Salman Khan, prisoner no 343 in the Central Jail Jodhpur, got some very special guests including his girlfriend Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif. Katrina was here from Mumbai in the afternoon with Salman's brother Arbaaz and sisters Alvira and Arpita to see her boyfriend, who was arrested yesterday, as local court had rejecting his appeal against a five-year jail term in a poaching case.

Mumbai: Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt is breathing easy at the moment. He will remain out of prison for an additional month after the TADA court decided to provide the actor with a judgment copy sending him to lockup for six years in the Mumbai serial blasts case only on September 27.

After Aag, Ram Gopal Varma has decided to shoot his next film in November. In an instant decision, Ramu has decided to make a film with novices in the cast.

The decision was made earlier this week and Ramu is getting ready to roll by the start of November.

New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil gave away the 53rd National Film Awards for the year 2005, and also presented far-famed film producer Shyam Benegal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the dazzling ceremonial occasion.

While lecturing at the function, Patil emphasized on the uniqueness of the films, adding up that country’s rich history, traditions and background presents a strong base for the novelty and uniqueness of the Indian cinema.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sherlyn Chopra launched her album 'Outrageous' here last evening.

While speaking to news-persons, she told, “Outrageous is an attitude. It will speak the language of the gen-next youth. It brings to fore the deep hidden desires that every human being harbours inside but refuses to acknowledge. The USP of my album is that it promotes an attitude of being born free. It's okay to break the rules and follow your heart.”

Sherlyn has herself composed and written lyrics of her album 'Outrageous --The End of the Beginning.'

Kevin Federline was the aim of a possible murder plan earlier this year.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received imprecise, unconfirmed allegations regarding a threat to the 29-year-old backing dancer’s life in June.

Laura Eimiller, FBI representative stated, “The FBI received nonspecific, uncorroborated allegations regarding a threat against Kevin Federline.”

As the case was not a federal issue, the FBI passed on the information to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Washington, Sept 20 : Bette Midler and Carrie Fisher have signed up to star in "The Women".

Also joining the cast are Cloris Leachman, Joanna Gleason, Lynn Whitfield, Debi Mazar and Ana Gasteyer.

The stars will now be joining the already confirmed cast of Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Candice Bergen, reports Variety.

The Diane English-directed pic has Ryan, Bening, Mendes, Messing, Pinkett-Smith and Bergen play friends who discover the pal they envied most is being cheated on by her husband.

Washington, Sept 20 : After the ‘Rush Hour’ movies, director Brett Ratner and actor Chris Tucker will be teaming up once again for New Line’s "Mr. S: My Life With Frank Sinatra".

The studio has picked up the rights to George Jacobs’ biography, and Ratner is attached to direct.

Tucker is said to be keen on getting the role of George Jacobs, Sinatra’s valet from 1953-68.

London, Sep 20 : Actress Alicia Silverstone has stripped naked to encourage vegetarianism.

The ‘Clueless’ actress, who was voted sexiest female vegetarian in 2004, took off all her clothes for the 30-second TV commercial for the goveg.com campaign launched by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The ad begins with Silverstone sensually pulling herself out of a swimming pool, carefully hiding her modesty with her arms.

London, Sept 20 : Days after she missed out on the Mercury Prize, Amy Winehouse has bagged the best female UK artist prize at both the MOBO awards and Vodafone Live Music Awards held on Sept 19.

At the MOBO awards, the soul star beat the likes of artists like Jamelia and Joss Stone to pick up the award.

Winehouse was up for awards in four categories in total- best UK female, best R&B act, best song for ‘Rehab’ and best video for ‘Back to Black’.

London, Sept 20 : Paris Hilton has been banned from attending Munich’s Oktoberfest after she “cheapened” the event last year.

'Oktoberfest' is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October.

It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, reports the Sun.

Last year, the socialite angered locals when she arrived at the event in a traditional Bavarian dress and plaits to promote a brand of canned wine.

London, Sept 20: X-Factor judge, Dannii Minogue is so sick and tired of dating young men that she’s now set her sights on hooking herself ‘an older man’.

In an interview with Superdrug's Dare magazine, Dannii also revealed that she wanted her new beau to be at least over the age of 40.

"I want an older man – someone who’s at least 40," The Sun quoted her, as saying.

Kylie Minogue’s little sister also admitted that she was sick of being single, and was looking for someone to share her life, and start a family with.

London, Sept 21: American rock band The Eagles have topped a list of bands charging the highest fees to perform at a private party.

The band made nearly 4 million pounds singing Hotel California at a private party in New York in 2003.

Brit band The Rolling Stones ranked second place, making 3.5million pounds for an hour's work when they appeared at the 60th birthday party of Texas tycoon David Bonderman in Las Vegas in 2002.

Washington: Playboy has offered a whopping 1 million dollars to Pamela Anderson and Denise Richards to pose nude together in a forthcoming issue of ‘Playboy’ mag.

A source disclosed that ‘Playboy’ chief Hugh Hefner wishes both the female actresses to work together for a spread in the January 2008 issue of the publication.

Mumbai: Sir Ben Kingsley, British actor will act as Mughal ruler Shah Jahan who built up the Taj Mahal in memory of his loving wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Bollywood splendor Aishwarya Rai will play the emperor’s wife Mumtaz Mahal, upon whose death the distressed king made the Taj in 1648.

“The movie is on the building of the Taj Mahal,” Kingsley said, adding up the romance will also take in Shah Jahan’s abject loneliness for years in a jail house.

Salman Khan’s wax statue is all set to join the bandwagon of celebrities at London’s Madame Tussauds.

Big B, King Khan and Aish are already part of the famous museum, which is the London’s most desired tourist attraction.

The reports suggest that the wax statue will be ready for exhibit by January next year (2008), and Salman will personally go to London to uncover the figure.

Los Angles: Lindsay Lohan has returned to Hollywood on Sunday, after leaving rehab in Utah after two months of treatment.

With hugs, a wave goodbye and one last cigar, Lindsay told that her last farewell outside of Utah’s Cirque Lodge rehab facility, putting an end to her 63-day stay.

After making the 565-mile journey to Los Angeles, the famous Hollywood celebrity wasted no time returning to work. She begins shooting her tango-themed film ‘Dare to Love Me’ next Monday for two weeks.

Later, Lindsay may go back to the Cirque Lodge rehab facility for continuous outpatient treatment.

Following rounds of extreme rumor about their supposed link, Bollywood celebrity Saif Ali Khan has confessed that he was dating Kareena Kapoor.

They both were spotted together on various functions and tabloids went home about an intense affair developing between them. Finally the hot couple was seen together at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai on Wednesday night.

Saif said, “Yes, we are not exactly shouting from the rooftops but yes, clearly we are together. And we are happy together.”

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi’s younger daughter, Srija (19), ran off with her boyfriend, an engineering graduate, and got married at an Arya Samaj temple in the city on Wednesday morning.

Later on, Srija alleged that her family members had caught her in a room for two months before she managed to run away.

In a declaration, Srija said, “We are both adults and there is nothing that can stop us from marrying.”

The groom, Shirish Bhardwaj, is a Brahmin whereas the girl belongs to the powerful Kapu community.

Former boyfriend of Kareena Kapoor 'n' Bollywood celebrity, Shahid Kapur is feeling jealous of his break-up with Kareena Kapoor.

He said, he is trying to put up, but he feels pain over the end of his love relationship with Kareena.

In an interview, Shahid said that their three-year link had finished and she was getting around with someone else.

Shahid said, “Yes, I'm single- Yes, it hurts- Yes, I will fall in love again!”

He told that it disturbs him to see photographs of Kapoor with her new flame, famous star Saif Ali Khan.

In a message, Chiranjeevi, Telugu filmstar has declared that he and
his family members were really happy for his newly-wed daughter, Srija
and son-in-law, Sirish.

At present, Srija and Sirish are in New Delhi under police protection.

In his letter to the Court and Srija’s attorney Pinky Anand,
Chiranjeevi again pointed out that Srija and her husband won’t face up
any troubles from him and other family members.

“It’s quite unnecessary to drag this issue to Court when I already
gave assurance from my side. I was terribly disappointed with this act
from Srija,” he said in that letter.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra ays the adventure sports and action scenes get her adrenalin pumping.

The former Miss World said, “I freak out if I can go for some adventure sports. I’m too lazy to play cricket football or even to run. I would rather enjoy jumping off a cliff.”

Chopra, 25, has acted mostly in films where the heroin has to look good and be able to lip-sync and dance. But, she has acted in fast-paced action roles in films such as “Don” and “Krish.”

Mumbai: Union Minister of Chemical, Fertilisers and Steel Ram Vilas Paswan launched his son, Chirag Paswan, in Bollywood on his 25th birthday.

Paswan said, “No politics today, it’s the day for celebration and birthday of my son Chirag.”

“I don’t know much about films and only the media and people can judge Chirag’s acting prowess. All I can say is that it is a challenge for Chirag and he is competent. He has the confidence to make it, and he has always been hardworking and persevering as a student. He will become a superstar, I’m sure of that,” the minister added.

Hollywood actress, Halle Berry, who is also pregnant, is successfully beating diabetes. Healthy diet and good living is helping her beat diabetes greatly.

Berry was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after she passed out while shooting a TV show called Living Dolls when she first arrived in Hollywood.

Now, the Oscar winning actress is no longer dependent on insulin, her diabetes has fallen to Type 2.

Berry says, “I’ve managed to wean myself off insulin, so now I like to put myself in the Type 2 category.

Meanwhile, Berry also revealed that she feels sexier than ever with her pregnancy.

After a flood of rockers, Shillong has turned into the location for a ‘Bollywood’ movie starring the evergreen superstar Dharmendra, romance lover Shiney Ahuja and sparkling beauty Preity Zinta.

Dharam ji, Zinta and Ahuja were in Shilliong for shooting Jahnu Barua’s new film ‘Har Pal’.    

Preity acts a local girl in this picture, which is created by Nav Jeevan Films. She declined to reveal more about her new role.

But she told about her shooting experience in the gorgeous sites of the Meghalaya capital and its matrilineal system.

Indians are really passionate for both cricket and Bollywood. And suppose, what happens when the two get together.

And the same happened, when the Om Shanti Om’s leading actress ‘Deepika Padukone’ showed her cheerfulness for the Indian cricket team at the Twenty-20 contest in opposition to Australia held in Mumbai.

Conjectures were bobbing up that Deepika was in the stadium to cheer up the captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

However, Deepika said that they are just friends.

The news reports also told that Dhoni invited her after she asked him for an exceptional ‘Om Shanti Om’ preview.

King Khan has changed his earlier belief that there is no life after 40, but, today he feels that life begins after 40.

After spending over 16 years in the Indian film industry, Shahrukh Khan looks even more energetic and full of energy.

Shahrukh Khan, who’s much-awaited ‘Om Shanti Om’ hit the cinema screens on Friday, is not much worried about his rising age.

When media persons asked him the question regarding his age, the bollywood giant said that the rising age has given him more energetic feel.

Shortly, Bollywood actress and the hot ravishing beauty ‘Priyanka Chopra’ will be seen as an animated superhero with Virgin Comics.

This new role will make Priyanka the first winner of a Miss World crown to be featured as a super heroine character in comic books.

Virgin Comics is a year-old venture involving British billionaire Richard Branson, self-improvement guru Deepak Chopra and Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has allowed the former girlfriend of underworld don Abu Salem and Bollywood actress, Monica Bedi to restart her film career.

A Bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran pronounced that Monica can travel and take part in her acting assignments in any part of country. She needs to inform the police about her film assignments before leaving her native village Chabbewal in Hoshiar Pur district of Punjab.  

Apex court granted her permission after she submitted that bail condition restraining her from leaving Hoshiarpur was acting as impediment to her film career.  

Bollywood’s newest heart-throbs and star kids, Sonam Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, have been a couple of Gen Z youngsters. Their first film “Saawariya” is set to face hard competition from another mega-star mega-budget film ‘Om Shanti Om’ in theatres on November 9.

The 20-somethings recently visited Ahmedabad for promoting “Saawariya,” which is first Indian film produced by Hollywood studio – Columbia pictures.

Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s son and fourth generation kid of famous “Kapoor Gharana” understands the possible threats to “Saawariya” at the box office.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sony Pictures will premiere Saawariya on Nov 7, two days ahead of its actual release.

Saawariya’s team is very confident about the film that they believe negative publicity will not harm the movie.

Generally, to minimize the negative publicity, films are premiered on Thursday, 14 hours ahead of release on Friday.

Uday Singh, CEO of Sony Pictures, “But we’ve enough faith in our product not to be bothered by such considerations. To my mind Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the finest filmmaker in this country.”

Mumbai: After failing to get charge of his ailing brother ‘Faisal Khan,’ Aamir Khan wishes to move ahead by giving his full attention on his forthcoming movie ‘Taare Zameen Par.’

Aamir gave big thanks to his admirers for their full back up during the virulent event.

In a communiqué on his Internet site, Aamir said, “Last one month has been a real test for my family and me but I think finally we have reached closure. I thank you all for hanging in there with me.”

“Sincerely, your words of comfort make me feel so much better,” he also said.

Gangtok: On Monday night, Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol-3, has delighted viewers by playing well-liked Hindi songs at a splendid occasion held in his honor at the Paljor stadium at which the chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamgling launched Prashant’s first audio cassette.

A big crowd of men, women and children, cheered heartily for their favorite rising star who sung super hit songs of popular movies at the occasion held to congratulate him for bringing esteem among people of Darjeeling and Sikkim by winning the Indian Idol-3 contest.

Jeetu Sethi is an altruistic Shilpa Shetty’s admirer who managed to have Shilpa’s personal cell phone number, and, in place of keeping it for himself, he leaked out it on the Internet, through mass mail, to all his allies.

The mail message comprises Shilpa’s photograph with the mobile number written across it. As expected, the mail and the cell number spread like wildfire.

The entire episode makes Shilpa upset.

The name ‘Kamal Hasan’ needs no introduction. Everyone knows that he is one of the best, methodical and multitalented actors of the Indian cinema, whether it is Bollywood, or Kollywood (Tamil film industry).

Kamal Hasan has carved his name all over the world through his vast acting style, directorial capability, high production values, lifetime achievements and precious contribution to the Indian cinema.

The actor, who acted each role with serenity and keenness, has turned 53 on Wednesday.

New Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata, Nov 9 : Shahrukh Khan starrer "Om Shanti Om" received a rave response as it was released in theatres across the country on Friday.

The Farah Khan magnum opus also marks the debut of model turned actress Deepika Padukone. The film is set in the 70's, which is, described as the romantic era in the history of Bollywood.

Fans of Shahrukh Khan are talking widely about the actor's performance in the movie.

"Far above my expectations. It was a good movie and I think it is going to do well," said Swati, a viewer.

Big B’s mother Teji Bachchan (93), who has been admitted in Lilavati Hospital for sometime, was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after her condition became more serious.

According to hospital sources, “Teji Bachchan has been kept by the family at the hospital for almost a year now to ensure good nursing. She became serious today morning and has been kept under observation in the ICU.”

Members of the Bachchan and Rai family visited her in the hospital.

Mrs. Teji Bachchan belonged to an noble Sikh family from Karachi, Pakistan. She got married to Harivansh Rai Bachchan of Allahabad, and gave birth to Amitabh Bachchan in 1942.

New Delhi: Bollywood Baadshah, Shahrukh Khan would inaugurate the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2007 starting on November 23 in Goa.

Karuna, Shahrukh’s spokesperson told, “Yes, Shahrukh Khan has accepted the invitation to inaugurate the ten day long festival.”

The occasion will witness best of cinema from India as well as overseas. It would be started with the far-famed Romanian film director Cristian Mungiu’s film “Four Months, Three Weeks and Two days,” which already won the esteemed Golden Palm prize at Cannes early this year.

Karuna, on behalf of SRK, who is presently out of the country, said, “Shahrukh is pleased to do the honour on behalf of the film industry.”

Don’t miss Aamir’s upcoming movie ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ if you want to see Aamir & his wife Kiran acting together.

According to the sources Kiran Rao, Aamir’s second wife, has a blink and miss appearance in the film. Kiran will be seen in a song with Aamir.

The sources also said, “It wasn’t planned, but it happened impromptu. It’s a song that takes place at an annual function at school. Kiran will be seen with other parents, attending the annual function with their children.”

Also, Aamir and Kiran have been credited as 'singers' in TZP.

The film's creative director Amol Gupte didn’t confirm the news.

TZP is the first film directed by Aamir. Kiran Rao was an assistant director to Ashutosh Govarikar before her marriage to Aamir.

Both Shahid, Kareena have changed the location of their houses after their break up.

Shahid shifted to the distant Versova, which is nearer to his dad’s house, whereas Kareena will shift to her new apartment building Rose Queen at Khar as soon as the construction of the building is completed.

Coincidently, or perhaps, a few days back Saif also purchased his place just two lanes away Kareena’s new flat.

Shortly, Kareena could be Saif’s two streets away friend.

Tehran, Nov 13: Egyptian actor Omar Sharif has signed on to star in Iranian film “Saint Petersburg”.

To be directed by Kamal Tabrizi, the pic revolves around two cheats who constantly conspire against each other.

Producer Hamid Etebarian told the Mehr News Agency over the weekend
that the actor was now waiting to receive the final version of the
screenplay.

“After making many efforts to contact the great actor of world
cinema, he agreed to appear in ‘Saint Petersburg’, ” Tehran Times
quoted Etebarian, as telling the agency.

Rajkumar Santoshi has signed up hot and charming babe Bipasha Basu for his upcoming movie ‘Ashoka.’ John’s beloved Bipasha will play the role of Kaurwaki, which was earlier played by Kareena Kapoor in Santosh Sivan produced ‘Asoka’.

Rajkumar Santoshi said, “We will begin shooting Ashoka at the end of February. It’s an historical film. Bipasha is paired with Ajay who plays the title role.”

This will be the Ajay and Bipasha’s fourth film together after films like Apaharan, Shikhar and Omkara.

Boman Irani’s role in Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal,’ this year’s second sports film, is much talked about. Boman is playing role of a coach of a beleaguered team and a man with past that doesn’t leave him.

Boman does realize that his role will be compared to that of Shah Rukh Khan’s in ‘Chak De.’

He said, “I don’t know why we have to be competitive in this field of art. A film is a film is a film. There is no reason to treat it as competition. Like everyone else I too was inspired by Shah Rukh’s performance in ‘Chak De’. But there is no reason for anyone to compare our roles or characters.”

Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan’s latest “Om Shanti Om” has made great hit on box office. Farah credits superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s shirtless song-and-dance sequences for the successful opening of film.  

“Om Shanti Om” - a film on reincarnation, had tough battle with “Saawariya” – a film on unrequited love, by top Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

“The entire credit for film’s success goes to Shah Rukh. He’s the film’s main attraction and the shirtless song is definitely one of the main reasons for film’s hit. It is the scene to watch out for,” said director Farah Khan.  

“Box office success of Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal is very important. Every film has to be successful at the end of the day,” says John Abraham.

After failure of No Smoking, commercial success is all important for John.

“Goal is made out of a lot of heart and I hope and wish that people watch it with a lot of heart,” the talented actor adds.

Viveik Agnihotri’s Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal is a sports centric film based in UK with racial undertones.

John said, “I play for Aston and aspire to be in the British team but I end up in a special team Southall United.”

Panaji: Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan will inaugurate the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 23, officials said.

“He was kind enough to give his consent to be there,” film festival director Neelam Kapur said.

While the celebrities including singer Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, Hema Sardesai and Sadhana Sargam, actor Varsha Usgaonkar and others, will feature in concerts planned.

Goa decided to spend 35 % of its Rs 1.5 crore budget for activities on Bollywood stars. Besides the major activities, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has planned programmes in 10 places.

Mumbai: Bollywood’s top director Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed appreciation towards audience for seeing the movie in spite of awful reviews.

Saawariya debuts together with the enormously glorified Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Om Shanti Om" on last Friday.

Regardless of the film’s excellent opening, its Indian collection chop down aggressively after a week’s time as critics went down heavily on the film for its thin story and loose grip on the plot.

BAG Films & Media Ltd has launched its Radio Station ‘Radio Dhamaal’ in Ranchi on the Jharkhand Day i.e. November 15, 2007.

This newly launched Radio Station will provide a new amusement style to the listeners of Ranchi with its rejuvenated shows, on air and ground events.

While lecturing on the launch of Radio Dhamaal in Ranchi, Anurradha Prasad, Managing Director- of the Company said, “Life is a celebration and Radio Dhamaal will put this element in the lives of all its listeners.”

The company’s stock closed at Rs.95.80, after losing 1.84%, on Thursday. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.99.45 and low of Rs.94.50.

Mumbai: The presence of Bollywood Badshah, Shah Rukh Khan at cricket matches in recent times has appealed lots of attention. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not taken it too gently.

SRK attended the final of the T20 World Championship, and also went on the playing field to cheer up Indian cricketers.

The ‘Dhak Dhak Queen’ or the beat of million hearts, Madhuri Dixit’s latest movie ‘Aaja Nachle’ is ready to hit Indian cinemas on Nov 30, 2007.

Madhuri re-entered Indian cinema (Bollywood) through ‘Aaja Nachle,’ which is produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films.

Director/cinematographer Anil Mehta’s Aaja Nachle also stars Akshaye Khanna, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor, Divya Dutta and Ranvir Shorey in key roles.

Aaja Nachle is Madhuri’s first film after a gap of seven years. She was the most adored actress of the Indian cinema when she stopped taking new work after her marriage.

It was a touching moment to see Bachchans together.

One of the events was over the weekend where both Junior B and Aish turned up to support ‘Big B’ at the music launch of his Bhojpuri flim ‘Gangotri.’

This is for the first time that a film’s music has been launched after the movie’s release.

It’s a film produced by Amitabh’s make up man Deepak Sawant.

In the meantime, Manoj Tiwari amuses the viewers with his singing skills.

Shilpa Shetty, the winner of Big Brother in UK, was in London's West End to promote her latest show “Miss Bollywood”.

The “Miss Bollywood” is a musical extravaganza that combines spectacular choreography and staging and tells the story of 'Maya', a young classically trained choreographer who finds herself thrust into the limelight where she must sink or swim. Her tribulations include the unwanted attentions of a famous but predatory choreographer and a jealous diva. Shilpa Shetty leads a cast of 40 dancers and performs some of the Indian film industry's most popular songs in the show.

John Abraham has once again shown excellence in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. John forms an endearing match with Bipasha Basu in film.

Spectacularly filmed, the green vistas of Agnihotri's London locales fill the screen with a vigor vim and virility that go well with the mood of this sporty slick and sometimes spiffy tale of sportsmanship, racism, brotherhood and victory against all odds.

There is everything that a director can do with a sports film. It is about some semi-losers facing up to all odds to emerge winners in the climactic game.

Panaji: Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Priyaranjan Dasmunsi made it clear that Goa will remain the permanent venue for the International film Festival of India (IFFI).

Mr. Dasmunsi was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 38th edition of the IFFI on Friday.

Chief guest and superstar film actor Shah Rukh Khan lit the inaugural lamp in presence Tamil actor Priya Mani to mark the opening of the 38th edition of film festival, IFFI-2007.

Also present were Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat, Secretary for I&B Asha Swarup, Goa Chief Secretary J.P. Singh and several film personalities.

Asia’s sexiest woman and Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, and actor Arshad Warsi have claimed they were racially abused while filming in the Britain. It happened in less than a year after Shipa Shetty became victim of racial slur in the same country.

Bipasha and Arshad were verbally roughed up by a group of white men while they were shooting for their latest film “Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal” near Glassy Junction, a popular Indian pub in Southall, west London, few months back.

Panaji: International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2007 does not include more of Bollywood, except Chief Guest Shah Rukh Khan and a couple of Hindi movies.

Unlike in IFFI 2006, which had Hindi blockbusters such as ‘Lage Raho Munnbhai’, ‘Krish’ and ‘Rang De Basanti,’ Bollywood is absent from the festival.

Earlier, regional filmmakers had criticized the IFFI 2006 for being too much ‘Bollywood centric.’

Federation of India Secretary Suparn Sen said, “We will try and organize the segment next year as this year were informed about it a little too late.”

Shah Rukh Khan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have become “bhai-bhai”.

Both, Shah Rukh and Dhoni are coming together in a Videocon commercial for the first time.

At the shooting in Yash Raj Studios on November 2, King Khan turning out in Indian colors guided Dhoni, who was wearing glittering gold costume, by providing acting tips to be at ease with the camera. Dhoni also shared some real great cricketing tips to Shah Rukh.

Both stars are shown in role reversals - SRK as a cricketer and Dhoni as an actor and the theme flows with an interesting plot where both play role of Bhai-Bhai in the movie.

Mumbai: The Bollywood diva, Madhuri Dixit has returned to big silver screen with “Aaja Nachle” after a gap of six years. The movie hits Indian cinemas today (November 30).

In an interview with Madhuri, why she chose Aaja Nachle as her comeback film, she said, “the script”. She quitted Bollywood six years ago to get married- now lives in the US - says she can identify with the character she’s playing.

Bollywood’s hottest couple, Aish-Abhi, joined kids at Ashray, a home for HIV affected children.

It was time to do something on World AIDS Day that falls on December 1. Both enjoyed brilliant performances by children and afterward distributed goodies to the kids.

The designer duo, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, who have been backing up Ashray since 2001, made all the arrangements of the event.

Abjishek said, “They had invited me in 2001 since then I have been coming frequently to Ashray. Abu, Sandeep are uncle to me, they are my family. This year we have been lucky enough to bring Aishwarya also as our new family member.”

Manoj Kumar or Mr. Bharat conjured up a protest by saying that his portrayal in the latest movie ‘Om Shanti Om’ had hurt him severely.

According to the rumors, Mr. Manoj had demanded to remove the said scene from the film.

OSO director, Farah Khan and Bollywood Superstar, SRK had called press meeting to express regret to Manoj Kumar. In the meantime Mr. Manoj wanted King Khan to meet him personally and say sorry to him. However, it was not possible for SRK because of his busy schedules.

After the great success of ‘Jab We Met,’ Saif’s new girlfriend, Kareena has turned out to be the hottest property of Bollywood.

Now, she readies to feature in a private music video for the first time. The music video named 'Bedhak Bade Nazdikiyan' is directed by Sangeeth Sivan.

The music video has been scored by music director Pritam. The song has been sung by Suzanne. The music album will be a compilation of the title track and a few hits from the Saregama library.

Kareena Kapoor nicknamed "Bebo" is an award-winning prominent Indian actress who appears in Bollywood movies.

Punjab, Dec 1: The Punjab Government today its counterpart in Uttar Pradesh in banning Madhuri Dixit’s come back film ‘Aaja Nachle’, alleging that the lyrics of a song in the movie were derogatory to Dalits.

Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal said, “The ban has been imposed in the wake of reports that a section of a society was feeling outraged over certain lines in a song”.

The movie has been released at various places in the state, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and Bathinda.

According to sources, district authorities have been directed to ensure that no show of the movie is screened at any theatre or multiplex in the state.

Chandigarh, Dec 2: A day after banning the screening of Madhuri Dixit’s come back film ‘Aaja Nachle’, the Punjab Government today lifted the bar.

The Uttar Pradesh Government, yesterday, lifted the ban after an apology from film producer Yash Chopra and chopping of lines from the title song, which certain section of Dalits felt was derogatory.

Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Sharmila Tagore also rendered an apology for giving a nod to the title track of the film with lines “Mohale mein kaisi maara-mar hai, bole mochi bhi khud ko sunar hai” that offended the Dalits

The Haryana Government has also banned the screening of the film in the state.

Aaja Nachle has really given a flashing comeback to Madhuri Dixit. Dixit has really played dynamic role in the film, which is scripted by Jaideep Sahni. The story opens as a dancer, Diya (played by Madhuri Dixit) returns to a small conservative town years after she eloped with her American husband, married and settled down in the US. She comes back to her dusty desi domain with the cynical little daughter who keeps wondering she can go home.

Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear has finally arrived in India on the seventh day of Goa International Film festival after getting applause from abroad cities like Rome and London.

Speculations are rife that film is based on Shakespeare’s play, but the director says no.

Ghosh, said, “It’s not based on any Shakespeare’s play.”

Mumbai: “Aaja Nachle” has invited lots of talks on Madhuri Dixit. There is a lot of talk on Madhuri’s next movie.

Madhuri said, “I haven’t signed anything new. I haven’t planned any new project as yet. And it isn’t because I want to see how my so-called comeback is accepted.”

“The box office outcome of Aaja Nachle has nothing to do with my future in films. I’ll sign another film if I like it,” she said.

Sharmila Tagore, in an interview, talked about her biased behavior towards her children.

You must be looking forward to Khoya Khoya Chand?
“Yeah, I have to be in Mumbai for the premiere or Soha (Ali Khan) is going to be very annoyed. My daughter wants to watch the film with me. I hope she’s done a good job. It’s a different kind of film and she has an important role.”

Would you be an unbiased spectator?

Newly married Aishwarya Rai Bachhan seems to be enjoying her married life, the Bollywood actress said, “I am a happy girl, can’t you make out?”

While to unveil the bridal collection of watch brand Longines in New Delhi, Ash said, “Marriage is a beautiful chapter in life. It is so blissful and wonderful….it is difficult to articulate. I strongly recommend it to everyone. Each one of us must experience it.”

“Everybody was teasing me when I came here to celebrate karva chauth (a Hindu ritual). But I said I have to experience it,” she added.

Madhuri Dixit’s comeback film Aaja Nachle has earned lots of compliments.

In an interview, Madhuri talked about her comeback experience.

Why has it taken you so long to return to the movies?
“Because of my kids. I was having fun with them. Like every woman, I’ve wanted to see them grow up.”

So what attracted you to restart with Aa Nachle?

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Nana Patekar, Jimmy Shergill, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Arbaaz Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, etc.

Director: Sanjay Gupta, Hansal Mehta, Meghna Gulzar, Rohit Roy, etc.

Dus Kahaniyaan is a film with ten unique stories. The film starts with Matrimony (Arbaaz Khan, Mandira Bedi, Sudhanshu Pandey) and immediately you will get feeling of how things are going to be in the other stories. Film is not dragged in any story. The story and editing being the major crux, these film-makers embark on a trial journey.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Dec 8: The week-long 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), showcasing the best of International and Indian films, has commenced in State capital Thiruvananthapuram.

About 230 films from 54 countries are to be screened at the film festival.

As many as 133 film makers, including those from abroad, are attending the film fest.

The competition section has 14 films, including Naalu Pennungal (Four Women) directed by noted filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

Washington, Dec 11: A new survey has revealed that a majority of adult Internet users watch video online during a typical week, with TV programming ranking as the most popular content.

Conducted by the Cambridge, Mass-based Web personalization firm Choicestream, the survey found that 55 percent of the respondents, adult Internet users, watch online video each week, with 65 percent of that group reporting that they regularly watch traditional TV programming, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Overall, 39 percent of respondents said they watch TV on an alternate device, with the computer by far the most popular non-traditional method.

Begum Nawazish Ali, who hosted chat shows in Pakistan, now is set to extend her popularity in India with his show ‘Begum’ (9X) where she will invite a celebrity to engage in discussion.

Not many know that Ali is a bisexual. Ali Saleem (Begum’s original name) presents a picture of demure, feminine beauty with perfectly coiffed hair and impeccable make-up. It is tough to tell that Ali is a transsexual, until she speaks, in husky, manly drawl. She is in Delhi to promote her chat show on channel 9X that airs on 15th December.         

Soha Ali Khan opened her heart to tell few secrets of her.

Soha smiled when she was asked what it is being like Soha. “It is a lot of fun. I am sincere, quite ambitious and an easy-going person.”

Do you wish you were more like her?
“She had her own style, which was fabulous. But the thing that makes me most jealous of her professionally is that she got to work with Satyajit Ray…something I’ll never get to do.”

Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday said that no revenue, civil or criminal case is required against Bollywood icon ‘Big B’ as he had dropped out his claim in the Barabanki land dispute case.

A Bench consisting Justice A.N. Verma said, “There was no finding that the actor himself committed any fraud or manipulated any surreptitious entry in the revenue records.”

Mr. Justice Verma handled Bib B’s postulation challenging the order of Faizabad’s Additional Commissioner nullifying the land allocation at Daulatpur in Barabanki district as withdrawn.

But, the order of the Additional Commissioner would be retained.

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (Rajinikanth) turned 57 on Wednesday (December 12). His fans, across the state, celebrated their darling star's birth anniversary with great pleasure and enthusiasm.

There is hardly a bigger name that brings up this type of madness across the Tamil diaspora. And when it's the time of his birthday of this Tamil megastar, his diehard lovers don't want any other reason to go mad.

However, if you believed that this craze was just limited to fans like these, you couldn't be falser.

Mumbai: Prachi Desai (Bani of Kasam Se) has won the celebrity dance show ‘Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa’ after defeating the other two finalists Sandhya Mridul and Jay Bhanushali on Saturday night

After getting eliminated, Prachi managed to enter the show again through ‘Wild Card Call’.

Through her influential performances, she impressed the jury plus viewers, and got the highest votes.

The sweet and cute Prachi entered into the Hindi serials when she was only 17.

Melbourne, Dec 17: There won’t be carols, turkey or a multitude of gifts at the Madonna-Guy Ritchie household this Christmas, for the couple ‘cancelled’ the festival two years ago.

Ritchie recently revealed that the family had "cancelled Christmas'' a couple of years ago.

This means that while their kids – Lourdes, 11, Rocco, 7, and David, 2, will only be getting three gifts each, he and Madge will not be exchanging any gifts.

The only time they will be giving each other presents, is during their anniversary on December 22.

Washington, Dec 17 : Pop queen Celine Dion’s long-running Las Vegas show came to an emotional end after running for almost five-years.

The show ended with her final performance of "A New Day" at Caesars Palace with a tear and a rose given to her by son Rene Charles.

The 39-year-old singer was emotional all through the night, shedding tears following "My Heart Will Go On, " and speaking candidly to the crowd in person and via video.

"It's hard to believe that we've come to an end, " People magazine quoted her, as saying.

She explained that motherhood was her first priority and that’s the reason of her decision to end her run.

New York, Dec 17: Pete Doherty is encashing money from his stormy romance with Kate Moss, say reports.

The junkie rocker is reportedly all set to sign off on a six-figure deal to 'Kiss and Tell' about his former relationship with the supermodel for a television documentary.

"We are in talks with Pete Doherty and are finalizing a deal for the documentary and there is a production company in place ready to start filming, " New York Post quoted a source close to ITV2, as saying.

The deal will give Doherty a share of the film's worldwide rights and he could rake in more than a million dollars on sales alone.

In return, he has to tell all about the notoriously troubled relationship that began back in January 2005.

Washington, Dec 17: Actress Ashely Tisdale made her public debut in New York City after going through a nose job recently.

The High School Musical star revealed her new look while performing at the Z100 Jingle Ball concert to benefit Autism Speaks at Madison Square Garden.

Tisdale went under the knife to correct a severely deviated septum and realign her nasal bones after fracturing her nose twice - once from a car accident and once from getting hit in the face while dancing.

"I've known for years that I've had a deviated septum, " People quoted her as saying.

The actress claimed that she likes the way it looks.

Washington, Dec 17: If director Julie Taymor has her way, then Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess will be playing the lead in her Spider-Man stage musical.

The ‘Across the World’ director has set her heart on turning the screen pair into a stage duo.

She wants Sturgess to play Spiderman and Wood his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson. Taymor said she would love to cast them if the timings are worked out.

"I would love for them to do it... but it's all about timing. Jim is new to the movie thing, and he has, like, four movies coming out, " Contactmusic quoted her, as telling PlanetGossip.Eonline.com.

However, Taymor revealed that if it doesn’t work she would bring back the couple in ‘Across The Universe’ sequel.

Washington, Dec 17: Actress Keira Knightley has dismissed claims that she’s the ‘brightest star of her generation'.

Instead, the 22-year-old actress, who’s been nominated for a Golden Globe award believes she's “just lucky”.

"The thing with acting is it's not a job where, if you go to drama school, get the best grades and work the hardest, you're going to be successful, ” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star said success in movies is a combination of talent and looks but also takes a lot of luck.

“It has nothing to do with whether you're the best or the prettiest. It takes a lot of luck, “she added.

Washington, Dec 17: ‘Beowulf’ and ‘Ratatouille’ have been picked as the eligible contenders for the Academy Awards' Best Visual Effects category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released a preliminary contender list of fifteen films that will be nominated in the category.

While ‘Beowulf’ is performance-capture-based, ‘Ratatouille’ is computer-animated.

"It's great for animation people, especially in computer graphics films, where there's a huge amount of visual effects that is very similar in complexity to the kind of work we find in live action, " The Hollywood Reporter quoted Jim Morris, Pixar production executive and producer of upcoming ‘Wall-E, ’ as saying.

The young and ravishing bollywood actress Katrina laughed over the idle talk of her break up with Salman Khan.

While answering a question that what role does Sallu plays in her life, she smiled and answered that nothing. She also said that nobody is interfering in her life, and she is living in her own style.

Miss Kaif emphasized, “I create my own equations.”

When asked, is there romance involved between Kat & Salman? Her response was interesting.

Los Angeles — According to a new report, 3 employees at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department violated policy in actor-director Gibson's misdemeanor drunk driving arrest. A sheriff's supervisor considered withholding details about Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic rant from an arrest report but was eventually overrruled by a captain, said a department watchdog on Thursday.

The report reveals that Sheriff's personnel neglected to take Gibson's palm print upon his release, follow proper procedures before driving him to a tow yard to retrieve his car and sign a certain department form.

Actress Aishwarya Rai is enjoying the speculation about her pregnancy in the media. Ash, Jodha Bai of the period epic Jodha-Akbar, refuses it.

The beautiful former Miss World said, “If I walk too carefully or if I stand with dupatta draped on one side, the media will be rife with speculation the next day. So I am myself, going along with the flow.”

Ash was in New Delhi to inaugurate a new collection of Nakshatra diamond jewellery.

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Dec.24: Pyramid Saimira Group, one of India’s leading entertainment groups, will invest nearly RM 84 million in 2008 to convert its cineplexes in Malaysia into full-fledged digital screens.

The Star quoted P.S. Saminathan, the group’s managing director, as saying that the expansion plan included adding hotels to its entertainment complexes.

Mumbai: Rakhi Sawant has submitted a written complaint against ‘Star Plus’ impeaching them of manipulating viewer polls after she lost in the reality dance show - ‘Nach Baliye - 3’.

Along with her boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi, Miss Sawant filed the complaint at the Oshiwara police station, and the police will enquire Rakhi’s case in full and then take the final decision.

Last Saturday, famous TV artist Sanjeeda Shaikh and her baliye Aamir Ali won the third Nach Baliye reality dance show. Rakhi and Abhishek were declared as runners-up.

Mumbai: Famous Hindi film producer G P Sippy died on Tuesday night after prolonged illness. The 93-year-old, G P Sippy had produced the biggest blockbusters of the era including “Sholay”, “Seeta Aur Geeta”, “Shaan” and “Sagar.”

Belonging to a rich Sindhi family, Sippy started his career with the film “Marine Drive” in 1955. In the same year, he produced “Adl-e-e-Jahangir” with star-cast of Meena Kumari, Pardeep Kumar and Durga Khote.

Sun TV Network has launched a new FM radio station at Varanasi, under the brand ‘S’ FM through  its subsidiary, South Asia FM Ltd.
The programs will cater to the audience of all age groups and can be heard at 93.5 MHz frequency at Varanasi, an official release said.

With the launch of this FM Station, the total operational FM Stations of the Company goes up to 18 as it already operates at Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Tirupati, Madurai, Tuticorin, Lucknow, Bhopal, Pondicherry, Kozhikode (Calicut), Indore and Vijayawada.

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 2: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has banned actors from parodying Bahasa Malaysia as spoken by Chinese or Indians in comedy programmes, sitcoms or drama series, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

"The Information Ministry has long been aware of the problem and after I took over as Information Minister, I gave clear instructions for RTM to stop airing programmes containing such acts," Zainnuddin said.

"I am fully aware that such performances are an insult to non-Malays. The new generation of non-Malays no longer speaks like that," he added.

Guwahati, Jan 5: Veteran Assamese film producer and director Siva Prasad Thakur passed away on Saturday morning. He was
71.

A three-time National Award winner, Thakur died after brief illness.

Thakur directed films as well as documentaries in Assamese. Some of his famous films are ‘Bowaari’, ‘Son Moina’, ‘Asaanta Prahaar’ and ‘Aheer Bhoirab’.

Besides, he also produced several serials for Doordarshan. (ANI)

Bollywood beauty Vidya Balan likes to be a versatile thespian and desires to act in theatres and street plays.

While promoting her new movie, ‘Halla Bol’, which is to be released on January 11, the actress said, “I always wanted to act in street plays and theatres. I think it’s very potent media though I didn’t get a chance yet.”

Miss Balan has starred in the movie with Ajay Devgan.

The 26-year-old actress appeared at the climax of a street play being performed as prologue to the Rajkumar Santoshi’s movie, “Halla Bol.”

Bangalore: Prakash Padukone, father of model-turned actress Deepika Padukone and former world badminton champion said that her daughter never dreamt to be a Bollywood celebrity. She was always interested in modeling and the fashion industry.

Deepika started her career from Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ (OSO), co-starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Mr. Prakash said, “She was always interested in modelling... in the fashion industry. We knew that her interest was towards that (modelling) and she had done a few ads when she was still in school... films were not anywhere on her mind initially.”

Islamabad, Jan 24: The Pakistan government has granted licences to 12 more private TV channels, raising the total number of TV channels operating in the country to 48.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon said that the country was promoting a policy of media freedom in the spirit of democracy.

"Pakistani media is entering a new political phase. This major initiative of opening up of media is based on the vision of President Pervez Musharraf, pronounced under the Pemra Ordinance of 2002. The government is promoting a policy of media freedom in the spirit of democracy," the Dawn quoted Memon as saying.

Karachi, Feb. 8: The Pakistan Government today allowed the screening of the Bollywood film "Welcome" in theatres across the country.

The release of the film has come days after a Pakistan Senate standing committee on culture had recommended to the government to allow exhibition of Indian films under a proper censorship policy.

Currently, there are three Indian movies - Goal , Gangster and Welcome - running in different theatres in the country.

Saadia Khan, a college student who had lined up at the Nishat cinema on Thursday with a group of friends to get advance tickets for Welcome

The marriage of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt and his long time girlfriend Manyata has been put on hold by the Goa Government. After an inquiry by the Government officials, it has been found that documents used for registration of their marriage were forged.

The sub registrar’s office issued a statement saying that the marriage is not legal and the documents have been sent to the law department for further inquiry.

As per the law, a six month residence certificate is required for registration of marriage. Objections to any marriage declaration can be filed within 15 days.

Chandigarh: Censor Board Chairperson Sharmila Tagore and production company UTV have been issued notices by a Chandigarh court on Tuesday, as a criminal complaint was filed by a Rajput outfit and two Hindu groups against the Bollywood film “Jodhaa Akbar”.

In the notices, Civil Judge Parveen Kumar Lal has asked the Censor Board Chairperson and the company to file their replies by April 3.

Mumbai, Feb. 21 : The music of the Bollywood film "One Two Three" was released at a Mumbai hotel on Wednesday.

The event was marked by the presence of who's who from the film industry, including the star cast of Suniel Shetty, Tusshar Kapoor, Upen Patel, Sameera Reddy and Tanisha Mukherjee to name a few. Producer duo Kumar Mangat and Sunil Lulla were also present.

Directed by the debutant director Ashwani Dheer, the film is a non-stop comedy of errors.

The music of the film is by Raghav Sachar. Raghav plays a variety of instruments, including the saxophone, flute, harmonica, keyboards, clarinet, guitar among others and sings too. He left the audiences spell bound with his performance during the release function.

Manyata has moved an application, on Friday, to withdraw the arguable residence certificate that she passed on to register her marriage with the Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt in Goa.

The request made by Mrs. Dutt to authorities in Salcete taluka in South Goa is treated as her response towards the notice issued earlier by a senior revenue official Paresh M Fal Dessai, inquiring why the residence certificate should not be cancelled.

A marriage registration in Goa needs a residential proof expressing at least six months of stay in the state.

Beverages major Coca-Cola India has made announcement about the launching of its new campaign featuring Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan.

Based on the idea ‘Jashan Mana Le’, the campaign has been made to present the "magical power" of Coca-Cola to target young generation. Besides, it will have mass appeal.

While talking on the occasion, Venkatesh Kini, vice-president (marketing), Coca-Cola India stated that with the approach of summer they have decided to take the brand communication to the upper level.

Now Uttar Pradesh government has banished the screening of Ashutosh Gowariker’s arguable film Jodhaa Akbar, over the backdrop of Rajput community's protestations against the movie.

The sources said that the government is worried of the reaction of the Kshatriya Samaj that has taken discourtesy to some parts of the country.

From the very beginning, Jodhaa Akbar has been bounded by controversies from all sides.

Principal Home Secretary J.N. Chamber said, “We have decided to ban Jodhaa Akbar following intelligence inputs that indicated a possibility of clashes among communities.”

After a long gap of eight years, the talent powerhouse Kajol and Ajay Devgan are back again with the film U Me Aur Hum, which will hit Indian cinema in April. The film is also Ajay’s directional debut.

‘U Me Aur Hum’ is the story of Ajay (Ajay Devgan) and Pia (Kajol), who fall in love, clash, reconcile and shows all the parts of a relationship. The cast includes Karan Khanna, Isha Sharwani, Sumeet Raghavan, Rituparna Sengupta, Sarika, Divya Dutta Ajay Devgan and Kajol.

Anamika Chaudhary has won the reality music TV show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs’ after defeating the other two finalists Rohanpreet Singh and Tanmay Chaturvedi on Saturday night.

The12-year-old Anamika impressed the jury as well as the viewers through her powerful performances.

Anamika got the highest votes, and declared as the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs-II.

Anamika, has been presented a cash prize of Rs 20 lakhs from Kidzee, ‘Hyundai i10’ car plus a laptop from HDFC insurance. First and second runner-up receives cash prize of Rs. 15 lakhs and Rs. 10 lakhs respectively.

Aamir Khan’s directorial venture ‘Taare Zameen Par’ (TZP) is definitely a challenging movie that has impressed everyone right from the common man to the film frats.

The newest name in the fan list of the film is Anil Kapoor and his family members. Anil saw the movie with Aamir.

At the Ketnav preview theatre, Aamir called up Anil for the private testing of TZP. The screening is accompanied by a private dinner in Aamir’s home.

For quite sometime, Anil was planning to see the movie with Aamir, but due to his busy schedule, he couldn’t manage.

Director Rajkumar Santoshi has signed up Bollywood’s new sensational star Ranbir Kapoor and ravishing beauty Katrina Kaif for his upcoming movie.

Ramesh Taurani of Tips confirmed the project saying, “Yes, we have signed on Katrina and Ranbir for a love story to be directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi.”

Santoshi is very excited about this project as he is writing the story himself.

Before signing this movie, Ranbir and Katrina were working together in Siddharth Anand’s new film for Yash Raj. But, their scenes together were cut as the length of the movie was too long.

For the first time, the two sisters Malaika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora will perform together in an item number.

The pair will sizzle on the screen together in Sanjay Gadhvi’s upcoming movie ‘Kidnap’ starring Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Malavade, Minissha Lamba, Rahul Dev and Reemaa.

Malaika and Amrita Arora will dance together with Sanjay Dutt in a song, which will be choreographed by Remo.

Written by Shibani Bhatijamusic, the music has been composed by Pritam with editing by Rameshwar Bhagat.

Rakesh Roshan’s ‘KRAZZY 4’ is getting bigger day by day, as its launching date is coming near.

Directed by Rakesh Roshan’s assistant, Raja (Jaideep) Sen, KRAZZY 4 features Juhi Chawla, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav and Suresh Menon. The music of the movie has been scored by Rajesh Roshan.

With ‘KRAZZY 4’, King Khan marks a comeback to Rakesh Roshan’s production house.

KRAZZY 4 is being eagerly awaited, more so due to its super sizzling item number, featuring King Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

After Sanchita, the12-year-old Anamika Chaudhary from Assam has won the Zee TV’s reality music show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2007’ after defeating the other two finalists Rohanpreet Singh and Tanmay Chaturvedi at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Anamika impressed the jury members and the viewers through her power-pack performances, and got the highest votes.

After winning the competition, Anamika said, “I am very happy that I fulfilled my parents' dreams. They always wishes and prayed that I win this competition.”

Ace film director Rajkumar Santoshi has signed new Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor and hot Katrina Kaif for his forthcoming film, a love story.

Santoshi has been very impressed by Ranbir’s performance in his debut movie ‘Saawariya’. Katrina is certainly the superstar of three hit movies of the last year (2007).

Confirming the development, Santoshi said, “I’m making this film, Ranbir has confirmed and even Katrina has almost confirmed. I wanted to work with Ranbir the minute I saw him in ‘Saawariya’. I see that special spark in him. In fact, after I saw him in ‘Saawariya’, I sent him a bouquet. I was so impressed by him.”

Anchor White Toothpaste has chosen Bollywood’s multi-talented actress ‘Kajol’ as its new brand ambassador.

Kajol, who worked for the promotion of Whirlpool appliances and Tata Indicom, is a sincere actress and known for her family values, keenness and honesty.

On the other hand, Anchor Toothpaste also stands for key values such as truthfulness, honesty, accountability and social responsibility. Due to such similarities between the two, Kajol is the right choice for promoting the brand. She will add value to the brand with her reliability and appealingness.

Once again, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan removed his shirt in joy, but this time on the sets of Star Plus’ music talent show Amul Star Voice of India ‘Chhote Ustad.’

In the episode to be telecast on Saturday, Sallu get onto the stage with a dance on his hit song ‘Hai Rama Rama Ho’ from his film, Lucky. He danced with three Chhote Ustad’s contestants, Aishwarya, Anvesha and Prakriti.

On the request of his kid fans and viewers, Bollywood’s stylish man takes off his shirt in the true ‘Salman-i-shtyle’.

The show organizers said that after removing his shirt, he flexed his muscle before the viewers.

Saif’s way of showing love for "Bebo" is really great.

He is charmed by the ‘internal and external beauty’ of his ladylove, Kareena Kapoor.

The different ways he used to express his affection towards Kareena are a tattoo of her name on his arm, a ring worth one crore and a promise of a pair of diamond ‘jhumkas.’

And this time, obsessed lover and actor Saif has hired a private jet for his sweetheart to visit her favorite place ‘Goa’ whenever she wants.

It is also surprising for the sensible and cheerful Vidya (Divyanka Tripathi) of the Banoo Main Teri Dulhann to know that media has fixed her marriage date.

The sweet Bhopali girl was furious reading her fake interviews put up by media.

When media persons contacted her, the actress said, “I am utterly shocked seeing these interviews. They are purely fake!”

On the marital front, she adds in, “Marriage is not my priority now. I am not getting married anytime soon, I need to focus on my career right now.”

To delight viewers, the makers of the music reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on Zee TV, have come up with a new dance competition ‘Rock n Roll’ that will go on air from March 14 on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm.

The new dance show will be judged by Bollywood stars Ajay Devgan, his loving wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja. This is the first time the trio is coming along in a TV reality show.

The show will be hosted by Nahar Singh (Sharad Kelkar) of Saat Phere.

The first official biography of Tamil superstar ‘Rajinikanth’, written by Dr. Gayathri Srikanth, was released in Chennai on Thursday at Hotel Taj Connemera.

Titled ‘The name is Rajinikanth,’ the book has been published by Om Books International, and is priced at Rs 460.

Well-known journalist plus dramatist Cho Ramaswamy released the book and presented the first copy to Rajini’s daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth.

In a short speech, Soundarya said, “It’s a tribute and he's very happy that someone has taken this effort.”

Once again, the item girl Rakhi Sawant is back in news because of her brilliant performance in raunchy number “Dekhta Hai Tu Kya” from Rakesh Roshan’s ‘KRAZZY 4.’

Rakhi was so excited when she was approached by Rakesh Roshan, and she instantly said ‘Yes’ to do the song free of charge, since it was for such a high-status cinema house like ‘FilmKraft Productions’.

Rakhi’s item song, start airing this week, is set in a down-market bar where Rakhi dances between crowds of men, young and old alike.

For his next movie ‘Kites,’ Bollywood filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has signed up Latin actress Barbara Mori, who will star opposite Hrithik Roshan.

The new film to be directed by renowned director Anurag Basu will be shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The music will be scored by Rajesh Roshan.

Several names were considered for the leading lady's role including Anil kapoor’s daughter Sonam Kapoor.

But, Sonam said ‘No’ because of the bold scenes required in the movie.
 

Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kissan is all set to make and work in a Hindi movie on Sher Shah Suri, the initiator of the Suri dynasty.

Bollywood has often produced movies on Muslim leaders but they have been mostly limited to the Mughals.

Now, Ravi is exploring beyond that.

According to sources, Ravi is making discussions with the former Maharaja of Amethi, Sanjay Singh, to lend his lavish residence for the shooting of the film.

All flashes and cameras will be turned towards Delhi’s Pragati Maidan where the India’s most renowned fashion show Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week (WIFW) kicked off on Wednesday with designer Vikram Phadnis’s show, themed ‘save the earth.’

Promising to be a splendid affair, this 11th edition began with a dance sequence giving an environment saving message. The first series saw warm, neutral, and earthy colors accompanied by muted tones of cream and ivory.

The resourceful designer is promising something different this time.

New Delhi, Mar 14: The Supreme Court on Friday extended its interim order not to ban the screening of the film "Jodhaa Akbar" in different parts of the country.

On March 4, a bench comprising Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justices R. V. Raveendran and J. M. Panchal, had passed an interim order to lift the ban on the screening of the movie and had granted relief till today.

Kareena’s loving dad Randhir Kapoor is quite disturbed with her obsession to lose weight.

Bebo’s collapse during the shooting of the movie ‘Tashan’ raises questions about her crash diet.

Expressing his worry, Mr. Kapoor said, “I have told her to stop the 'diet business’. She has become quite thin and must not lose more weight, but Bebo tells me that i should go on a diet because I am terribly overweight. Now, what you can say to that?”

These days, wardrobe malfunctions have become a part of Fashion shows.

The recent “tamasha” took place on Friday, in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, where the India’s most renowned fashion show Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week (WIFW) started on Wednesday, and left the viewers breathless.

The episode carried away the audience interest from the designer Rajesh Pratap Singh's collection.

Finally, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone answered the question that loomed in the minds of their fans that “What’s happening between them?”

These new faces on the Bollywood block have continuously been in the news for their romance.

Initially, Ranbir was linked to Sonam Kapoor and Deepika to Yuvraj Singh, despite their relationships with each-other.

But guesses have finally taken the form of a reality with Deepika, who said that she’s really dating Ranbir Kapoor.

Two ever-shining gems of Bollywood industry Rishi Kapoor and Dharmendra were presented the ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ at the closing ceremonial occasion of 10th International Film Festival, Mumbai on Thursday evening.

The two actors were acclaimed for their major contributions to Indian cinema for more than 25 years at the closing function of MAMI attended by the Bollywood glitterati and film aficionados.

Indian’s second largest television network Sun TV Network is all set to launch its FM Radio Stations at Allahabad and Jabalpur under the brand name ‘SFM’ from March 18 and March 19 respectively.

The company will launch the new FM stations through its subsidiary “M/s. South Asia FM Ltd.” The new launchings will increase the total number of Sun’s radio stations to 27 across the country.

Heard at 93.5 MHz frequency in Allahabad and Jabalpur, the new FM Radio Stations will cater to the audience of all age groups.

Ace Bollywood film producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s adaptation of Albert Roussel’s opera ‘Padmavati’ has received a standing ovation at its premiere on Friday at the highly esteemed Theatre du Chatelet.

“I wasn’t completely familiar with the opera but the films I had done before, the preciseness with which I had made them helped me immensely,” said Bhansali over phone from Paris.

“Sometimes being a perfectionist is a boon,” he added.

Bollywood’s sizzling beauty Deepika Padukone and ever-shining star Rishi Kapoor will appear together in Imtiaz Ali’s next directional venture.

Produced by Saif Ali Khan’s Illuminati Films, the film will feature Saif in the lead role opposite Deepika.

Deepika said, “We're going to be working together. We read a script together recently. He's so passionate about cinema. I've so much to learn from him.”

The 22-year-old Deepika and Rishi Kapoor’s loving son have continuously been in the news for their romance. They both have overnight become the most talked-about pair in the film industry.

Compact Disc India Ltd (CDI) has declared that it has signed up a deal with White Light Entertainment, the maker of Jurassic Park and Schindler's List to co-produce English film named “Playing with the Enemy”, which is based on the World War II drama.

The integrated media and entertainment company will invest around $30 million in the project which is expected to cost $45-50 million.

CDI chairman Suresh Kumar said, “We are investing $30 million in the project. The entire project is estimated to be around $45-50 million, depending on the star cast, which will be disclosed by the end of April.”

Bollywood beauty Soha Ali Khan is expected to be grilled by the police in the black buck hunting case together with her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, former cicket captain.

Soha and her father faced problem since he had allegedly used the weapon issued in her name to kill an endangered black buck near Gurgaon for which he is facing a police case.

Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Gupta state that Soha was issued the gun license during November 1996, when she was just 18 years and one month old, while the minimum age limit for having a gun license is 21.

The star of ‘Woh Lamhe’ and ‘Gangster’ Kangana Ranaut has been accused of mistreating her driver both physically and verbally.

Kangana’s driver, Rajesh Sahu filed a non-cognizable offence in the Versova police station alleging that the actress and her sister, Rangoli abused him and even hit him.

The police said that when both the sisters were traveling in their car to Versova for shooting on March 9, an argument triggered between Sahu and the sisters over speeding of the car.

After receiving report from the Jhajhar police, the Gurgaon police administration has issued a showcause notice against Soha Ali Khan. Soha has 15 days to explain why legal action should not be taken against her.

The actress has been asked to clear up her position why legal action should not be taken against her. For this, the police have given 15 days to Soha Ali.

Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Gupta stated that Soha was issued the gun license in November 1996, when she was 18 years and one month old, whereas the minimum age to have a gun license is 21 years.

‘Race’ is the latest offering of the ace Bollywood director duo Abbas-Mustan, well known for adventure stories such as Humraaz, Khiladi and Baazigar. The pair finally does a movie with Saif Ali khan after a long time gap of 6 years. This fantastic “jodi” has already proved it over the years that nobody can thrash them when it comes to the thriller genre.

Featuring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy, the latest thriller ‘Race’ is full of surprising twists and turns, that keep viewers saying ‘oh’ and reanalyzing the whole thing so that bits and pieces of the story fill into form the collage known as ‘Race’.

Finally, the ‘Jab We Met’ star Kareena Kapoor has started shooting a new movie ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ with her sister’s co-star, Salman Khan.

The dazzling Bollywood beauty said that the idea to work with Salman makes her tense.

Miss Kapoor said, “Although we've done Priyadarshan's Kyon Ki... before, I always get nervous working with Salman. He was my sister's hero long before we were paired together. And now to be doing a film with him.”

The shooting of the movie started on Tuesday at Film City at the outskirts of Mumbai.

Now-a-days, the Bollywood beauty Kangana Ranaut has got into trouble.

A non-cognizable offence in the Versova police station has been filed against the actress and her sister Rangoli, for mistreating their driver both physically and verbally.

Kangana’s driver Rajesh Sahu (26) has registered the complaint, accusing them of slapping him while traveling in their car to Versova for shooting on March 9.

On the way, an argument sparked between Sahu and the sisters over speeding of the car. Kangana told Sahu that he was disturbed with the way he had been driving since months. This triggered an argument between them.

PepsiCo has roped in Bollywood’s ravishing beauty Katrina Kaif as its brand ambassador for its popular mango drinks - Slice and Slice Mangola.

Katrina is the first ever film actress to encourage a brand in the juice family. Now, the sweet, cute Bollywood starlet will be seen in all of the brand’s communications in the recent year.

In a statement, Katrina said, “I am extremely proud to be associated with Slice. When the brand approached me, I readily agreed because it is the best tasting mango drink and has been my favourite for a long time. Its taste makes it a perfect drink suitable for all occasions.”

Bollywood beauty Lara Dutta said ‘No’ to accompany Bachchans’ on the
much talked-about world tour ‘The Unforgettable Show,’ because of knee
injury.

In a press release, Miss Dutta said, “I have injured my knee and have
been asked by the doctors not to strain it further. Since I am also
doing a big action film this year, going on the tour for three months
will only aggravate my injury. So, unfortunately and regretfully I have
had to withdraw from the Unforgettable Tour.”

Lara said if she will be a part of the tour, on which she would have to
dance a lot, her injury may take a serious form. That’s why, she wants
to rest her knee and arrange for her task in her upcoming movie ‘Blue’.

London, Mar 25: If your name is Brian or Lisa, and success is what you aspire for, here’s a tip for you, which can make all the difference: change your moniker.

According to a new study, names such as James and Elizabeth are strongly associated with success, others tend to be frowned upon when business is under discussion and snap judgments are being made.

The survey, conducted by Richard Wiseman, a psychologist from the University of Hertfordshire, was based on responses given by 6,500 individuals.

London, March 25 : An academic at Cambridge University claims that Disney films have always been significant in providing people with a platform to understand environmental issues deeply.

David Whitley, a lecturer in English at the university’s faculty of education, counts Bambi, Baloo, the bear from The Jungle Book, and the clownfish in Finding Nemo among the characters who have inspired the powerful environmental movement.

He credits Bambi with inspiring many 1960s environmental activists at an early age.

New York, Mar 25 : Want to know how the who’s who of Hollywood achieve such enviable figures? Well, here’s a guide which digs into the stars’ dirty diet secrets that help them look so stunning.

The famous Olsen twins follow rather an odd diet plan, which comprises of coffees and ciggies.

But the biggest bomber is Adderall, which is the latest diet-drug craze in Hollywood. A number of celebs from Paris to Nicole Richie, from Lindsay to the fallen pop princess Britney Spears - all reportedly have used prescription Adderall.

London, March 25: A new internet game called ‘The Miss Bimbo’, which enables young girls to give plastic surgery to virtual characters and feed them diet pills, has become a matter of concern for parents.

Girls, as young as nine, can been seen taking interest in the game, and competing against other players in beauty contests to earn money, so that they can dress their characters in lingerie and take them to nightclubs.

"(To become) the coolest, richest and most famous bimbo in the whole world" is what the aim of the game is.

Washington, Mar 25: Hugh Jackman is collaborating with Virgin Comics to create ‘Nowhere Man,’ an original comicbook series that is designed to be transferred to the bigscreen.

Jackman is developing the project with Marc Guggenheim one of the co-creators of the television show ‘Eli Stone’.

Although the story is being kept under wraps, Jackman's Seed Productions partner John Palermo let some details slip.

According to him, ‘Nowhere Man’ features a protagonist reminiscent of the one Will Smith played in I Am Legend.

Washington, Mar 25 : Performing live is as addictive as sex for Mick Jagger and that’s why the veteran star is not in the mood to calling it a day anytime soon.

The legendary ‘Rolling Stones’ frontman has been facing the audience since the 1960s and has recently finished with a major world tour last year with the band.

And he insists that the rush experienced at live shows is as pleasurable and addictive as sex.

London, Mar 25: Times sure have changed for Robin Hood’s town Nottingham, for far from being one of the safest places in the UK, it’s a treat for burglars.

Robin Hood’s home city, Nottingham is the worst in burglaries, according to a survey.

The survey showed that house raids in crime-ravaged city were 63 per cent above the national average.

The East Midlands metropolis is already known as Gun City because of its grim record on shootings.

The second riskiest place for break-ins was London, followed by Bristol, Stockport and Leeds.

Washington, Mar 25 : Brad Pitt has provided a new lease of life to the poorest residents of New Orleans, Louisiana who were left homeless by Hurricane Katrina - by providing them with 150 pink-painted houses.

The ‘Meet Joe Black’ star had pledged to help the thousands of families left stranded without shelter after the natural disaster shook the city in 2005.

The Hollywood hunk was mesmerized by New Orleans after he worked on new movie The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button there.

He subsequently bought a family home in the city for him, his wife Angelina Jolie and their brood of children.

With the aim to increase its Indian viewership, Animal Planet has made announcement that it will launch a parallel 24-hour Hindi feed that will go on air from April 1, 2008.

Deepak Shourie, Discovery Networks India Managing Director said, “From April, viewers across India would be able to watch the channel Hindi. This move will help us increase viewership of the channel,” he added.

Animal Planet is already available in English but there is more pressure on networks to provide their service in Hindi also with the intention that they can expand their penetration in mass markets.

Ace Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee will have to pay Rs 66 lakhs to the state government in order to regain ownership of the land that she had purchased (in 2005) near Shirdi in Maharashtra.

The court declared that no one has the right to own the land as it is belonged to Maharashtra state farming corporation, and was extended on a lease.

On March 27, the state govt. has formally taken over the 11,000 sq ft of land purchased by Rani in the name of her father Ram Mukherjee.

However, the actress was totally ignorant that it was farming area and could not be sold.

The 22-year-old Deepika and Rishi Kapoor’s loving son, Ranbir have continuously been in the news for their relation. They both have overnight become the most talked-about pair in the film industry.

Even this time, they do not hide their blooming love from the world.

This all happens on the sets of the Lakme India Fashion Week where Bollywood’s latest heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor walked the ramp for the first time.

After receiving much acclamation throughout the world, Pakistani
director Shoaib Mansoor’s debut movie “Khuda Ke Liye” is ready hit Indian
cinemas on April 4.

“Khuda Ke Liye,” which has already won praise at Cairo, Muscat, Italy, Dubai and London, will be the first Pakistani movie to release in India after a
long gap of 40 years.

The movie shows how false interpretations of the scriptures
by Maulvis have an effect on the lives of Muslim people.

Media and entertainment company Eros International has made announcement that its Indian arm, Eros Multimedia has signed up syndication deals with Sony as well as Sahara channels.

The deals will permit both the channels to access a library of 51 movies from Eros.

In a declaration, Eros said that the recent deal with Sony allows them to premiere 16 new pics from 2007-08 on the channels, which also includes the current megahits like Om Shanti Om and Heyy Babyy, for the next five years.

Ace Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor and her latest beau Saif Ali Khan have decided to tie knot after the release of their much-awaited film, Tashan on April 25.

This is not a joke or April fool’s prank, said Kareena.

Bebo and Chotte Nawab made their relationship public in October 2007, when they were spotted together at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. Since then they both have been super sizzling couple of Bollywood.

Both Kareena & Saif developed relationship after abolishing the burden of past relationships from their minds.

Break ups and link ups have become an essential part of celebrities’ life. One day they break up their relation, and on the very next day, they again link up and start their love stories.

The same happens between hot and sizzling Katrina Kaif and his beau Salman Khan.

It was reported that Salman had split with Katrina following regular tiff between the two, but the reality seems to be different. Now, they are still very much together and in love.

The news of Sallu allegedly slapping Katrina in public at a Mumbai restaurant was all over the town not long ago though Katrina denied being slapped by Salman.

Sending shock waves across the TV industry, King Khan has walked out of the ‘Star Plus’ most willingly awaited reality show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain.'

But why SRK has taken this decision?

According to the sources, Bollywood Badshah had creative disparities with STAR TV and Synergy over a few matters.

Since the idea of the show is taken from a super hit American show “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader,” Shahrukh desired the dialogue to be partly in English and partly in Hindi.

The much talked-about world tour ‘The Unforgettable Show’ with the Bachchans is becoming more glamorous day-by-day. This is not only because of Bachchans but more so because of the continuous entry and exit of other Bollywood celebrities.

Now, the dhak-dhak girl Madhuri and chotte nawab Saif Ali Khan are roped in for the ‘The Unforgettable Show’ to join Big B, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai at different venues across Britain and the US.

Ace Bollywood beauty of the '80s and early '90s Sridevi made a comeback in Lakme India Fashion Week and impressed the audience with her alluring beauty.

The eternally reigning Queen Bee proved that beauty never dies.

Wearing a golden hued dress with a corset bodice attached to a flared skirt, Sri swept the cheering crowd’s heart away when she walked the ramp for designers Priya and Chintan on the last day of the Lakme Fashion Week here on Wednesday.

She said, “It was a good experience and I was comfortable. The collection was very beautiful.”

Ace Bollywood beauty Juhi Chawla will replace Amisha Patel after the latter opted out of Priyadarshan’s Billo Barber, which will indeed be produced by King Khan under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner.

The story of the movie ‘Billo Barber’ is supposed to be based on two childhood friends - a barber and a rich filmstar.

Inspired from the story of Lord Krishna and his best friend Sudama, Billo Barber is reported to be a remake of Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol.

While Shahrukh plays the role of a superstar, while Irrfan Khan will act as a barber, who comes to meet his friend after many years.

London - Super model Naomi Campbell, 37, is under investigation for attacking a police officer, London police said Friday, one day after the model was arrested at Heathrow Airport following a dispute over luggage.

The model, who is known for her temper, had been handcuffed and detained on board a British Airways aircraft at Heathrow's newly- opened Terminal 5 on Thursday afternoon, but was later released on bail, Scotland Yard said.

According to media reports she spat into the face of a police officer and hit him.

Campbell's spokeswoman Annabel Fox said Campbell had been angry after being told that one of her suitcases had not been taken on board the plane.

London - British actor Daniel Craig, 40, said he wanted to play Her Majesty's most famous secret agent as long as possible.

"Until my joints go I will keep going as Bond," Craig told the British tabloid The Sun on Friday.

"I have no intention of giving up yet," the actor said while on location in Chile, filming the latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

The upcoming Bond instalment will contain nude scenes and even more action scenes than Casino Royale, Craig's first outing as James Bond.

"There is a little nudity. It might not be full," the actor said.

"We are going from stunt sequence to stunt sequence," he added.

After a year long hiatus, Smriti Irani returned to the star parivaar to play ‘Tulsi’ once again in the most-popular TV soap ‘Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’

The return of Kyunki’s original bahu will put back Gautami Kapoor, who had gamely stepped into Smriti's role of Tulsi.

At a joint press conference together with Smriti, Balaji Telefilms’ Creative Director Ekta Kapoor and Anupama Mandloi, Senior Creative Director of Star Plus made announcement about the return of ‘Smriti’ to the show on Wednesday.

Ace Bollywood beauty Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Indian Premier League’s Mohali team, got hurt during its formal launch in Mohali, on the outskirts of Chandigarh.

Preity said, “I don't know how it happened. But in the melee at the launch an elbow came and hit me straight in the eye. I had to go through the event with a black eye wearing dark glasses.”

Eyewitnesses stated that there was a big rush at the opening, and the crowd was uncontrollable. A person seemed to have thrown away something at Preity, but, one of her bodyguards hurled to catch whatever had been thrown, and his elbow hit Preity in the eye.

The eyes of the viewers will be firmly glued on their TV sets before the declaration of the final results of the Femina Miss India 2008 contest.

And Finally, Simran Kaur Mundi, a 22-year old of Mumbai, was crowned Miss India Universe 2008 title at the grand finale of the Femina Miss India 2008, held at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on Saturday.

Parvathy Omanakuttam from Kerala was crowned the Miss India World 2008, while Harshita Saxena of Goa was named Miss India Earth 2008.

Miami - The presence of actor Woody Harrelson and Hollywood friend Owen Wilson in the stands at the Miami Masters didn't do much for the concentration of finalist Jelena Jankovic.

Like Marion Bartoli at Wimbledon a year ago when she knew idol Pierce Brosnan was at Centre court, Jankovic harboured the fear that she was not performing up to standard in her eventual three-set loss to Serena Williams.

"I had all these actors when I was returning," said the smiling Serb. "I was thinking that one of them (Harrelson) was in that (1992 street basketball) movie White Men Can't Jump.

Los Angeles/New York - Singer Beyonce Knowles, 26, and her long-time boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z, 38, have exchanged wedding vows, the US magazine People reported Saturday.

They held a wedding and party Friday night in New York City with a small circle of family and friends, people who know the couple told the magazine.

Publicists for neither of the performers would give an immediate confirmation of the report.

Network18’s Global Broadcast News (GBN) and the Lokmat Group has made announcement about the launching of a 24-hour Marathi News and Current Affairs Channel ‘IBN-Lokmat.’

The new channel will go on air from 6 April.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN and IBN7, will be the Executive Editor of the channel, whereas Nikhil Wagle will be its Editor.
 

As far as pricing is concerned, Akshay Kumar seems to be giving stiff competition to both ‘King Khan’ and ‘Sallu’.

The Bollywood’s Khiladi will get Rs 1.5 crore for each episode of a reality TV show, which is expected to hit Indian screens by August his year.

The amount offered to Akki is more than what SRK is getting for the ‘Star Plus’ most willingly awaited reality show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain.' Incidentally Salman Khan has been booked for Rs 89 crore for hosting 104 episodes of a reality show for Sony.

Los Angeles - Actor Charlton Heston, who won a best actor Oscar for his role in Ben Hur, died on Saturday at his home in Beverley Hills, a spokesman for his family said.

Heston stepped down from his role as president of the National Rifle Association, the US gun lobby, in 2003 for reasons of ill- health. dpa mu fsxue002 ee eq ecs tra 000

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Los Angeles(dpa) - Actor Charlton Heston, who won a best actor Oscar for his role in Ben Hur, died on Saturday at his home in Beverley Hills, a spokesman for his family said.

Los Angeles  - Oscar-winning Hollywood star Charlton Heston died Saturday in his home in Beverly Hills. He was aged 84, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Heston, who won best actor Oscar for his starring role in the epic Ben Hur in 1959, died with his wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, by his side.

Heston, who has become better known in recent years as a US gun lobbyist, also portrayed Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the 1950s and
1960s.

He stepped down as president of US gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), in 2003, for reasons of ill-health.

New Delhi, Apr. 7 : Tamil cinema superstar Rajnikanth today rebutted charges that he had insulted the people of Karnataka in a speech delivered a couple of days ago in the context of the conflict over the Hogenakkal water project between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Rajnikanth had said: "Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have had a clear agreement made over their borders surrounding Hogenakkal 50 years ago. And when we plan to take water that is on our side and someone raises an objection, should not they be kicked?"

To defend himself, he said, “My comments were misconstrued.”

Fifteen-year-old Aishwarya Majumdar from Ahmedabad has won the Star Plus’s reality music show “Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustad” after defeating another extremely talented sensation the 14-year-old Anvesha Dattagupta from Kolkata, at the Goregaon Sports Club in suburban Mumbai, on Saturday.

Aishwarya impressed the jury members and the viewers through her power-pack performances, and got the highest votes. The three-hour musical show was telecast live on Star Plus channel

The leading entertainment company Pyramid Saimira has announced that it will produce 52 films in the recent year.

The company has already finished six films in different languages, and over seven movies are presently under the production process.

Apart from films, Pyramid also produces content for TV as well as other modes. At this time, it makes around three hours of TV content on a daily basis.

Pyramid Saimira would invest Rs 35-40 crore to complete ten Tamil films during the existing fiscal.

After getting disappointed with the African governmental system, pop queen ‘Madonna’ has decided to adopt a child from India.

The 49-year-old singer fell in love with India after visiting the country, with her hubby Guy Ritchie and kids, in January.

The sources said that the 'Material Girl' will shortly visit India to adopt a baby after completing the promotion work of her new album ‘Hard Candy.’

Ritchie is also supporting Madonna in this endeavor, the sources added.

Initially, he was opposing the plan after the problems they had confronted with David Banda who they adopted from Malawi.

London - British supermodel Naomi Campbell was Tuesday reported to have been banned from flying British Airways (BA) following her recent row over missing baggage.

The model's spokesman said she hoped the dispute with BA be "resolved amicably."

However, reports said BA had decided to stop flying the catwalk star.

"We do not comment in detail about matters relating to individual passengers," a BA spokesman said Tuesday.

But all incidents of abusive or disruptive behaviour towards fellow passengers or staff were taken extremely seriously and would not be tolerated.

After a long time, the baabuji item girl Yana Gupta has come up with a music video named ‘Back Unda Da Influence’, which marks her debut as a singer.

Composed by a renowned DJ Dr. Zeus, the music album has been launched by BIG Music.

The young and sexy Yana has sung two numbers in the album that includes, ‘Aag Ka Dariya’ and ‘Na Koi Khayal’ that she penned herself.

Srinagar, Apr 9: With cinema halls having downed shutters two decades ago when insurgency erupted in the Kashmir valley, catching a movie in a theatre became a pipedream.

With most cinema halls having been converted into bases for security personnel, youth are perforce having to turn to Video Compact Discs (VCDs) and Digital Video Discs (DVDs) for watching movies.

Ace Bollywood beauty Juhi Chawla stated that she has already
experienced her share of lead roles, and now she was searching only for best
roles whether big or small. 

Juhi said, “I had my share of lead roles and fun and I did
everything I ever wanted to do. I don't miss much and I am always looking out
quality roles, whether big or small not necessarily comedy or romantic.” 

Juhi also told that she plays the role of a psychiatrist of
four patients in Rakesh Roshan’s upcoming movie ‘Krazzy 4,’ which is getting
bigger day by day, as its launching date is coming near. 

Los Angeles  - Disney studio has released details about its slate of upcoming animated movies - all of which will be made in digital 3-D.

The legendary entertainment company announced that it was moving to 3D animated movies last month. The move will start this November with Bolt, about an ordinary dog who believes he has superhero powers.

John Travolta is lined up to voice the Bolt character while Miley Cyrus will play the dog's young owner Penny.

The octogenarian Bollywood legend Dev Anand has been invited to the highly-esteemed Cannes Film Festival, which is going to be held in May.

The evergreen actor was much excited to be invited to the upcoming festival as it will screen his movie "Guide" under the 'Classic' film category.

“I have never attended any Cannes fest earlier. So, I am very happy to receive an invitation to attend it. I am indeed more pleased because my Guide is being shown in the 'Classics' section, which I understand is a sideshow of the main festival,” Dev said.

Ace filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has finally announced June 6 as the releasing date of its much-awaited movie ‘Sarkar Raj.’

Featuring Big B, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, the premiere of the film will take place during the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to be held in Bangkok.

Backing these developments Ramu said that the film’s release date has been on the anvil for a moment.

Kajol’s father Shomu Mukherji passed away on Thursday around 8 am due to a massive cardiac arrest. The shock plunged Mukherji family into mourning

Sixty-five-year-old Shomu Mukherj breathed her last at his residence. He is survived by wife Tanuja and daughters Kajol and Tanisha.

Son of Shashidhar Mukherjee, the famous Bollywood film producer of the 1950s, Shomu was unwell for quite some time.

His last rites will be performed at the Santacruz crematorium at 1400 hrs, family sources said.

Shomu Mukherji is the founder of Filmalaya Studios and the youngest of three siblings. His brothers Deb and Joy were actors.

Mumbai, Apr 11: Bollywood movie 'Krazzy 4', a feel good comedy, with an interesting ensemble cast is released in theatres across the country on Friday.

Arshad Warsi, Irfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon, Juhi Chawla and Dia Mirza have played the lead roles in this laugh riot.

The plot of the movie revolves around the life of four crazy men. The first one is a bad tempered person prone to reacting violently at the slightest provocation. The second one is extremely fussy about order and cleanliness, while, the third habitually lives in the past and the fourth one is plain crazy.

Ace Bollywood beauty Juhi Chawla will be seen visiting the “Thakkar Family” from Star Plus' weekly show “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby.”

In order to promote her upcoming movie ‘Bhootnath’, Juhi spent a day with the cast and crew of the show. The episode will be telecasted on April 12 at 9::30 pm only on Star Plus.

This weekend the entire Thakkar family will be seen enjoying the much awaited 'mehendi' function of the upcoming wedding. Juhi will join them in their celebrations.

India’s second largest television network Sun TV Network is all set to launch its FM Radio Stations at Jamshedpur under the brand name ‘SFM’ from April 13.

The company will launch the new FM stations through its Subsidiary South Asia FM Ltd. The new launching will increase the total number of Sun’s radio stations to 30 across the country.

Heard at 93.5 MHz frequency in Jamshedpur, the new FM Radio Stations will cater to the audience of all age groups.

London, Apr 12 : Forget playstation and make way for the hand-held puzzle made in the 1970s, the Rubik Cube - the game that has been named the greatest toy craze of all time.

The brightly coloured Rubik Cube remains a firm favourite, seeing off the more sophisticated gadgetry that dominates the modern gaming market.

The cube came top of a survey by an online auction site, which polled 1,000 games fans to find the best craze ever.

Saif’s family has accepted his relationship with Bebo (Kareena Kapoor). Saif’s father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi wants Kareena to keep his son happy always.

Pataudi met Kareena at lunch after the shooting of Tashan and was quite impressed with her behavior. He thought that she is the right choice for his son. Saif’s mother Sharmila is also happy about her son’s choice and supports their relationship and marriage.

Mr. Pataudi is quite possessive about his son and wishes to see him happy forever. He has also given his blessings as well as advice to the couple.

The newly crowned Panataloons Femina Miss India Earth Harshita Saxena has landed in a problem all because her agreement with her previous modeling agency (Gladrags) overlapped with that of the Miss India pageant by three days.

In a press report Harshita said, “I apologise to the officials of Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2008 and voluntarily surrender the title of Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth 2008. It was an oversight on my part.”

At a press meeting, President Gladrags Beauty Pageants, Maureen Wadia stated that Harshita is a model from her company and is still in contract with the Gladrags, which bar her from participating in any other beauty contest.

New York- Slasher-flick remake Prom Night waltzed to the top of the North American box-office rankings over the weekend with a three-day gate of 22.7 million dollars, according to preliminary studio estimates issued Sunday.

The movie opened Friday, starring Brittany Snow as a student terrorized at a school dance by an obsessed former teacher who escapes from prison.

The 1980 original, considered a classic in the horror genre, had Jamie Lee Curtis in the lead role. (dpa)

Sydney - eOscar-winning Australian actor Cate Blanchett and her playwright husband Andrew Upton have named their new son Ignatius Martin Upton, a spokesman for the couple said Monday.

"They have a healthy baby boy - Ignatius Martin Upton. All are well and happy," the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) spokesman said.

STC is Australia's de facto national theatre and Blanchett and Upton are its artistic co-directors.

Ignatius, who was born on Sunday, is a brother to Dashiell, 6, and Roman, 3.

Saif Ali Khan is riding high now-a-days.

With the new girlfriend, Bebo, the success of ‘Race’ and with his forthcoming movie, Tashan, there is nothing to look back for him.

Besides all this, one more thing that’s bringing smile on Saif's face is that his son, Ibrahim, will soon be making his debut on big screen.

This is really a proud moment for ‘Chotte Nawab.’

Monica Bhattacharya, the spokesperson of Yash Raj Films said, “Ibrahim will be seen in a cameo role in Tashan. However, we cannot reveal his role and what he does. Surprises must be kept.”

The much talked-about world tour ‘The Unforgettable Show’ with the Bachchans is getting bigger day-by-day, as its launching date is coming near.

The tour is constantly in news not only because of Bachchans but more so due to the continuous entry and exit of other Bollywood stars.

Now, Wizcraft International Entertainment has announced the names of two superstar entrants to their grandest.

Mumbai, Apr. 15 : 'Raaz 2', another flick from the stable of Vishesh Films, which is a sequel to the earlier Bollywood film, is being shot in Mumbai, the country’s entertainment capital.

The horror film is being produced by brothers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt and is being directed by Mohit Suri.

Mohit Suri who made his directorial debut with the film Zeher in 2005 and followed it up with Kalyug, Woh Lamhe (2006) and Awarapan is confident that this sequel will do well at the box office.

Raaz 2 stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Urvashi Sharma and Adhayayan Suman.

India’s second largest TV network Sun TV Network is all set to launch its FM Radio Stations at Nasik and Vadodara, under the brand name ‘SFM’ from April 17, 2008.

The company will launch the new FM stations through its subsidiary ‘South Asia FM Ltd’. The new launchings will boost up the total number of Sun’s radio stations to 32 across the country.

Heard at 93.5 MHz frequency in Nasik and Vadodara, the new FM Radio Stations will cater to the audience of all age groups.

Ace Bollywood producer Mukesh Bhatt has decided to postpone the release of his ambitious venture ‘Jannat’ by two weeks.

Initially Jannat was slated to hit the Indian theatres on May 2, a week after the Yashraj Films next big presentation ‘Tashan’ on April 25. But, now it will be released on May 16.

Mr. Bhatt said, “I learnt a bitter lesson during Awarapan. The film suffered because of its clash with two other films that opened simultaneously (Apne and Aap Kaa Surroor). So I never got the right theatres or the right show timings to exhibit my film.”

Mumbai, Apr 17 : Music launch of 'The Awakening', a film on the journey of a young girl born and brought up in New York whose thesis on Indus Valley Civilization brings her to India, was held here today.

Touted as "the first international Singlish movie" the film has the dialogues in English and songs in Sindhi.

Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh released the music of the film and gave away the music CD's to the cast and crew of the film.

London - A music video making fun of the turmoil that accompanied the recent opening of Terminal 5 (T5) at London's Heathrow airport has become a major hit on the internet, London's Evening Standard newspaper said Thursday.

The Terminal 5 Song is delivered in a rap style with lines such as: "It's the biggest terminal we've ever seen, It's a bigger disaster, you all know what I mean."

The video shows people queuing, sleeping on airport floors, and engaged in heated exchanges with officials.

The news about Bollywood’s steadiest couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora’s divorce is really shocking for their fans.

But actually the rumors about Arbaaz and Malaika breakup is publicity stunt for a skin cream advertisement.

The sources close to the couple said, “It’s a publicity gimmick. The split rumors are from a skin cream advertisement, which Malaika and Arbaaz will endorse together.”

Now Bollywood Badshah Shahrukh Khan wishes to sing or play a musical instrument.

King Khan, who sung some lines in the music album of KolKata Knightriders, the IPL team promoted by him, said, “I have no regrets in my life. I only wish I could sing or play a musical instrument.”

Shahrukh stated, “Music composers Vishal-Shekhar impressed upon me to test my singing prowess. After the recording when I heard my voice, I sounded so awful that I felt extremely sorry for the music composer team of Vishal-Shekhar, Bappi Lahiri and Pritam who have come together to score the music of five songs in the album.”

Ace Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif is the latest to join the celebrities list supporting the different Indian Premiere League cricket teams.

The sweet and innocent actress will make her presence felt at IPL events and functions supporting Vijay Mallya's Bangalore team.

A source close to the actress said, “Katrina is the face of Mallya's cricket team, not a brand ambassador to his Royal Challenge products.”

The actress will be shooting an exclusive solo music video for Mallya’s team to be directed by Sanjay Gupta.

Ace Bollywood actress Nandita Das will be honoured with the high-status award of ‘Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’ by the French government for her valuable contribution to the world cinema.

Besides, the versatile Indian beauty also has the option to choose any French personality for the felicitation.

Nandita said, “And there’re so many people I want to get the award from. To me, Paris is like Kolkata, the cultural nerve-center of the country.”

Nandita is the second Bollywood celebrity after King Khan who has been honoured with the award at the beginning of the year.

Aamir Khan’s directorial debut ‘Taare Zameen Par’ was absent from the nomination list for the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards declared on Tuesday.

It is believed that Aamir didn't formally apply for a nomination in any award category this year.

At a press conference, Sabbas Joseph, director Wizcraft International Ltd said, “You won't find some important film names mentioned in the nomination list. It is because of the selection procedure.”

Nutritional product manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd has roped in Darsheel Safary, the superstar of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ as brand ambassador for its health drink ‘Horlicks.’

The cute and innocent Darsheel will endorse Horlicks for one year, and he advises children to try it to be ‘cool.’ This will also be a vital part of the future campaigns of the brand during this period.

It has been a year since Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the knot.

But, the sweet and innocent couple will not be in Mumbai to celebrate their first anniversary on April 20.

They are in Miami now-a-days for the shooting of Abhishek’s film ‘Dostana.’

However, Big B is making sure the media back home get a chance to wish them on their wedding anniversary. He has set up a live video conference on April 20.

So kicked is Big B regarding the whole plan that he’s personally monitoring dry runs on April 18 and 19  before the big day.

London, April 21 : Being glued to television at the same time all around the UK has become a thing of the past in the country, thanks to the advent of on-demand television, which has brought a revolution in the nation's viewing habits over the past few years.

Power chiefs have revealed that the TV-related electricity surge, which caused millions of viewers simultaneously rush to the kitchen to put on a kettle, has decreased to a point where it barely qualifies as a ripple.

Love, affection, marriage, and other social norms seem to be a game for Bollywood celebrities. They don’t care about anything, but, the only thing they care about is status and more and more money.

The news about split between Bollywood’s most glamorous and steadiest couple Arbaaz and Malaika Arora Khan, which hit the shelves during the last week, is actually a publicity stunt for a skin cream advertisement.

In the advertisement, they (Malaika & Arbaaz) told a Mumbai tabloid that they had separated and Arbaaz was ready to remarry but later on they accepted that the whole story was for promotion of a product.

After a long gap, Bollywood seems to be returning to its most-favored place, Kashmir.

The charming beauty of the Kashmir valley is likely to once again feature in Indian cinema, as prominently as they did earlier.

A number of directors and producers have already approached the state government for shooting in the valley.

Amongst the four films that are expected to be shot here this summer, is Shatrughan Sinha’s son - Luv Sinha's debut film titled "Sadiyaan", for which the political personality and yesteryear actor is in Kashmir to encourage his son.

Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), Apr. 22 : Tamil Nadu is playing host to a weeklong festival dedicated to transgenders with the objective of facilitating their eventual entry into the existing social mainstream.

The festival, which began on Sunday, is held annually at 'Koovagam' in the state’s Villupuram District.

The Koothandavar Temple that draws about 70,000 transgenders, homosexuals and cross dressers from around the world, culminates with two elderly males tying the knot to symbolize warrior king Aravan's wedding to Lord Krishna in his Mohini avatar.

Brussels  - The European Commission on Tuesday asked European retailersand urged national governments to stick to a common age-rating system.

The European video games sector is booming, with revenues expected to exceed 7 billion euros (11.1 billion dollars) this year. But recent shooting incidents at schools in Germany and Finland involving alleged violent video game fans have since prompted officials to tighten the rules.

Ace Bollywood actor Om Puri has been nominated as the chairman of the very prestigious National Film Development Corporation Ltd (NFDC), which is also the fundamental agency established to encourage & promote "Cinemas Of India' - both on a National and International level.

The veteran actor, who will formally take charge on April 23, has been appointed almost a year after film distributor and financier Manmohan Shetty resigned from the post.

The world's fastest growing entertainment conglomerate, Pyramid Saimira Group has signed up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Society Music Research Board (CSMRB), which is under the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, in order to form the Jiangsu Pyramid Longzhe Group.

Jiangsu Pyramid Longzhe will run theatres, distribute films and engage in other entertainment, arts and cultural activities in China.

Besides, the new entity will roll out one screen per day in Mainland China and further generate non-box office revenues also.

Ace Bollywood beauty Sridevi is in news for being accused in a cheque bounce case.

The case is linked with the bouncing of the cheques issued by Sridevi and her hubby Boney Kapoor to film financer Madhu Gupta, the proprietress of Mumbai-based Photo Films Industries.

Ace Bollywood actor, Aamir Khan has badly hurt while shooting a tough scene for his upcoming flick ‘Ghajini.’

The incident occurred at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Rao studios on Wednesday.

The actor was taken to the hospital immediately for first aid by the concerned crew.

According to an eye witness, around 11 am Aamir was shooting for a scene in which he had to lift and throw a bulky man weighing around 100 kilos.

Unluckily, he pulled his hamstring muscle while performing the scene. Aamir just sat down and was unable to stand as he was in severe pain.

The viewers’ are once again ready to see the Bollywood’s hottest and perfect couple together on big screen in Yash Chopra’s latest flick Tashan, released on Friday (April 25).

One of the year’s most-awaited releases, Tashan has aroused interest through their lavish promos and red-hot music months in advance of its opening.

But a roadblock hit Tashan’s success path hard, as it faces a complete blackout from India's multiplex companies.

The perfect Bollywood actor-director, Aamir Khan, who believes only in hard work, once again proved that nothing could stop him from fulfilling a promise.

Aamir has received the most prestigious Dinanath Mangeshkar award for his immense services to the Indian cinema.

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar presented the award to Aamir on Thursday.

Cork, Ireland  - Acclaimed US contemporary visual artist, Spencer Tunick, best known for his ability to pull large nude crowds, has put out a call for those prepared to bare all in public in Ireland for his latest project.

The sometimes controversial Tunick plans to create a new body and landscape sculpture in Dublin's docklands and in the southern city of Cork in June by photographing more than 2,000 participants, according to his website.

Paris  - Organizers of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday announced that they have added three films to the 19 announced last week to compete for the festival's top prize, the Palme d'Or.

The films are Two Lovers by US director James Gray, Entre les Murs (Between the Walls) by Frenchman Laurent Cantet, and Blindness, by Brazil's Fernando Mereilles.

Two Lovers is a romantic drama set in Brooklyn and stars Joaquin Phoenix, who appeared in Gray's critically acclaimed We Own the Night, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Ace Bollywood actor-director, Aamir Khan, who received injuries in his right thigh while shooting a stunt last week, has restarted shooting for his upcoming flick ‘Ghajini.’

On his newest blog, Aamir said, “I had injured the adductor muscle in my right thigh. I'm recovering well and have restarted shooting with muscle supports and belts.”

Aamir will continue to remain in Hyderabad till the first week of May. He also expressed interest in meeting his blogger friends from the city.

Zapak has rolled out a special gaming destination for kids known as ‘Zapak Kids’ in the market.

Besides, Zapak also announced a tie-up with Big B’s upcoming film, Bhoothnath, which is all set to release on 9 May.

Amitabh Bachchan said, “Kids are becoming more and more important today, various brands are vying for their mindshare. When I came to know that we are doing merchandising extensions for Bhoothnath with Zapak, I was very thrilled. It’s got great games and some very cool pranks that are sure to be a hit with children just like the movie.”

Melbourne, Apr 30 : Residents of the Greek island Lesbos have slapped a lawsuit on a gay group, insisting that they are the real Lesbians.

Two inhabitants of Lesbos along with a member of a nationalist pagan association have filed a legal case prohibit the Greek Gay and Lesbian Union (OLKE) from bearing the name ‘lesbian’.

Lesbos was the home of a woman poet Sappho, who expressed her love of other women in lyric verses written in the early sixth century BC.

After making a dynamic dent in audience’s minds with ‘Cheeni Kum,’ director R Balkrishnan is ready to recreate the same magic with his upcoming flick ‘Pa.’

The movie revolves around the deep father-son relationship, which is being portrayed by Amithabh Bachchan and Abhishekh Bachchan.

However, this time Balki has not chosen the ravishing and innocent Tabu as a leading lady.

Ace film producer Ram Gopal Verma has finally announced May 4 as the date to launch the promotions of its much-awaited movie ‘Sarkar Raj.’

Previously, the promotional work was planned to start on May 11.

With the failing of Tashan, and its complete blackout from India's multiplex companies, Z Picture Company, who possesses the marketing and distribution rights of Sarkar Raj are promoting it with the intention to fill up the yawning gap.

Ace Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan becomes daddy again as his loving wife Suzanne delivered a baby boy at Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital on Thursday, May 1.

The baby was born at 11:27 am and weighed 3.3 kgs.

A hospital source said, “Both the baby and the mother are doing fine.”

This is Hrithik and Suzanne’s second child. Their first son Hrehaan, was born on March 28 2006.

However, the couple was expecting a baby girl this time.

Hrithik was by Suzanne’s side during the delivery which was done by Dr Kiran Coelho.

Ace Bollywood filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor is ready with his new flick ‘Aashayein,’ which will hit Indian theatres on June 20. The film is all about hope and following your dreams.

Starring the hot and tough John Abraham, newcomer Sonal Sehga and Chak De India’s Anahita Nair, the first look of Aashayein was unveiled on Tuesday at Vie Lounge in Juhu, in the Western suburb of Mumbai.

Since John could not make it to the function as he is presently shooting for Karan Johar’s production, Dostana in Miami, but his parents filled in for him.

The spunky Jiah Khan is hardly in her 20s but has already worked with three generations of top Bollywood actors.

The New York born and London raised Jiah, who rose to fame with her film ‘Nishabd’, will now be seen sharing the scene with two hot and multi-talented stars, Aamir and Shahid Kapur, in two different movies.

She said, “I can get along equally well with someone 16 or 60. It’s a gift, I guess. I really think I`m lucky. As for my so-called audacious launch, I was very comfortable with my role in `Nishabd`. Maybe other people weren’t. It didn`t affect me beyond a point.”

Karachi, May 6 : Bollywood actor Imran Hashmi and film director Mahesh Bhatt are likely to visit Karachi on May 12 for the premiere of film ‘Jannat’ directed by Suhail Khan.

After arriving in Karachi, the two Bollywood stars are expected to depart for Lahore where the premiere is scheduled to be held, reported the Daily Times.

Suhail Khan said from India that Hashmi and Bhatt will talk to the media on May 12 and the film will premiere a day later simultaneously in Pakistan and India. (ANI)

Washington, May 6 : A prominent Jewish Rabbi has called for boycott of upcoming movie “The Love Guru” because it “lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy” and asking “who laughs at religious practices”.

Rabbi Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada, in a statement, said, “ ‘The Love Guru’ lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy. While ‘Guru Pitka’ states that he endorses no particular religion, the movie clearly portrays him as a guru - religious leader of Hindus.”

It appears that the honorable union health minister is out to waging a continuous war of words with Bollywood stars on one issue or another. Yes, Anbumani Ramadoss, who has already wrangled with Shahrukh Khan on on-screen smoking issue, has got into verbal war with Big B on on-screen drinking.

New Delhi, May 7 : World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star 'The great Khali' today said that he would like to fight an Indian in the wrestling championship.

Speaking at a news conference here, Khali said "I was in body building earlier and that was my game then. Now, I am in WWE. Now I feel that somebody from India should come with me and wrestle with me there," said Khali.

London - Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse was Wednesday arrested over the possession of drugs at a London police station, Scotland Yard said.

The 24-year-old singer had attended the police station "by appointment," her spokesman said.

On April 25, Winehouse was arrested on suspicion of assault following reports that she punched and head-butted two men during a night, but later released on bail. (dpa)

The much-hyped movie Tashan failed to decide the faith of the hot Bollywood pair Saif-Kareena on the reel life.

Tashan, who failed terribly at the box office, disappointed the couple as they had put their heart and soul to create something different in terms of style and chemistry.

So, it is quite natural for Chotte Nawab to be upset over the onscreen failed romance.

Besides, he has also been telling friends that a big portion of his character in the film was cut down on the editing table. But the reality is that only one big sequence had been slashed.

However, since it was with Bebo, Saif is not happy.

The viewers’ will see the Bollywood’s Shenshah and Baadshah together on big screen in Ravi Chopra’s latest flick ‘Bhoothnath’, which is releasing today (May 9).

One of the year’s most-awaited releases, Bhoothnath has awakened attention through its lavish promos and new concept months in advance of its opening.

Together with Big B and King Khan, Bhoothnath, a fun-filled fantasy film, will also feature Aman Siddiqui, Juhi Chawla, Rajpal Yadav and Satish Shah.
Directed by Vivek Sharma, the film has been made on a Rs 250 million budget. Bhoothnath relies upon the idea that ‘Aatma amar hain’.

She’s ramp model; she’ll make her silver screen debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Yashraj movie "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"; well, she’s Anushka Sharma, 19-year-old beauty from Bangalore. Her announcement was made yesterday by Yash Chopra, the Chairman of Yashraj Films.

Mr. Yash Chopra said, "Hopefully, the announcement will end all the speculation and conjecture that had started about the identity of the female lead ever since the film was announced.”

In Ken Ghosh’s upcoming movie, the viewers’ will see Shahid Kapur in a new look with long hair and six pack abs.

The multi-talented actor is working relentlessly on his new look for a new film that promises to out and out a dance film.

Confirming the news, Ken said, “Shahid is making changes in his physical appearance. The new film is an out-and-out dance film, which will be on the lines of a larger than life Broadway musical.”

The ‘Jab We Met’ star is reportedly leaving for a few foreign destinations to learn different dance styles and to work for attaining six packs for the film.

Ace Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has named his newly born baby as ‘Hridhaan,’ which means ‘Great Heart.’

The baby was born at 11:27 am at Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital on Thursday, May 1.

Hridhaan is Hrithik and Suzanne’s second child. Their first son Hrehaan, was born on March 28 2006.

Both the sons were named after Hrithik’s first letter ‘H’.

Hrithik was seen beaming with pride. The baby looked so cute and similar to Hrehaan that he was not able to take his eyes away from his baby.

Washington, May 11 : Hindu groups have contacted Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting of India, urging them not to screen upcoming Hollywood movie “The Love Guru” till its presenter Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes in it.

Bhavna Shinde, representing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Society for Scientific Spirituality, in communiqués to these organizations, said, “…stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community.”

Winning a Padma Shri award would surely be a dream for many, but it is not that worthy for Bollywood’s ‘Dhak Dhak’ girl Madhuri Dixit, who received the prestigious award for her valuable contribution to Indian cinema.

The queen of million hearts said that she loves children, not awards.

She also said that she never aimed for awards but she only wanted to have kids, and that too, a dozen of them.

Neither Madhuri, nor her loving hubby Dr. Nene is very excited for the Padma Shri.

Ace Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree by the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada for his priceless work in film industry and also for his outstanding social work.

The 40-year old actor is not only the Indian ambassador for the Special Olympics and he has also helped raise money for Trillium Health Care Centre in Mississauga and the Vancouver Children's Hospital.

London, May 12 : A new survey has revealed that nearly three-quarters of Brit adults make use of Internet chatrooms and social network sites to find no-strings sex.

The survey led by Five’s hit series Generation Sex has shown that 86 per cent of the adults admitted to sending dirty text messages, while 74 per cent have had phone sex.

The survey also revealed that more than half of over-18s have filmed themselves making love.

“Our survey highlights liberal attitudes,” The Sun quoted a spokesman, as saying.

B4U Music has become the first Asian channel to launch on the BBC and ITV-backed free-to-air satellite service ‘Freesat,’ in UK.

Covering up approx 98% of households in UK, Freesat has more than 80 free digital channels – television, radio, interactive – plus high definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. 

Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone said ‘No’ to the rumours that she and Ranbir Kapoor have split.

The 22-year-old actress said that they both are happy with their relationship.

During a visit to Dubai as the brand ambassador of a realty company, Deepika said, “Yes I have a boyfriend and we are happy.”

The starlet also rejected the hearsays about her relation with two top Indian cricketers, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, asserting that there was no reality in them.

“I am not concerned about these rumours”, she added.

The battle between Bollywood’s Shenshah and Baadshah continues after ‘Big B’ called King Khan’s Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai’ show, a big flop.

This brings back the memories of old hostilities between the two ruling stars of the Indian cinema.
There has been a long power fight between both over who is the best in the film industry. Regardless of his rising age, Big B still gives a good fight to SRK.

In past, SRK said that the two had never had any problems, that Mr. Bachchan "inspired many", and that he would never be able to achieve what Bachchan had.

New Delhi, May 13 : Time and again films have been made featuring metropolis Mumbai as its main protagonist. With every new flick, a completely unknown side of the city is brought forth. And the same applies to 'Mumbai Cutting, A City Unfolds' - the film which is a buffet of 11 films serving different flavours of the metropolis.

The White Cloud production brings to life Mumbai but with a difference. It explores the psyche of why the 'glamour obsessed' city has such a stronghold on the people who come there and still survive the adversity to continue being there.

Vienna - The home of the legendary Trapp family, protagonists of the famous movie, The Sound of Music, is to be converted into a hotel, management told reporters Tuesda.

Villa Trapp, located on the outskirts of Salzburg, was home to the Trapp family from 1923 to 1938.

The singing family became world renowned when the story about their daring escape from the Nazis was made into an Oscar-winning movie starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in 1965.

Ace Bollywood producer Mukesh Bhatt, who postponed the release of his ambitious venture ‘Jannat’ by two weeks, is ready to hit cinemas in India and Pakistan simultaneously on May 13.

Initially Jannat was slated to be released on May 2, a week after the release of Bhoothnath on May 9.

Before its release, ‘Jannat’ is doing well as advance booking has started for the Indian film. The movie has already registered its name in the records as the first movie to be screened in both Pakistan as well as India.

Ace Bollywood beauty Madhuri Dixit said that she has no plans to act in movies as of now.

A media report said that filmmaker Yash Chopra wanted Madhuri to work in his upcoming venture.

But a representative from the banner claimed that the reports were baseless.

“There is not an iota of truth of these reports,” the spokesperson said.

Madhuri's business manager Rakeshnath alias Rikku also told that the actress will be returning to the US within a week's time and is not planning to act in any more films.

Mona Singh or Jassi of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin fame on T.V. is ready to host a new reality show, called Naya Roop Nayi Zindagi on Sony Entertainment Television.

The show is based on dramatic makeovers in which individuals undergo a complete transformation that involves plastic surgery, exercise programs, hairdressing and wardrobe changes.

Mona’s change from ugly and clumsy dame to beautiful, smart high fashion model was the major thing that made Mona Singh famous and helped the TV serial to top the TRP ratings.

Kareena Kapoor is the best in the Bollywood film industry. It is learnt that big banners, big actors and big prices are coming her way.

The hot and sizzling Bebo has a number of biggies in her kitty including Sajid Nadiawala’s Kambakht Ishq with Akshay Kumar and Renzel D’Silva’s directorial debut project with Chotte Nawab and Vivek Oberoi.

And now Kareena’s favourite actor Aamir Khan can be added to that list as Kareena has signed to work opposite perfectionist Aamir in Rajkumar Hirani’s upcoming flick ‘Idiots’.

Melbourne, May 15 : There just isn’t any other way to say it – a sex slip-up just isn’t sexy, and to save you from the bedroom ‘mishaps’, a leading sexologist has come to your rescue.

Sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc, Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright has identified the top ten sex mistakes women make that ruin their relationships.

Cannes - There is a simple message behind Kung Fu Panda, an animated film about an anti hero in the shape of chubby panda, said Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie Wednesday who provides the voice for one of the animal characters in the movie.

"Whatever makes you makes you different," said a heavily pregnant Jolie at a press conference in Cannes marking the movie's launch at

the festival which also stars the voices of Hollywood actors Dustin Hoffman and Jack Black as Po the panda who suddenly finds himself forced to fend off a threat to his community of animal friends.

Cannes - Cannes' glamour Richter scale edged up a notch Wednesday with Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt launching a round of public engagements at the festival.

The star voltage in Cannes might be a little lower this year than in recent years (partly a result of the smaller number of Hollywood films in the running for the festival's top prizes).

But the presence of Brangelina it seems can always set the pulse racing among the paparazzi and the long lines of loyal movie fans who spend days camping outside the fest's main for a glimpse of their favourite stars.

Putting an end to the hearsays of their breakup, Bollywood
beauty Deepika Padukone and her latest beau Ranbir Kapoor said they are engaged
and hope to tie knot once their careers stabilize.

Today, the queen of Bollywood Madhuri Dixit Nene has turned 41.

The most talented actress has won million hearts with her sweet smile and tinkling laughter.

From Abodh to Aaja Nachle, the dhak dhak girl has charmed everyone with her brilliant performances, which, in turn, established herself as one of the most respected and well-known female actors in Bollywood.

After delivering such hits like Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Beta, Dil, Saajan, Khalnayak, Dil To Pagal Hai, Aum Apke Hai Kaun and Devdas, Madhuri earned the title of 'female Amitabh Bachchan' of Bollywood.

For the most talked-about parivaar of the Bollywood film industry, Bachchan Parivaar, shooting for ‘Sarkar Raj’ was the most-remembering experience of their lives.

It is first movie that Ash-Abhi signed together after they got marred, and the more surprising thing is that the film also stars the Big B.

Ram Gopal Verma, who directed the film, said that the pair looked quite nervous to confront each other before the camera, where their screen characters were meeting for the first time.

Reliance BIG Entertainment, the media and entertainment arm of the $75 billion Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, has declared that it would produce, distribute and co-produce 69 films in nine different languages over the next two years.

The company made the announcement at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival in France.

The films include those in association with India's leading production houses and Reliance’s own in-house films.

After a log time gap of eight years, ace Bollywood film maker Aditya Chopra and King Khan have come together for their new film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

The movie will take viewers to the days of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” the longest running motion picture in Indian cinema history.

The shooting of the movie got off to a smooth start on Friday, May 16, with SRK and newcomer Anushka Sharma.

Yash Chopra was also present on the sets to bless his son and the unit.

The Indian born Dalip Singh Rana, known world over as The Great Khali is ready to make a mark in Bollywood with a film aptly known as ‘Kushti.’

At the wrap-up party of the film directed by TK Rajeev Kumar, the star of the ring, stood tall, putting even the talented comedian Rajpal Yadav in the shadows.

Actor Rajpal Yadav said, “Khali has done a great job in the movie. Khali is the requirement of the film. The film revolves around him.”

Madurai/Mumbai, May 17 : World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star 'The great Khali' is all set to star in a Bollywood film being shot extensively in Madurai.

Khali who is in India for a month-long vacation made himself available for the shooting of a Bollywood film ‘Khushti’ at Aathamkudi in Sivagangai District in Tamil Nadu.

At a press conference in Mumbai, Khali expressed his happiness at getting the opportunity to work in a Bollywood film. Khali is playing a character role in ‘Khushti’.

Ace Bollywood actor Aamir Khan will launch the music of his upcoming flick “Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na” by presenting the first music CD to the veteran actor Shammi Kapoor.

It seems that Shammi Kapoor is a lucky mascot for Aamir.

One of the year’s most-awaited releases, ‘Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na’ has already awakened attention through its lavish promos and new concept months in advance of its opening. Now the viewers are eagerly looking forward to the music release.

Chandigarh, May 20 : With a growing number of television channels opening up a plethora of career opportunities, several children in Punjab are motivated to take to modelling to gain entry into TV serials or a career in advertising.

Young persons here are in no mood to miss the bus.

Five-year-old Vanya loves playing with toys like other kids of her age, but she is keen to learn acting.

Dr. Shivani Sidana, Vanya's mother, says: “Television channels are looking for smart people, particularly children.”

Vanya's parents dream big and look forward to her getting a role in advertising, television and films.

Hoardings on the roadsides motivate everyone.

Jalandhar, May 20 : Police colleagues of India's lone WWE wrestler, 'The Great Khali' rejoiced over his success when the star came visiting here on Tuesday.

Dalip Singh Rana, nicknamed 'The Great Khali' attended a felicitation organized by the Punjab Police along with his wife. He was taken to the venue in an open top jeep.

Cops dressed in traditional wear, danced to the beats of the popular 'Bhangra', while onlookers cheered as Khali's motorcade passed through the street.

Khali who is a sub-inspector with the Punjab Police Force is currently on long leave to enable him to compete in the WWE.

Ace Bollywood actor-director Aamir Khan has apologized for posting infamous entry on his blog that he has a dog by the name of `Shahrukh Khan.’

The unflattering remark on www.amirkhan.com had raised a countrywide controversy inviting criticism not only from SRK’s buffs but also from the film industry at large.

While talking to reporters, Aamir said that he shares a healthy relationship with King Khan.

9X, the Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) from INX Media stable, is all set to launch a new acting based reality show, named Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket (KJBKT).

Ekta Kapoor Balaji Telefilms together with Suniel Shetty’s ‘Popkorn Entertainment Limited’ will produce the new reality show, a mega talent hunt across the country where 12 couples will fight for the golden chance to act in their Bollywood movie.

The show will also mark the entry of the soap factory (Balaji Telefilms) into the reality genre.

However, the launching date and time of the show have not been disclosed up till now.

Paris  - The third album by France's singing First Lady, Carla Sarkozy, is scheduled to hit music stores on July 21, French media reported on Wednesday.

The album is titled Comme si de Rien Etait (As if it Were Nothing), which is also the title of a photograph by her late brother, Virginio Bruni Tedeschi, said her agent, Bertrand de Labbey.

Most of the songs on the album were written before she began her relationship with the French president, in November of last year. The two were married in February.

Because of security reasons, Carla Sarkozy will not go on tour to publicize the album. Only several videos will accompany its launch. (dpa)

Ace Bollywood filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt has special words of praise for his leading man, Emraan Hashmi, who made ‘Jannat,’ a grand success.

‘Jannat’ is an elusive hit from Bhatt's side, after a hat trick of box office failures in the form of Dhokha, Awarapan and Showbiz in 2007.

Jannat has taken a smash-hit opening through out the country. It has been declared a ‘hit’ since after a brilliant opening weekend, the movie has managed to sustain well over Monday and Tuesday as well, hence breaking up the line of back to back box office failures that Bollywood has witnessed during last few weeks gone by.

Bollywood film distributor Eros International has made announcement at the Cannes film festival that the company will form joint venture with leading American independent entertainment studio Lions Gate, for distributing English language content in original as well as dubbed in local languages in South Asia, including India.

The joint venture would not only strengthen Lions Gate foothold in the fast-growing India market, but will also entice all Indian viewers to enjoy Lionsgate and other English language content in their local languages.

After proving his brilliant acting skills in films like Jism, Zinda and Water, the hot and sexy Bollywood star John Abraham is all set to make entry into the film production segment.

The dashing star will produce movies under his own banner John Abraham Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

Keeping this spirit, John has released his first music album “Koi Aane Wala Hai” in cooperation with internationally renowned Pakistani rock band, Strings'.

The music album is the actor's first step into production.

It has been a long wait for Kamal Haasan fans, who are anxiously waiting for his masterwork, named as ‘Dasavathaaram.’

And finally, the releasing date of the film has been announced.

Oscar Films’ prestigious project ‘Dasavatharam’ in which Kamal Haasan is playing 10 different avatars is scheduled to be released on June 6. The film has been generating much hype in the Indian film circles.

The 70-crore budget film will be released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil with 1,000 odd prints, the highest number of prints the Tamil industry has never seen thus far.

Following the path of his fellow workers and seniors like Aamir Khan and Big B, now Sallu turned a blogger.

In his first entry, the hot and sexy Bollywood star wrote that he takes all his decisions on instincts rather than making calculations.

He wrote, “All my decisions are based on my instincts and some people think that I am too moody and cynical.”

"Believe me, I have been guided by my instincts and my heart all my life! I do not depend too much on intelligence, analysis and calculations.”

Cannes, France - After a hectic 12-day round of glitz, glamour and gritty movie themes, the Cannes Film Festival reaches its climax Sunday with the world's leading movie fest unveiling its top honours for 2008.

But while the countdown to the jury's announcement at a lavish award ceremony gets underway, the festival appeared to have failed to produce a knockout candidate for its major award, the coveted Palme d'Or (Golden Palm).

As a result, a tight race has emerged among the films vying for some of the movie industry's most prestigious prizes, with the main competition for the 61st Cannes festival dominated by films exploring the darker side of life.

Cannes, France - Italian directors scored top awards at the Cannes Film Festival with the nation's two films selected in the main competition winning key prizes.

While Paolo Sorrentino was awarded the jury prize for his political satire about Italy's seven-time prime minister Giulio Andreotti, Matteo Garrone's powerful expose of the Mafia, Gomorrah, emerged from the festival with the Grand Prix, which is the third prize after Palme d'Or.

A total of 22 films were part of the 12-day festival's main competition. (dpa)

Cannes, France - French director Laurent Cantet on Sunday won the Palme d'Or for best film of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival for his movie The Class (Entre Les Murs) about teacher-pupil relationships in a multicultural school in France.

A total of 22 films were vying for the Palme d'Or, which is one of the most prestigious awards in cinema with the win ending France's long-running losing streak at the world's leading film festival.

Turkey's Nuri Bilge Ceylan awarded best director in Cannes

Turkey's Nuri Bilge Ceylan won Sunday Cannes Film Festival's best director award for his brooding family drama Three Monkeys (Uc Maymum).

Washington  - Poor weather on Monday delayed an attempt by French adventurer Michel Fournier to break several world records with a skydive from 40 kilometres above the Earth, the Star Phoenix newspaper in Canada's Saskatchewan province reported.

Other media reports said a problem with his oxygen system had caused the delay.

Another attempt from North Battleford, Saskatchewan is planned for early Tuesday.

Ace Bollywood beauty Kajol has been selected to play lead role opposite King Khan in producer/director Karan Johar's upcoming flick ‘My Name is Khan’.

The bubbly-natured Kajol, who has become choosy with her films since she became a mother, had withheld assent pending a detailed script narration that has now been finished.

Karan Johar, who is probably delighted with Kajol’s consent, has a good personal relationship with both Kajol and SRK.

Ace Bollywood producer Jhamu Sughand died at the Life Criticare hospital in Juhu in the Western suburb of Mumbai on Monday (May 26), at 11:27 am.

Fifty-seven year old Jhamu had suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

His family members told that he was taken to hospital after he had some breathing problems.

He was cremated at the Juhu Crematorium on Monday evening. He is survived by a son and daughter.

The 'inevitable' has happened. There are cracks in the Bollywood's hot jodi – Kareena-Saif. If rumors bobbing up out of the couple’s friendly circle are to be trusted, Kareena and Saif are constantly having problems.

It seems that Saif’s unceasing attention made Kareena harsh rather than thrilling.

A source close to Bebo said that because of Chotte Nawab’s possessiveness, she started shooing away from him.

The source also said that Saif calls Kareena many times during the day in order to keep tabs on her.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan along with his loving son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya started walking on Monday night from their Juhu residence Prateeksha to the Sidhivinayak temple in Mumbai.

Jaya Bachchan was also with them.

After reaching the Sidhivinayak temple, they participated in ‘Kakad’ arti (before sunrise).

The sources said that the queue of devotees, who come from all over Mumbai and nearby regions, was stopped for more than an hour when the Bachchan family was offering prayers.

The much talked-about world tour ‘The Unforgettable Show’ with the Bachchans is getting bigger day-by-day, as its launching date is coming near.

‘The Unforgettable’ world tour will kick off on July 18 in Toronto. This massive tour will rock fans across 6 continents and 18 countries.

Besides Big B, Abhishek and Aishwarya, the otrher Bollywood biggies like Madhuri, Preity, Akshay have already started rehearsals in Mumbai for some elaborate song-and-dance episodes to amuse their fans throughout the world and bring alive the most charming moments in Indian cinema.

After the encouraging response to his directorial debut ‘U, Me Aur Hum,’ Ajay Devgan has decided to direct three films under his banner in the existing year.

Out of the three, one directed by Ajay himself, the second directed by Rohit Shetty, and the third is still in its scripting stages.

Apart from his directional plans, movies like Shetty’s ‘Golmaal Returns’, Kumar Mangat’s ‘Toonpur Ka Superhero’, Prakash Jha’s ‘Rajniti’ and Vipul Shah’s ‘London Dreams’ will keep the actor busy for the next few months.

Ace Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan stated that failures make him more confident about his ability to be successful in his career.

While talking to news persons, King Khan told that the failure of his IPL team ‘Kolkata Knightriders’ to qualify for the semifinals wouldn’t hinder his career.

Ace Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has been roped in as the goodwill ambassador for the exciting musical show, Junoon…Kuchh Kar Deekhaneka on NDTV Imagine.
Hrithik will provide moral support to the contestants on the show, which will aired from June 6 on every Friday and Saturday, at 2030 hrs.

However, Hrithik’s presence on the show is an attraction, and he will present on the show during important occasions.

Percept Picture Company and T-Series launched the music of their forthcoming film ‘Aashayein’ in a quite unconventional manner at an event held at the Bandra Fort amphitheatre yesterday evening.

The excited evening had performances from musical jodi Salim-Suleman who have given music for the film. This was Salim’s first live performance ever as he sang the famous Aashayein song from Iqbal. Giving live performances to songs from the movie were Shankar Mahadevan, Shaukat Amaanat Ali Khan, Mohit Chauhan of Silk Route fame and Zubin Garg.

The sweet and cute Bollywood beauty Soha Ali Khan upset bhai jaan Saif Ali Khan with her daring-baring act for a fashion magazine where the petite damsel shed her clothes for a hot photo session.

It is also learnt that Saif sent an angry SMS to Soha asking her what was she thinking, and has even had a quarrel with her over the issue.

Till now the cute faced actress abstained from any hot act but suddenly adopted the likes of ‘Kareena’ and ‘Bipasha’ to hit a glamour quotient.

Following a trend set by other Bollywood Biggies including King Khan, Bollywood’s star couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bought a luxury villa in Dubai.

The couple also attended a ‘Residents Party’, on Friday night, hosted by Shaikh Holdings for those who have purchased property at the award-winning Sanctuary Falls.

Sanctuary Falls is a 96-villa double-gated community home, consisting of five and six bedroom villas ranging from 5,600 to 10,600 square feet at a cost of 15 million UAE Dirhams to 35 million UAE Dirhams.

She is multi-talented; she is hot; she is hard-working; she is number one; she is the highly-priced; she is the stunner, who becomes a most-demanded actress in Bollywood.

Well actually, she is Kareena Kapoor, who continues to rule over Hindi film industry even her latest movie ‘Tashan’ failed to make a splash at the box office.

Bebo will be busy as a ‘bee’ in the coming months.

Presently, Bebo is not is Mumbai as she is busy in shooting Sallu’s film ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ in Melbourne, and from there she will go to Los Angeles for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakht Ishq with Akki.

After the grand success of ‘Jannat’, Bhatts’ favorite actor Emraan Hashmi has hiked up his price to Rs 5 crore per movie.

While speaking to the reporters, the serial kisser said, “Ya my price has gone up. I won’t say drastically. But, right now, i can quote a higher price with some justification. And why not? Equations change every Friday. The sun has started shining for me. I seem to have had a solo hit at a time when only Akshay Kumar and the Khans (Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman) seem to be getting the audiences in.”

This is Emraan’s first hit after Bollywood flops like The Train, Good Boy, Bad Boy and Awarapan.

Eros International has made announcement about the releasing date of its key forthcoming movies ‘God Tussi Great Ho’ and ‘Drona.’

Rumi Jaffrey’s ‘God Tussi Great Ho’ will hit the screens on 15th August, while ‘Drona’ will be released on October 2. Both the movies will be released during the ‘long holiday weekends’ with the intention of to drive in more viewers.

Starring Sallu. Big B, Sohail Khan and Priyanka Chopra, God Tussi Great Ho is crammed with great music and comedy and is expected to be a big success in 2008.

Melbourne, June 3 : Game consoles like Play Station3 are likely to eat up five times more power than your medium fridges sized refrigerator, according to a new study.

The study led by Consumer group Choice has revealed that a Sony Playstation 3, switched on but not in use, could cost almost 250 dollars a year in electricity than the fridge costing less than 50 dollars.

However, Plasma television sets burn up more than four times as much energy as a traditional analogue set.

The average desktop PC, tested independently of its monitor, was third on the list of highest energy consumers.

After Dasavatharam, the multi-talented star Kamal Haasan has begun pre-production work on his new flick ‘Marmayogi.’

Kamal is not only starring in this film, but he is also directing and producing it. It is a big budget film, and he is in search of a few suitable corporates to fund the recent project.

‘Marmayogi’ is said to be a historical adventure romantic movie with an ‘A’ list of actors. Kamal is trying to rope in a Bollywood starlet for his film, and the hum is that Kajol might get a call in this regard.

The music of the film will be composed by ace music director AR Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew are being worked out.

Finally the television bigwig Ekta Kapoor has changed the name of her show ‘Mahabharat’ to ‘Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki’, which will be aired on 9X channel.

But, the small screen queen said that she had no plans of changing the name of her show earlier.

After all, isn’t it a trend for all Ekta’s shows to start with the letter ‘K’?

But it seems that the producer has changed her mind finally.

Ace Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor has put on a few pounds to give her a new look for the upcoming movie “Main Aur Mrs Khanna.”

A source near to Kareena confirmed that she increased weight for her new style for the movie which also stars brothers Salman and Sohail Khan in key roles.

The hot chick Kareena reduced weight for ‘Tashan’ as the movie had action scenes and wanted Bebo to be slim and to look fit.

However her role in ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ is totally different, the source said.

“Kareena plays a housewife and has kept her style keeping the character in mind,” it added.

Melbourne, June 4 : Police in Bucharest are hunting for a busty pole dancer who performs her routines on the city's underground railway.

Rail travellers described the dancer, photographed by a passenger's mobile phone, as a “well-dressed, attractive, student-like young woman”.

Passengers described the dancer, photographed by a passenger's mobile phone, as a "well-dressed, attractive, student-like young woman".

She apparently performs her routines only when the train is travelling between further apart subway stations in the Romanian capital.

Her modus operandi is to play Tom Jones's ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ on a portable CD player while taking off her clothes and dancing around a pole.

Ace Bollywood actor Salman Khan is ready to make his TV debut on Sony Entertainment’s new game show ‘10 Ka Dum,’ which will be aired on June 6.

The ‘bad boy’ of Indian cinema, who is very much excited about his entry on the small screen, held a press conference on his TV show in Mumbai.

Salman liked the format of show that is based on a simple format of the international show ‘Power of 10.’

Khan said, “I liked the format. It is simple. It embarrasses neither the contestant nor me. And the show has got the perfect host and quizmaster. No one could have done it better.”

Finally, the ravishing and hot Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has accepted her relationship with London born Indian millionaire Raj Kundra.

The sexy diva disclosed the fact that she has decided to settle down in life and will tie knot with Raj soon.
 
While speaking about her marriage plans, Shilpa stated, “I can’t give out all the details like date, time and venue. But yes, I’ll announce it when the time is right. I have decided to settle down after marriage and take it easy. But before that happens, I want to give it my best and try out everything so I have no regrets of missing out on anything later.”

Due to his resemblance with the Bollywood superstar ‘Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra’s latest beau Harman Baweja, amazed everyone after making his first public appearance for the music launch of his upcoming movie ‘Love Story 2050.’

Harman’s resemblance with Hrithik was not just limited to looks but even his mannerism matched with the ‘Krrish’ star.

Harman’s comparison with multitalented star, who ruled everybody’s heart with his acting and dancing skills, would surely put up additional burden on him to work hard to create a niche for himself and become the blue-eye of all.
 

The ravishing and hot Bollywood starlet Amisha Patel is very much excited about her upcoming movie ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic.’

Amisha, who plays a character called Mallaika in the movie said, “You are going to see a much more of me.”

“My character is extremely entertaining, but she is very different from me. I'm educated and I've never been a giggly girl,” she said.

"Even her body language and mannerisms are very different. It was difficult as I had to learn how to act like an airhead bimbo," she adds.

On the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday, Bollywood hunk John Abraham has been awarded an EcoWarrior award in New Delhi.

John received this award for his work towards creating India's first elephant village in Maharashtra

The EcoWarrior awards were given out as gratitude and to respect the crusaders who worked towards the cause of environment.

John said, “These awards create awareness about what people do at their level for the environment. Everything starts at a micro level and one has to take it at a macro level.”

She is hot; she is sexy; she is multi-talented; she is number one; she is hard-working; she is the stunner, who became the most-demanded actress in the Bollywood industry.

Well actually, she is Katrina Kaif or Kats, who has just been announced the ‘Second Sexiest Woman Of the World’ by a UK men’s entertainment magazine, which conducted an online poll in India.

The cute faced actress, who is very happy after getting her recent ‘Sexiest’ tag, thanked all her fans who voted and brought her up to the top slot.

Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ has won five trophies at this year’s International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards function held at the Siam Niramit complex in Bangkok.

The award function was hosted by Ritesh Deshmukh, Urmila Matondkar and Boman Irani.

On the other hand, Mani Ratnam’s ‘Guru’ won two awards - one for best background score (A.R. Rahman) and best song recording (H. Sridhar).

After a dramatic movie and then an action thriller, Bollywood star Akshaye Khanna will next be seen in Priyadarshan’s comedy ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap,’ which will hit Indian theaters on June 13.

Regarding his upcoming flick, Akshaye said, “After a long time a good comedy film has come, I am very happy with it and looking forward to it.”

The film also stars Genelia D’Souza, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal.

Akshaye said that he wanted to be a part of the comic movie as the script attracted him.

Los Angeles  - Little Suri Cruise may have a challenger to the title of cutest baby in Hollywood. Jessica Alba gave birth to a baby girl on Saturday, according to an official announcement Monday.

It was the first child for Alba, 27, and her husband Cash Warren, 31, who wed on May 19 at the Beverly Hills courthouse.

The two met while working on Fantastic Four, for which Warren was the director's assistant. They became engaged in December.

Alba, who has been repeatedly voted one of the world's sexiest women, sounds like she is going to be a no-nonsense mother.

London  - A bird sanctuary in Britain has blamed the growing number of abandoned owls on Harry Potter magic.

The Flintshire Wildlife and Pet Rescue Centre in Holywell, Wales, said Monday it was currently looking after 36 owls and believed that at least half of the birds were bought for children who had read the Harry Potter books or seen the films.

"People want these owls for small children but they are not suitable for small children, especially the large owls like Hedwig in the Harry Potter film," said Joy Pierce Jones, the centre's co-owner.

Dubai  - The Paris-based Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, and a Dubai government-owned company, Tatweer, launched Monday a 163- million dollar project to build a boutique hotel overlooking the Tiger Woods golf course.

The 360,000-square feet boutique hotel would be designed by Saab, bear his name and reflect his style, a statement released by Tatweer said.

The company is a member of Dubai Holding, which was set up by the government of the small emirate to manage its assets and investments.