Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Star's Weighty Confession

Star Jones Reynolds has shed plenty of pounds off her figure. Now she's working on getting the weight off her shoulders.

Just in time to promote her upcoming new gig as a Court TV pundit, the former View cohost has penned a first-person essay for Glamour magazine in which she finally confesses that it was gastric bypass surgery, not just rice cakes and daily Pilates sessions, that made her lose more than 160 pounds in three years.

"I admit that when asked about my obvious weight loss over the past four years, I was intentionally evasive," she wrote. "Lying was never an option for me, so I called it a 'medical intervention,' which was true, but it was really a pathetic attempt to tell only the truth I could handle at the time."

In the essay, which Reynolds describes as "the toughest document of my life," the TV fixture told readers that, "to get all Freudian on you," she blamed her ballooning weight both her parents and the pundits who criticized her after she was hired in 2000 for Barbara Walters' nascent chat show.

"I was so angry: How had I allowed myself to get to 307 pounds?" she wrote. "I could clearly remember the days when I'd considered myself fly and curvaceous. Funny—or sad—how we 'thick' girls can justify being excessively overweight."

While Reynolds said that both her exercise-free, calorie-laden childhood and her adult proclivity for using Double Whoppers to "compensate for my insecurities" were partly to blame for her expanding physique, the 45-year-old celebrity said her weight did not get out of control until the months following her 40th birthday in 2002, when she put on 75 pounds in just 17 months.

"I used to take pride in my figure, but that was when I was legitimately a full-figured woman," she wrote. "I'd gradually gone from full-figured to morbidly obese."

The moment she knew something had to be done about her weight was when a friend finally confronted her—the "medical intervention" Reynolds frequently cited in her latter days at the View as the reason for her dramatic weight loss.

"She knew my weight was a subject no one dared mention, but she didn't care—she loved me too much, she said, to allow me to continue killing myself. While it was easy to deny the little voice inside my head, I found it impossible to deny my friend's."

On Aug. 19, 2003, Reynolds opted to do something about it and underwent the surgery she has been systematically downplaying for the past four years

As for why Reynolds didn't speak out sooner about her scalpel-assisted diet plan, she claims that "I never thought I'd have to explain it."

"First, I didn't know if the surgery would work," she said, citing her aversion to exercise and a healthy diet. "I actually thought that I could say, 'None of your business,' and people would say, 'OK, she wants to remain private.'

"Everything about me was already so public (mostly my own doing—talk about dumb!), so of course everyone wanted to know what I had done. I was also terrified someone would have a tragic result after emulating me without making an informed decision with her doctor. But the complete truth is, I was scared of what people might think of me. I was afraid to be vulnerable, and ashamed at not being able to get myself under control without this procedure."

There were some people she was open with about her surgery, however. On their second date, she informed now hubby Al Reynolds, who encouraged her to go public with the info. In 2005, she began psychological therapy, which led her to be able to share her story.

"After I left The View, many women told me they felt empowered by my honesty over having been fired—but wished I was willing to be as honest about my weight loss. They were right: Gastric bypass surgery saved my life, and though I still believe wholeheartedly that health decisions are private and should remain between a doctor and his patient, keeping this decision private started to feel hypocritical and cumbersome.

"I'm not saying that in order to be happy, women need to be a certain size, but I am saying that we should all strive to be healthy."

Posted by fathima at 10:29 AM | | Comments

Bollywood star Dutt in court for sentencing on weapons charge

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt appeared in a Mumbai anti-terror court for sentencing over illegal weapons possession in connection with serial bombings in the city in 1993, witnesses said.

Dutt, who has been out on bail awaiting his sentence, was last year found guilty of possessing weapons but was cleared of the more serious charge of conspiracy in connection with the attacks, which killed 257 people.

The hugely popular Dutt faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The 1993 bombings were believed to have been staged by Mumbai's Muslim underworld in retaliation for deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes a few months earlier.


Posted by fathima at 10:21 AM | | Comments

Bollywood heroes get funky

If you thought hair fashion is a girl thing, think again. The new, improved, metrosexual actor simply loves to experiment with his hair. From Deadly Dutt to King Khan, no one has escaped the lure of the scissors and streaks. Just check out the hairstyles of the leading trio in Anubhav Sinha's soon-to-be-released caper, Cash. While Ajay Devgan looks straight out of a Hong Kong flick, Riteish Deshmukh chucks his boy-next-door looks for a shaggy mop. And Zayed Khan has more tints of brown in those side-swept bangs than all the three heroines of the film (Esha Deol, Shamita Shetty, Dia Mirza) put together. Take heart guys, you aren't alone. rediff.com takes a look at other stylish haired-heroes of Bollywood.

Sanjay Dutt in Plan After dyeing them in all shades of brown, the Munnabhai star decided on platinum-coloured spikes to play Musabhai in the not-so-clever, Plan. Trust the actor to get away with the most unusual hairstyles, film after film. This one was no different.

Salman Khan in Partner When a man plays a love guru, he has to look his part. And so Salman Khan, with his suave crown and sexy sideburns looked every bit of a Partner Charming.

Aamir Khan in Dil Chahta Hai Okay, so Aamir Khan's frilly curls in Fanaa were totally uncool. But, hey, even perfectionists are allowed to make one mistake. Especially since he previously wowed us with a trendy trim and touch of spikes, not to forget the goatee patch in Dil Chahta Hai.

Bobby Deol in Shakalaka Boom Boom Curls, crew... Bobby Deol has done it all. He even got his locks braided, a la Stevie Wonder. To his credit, the Jat carries it off. But Boom Boom bombs anyway.

Anil Kapoor in Chocolate Constantly re-inventing himself with looks and roles, AK is the not the one to disappoint. His neatly shorned hair sits unaffected while he keenly essays a legal eagle in Vivek Agnihotri's Chocolate.
SRK in Don: The Chase Begins Again One doesn't see Shah Rukh Khan mess with his hair too often. But for his role as the hard-to-nail Don, he opted for a disheveled fluff. Both SRK's take on the 1978 Don and his hairdo met with mixed reactions. No worries, for his floppy mane and gentle stubble looks seriously hot in the forthcoming Chak De India!

Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 That Hrithik Roshan has great hair is no secret. And to spice it up, Dhoom 2 had him highlighting those Tarzan-tresses in delicates tones of cocoa and caramel. Now how yummy is that?

John Abraham in Salaam-E-Ishq He's not just a beautiful body. He's got beautiful hair too. So it's no surprise that John Abraham endorses Clinic All Clear, a shampoo brand -- waving away those glorious straightened silky threads to glory.

Abhishek Bachchan in Rakht Despite being blessed with dark, luxuriant hair, AB's baby is no David Beckham. The man likes to keep them staid and simple. Still, for the catchy chartbuster, One Love, Bachchan made a glaring exception with tinted hair and the works! Up next, watch out for his long-haired look as a superhero in the under production, Drona.

Posted by fathima at 9:57 AM | | Comments

Monday, July 30, 2007

French actor Michel Serrault dies

Michel Serrault, star of the 1978 comedy "La Cage aux Folles" and one of the most popular actors in France, has died, the government said on Monday. He was 79.

Serrault's performance as Albin helped make "La Cage aux Folles" one of the most popular French films ever and earned him a Cesar, the French equivalent of an Oscar, in 1979. French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Serrault, saying his talents had left a mark on all French people.

"He was a monument in the world of popular theatre, cinema and television," he said in a statement.

"La Cage aux Folles" was a farce but in more than 100 other films Serrault played a series of more serious roles, which played on an ambiguous air that could be comic and sinister.

His performances as a notary accused of raping and murdering a little girl in "Garde a vue" or as a retired businessman who hires a young Emmanuelle Beart to type his memoirs in "Nelly and Mr Arnaud" both earned him Cesar awards.

Serrault's death adds to a number of recent losses for French cinema following the deaths of veteran actors Philippe Noiret last year and Jean-Pierre Cassel and Jean-Claude Brialy earlier this year.

He had been suffering from a long illness.

Posted by fathima at 11:15 AM | | Comments

From real to reel life

Bollywood has room for every thing and in its larger than life world, actors find the ideal backdrop to discover true love.

Quite a few on-the-set romances went on to become real life fairy tales. While Dilip Kumar was compelled to give up his Devdas ways after an encounter with the exquisite Saira Banu, the gorgeous and successful pair of Dharmendra and Hema Malini defied all social conventions to become a dream couple offscreen too.

And height didn't stand in the way either when it came to matters of the heart for Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai

It wasn't love at first sight for Mr and Mrs Abhishek Bachchan.

Despite working in couple of films like Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke and Kuch Na Kaho, the two never hit it off exceptionally. (Probably because the stunning duo was committed elsewhere.)

J P Dutta's Umrao Jaan, however, did the trick. In the film, Abhishek may have left Ash heartbroken. But in reality, he fell head over heels in love.

Their chemistry was for all to see in Mani Ratnam's Guru. The film's success paled in comparison to the crazy paparazzi attention their liaison received. A hush-hush engagement led to a high profile marriage (miserably failed at remaining low scale) that pretty much enjoyed a live telecast on every channel worth its salt.

Every now and then, any appearance by Abhishek and Ash sends the media in a tizzy.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif

After a string of sour relationships (Sangeeta Bijlani, Somy Ali, Aishwarya Rai), looks like Salman Khan has found a perfect partner in Katrina Kaif.

Age is hardly a problem for the rocking 40 something Sallu as the 24-year old Katrina been a pillar of strength for the controversial star through thick and thin.

Though the couple doesn't discuss their relationship with the media, they have no qualms about sharing screen space together.

After working with her beau in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, Katrina co-stars in another David Dhawan comedy, Partner. Interestingly, she's paired opposite Govinda and not Khan. The latter is teamed with Lara Dutta.

Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor


Whether it's an alleged lip lock captured on MMS or sporting Ed Hardy T-shirts, anything the young and cute couple does makes news.

In Koffee With Karan, Bebo blushingly admitted how she was the one who pursued a hopelessly shy Shahid. While she brings out the hidden extrovert in him, he's turned her into a vegetarian.

Oddly, the duo's off screen closeness hasn't done anything for their two movies together -- Fida and 36 China Town. But Imitiaz Ali's untitled love story featuring the two promises to change all that.

Amen to that!


Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna

After dating Pooja Batra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty, Bollywood's erstwhile eligible bachelor fell hook, line and sinker for Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia's eldest daughter.

Their friendship, on the sets of films like International Khiladi and Zulmi, blossomed into love. To everyone's surprise, the two tied the knot, subsequently, in a low profile ceremony.

While Akki's career is going from strength to strength, Twinkle's found her calling in interior designing. Son Araav completes the happy picture.


Ajay Devgan and Kajol

Hulchul and Gundaraj might have been eminently forgettable bloopers, but cupid struck Ajay Devgan and Kajol hard.

Their next few outings Ishq and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha cemented the romance even further.

The two are as different as different can be. He's intense and reserved. She's vivacious and loud. Both are highly talented though and devoted to each other.

The Dilwala and his Dulhania exchanged vows soon enough on February 24, 1999 and are now proud parents to daughter, Nysa.


Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra

Apparently, they became 'good friends' when Priyanka worked in Karam, produced by Harman's dad, Harry Baweja.

And when Kareena Kapoor walked out of Harman's sci-fi debut, Love Story 2050, Priyanka pitched in.

Whether they deny or admit, don't you think they make a cute pair?


Uday Chopra and Tanishaa

The latest buzz is Neal and Nikki are all set to bite the dust.

Uday Chopra and Tanishaa's hot makeover in Arjun Sablok's raunchy comedy far from sizzled. But their bid to produce celluloid chemistry seems to have got them real life happiness.

It is reported both the families are quite cool about this union.

Let's wish them a happily ever after!

Posted by fathima at 10:18 AM | | Comments

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Lohan's new movie one of the worst of the year

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - There's a fresh candidate in the running for worst movie of 2007 honors. "I Know Who Killed Me," a ridiculous thriller (minus the thrills) starring the embattled Lindsay Lohan in a dual role, has all the hallmarks necessary for qualification.

The movie has a nonsensical plot that grows sillier by the second, tawdry special effects, heavy-handed symbolism that's big on electric-blue hues and mechanical performances are all culprits as far as the title's concerned.

We'll probably never know whether Lohan's most recent difficulties took their toll on the picture's box office potential, because either way, this movie doesn't even warrant one star. It was released on Friday without screening in advance for critics.

Lohan plays Aubrey Fleming, an aspiring writer and promising pianist who disappears one evening while out with friends only to turn up in a hospital minus a hand and a leg after barely escaping from a madman's torture chamber.

When her distraught parents (Julia Ormond, Neal McDonough) rush to her side while guys in FBI T-shirts methodically hunt for her would-be killer, she doesn't recognize the name they call her, insisting that she's Dakota Moss, a pole dancer in a seedy strip joint who subsequently has reason to believe she may actually be Aubrey's identical twin sister.

Don't even ask.

You might, however, find yourself asking just what was Lohan -- whose promising career already has taken a few hits with such films as "Just My Luck" and "Georgia Rule" -- thinking when she signed on to this nonsense?

Maybe she was attracted to playing two parts for the price of one, having already shown a knack for duality in those "Parent Trap" and "Freaky Friday" remakes.

Whatever the reason, Lohan, harshly lit throughout much of the film, finds herself fighting a losing battle as she attempts to breathe some sort of life into an alter ego character that already has serious credibility issues.

It's also curious how she's the only stripper in the place who gets to keep all her clothes on while strutting her stuff, and the grisly clientele doesn't seem to mind.

But that's the least of the problems with Jeffrey Hammond's script and Chris Sivertson's pretentious direction, which signals the identity of the real killer so early on in the game, you're sure it has to be a red -- or, make that blue -- herring.

And whatever remaining subtlety somehow managed to escaped Sivertson's attention in this HD film is effectively blasted into oblivion by Joel McNeely's bombastic, derivative score.

Cast:

Aubrey Fleming/Dakota Moss: Lindsay Lohan

Susan Fleming: Julia Ormond

Daniel Fleming: Neal McDonough

Jerrod: Brian Geraghty

Director: Chris Sivertson; Screenwriter: Jeffrey Hammond; Producer: Frank Mancuso Jr.; Executive producers: Tom Gores, Johnny O. Lopez; Director of photography: John R. Leonetti; Production designer: Jerry Fleming; Music: Joel McNeely; Costume designer: Rachel Sage Kunin; Editor: Lawrence Jordan.

Posted by fathima at 10:37 AM | | Comments

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Britney aide ticketed in Vegas scuffle

LAS VEGAS - A bodyguard for Britney Spears must face a battery charge after he scuffled with two men trying to photograph the singer and her young sons at a Las Vegas Strip resort, police said Friday.

The bodyguard, Cesar Julio Camera, 37, was accused of grabbing and punching one photographer and pushing another into a wall about 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the spa at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino.

Camera was issued a misdemeanor battery summons after the scuffle.

No serious injuries resulted, police said. Neither Spears, 25, nor the children — 22-month-old Sean Preston Federline and 10-month-old Jayden James Federline — were reported to have been hurt.

"There were no signs of injuries to her or the children, nor is she listed as a victim," Las Vegas police Sgt. John Loretto said of the singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. She is listed in police reports as a witness, along with one man and five other women.

"The only person issued a citation was Ms. Spears' private security guard, Mr. Camera," Loretto said.

A representative at Jive Records, Spears' record label, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment, and a Wynn resort spokeswoman declined comment.

A lawyer for Spears' estranged husband, Kevin Federline, also did not immediately respond to telephone and e-mail messages seeking comment on reports that Spears should not have had the children in Las Vegas. The couple are involved in divorce proceedings in California that according to several reports include restrictions on traveling out-of-state with the boys.

Police said the scuffle, which was captured on security videotape, occurred after Andrew Deetz, 24, and Kyle Henderson, 23, approached Spears and her entourage in a hallway and a hotel security guard told them to put their photo equipment away.

Henderson allegedly bumped Camera, who was holding Spears' son, Sean.

Spears screamed, Camera "shouldered" Henderson against a wall, gave the child to Spears, and ran after Henderson and Deetz, according to police reports.

Police said Camera punched Deetz, who showed officers a lump and abrasion on his forehead. Henderson was not reported to have been hurt.

Loretto said he did not know when Camera was scheduled to respond to the summons. He could face up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

Spears has been involved in several recent confrontations with paparazzi. She apologized earlier this month for attacking a photographer's car with an umbrella in February, saying she had been preparing to try out for a movie part and got carried away. The umbrella incident took place during a period in which she also shaved her head, got new tattoos and was seen partying hard in Los Angeles clubs.

Posted by fathima at 10:43 AM | | Comments

Lohan's Legal Woes Get Even Worse

HOLLYWOOD - The man whose foot Lindsay Lohan drove over as she left a party in pursuit of a former assistant is threatening to sue the actress.

Ronnie Blake was one of three partygoers who were inside a white GMC SUV when the intoxicated Mean Girls star allegedly commandeered the vehicle to chase Tarin Grahame through the streets of Malibu, California, on Monday night.

But Blake managed to get out of the vehicle just before Lohan sped off, with his two pals, Dante Nigro and Jakon Sutter fearing for their lives inside.

The three men have now hired attorney Randall Billington to represent them as they consider legal action against Lohan.

If the action goes ahead, Blake will be seeking damages for his injuries, while Nigro and Sutter are considering pressing false imprisonment and stolen-vehicle charges.

Billington insists the trio should not be seen as opportunists looking to get rich quick from a celebrity.

He says, "It was a surprise to them that the vehicle was taken without their permission. They were unable to remove themselves from the vehicle while it was traveling... They never expected to be in a car with her (Lohan)."

After speeding the GMC around the streets of Malibu, Lohan allegedly went to Grahame's home in Santa Monica, where she began a second chase with her former assistant's mother, facialist to the stars Michelle Peck.

Peck called police to report the facts she was being chased and the authorities arrested Lohan in a car park a block away from a police station in Santa Monica.

Posted by fathima at 10:38 AM | | Comments

Friday, July 27, 2007

Naomi Watts gives birth to a baby boy

British-Australian actor and "King Kong" star Naomi Watts has given birth to a baby boy, her publicist said.

Born on Wednesday afternoon, the boy is named Alexander Peter Schreiber, Robin Baum told AFP late on Thursday.

It is the first child for the 38-year-old Watts and her partner of two years, US actor Liev Schreiber, who live in Los Angeles.

Watts first made her name in David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" and was nominated by the Academy Awards for best actress in 2004 for "21 grams" directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. In 2006 Watts was named a special UN ambassador on HIV/AIDS.

Posted by fathima at 11:16 AM | | Comments

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Doughnuts Calm Christina Aguilera’s Cravings

It’s official… Christina Aguilera is with child. She and huband of two years Jordan Bratman are expecting their first baby and everyone’s excited.

“I’m so excited. I want Christina to achieve all her goals. I wish her all the happiness in the world,” her father told press, confirming the pregnancy rumors to be true. One of the things she’ll have to get used to is the constant cravings for different types of food.

This time around, it was doughnuts. Earlier this week, husband Jordan was observed stopping into Krispy Kreme in Sydney, Australia to curb Christina’s need for sugar. He emerged with two large coffees and a dozen assorted glazed treats.

Christina is in Aussie land for the latest leg of her “Back to Basics” tour. She’ll be performing down under for the rest of this week.

A word of warning to the Australians… don’t be alarmed if you can’t buy doughnuts for a few days. Christina will be leaving shortly.

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Posted by fathima at 10:46 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Simpson has the 'best breats' in Hollywood

Jessica Simpson has picked up a sexy new accolade - for having the Best b**bs in Hollywood.

The ‘Irresistible’ singer has beaten the likes of busty beauties like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry to top the poll, conducted by In Touch Weekly.

Simpson says of her bounteous bust, "Mine are definitely real. In eight grade, my b**bs were bigger than all of my friends. I was afraid to show 'em. Now, I feel they make my outfit look better. They're like an accessory."

The full top 10 is as follows: Jessica Simpson, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, Halle Berry, Carmen Electra, Beyonace Knowles, Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow.

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Posted by fathima at 9:12 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Lohan arrested for drunken driving

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested in the Los Angeles area early on Tuesday on suspicion of drunken driving and cocaine possession, just days after she completed a 45-day rehabilitation program, authorities said.

The 21-year-old star of "Mean Girls" -- already facing a drunken-driving charge following a car crash in Beverly Hills two months ago -- was taken into custody in the coastal city of Santa Monica shortly at about 1:30 a.m. (0830 GMT).

She was released from jail after posting $25,000 bond, and Lohan's lawyer issued a statement hours later saying the actress had suffered a relapse and that she was "presently receiving medical care."

Police said they encountered the actress in a parking lot after the mother of Lohan's personal assistant called them on her cell phone to report that she was being pursued by Lohan in an automobile chase.

Police Lt. Alex Padilla told a news conference that the personal assistant had just quit her job hours earlier.

"(Lohan) was trying to catch the mother of her personal assistant. Why she was trying to catch her, we don't know," Padilla said. "The mother was afraid ... She wasn't quite sure what was going on, so she called the police because she wanted to make sure everything would be OK."

Padilla said Lohan was accompanied in her sports utility vehicle by two friends, who were questioned and released.

Lohan was detained after failing a field sobriety test. Police said she was later tested and registered a blood-alcohol level of about 0.12 percent, well above the California limit of 0.08.

LOHAN'S TROUBLES

Lohan was booked on suspicion of drunken driving, possession of cocaine, bringing a controlled substance into custody and driving on a suspended license. Padilla said a small amount of cocaine was found in her possession while she was in jail.

Just last Friday, Lohan turned herself in to Beverly Hills police to face charges of drunken driving in connection with a May 26 car crash.

In that case, she lost control of her Mercedes-Benz sports car and drove into a hedge. She then left the scene. Police said at the time they also found a small amount of what they believed to be cocaine in the car.

The incident followed months of hard partying by the actress, who had been a regular at Hollywood nightspots and had attended Alcoholics Anonymous programs for a year despite having turned 21 -- the legal age for drinking in the United States -- only this month.

Immediately after the crash in May, Lohan checked herself into a Malibu rehab center for the second time in a year. She left earlier this month and was wearing an alcohol-monitoring bracelet on a voluntary basis, her spokeswoman said.

"Addiction is a terrible and vicious disease," her attorney, Blair Berk, said in a statement after Tuesday's arrest, adding that Lohan had been undergoing daily testing "to support her sobriety."

"Unfortunately, late yesterday, I was informed that Lindsay had relapsed," Berk said. "The bracelet has now been removed. She is safe, out of custody and presently receiving medical care."

Posted by fathima at 11:43 AM | | Comments

Monday, July 23, 2007

Being Sexy only a common feat in these Bollywood Beauties

Being Sexy only a common feat in these Bollywood Beauties

They are ‘Hot’ but surprisingly ‘NOT Happening’! Indiatimes Movies focuses on such babes of Bollywood…
Celina Jaitley
This ex Miss India is often remembered for her gorgeous face and voluptuous body but unfortunately her films have been equally forgettable! If we sit and try to recall the film in which Celina debuted, we’ll have to log onto a website to find that! Celina boldly flaunts her body, rather cleavage but even that hasn’t helped the actress as it did for Mallika Sherawat to get some good production houses, big banners and directors in her kitty. Hopefully this good looking actress gets to do at least some quality roles in future.

 Amrita Arora
From losing all the excess weight, becoming a VJ on an entertainment channel, joining films, doing music albums, getting tanned, doing item numbers, accepting lesbian roles…et al, Amrita has done it all! Unfortunately in spite of attempting everything, Amrita has had nothing but failure!


Tanushree Dutta
This dusky damsel entered the glamour industry, much before she became a Miss India. She even got noticed in the song ‘Saiyyan Dil Mein Aana Re’. But unfortunately the Tanushree which was initially touted as the next Bipasha Basu of the industry, faded as she accepted few extremely forgettable films. We hope this Bong babe gets to showcase her acting in future.

Dia Mirza
Former beauty queen and an Aishwarya Rai look-a-like Dia is blessed with beautiful looks and great body but unfortunately cursed with extremely mediocre acting skills. We hope Dia is hearing us and would do improve in that department.
 Neha Dhupia
This former beauty queen, was the lucky one who got an approval from the James Bond himself, Pierce Brosnan, as the only Indian woman who can be a Bond girl! Yes, when the Irish heartthrob was shown clips of various Indian hotties like Ash, Lara Dutta, Bipasha, Neha, Kareena to name a few, said that he found Neha’s lips sumptuous and that she was the ideal woman to be a Bond girl. However we wish Neha indeed gets a role in a Bond flick as she needs it desperately after doing loads of forgettable Hindi films.
Amisha Patel
This fair and lovely actress played a notorious girl in ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’, stole a million hearts and also showed that she can render serious roles with ease in ‘Gadar’ but that’s that. Of late Amisha has failed to get any big directors and films in her kitty.



Kim Sharma
It’s high time that this ex girl friend of Yuvraj Singh, accepts the fact that she just cannot act! Kim is a pretty face who should stick to attending society parties and working in commercials instead of wasting her time by trying out her hand at acting.
Hrishita Bhatt
In spite of being extremely good looking and blessed with favourable acting skills, Hrishita has yet to make a mark in the industry. From having worked with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan in Asoka and Abhishek Bachchan in ‘Shararat’, the girl has yet to find a foothold in the industry.

Riya Sen
This sensual Sen, has oodles of sex appeal, agreed. But that’s all the girl has and we wish she could really act as mother Moon Moon Sen seems to believe. All the films that Riya has done, the woman is just used as an item to show off some skin! Its high time Riya follows sister Raima’s footsteps and do some acting as well!
Aartii Chhabria
This stunning woman started off playing a small role in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lajja and in an attempt to change her image to all glam sham, she did films like ‘Awara Pagal Deewana’ and ‘Shaadi No1’, which didn’t work at all, making her just another starlet in the industry.

Posted by fathima at 9:57 AM | | Comments

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Lindsay Lohan booked for drunk driving

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A week after leaving a 45-day rehab program, actress Lindsay Lohan has turned herself in to police to face charges of drunken driving in connection with a May car crash.

Lohan, 21, went to the Beverly Hills Police Department late on Thursday to be fingerprinted, photographed and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run, Beverly Hills police officer Ryan Balleweg said.

Authorities will decide later whether to charge her.

The allegations stem from a May 26 incident in which Lohan lost control of her Mercedes-Benz sports car and drove into a hedge. She then left the scene. Police said at the time they also found a small amount of what they believed to be cocaine in the car.

The incident followed months of hard partying by the "Freaky Friday" and "Mean Girls" star, who had been a regular at Hollywood nightspots and attending Alcoholics Anonymous programs for a year despite having turned 21 -- the legal age for drinking in the United States -- only this month.

Immediately after the May crash, Lohan checked herself into a Malibu rehab center for the second time in a year. She left last week and now wears an alcohol monitoring bracelet on a voluntary basis, her spokeswoman said.

Lohan was released after the booking procedure and given an August 24 hearing date, police said.

Lohan, who shot to fame as a child actress in "The Parent Trap," is the latest in a string of young Los Angeles celebrities, including hotel heiress Paris Hilton, to run into trouble for drunken driving.

Posted by fathima at 11:15 AM | | Comments

Friday, July 20, 2007

Court Gags Broadway Beast Actor's Lawyer


Court Gags Broadway Beast Actor's Lawyer

A lawyer for a Broadway actor accused of having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl may not publicize the teen's name in an effort to learn whether she has falsely accused anyone of molesting her, an appeals court ruled Thursday.

The appeals court rejected the attempt by lawyer Ronald P. Fischetti to lift the limited gag order imposed on him by the judge who is overseeing the sex abuse case of actor James Barbour, who played the beast in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."

Fischetti told a lower court judge the district attorney's office set up a telephone hot line to receive calls about Barbour and he wanted to do something similar.

"I want to put up a hot line with her (the victim's) name on it (and place it) in the newspapers," Fischetti said. "We believe that this alleged victim has made these false allegations before."

The court upheld the judge's decision not to allow it, saying that Fischetti had shown no good faith basis for suggesting the girl had a history of falsely accusing anyone. It said that without such a showing, the policy interest of having sex crimes victims come forward without fear of exposure "outweighs what would amount to a fishing expedition."

Barbour, 40, pleaded not guilty in December to charges of sexual abuse and criminal sex act against the girl, a fan and aspiring actress, in 2001.

Barbour was starring in "Jane Eyre," and a high school drama teacher arranged for the girl and her parents to see the musical. The girl, now 20, went backstage alone after the show, and Barbour began touching her sexually, prosecutors said.

Posted by fathima at 1:41 PM | | Comments

Rowling parts with magical world of Harry Potter


LONDON (Reuters) - It is a classic rags-to-riches tale.

In the mid-1990s, author J.K. Rowling was a single mother claiming state benefits and writing in Edinburgh cafes while her daughter napped. She had no agent or publisher and planned to return to teaching to make ends meet.

Just 10 years later, in February 2004, the creator of the Harry Potter stories was declared the first dollar-billionaire writer by Forbes magazine, and her personal fortune has swelled since as more books and films appeared.

Joanne Rowling, 41, has questioned estimates of her wealth in the past.

But there is no doubt that she is one of the world's most famous authors, and probably its most successful, having sold 325 million copies of the first six books in her seven-book Harry Potter series.

The seventh and final installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," is expected to break publishing records when it hits the shelves on July 21, ending months of media hype and frenzied anticipation among millions of Potter fans worldwide.

It comes shortly after the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth Hollywood adaptation. The first four films earned around $3.5 billion at the box office.

Rowling has talked of the downside to her fame and fortune, but the Potter success gave her a sense of self respect she did not have as an unemployed, single mother.

"Yes. I don't feel like quite such a waste of space any more," she said in a 2003 interview, when asked whether success had changed her. "I totally felt a waste of space. I was lousy."

IT BEGAN ON A TRAIN...

Rowling was born in 1965 and enjoyed telling stories to her younger sister Di from an early age. She said she was writing "almost continuously" from the age of six, and as a teenager harbored thoughts of one day becoming an author.

Rowling attended Exeter University in England, where she studied French, before moving to London where her longest job was working with Amnesty International.

According to her online autobiography, the idea for Harry Potter first came to Rowling on a crowded train from Manchester to London, but because she did not have a pen she developed the character of the boy wizard in her mind.

She began writing "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" that evening.

In December, 1990, her mother died after suffering from multiple sclerosis for several years, an event which Rowling said "changed both my world and Harry's forever."

The following year, she moved to Portugal as an English teacher and met and married journalist Jorge Arantes, with whom she had her first child Jessica. The couple later divorced.

Rowling left Portugal for Edinburgh, where her sister Di was living.

There she finished her novel, writing most evenings and dashing into cafes when Jessica fell asleep in her pushchair.

She managed to find an agent, Christopher Little, but it took him a year to find a publisher to agree to print the first Harry Potter novel -- Bloomsbury in London.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" went on sale in 1997, winning several awards and helping earn the author a U.S. publisher.

In December, 2001, Rowling married Neil Murray, an anesthetist, and the couple have had two children.

Posted by fathima at 8:42 AM | | Comments

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Bollywood legend Bachchan surrenders farmland rights: report

MUMBAI (AFP) - Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has given up farmland following allegations he acquired plots by falsely declaring himself a farmer, reports said Thursday.

His ownership of land in the states of Uttar Pradesh -- which his wife represents in parliament -- and Maharashtra came under scrutiny after claims that Bachchan used his political contacts to be designated as a farmer.

Many Indian states restrict the purchase of agricultural land to legitimate farmers, and last month a court in Uttar Pradesh ruled that a 1983 certificate identifying the 64-year-old actor as a farmer was forged.

The Times of India said Bachchan has now given away land in Maharashtra to local farmers.

But Maharashtra's state revenue minister Narayan Rane said there was no official communication from the actor on the affair.

"We will take note when we receive the communication," he said.

Posted by fathima at 12:04 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Chappelle Hospitalized for Exhaustion


Chappelle Hospitalized for Exhaustion

HOLLYWOOD - Funnyman Dave Chappelle checked into a hospital over the weekend for exhaustion.

The comedian, 33, was rushed to the emergency room of an unnamed hospital, where he remained for 12 hours before returning home.

Earlier reports suggested Chappelle had suffered a drug-related medical problem and had checked into rehab, which his spokesperson has denied.

His rep tells TMZ.com Chappelle was diagnosed with "physical exhaustion" and received "food, water and sleep" at the hospital.

Dave Chappelle

This rising black comedian of TV and films has been impressive in his own short-lived TV series "Buddies" (ABC, 1996), and as the comic who is the butt of Eddie Murphy's wrath in "The Nutty Professor" (1996). The son of a Unitarian minister, Dave Chappelle began performing in comedy clubs in his native Washington, DC, at age 14. Within a year, he got a big change--a slot on stage at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, but his performance was met with booing....

Full Biography

This rising black comedian of TV and films has been impressive in his own short-lived TV series "Buddies" (ABC, 1996), and as the comic who is the butt of Eddie Murphy's wrath in "The Nutty Professor" (1996). The son of a Unitarian minister, Dave Chappelle began performing in comedy clubs in his native Washington, DC, at age 14. Within a year, he got a big change--a slot on stage at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, but his performance was met with booing. Still he persevered and became a hit in clubs on the East Coast. By 1992, the wiry, energetic comedian was gaining national exposure with appearance on "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam" (HBO) and "Six Comics in Search of a Generation" (Lifetime). Sponsored by co-host Whoopi Goldberg, Chappelle appeared on the 1994 HBO special, "Comic Relief VI"; at age 20, he was also said to be the youngest comic to have a featured spot. He followed with a guest appearance on ABC's "Home Improvement" in 1995, which was a pilot for a proposed spin-off sitcom. "Buddies", a Disney-produced show that premiered in 1996, teamed Chappelle with the very un-comic Christopher Gartin in a black-white pairing. Despite the quick cancellation of the series, Disney was impressed enough with the ascendant star to offer him a $1 million development deal.
Chappelle broke into features in the uneven Mel Brooks' spoof "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" But it was his turn in "The Nutty Professor" that clinched his screen viability. He went on to a featured role as a wisecracking convict in the box-office success "Con Air" (1997) and was teamed with Tommy Davidson in "Woo" (1998). In an attempt to pay homage to Cheech and Chong, Chappelle wrote and starred in the marijuana comedy "Half Baked" (1998), then lent his distinctive, affable charm to supporting roles in "You've Got Mail" (1998), "200 Cigarettes" (1999) and "Blue Streak" (1999) before reviving his pot-head persona for the dismal revenge comedy "Screwed" (2000) opposite his off-screen friend Norm MacDonald. In the Eddie Griffin blaxplotiation comedy "Undercover Brother" (2002), Chappelle showed his edgier side as the paranoid, white-suscpicious Conspiracy Brother, a taste of the more sharply pointed, politicaly incorrect comedy that characterized his stand-up.

After a 2002 stint as one of the many caller voices on Comedy Central's muppet-y prank call show "Crank Yankers," Chappelle inked a pact with the cable network to write, produce, host and star in his own half-hour sketch comedy series, "Chappelle's Show" (2003 - ). Chappelle made the most of the creative freedom the series allowed, and quickly delivered a show that reflected his sensibilities: hip, edgy and frequently racially, sexually and scatalogically charged; outrageous but rarely offensive due to its intelligence, sharp observations and easygoing humor. Over two 13-episode seasons "Chappelle's Show" quickly garnered a loyal viewership addicted to over-the-top recurring characters like crackhead Tyrone Biggums and Negrodamus, scathing parodies of Rick James, Prince, rapper Lil' John and "The Real World" and wild catch phrases ("I'm rich, beeyotch!"), as well as landing several Emmy nominations. In 2004 Comedy Central signed Chappelle to a $50 million contract for two more seasons, and the comedian was also poised to return to feature films with projects tailored especially to his newly appreciated talents.

However, things quickly spiraled wildly and unpredicatably out of control in the spring of 2005 when, after Chappelle reportedly taped nearly five episodes of his series' third season following a several-month delay due to an undisclosed illness, he became a no-show on the set for several days, prompting Comedy Central to halt production and announce that the comedy would not meet its anticipated May 31 launch. Days after the announcement, it was reported by Entertainment Weekly that Chappelle had flown from Newark, New Jersey, to Capetown, South Africa, on Apr. 28 and voluntarily checked himself into an unnamed psychiatric facility for treatment. Various theories were floated for the comic's apparent meltdown, including creative differences with the cable network over his series' envelope-pushing content, an inability to cope with his overwhelming success and an increased use of recreational drugs (long a staple of his on-screen persona). However, Chappelle insisted that he had merely embarked an a "spiritual retreat" in the wake of continuing creative frustrations and stress resulting from his Hollywood success, denying any drug use and saying that he had only had a 40-minute session with a psychiatrist while staying with friends in Durban in 2006 Chappelle told Oprah Winfrey he'd consider returning to his TV show if Comedy Central meets certain conditions. "I felt in a lot of instances I was deliberately being put through stress," Chappelle said.

Posted by fathima at 1:49 PM | | Comments

Washington Given Second Chance by TV Bosses

Washington Given Second Chance by TV Bosses

HOLLYWOOD - Actor Isaiah Washington landed his first TV role after being fired from Grey's Anatomy for using a homophobic slur during an on-set fight because network bosses believe he deserves a second chance.

Washington was dismissed by bosses at TV network ABC earlier this summer--seven months after the behind-the-scenes fracas with costar Patrick Dempsey hit the headlines, prompting another costar, T.R. Knight, to 'come out' as a homosexual.

Washington publicly apologized for his comment and met with gay leaders to seek forgiveness--but it wasn't enough for him to keep his job.

On Monday it emerged Washington will guest star on NBC's upcoming Bionic Woman show, an update of the 1970s program starring Lindsay Wagner.

NBC executive producer David Eick says, "We believe in second chances. We embrace the gay community and hope they will watch."

He adds, "I guess that I still abide by the credo that no publicity is bad publicity and for every person that doesn't watch the show because they're sensitive to the controversy I figure that we'll get two who will because they're curious.

"Eventually there will be a new scandal and no one will be thinking of this."

Isaiah Washington

An intense and gifted African-American actor with chiseled good looks, Isaiah Washington forged a successful career in film and television before hitting it big as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ). Honing his dramatic skills on the New York stage, Washington went on to work in more than 30 films, including Spike Lee’s “Clockers” (1995) and “Get on the Bus” (1996), and clocked in as guest star on a number of television series....

Full Biography

An intense and gifted African-American actor with chiseled good looks, Isaiah Washington forged a successful career in film and television before hitting it big as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ). Honing his dramatic skills on the New York stage, Washington went on to work in more than 30 films, including Spike Lee’s “Clockers” (1995) and “Get on the Bus” (1996), and clocked in as guest star on a number of television series. Though reports surfaced in 2006 that Washington’s on-set antics have caused conflict, both on the set of “Grey’s” and on other projects as well, no one can deny the dedication he has shown his craft, putting him at the top of his game.
Born Aug. 3, 1963 in Houston, TX, Washington grew up in the southern city where he graduated from Willowridge High School in 1981. Recovering from a troubled adolescence (during an argument, he was shot in the hip at age 19), Washington went on to serve a four-year tour of duty in the United States Air Force before enrolling at Washington, D.C.’s Howard University to study drama. While studying at Howard, he landed a role in the Ntozake Shange play, “Spell #7.” Relocating to New York City after college, Washington became one of the founding members of the City Kids Repertory, a local theater group designed to engage children in the dramatic arts. Pursuing his craft on the New York stage, Washington appeared in productions of August Wilson’s “Fences,” and Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth.”

Making the transition from stage to screen in 1991, Washington made his feature film debut portraying a hustler in the romantic comedy, “Strictly Business,” starring Halle Berry and Tommy Davidson. That same year, he debuted on television guesting on an episode of “Law & Order” (NBC, 1990- ). Landing more substantial roles as the years went by, Washington went on to appear in the Spike Lee big screen comedy, “Crooklyn” (1994), and turned in an affecting performance as Mekhi Phifer’s protective older brother in Lee’s next film, “Clockers” (1995). On television, Washington showed his versatility by guest-starring on cop dramas such as, “NYPD Blue” (ABC, 1993-2005) and “New York Undercover” (FOX, 1994-98), as well tickling the funny bone with an appearance on the sitcom, “Living Single” (FOX, 1993-98). Re-teaming with director Lee for two more films, Washington starred opposite Theresa Randle in the romantic comedy, “Girl 6” (1996) and portrayed a gay man on his way to participate in the Million Man March in “Get on the Bus” (1996).

After substantial roles in the loyal Lee’s films, Washington continued to work on the big screen, taking on smaller roles in films such as the urban romantic comedy, “Love Jones” (1997); Warren Betty’s political comedy, “Bulworth” (1998); and acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh’s hit, “Out Of Sight” (1998). He went on to guest star on the quirky Fox series, “Ally McBeal” (1997-2002) during its first season as well as up the quality of his work by starring opposite legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood as a man on death row in “True Crime” (1999). In 2000, Washington was nominated for his first NAACP Image Award for his performance as an executive of an upstart television network in “Dancing in September” (2000). That same year, he starred opposite the ill-fated singer/actress, Aaliyah and martial arts star Jet Li in the action flick “Romeo Must Die” (2000). Shifting gears as he could so impressively do, he co-starred with William H. Macy, Sam Rockwell and George Clooney as one of five hapless burglars in the Russo brothers’ comedy, “Welcome to Collinwood” (2002) and portrayed the first mate of an unlucky salvage team in the forgettable horror flick, “Ghost Ship” (2002). In 2003, Washington portrayed corrupt record producer Antoine Sartain in the flop, “Hollywood Homicide” (2003), opposite Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett. Though Washington’s “Homicide” role was prominent, his character’s ultimate fate (being thrown off a building by Ford) led Washington to reevaluate the types of roles he was being offered.

Then fate intervened. Cast as renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Preston Burke on the breakout midseason hit, “Grey’s Anatomy,” Washington found the career change he was looking for and the part of his career thus far. Though he was already a recognizable name with a solid list of credits, “Anatomy” allowed Washington to break out from the thuggish, corrupt characters he had often been cast as. He also enjoyed being one-half of a popular onscreen couple with intern Dr. Christina Yang (Sandra Oh). An unexpected smash hit with viewers, “Anatomy” went on to receive numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations – with Washington’s work on the series earning him the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in 2006. The success of “Grey’s” also afforded him a new sex symbol status, when named him one of television’s “Sexiest Men.”

Washington’s new career high did not come with out the inevitable low, however. At the apex of “Grey’s” popularity during the show’s second full season, tabloid reports surfaced in October of 2006 of an on-set scuffle between Washington and co-star Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd), which involved an alleged “choking” of Dempsey by Washington. Worse yet, news reports later surfaced that Washington had reportedly uttered a homophobic slur in reference to one of his “Anatomy” cast mates. In the days following the breaking story, just who that gay co-star was came to light when, after his hand was forced by press reports of the outburst, Washington’s co-star, T.R. Knight (Dr. George O’Malley) issued a statement announcing that he was gay. Eventually, Washington took responsibility for the incident and issued a public apology, but some damage had been done. The gay community called for Washington to be fired, but the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes stood behind her actor, insisting no one was getting canned and all was back to normal on set.

Whether or not that was true, any illusions that all was back to normal were smashed in January 2007 when, during a press room interview with the cast following their Golden Globe win for “Best Drama,” Washington grabbed the mic to again insist, “I did not call T.R. a faggot.” A shocked press corps stood by uncomfortably as Rhimes, tried to move the conversation back to the win at hand, but the damage had been done. Washington’s co-star Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens) fumed on the red carpet after the incident that “he (Washington) just needs to not speak in pubic anymore.” She went on to vehemently defend her best friend, Knight, insisting that she was not “O.K.” with the word being used “again.” After the uncomfortable cast moved offstage, Washington denied to “Access Hollywood” (syndicated, 1996- ) that he ever said the word, insisting he would never say anything “so vile” against his co-star or any human being for that matter. Only days later, the heretofore quiet Knight appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated, 2003- ) to finally voice his side of the story – that Washington did, indeed call him the f-word. Because of Washington’s backstage comment and subsequent denial, the storm stirred up once again, with internet bloggers and mainstream columnists calling for ABC to fire Washington – an online petition even circulating to send a message to the actor and boycott the network which employed him.

Days after the Globes, Washington released the following statement: "“I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on "Grey’s Anatomy." I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help. I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I’ve hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened. T.R.’s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity." Washington would go on to film a PSA announcement about the negative power of words, which began airing on TV around the same time ABC Television Studios officials announced, shockingly, that Washington had been fired from the show. The offical word: that his contract was "not renewed" – which came on the heels of the announcement that Knight's contract had been renewed and that he had been given a raise. Washington responded by releasing the statement, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore,” through his publicist, Howard Bragman.

Patrick Dempsey

A charismatic, yet slightly geeky heartthrob of teen-pleasing films of the late 1980s, Patrick Dempsey succeeded in doing what few teen idols ever manage to do – disappear off the radar for several years before resurrecting their adult career as the resident hunk on one of the most popular TV shows of its time. Almost 20 years after riding that famous lawnmower to fame as the wannabe lady killer Ronald Miller in “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987), Dempsey landed the part of the stylishly coiffed neurosurgeon Dr....

Full Biography

A charismatic, yet slightly geeky heartthrob of teen-pleasing films of the late 1980s, Patrick Dempsey succeeded in doing what few teen idols ever manage to do – disappear off the radar for several years before resurrecting their adult career as the resident hunk on one of the most popular TV shows of its time. Almost 20 years after riding that famous lawnmower to fame as the wannabe lady killer Ronald Miller in “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987), Dempsey landed the part of the stylishly coiffed neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the monster hit, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ). Hitting a career high with this role, Dempsey became a national obsession with the female contingent, all of whom wholeheartedly agreed that the actor lived up to his infamous moniker, “Dr. McDreamy.”
Born Patrick Galen Dempsey on Jan. 13, 1966 in Lewiston, ME to parents Amanda and William Dempsey, Dempsey grew up in Lewiston, attending St. Dominic Regional High School in the nearby town of Auburn. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager, Dempsey struggled with the then misunderstood learning disability, but managed to shift focus from his weaker subjects to his talent for dance and acting. An avid juggler, he developed his own act and toured with the New England Vaudeville Circuit by age 15. Exhibiting a natural gift for performance, Dempsey won the Talent America Contest in 1981, catching the eye of an agent, who offered to audition the gangly youngster for the San Francisco production of “Torch Song Trilogy.” Portraying the role of David, Dempsey toured with the company for several months. He went on to perform with the Maine Acting Company in “On Golden Pond” and the international touring production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

Making his feature film debut in 1985, Dempsey portrayed a Catholic school boy alongside Andrew McCarthy in the comedy “Heaven Help Us.” The following year, he made his television debut as Mike Damone in the short-lived “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) spin-off, “Fast Times” (CBS, 1986). Popular with young female audiences, Dempsey became a leading man in a number of ‘80s’ romantic comedies. Girls swooned over Dempsey as a nerdy high school senior who not only mows lawns for extra income (and seemingly really enjoys it) but who bribes a cheerleader into dating him in “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987) – a role which earned Dempsey the 1988 Young Artist Award. Equally close to every teenage girls’ heart was the actor’s turn as a pizza deliveryman who offers up his “special services” in “Loverboy” (1987) to such comparatively older actresses as Carrie Fisher, Kirstie Alley and Kate Jackson. Portraying real-life teen lothario Sonny Wisecarver in “In the Mood” (1987), Dempsey’s on-screen roles began to mirror his personal life. Shocking his fans in 1987 – at the tender age of 21, he married his 48-year-old manager Rocky Parker.

Hoping to break out from his teen idol image, Dempsey began to take on different roles. He portrayed one of three brothers reunited for a cross-country road trip in “Coupe de Ville” (1990); co-starred alongside Christian Slater and Richard Grieco as gangster Meyer Lansky in the horrid mafia flick, “Mobsters” (1991), and portrayed a law student on the run opposite Kelly Preston in the aptly titled, “Run” (1991). Returning to his roots on the stage, Dempsey made his off-Broadway debut in a production of “The Subject was Roses” at the Roundabout Theatre. He went on to turn in a compelling performance as John F. Kennedy in the ABC miniseries “JFK: Reckless Youth” (1993) and went behind the camera to co-direct the family film, “Ava’s Magical Adventure” (1994) with real-life wife Parker. Unfortunately, Dempsey’s directorial debut went mostly unnoticed and he and Parker ended their seven-year marriage in 1994. Though Dempsey was able to find regular acting work during this time, the popularity he experienced in his early 20s had dwindled to an almost embarrassed acknowledgement from fans who had naturally moved on the next hunk-of-the-month. His struggle with dyslexia made the process of auditioning even more arduous for the actor.

Dempsey began seizing the only opportunities available to a former teen idol – supporting roles in a number of projects of varying quality and visibility. He appeared alongside Joe Pesci and Brendan Fraser as a Harvard student in “With Honors” (1994) and tuned in a compelling performance as a man who becomes embroiled in the cover-up of a murder in the television adaptation of Dominick Dunne’s “A Season in Purgatory” (1996). He starred opposite Michael Caine in the NBC adaptation of Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (1997) and went on to share the screen with Ben Kingsley, portraying Rodya Raskolnikov in the television adaptation of Dostoyevskys’s “Crime and Punishment” (NBC, 1998). In 2000, Dempsey landed a role as a detective in the Wes Craven horror sequel, “Scream 3.”

In the first of his adult-hunk roles, Dempsey surprised many by effectively portraying a closeted sportscaster and love interest to Eric McCormack’s up-tight Will on a three-episode arc of “Will & Grace” (NBC, 1998-2006). Viewers of both sexes could not help but notice that Dempsey was maturing nicely. Next, he gave a touching performance as Sela Ward’s schizophrenic brother, Aaron on the award-winning ABC drama, “Once and Again” (1999-2002) – a role that earned Dempsey an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. His career on a sudden upswing, he continued to effectively emanate sex appeal as Reese Witherspoon’s fiancé in the big screen romantic comedy, “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002). In a less showy part, he appeared as Washington Post cartoonist Ben Weissman opposite Hilary Swank and Anjelica Houston in the HBO suffragette drama “Iron Jawed Angels” (2004).

Still hoping to revisit the success he had experienced almost 20 years prior, Dempsey found the break he was looking for in 2005. Up for leads on two network medical dramas (he auditioned for the role of Dr. Gregory House on Fox’s “House,” which later went to Hugh Laurie), Dempsey landed the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd on the midseason hit “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ). In that rare bit of a luck few former teen idols experience a second time ‘round, Dempsey and his impressive head of hair quickly found himself back in the spotlight and back in the hearts of adoring female fans – some new, some old school torch carriers – this time as he approached age 40. Portraying the show’s lead Ellen Pompeo’s conflicted love interest, Dempsey’s character was dubbed “McDreamy” on the series, and with good reason. Dempsey’s affecting charm and charismatic performance on “Grey’s” earned him Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series.

The positive buzz the show enjoyed into his first full season came to a screeching halt in October of 2006 when Dempsey and co-star Isaiah Washington got into an on-set scuffle. Media coverage reported that Washington had lashed out at Dempsey – allegedly by way of choking McDreamy – and had thrown out a homophobic slur in reference to their co-star T.R. Knight (Dr. George O’Malley) for being late to the set. As the story allegedly went, Dempsey had verbally jumped to Knight’s defense for being late, which set off Washington and it all went downhill from there. Washington later issued a statement taking responsibility for his actions – more for manhandling the male star of the show, than for essentially forcing Knight to come out of the closet once word of the scuffle reached the press. In any case, Dempsey came out looking the hero, since it was he who had come to his gay co-star’s defense.

Once all the drama dust settled, Dempsey was able to parlay his incredible popularity on the small screen back to the big, returning to feature films by reuniting with “Angels” co-star Swank in the drama, “Freedom Writers” (2007). In the critically well received film, Dempsey portrayed supportive husband to Swank’s Long Beach teacher who attempts to inspire street-tough teens to reach their creative potential as writers.

T.R. Knight

Though known to television audiences as the sweet and endearing Dr. George O’Malley on the hit drama “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ), T.R. Knight was anything but shy and soft-spoken actor off screen. With a background primarily in theater, Knight honed his craft on the Minneapolis stage and went on to appear on Broadway in productions of “Noises Off” and “Tartuffe.” Landing a starring role on “Grey’s” the relative newcomer’s innate talent and acting ability shone through as the series went on to become a favorite with television viewers....

Full Biography

Though known to television audiences as the sweet and endearing Dr. George O’Malley on the hit drama “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005- ), T.R. Knight was anything but shy and soft-spoken actor off screen. With a background primarily in theater, Knight honed his craft on the Minneapolis stage and went on to appear on Broadway in productions of “Noises Off” and “Tartuffe.” Landing a starring role on “Grey’s” the relative newcomer’s innate talent and acting ability shone through as the series went on to become a favorite with television viewers. Knight received some unexpected press during the show’s highly-rated third season, when he was inadvertently outed by a fellow cast member in the heat of an argument, resulting in the actor releasing a formal statement confirming he was a gay man. Much to the relief of all who loved Knight and the show itself, the announcement seemed not to have a detrimental effect on his popularity – and would perhaps help open the door for more actors to feel comfortable coming out in the future.
Born Theodore Raymond Knight on March 26, 1973 in Minneapolis, MN, the youngster developed a passion for acting as a child growing up in one half of the Twin Cities. Nicknamed T.R. as a young child, he made his acting debut at the age of five as Tiny Tim in a Guthrie Theater production of “A Christmas Carol.” Foregoing college to pursue acting, Knight appeared in regional theater productions in Minneapolis, joining the Guthrie Theater’s acting company for two years before moving to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway. Knight quickly landed a number of roles in off-Broadway productions of “Macbeth,” “This Lime Tree Bower” and “The Hologram Theory.” Though living in the Big Apple, Knight returned to Minneapolis periodically to appear in productions of “Ah, Wilderness” and “Amadeus,” in which he starred in the title role.

Back in Manhattan, Knight appeared on Broadway in the 2001 revival of “Noises Off,” opposite stage legend Patti LuPone and Peter Gallagher. Making his film debut in 2002, Knight landed a small role in the fashion industry satire “Garmento.” The following year, he went on to perform in the Broadway revival of “Tartuffe,” and appeared off-Broadway as Brendan Hilliard in “Scattergood,” which earned Knight a 2003 Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play. Branching out from theater, Knight went on to make his television debut as office intern Ryan Lemming on the short-lived sitcom, “Charlie Lawrence” (CBS, 2003) opposite Nathan Lane; pulled after only two episodes, the series introduced Knight to the harsh reality of television programming. Knight quickly landed a number of other guest-starring roles in television, however, appearing in episodes of “Frasier” (NBC, 1993-2004) in 2003, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (NBC, 2001- ) in 2004, and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS, 2000- ), also in 2004. Tired of the audition grind for TV guest spots, he returned to his first love of theater, starring in the off-Broadway production of “Boy” later that year.

Though relatively new to television and only three years after his first film role, Knight went on to land a career-breaking role in 2005 when he landed the part of self-deprecating, somewhat awkward surgical intern George O’Malley on the ABC midseason drama, “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005- ), rounding out an ensemble cast including Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey and Sandra Oh. Positioned as the dazed Everyman amid the frenetic brilliance of his peers, Knight nervously bumbled his way through some patients and shined with others, eventually securing the trust of his fellow interns and the respect of his superiors. His character most notably caught syphilis in the first few episodes. Performing well in its Sunday night time-slot, “Grey’s” went on to receive critical praise and a number of Emmy nominations in 2006.

Not long into the series’ third season, during which was moved to Thursday evenings to go head-to-head with television’s number one show, “C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS, 2000), Knight made news for more than just his affable role when he came out publicly, announcing that he was gay in a statement to People magazine in October of 2006. News reports had surfaced that an on-set altercation between series stars Dempsey and Isaiah Washington was allegedly the result of Washington using an anti-gay slur directed at Knight. Knowing it was only so long before the press learned just who the anti-gay slur was directed toward, a seemingly unfazed Knight confronted the topic publicly and continued with the series.

All of this was disrupted, however, on what should have been a celebratory evening. At the January 2007 Golden Globes ceremony, “Grey’s” took home Best Drama prize. When the entire cast convened backstage to greet the press, Washington grabbed the mic after being questioned by the press about the previous fall’s on set incident, and declared that he “did not call T.R. a faggot.” The casual use of the word stunned the press corps and by all reports, visibly rattled the cast who left the stage uncomfortably. Katherine Heigl went so far as to vent to “Access Hollywood” (syndicated, 1996- ) moments later that she would “throw down” with anyone who hurt her best friend, Knight, and that Washington “should never speak in public again.” For his part, Washington denied ever using the anti-gay slur to reporters backstage, who smelled a renewed scandal brewing in their midst. Only days later, Knight – who had remained quiet since initially coming out of the closet the previous fall – felt the need to address Washington’s denial of using the hurtful word by going on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated, 2003- ) to finally voice his side of the story. He did confirm that Washington called him a “faggot” during the throes of a fight with Dempsey and expressed confusion at why he (Washington) would deny it now. While Knight kept it classy, internet bloggers and television columnists called for Washington’s head on a platter, courtesy of ABC – which was receiving boycott threats from people outraged over the alleged behavior.

Lindsay Wagner

A tall, blonde actress who went from playing "The Bionic Woman" to becoming one of the most prolific TV-movie queens in the history of the genre, Lindsay Wagner managed to convey a quiet intelligence in her roles, whether through tears or athletics, or even pitching for Ford automobiles, as she has done in numerous TV commercial spots since the late 1980s.
Wagner once described her birthplace as an "Hispanic slum in L.A." (although her ancestry was not specified as Latino)....

Full Biography

A tall, blonde actress who went from playing "The Bionic Woman" to becoming one of the most prolific TV-movie queens in the history of the genre, Lindsay Wagner managed to convey a quiet intelligence in her roles, whether through tears or athletics, or even pitching for Ford automobiles, as she has done in numerous TV commercial spots since the late 1980s.
Wagner once described her birthplace as an "Hispanic slum in L.A." (although her ancestry was not specified as Latino). When she was 13, she became a Nina Blanchard model, but at age 14, began suffering from ulcers, a condition which lasted until she was 21 years old. Wagner quit modeling when she was 16, drifting into acting after dropping out of the University of Oregon after only two semesters. A meeting with a Universal casting director led to a role on "Marcus Welby, M.D." and a contract with the studio.

Wagner made her feature film debut in 1973 in Universal's "Two People," in which she was a West Virginian-born model who becomes involved with Peter Fonda, an army deserter. That same year, she starred in "The Paper Chase", playing the daughter of John Houseman and the object of Timothy Bottoms' affections. Although she would later play Sylvester Stallone's lady love in "Nighthawks" (1981), and also co-star in "Ricochet" (1991), TV beckoned early on in Wagner's career. In 1975, she made appearances on "The Six Million Dollar Man", as the female cyborg counterpart to Lee Majors' Colonel Steve Austin. In 1976, ABC gave her own series, "The Bionic Woman", which ran for a season on that network, a season on NBC, and made Wagner not just one of the first female action stars, but also won her an Emmy for her performance. She became a TV star, even headlining her own ABC variety special in 1977 called "Lindsay Wagner: Another Side of Me".

Although Wagner would later return to her Bionic character in TV-movies alongside Majors in the late 80s and early 90s, after the demise of the initial series run, she quickly moved into what would become her staple: playing thoughtful, intelligent women who find their strength and win the day in TV movies. While TV-movies were a staple of the small screen before Wagner began doing them, along with Jaclyn Smith, she all but defined the prototypical leading lady character in them. In 1979, Wagner starred in "The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan" and "The Incredible Journey of Dr. Meg Laurel" (both CBS). In the latter, she was a big city physician returning to her back-country roots. In 1980, she was the rags-to-riches boutique owner Billy Ikehorn in the CBS miniseries "Scruples", based on the Judith Krantz novel, and was in the Krantz-inspired "Princess Daisy" (NBC) in 1983. She was a mother returning to her family after years in a mental institution in "Memories Never Die" (CBS, 1982), recreated the role of Barbara Graham in the TV version of "I Want to Live" (ABC, 1983) and was a farm wife who creates havoc in a small town when she takes on the mayor, who is teaching anti-Semitic concepts in her son's high school history class in "Evil in Clear River" (ABC, 1988). Wagner was the flight attendant coping with a hijacking in "The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story" (NBC, 1989), the battered wife of a government official in "Shattered Dreams" (CBS, 1990), and a woman posing as a hooker to save her daughter in "Fighting for My Daughter" (ABC, 1995). Through this river of tears and trauma, Wagner did do a turn at comedy as a school principal in "Student Exchange" (ABC, 1987).

With her iconic show a hard act to follow, Wagner was less successful in attempts at series since her "Bionic" days. "Jessie" (ABC, 1984), in which she played a police department psychiatrist, failed, as did "Peaceable Kingdom" (CBS, 1989), in which she was the managing director of a zoo raising her three children on-site. Wagner's mellifluous voice has also been used for narration and she has hosted reality specials and series, such as "Scandals" (ABC, 1988) and "Against All Odds" (NBC, 1992).

Posted by fathima at 1:34 PM | | Comments

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sting Ordered to Pay $51,000 to Ex-Chef

Sting Ordered to Pay $51,000 to Ex-Chef

An employment tribunal ordered Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, on Tuesday to pay a former chef $51,000 in compensation after she won a sexual-discrimination claim against them.

Jane Martin, 41, won her claim in May. She said she was fired after she became pregnant.

At a hearing earlier this year, Martin said she had worked for the 55-year-old pop star and his wife for eight years, cooking meals for them and guests including Madonna and Elton John.

She said Styler grew unhappy with her after she became pregnant in 2005, making her work long hours and growing angry when she took time off work because of illness.

Martin, who accused Styler of having a "grandiose ego," left her job under disputed circumstances in April 2006.

The panel at an employment tribunal in Southampton, southern England, said in its May ruling that Martin had been unlawfully dismissed by Lake House Estate, Sting and Styler's management company, and was a victim of sexual discrimination.

Sting and Styler said they had already launched an appeal.

Posted by fathima at 1:03 PM | | Comments

Monday, July 16, 2007

Rowling Backs Search for Missing Girl

Rowling Backs Search for Missing Girl

J.K. Rowling is asking booksellers around the world to publicize the plight of missing British girl Madeleine McCann when they sell the new Harry Potter book this week.

Rowling's 65 publishers in more than 200 territories will distribute a poster of Madeleine, who has been missing for more than two months, to stores selling "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," public relations firm Colman Getty said Monday.

The book, the seventh and final installment in the schoolboy wizard's adventures, goes on sale Saturday.

In a statement, Rowling said she was asking stores to display the poster, which will include the Web address of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

"I fervently hope that posters displayed prominently in shops all over the world when the new book comes out will help find Madeleine McCann and will raise the profile of the many other missing children in different countries," Rowling said.

Madeleine, 4, disappeared on May 3 after her parents left her and her 2-year-old twin siblings alone in their room while they went to a restaurant inside their hotel complex in Praia da Luz, a resort town in Portugal's Algarve region.

Rowling has pledged several hundred thousand dollars to a reward for Madeleine's safe return.

Posted by fathima at 1:15 PM | | Comments

Friday, July 13, 2007

Beckhams arrive in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - Soccer star David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, arrived Thursday night to begin their new lives in the United States. The British power couple smiled and held hands as they walked out of a Los Angeles International Airport terminal shortly before 8:20 p.m. after arriving aboard a British Airways flight from London.

Dozens of reporters and photographers pushed and shoved behind barriers set up at the terminal before the duo, surrounded by security guards, left in a black sport utility vehicle without commenting.

Their three children accompanied them on the flight, but didn't exit the terminal with them. Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, wore a sleeveless black dress and sunglasses and gave a quick wave to the paparazzi. David Beckham was dressed in a black jacket and jeans.

Several people at the airport to pick up passengers became paparazzi themselves, snapping images with their cell phones.

"It was so awesome, he looks better in person than in the magazines," said devoted Beckham fan Priscilla Flores, 15. "I'm really excited to see him play his first game here. He'll make soccer more popular here."

The media swarm also attracted curious onlookers, though not everyone knew what the big deal was.

"Who's David Beckham?" asked Austin Baker, an 11-year-old California boy waiting for a connecting flight, before the world's biggest soccer star arrived.

The English midfielder, who helped Real Madrid win the Spanish title last month, will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. He's set to be introduced by the Galaxy on Friday, and make his playing debut in an exhibition match against Chelsea on July 21 in Carson, Calif.

Beckham, who has returned to the England lineup after initially being dropped following the 2006 World Cup, is scheduled to make around $32.5 million over five years with the Galaxy and millions more in endorsement deals.

Despite playing thousands of miles away, Beckham hopes to stay in the England lineup and help the team qualify for next year's European Championship.

The Beckhams will make their new digs in a reported $22 million, 13,000-square foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbors include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Posted by fathima at 12:33 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Report: Pavarotti Doing Well

Report: Pavarotti Doing Well

Luciano Pavarotti is "fighting like a lion" against his pancreatic cancer and is reacting well to radiotherapy, his wife told an Italian newspaper.

"I can now say he is doing well," Nicoletta Mantovani said in an interview published Wednesday in the Italian daily La Stampa.

The 71-year-old opera star underwent surgery after doctors discovered a malignant pancreatic mass last year.

"He's reacting well to a fifth cycle of radiotherapy. He's fighting like a lion and he has never lost his heart, also because a family he adores is by his side," Mantovani said.

"He's determined and results are encouraging," she said. "Despite the heavy treatment he has not lost weight which by the way he would have liked or his hair."

Mantovani spoke from the Italian resort island of Ischia, where she picked up a music award for her husband.

Earlier this month, Diva e Donna, an Italian women's magazine, quoted one of Pavarotti's daughters, Giuliana, as saying her father "knows he will die soon." Mantovani said the quotes were taken out of context.

Last week, Pavarotti's manager said the famed tenor was teaching and working on a recording of sacred music. According to Mantovani, he is also considering resuming the "Pavarotti and Friends" benefit concert that used to take place annually in his hometown of Modena, Italy.

Posted by fathima at 10:48 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Crow Sends Best Wishes to Pavarotti


Crow Sends Best Wishes to Pavarotti

Sheryl Crow, who had breast cancer surgery last year, has wished Luciano Pavarotti well in his own battle against cancer. Crow spoke about the famed tenor while she was on the Italian resort island of Ischia, where she received a music award, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Pavarotti underwent surgery after doctors discovered a malignant pancreatic mass last year.

"Best wishes to maestro Pavarotti, that he can survive this terrible illness, an experience that I, too, had, and that made me stronger today," ANSA quoted Crow as saying.

She was on the island in the Gulf of Naples with her infant son, Wyatt, whom she adopted several months ago. "Thanks to him, I work much better. Two days ago, I finished cutting an album," she said.

"It was a terrible year for me. I was, above all, very much in pain for the end of a love story," said the 45-year-old singer, who underwent breast cancer surgery in February 2006, the same month that she and cycling champ Lance Armstrong announced they had broken off their engagement.

"There were tough moments, during radiation therapy, but then it was the same pain to make me what I am today and what I wanted to be," she said.

Pavarotti's London-based manager, Terri Robson, said last week the 71-year-old tenor was teaching and working on a recording of sacred songs.

Posted by fathima at 11:59 AM | | Comments

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Baby Spice’s Secret Love Affairs Revealed

Baby Spice’s Secret Love Affairs Revealed

Emma `Baby Spice' Bunton is famous for keeping herself away from all gossip and scandal, but sources have revealed a secret dark side of the singer.

According to sources, Baby Spice, who is expecting her first child with long-term boyfriend Jade Jones in September, has had love affairs with Justin Timberlake, Robbie Williams and footballer Rio Ferdinand.

Emma had a fling with Timberlake in 2003 following the release of his debut album "Justified". Before dating Justin, she was involved with Man U and England star Rio.

Rumour also had it that the singer dated Spice Girls supervisor Simon Fuller while he was managing the band.

“Emma had her fair share of boyfriends whenever she wasn’t with Jade. She had no problem pulling them because she is gorgeous and lovely. She was a real flirt too,” The Sun quoted an insider, as saying.

The singer had a string of flings with famous men when she was on a break from on-again-off-again boyfriend Jade, but was clever at keeping it out of the public eye.

“But she chose her men carefully, making sure they weren’t kiss-and-tell types.”

After the band split up, Emma released her first solo album "A Girl Like Me" which featured her No.1 hit ‘What Took You So Long’. In 2003, she scored British chart hits with several 1960s-style pop tunes from her second solo album "Free Me".

Posted by fathima at 11:11 AM | | Comments

Friday, July 6, 2007

Bollywood’s rumours and denials!

Bollywood’s rumours and denials!

Salman’s family denies his marriage!

Are Salman and Katrina really getting married? The gossip mills say yes and ever since then the whole media are on a wild run after the story. So is there really any fire behind the smoke? No, says his immediate family. According to his sister Alvira, Salman is not getting married. “We have no idea from how and where all these rumors started, but my brother is not getting married”. So it’s another rumor that bites the dust, but the big question is when will Salman and Katrina finally tie the knot? The plot thickens...


Shah Rukh is dead!

Two years back, journalists covering the entertainment beat woke up to a bizarre rumour about Shah Rukh Khan being dead. The city went into a tizzy and sent the whole media on a wild goose chase.

And to top it all, SRK was inaccessible. However by late afternoon, everything was clear and Shah Rukh was finally traced. He was alive and shooting for Main Hoon Na.


Bipasha and John split!

The gossip mills were working overtime about the possible break up of Bollywood’s hottest couple in town, John and Bipasha. It was reported everywhere that they are heading for a split.

But John denied it and the couple are happy to be back together.


Saif and Bipasha hook up!

Close on the hells of rumours of John and Bipasha’s split came in Saif and Bipasha’s link up.

The buzz in the air was that both Saif and Bipasha are more than friends and that there’s something brewing between them. But it didn’t take long for the rumours to die down.



Rani and Aditya’s marriage!

Another hot rumour of the month was Rani Mukherjee and the Chopra scion Aditya Chopra getting engaged.

Gossip rags even went to town listing the guest list, venue and other details of the so- called secret engagement. But later Aditya’s mothers Pamela issued a denial and clear the confusion.


Mallika Sherwat in a porn movie!

Controversies favourite child Mallika Sherawat got the shock of her life when out of the blue a graphic MMS video clip of a sex act between her look alike and a foreigner began doing the rounds on mobile phones.

But latter the actress in the film turned to be Lolly, a 17 year -old porn actress from Mexico.


Aamir and Kiran split!

Another rumour that’s been making rounds is that of Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao on the verge of splitting.

The rumours got fuelled further after Aamir was spotted having dinner with ex-wife Reena and his two kids.

But latter the reclusive actor issued a clarification saying there’s no truth in it, and that both he and Kiran are very much together.

Himesh’s movie based on his life!

Is Himesh’s much hyped and talked about movie of the year Aap Kaa Surroor The Moviee- The Real Luv Story based on his real life.

That’s what the grapevine says, but Himesh denies and says “Some part of the movie is based on my life, while the rest is fiction.”



Salman Khan committed suicide!

After SRK, it was the bizarre Salman Khan’s attempted suicide story which started floating around.

His family and close friends were inundated with calls from the media and well wishers, while oblivious to the mass hysteria his suicide story has created, Salman was happily shooting.


Rahul Khanna committed suicide!

Close on the heels of SRK and Salman Khan being dead, there was another rumour about Vinnod Khanna’s eldest son and Askhaye Khanna’s bother Rahul committing suicide.

He was down with flu and couldn’t take calls from reporters, however later in the day he told us “This is really absurd and an irresponsible rumour. I am down with a terrible viral infection and have lost my voice so I haven’t been able to take calls.”


Amitabh Bachchan’s mystery illness!

Big B’s illness became the talk of the nation. And right from being admitted in the hospital to his treatment, it remained shrouded in secrecy.

While his doctor’s press release said his small intestine had developed some complications, it didn’t stop rumours of his old ailment resurfacing.


Aishwarya Rai car accident!

This time the target for the gossip mongers was Aishwariya Rai who was proclaimed dead in a car accident while in UK on her way to the Cannes film festival




Bollywood’s rumours and denials!

“Sanjay Dutt got married again,” screamed the headline of a tabloid. But his family and friends were quick to deny his marriage to his latest girlfriend Manatya.

And in a day or two the rumour just faded off, just the way it started.




Gulshan Grover in Bond Movie!

Call it a mere publicity move or whatever, but it really made our heads turn when Bollywood’s leading villain Gulshan Grover announced that he is a strong contender to play villain to new James Bond in Casino Royale. But as usual nothing happened.




Priyanka Chopra and Harman fight!

Priyanka Chopra was surprised when the rumuors of her alleged showdown with good friend Harman Baweja at the premiere of Main Aisa Hi Hoon became the talk of the town.

It was reported that Priyanka broke down in tears in public and walked away after a heated argument with Harman and his mother.

Posted by fathima at 12:31 PM | | Comments

I'd find my own Shah Jahan too: Kangana Ranaut

I'd find my own Shah Jahan too: Kangana Ranaut

From Shabana Azmi to Priyanka Chopra and Anupam Kher to Hema Malini - most members of the Bollywood film fraternity feel the Taj Mahal, a symbol of true love, definitely deserves a place among the new seven wonders of the world.

Stars apart, people from all sections of society are also campaigning for the Taj Mahal, which is facing tough competition to find a place in the new list of wonders. The grand monument in Agra was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Kangana: "Ummmm…. The Taj Mahal is simply the most stunning visual in the world. No doubt about it. Someday I'd like to find my own Shah Jahan who would at least marry me in front of the Taj Mahal and just buy me my own 5-bedroom Taj Mahal in Pali Hill.

Bipasha Basu: "In these times of turmoil terror and tumult, the Taj Mahal stands as a testimony to love. It reminds us of a time when romance was an integral part of life and a pointer to history. On a more surface level, it is breathtakingly beautiful. As a true Indian and a global person I think the Taj Mahal deserves a place among the 7 wonders.

Lara Dutta: "The Taj Mahal has never been just a monument. It's always been the ultimate symbol of eternal love. In these times of increasing stress and violence the Taj Mahal is a living reminder of what love can manifest.

Shabana Azmi: "Ofcourse the Taj Mahal has to be one of the 7 wonders ! It's the only one out if the seven that is a tribute to love. In today's strife-ridden world we need to remind ourselves that there's always room for sublime feelings."

Hema Malini: "It's our most precious heritage. If the same Taj Mahal were to be constructed now it won't be half the wonder that it is, in spite of all the technical expertise at our disposal.

The Taj Mahal is a labour of love. Even today we marvel at how such a flawless architecture could have been created in those days. How can it not be a wonder of the world?


Priyanka Chopra: "Should the Taj Mahal be one of the 7 wonders of the world? It's like asking, should birds fly? The Taj Mahal is a symbol of many things. It's the essence of creativity, talent and emotion of mankind.

Its sheer magnificence and beauty put the Taj Mahal ahead of all the contenders. It's an architectural marvel created with thousands of bare hands. It stands tall proud and above all competition. A testimony to true love!

Anupam Kher: "The Taj Mahal is the greatest and only symbol of true love in the world today.The rest of the so-called wonders of the world are merely historical monuments. And in the chaos of today's existence,a monument of love is as precious as any near-extinct emotion or entity.

Randeep Hooda: "It is a wonder because it was built for love. Nowadays no one does anything for love."

John Abraham: "I think the Taj Mahal definitely deserves to be designated one of the 7 wonders of the world. And there's an eight wonder too…the way the political infrastructure of the country operates.

Dino Morea: "First and foremost it's one of the most magnificent structures ever built on this earth. The Taj Mahal reminds us of the most beautiful emotion in the world…love, baby love! And secondly, who would want to try to build another monument to love that salutes the moon and kisses the stars?

Ram Gopal Varma: "I've no idea about this, and no interest."

UNESCO is expected to announce the list July 7 in Portugal's Benfica Stadium. And actress Bipasha Basu is slated to be one of the celebrities announcing the names of the new seven wonders.

Posted by fathima at 12:28 PM | | Comments

Thursday, July 5, 2007

5 magnificent monarch movies


5 magnificent monarch movies

Cinema has long been fixated with royalty.

Ballrooms with thrones and bustling with plumage-heavy Cardinals always made for breathtaking backdrops, and nothing fits into melodrama quite like grieving queens and triumphant kings.

As Oscar-wowing The Queen finally comes to Indian theatres Friday, here's a look at five monarchy films you really must savour:

The Lion In Winter

Anthony Harvey's 1968 classic is dominated by legendary actors deftly casting their mammoth shadows amidst a truly compelling script.

James Goldman's screenplay -- based on his own play -- revolves around King Henry II (Peter O Toole) and his wife Eleanor (Katherine Hepburn), plotting with his sons to dethrone him. Anthony Hopkins is fantastic as Richard, while Timothy Dalton is perfectly cast as France's King Philip.


A Man For All Seasons

Day Of The Jackal helmer Fred Zimmermann made this immensely watchable 1966 film, based on Robert Bolt's play about Sir Thomas More, the chancellor with enough spirit to defy King Henry VIII's increasing heresy.

Robert Shaw plays a great Henry and Paul Scofield won a decidedly-deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Sir Thomas, but Orson Welles' captivating turn as Cardinal Wolsey is a marvel.


The Madness Of King George

Nicholas Hytner's 1994 film is an incisive look at power affected by delirium. Often funny, this is an ultimately tragic tale of royal skulduggery and political machinations.

Sir Nigel Hawthorne (best remembered for playing Sir Humphrey Appleby in Yes Minister) is spectacular in the title role of George III, mental degeneration making the character both proactive and delusional. Ian Holm, Rupert Graves and Queen star Helen Mirren provide enormous support.


Richard III

Obviously, we can't talk royalty without talking Shakespeare, and this 1955 version of his most sordid History remains a celluloid masterwork.

Starring and directed by the inimitable Laurence Olivier, Richard III is all about the wicked king, one of Shakespeare's most sinister villains.

Olivier in the title role and John Gielgud, as Duke George, are simply phenomenal, as is the rest of the supporting cast. The 1950s screen colours are evocative beyond description, befitting of the Bard's most cinematic work.

The King And I

And we must make room for a musical, wherein enter the great Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr) is a widow with a peculiar job. The Englishwoman moves to Siam as a teacher for the children of the King. King Mongkut (Yul Brynner) is inflexible and the two often end up in conflict, but love brews magically in the air. All, of course, is not smooth sailing.

Kerr is glorious in the film, and this is Brynner's most memorable screen appearance, the dynamic actor fabulously blending into the richly textured musical. Unforgettable stuff.

Posted by fathima at 11:22 AM | | Comments

Hottest Link ups doing the rounds of Bollywood

Hottest Link ups doing the rounds of Bollywood

Rani Mukherjee- Aditya Chopra

You can’t call Aditya a ‘mentor’ and Rani his ‘muse’, yet they are the latest high profile couple in Bollywood rumoured to be serious about each other. So close are they that Adi’s marriage (Aditya was married to ) seems to be in troubled waters. Despite this tricky that they find themselves in, both prefer to remain tight-lipped on the status of their alleged romance. Isn’t it time that they came out in the open and cleared all controversies? Ain’t it wrong to put up with such rumours if they (Adi and Rani) think that they have nothing to hide? Won’t their silence be held against them in future? All of these are questions that Aditya and Rani will find difficult to answer with the passage of time. We all are waiting for the doubts to be cleared, aren’t we?


John Abraham - Vidya Balan

Since her advent in Bollywood, Vidya Balan has had her share of link-ups. Right from her debut film, where she was linked with director Pradeep Sarkar to Lage Raho Munnabhai wherein she was said to be close to Sanju, she has forever courted controversy. And now after Salaam-E-Ishq, John is supposedly to have loved working with her and has called her ‘sweet’. Rumour mongers say that both also share an enviable camaraderie which has made Bipasha feel not too comfortable about them.


Abhay Deol- Miniisha Lamba

Ever since they worked together in Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., rumours had it that Abhay and Miniisha were an ‘item’. The Deol dude even went to the extent saying that he had a liking for the lady. But everything was put to rest when the lady herself denied of any romantic inclinations between the two, saying they were ‘just good friends’. Whatever happens, we will surely keep a watch on them.


Dino Morea - Bipasha Basu

If recent gossip about them is to be taken into consideration, then the nature of their relationship seems to be dillydallying from ‘lovers’ to becoming ‘good friends’. Both Bips and Dino who were dating each other at the beginning of their modeling careers have lately been snapped and found to be having a good time all by themselves at various social dos and events. They seem to have acquired a new comfort level with each other that is giving Bipasha’s boyfriend John ( who is shooting someplace far off) enough of ‘sleepless nights’. Looks like John and Bips will have lots to catch up on when he is back from his shooting schedule.


Saif Ali Khan - Bipasha Basu

Being one of the most recent link-ups, Saif and Bips have been spotted enjoying many a cozy evenings together. That too when John (John Abraham and Bipasha Basu have been going steady for 3 years) has been away shooting far away. And the fact that Saif is just reeling back from his break-up with Italian bombshell Roza only makes things look more interesting. Must say, looks like Saif’s moving from one bombshell to another bong babe eh?


Rahul Bose - Raima Sen

This Mr. Iyer always seems to be make quite an impression on his co-stars, whether it is Konkona Sen (Mr and Mrs.Iyer), Mallika Sherawat (Pyaar Ke Side Effects) or Raima Sen who seems to be the latest admirer of his acting (We seem to think its more than acting that this ‘bong’ girl likes about Bose). Raima, who is acting alongside Rahul Bose in Anuranon, can’t stop raving about him and his ‘goody goody’ qualities. Maybe this is a beginning of ‘Friendship blossoming into love’. Let’s wait and watch then, shall we?

Posted by fathima at 11:17 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Girls Gone Wild Sued for Sex Harassment

Girls Gone Wild Sued for Sex Harassment

A former sales representative for Mantra Films Inc. and Girls Gone Wild has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the two companies, their founder, Joe Francis, and another individual.

Tranae Hammond claims in the lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court that she was the victim of repeated acts of sexual harassment by a supervisor named Ron and was fired after coming forward.

Francis, who makes an estimated $29 million a year from videos of young women exposing their breasts and being shown in other sexually provocative situations, wasn't accused of any direct sexual harassment.

The lawsuit alleges he improperly managed the companies and took no steps to investigate or take preventative action against Ron's alleged actions. Ron's last name was listed as "unknown" in the lawsuit.

Francis, 34, is in jail in Reno, Nev., in a federal tax evasion case. He was taken into custody May 14 in Florida after serving a criminal contempt sentence in a separate civil matter.

An e-mail message to a media representative for Mantra Films wasn't immediately returned Tuesday.

According to court papers, Ron touched and massaged Hammond's shoulders and arms, frequently spoke about sex in front of her, and on at least one occasion "tapped (her) buttocks with a clipboard." The actions resulted in creating a hostile work environment, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also seeks class action status for claims including failure to pay overtime, failure to provide required meal and rest periods, and failure to maintain required records.

Posted by fathima at 12:52 PM | | Comments

Monday, July 2, 2007

Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart? 7-Eleven Does

Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart? 7-Eleven Does

Over the weekend, 7-Eleven Inc. turned a dozen stores into Kwik-E-Marts, the fictional convenience stores of "The Simpsons" fame, in the latest example of marketers making life imitate art.

Those stores and most of the 6,000-plus other 7-Elevens in North America will sell items that until now existed only on television: Buzz Cola, KrustyO's cereal and Squishees, the slushy drink knockoff of Slurpees.

It's all part of a campaign to hype the July 27 opening of "The Simpsons Movie," the big-screen debut for the long-running television cartoon, which loves to lampoon 7-Eleven as a store that sells all kinds of unhealthy snacks and is run by a man with a thick Indian accent.

For 20th Century Fox Film Corp. and Homer's creators at Gracie Films, the stunt is a cheap way to call attention to their movie, since 7-Eleven is bearing all the costs, which executives of the retail chain put at somewhere in the single millions.

At 7-Eleven, they're hoping it shows the ubiquitous chain has a trait seen in few corporations the ability to laugh at themselves.

"We thought if you really want to do something different, the idea of actually changing stores into Kwik-E-Marts was over the top but a natural," said Bobbi Merkel, an executive for of 7-Eleven's advertising agency, FreshWorks, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. "It shows they get the joke."

The monthlong promotion has been rumored a long time it's hard to keep a secret known by so many suppliers and franchisees but 7-Eleven managed to keep the locations of the stores quiet until early Sunday morning. That's when the exteriors of 11 U.S. stores and one in Canada were flocked in industrial foam and given new signs to replicate the animated look of Kwik-E-Marts.

The U.S. locations where a 7-Eleven store was transformed into a Kwik-E-Mart are New York City; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Burbank, Calif.; Los Angeles; Henderson, Nev.; Orlando, Fla.; Mountain View, Calif.; Seattle; and Bladensburg, Md.

The idea grew out of conversations between Fox and 7-Eleven's advertising agency.

"We wanted to make sure the movie stands out as a true cultural event this summer," said Lisa Licht, a marketing vice president at Fox. "It has to stand out from other summer movies and TV shows."

The Fox/7-Eleven deal is an example of a practice called reverse product placement. Instead of just putting products prominently in a movie or TV show, fake goods move from the screen to reality.

In some cases, 7-Eleven has contracted with manufacturers of similar products to make their Kwik-E-Mart counterparts. Malt-O-Meal, the Northfield, Minn., cereal maker, will conjure up a recipe for KrustyO's, for example. In others, existing products will simply be renamed. One flavor of 7-Eleven's own Slurpee will be sold as "WooHoo! Blue Vanilla" Squishee for the month.

Other recent examples of reverse product placement include Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, which spun out of the Harry Potter books and movies, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants, which opened after the movie "Forrest Gump." 7-Eleven has done other movie-themed promotions, including one this spring for the latest Spiderman installment.

After Fox pitched a 7-Eleven tie-in last year, representatives from the studio, the stores, and Gracie Films including Simpsons creator Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks, met in Los Angeles to kick around ideas. Brooks added one holding a contest to let one fan be drawn into a future episode of the TV show.

7-Eleven executives loved the idea. They had surveys showing a strong overlap between their customers and fans of the show both tend to be young and male. It sounded like cash registers ringing.

"They've been looking at Squishees and KrustyO's and Buzz Cola for years and have never been able to put their hands on it," said Merkel, the advertising executive.

But they won't find Duff beer, the brand chugged by Homer Simpson. The movie will be rated PG-13, and selling a Simpson-themed beer "didn't seem to fit," said Rita Bargerhuff, a 7-Eleven marketing executive. "That was a tough call, but we want to make sure it's considered good, responsible fun."

Bargerhuff predicted extra sales to Simpsons fans will more than offset the cost of the promotion and create new customers for the chain. She also said the chain is prepared for crowds and will have extra security and clerks at the Kwik-E-Marts.

The promotion, however, is not risk-free. The proprietor of Kwik-E-Mart is a man named Apu who speaks in a heavy Indian accent. He is based on a manager Groening encountered while shopping at a 7-Eleven in Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago and plays to stereotypes about convenience-store operators and Asian immigrants.

Many of 7-Eleven's franchisees are Indian, company officials say, although they say they don't track exact numbers. Bargerhuff said they were "overwhelmingly positive" after hearing of the Kwik-E-Mart idea, but "it was not a 100 percent endorsement."

"There was definitely a concern of offending people," she said. "But they seemed to understand that 'The Simpsons' makes fun of everybody. The vast majority saw this as a great opportunity."

That's the case for Kumar Assandas, a 28-year-old franchisee whose parents immigrated from India. His store in suburban Las Vegas is one of the temporary Kwik-E-Marts.

"I know it's a stereotype, but it doesn't bother me. Everybody knows it's a joke," Assandas said. "I'm a big Simpsons fan myself, and maybe subconsciously it even inspired me to become a 7-Eleven owner."

Posted by fathima at 10:54 AM | | Comments