposal. The actor who is known for shunning all queries about his relations status and marriage plans, has for the first time stated that he is now looking forward to not only wed but also have babies ASAP. Speaking to a news daily, the macho actor said, "I will marry next year and want to have a baby soon after." If you find that hard to gulp, listen to what his arm candy Katrina had to say. "I think Salman said whatever he wanted to say. Let people make of it whatever they want. I have never commented on the personal side in the media. I don't wish to start right now." Do we take that as a denial or a simple disposal …?

Kareena set to come up with a high fashion boutique

B-Town's fashionable diva Kareena Kapoor is really keen these days on opening a designer store in Mumbai. The actress aims high to bring some of the best stylish luxury brands to India. Sources reveal that Kareena has already had talks with various designer brands in Los Angeles and is trying really hard to push her venture forward. The lady has a strong backing from the family and also from Bollywood's ace designer Manish Malhotra, who together happen to be the backbone of Bebo's fashion project. For now, the chic is busy hunting for a suitable place to open her designer outlet.

Astrologer says Madonna`s future is bright

Noted astrologer Deb McBride says pop star Madonna, who turned 50 Saturday, will have even more success in both her professional and personal life in the future. Contactmusic.com quoted McBride as saying: "Madonna is at the end of a 30-year cycle in her life, a true maturing is happening now... It's a time when the body starts to show age. Ageing is never easy for a Leo. "Going forward, she may grow into playing the role of grand dame of the music industry. Over the next two years, we'll see another face, another reinvention of herself that we have not yet witnessed in the past."

Mariah Carey exposes her breast, accidentally!

London, Aug 16: American singer Mariah Carey was spotted revealing a little too much than expected while enjoying her second honeymoon with husband Nick Cannon in Capri. Carey's body had its toned look as she took a dip in the Mediterranean and soaked up the sun. While coming out of the water, though, she had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction – when the swimsuit she was wearing slid off on one side to expose her breast, reports The Sun. Meanwhile, Carey recently admitted that the only thing she does best is dancing. Her record boss LA Reid hosted a reception at his home in the Hamptons to celebrate her marriage to Cannon, and when the music started, she just couldn't wait to jump on the dance floor.

Madonna`s husband says he is proud of her

London, Aug 18: British director Guy Ritchie gave an emotional speech at a small party he threw for his popstar wife Madonna on her 50th birthday, saying he was proud of her and loved her very much. Thesun.co.uk quoted Ritchie as saying: "She looks better now than she ever has done. I'm so proud. I love her so much." Madonna's daughter Lourdes then sang the song "Never Alone" for her. Madonna, who turned 50 Saturday, then thanked her friends and family in a speech that lasted almost half an hour. They then played her songs and everyone began dancing. One guest said: "Madonna loved it when her songs came on. Her dancers were pulling out all the moves, break dancing around her. It was like a final rehearsal for the tour."

'Chuck and Larry' overtakes 'Potter' at box office

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Adam Sandler's faux gay comedy "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" charmed $34.8 million from moviegoers its first weekend in theaters to nudge the latest "Harry Potter" film from the top of the box office, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

"Chuck and Larry," starring Sandler and Kevin James as heterosexual Brooklyn firefighters who pose as a gay couple to qualify for domestic-partner benefits, underscored Sandler's box-office clout, although it fell short of some of his past film openings.

"Anger Management," "Big Daddy" and "Click" - all starring Sandler -- each grossed more than $40 million in the first weekend, according to ticket sales tracker Media By Numbers. Still, executives at Universal Pictures, distributor for "Chuck and Larry," said they were happy with its opening performance.

"Adam has a huge, broad fan base. Everything seemed to click," said Nikki Rocco, president of domestic distribution for Universal, a unit of General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth film based on J.K. Rowling's blockbuster book series about the bespectacled British boy wizard, slipped to No. 2 in its second weekend at the North American box office with ticket sales of $32.2 million as Rowling's eagerly awaited seventh and final novel was released in bookstores.

Simpsons' movie enjoys huge box office opening

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After paying their dues on the small screen for 18 years, "The Simpsons" have become movie superstars in just one day.

"The Simpsons Movie," an animated feature based on the TV mainstays from Springfield, smashed industry expectations to earn an estimated $29.1 million on its first day of release on Friday in the United States and Canada, tracking firm Box Office Mojo (http://www.boxofficemojo.com) said.

The tally represents the fifth-biggest start so far this year, the company said, and means the movie will likely exceed forecasts when estimates for the weekend are issued on Sunday.

The film's distributor, 20th Century Fox, had cautiously hoped the movie would hit the mid-$30 million range for the Friday-to-Sunday period. Industry analysts were more bullish, forecasting a three-day opening in the $50 million range.

In May, "Shrek the Third" -- another well-known animated franchise -- earned about $39 million on its first day and $121.6 million for the weekend. If "The Simpsons Movie" follows the same trajectory, it will test the $90 million range