Hollywood & Bollywood Updates 29th October

HOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Helen Flanagan, Kate Upton in talks to play next Bond girl?

New York: `Coronation Street` actress Helen Flanagan and model Kate Upton are reportedly among the top contenders for the coveted role of Bond girl in the 24th installment of James Bond.

Flanagan, 23, is believed to have met the casting directors for `Bond 24`, reported Huffington Post.
"They felt she (Helen) had a unique look, great figure and natural charm on screen," a source said.
Upton had previously expressed her desire to star in the 007 spy agent film.
"It`s a very prestigious title, and it would be a very cool role.
I would need to go through some intense training to learn all the Bond Girl moves," she had said at the time.
`Bond 24` is due on November 6, 2015.
Daniel Craig, who has starred as James Bond in `Casino Royale`, `Quantum of Solace` and `Skyfall`, would reprise his role in `Bond 24` while Sam Mendes is returning as the director.


Lady Gaga bares all at London nightclub G-A-Y 

London: Lady Gaga stripped completely naked in front of a live audience at London nightclub G-A-Y.

The 27-year old singer, who was dressed in a white ethereal smock-dress when she started performing her new ARTPOP single, Venus, lifted up her smock and pulled down her knickers to flash her private parts at the nightclub, the Mirror reported.
Gaga later took off her dress completely and flaunted her naked body to the crowd before walking off the stage.


Kim Kardashian eyeing Playboy photoshoot again 

Washington: Kim Kardashian is keen to strip for Playboy again to show that she is hot again, it has been revealed.

The 33-year-old reality TV star told her sister Khloe Kardashian on the `Keeping Up With The Kardashian` show that she wants to come out to the world naked and tell those people who called her "a whale, Shamu, a cow", that she looks very hot now, Contactmusic reported.
Kardashian has also revealed that when she came back from the hospital, the first thing she did was look at her vagina in the mirror and that it looks better than what it used to.

Justin Bieber behind Miranda Kerr, Orlando Bloom's split? 

London: Pop star Justin Bieber`s growing friendship with Miranda Kerr is being cited as one of the reasons behind her separation from Orlando Bloom.

The 30-year-old supermodel, who parted ways with Bloom, 36 recently, was pictured getting cosy with Bieber, 19, after a Victoria`s Secret fashion show last year, reported Daily telegraph.
Bloom, who has a son Flynn with Kerr, was apparently unhappy when his son was taught to say `Bieber fever`.
"Miranda had always claimed that she was a fan of Justin`s music. She has taught her son how to say Bieber fever but it is supposed to have caused an issue," the source added.
The couple, who recently ended their three-years-old of marriage, announced that they have `amicably separated`.





'It's Britney, Witch' Goes Viral 
Finally, an occasion outside of The X Factor for all of Britney’s bizarre facial expressions - Halloween! The popstar started celebrating early while visiting the U.K. Teaming up with BBC 1 radio host Nick Grimshaw, Spears created a not-so-spooky viral video, likely to scare up some publicity for her upcoming single. "Perfume" is set to be released Nov. 5th, prior to the December release of her new album Britney Jean.

Spears got festive and even a little nostalgic, reciting Vincent Price’s narration from "Thriller" in several voices that could be considered accents. The convenient word play of “It’s Britney, Witch” made this seasonal tool of self promotion very fun and effective. Fans will celebrate Spears’ much silly side long after Halloween is over, because they've seen so little of it over the past few years. You go ghoul!

Hey ABC: You Should Have Just Done 'Boy Meets World: 10 Years Later'

Recently there was a magazine photo spread featuring reunions of various casts from bygone shows of the past decades, including one from Boy Meets World. There is, of course, the spin-off coming soon called Girl Meets World , though, seeing the cast all together like that made me wonder why ABC didn't just resurrect the original show and call it Boy Meets World: 10 Years Later.
While Hollywood always seems to love featuring new blood, it can't be denied that the original cast had the perfect chemistry. With other networks are bringing back veteran actors like Michael J Fox and Robin Williams, there wouldn't be much to lose bringing back this cast, especially with its simultaneous syndication on The Disney Channel and MTV2. These people are still in the public consciousness.
Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel are reprising their old roles as Corey and Topanga, though they'll be parents now, and William Daniels is Mr. Feeny again (of course, because the show wouldn't be as awesome without him). There was talk of Will Friedle, Corey's brother Eric, and Rider Strong, who played Corey's friend Shawn, visiting the set of Girl Meets World but not being asked to join the show. That stinks, since the show could use the zaniness of Eric, playing an off-the-wall uncle to Corey and Topanga's children. Plus, Shawn could show them what life on the other side of the tracks is like. Heck, I'd even welcome a visit from Ethan Suplee's high school enforcer, Frankie.

ABC is doing us a disservice by not reuniting the whole cast, though I do hold out hope that once the show brings in a newer, younger audience, they'll slowly begin re-introducing the other former cast members. Otherwise, it'll turn into Girl Meets Harsh Reality Of Hollywood Business.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Survivor' Favorite Malcolm Freberg On Blogging, Memoirs and Life In Reality

After competing in 2 back-to-back seasons on Survivor, one of America's favorite contestants sits down to tell us about life, love, bar-tending, ninja turtles, his memoir and surviving... Conversation with a possible super hero.
How did Survivor come about?
I was trained from a young age to be on Survivor. My parents would regularly leave me alone in the woods for weeks at a time – ostensibly to train me in self-reliance, but as I grew older I began to suspect it was so they could watch their M.A.S.H. marathons uninterrupted.
In addition, actually getting casted for the show was never a doubt. Several international corporations had a vested interest in my future, and thus hired teams of experts working round the clock to create the perfect audition video for the show. Nothing was left to chance.
You weren’t the Sole Survivor, but you did survive 2 back-to-back seasons. Tell us a little about the experience.
It’s actually not what most people think. The starving is real – I lost 40 pounds between two seasons. The bugs are awful – I looked like I had the Chicken Pox. The weather will destroy you – by the end of the rain my hands were more wrinkled than Betty White’s left @ss cheek.
Are you watching the current season of Survivor?  
What’s been happening is, whenever I like a couple, one of the pair gets kicked off the show. I liked Candice and John before the game started, and Candice was one of the first kicked off. Tyson and his girlfriend were awesome and I rooted for them once, but then she got eliminated minutes later. I’m like a voodoo shaman – I curse people. I’ve stopped supporting anyone out of guilt.
We hear you’re writing a memoir.
I finally put the finishing touches on it. On a personal level, the most difficult part has been coming to terms with putting some of these anecdotes out for the world to see. All of it is told lightheartedly and the book is a ruckus (self-call), but the stories are from the year after I graduated college.
What I realized was that, with this book as in life, the very best thing I could be is genuine. If you put yourself out there and completely own it, people respond positively and are drawn to you. Overcoming that fear of judgment was a trial, but the writing, the stories, and the book as a whole are better for it, and I’m proud about how it’s turned out.
What is the motivation behind your blog: Whiskey and Ninja Turtles?
We live in a confusing world. I’m here to explain some of the important aspects that may be throwing the average American/human/entity for a loop. Some concepts – things like Disney songs, Whole Foods, infant erections, Super Mario Bros., and the Pope’s scent to name a few – need to be broken down for the public. I’m providing a service.
Take us through a day as Malcolm Freberg.
I wake up each morning and do somewhere between three and four hundred pushups. My manservant then gives me a morning brief while assisting me in the process of preparing for my typically arduous day -- running one of the largest corporations on the planet.
To be honest, it’s at night when I really come alive. I don my black animalistic disguise, hop in my weaponized vehicle, and take to the streets. I spend the evening hours stopping criminals and thwarting the mob wherever I find them. My relationship with the police is strained – some support me, some think I’m a dangerous vigilante who’s taking the law into his own hands. But if I don’t clean up the streets of Gotham, who will?
Your previous profession was bartending. What’s your favorite drink?
Most any drink is acceptable so long as it fits in with the atmosphere and time of day. Except Jager. Never Jager. Men, please note this is not an acceptable beverage choice after high school.

Also, to anybody who visits a bar ever: if the bar is busy, DO NOT ASK FOR A MOJITO OR MINT JULEP. These take forever and your bartender will hate you for making his day miserable. If you must have one of these laborious cocktails, don’t be surprised if there’s an added garnish of mucus mixed in.

BOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Priyanka Chopra becomes the first Indian face of International brand ‘Guess’

New Delhi: Priyanka Chopra is going places. The former Miss World, who ventured into acting in Bollywood almost a decade back has bagged an endorsement deal with an international brand. The actress-singer has been signed by international clothing brand ‘Guess’ for it’s Holiday 2013 campaign.
The 33-year-old actress has already gone international with music as her platform, but now she has gone a step further by becoming the first Indian ‘Guess’ girl.
"I`m so proud to be the next #GuessGirl.It`s a legacy of beauty for 30 years..Thank u @bryanadams and @GUESS for making this such a fab shoot," Priyanka Chopra tweeted.
PeeCee has got the opportunity to work with singer-photographer Bryan Adams for this campaign. Needless to say, Priyanka has pulled it off really well. She looks drop dead gorgeous in the photoshoot.

‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ trailer: Watch Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan’s ‘funny’ chemistry! 

Mumbai: What can you expect when a fabulous actor and a super-talented actress team up for a film? Great entertainment right! Especially if it’s a film that promises to tickle your funny bone from the word go.

The trailer of Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar’s film ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ was launched Monday by Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd.
Jointly produced by Pritish Nandy Communications and Balaji Motion Pictures, ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ is a sequel to 2006 super-hit ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ featuring Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat.
‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ has given Bollywood a brand new on screen Jodi, as Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar are paired opposite each other for the first time.
Farhan as Sid and Vidya as Trisha play husband and wife who have a sombre married life after having their first child. They seem to have lost the spark as a couple and make attempts to spice up their married lives again.
The film revolves around revamping life after marriage and childbirth. Take a look at the trailer and share your views with us.


Shraddha Kapoor not in 'Singham 2'

Mumbai: Actress Shraddha Kapoor has denied featuring in Rohit Shetty`s ‘Singham 2’. The ‘Aashiqui 2’ star said she has not even been approached for the film.

"I haven`t been approached for `Singham 2` and there have been no talks to this effect. I am clueless about these speculations," Shraddha said in a statement.
‘Singham 2’, a sequel to 2011 film ‘Singham’, will again have Ajay Devgn reprising the role of Bajirao Singham.


Aamir Khan felicitated with US award for 'Satyamev Jayate'

Washington: Aamir Khan has been felicitated with a prestigious US award in recognition of his successful effort to create debate on country`s pressing social problems through his popular TV show `Satyamev Jayate`.

The 47-year-old Bollywood star was presented with the Inaugural America Abroad Media Award along with Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and the International Center on Non-violent Conflict (ICNC) at a function here, which was attended by city`s who`s who, including those from the State Department, Pentagon and diplomats.
"I have no idea that how the work that we started back home would interest somehow outside India," Aamir said in his acceptance speech.
"Me and my team are trying to do this show with love, because we feel that we are part of the problem and we are also part of the solution. And we need to find that. We need to question ourselves and look inside as opposed to pointing outside," he said in a panel discussion post the ceremony.
It was one of the rare occasions when Aamir, who has made it a practice of not attending award shows, accepted an award.
Aamir, who was accompanied by his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao, said he is working on the next season of the show, which had caught the imagination of the country last year.
"All my capabilities lie in the field of media and storytelling. So we try to combine our expertise and capabilities in storytelling and television and picking social issues we feel that can make a difference," he said.
Aamir said, though it is nice to be felicitated here, he is more concerned about Indian audience.
"My main aim is to really work in India and to sensitize people about issues and see that we can find solutions to our own issues back home. I am looking to talking to Indians," he said.
With India entering an election season -- the five State
Assembly elections followed by the general elections next year -- Aamir said he would like to see political parties making social justice and the needs of the common man as part of their agenda.
"These are some of the things that I would like them to talk about," he said.
When asked by a Pakistani journalist whether he would work for a Pakistani film, Aamir said yes.
"I am a creative person. Whenever I receive an offer from any part of the world, which is of interest to me, I would like to do that. The culture of India and Pakistan are the same. Our language is the same. There is a lot of similarities among us. So indeed if there is any offer of a film from Pakistan, and I like the script, I would certainly like to do that." .
Bigelow, the other winner, is the director of `Hurt Locker` and `Zero Dark Thirty`, where she chronicled America`s decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. In 2010, Bigelow became the first and only woman to date to win the Academy Award for Best Director for `Hurt Locker`.
Founded by Peter Ackerman, the ICNC produces award-winning documentaries on the role of non-violent resistance in promoting democratic change. The ICNC - which was nominated for a Nobel
Peace Prize in 2013 - will release a new documentary on the Arab Spring and uprising in Egypt later this year.


‘Bigg Boss 7’: Salman Khan explains why he lost his cool! 

Mumbai: Salman Khan seldom gives explanations. But surprisingly, the actor took to Twitter to explain why he lost his temper at Kushal Tandon, an inmate of the ‘Bigg Boss’ house, a show that sees the superstar as the host.

Kushal had apparently insulted his co-inmate, actress Tanishaa Mukerji in a manner that wasn’t appreciated by Salman. The industry heavyweight felt Kushal should have been courteous enough while dealing with the women inmates and his choice of words for Tanisha was condemnable.
So Salman went furious at Kushal on Saturday and told him not to repeat such a behaviour. However, many of the followers of ‘Bigg Boss 7’ believed that the actor was supporting Tanishaa, as she happens to be his close friend, Ajay Devgn’s sister-in-law.
Twitter was abuzz with tweeters expressing their views on Salman and his inclination to support Tanishaa.
To answer them, Salman too took to Twitter, “U see 1 hour i see the whole deal.guess sm of u guys may not react wen sm 1 speaks to your family ka female members or women in that manner. But I do n most of us men n women stand up against men who run em dwn if this is culture not or culture it better b come (sic).”
He added, “I am only answering your question abt BB b cs u r following me .This is a game. its on tv so I like to keep a check on it .The choice is yours if u wanna watch it or not. Sm times people do get carried away in fights,every 1 does n then they sort it out (sic).”
Further explaining the good things about the show, Salman tweeted, “Its a good show to learn how to b physically n mentally strong, the tasks go on fr 48hrs n more. Vit no proper sleep or food.halwa hai kya (sic).”
Salman believes that people’s views may affect the voting process of the show and hence it was important for him to explain his outburst.
“Was nt shooting in the morning so checked the twitter n saw sm comments, which I thought I shld reply to cs u watch the show n vote too. according to BB fans n wat u saw both shld hv been out but thr was a lot more than wat u saw . Thr can only b that much put on TV (sic),” the actor wrote on the mico-blogging site.
Salman concluded the topic by tweeting, “Accha bhala ants hockey tweet kar raha that n u guys took me back into BB house but that`s fine I like the show n the contestants. I rather tweet simple stuff, random pics,promote others good wrk. If u don`t like, then don`t follow. V simple hai toh complicate mat kara (sic).”
Hope Salman was able to explain his stance and prove his point!



Amitabh Bachchan heaps praises on ‘Dhoom 3’ trailer 

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachcahn loves expressing himself on social networking sites and is an avid blogger too. His tweets reflect his thoughts on various subjects- from films, cricket, life, philosophy so on and so forth.

The megastar who discussed ‘Dhoom 3’ with Aamir Khan on the sets of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, a few days back is now heaping praises on the film once again.
The thespian took to Twitter to write, “And ... Adi Chopra calls me to his preview theatre to view the first trailer of `DHOOM 3` .. astounding !! Such finesse !! (sic).”
By Adi, Big B was referring to Aditya Chopra, the Yash Raj Films’ scion and the producer of the film which stars Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan and Uday Chopra.
Slated to release this December, ‘Dhoom 3’ will se Aamir and Katrina paired opposite each other for the first time. Touted as one of the biggest releases of the 2013, ‘Dhoom 3’ is the third franchise of the ‘Dhoom’ series.

Hollywood & Bollywood Updates 23rd October 2013

HOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Singer Jessie J finds fan abuse scary

Los Angeles: Singer Jessie J says getting hate messages online from fans is a scary experience.

"It`s hard. I still have a heart deficiency and have days where I struggle. The fans don`t get that sometimes. The abuse you get if you have to cancel a show ... It`s scary," Time Out magazine quoted Jessie J as saying, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The 25-year-old believes every emotion expressed online is extreme and so, she avoids reading comments about herself on social media.

"With social media, young people use words of hatred so flippantly now. It`s either `I love you!` or `I hate you and I want you to die`. There is no middle ground. Everything`s an extreme because people want to be noticed," she said.

"I tend not to read my social media timeline as much as I used to, because I try to lead a very positive life and Twitter can be quite dark sometimes," she added.



Have not exercised much to shed baby weight: Kim Kardashian

Los Angeles: Reality TV star Kim Kardashian says her daughter North keeps her so busy that she does not get enough time to work out.

The 33-year-old socialite, who gave birth to North in June with rapper boyfriend Kanye West, recently flaunted a slim figure. She credits taking Atkins diet for losing weight, reported Radar online.

"I haven`t exercised a whole lot so far, just because I`ve been busy with the baby and I don`t want to leave her. I still have some baby weight to go," Kim said.
"Atkins worked for me and I don`t feel tempted to eat a bunch of junk food. It`s just about staying healthy, it will come off.
The `Keeping Up with the Kardashians` star recently received heavy criticism for flaunting her post-baby body in a revealing photograph on Twitter.

Katharine McPhee, Michael Morris kiss in public

Los Angeles, Oct 23 (IANS) Actress-singer Katharine McPhee and director Michael Morris, who are married to different individuals, were spotted locking lips in public here.

McPhee and Morris were seen getting intimate and holding hands in Hollywood, reports tmz.com.

McPhee is married to producer Nick Cokas, but sources said they have been living separately from almost six months,
Morris is married to actress Mary McCormack and they have three daughters together.



Russell Brand admits having sex with a man

Washington: Russell Brand has made a shocking revelation that he once had sex with a male stranger in a toilet of a London pub.

Brand, in a podcast interview with British comedian Richard Herring, said that the incident was all part of a television stunt for a British documentary series he was working on at the time, Radar Online reported.
The program titled ` RE:Brand` was the 38-year-old comedian`s attempt to explore social taboos.
Brand said that he thinks of himself as heterosexual but perhaps the environment that he grew up in made it difficult for him to express homosexuality.
Brand, who was married to Katy Perry, has also admitted in the interview about being addicted to heroin at the time, while giving graphic details about the day he went to look for a random stranger for the sexual experiment. 

Katy Perry 'under fire' for Pepsi advert

Washington: Katy Perry has reportedly come under fire from members of various consumer advocacy groups for her Pepsi advert which promotes her new album.

Campaigners from six different organisations, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy , have posted a full-page ad in Variety, which features an open letter addressed to the 28-year-old singer, Contactmusic reported.

The letter to the `Roar` hitmaker said that her soda promotion commercial is sending a wrong message to her fans that Pepsi would made them as cool as her, and not worry about health consequences.

Perry, who doesn`t have an endorsement contract with Pepsi, has been asked to turn her back on the brand in the letter and has been told not to advocate a harmful product to the children who are her fans too.
Meanwhile, Pepsi has denied targeting kids by working with the singer and has said that their advertisements are not directed to anyone below the age of 12 and that they have a history of responsible advertising and marketing practices.

Michael Douglas says relationship with Catherine Zeta-Jones is 'up and up'

Los Angeles: Actor-producer Michael Douglas says he and his estranged wife Catherine Zeta-Jones are working on their relationship.

During an appearance on `Tonight Show with Jay Leno`, the `Behind the Candelabra` actor says that his relationship with Zeta-Jones "should hopefully be on the up and up", reported Aceshowbiz.

"Good I hope. I`ve been away for a while but everything should hopefully be on the up and up," he said.

The 69-year-old actor also told similar thing in an interview with E! news.

"Onwards and upwards," he had said when asked about his relationship with the `Red 2` actress.
Recently, a man who was said to be Douglas was reportedly spotted with Zeta-Jones in Greenwich, Connecticut, but the actor denied that it was him.
"I haven`t been home yet... I`ve been in New Mexico making a picture called `The Reach` for the last five weeks... So, I look forward to getting home, but that wasn`t me... Must`ve been a look alike."
In late August, representatives for both stars said that the couple was taking a break from their relationship.
"Catherine and Michael are taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage," they said. Douglas and Zeta-Jones have two children together, Dylan and Carys.

BOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Sunny Leone won’t bare her torso in Bollywood films?

Mumbai: If the latest buzz is anything to go by, then adult film actress Sunny Leone, has refused to go topless for her second Hindi film- ‘Ragini MMS 2’.

The teaser of the horror film which was launched in the second week of September saw Sunny enacting some steamy scenes. The punch line read- “Grab a bite of Sunny”!

The teaser opens with a scene that shows Sunny showing her bare back, enjoying a shower as the camera pans through see-through bathroom curtains. And the rest of the teaser gives us a glimpse of the steamy scenes that are in store for us.
But Sunny seems to have strong reservations in baring her torso for the film and reportedly insisted on wearing a bikini top. The makers of film gave in to her demand and let her shoot the scene the way she wanted.
Reportedly, the makers have used technology to maker he look topless!
Produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, ‘Ragini MMS 2’ is a sequel to ‘Ragini MMS’, a super natural thriller that released in 2011.
Sunny had entered the world of Indian entertainment with reality show ‘Bigg Boss 5’ and has since then has managed to bag a few of endorsement deals and films.

‘Ram Chahe Leela’ song: A love ballad featuring Priyanka Chopra

New Delhi: A lungi-clad Priyanka Chopra dancing to the tunes of a love ballad is the latest release from the song track of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ram Leela’.

The song named ‘Ram Chahe Leela’ is basically the title song of the film and it has a modern feel in contrast to the ethnic sets and costumes PeeCee and the dancers are shown wearing.
Although this number is not as good as the mind blowing ‘Nagada Sang Dhol Baje’ nor quirky like ‘Ishqyaun Dishkyaun’, it is worth listening to at least once.
PeeCee has for sure tried her best to keep her movements as seductive and sexy as she could. But we would have appreciated if makers had given ethnic beats to the song. Perhaps, it was an attempt to keep it different from the rest of the lot in the music list.

Aishwarya broke Karva Chauth fast by seeing hubby through Skype

Mumbai: Women from across the country observed the Karva Chauth vrat on Tuesday to pray for the well being and long life of their respective husbands. The Bachchan family too follows the traditions and customs of a Hindu household with utmost devotion and fervour.

Both Jaya Bachchan and her bahu Aishwarya observed the fast on this auspicious occasion.
Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to express his thoughts about the same. He tweeted, “`Karvachauth` over ... moon sighted, prayers done through the sieve, food eaten and water drunk by the wives ..dressed in fineries ! (sic).”
The megastar went to the elaborate the reason behind observing the fast. He tweeted, “The culture and the traditions of time .. tested and performed diligently .. for what ? for the benefit and longevity of another !! (sic).”
However, for Aishwarya, this Karva Chauth was a lot different as her husband Abhishek was abroad to shoot for a film. She had to use Skype to see her husband and then break her fast.
“Abhishek out of country on shoot .. so face of husband seen through Skype, for Karvachauth by Aishwarya .. what times we live in (sic),” Big B tweeted.

What made Salman Khan lose his cool yet again?

Mumbai: Salman Khan is always in news for a variety of reasons. On one hand, the hunk of an actor comes across as a magnanimous superstar, while on the other hand, he seems to be a short-tempered person.

Khan is known to have bursts of anger quite often. The unit of ‘Jai Ho’ (earlier titled ‘Mental’), witnessed the actor losing his cool recently. Apparently, when the ‘Dabangg’ superstar was shooting for the film, the paparazzi pushed itself into the sets subsequently irking the actor.
Reportedly, Salman asked his brother Sohail to take away the cameras from the paparazzi that had gathered and erase all that was shot on the sets.
The actor, who is otherwise a huge hit for his flamboyance and bindaas attitude was thoroughly miffed with the way the media persons behaved.
‘Jai Ho’ is touted to be one of Salman’s most ambitious projects directed by his sibling, Sohail. The film also features talented actress Tabu. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan had paid a visit to Salman on the sets of the film recently and enquired about his nerve problem which was giving the actor some really tough times.

Centre seeks Maha Govt opinion on reducing Sanjay Dutt’s jail term

New Delhi: The Home Ministry has sought the opinion Maharashtra Government to reduce the jail sentence of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt who is serving a 42-month sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

According to press reports, the centre has forwarded an application to the state government, on an appeal by Justice Markandeya Katju to the President, requesting the veteran actor’s jail term to be shortened. Sources called it part of routine procedure that is followed for such appeals.
Meanwhile, Dutt is staying with his family in Mumbai after being granted a 14-day extended leave from prison on medical grounds. The 53-year-old had left the Yerawada jail on October 1.
Dutt was sentenced to five years in jail by the Supreme Court of India in March 2013 for illegally possessing arms during the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts which killed over 250 civilians.
The actor had already served 18 months in jail after which he was released on bail in 2007. He is currently serving the remaining 42-month jail term in the Yerawada jail.

Terrific if Salman Khan endorses 'Lakshmi': Nagesh Kukunoor

Mumbai: Filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor says if Bollywood star Salman Khan will endorse his next film `Lakshmi`, it will be `terrific` for the cause highlighted in the movie.

Kukunoor wishes to show his film about human trafficking and prostitution to NGOs and Salman also runs an NGO called Being Human.
"That would be a dream scenario if he (Salman Khan) comes forward and endorses the film," Kukunoor told reporters Tuesday at the trailer and poster launch of the movie.
"It would be wonderful because having the support of someone like him would be tremendous for the cause... if Salman comes on board for the film, it will be terrific," he added.
The story of `Lakshmi` revolves around a girl whose life goes for a toss when she is forced into prostitution. But she overcomes the problems to put her life back on track and sets an example for many.
Kukunoor admits that it is not possible to reach every single person through the film but they will try their best.
"If we are able to direct even five percent of the people to this problem, we will feel we are successful because you can`t reach everyone," said Kukunoor, known for films like `Iqbal`, `Dor` and `Aashayein`.
Satish Kaushik, who has co-produced the film with Pramod Sharma, has kept the promotion plan in tandem with the theme of the movie.
Kaushik said: "What we are trying to do is that we are trying to reach a lot of people through NGOs, social places, and social activists. They are going to see the film. We will be screening the film for them.... even in some of the red light areas where it happens."
Kaushik, who will be seen playing a negative role in it, strongly recommends the film to women who have been victims of human trafficking.
"I feel the girls who are affected by it should see the film as this film is to make them courageous," he said.
`Lakshmi` marks the Bollywood debut of singer Monali Thakur. The film also features Kukunoor, Shefali Shah and Ram Kapoor.
It will come out Jan 17 next year.

Pak artistes contribution to Bollywood valuable: Akshay Kumar 

Karachi: Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has supported the presence of Pakistani artistes in the Indian entertainment industry saying that they have brought diversity.

"From their powerful dialogue delivery to incredible music talent, Pakistanis have made valuable contribution to Bollywood. Some of the most memorable songs of Bollywood have been sung by Pakistani artistes and the opportunities to work together will be endless," Akshay said.

In the interview to Express Tribune newspaper, the 46-year-old actor, whose latest film ‘Boss’ hit theatres last week, also said that Pakistan`s top comedian, Umar Shareef has been a constant source of learning and inspiration for him.
"I have watched Umar Shareef since I entered the industry over 20 years ago and he is one of the best comedians of all time. What I love most about him is his comic timing and delivery," said Akshay.
"You can be the funniest man on paper but unless you have got the timing right, your joke will be lost. Mr Umer Sharif, I salute your gift," he added.
Akshay has over 100 films to his credit and portrayed some larger-than-life, action packed and farcical roles in his career.
"My secret is that I never act my age. I may be in my 40s but my heroines are usually in their 20s," he said.
Akshay said he always liked to have a good chemistry with his co-stars. "I don`t act like a superstar. The minute there is an inferiority complex between two actors, it becomes very uncomfortable to watch."
The actor said the he supports the recent trend in Bollywood to remake South India-inspired films, saying, "Hats off to South Indian films! They have the content that the world enjoys; it is an honour for me to recreate their magic."
Akshay also said he is happy to see that Pakistani cinema is growing again and hopes that it will keep thriving.
"No matter how great anyone is, there is always room for improvement. Filmmakers should keep experimenting with new techniques and never feel afraid of going back to film school," he said.

Hollywood & Bollywood Updates 20th October

HOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Georgia Ruth wins Welsh music prize

London: Folk star Georgia Ruth has been named the recipient of the 2013 Welsh Music Prize.

The harpist overcame competition from 11 fellow artists, including Neon Neon, Racehorses and Euros Childs, to claim the top honour for her debut album Week of Pines at the current Swn Festival in Cardiff, reported BBC online.

After her win, Ruth said the announcement came as "quite a shock".

The award, billed as the Welsh equivalent of the UK`s prestigious Mercury Music Prize, was created in 2011 to recognise the finest in Welsh music.

Rockers Future of the Left took home the trophy last year, while Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys was the inaugural winner.

I wanted to feed co-stars with pasta: Jennifer Garner

Los Angeles: Actress-producer Jennifer Garner says she wanted to feed Matthew McConaughey a "big bowl of pasta" while shooting their new movie `The Dallas Buyers Club` because he lost 50 pounds for his role.


The 43-year-old lost 50 pounds for his role as an AIDS victim campaigning for proper healthcare in the new drama and his co-star admits it was upsetting to see him and fellow actor Jared Leto, who also lost weight for his role in the film, in such frail conditions.


``It was shocking and upsetting and really hard to see ... I wanted to feed them a bowl of pasta,” contactmusic.com quoted Garner as saying.

Vampire Dating Site: Hookups for Cold Blooded Hotties

It's so hard to meet someone new in a town where you already know everyone. Thank god for Internet dating. Now we can find hotties, regardless of where they live. Or whether they have ice water coursing through their veins.
Vampire Passions is not a wittily constructed dummy site for HBO's True Blood. It's a full-on, 100% free, online dating site for vamps and vamp chasers. Whether you're a blood vampire or a psychic vampire — and who hasn't dated one of those? — there is something for everyone. Looking for your Dark Angel? He appears to be on there. Searching for female companionship from a Twilight hater? Spotted one of those as well.
Or maybe you're more comfortable getting your fangs wet with a fellow fan of vampire film, television and literature. There are forums, blogs and a tab for "Videos & Fun Stuff." You can fill in the blanks on that one.
But if you're undeadly serious about this particular dating niche, you may want to sign up for this site in blood. You can prescreen your dates by Type A, Type B or Type O.
There's also a Bovine blood option, "for moral reasons." Moo to that.

Vampire Weekend: Vampire Picks for the Weekend of 10/18

If you're on the West Coast this weekend, you might want to swing by the Los Angeles Vampires Monthly Meet Up on Saturday, October 19. Brace yourself, this is not a poser-fest. These are, in fact, real vamps, witches and werekin, but according to the announcement, "You do not need to be a vampire or a donor or any other label to join." Sounds like good, clean fun. Unless you're hell-bent on turning. "We cannot turn you into a vampire," the invite goes on to say.
If you dig watching watch Nicolas Cage chew up the scenery with fangs on, Bad Movie Night NYC will be screening Vampire's Kiss on Friday October 18 at 10:30 PM. It promises to be an evening of Brooklyn snark with a vampire twist.
And if you like a little Transylvania mixed in with your sunshine, The Vampire Circus is performing The Tale of a Graveyard Clown in Miami, a clown-sells-his-soul-in-exchange-for-fame tale, perfect for the whole family. It's Cirque du Soleil with fangs, but more suburban. And fetishy.

Jackie Chan supports docu-film exposing illegal wildlife trade

Los Angeles: Action superstar Jackie Chan has joined the fight against the slaughter of elephants for ivory products by throwing his support behind the Canada-Germany co-production `Gambling on Extinction`.

The documentary, from Real to Reel Productions and German partner a&o buero film production, investigates the illegal trade of wildlife products, including ivory, rhino horn and tiger parts, the Hollywood Reporter said.
"Everyone should dispel the myths that ivory jewelry and carvings are made from tusks that have fallen off the elephant or from elephants that have died of natural causes," Chan said in a statement issued by the film`s producers.
"This is simply not true. Elephants are being hunted and killed for their tusks. The only way to stop the slaughter is to cut the demand. We are all consumers, so we can all make a difference," he added.
Real to Reel producer Anne Pick said, "I know Jackie supports many worthy causes, and we, along with our German partners at a&o buero, couldn`t be happier about his support for our film and this international wildlife crisis."
`Gambling on Extinction` sees German filmmaker Jakob Kneser travel across Africa and Southeast Asia to jungles and trading hubs to expose the major players feeding and opposing the illegal wildlife products business.
The documentary has already been sold to ZDF in Germany, W5 and Animal Planet in Canada, France`s ARTE, SBS in Australia and Sweden`s SVT.


Sam Worthington smitten by girlfriend

London: `Avatar` actor Sam Worthington is grateful to have met his model partner Lara Bingle.

The 31-year-old actor has been quiet about his relationship with Bingle, reported Daily Telegraph.

"I`m very happy and I`ve met someone I`m very grateful for. She`s down to Earth," Worthington said.
The couple are believed to have met in New York in late September after being introduced by a mutual friend.
The actor had not made his relationship to the model public for a long time.
However, the couple recently shared their picture on Instagram.

Miley Cyrus reminds me of my younger days: Sarah Harding

London: Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has admitted that she sees "a little bit of the old" her in Miley Cyrus.
The 31-year-old speculated that Cyrus is pretending to be a "wild child" just as she used to, though she did say that the `Wrecking Ball` singer`s appearance at the VMAs was "a bit much", reported Digital Spy.

"I do see a little bit of the old me in her, but I think she`s more out there than I ever was... I can see why Miley twerking with that foam finger caused a bit of a stir. I mean, it was a bit much.
"I was called the wild child of Girls Aloud, but that was me just playing up to the role. It wasn`t really me. But she`s all about the shock factor. She`s getting headlines, so it`s probably great for her sales and her image," she said.
Harding also compared Cyrus to Britney Spears, commenting that it is natural for teen stars to rebel as they get older.

BOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Priyanka Chopra says her 'Ram Leela' item song is modern mujra

Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra, who has done an item song in Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s `Ram Leela`, describes it as a modern mujra which has Indian vibes with a western touch.

"The song is very different and special because I am a huge fan of Mr. Bhansali. It`s a modern mujra which you all have not seen for a long time. It`s a mujra, but modern. It`s got Indian music and vibes, but still western and contemporary.

“It has got a different look, different form of dancing and I didn’t have time to rehearse. I used to rehearse at night," Priyanka told reporters here.
Aishwarya Rai was reportedly approached for the item song before Priyanka.
`Ram Leela` features Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead.



Shilpa Agnihotri leaves the 'Bigg Boss' house

Mumbai: TV actress Shilpa Agnihotri had to leave her husband Apoorva Agnihotri alone in the `Bigg Boss Saath-7` house as she was voted out of the reality show Saturday night.

The actress had entered the show with her actor husband when the show began Sep 15.

While Shilpa was made to stay in the heaven part of the house, Apoorva spent his days in the hell side. It was just earlier this week that both the sides of the house were merged into one, and the couple was united.
But the eviction episode brought bad news for them.
Shilpa was nominated for eviction this week with VJ Andy, Tanishaa Mukerji, Kamya Punjabi and Armaan Kohli.
During her stay on the show, the `Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi` actress was seen to be very close to her husband. She had expressed anger when he readily accepted a challenge to get a mohawk haircut. She had an emotional breakdown following the incident.
Shilpa also became friends with Andy and Kamya. She even sorted out her differences with Tanishaa.
For now, the "Bigg Boss Saath-7" house inmates include Gauhar Khan, Kushal Tandon, Tanishaa, Armaan, Asif Azim, Sangram Singh, Elli Avram, Pratyusha Banerjee and Viveik Mishra apart from Apoorva.
The show, where celebrities are locked up inside a house with limited amenities, is hosted by Salman Khan.

Festivity at home everyday due to AbRam: Shah Rukh Khan

Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was recently blessed with baby boy AbRam through surrogacy, says every day sees festivity at home because of AbRam.

"Everyday is special after AbRam has come home. His health is good now and I am really happy for him. Everyday is festivity at home because of AbRam," SRK told reporters at an event.

Karan Johar feels proud one year since 'SOTY'

Mumbai: Filmmaker Karan Johar looks back at `Student Of The Year` (SOTY) with pride a year of its release. He says his "students" - Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan, who made their Bollywood debut with the film, have made him proud.

SOTY released Oct 19, 2012.

"SOTY completes a year today! I am really proud of my three students and the entire cast and crew of this young, fun and special film of my career," Karan posted on Twitter Saturday.
The romantic-comedy revolves around the lives of three college students, who compete with each other for the title of `Student of the Year`.
The film proved to be a good launchpad for its three lead actors, who managed to pocket plum Bollywood projects post the film`s release.
Alia, daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, will be seen in Imitiaz Ali`s `Highway` and Abhishek Verman`s `2 States`.
Thanking Karan, Alia tweeted: "SOTY completes one year and so do I.. one year since I`ve been in the industry! Thank you Karan Johar for giving us the perfect break."
Varun, who is the son of filmmaker David Dhawan, is working on his father`s `Main Tera Hero`, while model-turned-actor Sidharth has just finished shooting Hasee Toh Phasee`. He also has Ekta Kapoor`s `The Villain` in his kitty. 

Simi Garewal to direct a film soon

Mumbai: Veteran actress Simi Garewal is planning to go behind the camera to direct a film.

Simi, 66, who gave memorable performances in films like `Do Badan`, `Karz`, `Siddhartha`, `Mera Naam Joker`, is all charged up to return to the silver screen, not as an actor, but as a director.
"I would be there on small screen back with my show `Rendezvous` next year. While on big screen I will be back soon but behind the camera as a director," Simi told reporters.
She had written and directed a Hindi feature film `Rukhsat` (1988). The family drama had Mithun Chakraborty, Anuradha Patel, Marc Zuber, Rohini Hattangadi and Amrish Puri.
She is also the writer-director of popular TV talk show `Rendezvous with Simi Garewal`, which she hosts.
She has also directed a three-part TV documentary series - `India`s Rajiv` (1991).
"We are still in the process (scripting), within a month or two it will be decided. I had directed before also documentaries, commercials... I have been behind the camera for many years. I like being a technician," Simi said, without divulging any details about the project.
The film would likely be shot in New York and Moscow.

Shah Rukh Khan apologizes for not being punctual

Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who kept his fans waiting for two and a half hours at the celebration of LUX Chennai Express Contest event here, apologized when he finally came, saying he was unwell.

"I am extremely sorry for coming late. My apologies to the media people. I am not well...I have flu...I was bed-ridden. I have been travelling a lot...but thanks for all your patience," the mega star told reporters, apologizing profusely.

"I don`t get tired very soon, but today I am a bit unwell. I have fever and may be because I didn`t sleep last night..."

The event was scheduled at 3.30 p.m but the actor arrived at the venue at 6.00 p.m.
Meanwhile the actor, who is also shooting for the film "Happy New Year", says the film is not a solo hero film.
"`Happy New Year` is not a SRK starrer film. We have an ensemble cast and that is the speciality of the film. Its not a solo hero film," he said.

Asked if he is playing a Gujarati don in Farhan Aktar`s next release, he said: "No I am not...I have read the script but nothing is finalised."

Lata Mangeshkar conferred first Yash Chopra Memorial Award

Mumbai: In a tribute to the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on the eve of his first death anniversary, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar was conferred the first Yash Chopra Memorial Award at a glittering function here.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari presented the award late Saturday to the legendary singer.
"Lata Mangeshkar, blessed with a beautiful voice, is the pride of the Indian music industry and a living legend," Tewari said.
He called upon the film fraternity to zealously guard the liberal space.
Dedicated to the memory of the late producer-director, the Yash Chopra Memorial Award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy.
Chopra was a victim of dengue in Mumbai Oct 21 last year, spelling the end of a romantic and passionate era of filmmaking.
Carrying a cheque of Rs.1 million and a citation, the memorial award will be given annually to people in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the field of art and culture.
Lata, who started her singing career in 1942, has continued singing for over seven decades, recording songs for over a thousand Hindi movies besides singing in 36 Indian and foreign languages.
She has been conferred several national and international honours, including Bharat Ratna, India`s highest civilian award, three national film awards and and the One Time Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India`s Independence.
Present on the occasion was Pamela, Yash Chopra`s widow, Union Minister for Heavy Industries Praful Patel, the award jury Anil Kapoor, Hema Malini, Simi Garewal, T. Subbirami Reddy, filmmakers Subhash Ghai and Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Akshay Kumar, Rani Mukerji, singer Alka Yagnik and other dignitaries.

Akshaye Khanna hoaxed of Rs 50 lakh by husband-wife duo

New Delhi: Time and again we come across certain cases of fraudulent companies, who dupe in investors but are nowhere to be seen later. This time, it was none other than Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna who had been conned by a fraudster couple.
According to a tabloid, the 38-year-old actor has registered a case against a husband wife duo, who persuaded him in investing Rs 50 lakh in their company- Intex Immijet- back in 2010, in return for a double amount after just a year.
After two years of time, Khanna, who was tired of the couple ignoring his calls and postponing the date for payment, finally submitted an application to the Economic Offences Wing.
It is said that Khanna had met the couple first time at a party in September 2010, where the duo- Satyabrata and Shona Chakrabarti befriended him and duped him to invest the large sum.
The actor registered the case against the company with the Malabar Hill police station initially, after which it was transferred to the EOW (crime branch).
“They told Akshaye that their firm is a profit-generating one but needs some capital,” a source said.
The EOW, who after investigating into the matter for a month and questioning the accused, has lodged a First Information Report with the Malabar Hill police station and got it transferred to the crime branch.
“We received a complaint from Khanna a month ago after which we did our investigation. We also interrogated the two accused, following which we found enough reasons to register a case. On Friday night a complaint was registered with the Malabar Hill police station,” Additional Commissioner of Police Rajvardhan Sinha (EOW) said,
According to the reports, though the accused have been booked under Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 120 (B) (conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, no one has been arrested till now.

Hollywood Updates 19th October

HOLLYWOOD UPDATES

I'm single, Kendall Jenner blasts Young Jinsu dating report

Los Angeles: Model Kendall Jenner has dismissed reports suggesting that she is dating rapper Young Jinsu.

Following a report that she is dating Jinsu, Kendall, 17, took to Twitter to tell her followers that it was false.

"Enough with the rumors. I`m single, people," she tweeted.

Kendall`s mother Kris Jenner also cleared the reports, saying, "It`s not her boyfriend. She doesn`t have a boyfriend."

A magazine previously reported that the reality star was romantically linked to the 21-year-old rapper.

"They`re dating - it`s been at least a few months. They`ve been getting closer recently, and they`ve been hanging out all the time," a source said.
The source also claimed that Kendall and Young were planning to go public with their relationship after her birthday on November 3.
"They have that spark right now - they`re just really feeling each other. They`re not putting it out there yet," the source explained.
The rapper, who was previously linked to Justin Bieber`s ex-girlfriend Jasmine V, recently shared a photo of him and a girl who appears to be Kendall on Instagram. The photo shows the girl making heart sign with her hands.

Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton meet secretly

Los Angeles: Singer Nicole Scherzinger and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton reportedly had a secret meeting at a hotel to discuss their relationship earlier this week.

The duo, who dated each other for over seven years, are going through a rough patch in their relationship. But now they are trying to sort out the differences.
"They were determined to keep the meeting under wraps, which is why they chose a hotel that isn`t used much by celebrities," thesun.co.uk quoted a source as saying.
Their secret plan failed when Hamilton`s car broke down on their way back and mechanics were called. That is how everyone got to know about their meeting.
"Nicole will be livid that Lewis` car broke down because that`s what meant their cover was blown. He had to get out to let the mechanics sort out the issue," said the source.
"There`s something that keeps pulling them back together. Lewis even took his dog Roscoe so Nicole could see it," the source added.

James Blunt's new album is honest

London: Singer James Blunt says his new album `Moon Landing` is honest and features heartfelt songs written specifically for his own fans.

The `I`ll Be Your Man` hitmaker is releasing his fourth studio album `Moon Landing`.
Blunt believes the LP is a step away from his third album, `Some Kind of Trouble`, which he produced because it was his job to do so.
"My first album was done out of love, joy and a pleasure, and was a thrill to do. On the second one you`re riding out this wave and by the third you`re treating it like a job, perhaps. So when it came to this record I just wanted it to be honest and not written for any audience but my own," Blunt said.
The 39-year-old musician lives on the famous party island of Ibiza where he is a regular club goer and although he is constantly questioned about when he is going to make a dance album he insists he is going to stick to his trademark acoustic tracks which are inspired by romance.
"People ask me when I am going to make my Ibiza album but I don`t write those sort of songs. I write sensitive and romantic songs as we all have days of isolation, misery, sadness and insecurities," he added.

Miley Cyrus buys car for pets

Los Angeles: Singer Miley Cyrus has found a new way to pamper her pets! She has reportedly bought a car for her dogs.

Cyrus owns five pooches - Happy, Bean, Floyd, Mary Jane and Penny Lane. She has bought a Range Rover Sport car for them to travel around, reports dailystar.co.uk.
"Last week she bought a white Maserati Quattroporte and a red Porsche Cayenne for herself," said a source.
"But she also splashed out 100,000 pounds on a Range Rover Sport. The dogs are banned from her cars, but they basically own the Range Rover," the source added.
The friendly canines are allowed to do whatever they want in their own car.

"They`re free to jump around, leave their hair over it, scratch it and have their blankets in there. Miley even joked that if she dies, the Range Rover will go to them," said the source.

I don't miss drugs: Kerry Katona

Los Angeles: Singer Kerry Katona says she does not miss taking drugs at all - so much so that she can`t deal with even a hangover anymore.

"I do not miss the drugs at all. I`ve done it, 100 lifetimes worth, I can`t even handle a hangover anymore," dailystar.co.uk quoted Katona as saying.
Engaged to George Kay, the 33-year-old, who has four children and is expecting her fifth child, does not wish to change anything about the way she leads her life.
"I`m not going to sit here with regret, I definitely would not change anything," said Katona.
"If I was to change something, I wouldn`t be the person I am today. I wouldn`t have the four amazing children I have. I wouldn`t have met George," she added.

When Rihanna left Huntington-Whiteley upset

Los Angeles: Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley once waited nervously to meet Rihanna, but the pop star left her disappointed as she failed to turn up.

Huntington-Whiteley eagerly waited for three hours and then gave up, reports contactmusic.com.
"I was standing there going, `Oh my God, I`m going to meet Rihanna`. I stood there and 20 minutes went by, and as more time went by the more nervous I got," Huntington-Whiteley said on a radio show.
"Then, after about three hours of waiting, I was like, `I`ve had enough`," she added.

Review: 'Carrie' Remake Is Nothing New, and Nothing New Audiences Will Revere

We can divide the incoming audience of Kimberly Peirce's Carrie remake into three categories. First, dutiful fans of the original — just about any modern day cinephile, or regular human being who was at least a teenager in the mid-1970s. A collective who might be expecting, based on a passage of four decades and an insightful director like Peirce, something altogether different than Brian De Palma's horror classic. As much as we might have loved the old version, we're not heading to theaters to see it reproduced with Chloë Grace Moretz standing in for Sissy Spacek.
Second, we have the group who never got around to De Palma's Carrie, or at least who do not remember it with any particular fondness, but who hold Stephen King's novel in high regard. A group who might expect the epistolary form of the narrative to translate to screen in some inventive way, telling Carrie White's story the way that King did back in his early days.
Finally, the youngest of the lot: those who never saw, never read, maybe even never heard of Carrie, but who are flocking to theaters out of love for the young Moretz and in hopes of a good scare. These are likely to be the participants most satisfied — although it is the goal to approach every new feature film as a work independent from all predecessors and source material, anyone who has seen the '76 Carrie will have a hard time eviscerating the connotations from his or her head while watching the new venture.
Just shy of a shot-for-shot remake, Peirce's Carrie doesn't come through on many of the progressive tones or innovations than might arise from connotations with the film's director. When the film does deviate, those in the know will wonder why — why the transformation of the Billy Nolan character (played here by Alex Russell, previously by Jon Travolta) from lowly dufus into a criminal mastermind? Why the changes in Carrie's understanding of her classmates' ultimate misdeed (we won't say more, just in case you're in Category 3), or in her scenes at home to follow? To those who can't seem to get De Palma off the mind, it'll be difficult to justify these very few changes... especially in light of the overwhelming presence of his shadow cast by the new movie's decision to operate in such conjunction with everything we saw in the '76 version (even including the comic relief "gettin' ready for prom" scene).
But even those without a Carrie on their shoulders will feel that this film lacks the gravity it intends. The glossy feel of this Hollywood high school robs Carrie White of her desperation, her classmates of their cruelty, and the climax of its authentic severity. The only place where Carrie does knock its powerful material out of the park is with Julianne Moore, whose Margaret White is so impressively chilling, so embedded in darkness and fear that she's genuinely difficult to watch. But in the otherwise "campy" world of this Carrie, Margaret and the third act darkness just feels dreadfully unpleasant, and to no identifiable end.
What is Carrie saying and doing with all this horror? Unhooking itself from the clasps of dramatic weight, genre fun, and cinematic tribute, the film floats freely without much of an identity. Although the material is enough to get you through the movie, and the performances decent enough to at least see where a new life might have been breathed into a more inventive script, you won't leave Carrie without much in the way of answers. Just one big question: "Why did they bother?"

Lydia from 'Breaking Bad' Is Coming to ABC in 'The Black Box'

Breaking Bad has a number of great villains swirling around the Albuquerque desert, but few were as entertaining as the tea-sipping Lydia. She is pure evil in a grey pantsuit, and would easily have her enemies dispatched while taking in a soothing slurp of herbal tea (sweetened with Stevia of course). Now, the actress behind the character, Laura Fraser, has joined ABC’s upcoming series The Black Box, TV Line reports.

We're excited to see an actor as talented as Fraser continue to find work in this post-Breaking Bad world we now inhabit, but we're also hoping, in the irrational parts of our brains, that she might make some kind of appearance in the upcoming Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul. Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan said he would like to have Breaking Bad stars make cameos in the new show so lets keep hope alive. Let's also push down nagging questions like "Does that make sense chronologically?" deep into our guts where they can't interfere with our reckless TV wishes.
The Black Box is a limited series that focuses on Elizabeth Black (Kelly Reilly), a gifted Neuroscientist who struggles with mental illness. We’re hoping that Fraser brings her own version of 100 percent naturally sweetened evil to ABC's upcoming drama.

Heartbreak In Hollywood: Celeb Breakups 2013

In the wake of Kris and Bruce Jenner’s split, it’s become glaringly obvious that 2013 hasn’t been a happy year for too many couples.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth called it quits after their year-long engagement. They confirmed in September what we had been hearing rumors of for almost as long as we’ve been hearing about their engagement.
As heartbreaking as it is to hear, no one can deny the rumors anymore. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are taking some time apart. No legal action has been taken yet, and fingers crossed none will be taken in the future. Maybe if they hold out to 2014 they can come out on top and together again.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie, two beloved Game of Thrones stars, called it quits earlier this year. Fortunately for Harington, Leslie wasn’t as heart broken as her character was over Jon Snow. No arrows in the back needed here folks!
Surprising almost nobody, George Clooney and Stacy Keibler split this summer. Another one bites the dust! Oh wait, too soon?
The Vampire Diaries  stars Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev broke many beating hearts in May after their rumored split. Their love is still hanging on in The CW’s show, but who can deny Somerhalder’s not so cryptic tweet on May 9: ‘A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: People change and forget to tell each other. –Lillian Hellman, playwright (1904-1984).’
Hopefully the remainder of 2013 will stay quiet with the news of heartbreak in Hollywood and maybe 2014 will bring together happier and long lasting relationships for all.

'Short Term 12' Breakout Star Brie Larson in Talks for 'The Gambler'

According to Deadline, Brie Larson is in negotiations to star in the upcoming remake of The Gambler with Mark Wahlberg. The original 1974 flick was based on a novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and tells the story of a literary professor that suffers from a crippling gambling addiction. The original film garnered James Caan a Golden Globe nod for his performance. Brie Larson has been a surefire bet for Hollywood as of late, starring in a number of projects that display her versatility as an actress. She received raves for her role as a social worker in Short Term 12, and has appeared in comedies like 21 Jump street and Don Jon. She even visited Greendale Community College for a season 4 episode of Community.
Along with Larson, Jessica Lange is also being considered for a role in the film. Lange is already doling out a weekly dose of scares on her FX drama series American Horror Story. The legendary actress will help add even more acting prowess to a film that seems to be culling performers from all over the cinematic landscape.

BOLLYWOOD UPDATES

Sridevi turns down negative role in ‘Fitoor’?

New Delhi: Following a big comeback after nearly 15 years of hiatus from Bollywood, Sridevi now seems to be quite sceptical when it comes to choosing a film.

The 50-year-old diva, who was last seen in ‘English Vinglish’, which won her many accolades, seems that she is very careful about making choice for her next movie role.
According to a tabloid, Sridevi has said ‘no’ to a villainous role offered by Abhishek Kapoor in his upcoming movie ‘Fitoor’- which is said to be based on Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’.
Sridevi, who wooed the audience by her effortless illustration of a greedy and selfish character in the movie ‘Judaai’, rejected the offer as playing a negative role wasn’t a right choice for her.
“Everyone is waiting to see what her next film is after `English Vinglish`. The film has Katrina Kaif as the leading lady. Sushant Singh Rajput, who was earlier a part of the film, recently walked out of the project.
Abhishek wanted Sridevi for a role, which was played by Robert De Niro in the 1998 big screen version of the novel. Abhishek tweaked the script and made it female-oriented," a source said.
On the other hand, an insider from the production house said, “Sridevi couldn’t be part of the film, as she thought she wasn’t the right choice for the role.”
It seems Sridevi is being selective about choosing her next movie keeping in mind the necessity to make her upcoming movie a better watch than ‘English Vinglish’.

Ready to playback for any actress: Priyanka Chopra

Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is now also popular for her singing skills, says she would love to playback for other heroines. She feels it would be a fun experience.

"I want to playback for some other heroine. I think it will be very interesting. If I like the song, I am okay with (doing) it, but I should like the song. I am ready to playback for any actress," Priyanka said here.

"I think it will be fun and very exciting," she added.
The actress, who will next be seen in `Krrish 3`, has been experimenting with different genres of films because she likes to take risks.
"I want to do different things. I am a risk-taker I want to be a game changer in my personal career. I don`t want to follow anybody`s footsteps. I did music... I want to change the game. Maybe I will fail, but at least I want to try," she said.
So far, Priyanka has launched two international singles - `In my city` and `Exotic`.


Bigg Boss 7: Love stories and popularity contests.

New Delhi: In the latest episode of the popular reality show Big Boss 7, the heaven and hell concept has finally been done away with. New controversies are now emerging in the show.
At the end of the previous episode there were people seen lurking around the Bigg Boss house. With a commotion starting off at the Jahannum section with stuntmen breaking down doors and windows. The Hell – Vaasis were led to the jannat area and the former was cordoned off.
Within the commotion yoga expert Vivek Mishra joined the show.
The latest episode saw the house inmates learning yoga from Vivek, albeit not to too seriously. But the fun part of the episode began when almost everyone started discussing the obvious chemistry between actors Armaan and Tanishaa.
Shilpa Saklani and her husband Apoorva Agnihotri sit with new entrant Vivek, discussing how Tanishaa is staining her family reputation. Gauhar and Kushal also have the same concern at the earlier. The drama doesn’t end here. TV starlet Pratyusha also tells Armaan clearly that she has driften apart from him due to his closeness with Tanishaa, and Tanishaa has only created a gap between the two friends.
Armaan doesn’t look to upset about this but nevertheless discusses the problem with Tanishaa, who dismisses it.
On the other hand, Bigg Boss gives the housemates a task of electing themselves from most popular to least popular.
Armaan argues that he has done 17 films of which 3 are silver jubilee. Gauhar however questions what the criteria for popularity should be and claims that she has been a fashion A lister for a long time and even has a dedicated show for herself.
Many arguments and statements later, Pratyusha is elected the winner while Kushal is the second runner up.
Between the competition and the love angles, the show is getting more and more masaledar as the days go by. What say?

Veena Malik dons revealing outfits for sensuous photo shoot 

New Delhi: Veena Malik was recently spotted doing a sexy photo-shoot in different revealing outfits , in Mumbai.
The 29-year-old Pakistani actress spoke about the shoot and said, "It was a personality shoot which has 8 to 10 different types of looks."
"One is a rock star look, one is formal look, some are casuals, in some I have wore gowns, corsets", she added.

Padmini, Zarina to be felicitated in Lucknow

Lucknow: Bollywood`s veteran actors Padmini Kolhapure, Zarina Wahab and Rati Agnihotri will be honoured here Saturday for their "active roles" in the film world.

The actresses will be recognised for highlighting the strengths of women, an organiser of the event told reporters.
Other than the trio, among other actors who would be felicitated are Nimmi, Anita Raj and Rameshwari.
They will be presented with an award at an event, organised by Friends India, a social organisation. The organisers said these actors had not only taken on the male-dominated film world in the 1980s, but they had also created a special place for themselves.

Adnan Sami faces tax evasion issues?

New Delhi: After being grilled for his illegal stay in India, Pakistani singer Adnan Sami is once again in the limelight for allegedly evading tax on 15 shows in India since July.
According to a tabloid, the singer, who has recently been granted 3 months visa extension by the Ministry of Home Affairs, has new issues to sort out now.
On Oct 15, when a team of officials visited Sami’s residence to collect certain documents under the orders of Service Tax Commissioner, R Sekar, found that the singer did not pay taxes for 15 performances he did in India since July 2012. Following this, the officials also issued summons, asking him to be present before the department on Monday.
“We have registered a case against Sami, and have also issued summons to him,” the Deputy Commissioner (Service Tax) Sameer Wankhede said.
On the other hand, Sami on being questioned by the officials on the issue of unpaid tax said that the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) had frozen his accounts, which is why he was unable to pay the money.
The officials are currently investigating the matter and will soon decide the amount the singer has to fork out.
Talking to the tabloid, the singer said, “There is no accusation or allegation of tax evasion. I have only received summons to appear and provide certain documents. I am doing so as I have always been a taxpayer and law abiding citizen. I would be happy to provide any documents necessary to assist the department.” 

Rishi Kapoor to play father to Abhishek Bachchan

Mumbai: Rishi Kapoor has donned many feathers on his cap and now the veteran is all set to play a father to Abhishek Bachchan in a film.

His association with the Bachchans is quite old. Rishi in his younger days worked with Abhi`s father Amitabh Bachchan in many films- ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ being just few of the names on the list.
According to reports from a leading daily Umesh Shukla’s next movie stars the Rishi and Abhishek in father-son’s avatar in ‘Mere Apne’.
The daily quoted Umesh as saying, “"Rishiji is playing Abhishek`s father and the film is about family values, but it`s not preachy. It has humour, fun and entertainment, which I think should be its USP."
‘Mere Apne’, which is slated to release sometime late next year also reportedly stars Asin Thottumkal opposite Junior Bachchan. The director had initially approached Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diana Penty but both of them refused owing to reasons unknown.
Umesh comes with this movie after ‘OMG: Oh My God!’, which did well at the Box Office and was very well received by the audience for its fresh content. His next project is slated to be ‘102 Not Out’, starring Amitabh Bachchan, and is based on a Gujarati play.

Sunny Deol turns 57

New Delhi: Sunny Deol turned 57 on Saturday 19th October. The older son of Dharmendra, Sunny is known for his action flicks and powerful Dialogue delivery.

Born in Sahnewal village of Punjab near Ludhiana to Dharmendra and his then wife Prakash Kaur, Sunny was initially named Ajay.
He has three siblings, Bobby, Vijayta and Ajeeta. Esha and Ahana are also his half sisters. He is married to Pooja Deol, and they have two sons Karan Deol and Rajvir Deol.
Deol made his debut opposite Amrita Singh in ‘Betaab’, which did pretty well at the Box Office. The movie also won him his first Filmfare award in the Best Actor category. After ‘Betaab’ the star struggled for a few years till the release of Arjun. Playing the titular role, sunny established himself as an action hero.
With a few hits and misses for the next few years, his blockbuster came with ‘Ghayal’. The movie was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and was a home production for Vijayta Films. It won 7 Filmfare Awards including Best Actor for Sunny.
His other hits in the 90s are ‘Narsimha’, ‘Vishwatma’, ’Damini – Lightning’, ’Darr’, ‘Jeet’, ‘Ghatak: Lethal’, ‘Ziddi’ and ‘Border’. ‘Darr’ was a Yash Raj production and was super duper hit and also helped in establishing Shah Rukh Khan’s career.
Anil Sharma’s ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ went to become the highest grossing Bollywood film ever that time and became a phenomenon. Sunny became a staple in the minds of Punjabi movie goers and is considered as one of the biggest stars in North India, surpassing the Khans and the Kapoors.
His next movie with Anil Sharma – ‘Singh Sahab The Great’ is set to release this year, and is already getting great response from his fans.
Here is wishing him a very happy birthday and a great career ahead!

Laugh out loud with Manish Paul, again

Mumbai: Everyone loved his antics on `Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa` and now Manish Paul returns with loads of fun on `Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali` to promote his first film `Mickey Virus`.

Manish will be seen as a special judge on the show but he will join the madness with Krushna Abhishek and Bharti Singh`s act.
The episode will be aired Sunday.
A comedy thriller, `Mickey Virus` has been directed by Saurabh Verma and also stars Elli Avram, Manish Choudhary, Puja Gupta and Varun Badola.