Showbiz

Britney booed for her UK flop show

megha — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:59:45 +0530

Britney Spears's attempt to make a glorious comeback with her performance at 'X Factor' show has been blasted by fans, who seemed disappointed with her for miming on the show.

Britney was not only booed for 'X Factor' fiasco but was also jeered for failing to sing during a personal appearance at GAY nightclub in London, the Mirror reported.

The singer, who turns 27 on Tuesday, was on a short visit to UK. It was her first performance in five years and was widely anticipated among her fans.

Thirteen million people saw her three-minute X Factor slot but ITV internet forums were awash with moans. "All she can do is mime, and not very well," one angry fan wrote.

Britney's record label Sony declined to comment on Sunday but a source later said, "She has always mimed it was all about the dance routines."

After her performance at 'X Factor', Britney went to GAY at Heaven in Charing Cross. But clubbers hoping to hear her sing were disappointed.

The singer didn't even get up onstage but waved to the clubbers from the balcony and blew out candles on a birthday cake. Her spokesman later said, "She was never asked to perform."

Jethro Tull, Anoushka dedicate concert to Mumbai victims

megha — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:46:48 +0530

Jethro Tull, one of the world's leading western music bands, and sitar exponent Anoushka Shankar dedicated their two-hour concert in the capital to the "security forces who lost their lives defending Mumbai against terrorists and to victims of the three-day siege".

Spokesperson for the band, lead vocalist and flutist Ian Anderson, appealed to the crowd on Sunday night to observe a minute's silence in memory of the victims. As more than 5,000 Jethro Tull and Anoushka fans remembered the dead at the packed Hamsadhwani stadium in Pragati Maidan, several eyes turned misty.

The concert that began with a solo recital by Anoushka, the daughter of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, acquired an element of pathos and sobriety because of the Mumbai terror attack - snapshots of which loomed large over the show.

Till minutes before the concert, people exchanged notes on Mumbai, recounted personal losses and regretted the fact that Jethro Tull and Anoushka were unable to perform in the "maximum city".

The Mumbai concert, part of their five city tour, was called off on November 29 because of the terror strikes. "But we are planning to go back to Mumbai later this week for a benefit concert to help the victims," Anderson said.

The concert was divided into three acts. A solo performance by Anoushka was followed by Jethro Tull and a "tea with Anoushka jugalbandi session".

The high point was the Jethro Tull and Anoushka collaborative session, which saw a foot-tapping blend of rock, Western classical, Celtic and Indian classical music.

It featured fusion tracks, especially composed for the concert by Anderson, like "Tea with Anoushka" - a peppy lounge dance number and "Little grass folk" - a folksy-rock improvisation of German composer J S Bach's music written 300 years ago.

The track, from the band's farm series, used the banjo (Indian hand drums), block flutes, guitars, sitar and vocals.

"Celtic cradle", drawn from traditional Celtic music of north-west Europe - Anderson's homeland, evoked nostalgia of the centuries bygone with shades of Mesopotamian music.

"Breathing underwater", from the band's latest fusion album, blended traditional Western classical music with Indian classical.

The jugalbandi closed with "Mother goose" - one of the band's old numbers with a special composition for Anoushka. The hysterical audience screamed for more.

Anoushka earlier began her recital with a composition in Raag Jog - an evening raga and followed it up with Raag Panchamsegar - a classical raga created by her father Pandit Ravi Shankar.

The Shankar scion, clad in a lavender and blue churidar-kurta, held the audience, including her father, spell-bound with her performance.

Jethro Tull took the stage minutes after Anouska left it. With veterans Doane Perry and Martin Barre on drums and guitar respectively, and relative newcomers to the band David Goodier on the bass guitars and John O' Hara on the keyboards - the band led by Anderson cut an electrifying presence.

Anderson's virtuosity with the flute and his "maverick piper image" on the stage added glitz to the show.

The band played all the old 60s hits, including its 1969 signature number "Living in the past", "My sunday feeling" (1966), a Rashaan Roland Kirk's jazz improvisation, "Serenade to a cuckoo" and "Heavy horses" from the 1970s. The band is known for its farm songs, most of which were written after Anderson moved to the countryside to manage his own farms in the 1970s.

The band even belted out its progressive rock hit of the 1970, "Thick As a Brick", and an extended version of "Aqualung", a 1971 chart buster that almost became the band's anthem song. A music-struck Delhi on a chilly late November night could not have asked for more.

MOVIE REVIEW: OYE LUCKY, LUCKY OYE

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:25:13 +0530

Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye. Photo courtesy: indiafm.com

MOVIE REVIEW: OYE LUCKY, LUCKY OYE

Sat-Nov 29, 2008

New Delhi / Nishtha Bhatnagar

Movie Review: Oye Lucky Lucky Oye
Rating: * * *

Abhay Deol surely hasn't worked with big banners like Yash Raj and Dharma productions, but that he has the ability to shoulder a movie all by himself is well proven in his latest flick Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye.

The story of a super chor who decamps houses worth lacs of jewellery, steals luxury sedans, expensive furniture, gadgets, paintings, show pieces, clothes et all, Oye Lucky, evokes humour through its simplicity and dialogues. A more or less deprived childhood aggravated by an avarice for a luxurious lifestyle, pushes Lucky in the world of theft and robbery. It is the effortlessness of most of his thefts and the ease with which, Lucky evades the cops, sometimes with his amicable personality and at others with his acumen, that make the movie rather endearing. A film based on the life of the recently arrested thief Bunty in Delhi, Oye Lucky is pretty much a solo version of Yash Raj's Bunty Aur Babli.

Overall, Lucky is not a conniving, cruel chor but a happy go lucky, full of life and fun chor. A wee bit lengthy, the movie remains interesting and entertaining despite the non -stellar cast.

As for the actors, Abhay Deol is a distinct Deol and a promising actor. Paresh Rawal, as always, plays his triple role to the T. Archana Puran Singh is also convincing in her role of the scheming sychophantic wife of a doctor. Richa Chadda who plays Dolly deserves a special mention for her performance as does Manu Rishi who plays Bengali.

Over all, Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye is an entertaining film worth watching.

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Celina shares friend Ashish Chowdhary's grief at sister's death

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:38:23 +0530

Celina Jaitley is a good friend of actor Ashish Chowdhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror attacks and she now asks a question that is in the minds of many Indians - "Where will all this end?"

"I didn't know Ashish's sister that well. But I know that they all doted on her and her husband. What a terrible tragedy. Where will all this end?" said Celina.

Ashish's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband, who had gone to the Oberoi Trident Hotel on Wednesday for dinner, were killed in the terrorist attack. The couple had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked on Wednesday night.

Ashish, recently seen in the film EMI, was waiting since Wednesday night for a word on the wellbeing of his sister and her husband, but he broke down when he came to know that they were brought out of the hotel by security forces on Friday.

Celina said that Ashish went through several ups and downs in the period of uncertainty before the tragic news of Monica's death reached him. He and his family had remained hopeful that they would somehow survive the ordeal.

"One girl from his sister's dinner group had run out and somehow fled from the attack out of the hotel. However, she was heavily sedated and Ashish couldn't get any information from her and kept hoping against hope," Celina said.

Apparently on Thursday Ashish ended up getting wrong information from helpline services. He was told that his sister was in hospital.

"Poor Ashish. He rushed to the hospital, only to see it wasn't his sister. His hopes were dashed as hours turned into days."

According to the security forces, all diners at Tiffin that night were killed in terrorist firing.

Cyrus thrills New Yorkers at Thanksgiving Day Parade

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:08:54 +0530

Teen starlet Miley Cyrus thrilled millions of fans in New York by wrapping up against the cold to take part in the annual MACy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Hannah Montana star waved at fans on a float advertising her new animated movie Bolt, as the parade worked its way from Central Park to downtown Manhattan on Thursday, contactmusic.com reported.

Fellow singers Rick Astley, Ashanti, Trace Adkins, American Idol star David Archuleta and actress Kristen Chenoweth also turned out in the chilly weather to ride on some of the 28 floats taking part in the parade, which is organised by New York's famous department store MACy's.

Jade Goody's treat for boys

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:48:38 +0530

The mum of two, Jade Goody, who started having chemotherapy for her cervical cancer early last month, looked happy as she took Bobby Jack, five, and Freddie, four, out for some winter wonder in London.

The 27-year-old Jade covered up her newly shorn hair in a fashionable beret and held out the two sweet treats to her sons at the Hyde Park attraction, keeping one back for herself to enjoy.

Jade's new tattoo, which is on her wrist and says Jack - the name of her jailed lover Jack Tweed, was covered up by the Big Brother star's thick coat sleeves.

Rahman uses 'Choli ke peeche' in 'Slumdog Millionaire' soundtrack

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:03:49 +0530

Music director AR Rahman, who has given the music for Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire, has used the controversial chartbuster Choli ke peeche kya hai as a part of the film's soundtrack and says it fitted the mood of the movie.

"The song fitted the mood of the film. It represents that period in the early 1990s. The colour, the swirl and the frenetic pace - so I've re-recorded it in the same two voices, Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, though in a totally re-worked form," said Rahman.

Pyarelal composed the song with his late partner Lamxmikant for Subhash Ghai's 1993 film Khalnaayak and it was picturised on Madhuri Dixit.

Besides the background score, Rahman has done four songs in Slumdog Millionaire.

"I've collaborated with rap artiste Maya. We co-wrote a song called Oh saya. She wrote the English lyrics. There's also a version of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's Aaj ki raat in the soundtrack."

The film's soundtrack is being launched after the film's release Dec 12.

Asked about the delayed release, Rahman said: "As usual we took a little more time on it than we thought we needed to produce the album properly."

The film is Rahman's second big Western film score after Shekhar Kapoor's The Golden Age.

"But that was a period film... a genre that I've been unconsciously associated with the most. Slumdog... is contemporary," he said.

Rahman is also happy about the movie's success at international film festivals.

"They released it on a small scale and are gradually increasing the prints. 'Slumdog Millionaire' releases in America next month. I'll be in the US for the promotion," he said.

Slumdog Millionaire, based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's rags-to-riches novel "Q&A", stars Anil Kapoor and Dev Patel.

The year has been great for Rahman with hits like Jodhaa Akbar and Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.

"I've worked with three generations of directors and in as many continents. I can tell what they like and not like. Working with Abbas Tyrewala in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na was a rewarding experience."

Batman killed by his own father in new comic

nishtha — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:55:48 +0530

DC comics' superhero Batman who breathed his last in the latest comic Batman RIP gets murdered by a man claiming to be his father, who he thought was dead.

Billionaire Bruce Wayne, who by night is crime-fighting superhero Batman, is killed by Simon Hurt, the leader of the Black Glove organisation when he is stopped from escaping by the cape crusader, reports thesun.co.uk.

Hurt claims he is Dr Thomas Wayne (Bruce Wayne's father), saying he faked his own passing when Bruce was a child.

“This is so much better than death. People have killed characters in the past but to me, that kind of ends the story. I like to keep the story twisting and turning. So what I am doing is a fate worse than death. Things that no one would expect to happen to these guys at all. This is the end of Bruce Wayne as Batman," said writer Grant Morrison.

“Batman will live on though, with another character filling his Batsuit. Two likely contenders are Dick Grayson - the original Robin or current Boy Wonder, Tim Drake,” he added.

Shaken Bachchan sleeps with gun under pillow after attacks

tejas — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:42:14 +0530

He may have acted as an outlaw umpteen times on the screen but the terror attacks in Mumbai were enough to shake Amitabh Bachchan up who kept his revolver under his pillow while going to sleep.

"Last night, as the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep," the megastar wrote on his blog.

Bachchan was glued to TV screen as security personnel battled the militants on Thursday, also the birth anniversary of his father.

Bachchan, known for his on-screen 'Angry Young Man' image depicting the rebellious youth, fumed with anger at the "ineptitude of the authorities" who were supposed to take care of the country.

"My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us," Big B expressed in his blog.

Lauding the efforts of troops in tackling the terror situation, he wrote "brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute them and respect their sincerity in the call of duty."

Bachchan was disgruntled over the cliche "spirit of Mumbai" which he said people were using to cover the traumatic experiences that every merry city underwent in recent years.

"Yes Mumbai is strong and resilient and shall not be cowed down by any such occurrence. But let us not conveniently use it as our cover sheet, pull it over our heads and go off to sleep," he said.

Despite repeated requests by electronic channels to issue a statement on the tragedy, Bachchan refused to do so.

An irked Bachchan wrote in bold, "Tell me and order me instead that we require every Indian to get up and walk into the facilities where the action is on and I will be the first to walk."

"But, please do not ask me to come and make sloppy statements that will do nothing more than create viewer interest."

Lindsay Lohan back to drinking

nishtha — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:49:46 +0530

Lindsay Lohan, who has been in the news recently more for her celebrity antics than her acting prowess, was caught on video drinking.

The sun.co.uk reports that a hidden security camera in a nightclub in Washington caught her mixing her drinks. The video footage shows Lohan filling her glass of Red Bull with vodka.

Lohan had undergone a 45-day treatment at a rehab and later declared that she was alcohol free.

I'm getting good offers post 'Bigg Boss': Zulfi Syed

nishtha — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:02:58 +0530

He might not have won season two of Bigg Boss, but model-turned-actor Zulfi Syed says he has been noticed by filmmakers after the reality TV show and is now getting good offers.

"Post-'Bigg Boss' I have got some very good offers. I'm going through some good scripts. Though I cannot divulge any details as of now, I will soon make a decision," said Zulfi.

But he denies that he accepted the show to get publicity.

"I wanted to be a part of show not only for money and popularity but because I wanted to see whether I'll be able to live without any communication from the outside world for days together. I wanted to experience something like this," said Zulfi, who was the most shy among other housemates.

Zulfi started off as a model and did commercials for Raymond's, Warehouse and Levis among others. He also featured in various music videos and then made his Bollywood debut with Pyaasa, which flopped. It was followed by forgettable films like Taj Mahal, Chupke Se, Mr Hot and Mr Kool and more recently Deshdrohi.

"I do not regret doing the kind of films I have done. I'm not from a filmy background so I can't expect that I'll get a good film every day," Zulfi said.

Now the actor says he is looking forward to a better career in films.

Does he feel bad on not winning Bigg Boss?

"No, I'm not feeling bad at all on not being declared the winner because winning and losing is not the only thing. I came out with my dignity and that's more important to me.

"You have to stick to your character and your morals and I did just that. So I don't have any complaints or regrets," said Zulfi, who really wanted close friend and "Bigg Boss" co-participant Debojit Saha to win.

During the show, housemates and viewers often compared Zulfi's quiet demeanour to Bigg Boss season one winner Rahul Roy's personality.

"I don't know why people compared me with Rahul Roy. Why would I follow him? The way I was inside the house is the real me. This is the way I am. This is my character. I did not put a mask. I don't like to shout and fight. In fact, I used to get irritated when people used to show this kind of behaviour," he said.

About his experience in the house, Zulfi added: "I did not dislike anyone. I was not very close to people but I was comfortable with everyone. In fact, I feel others might not have been comfortable with me since I never used to talk to them so much because that's how I am."

Farhan Akhtar to dabble in television production now

nishtha — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:47:18 +0530

Four years after being a judge on dance reality show Nach Baliye" filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar is returning to TV as the host of Oye! It's Friday!. And there are all chances of him turning producer for the small screen in the near future.

"Production for television is a strong possibility I have in mind for future. We have been thinking over it and I do have a team that has been brainstorming over the idea for some time now. But my hands are so full right now, it's tough to take a call on it," said Farhan.

"As of now, I am dedicating my time entirely to my films. Devoting time to decide the creative aspect of a show we want to produce is not something I feel is possible. But it will happen sometimes," he added.

Farhan is really excited about Oye! It's Friday!, which will go on air on Dec 12 on NDTV Imagine.

"Oye! It's Friday! seemed like just the concept I wanted to do. After I did Nach Baliye, I wasn't averse to the small screen, but everyone was offering me similar reality shows. But when I was approached for this show, I was quite excited.

"They are trying to do something different with TV content and the concept is something new for Indian production," he said.

The show is all about entertainment sans any specific format. It has humour, music, dance performances, and celebrity guests all rolled into a one-hour show.

Farhan will host the first few episodes of the weekly show and then another celebrity will take over the task from him.

Farhan, who has proved his mettle as an actor with hit flick Rock On!, says he took up this show because he could bring alive his own creativity through it.

"I can use my original, signature style of humour to this show without having to use the usual stuff on TV, which is mostly slapstick. I am scripting the show and I hope to grab new eyeballs and add a new contingent to the small screen with this show."

As a filmmaker, Farhan has given hits like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya and Don - The Chase Begins Again and he has felt a constant need to diversify.

With two acting projects - Luck By Chance and a psychological thriller - already in his kitty, Farhan says his final calling is "films and entertainment".

"I don't think these two need to be broken down any further. Whatever I do, I believe I want to do it and I can do it. If there is even a one percent doubt in my mind about it, I'll never do it. So as long as I can experiment with various fields in entertainment, I will," he said.

I'll continue making films I believe in: Apoorva Lakhia

nishtha — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:43:36 +0530

Denying rumours that Balaji Telefilms dumped him after the box office debacle of his thriller on terrorism Mission Istaanbul, Director Apoorva Lakhia says he has been given a fat signing amount by the production house.

"I heard that the film industry was in a total mess and not much happening. So I was chilling in the US. Now I'm back in Mumbai. As for my friends dumping me, Balaji Telefilms has given me a nice fat signing amount. But if they don't want to work with me, then no problem," said Lakhia.

In fact, Lakhia is also to start a film to be co-produced by HMV-Sa Re Ga Ma and Sohail Makhlai.

"It's a suspense thriller that I start in March 2009. I'm working on the script right now. People may love me or hate me, I'll continue to make the films I believe in, no matter what. And for those who are wishing me to go away, let me inform them I'm not going anywhere in a hurry. I've to go home every year since New York is where I live."

Lakhia, who is back in India after his brother's wedding in the US, needs to spend a part of each year in New York for visa purposes.

"But I'm back," he said.

After intelligence officer, Sanjay Dutt to play ganglord

nishtha — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:16:59 +0530

After playing a military intelligence officer in Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa, Sanjay Dutt is all set to play a ganglord again in Gangs Of London.

Sanjay plays the leader of the Khalsa gang in a London neighbourhood that protects the Asian community from drug abuse and prostitution. And if Shabina Khan has styled Sanjay's salt-and-pepper beard look in Lamhaa, it's Arjun Khanna providing him with an all-leather, chains-and-boots look for Gangs Of London.

Apparently Sanjay, who is rapidly losing weight, is still to lose the paunch. But by the time Gangs Of London starts shooting in July next year, he is expected to get rid of all the flab.

"My brother Jassi, who studied filmmaking in New York, is directing Gangs Of London now. Jassi has been researching the various ethnic gangs of London and their looks. And he has come up with this incredible look for Sanjay," said producer Bunty Walia.

Added Jassi: "The look we've designed for Sanju in Gangs Of London has never been tried before."

There's just one problem with sporting a specific look for a film - Sanjay can't shoot for any other film. For instance, two songs of Ajay Chandok's movie Chatur Singh Two Star are pending until the actor finishes shooting Lamhaa with his film-specific new look.

And now it would be the Khalsa look that would keep Sanjay bound to one project.

"It's not so much a Catch 22 situation for Sanju as it is a Catch-Sanjay situation for me. By giving him a specific look, I'm making sure I can hold on to his attention and dates at one stretch with no distractions," said the director.

Originally, ad filmmaker Shamim Desai was to direct Gangs of London, but he has been replaced by Jassi.

Bobby Deol is expected to play Sanjay's brother in the film. Also starring in the project are Suniel Shetty, Shaad Randhawa, Dino Morea and Tusshar Kapoor. All of them play members of Sanjay's gang.

Sanjay has earlier played a gangster in films like Vaastav, Khalnayak and the Munnabhai series.

Life's tough and I am feeling sad: Madonna

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:17:29 +0530

Breaking her silence over her break-up with British director Guy Ritchie for the first time, Madonna admitted that divorce has left her feeling "sad" but says her heavy workload "provides a distraction" to keep her going.

The Material Girl star said the split has taken its toll on her - but she copes by keeping busy, the Daily Mail reported. "I'm sad about my personal life, but I feel very blessed and very lucky that I have the opportunity to do what I do in my professional life," Madonna said.

The 50-year-old star is currently on her Sticky & Sweet tour and her heavy workload "provides a distraction that keeps me going," she said. "It would be horrible if I was just thinking about getting a divorce and had nothing to do."

Ritchie is also staying busy filming new movie Sherlock Holmes in London.

The two were granted a preliminary divorce in court on Friday, although their split will be finalised in six weeks and a day. Their son 8-year-old Rocco and 3-year-old David will divide their time between both parents.

Madonna and Ritchie had announced their decision to separate in mid-October after a marriage of eight-years. They had married in lavish ceremony in 2001.

The singer will keep most of her USD 440 million fortune after Ritchie said he did not want "any of her money". Madonna is currently promoting her documentary I Am Because We Are, which explores the impoverished African nation of Malawi, where more than one million children are orphaned by AIDS.

I've made mistakes: Tom Cruise

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:59:27 +0530

Superstar Tom Cruise, who is making a comeback with new thriller Valkryie where he plays a German hero Colonel Claus, admits that he has made mistakes. Cruise in a Nazi uniform and eye-patch plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in the USD 50 million film which tells the story about the colonel joining forces with some German forces to overthrow the Nazis and end Hilter's reign.

The star admitted that he could have handled situations like the infamous Oprah Winfrey's show, where he jumped up and down on the couch crying "I'm in love", better.

"There are things that I could have done better. I could have handled things better," the actor confessed in an interview to Mirror. "I was surprised at the criticism but it brought everyone closer together: Katie's entire family and my family.

"Going through that stuff is not pleasant and I think it hit an extreme, but Kate's a very sure, confident and strong woman. She gets it," Cruise says. The actor who is married to Katie Holmes and has a daughter Suri with her says he is back in control.

"As a father and a husband you want to protect your family and tell them not to worry because it is all going to be OK. You just learn from it and move on and I know that. "I have a blessed life because I have a happy family and children that I adore and everyone knows how I feel about Kate. It just brought us even closer together."

The Mission: Impossible star loves to talk about his family wife Katie, two-year-old daughter Suri plus Bella and Connor, the children he and Nicole Kidman adopted during their marriage, and says he's keen to extend his family...but not just yet.

"We'll have more children, I'm saying this, but Kate's not here!

"She's working and we're enjoying this time right now. It's very precious, we don't get this time back," he says.

Cruise is determined to give a normal life to daughter Suri. "I don't want her to be afraid of people," he says. The film is a tough challenge for the actor. If the thriller succeeds it will boost his status and credibility as a studio chief. But if it fails it is bound to affect his career, particularly after the failure of Lions for Lambs.

The new film was shot in Germany, amid protests from groups opposed to Cruise's Scientology beliefs. "Yes there was a lot of controversy but it got blown out of proportion," he says.

"I didn't know a lot about the story beforehand and what this man and all the families went through. I felt responsibility to ensure we had the spirit of the Resistance and were as accurate as possible.

"It was a very different character for me to portray but Ive always had challenges."

The actor doesn't let gossip about his marriage and his belief in Scientology bother him.

"Our life is what it is," he says contentedly. "We actually have a very normal but exciting life. I feel very fortunate."

The meteoric rise of Daniel Craig as Bond star

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:10:07 +0530

When Daniel Craig first heard from the Bond producers that he had got the part of the super spy, he was in a store buying dishwashing tablets. After the call, he dropped them and bought a bottle of vodka instead. This perfectly sums up Craig.

Without the James Bond role, Craig would have very likely ended his career in anonymity, toiling in critically acclaimed but unacknowledged roles. He never cared for fame, reluctantly took up the Bond role, but is now positioned to be one of the biggest stars of his generation.

The two recent releases starring him - "Quantum Of Solace" and Flashbacks of a Fool - perfectly point out the ambiguity of Craig.

Quantum Of Solace is a big- budget 22nd instalment of the Bond franchise and Flashbacks Of A Fool is a small independent movie, which he took on mainly because a good friend (Baillie Walsh) of his directed the movie with him in mind for the lead role.

When Craig was announced as the new Bond, almost everyone was surprised, but not pleasantly. There was severe backlash and the nasty criticism carried on well into the filming of his debut in Casino Royale.

But after the smashing success of the movie and Craig's brilliant performance of a more raw, muscular, gritty, darker Bond, the actor has been flying high and is well on his way to becoming one of the most popular Bonds.

The beauty in the meteoric rise of Craig's stardom is the absolute obscurity from which he rose. He did not have a major hit. He did star in the hit Elizabeth, but even there he played a monk featured in very few scenes, who is only remembered for bashing someone's head with a rock.

He also starred in the critically acclaimed Munich directed by Steven Spielberg, but played second fiddle to Eric Bana.

Hardly anybody would have heard of the movies that Craig starred in before he became famous. There was The Mother (2003) where he played an unhappily married building contractor having an affair with a woman and her old mother. That same year he starred in the forgettable Sylvia co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

In Infamous, he played a killer involved in a torrid homosexual relationship with the complicated author Truman Capote. The only role that looked somewhat similar to the Bond role he would take on in the future was in Layer Cake where he played a violent drug dealer.

Though Craig appeared in numerous below the radar roles, there was one aspect of his acting that he has effortlessly transplanted into the Bond role - intensity. Craig's Bond is not only muscular but also more dangerous. Even his sexuality is more primordial.

In one scene in Casino Royale, he emerges from the sea in just his swimming trunks, his well-toned body glistening. Later he is captured by the villain, tied up naked and tortured. In both, his body is on display but used to relay contrasting messages.

Craig clearly had to shoulder one of the weightiest burdens of any actor in recent memory when he took on the Bond role. He was a virtual unknown, the first blonde Bond to be born after the franchise began and clearly the most gifted of all Bond actors.

He has more than fulfilled all expectations and is a bona fide superstar. He is here to stay.

Winehouse back in hospital after a fight with hubby

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:21:32 +0530

Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse had to go back to the hospital after she had a fight with husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

Thesun.co.uk reports that Winehouse had to be rushed to the hospital after she collapsed with a "seizure". The doctors did few tests and she is now under observation.

"They had a screaming row. She was beside herself after the call - and she just totally lost it," said a source.

Blake has been let out of prison but under the condition that he finish the rest of his term at a rehab clinic. Winehouse is paying for his treatment, but has not gone to visit him.

"While Blake was inside, she (Winehouse) looked like she was finally getting her life back together. It didn't stop until she was on the floor on Sunday. She has ended up in hospital a few times after similar drink and drugs related seizures. If she carries on, one of these incidents will be her last," said another source.

I balance my work, family well: Ajay Devgan

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:40:35 +0530

Ajay Devgan, who is basking in the success of his recent release Golmaal Returns, says he doesn't need to 'chalk out' time for his wife Kajol as he has maintained a good balance between both his worlds.

“Kajol and I get enough time to spend with each other. I have never had a problem on that front. I have always balanced my work and family life very well,” said Ajay.

As of now, both Ajay and Kajol are working on their animation film titled Toonpur Ka Superhero.

“It's a very different animation film and it's been a great experience shooting for it. Both, Kajol and I, live animated characters in the film,” he said.

Apart from Toonpur Ka Superhero, Ajay has a variety of films in his kitty including Vipul Shah's London Dreams and Prakash Jha's Rajniti.

My son teaches me how to be an idiot: Zayed Khan

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:38:13 +0530

Bollywood actor Zayed Khan is enjoying fatherhood to the hilt. Apart from learning how to baby talk with his less than a year old son Zidaan, he says he is learning how to be an idiot.

“Zidaan is growing up and he's teaching me a lot more than I can teach him. Like how to be constantly animated, how to act like an idiot and how not to take yourself so seriously all the time,” said Zayed.

He added that he is gradually learning how to make funny sounds - something that he never thought he could do.

“I never thought I could speak to a baby. But yes, you grow to learn baby language and it's nice to see a lot of similarities between him and my baby days,” he said.

Although Zayed was busy shooting for his films Yuvvraaj and Blue early this year, he took Zidaan to Bahamas with him.

“I wanted to get as much of his childhood days as was possible,” he said.

Shah Rukh Khan to be Datuk on Dec 6

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:36:19 +0530

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to be conferred the Malaysian title of Datuk, akin to the British knighthood, on Dec 6 and he is expected to receive the honour in traditional Malaysian attire.

The traditional Malaysian black costume with a waistband, a songkok and a black cap is the official attire to receive the award from the Malaccan royal chief, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The actor will receive his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka award at a ceremony at 10 am at Dewan Seri Negri, Ayer Keroh, in the presence of 1,000 invited guests, The Star newspaper said on Tuesday.

The actor, who was to have received the award on Saturday, had to reschedule his trip due to his tight working schedule. He is scheduled to be in Malaysia for three days.

State Secretary Omar Kaseh confirmed that Shah Rukh would be in Malacca for a day.

The actor is immensely popular among Malaysians and had shot the film One 2 Ka 4 and a song sequence from his blockbuster Don in Malacca.

His being conferred the Datukship had stirred up much controversy with many questioning whether he really deserves it. Critics had asked what Shah Rukh had done for Malaysia to deserve a Datukship. They also took up cudgels on behalf of local artistes.

Malaccan authorities, however, say Shah Rukh's shoot in Malaysia had benefitted the country immensely, giving it global publicity without any money being spent.

Indian films are popular in Malaysia that has an estimated 2.6 million ethnic Indians.

Kajol to be awarded for social work

nishtha — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:25:00 +0530

Bollywood actress Kajol will be honoured by iCONGO, a confederation of NGOs and Khemka Foundation, for helping educate underprivileged children.

The Karamveer Puraskar award, to be given away on Wednesday, recognises individuals who have been pivotal in leading change beyond their business by being committed to social issues.

"I believe that social commitment is as important as our professional and personal commitment. It is indeed an honour to have been selected for this award. I will keep doing my bit and giving back to society the best in my capacity,” said Kajol in a press release.

Apart from being goodwill ambassador and patron of the Britain-based Loomba Trust - a charity devoted to educating widows' children, particularly in India, Kajol also works with an NGO called Shiksha.

'Rock on!' script to be a part of Oscar Library

megha — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:44:59 +0530

After Samir Karnik's "Heroes", its now the turn of Farhan Akhtar starrer "Rock On!" to find a place in the Oscar's library. Ritesh Sidhwani, producer of Rock On! said that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has asked for the script of his musical romance for the Oscar's Library.

"It's great that the script of our first film in association with Big Pictures has found a place in the Oscar Library. We got overwhelming reactions from across the board and now the news of the script going to the Oscar library; can't get better than this," Sidhwani said.

The letter from the Oscar, which has been signed by Gregory Walsh, Script Librarian says, "That the script will be part of the permanent script collection and will be made available for research to only actors, students, filmmakers and writers who are part of the regular patrons.

"The script will not be allowed to be circulated outside the library premises or photo-copied."

A similar letter was received by Sameer Karnik, in which the Academy has asked Karnik for a copy of the screenplay of his latest movie 'Heroes' starring Salman Khan, Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Sawhney, President of Reliance Big Entertainment, co-producers of Rock on!!, was all praise for the production unit. "Farhan and Ritesh are extremely talented film-makers. They embody the new spirit of Indian cinema.

"They are cutting edge and looking to explore new boundaries. Big Picture is proud to be working with them and will foster such talent," he said.

The film which released on August 29 got a tremendous response worldwide and was recently showcased at the Indian Visions Indian Film Festival in Washington, DC.

The film's starcast included Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli, Sahana Goswami and Luke Kenny.

Brown snags three awards at AMA gala

megha — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:05:14 +0530

Chris Brown was the big winner, but it was Kanye West's night at the American Music Awards.

Instead of his typical tantrum - a trend West started four years ago when he lost the favorite new artist prize - the rapper claimed two trophies on Sunday and called on his colleagues to up their game.

"It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other," West said. "We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."

West was named favorite male rap/hip-hop artist and his CD, "Graduation," won favorite rap/hip-hop album. Brown took the night's top honors - artist of the year - as well as favorite male artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.

"I was shocked," the 19-year-old crooner said backstage. "I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."

Brown's gal pal, Rihanna - who wore chains and a leather corset to perform her love ballad, "Rehab" - was named favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Alicia Keys was another double winner: Her CD, "As I Am," was both pop/rock and soul/R&B album winner.

The American Music Awards traditionally centers on its performances, and Sunday was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre.

Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.

Pink's new track, "Sober," was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland, formerly of the Stone Temple Pilots. Also performing were The Jonas Brothers, the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay and Annie Lennox, who won the Award of Merit.

"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," Lennox said as she accepted the trophy from Justin Timberlake. "It's been an incredible journey. Music: my friend, my accompaniment through life."

Other winners included Brad Paisley for favorite country artist, Taylor Swift for favorite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favorite country favorite band, duo or group.

"I didn't really think that I had a chance at winning," Swift confessed backstage. "I thought, yes, it's good to be nominated, but I honestly didn't think I was going to win this award. I can't believe that I did.

"I can't believe that the fans did that for me. Everybody on MySpace, they're the reason I am holding this award right now." Fans chose the night's winners through online votes.

Leona Lewis to sing for Barack Obama

megha — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:53:19 +0530

Upcoming British singer Leona Lewis is planning to join rappers Jay-Z and Beyonce to sing for US president-elect Barack Obama at an inauguration function on January 20 in Washington DC.

According to thesun.co.uk, Lewis had joined other musicians like Will.i.am, Bruce Springsteen and P Diddy in campaigning for Obama.

Just the day before the election she had said, "I think Obama is amazing. He's just so cool and articulate. Nothing fazes him. It would mean everything for ethnic minorities in that country and every country around the world to have a mixed-race leader of America."

Plans are already underway for the event. A source says, "Various inquiries have been made to Lewis's people about her availability on January 20. She's had such a successful past year that joining in the festivities in Washington would be the icing on the cake for her.

"Her team are going through her diary at the moment. They're certainly not averse to shifting things around to accommodate any celebrations for Obama."