Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Brisbane to host an historic music event of epic scale

Imagine trying to direct 500 musicians and singers in a two-hour, supposedly cursed symphony.

That's what veteran Queensland maestro conductor John Curro will be doing on Wednesday night at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane.

A sold-out Concert Hall will witness the first performance in 30 years of The Gothic: Havergal Brian's Symphony No. 1.

The Guiness Book of Records recognises the symphony as the longest, largest and most technically difficult ever composed. This is the first time it has been performed outside England.

Concert-goers can thank Brisbane community radio manager Gary Thorpe for bringing it to QPAC.

He was at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1980, and since then his dream has been to bring the logistical nightmare to his home town.

"Brian wrote it really without any thought of performance limitations," Thorpe says.

"He just let his imagination run riot. He didn't really think about the fact it was going to be slightly impractical to perform."

The performance is dedicated to the late Sir Charles Mackerras, an Australian conductor recognised as a national treasure, who died in July this year.

Source http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2010/12/22/3099102.htm?site=brisbane

Monday, December 6, 2010

Trip of a lifetime for Oprah's fans


HUNDREDS of die-hard Oprah fans arrived in Sydney from the United States today ahead of the talkshow host's much anticipated tour of Australia.

Arriving on two Qantas flights between 8 and 9am this morning, the 300-strong audience couldn't hide their excitement as they were quickly ushered through the airport terminal and packed into buses headed for the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney's CBD.

For many this is their first time travelling out of the United States and for some it was their first time on a plane.

The mixed bunch of fans includes 242 woman and 60 men ranging from 18 to 75 years old who come from all over the United States, as well as from Canada.

For Patty Turkess from the southern state of Virginia, who is a "massive" Oprah fan, this is a trip of a lifetime.

Leaving behind her husband, three children and four grandchildren she said she'll miss her family but can't wait for the adventure to begin.

“I want to see the Australian country, experience the culture and all the beautiful people here... everyone is so friendly,'' Ms Turkess said.

“Oprah has made such an impact on my life especially through her 'Best Life' series for woman who have struggled with weight and self-esteem,'' she said.

The fans stepped out onto a red carpet at the Sydney hotel and were greeted at by the Indigenous dance troupe Thullii Dreaming, performing a traditional Aboriginal welcome ceremony.

The guests are unaware of their itinerary and information about their travel plans have been kept top secret by the Oprah crew.

Viewed by Tourism Australia as a great opportunity to showcase Australia to the world, Oprah is set to film everything from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay and the Hunter Valley.

Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/trip-of-a-lifetime-for-oprahs-fans/story-e6frg6n6-1225967008031

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Look out Australia, here comes the Oprah circus

Roll out the red carpet - the Queen is coming.

Oprah Winfrey is set to be afforded foreign dignitary status - something usually reserved for high-ranking politicians - when she visits Australia next week.

Winfrey, according to media reports, will be provided with a police escort and a government security detail when she touches down in Sydney.

Not content with mere celebrity status, the federal government has afforded Winfrey the honour of being a "formal guest of government", which comes complete with bodyguards and police escort vehicles, News Limited reported.

Security will be tight in Sydney's CBD with the prospect of road closures as Winfrey tapes her shows at the Opera House on December 14.

A spokeswoman for NSW Premier Kristina Keneally told News Limited the details of the cost to taxpayers for the trip was "yet to be finalised".

Winfrey will reportedly stay at the Intercontinental Hotel or the Shangri-La - the two highest-security hotels in Sydney.

But she's also looking for an "ordinary" Aussie family to stay with while she's here.

Her producers are said to be scouring the country to find one.

Winfrey will travel with an entourage of around 450 - including a group of specially picked loyal fans and production crew members.

Some audience members will also be taking interstate visits, including shopping in Melbourne.

The Winfrey extravaganza has an estimated price tag of $3 million, but it is likely to cost more.

Tourism NSW has contributed "between $1 million and $2 million" and Tourism Victoria is believed to have contributed in excess of $500,000. The other states have also contributed.

Ten will air the two Australian episodes - likely to be worth millions in promotion for Tourism Australia - in January.

Source http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/look-out-australia-here-comes-the-oprah-circus-20101130-18ej2.html

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

ITV loses Australia's Next Top Model contract over final gaffe

Australia's Next Top Model: Sarah Murdoch reacts afteer announcing the wrong winner

Sarah Murdoch making her slip-up in the Australia's Next Top Model final.

Two months ago Sarah Murdoch's embarrassment at naming the wrong winner of Australia's Next Top Model live on air became a viral hit. Now ITV's Australian production subsidiary has paid the price for the cock-up, losing the Australia's Next Top Model contract, according to a local media report.

The incident, which Murdoch – the show's presenter – said resulted from the wrong name being fed to her via an earpiece, has gone down as one of the biggest screw-ups in reality TV history.

Murdoch is the wife of Rupert Murdoch's eldest son, Lachlan. The Murdoch family part owns the show's broadcaster, Foxtel, through News Corporation.

ITV subsidiary Granada Media Australia has made the past six series of the reality TV show, but Murdoch confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald earlier today that a change in production company was being made.

"Granada produced Australia's Top Model for six years. I worked with them for two years," she said in a statement. "They are a very talented and hard-working crew. But after what happened this year I thought very hard about it and decided it was probably time for a change.''

It is not yet known which production company will take over for the seventh series, but the Sydney Morning Herald suggests that Shine, which is owned by Murdoch's sister-in-law Elisabeth Murdoch, is the favourite.

Source http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/nov/24/foxtel-loses-australias-next-top-model

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Free kick for Foxtel's Xbox 360 service

FOXTEL has created an exclusive sports channel, Fox Sports Play, for its new internet-delivered pay-TV service Foxtel on Xbox 360.

The service, which was developed with Microsoft and is exclusive to Xbox customers who have a subscription to the gaming console's Live online entertainment network, goes live in all Foxtel coverage areas tonight.

The starter pack of 11 channels costs $19.50 a month, on top of the monthly Live Gold subscription fee and the cost of a broadband subscription. Additional packages will offer entertainment, sports and two tiers of movie content at a cost of an extra $10 a month per package.

Foxtel product chief Patrick Delaney said the service would not be available to customers in regional areas as Foxtel's program rights did not allow it.

But the sports channel, which was created specifically for Foxtel on Xbox 360, would include most of the sports for which Foxtel has the internet rights.

"The English Premier League and the A-League (soccer) will be on there,'' Mr Delaney said. "We have paid extra to negotiate those rights. Other than the NRL and the AFL, I think Fox Sports has cleared almost all its sport to be on there.''

Telstra currently holds the internet rights rights for the NRL and AFL, which are set to be negotiated in the next year.

Xbox chief David McLean said the majority of Xbox Live's 500,000-strong customer base would be able to receive the service, which is delivered over the internet via the connection on the Xbox console.

"I estimate 85 per cent or thereabouts of our subscribers will be able to get acess from day one,'' Mr McLean said.

Mr Delaney said discussions were underway to see if the service could be rolled out, via Austar, in regional areas.

To date, no internet service providers have agreed to exempt Foxtel on Xbox 360 from counting towards a subscriber's broadband download cap, which means users may incur extra charges if they go over their limit.

Mr Delaney estimated one standard definition movie would use about 1.3Gb of data.

Subscribers can sign up for the service using their credit card on a month-by-month basis and there is no contract.

Xbox Live customers who don't sign up will still be able to pay to access the company's Foxtel On Demand pay-per-view movie and TV download service.

The service will compete with FetchTV's internet TV service, which will is expected to be available via a number of smaller ISPs for just under $30 a month after an initial establishment cost for the FetchTV box, and Telstra's T-box, which costs $299.

FetchTV's partner ISPs and Telstra's Big Pond will exempt their respective IPTV services from download charges.

Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/free-kick-for-foxtels-xbox-360-service/story-e6frg996-1225951340929

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Veronicas Campaign Against Fur Use With PETA

Aussie pop duo The Veronicas are taking a stand against designers who use fur in their clothing.

Jess and Lisa Origliasso are helping People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in their latest campaign against animal cruelty.

Their campaign features the tagline 'Here's the rest of your fur coat', and includes a poster of the girls holding (fake) skinned rabbits.

Jess and Lisa appeared in Sydney to promote the advertisement.

"Designers that still use fur, to us it is just ignorant, it is unnecessary and it is unacceptable," Jess says.

They hope that they will raise awareness with young people who might think it's cool to wear fur, so that they can understand where fur comes from.

Just looking at The Veronica's PETA poster below is enough to convince us to become vegetarians!

Source http://www.take40.com/news/20662/the-veronicas-campaign-against-fur-use-with-peta

Friday, October 22, 2010

Glambert rocks Sydney

Gay goth rocker Adam Lambert brought his unique musical style to Sydney on Wendesday night, playing to a packed Enmore Theatre.

It was the American Idol runner-up’s second visit to the Sydney in a year, having played the Mardi Gras party earlier this year.

Lambert was in fine form, singing tracks from his album For Your Entertainment and a cover of Ring of Fire.

And there was one particularly lucky audience member who managed to score himself a little Lambert tongue in between songs.

Source http://www.starobserver.com.au/whats-on/2010/10/22/glambert-rocks-sydney/32294

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Australian music sales hit sour note

RECORD sales in Australia have hit an alarming low with a British metal band hitting the No. 1 spot with just 3600 album sales.

British hardcore metal band Bring Me the Horizon made a surprising debut at No. 1 on the ARIA album charts yesterday, with just 3600 copies sold nationally.

This is the lowest sales to achieve a No. 1 album in Australia.

The figure highlights the impact illegal downloading has had on record sales.

As with each album on the ARIA chart, the sales include both physical CD sales and legal online digital sales.

Last week's No. 1 by Linkin Park sold just 4056 copies. Even the new Robbie Williams compilation sold only 2816 copies last week to debut at No. 6.

Sales should pick up this week with the release of new albums by Kings of Leon and John Farnham, who will both battle to be No. 1 next week.

Expected big sellers for Christmas include a "best of" Pink, new albums by Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Rihanna and Jessica Mauboy, and a Susan Boyle Christmas album.

Bring Me the Horizon will tour here in February for the Soundwave festival with their album There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret.

"To have a number one album, in a country we don't even live in, is amazing," frontman Oli Sykes said.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/australian-music-sales-hit-sour-note/story-e6frf96f-1225940393713

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Tropfest 2011 kicks off with YouTube

Filmmakers from across the globe are being encouraged to enter the world’s largest short film festival - the 19th annual Movie Extra Tropfest.

For the first time ever Tropfest are offering to fly finalist filmmakers from outside Australia to attend the huge live event and walk the red carpet in Sydney on Sunday 20 February 2011.

Film buffs from around the world now have an opportunity to unlock the door to stardom by seeing their film screened to hundreds of thousands of film fans across Australia, and international film industry luminaries.

Judges have included Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Toni Collette, Rose Byrne, Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe, Samuel L Jackson, Baz Luhrmann, Keanu Reeves, Sam Neill, Ewan McGregor, Jane Campion, Salma Hayek, and George Miller.

Whether you are a novice or have a few films under your belt, Tropfest is open to anyone who is eager to tell a story through film. All you have to do is grab a camera, a few mates and start shooting your short film.

Entries close on Thursday 6 January 2011.

To enter, all you have to do is create a film that is no longer than seven minutes. In Tropfest tradition, your film must contain the 2011 Movie Extra Tropfest Signature Item - KEY.

As always, Tropfest will be hotly contested with more than 600 entries expected from across Australia and overseas.

For the first time this year entries will be received online through a new partnership with YouTube, making it easier for international entrants by eliminating the need to provide their film on a DVD.

Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson says the Festival is a phenomenal launching pad for filmmakers.

“This year we really want to encourage films from different places around the world. Hopefully the opportunity to come to Australia on us and have your short film screened in front of hundreds of thousands of people around the nation at the many live outdoor events and on the Movie Extra channel, is the right sort of motivation.”

“This year we’ve made the submission process even easier for international filmmakers with our new dedicated Tropfest YouTube channel. So go on and get brain-storming right now and get your submission in soon,” he says.

For the third year in a row, thanks to Tropfest’s Naming Rights Partner, the event will be broadcast live on Subscription TV channel MOVIE EXTRA, taking the fun and excitement of the festival into homes around the country.

Tropfest’s mobile category, Telstra Mobile Masterpieces, is back for the second year giving filmmakers an opportunity to unleash their creativity on their mobile phones. The same rules apply as the main competition, with the winner receiving $5000 cash and a trip to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

2010 winner Abe Forsythe says Tropfest propelled his career. “Winning Tropfest was a fantastic experience. I encourage everyone out there to enter whether you’re a beginner, at film school or if you’re a seasoned professional. It could actually change your life,” he says.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tropfest-2011-kicks-off-with-youtube/story-e6frf7jx-1225938536449

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Kanye West screens his film in Sydney

Kanye West has showcased his new film Runaway to a select audience in Sydney as the rapper completed a worldwide publicity blitz.

The US hip-hop star described making the new 40-minute music video as a "dream come true" after taking to the stage at Fox Studios dressed in a designer tuxedo.

The film is set to songs from his forthcoming album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and has been premiered at similar invite-only shows in Paris, London and Tokyo.

West's directorial debut follows the star's fantastical romance with a feathered phoenix, played by actress and model Selita Ebanks, who falls from the sky and attempts to integrate into his life.

The pair embark on a series of abstract adventures, including a firework parade and banquet turned ballet, with the phoenix slowly realising that her existence on earth is doomed.

After explaining to West that human kind is anything but - "everything that is different you try to change" - she runs away and sets herself in flames.

After the screening on Monday evening West hosted a Q&A session in which audience members quizzed him about the film and his recent work, which includes an internship for Italian fashion house Fendi.

The rapper said Runaway would be the first of several projects combining music and film, and he hoped to emulate the work of Michael Jackson.

He also hopes to reinterpret the film as a theatrical performance intended for Broadway.

West said the film's themes were drawn from fantasy but also inspired by the fallout from his infamous stage storming at the VMA Awards when he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech and declared that Beyonce should have won.

"The story parallels my career and my career burning to the ground," he revealed to the audience of hundreds at Hoyts Cinema.

"For a year and two days now I haven't had a cell phone to get away from the commercial and pop worlds."

The singer behind hits like GoldDigger and Stronger said he had "worked on character flaws" and also promised a musical departure from the Kanye of old, taking hip-hop back to the sounds of A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan in favour of the digital experimentation and autotune that characterised his last album.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be released on November 22.

Source http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/8103906/kanye-west-screens-his-film-in-sydney

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Big Day Out doubles up in Sydney

A SECOND Big Day Out show has been added for Sydney after tickets sold out in minutes on Wednesday morning.

Music fans are being offered the chance to see headliners Tool, Rammstein, Iggy And The Stooges and dozens more acts at a second date on Thursday, January 27.

It's only the third time in the festival's 19 year history that two shows have been staged in one city, after a second Sydney show was added last year.

Big Day Out will also be staged in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide with ticket sales staggered to cope with expected high demand.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/big-day-out-doubles-up-in-sydney/story-e6frf7kf-1225934961151

Monday, October 4, 2010

Parklife does Sydney and Melbourne

The Parklife juggernaut made its two biggest stops over the weekend, with back-to-back shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Saturday saw pristine weather at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, resulting in a festive atmosphere for the afternoon. While AFL tragics were appeased by their own area to watch the grand final, those who came to party were treated to standout sets from Classixx, Medhi, Kele and of course Soulwax, who proved as unstoppable as ever.

The most love, though, was reserved for Missy Elliot, whose bombastic stage show was met with so much adoration that 2manydjs admitted to inthemix they were a bit worried about taking over from there. After a laser-kissed send-off from Groove Armada, it was time to pull up stops and head to Sydney.

Parklife’s original home wasn’t as lucky on the weather front, with frequent spells of rain throughout the afternoon, but it wasn’t enough to dampen spirits. For crowd-amping, the prize had to go to Mixmaster Mike, but he had valiant competition from Busy P’s ‘Busy Pictionary’ antics. The clouds dispersed by the time the Dewaele brothers hit the stage in their 2manydjs guise, and the synched visuals were dazzling in the darkness. It was up to Groove Armada again to provide the Superstylin’ mainstage finish, while across the field The Glitch Mob did their thing in style.

Parklife’s final hurrah for 2010 is in Adelaide on Monday 4 October, and when ITM bailed up Busy P, he said everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest. Check out the photos below!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

'I still feel sick about it': Sarah Murdoch reveals what went wrong

Sarah Murdoch has appeared on television tonight, giving the inside story on just what went wrong when she incorrectly named Kelsey Martinovich the winner of Australia's Next Top Model during the show's live finale.

The host of the Fox 8 reality program said she wasn't told ahead of time who the winner was, instead she was waiting for it to be communicated via her earpiece.

Murdoch said the last information she had received before announcing the winner was "Kelsey one, Amanda two" but when it came time to announce the winner, the host was left hanging.

"I had nothing. It didn't come at that moment through my [earpiece] so I went with what I was last told.

"As far as I knew it was the right call, it was what I had been told."

Martinovich gave a brief thank you speech and Murdoch said she then heard the name 'Amanda' in her ear, so she threw the spotlight over to Amanda Ware, the supposed runner-up.

It was as Ware was giving her concession speech that Murdoch realised what had gone wrong.

"I started to hear a name in my ear, Amanda, Amanda ... and then it was communicated on a card in front of me."

The former model turned TV host said in that moment her only thoughts were of making it right.

Looking back on that moment now, Murdoch said she still feels sick about it and confessed that she hadn't been able to bring herself to watch a playback of the bungle.

Asked to comment on whether the mishap was actually a publicity stunt, Murdoch appeared visibly flustered.

"I don't even know how to answer this question. You can see how close we are with the girls.

"You wouldn't put your worst enemy through the siutation let alone these girls."

Murdoch said she had long been a fan of live television, but joked that perhaps she will stick with pre-records for now.

Source http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/i-still-feel-sick-about-it-sarah-murdoch-reveals-what-went-wrong-20100929-15x97.html

Friday, September 24, 2010

Kerry O'Brien steps away from ABC TV's 7.30 Report

After 15 years of presenting current affairs television, including helping to establish the Lateline program, Kerry O'Brien is resigning from his role as 7.30 Report presenter.

"The main thing I want to do over the next six months or so is find the most time I can to clear my head and contemplate new things," he reveals.

"I've been promising myself this for decades, that I would take time out, look at the rest of my life and maybe think of new things.

"If new things don't come, that's great, but if new things do come, that's great too.

"I'm hoping that a lot of things occur to me as possibilities," O'Brien adds.

One possibility that occurs to him is his replacement being English actress Miriam Margolyes, despite there being a host of suggestions ranging from the serious, such as Steve Cannane, to the absurd, such as Barry Humphries.

As soon as we know who it will be, we'll let you know...

Source http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/09/24/3021531.htm?site=sydney


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Chhedi’s twin in Dabangg 2

He lost the leading role to Salman Khan and ended up playing the villain in Dabangg. But Sonu Sood is not complaining. In fact, the actor who modelled his character on Pappu Yadav, a politico in Bihar, says that he’s looking forward to the sequel, Robinhood Pandey, that will reportedly be set in Mumbai.

Talking about Chhedi Singh and his muse, the actor says that he found Yadav to be a humble guy.

Politically correct
“He took me around Purnia, his constituency, and watching him walk around with his bodyguards and interact with the locals, I was able to conceptualise Chhedi Singh,” says Sood.

He admits that Yadav, who is currently in prison, is yet to see the film. “His family saw Dabangg and enjoyed it, I’ve been informed. They liked my performance particularly the way I’ve incorporated some of Pappuji’s mannerisms,” beams Sood, adding that he’s been told that Yadav’s family is trying to arrange for him to see the film soon.

Remind him about the line, ‘Hum tum mein itne chhed karenge ki confuse ho jaaoge ki saans kahaan se le aur paadein kahan se’ that raises a guffaw everytime and Sood says, “The dialogue came from both Salman and me, along with director Abhinav Kashyap. I felt that we should allude to the word ‘chhed’ (hole) since my name is Chhedi Singh in the film. Salman added the rest in jest and Abhinav polished up the line by adding ‘confuse ho jaaoge’ to complete it.”

Hitting the right note
He says that the instant connection to the word ‘chhed’ has helped him. “When an actor is known by his character’s name, it means that the audience has connected with him,” Sood reasons.

Buzz is that the chartbusting Munni badnaam hui... was to be picturised on Malaika Arora Khan and him but Salman walked into it.

“Untrue. Chhedi is enjoying the song, and Chulbul who’s after him lands up there and joins in the reverlry. That’s how the screenplay went,” the actor explains.

Sood asserts that the Dabangg team is upbeat about the sequel and at his Eid party, Khan even asked him to suggest a name for Chhedi’s twin.

“Since we are moving to Mumbai, I suggested Ganpat Singh,” he beams. The sequel should release by the end of 2011.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chhedi-s-twin-in-Dabangg-2/Article1-600846.aspx

Friday, September 10, 2010

Prolific producer Ramanaidu gets Phalke award

Pushing 74, Daggubati Ramanaidu was shooting a film in Araku off Visakhapatnam on Thursday when the veteran producer learned about his being conferred with the country’s biggest honour in the field of cinema: the Dadasaheb Phalke award.

A joyous Ramanaidu termed it an honour for Andhra Pradesh.“This is the most satisfying moment of my life,” gushed Naidu, the country’s most prolific film producer, who has entered the Guinness Book of World records for producing not only the maximum number of films (130), but also for doing it in the maximum number of languages. “I’m thankful to the people of my state and my film-industry colleagues,” he said.

The 2009 award, to be presented next month during the International Film Festival of India at Goa, comprises a ‘Swarn Kamal’, a purse of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl.

Ramanaidu was born into an agriculture family in Prakasam district’s Karamchedu, where he did his schooling before graduating from Presidency College in Chennai — a city to which he moved to in 1962 on the advice of actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. There, his visits to the Andhra Club in Chennai helped him strike a rapport with celebrities like Ramana Reddy and Relangi. Soon he attempted film production.

The debut was a success. Ramudu Bheemulu, with legendary NTR in the lead, was a blockbuster.

But it was Nageswara Rao-starrer 'Premnagar' (1971) that established Ramanaidu in the industry. “If 'Ramudu Bheemudu' was the seed (for my success), 'Premnagar' was the tree,” he famously said. In 1986, he migrated to Hyderabad, where he built the eight-acre Rama Naidu Studio. An ex-MP from Bapatala, Ramanaidu has won numerous awards, including the AP state award committee’s special award, Indian Panorama and LV Prasad Gold Medal. His 'Asukh' (Bengali) won the National Award for the Best Film in 1999.But he is not one who rests on his laurels. “I have produced films in almost all major Indian languages, except Punjabi. I plan to do that soon,” he said.

Source http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/news/prolific-producer-ramanaidu-gets-phalke-award/205596.html

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Murali’s death a big loss to Southern film industry

Murali hailing from Karnataka was a darling of Tamil films for nearly 26 years. He acted in films of Shivaji Ganesan, Mammootty, Sarathkumar, Vijayakanth and others. He took to Tamil films when there was tough competition and when there were so many stars in the industry. With top stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijaykanth, Sathayaraj, Karthik and scores of others in Tamil industry during the 80s, Murali’s selection of subjects and choosing roles of one among the masses earned him laurels even in remote villages of Tamil Nadu.

Murali’s first film in Kannada was Prema Parva directed by his father Siddalingaiah. After completing Prema Parva, he boarded a train to Chennai to act as hero in Poovilangu, his first Tamil film. But it was Porkalam that gave him recognition as an actor. Murali was in Bangalore last month to introduce his son to Kannada film media. Sitting with his father and son, he spoke on various topics, recollecting his younger days. He also shared memories about being teased for his dark complexion. He planned to return in October this year to introduce his son in Kannada films.

Murali’s well known Kannada films are Ajeya, Prema Gange, Thayikotta Thali, Sambavami Yuge Yuge and Ajay-Vijay. But his Tamil film Idayam with Heera lingers in the minds of many. His role in Idayam touches all with a subtle romantic touch.

Murali was popular for his simple and beautiful manners. He was all set to come back in En Raasi Nalla Raasi (My star is a good star). But death intervened in the plans of this great actor who was born on 19th May 1964. Murali’s death at age 46 is really shocking. This dark charmer was a romantic hero with no action image, a simple person with millions of fans. His death is a great loss for Southern film industry.

The last function Murali attended was the wedding of Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya.

Source http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/_Murali_death_a_big_loss_to_Kannada_film_industry__41904.html

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

My tears are for real, says Priyanka Chopra

Fear Factor 3 host Priyanka Chopra says she actually felt sorry for participants who had to go.

For the past few weeks, Priyanka Chopra has been shooting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Fear Factor 3 - Khatron Ke Khiladi. The actress's first tryst with the small screen is proving to be both fun and exhausting. With two stunts to be shot daily, the star has had no time to indulge in sightseeing and retail therapy. She has to be present on the Colors show sets every moment - even as the contestants do their stunts. There is no break as she goads them to perform better.

One of the stunts was shot in a chocolate factory in Rio (where parts of The Incredible Hunk was filmed). PC wears a colourful short dress and is full of life as she jokes with the crew members and participants when the camera is not whirring.

But she can't talk. It's only when she is zooming to another location in Rio for another shoot that she can. In the car while opening a mineral water bottle, the actress spills water on her dress. "Oh I always do this," she coos as we ask her...

Question: Suddenly there are too many B-Town stars at the same time on the small screen.
Priyanka: Yes, but I'm currently the first to say yes to a reality show and also the first as to go on air. So I stand at number 1!

Question: How afraid are you of the much-dreaded TRPs that make or mar a show?
Priyanka: All this while, I used to dread Fridays, that is the time when we would know our movie's opening collections. Now it is going to dreadful Wednesdays for me - that is when I will know the television rating points.

Question: Tears (faked or otherwise) are an integral part of a reality show. Do you see yourself sobbing for participants who have to go?
Priyanka: Like most others, I used to think that the tears aren't for real. But now after having gone through it, I can say that they are. I have shed tears when one of the participants had to go. I was sorry for him and suddenly my eyes welled up while the camera was on.

Question: Were you disappointed when the original choice (cricketers) on the show fizzled out?
Priyanka: Not exactly. If there had been only cricketers on the show, then they would be all be talking about the same stuff, now as the participants belong to different fields there is more variety.

Question: Have you overcome any of your fears during the shoot?
Priyanka: From childhood, I used to suffer from arachnophobia - a fear of spiders. I dreaded them. But now after having held them in my hand for Fear Factor, I've overcome that fear.

Question: What was the main reason you agreed to host Fear Factor?
Priyanka: My family - my parents and my brother were kicked about it. They are regular viewers. There was no way I could have said no to it.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100152377&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood&nid=50165&pfrom=Movies

Thursday, September 2, 2010

We are Family review: Kajol & Kareena make it worth the tears

It's all about loving your family: A famous quote by Karan Johar that gave enough fodder for teasing and spoofing his emotional stance!

Quite natural, then, for Johar to adapt Hollywood's Stepmom into a Hindi multi-starrer and naming it We are Family.

The characters live in Australia, yet constantly speak impeccable Hindi. It's a spooky world where little girls are gifted tiaras and wands, and the boys (wearing glasses, naturally) are presented books and telescopes. The demarcation is clear; and the story cements itself as an old-fashioned, sexist one.

We see divorced couple Aman (Arjun Rampal, half-awake) and Maya (Kajol) at their child's school annual day. Their little girl Anjali (cute as a biutton, Diya Sonecha), in the middle of the act on stage, spots her mom in the audience and says 'Mama, hiii!'. It’s a touching moment, and the film has a few more.

Aman's character is a mixed one: He's clearly not a hands-on dad, preferring to meet his three children over the weekends. He also insensitively chooses little Anjali's birthday to introduce his new girlfriend Shreya (Kareena Kapoor) to the family.

So while you dislike him for a display of insensitivity to everyone in his life, you admire his faithful friendship towards his ex-wife, even as he drops everything to be with her when she's diagnosed with a terminal illness. Maya then hits upon the idea of warming up her kids to Shreya whom they hate, so she can take over as their replacement mom.

But the dialogue is a let-down. Each character keeps saying, "Tum aisa nahin kar sakti, you can't die," to Maya, as if it were a choice.

And then, when Maya is convincing Shreya to give taking care of the kids a shot, Shreya shoots back, "Main ek career-woman hoon, mom-type nahin." It’s a ridiculous bit of dialogue; outdated and one that an entire span of working mothers will wonder over.

Again, the whole trip about the urgency of finding a substitute mother is strange when they have their father hale- and-hearty. It again reinforces the cliche that you need another woman to pack the kids' lunch and pick them up from school, and the father, however he may love the kids, just can't manage.

The reason why Karan Johar choose an average film made 12 years ago, among several path-breaking Hollywood films, is clear. It has amble potential to bring out the tears.

And this film is an unabashed attempt at extracting your sniffs and sobs, and sometimes the effort at doing so is too apparent.

The manipulation shows in scenes like the one where the kids are ushered in to see their mother, all tubes and pipes, on a hospital bed. The strategy works; you do cry but not whole-heartedly, more as a reflex response to the sobbing faces onscreen. In fact, you might let out a tired laugh when the effort goes overboard.

The drone about the teen child who everyone keeps saying will be the "most beautiful bride in the world" is bizarre. Their obsession with this 13-year-old's marriage takes a new height when the film chooses to fold with it, where we see an aged Rampal, and an exactly-the-same Kareena (in this biased Bollywood trend where women simply don't age; another example: 3 Idiots) at the wedding of this girl.

The Kareena-Kajol combo is explosive, and the high-point of the film. Their altercations are delicious; one wishes there were more such complexities instead of the syrupy gloop. You care about Maya's character in the first place (the only character that really makes an impact) because no one can exude a warmth, and smile as expressively, emotionally, widely, and honestly as Kajol. Kareena’s character is a bit wobbly with inconsistencies. But the actress is in full form, brimming with fire. Arjun Rampal gives a damp performance.

Debut director Siddharth Malhotra serves us old wine in a new, expensive bottle. It's evident in the characterisation, the dated dialogue, and the choice of the heavy-duty background score where you hear a woman's alaap for the most part; a mainstay in our saas-bahu soaps. If you’ve been pining for an old-fashioned tear-jerker, this one's for you.

Source http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14955447&ctid=5&cid=2425

Monday, August 30, 2010

Nagesh Kukunoor thanks his brother for Aashayein

Nagesh Kukunoor was inspired to make Aashayein, a film revolving around cancer patients, because of his brother Dr Rajesh Kukunoor, an oncologist based in Arizona, USA.

The conversations the director had with his sibling served as the reference point for the John Abraham-Sonal Sehgal starrer.

Says the director, "My brother often related the case histories of his patients to us at home. He would tell us that it was never easy having conversations with them and gauging the way they would respond."

He adds, "It was intriguing to know how these people responded.

In fact, the cool dudes would end up being the weakest while the ones who appeared scared and nervous were the ones who showed the greatest resilience!"

Kukunoor, however, has not based his film on any one particular patient his brother treated. "I have woven together several case histories I heard for the movie's subject."

He points out that it is easy for a fun, comic film to find an audience but it is heartening when you take an alternate subject (like Aashayein) and find the same.

Source http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20100151493&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=48184

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Raksha Bandhan, Its Essence And Significance

Raksha Bandhan is one of the widely celebrated Indian festivals. The term 'Raksha' means 'protection' and 'Bandhan' means, 'bond'. The underlying essence of the Hindu ideals of love and harmony is portrayed in all the festivals which are reminders of the oneness in all beings.

There are numerous legends associated with Raksha Bandhan. Though with time it has come to practice that Raksha Bandhan is observed for brotherly and sisterly affection, in the earlier days it was for all relationships at large. It was tied by wives, daughters, mothers and Rishis as well to people who approached them for protection.

As per the popular legend, Indra sought the advice of Brihaspati or Guru to vanquish the demons when he almost lost the battle with them. Guru Brihaspati and Indrani his wife tied a sacred thread around his wrist on the auspicious Shravan Poornima day, after which he emerged victorious in the war. Hence Raksha Bandhan came to be celebrated on the Shravan Poornima day.

An episode from the Mahabharata also is associated with Raksha Bandhan. Draupati tore her silk sari and tied it around the bleeding finger of Lord Krishna, who got hurt in the process of slaying the evil 'Sari'. Lord Krishna's grace in averting the disgrace to Draupati getting disrobed by the Kauravas explains his compassion owing to her brotherly affection for Him.

Raksha Bandhan could also have had its source in the legend associated with King Bali. Lord Vishnu, pleased with the devotion of Bali, left Vaikunta to safe guard his devotee's kingdom. Goddess Lakshmi unable to suffer the pangs of separation from her Lord, disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and stayed in the palace of King Bali, tying a thread around his wrist, symbolising her brotherly affection for him. King Bali moved by the Lord's compassion, sent him back to Vaikunta with Lakshmi owing to the sisterly affection for her that blossomed from the tying of Rakhi.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration

Raksha Bandhan which is observed on Shravan Poornima day, in the month of August, now celebrates the brotherly and sisterly relationship across the country, irrespective of confining it to celebrate among blood related siblings. It has thus become a social celebration now crossing the barriers of religion, caste and creed.

It is a physical representation of the emotional binding of siblings. Sisters tie the thread of Rakhi around the wrist of their brothers seeking their love and protection. Brothers in turn give gifts to their sisters as a mark of authenticating their affection and protection amidst festivities and celebrations.

The Essence and Significance of Raksha Bandhan

The celebration of Rakha Bandhan has its origin in religion and stretches further beyond its boundaries for a broader view of universal brotherhood which paves way for universal oneness.

Love is the underlying essence of every religion. Unconditional love for all beings can be realised when one understands his true self, the spiritual self or the 'Atman' which is the same in all beings and which stretches beyond all seeming disparities.

Raksha Bandhan stands as the foremost among all festivals, celebrating unconditional love and universal harmony. Spiritual oneness, the ultimate end of observing rituals and festivals is thus recognised by the observance of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan thus serves as a reminder of our true nature, the real self which is lost in the apparent differences. So let us observe the rituals of the festival and celebrate it keeping in mind its essence, its true spiritual import.

Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/raksha-bandhan-essence-significance-rakhi-240810.html

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Significance Of Onam

Onam is the most important and awaited festival of Kerala where the traditional aspects of the state unravels in fullest measure. Apart from being the harvest festival, ushering in a mood of celebration, it commemorates the golden reign of King Mahabali, the benevolent king of the Keralites.

The Vamana Avatara of Lord Mahavishnu is associated with the Onam festival of Kerala. As per a version of the legend, Indra and the Gods who ruled the heavens were in fear of King Bali's unparalled golden reign in Kerala. Hence they sought the aid of Mahavishnu who took the form of a Vamana (dwarf) and requested three steps of land from Bali. King Bali, extremely benevolent in nature,immediately agreed to materialise the need of the Vamana despite the dissuasion of his Guru Sukracharya. Immediately the Vamana (Mahavishnu) assumed a gigantic form and crossed over the heaven, the earth and the other worlds in just two steps. In order to keep up the promise, King Bali offered himself to the Vamana who pressed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him into the nether world at his third step.

The same legend is attributed to King Bali in another version. It is said that King Bali's pride owing to his glorious rule was checked by Lord Mahavishnu, by sending him to the nether world. Thus it is highlighted that pride arising out of virtuous deeds will also have to be shunned.

However the Lord being pleased with Bali's adherence to keeping up his word, allowed him to visit his land once a year. Hence Onam is the festival celebrated to welcome their benevolent King Bali by the Malayalees.

Onam Festivities

Feast and festivities are a part of Onam.'Thiruvonam' falls in the month of August/September every year. Onam is celebrated for ten days. The cultural and traditional aspects of Kerala is joyfully and colourfully represented in the celebrations associated with it. Pookalam, the multicoloured flower arrangements, Vallamkali, the snake boat race , the procession of caprisoned elephants and various dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, Kaduvakali, Kathakali etc are some of the important events that take place every year. The traditional Onam Sadhya, an array of delicious native Kerala dishes, spread on the banana leaf to be savoured is an integral and important part of the celebration.

The Symbolism in Onam

The story of King Mahabali highlights the element of self surrender. It represents the principle of Advaita Vedanta or Non-duality which is attained at the end of spiritual surrender. The gesture of king Bali surrendering himself to the Lord represents total surrender. The Lord placing his feet on the head of King Bali is symbolic of crushing the ego or banishing the non self which is the ultimate end of all spiritual endeavours resulting in spiritual enlightenment. The Lord Himself calls the King, 'Mahabali', 'Maha' meaning 'Mighty' and 'Bali' meaning 'Sacrifice'. Effortless sacrifice is one with surrender which brings forth enlightenment or oneness. Once when the ego is crushed, all that remains is pure bliss. The celebration of Onam thus marks the celebration of oneness with the supreme which results in ualloyed joy or bliss.

May we thus understand the significance of Onam and enjoy the celebrations comprehending its underlying essence.

Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/onam-significance-mahabali-legend-kerala-230810.html

Friday, August 20, 2010

Aamir Khan helps rebuild Leh school

Aamir Khan along with Hindustan Construction Company reached Leh to reconstruct the school in Leh where the last scenes of 3 Idiots were shot’. The school had got almost destroyed because of recent mudslide.

The London-based Drupka Trust, which runs The Druk White Lotus School, featured in the film, had approached the company to help it clear the mud and sludge. The school is located at Shey, about 15 km from here on the Leh-Manali highway.

"HCC India has deployed heavy earth moving equipment and several engineers to help the Druk White Lotus School, we have a team of 75 people working at the school who are clearing the mud." HCC General Manager, Niyati Sareen said.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Anil Ambani's Reliance and CBS to launch 3 TV Channels

Anil Ambani's Reliance Broadcast Network (RBN) with a joint venture with US' CBS Studios is all set to launch three English, General Entertainment Channels (GEC) in India with an aim to roll out multiple television channels in the country.

The joint venture is called the Big CBS Networks and will target the English-speaking audiences in India. The three channels such as BIG CBS Prime, a premium English general entertainment channel, BIG CBS Spark. While BIG CBS focuses on the youth and Love, an English entertainment channel is meant for women.

According to Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network, the English GEC space is long way to go from the ground level in the market. But the move targets at an upper SEC audience for the good response.

As the R26, 000 crore television market in India always extends its hand for booming, the three channels from RBN and CBS Studios will be paid on the subscription-based growth to be available for other DTH players along with Reliance-owned DTH Company.

Source http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/business/3449-anil-ambanis-reliance-and-cbs-to-launch-3-tv-channels.html

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

A. R. Rahman asks media to project 'positive image' of Commonwealth Games

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who has composed the theme song of the Commonwealth Games, said that he was pained by the negative publicity for the mega sporting event.

Appealing to the media to present a positive image of the Games, Rahman said: "It is my humble request to you (media) to present a positive image of the Games to the international community."

"Hundreds of people are working day and night for making the Games successful. People across the world are asking if India will be able to hold them successfully… so kindly bring a positive image to the Games," said the music maestro.

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Independence Day address in which he said the Oct 3-14 Games would be a "national festival".

"With 30 days to go for the opening of the Games village, we are confident of a great Games," Kalmadi said.

With the delay in preparations and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asian Games, Manmohan Singh issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Games be made ready in time and meet international standards.

Source http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14953526

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Teej Festival 2010 Begins

The Teej festival begins from today i.e. 12th August, 2010. This festival marks prosperity and greenery.

This festival is mostly observed by the women praying for a good harvest and cherishing the end of summer season. Teej is celebrated in the Shravan month. During this season, green coloured dresses are worn by women with green bangles. A very unique thing about this celebration is that the women sway in splendidly decorated swings suspended from trees. Happy songs are sung to praise Mother Nature so that prosperity prevails in the households.

There is a belief that during this season, Lord Shiva’s wife Goddess Parvati celebrated her matrimony with the Lord Shiva.

Married women fast and pray in this season and even unmarried girls fast praying for a good husband.

Source http://www.india-server.com/news/teej-festival-2010-begins-31817.html

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Priyanka’s heart goes out for slum girls

Priyanka Chopra has always been in to promoting girl child education but now that she’s officially associated with UNICEF she is planning to go a step ahead. As a brand ambassador, she believes if she can influence masses she should use her star power. So, she is now planning to go door to door to speak to various families in small towns and villages. She is also planning to conduct lectures for them. The actress also made efforts to go to slums and meet the girls to understand the problem from grassroots level. While sharing her experience she said that it is indeed sad to see so many girls being subjected to work or get married at tender age instead of seeking education.

She hopes that all the parents would think like her parent who have brought her up to become an independent woman but is disappointed to know that even affluent families in the city like Mumbai do not give importance to the education of their girl child.


Source http://movies.indiainfo.com/priyankas-heart-goes-out-for-slum-girls-1512133.html

Monday, August 9, 2010

Property prices go up in Peepli

Though Anusha Rizvi’s Peepli Live, produced by Aamir Khan, was shot in an obscure village called Badwai in Bhopal, it has turned out to be a blessing for a village in another part of the country. Located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in Aligarh district, a village called Peepli, which shares its name with the title of Rizvi’s debut directorial venture, has become a hotspot for property in the last 20 days.

At the same time, the number of marriage proposals for the eligible men and women of the village have seen a sharp increase.

Peepli LiveFor the first week, the villagers of the 4500-strong rural area, were bewildered at the sudden interest of the world in their village. On enquiry, they learnt that Aamir Khan’s movie had brought on this phenomenon.

Says the town’s sarpanch, Giriraj Singh, “We were surprised at what was happening, because people from cities as far as Mumbai were buying property in our village. We thought it was because there is an expressway near Peepli. We later found out that there was a movie based on our village, which spiked people’s interest.” Singh reveals that the property prices in Peepli have now doubled.

He also adds that because people are under the impression that the movie was shot there, they want to marry their sons and daughters to Peepli’s singletons.

“We have more proposals than bachelors and spinsters in our village now,” Singh says. The villagers from Peepli have now sent an invitation to the man responsible for this “miracle” – Aamir Khan. “We will give him a warm welcome, sings songs in his honour and put up skits for his entertainment if he comes,” Singh reveals.

“But he hasn’t replied yet.” Whether or not he comes, the villagers plan to travel together 10 kilometres away to cinemas in Aligarh or Faridabad to watch the movie that releases on Friday. “We have seen Lagaan and we know Peepli Live will be as good as that too,” Singh says.

Khan was unavailable for comment but his official spokesperson confirmed that he received the invitation, and will respond to it soon.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Property-prices-go-up-in-Peepli/Article1-584172.aspx

Friday, August 6, 2010

3 Idiots beats Ghajini, again

This time the competition was on TV. Sony Entertainment’s world TV premiere of Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots has scored 10.9 points on the TRP chart this week, beating Ghajini’s TV premiere score of 8 points approximately in mid-2009 on Colors.

Sony jumped 108 points from last week. It has touched the 270 points mark, its highest in the last 18 months. Compared to last week’s 312 points, Colors has scored 289 points this week, and is just 19 points ahead of Sony, which is now its closest competitor.

3 IdiotsIncidentally, Salman Khan’s entry into the Colors camp and Amitabh Bachchan’s entry into the Sony camp has also happened only recently. How does Sony Entertainment plan to continue its race for the top slot?

Ajit Thakur, EVP and business head, Sony, says, “With all our daily shows and reality capsules doing well, we’ll crack it before Kaun Banega Crorepati starts in October. The industry speculated that we’d climb just 30-40 points. But 108 points came as an eye-opener for many, including our top competitors.”

The war gets hotter in October. Sony Entertainment has Bachchan hosting KBC 4. Akshay Kumar will host Master Chef on Star Plus and Salman Khan will anchor Bigg Boss 4 on Colors.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/3-Idiots-beats-Ghajini-again/Article1-583012.aspx

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sonam, Anil to grace DID L'il Masters finale

Bollywood father-daughter duo Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor will be special guests at the grand finale of Zee TV's Dance India Dance L'il Masters to be held in Pune Saturday. They will be promoting their film Aisha, releasing Friday. The grand finale, to be held at Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, will see four finalists - Pune-based Vaishnavi Patil, Jeetumoni from Assam, Manoj and Atul, competing against each other to be ultimately crowned as Dance Ka Baap.

The show started with 16 children, judged by ace choreographers Farah Khan and Sandip Soparrkar.

A lot of people from various parts of Maharashtra like Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Satara, Sangli, Aurangabad and Kolhapur will get an opportunity to witness the event live as part of the channel's initiative to connect with its viewers at the ground level.

Among those present on the finale will be veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, the children's mentors - Dharmesh, Jay, Mayuresh-Vrushali and Amrita.

Choreographers Remo D'souza, Geeta Kapoor and Terence Lewis, who provided encouragement to the contestants on various stages, will also be present.

Anil's younger daughter Rhea Kapoor has produced Aisha while Sonam plays the lead alongside actors like Abhay Deol, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh, Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri and Lisa Haydon.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sonam-Anil-to-grace-DID-L-il-Masters-finale/Article1-582607.aspx

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Aamir Khan’s Peepli Live Gets International Recognition

Aamir’s Peepli Live is already taking the world by surprise even before its release. Aamir Khan’s forthcoming venture has already bagged a major worldwide recognition. The movie has been dubbed the Best First Feature Film at the 31st Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.

The film is a political satire and has been directed by debutante director Anusha Rizvi. There are no big names in the movie; in fact, the characters have been played by fresh faces who have never appeared on the silver screen. The movie explores with wit the social and political consequences that occur after famers’ suicides.

The jury of the Durban International Film Festival that was held from July 22 – August 1 could not stop praising the movie. Aamir Khan Productions was also extremely elated at the recognition especially since this is Rizvi’s maiden directorial venture.

Peepli Live is a story about a village named Peepli and its impecunious farmers – Natha played by Omkar Das Manikpuri and Budhia played by Raghubir Yadav. Just when they are about to lose their land because of their heavy debts, a politician suggests that they should commit suicide to get the attention of the government. The movie has been crafted in a way that the audience will love how politics has been mixed with enchanting wit and humour. The film also has actors like Naseruddin Shah, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer, Vishal O. Sharma, Aamir Bashir, Sitaram Panchal and Yugal Kishore.

Peepli Live is going to release on August 13. This is Aamir Khan’s fourth film as a producer after Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (2001), Taare Zameen Par(2007) and Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na(2008).

Source http://www.thefirstreporter.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-peepli-live-international/

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Salman to host Big Boss 4

After all the buzz that superstar Shah Rukh Khan is going to host the next season of "Bigg Boss", it is now confirmed that his arch rival Salman Khan has been roped in to replace megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the fourth season of the popular reality show.

"Salman Khan has been finalised as the host of the next season. We will announce the development officially soon," a source from entertainment channel Colors told IANS.

Earlier, grapevine was rife that either Shah Rukh or Akshay Kumar are being zeroed in on as the "Bigg Boss 4" host since Amitabh gave a nod to the upcoming season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", to be aired on Sony. But now Salman's entry on the show will be officially announced at an event in Mumbai Tuesday evening.

Considering that the channel has plans to launch the show in October, there might also be a clash with "Kaun Banega Crorepati 4", the promos of which have already gone on air.

However, the source said: "We are not sure when exactly will the show go on air, but we plan to launch it in October for sure. The dates are still to be worked out."

"Bigg Boss" is the Indian version of popular British reality show "Big Brother". It has celebrity contestants locked in a house under the surveillance of multiple cameras for a period of three months without any contact with the outside world.

Its past three seasons were hosted by Arshad Warsi, Shilpa Shetty and Amitabh, respectively.

Source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Salman-to-host-Big-Boss-4/articleshow/6251739.cms

Monday, August 2, 2010

Vivek Oberoi to marry politician's daughter

Vivek Oberoi has put behind his image as a casanova by agreeing to an arranged marriage to a politician's daughter. The actor has been linked to a bevy of women including Bollywood's reigning queen Aishwarya Rai, Neeru Bajwa and Vidya Balan. Prior to that, he was in a four-year relationship with Gurpreet Gill.

Vivek's bride-to-be Priyanka Alva is a business management graduate from London. She is the daughter of danseuse and social worker Nandini Alva, wife of former Karnataka Minister and senior Janata Dal leader Jeevaraj Alva.

VivekVivek's parents Suresh and Yashodhara have arranged the match between Vivek and Priyanka.

Vivek Oberoi who has over the years acquired the reputation of being quite a ladies man has finally decided to tie the knot. The wedding, according to reliable sources, is on October 29, two months after Vivek's 34th birthday.

Gone are the days of Vivek serenading women with his charms.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Sonam has a near wardrobe malfunction

Sonam Kapoor's lose pants gave her a nightmare at a promotional event of her upcoming film Aisha and she had to keep pulling them up. At a promotional event of her film Aisha at a radio station, Sonam Kapoor was dancing and interacting with her fans and the usual crowd of admirers and technicians when her pants started slipping.

She kept pulling them up again and again, but finally had to pin her trousers. While pulling her pants, the actress however is seen grinning in this photograph (Right).

SonamBut given her impeccable style sense, we are surprised as to why she didn't try on her pants before a public appearance. That could have saved her the embarrassment.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sonam-has-a-near-wardrobe-malfunction/Article1-579349.aspx

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Shahrukh extends hand of friendship to Thackeray

Friendship day is still to come, but looks like the friendship feeling has already struck the heart of the Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan. This was proved when people saw today's newspaper Saamna (Shiv Sena mouth piece), and found a half page advertisement by Shahrukh Khan wishing Uddav Thackeray on his 50th birth anniversary. The advertisement read "With Best Compliments From...Red Chillies Entertainment."

The tiff between Shiv Sena and the Bollywood super star Shahrukh Khan has made quiet a few headlines in the past. The recent one being Shiv Sena's protest against the release of Shahrukh's film My Name Is Khan. The party was upset with Khan, for speaking in favour of the Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League.

This time the news is not about the fight but about the friendship offered by the Bollywood Superstar. Hope that the peaceful hand shake from Shahrukh Khan with the Shiv Sena man will surely be accepted by the Marathi Manus.

Source http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2010/shahrukh-friendship-uddav-thackeray-280710.html

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Female don threatens Ajay Devgn

When director Milan Luthria decided to film his don drama, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, in real locations in the city, he did not anticipate a female don landing up at a seedy bar on Raey Road, on the last day of the schedule. Reportedly, she had come to meet Ajay Devgn and strolled to his van that was parked some distance away. An attendant then informed her that the star had already packed up and left. Upset, she abused, and even slapped the guy.

Luthria admitted that the story was true and says that she even threatened to burn down Ajay’s van unless they paid up. “Since Ajay’s van is worth a lot more than what she wanted, we eventually had to give in to her demand,” he says, refusing to disclose how much money exchanged hands. “The production team had sorted the issue out by the time I reached the place.”

Luthria met the godmother later and was surprised that someone so thin and wiry could wield so much power and evoke such fear. The experience didn’t deter Luthria from returning to shoot there again, when high tide prevented an action sequence from being filmed on a barge.

There was trouble in Dongri, too, when he was shooting with Emraan Hashmi. Hashmi’s character, Shoib, is modeled on Dawood Ibrahim who had grown up there and the locals were curious to meet him. Luthria recalls that two rival gangs were getting a little too close, so the security guards were asked to push them back.

“I’m told that an argument flared up between them and our production guys, who were caught in between, were bashed up and a couple of cars were damaged,” says Luthria, who admits that it was an effort to not say anything provocative in the circumstances. “These are secluded areas with the sea bordering one side and a narrow gully the only way out. I knew that if things heated up, we could be hemmed in.”

Luthria is all praise for his actors who didn’t complain that their vans had to be parked some distance away, that there were no restrooms and even a sandwich was a 15 minutes walk away. “But,” says Luthria, “When you see the film, you’ll agree that it had to be shot on real locations.”

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Female-don-threatens-Ajay-Devgn/Article1-578304.aspx

Monday, July 26, 2010

Salman’s ‘Dabangg’ Creates Buzz On twitter

Salman Khan

Imran Khan, Preity Zinta, Ritesh Deshmukh and so on, everybody is expressing their views on twitter after seeing its first look. The movie is expected to succeed like ‘Wanted’ although this time Salman Khan plays the role of a corrupt cop.

Dressed up as cop with a moustache on his face, Salman Khan looks perfectly like the cops of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. ‘Dabangg’ showcases Salman as a police officer, but as a corrupt one. The other celebrities have however encouraged and appreciated his different role and get up.

Imran Khan tweets, “Just saw the Dabangg trailer! It looks like SUCH a fun movie. @BeingSalmanKhan is in top form, kicking ass, cracking jokes and dancing.”

Meanwhile, quite a lost face of Bollywood Preity Zinta also tweeted, “Dabangg promo rocks! Just saw it and really liked it!”

Sonakshi SInha, the daughter of Shatrughan Sinha and the lead lady of ‘Dabangg’ is really excited about her debut movie. She also tweets, “Spoke to 1 of my fav actresses - the awesome Rani Mukherji last nite. Said she loved the Dabangg trailer and me in it! on top of the world!'

Even Karan Johar encouraged Sonakshi and added, “'You are looking lovely and have rendered that one line superbly in DABANGG!! Welcome to the movies girl!!!”

Ritesh Deshmukh also appreciated the movie’s trailer and tweets, “'DABANGG's first look: Promo of the Year. This year EID will b BIG, Extremely happy 4 my friend and Mr. Producer @arbaazSkhan- ROBINHOOD PANDEY!'

Quite a lot about the third Khan of the film industry, who is desperately looking for the success of the movie, after his last failure ‘Veer’.

Source http://www.india-server.com/news/salmans-dabangg-creates-buzz-on-twitter-30830.html

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Anil Kapoor takes the ramp at Couture Week

He may have turned the big 50, but actor Anil Kapoor shows no signs of slowing down as he will walk the ramp for designer Anamika Khanna at the ongoing Pearls Infrastructure Projects Ltd (PIPL) Delhi Couture Week to promote his upcoming home production Aisha.

The Slumdog Millionaire star will be flanked by Lisa Hayden, Amrita Puri and Ira Dubey, who are debuting with the film, during his stint on the ramp on July 23. The foursome will be sporting jewelery designed by Raj Mahtani in the show.

But Kapoor's elder daughter Sonam who plays the lead in the film based on Jane Austen's novel 'Emma', will give the show a miss as she is busy shooting with Shahid Kapoor for Mausam in Scotland.

Anamika is one of the Indian designers whose designs have been used in the film which is a co-production between Anil Kapoor film Company and PVR pictures.

Source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/anil-kapoor-takes-the-ramp-at-couture-week/650314/

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Tere Bin Laden rakes in Rs 50 million in opening

Debutant director Abhishek Sharma's satire Tere Bin Laden has grossed over Rs 50 million in its opening weekend.

Released Friday, Tere Bin Laden grossed Rs 50 million all over India in the first three days from 344 screens and and gave tough competition to Sanjay Dutt-Bipasha Basu starrer Lamhaa and Vikramaditya Motwane's internationally acclaimed Udaan that released the same day.

Encouraged by the strong response, Boney Kapoor's BSK Network and Entertainment, distributors of the film, are now planning to widen the release by an additional 40-50 prints in the second week.

Internationally too, the film is enjoying a strong run and has already grossed $150,000 from Britain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia while a US release for the same is still in the pipeline.

"After all the hard work, it is truly rewarding to know that audiences are responding positively. We are also very grateful that our colleagues from the industry supported us after watching the film and helped spread the word," Pooja Shetty Deora and Aarti Shetty, producers of the movie, said in a statement.

"Tere Bin Laden" is a humorous take on the 9/11 mastermind. It is the launch vehicle of Pakistani singer-turned-actor Ali Zafar and newcomer Pradhuman Singh, who portrays Osama in the movie.

The multiplexes too are counting on the Osama satire.

"Of the three films released last Friday, Tere Bin Laden is doing better. Though LamhaaTere Bin Laden has performed exceptionally well," Amit Shah, chief manager (programming) of DLF DT cinemas, told IANS.

"The reviews for the movie are good and there is a good word of mouth publicity for the same. It has had an average of 70 percent occupancy over the weekend compared to 60 and 40 percent acquired by Lamhaa and Udaan respectively. The collections are also matching for both Tere Bin Laden and Lamhaa," he added.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas, said: "Both Lamhaa and Tere Bin Laden did a neck to neck business. Tere Bin Laden is a movie for the masses with full comedy and is being thoroughly enjoyed by both family and friends."

"Both Lamhaa and Tere Bin Laden have had over 70 per cent occupancy each while Udaan is a more serious and youth-centric movie with over 60 per cent occupancy over the weekend," he added.

Lamhaa is based on the turmoil in the Kashmir valley. Produced by GS Entertainment and distributed by PVR Pictures, it also stars Kunal Kapoor and Anupam Kher.

Udaan is about a father-son relationship. It has been co-produced by Anurag Kashyap, Sanjay Singh and UTV Motion Pictures and features 17-year-old Rajat Barmecha along with popular TV stars Ronit Roy and Ram Kapoor.

"All three movies have been good... " is a very well made film and very enjoyable while Udaan is doing good too," said Amit Awasthi, senior manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas.

A source from PVR cinemas said: "Lamhaa has been good but Tere Bin Laden has been exceptionally good. too hasn't stayed behind. All three movies have had an occupancy of around 50, 50 and 30 percent respectively on an average of five, three and three per property but considering the comic factor 'Tere Bin Laden' has a great

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I don’t want to copy Tom Cruise: Shahid

I can’t and I don’t want to copy Tom Cruise,” says the actor, who is currently in picturesque Edinburgh, shooting for his father Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial debut, Mausam. “I’ll be back soon. I’m missing the rains, the traffic and the madness of my city,” he says. A picture of the actor wearing an air-force uniform leaked a month ago on the Internet. Several of his fans tweeted that he was copying Tom Cruise’s look from the 1990s film, Top Gun. Bring this up with the actor and he says, “We were shooting at a crowded place here. Everyone had mobile phones with cameras. I don’t know who leaked the photo because we didn’t want to reveal the look before time.”

Why does everyone think he looks like Tom Cruise? “It’s an iconic film and that look is pretty famous,” says Kapoor. “Mausam is the only film in recent times to have the air force as its background. My look hasn’t been modelled on Tom Cruise, though I take the comparison as a compliment.”

Although Edinburgh has a considerable Indian population, he complains that there’s not a single Indian TV channel to keep him connected with what is happening back home. “I went on Twitter to ask for Hindi songs and in 30 minutes, I had 30,” he says.

Shahid in MausamHe’s thrilled to take directions from his dad. “He is so focussed and one of the best actors in Bollywood. I’m lucky he’s guiding me as an actor, director and father,” Kapoor says. He got a three-day break from shooting recently and immediately headed to London to watch Wimbledon matches. “I had the Queen of England for company in the court,” he laughs.

Buzz is that Kapoor has reconciled with his mother, Neelima Azim, and has agreed to act in her debut production. “We’re mother and son, that’s what matters. Whether I act in her film or not is secondary,” he says shortly. “I haven’t signed a single new film. My dates are blocked for Mausam till next year.”

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-don-t-want-to-copy-Tom-Cruise-Shahid/H1-Article1-574458.aspx