CELEBRITY HUB: September 2008

Sep 30, 2008

THE ECONOMIC TIMES AWARDS - LIST OF WINNERS – 2007

Sep 28, 2008

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"Sanju sir's character is modelled on a real-life agent

Sanju's 'EMI' role based on real life

Sanjay Dutt plays Sattarbhai, a bully who collects loan instalments from bank debtors, in his forthcoming film EMI. The character has been inspired by a real-life collecting agent and the Bollywood actor spent a lot of time with him to get his act right.

"Sanju sir's character is modelled on a real-life agent. In fact, the whole film's plot about all these debt collectors who have the thankless job of getting bank loans back from debtors, was inspired by the real-life Sattarbhai," said TV tsarina Ekta Kapoor, who is co-producing the film with Suniel Shetty.

The real-life character's identity is, however, being kept a secret right now.

"We don't want the real Sattarbhai to come into the picture until Sanju baba's fictional avatar is properly unveiled to the public," said Suniel Shetty.

Sanjay Dutt met, interacted with and studied the real-life Sattarbhai very closely to get into the skin of the character. And he was glad that he wasn't playing an underworld gangster yet again.

"This is my most seriously funny and socially relevant character since Munnabhai. And I'm happy to be doing something that doesn't require me to go into the underworld," he quipped.

As for the real Sattarbhai, he is free to share the thrill of the film unless he suddenly decides to demand a bigger share in the movie's investments.

This isn't the first time this question has cropped up. When Preity Zinta played a real-life battered wife in Deepa Mehta's Heaven On Earth, the woman who inspired the character suddenly came forward to demand a huge amount of money.

"She demanded an obscenely astronomical sum of money that really put Deepa Mehta off," a member of the Heaven On Earth team said.

However, producers Ekta and Suniel seem pretty sure their real character won't suddenly demand his pound of flesh.

"He's more than happy to be a role model for a character that Sanju baba is playing. We'll include him in the promotional events of EMI very soon," said Suniel.

There's also the debate of EMI sharing its title with the international music label. Any copyright hassles on the anvil?

"But we've registered our title. And EMI is accepted bank jargon, short for Equated Monthly Instalments. If EMI is a music company, then we're glad to be keeping such musical company," Suniel joked.

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Robert Redford mourns loss of 'real friend' Newman

Sep 27, 2008

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Hollywood Actress Lindsay`s relationship with Samantha

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Sen. Kennedy back home after brief hospital trip

Sen. Edward Kennedy, who has brain cancer, was taken by ambulance to a hospital Friday near his Cape Cod vacation home after complaining of feeling ill but returned home a few hours later.

A statement issued by the 76-year-old senator's office attributed the episode to a change in medications. Sen. John Kerry said his fellow Massachusetts Democrat was well and planned to watch the evening's presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama.

A 911 call from the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port came around 5 p.m., said Barnstable police Sgt. Ben Baxter. Kennedy was taken to Cape Cod Hospital and was "alert and responsive" during the trip, Baxter said.

Kennedy's office confirmed he returned home about 8 p.m.

He had a seizure in May and underwent surgery in June for a malignant brain tumor. After undergoing six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, he has been steadily increasing his public activity.

Kennedy had told reporters visiting his Hyannis Port home on Tuesday that he was actively following the presidential race. "I'm going to be following it particularly next Friday," the senator said with a laugh.

Republican McCain, in his opening statement at Friday night's debate with Obama, whom Kennedy has endorsed, noted his colleague's hospitalization.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the lion of the Senate," he said.

Kennedy received a visit that day from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet at his home in his first public appearance since he gave a surprise speech in late August at the Democratic National Convention.

Bachelet presented the senator with her country's highest civilian award — the Order to the Merit of Chile — in recognition of his opposition to the country's 1973 government overthrow and his work to cut off military aid to dictator Augusto Pinochet.

At the meeting, the senator stumbled momentarily as he tried to walk on the thick grass, but he quickly regained his balance. While he didn't take questions from reporters, he departed from his prepared text to point out landmarks to Bachelet and tell a story about a friend in the crowd.

"There's a wonderful relationship between our family and the sea that goes back a long time," he said as he pointed to Nantucket Sound and the mooring where his schooner "Mya" rocked in the waves.

In early September, Kennedy announced he would not return to the Senate until January, but he has since held videoconferences with his staff and members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which he leads.

Kennedy surprised his colleagues in July when he made a surprise return to Capitol Hill to vote on a Medicare bill.

Sep 25, 2008

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BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES PROFILES, BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES GALLERY, BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES BIRTHDAYS, BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES REALLIFE PHOTOS, BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES INT

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BOLLYWOOD ACTORS PROFILES, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS GALLERY, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS BIRTHDAYS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS REALLIFE PHOTOS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS INTERVIEWS

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Anil files defamation suit against Mukesh Ambani

Sep 24, 2008

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Bollywood Actor Shreyas Talpade Interview

'I learnt many lessons from SRK when he promoted OSO' - Shreyas Talpade

Be it supporting actor roles in mainstream commercial films, main lead roles in art house movies, or production of Marathi movies, Shreyas Talpade is one of the few actors who has dabbled in so many things within a short span of time. And seen success.

Be it in Om Shanti Om or Dor or his own production Sanai Chaughadi which is running in its 13th week currently, Talpade is raring to go and time is not far when he will also don a director's hat.

Excerpts:

How has life been post Om Shanti Om?
Om Shanti Om gave me two good friends - Shah Rukh and Farah. Post Om Shanti Om life has been wonderful. I have no complaints. Actually, not just Om Shanti Om, if you look at my career graph with films like Iqbal, Dor, Apna Sapna Money Money and Om Shanti Om, I have worked with the best of directors. Now, I am keeping my fingers crossed for Welcome To Sajjanpur and Golmaal Returns.

From working with young people like Shah Rukh and Farah to working with a veteran like Shyam Benegal, how was the transition for you?
You know, even I had similar thoughts in my mind initially. I had a perception that Shyam babu was very strict, but when I went for the shoot on the first day, Shyam ji was shooting with Ravi Kishan and Raajeshwari and he joked with them, I did not know whether he was joking or not. I wondered is he Shyam babu only? But then people on the sets laughed and so did I.

He is extremely chilled out and probably the youngest on the sets. He gives a lot of freedom to improvise and there was always a positive atmosphere on the sets, we always had lunch on the sets and then we would have dinner together every night. Amrita and I often think that the shooting of Sajjanpur got over too soon.

Can you tell us about the movie Welcome To Sajjanpur and your role in it?
Welcome to Sajjanpur is a sweet satire. The film is on the lives of a few people who live in...

Sajjanpur village. I play the role of Mahadev, who is a BA educated boy and wants to become a novel writer, but instead becomes a letter writer. At the crux of all this, there is a love story between me and Amrita, who is my childhood friend in the movie. The film also has a lot of statements on various issues but they have been put across in humorous ways. The movie reminds you a lot of Malgudi Days, where in a village there are a few good and bad people.

What made you select the film?
I signed the film primarily because of Shyam babu. I mean, who would not want to work with him? His passion and enthusiasm is unmatched and unparallel. Also, the subject is unique, fresh and original. I wouldn't say the film is different, because different is a very abused word now. Also the way the character of Mahadev develops in the film is very interesting. And, then UTV stepped in and the going got better.

When and how did you plunge into production of movies?
Production is all thanks to Mr Ghai, he pushed me into it. I want to thank him for it, if it was not for him I wouldn't have done it. Sanai Chaughadi, my first production in Marathi, is running in its 13th week now. Production is a very nice process and I don't want to give it up.

What are you future plans for your production company Affluence Movies?
I want to make films that appeal instantly when you hear a sentence about it. I want to produce more Marathi films and a few Hindi films too. I am looking at a few Hindi scripts, but nothing has been finalized yet. I can take a few risks and experiment with Marathi films, but with Hindi films I know that I want to make light hearted Hindi films to begin with.

Will you also act in the movies that you produce?
I may also act in the Hindi films that I produce, but for the Marathi films, I will only produce them because my commitments with Hindi movies keep me very occupied. I am what I am because of Marathi TV and plays, so I will not stop working for them.

Will all your productions be in association with Mukta?
Some movies will be for Mukta and..

some may be with another company. I do not want to say anything before signing papers.

After working with companies like UTV, have you learnt a lesson or two for your own production house and movies?
As far as marketing of movies is concerned, UTV is undoubtedly the best. I like the way they are promoting Welcome To Sajjanpur. It is a great example. In fact even Subhash Ghai is a one man army and there is so much one can learn from him. For my first Marathi home production - Sanai Chaughde, I learnt a lot of lessons from Shah Rukh and the way he promoted Om Shanti Om. Even I put in a lot of effort for promoting Sanai Chaughde, but with whatever limited contacts and money I had.

Any thoughts on directing a movie soon?
The director's bug has bit me, but my friends are asking me to keep away from direction right now. They say I should concentrate on acting, and then I have also started production. So I have a lot to focus on. I too have to prioritize. But I will direct a movie sometime soon.

source:businessofcinema.com

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Amitabh Bachchan to sign English film with French director

Sep 23, 2008

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Saas, Bahu versus Sensex

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Monika 'just friends' with Rahul?

For Monica Bedi, once a starlet, a don’s moll, jail inmate and now starlet again, a visit to Pataudi, quite like her life, was like coming full circle.

When she sat back in the pretty lawns of her once-upon-a-time co-star Saif Ali Khan’s ancestral farmhouse, it brought back fond memories. “I still remember, my first movie, Suraksha, was with Saif. He’s a nice person. Over the years, he’s matured into a very good actor and has started looking more handsome!” she smiled. “I’m so pleased to visit Pataudi and so impressed with the beautiful pictures of his parents. It’s been a long while since I’ve met Saif, but I’ll definitely tell him about my visit to his farmhouse. And I’m also so glad to see him happy with Kareena.”

That trip down memory lane gets her talking on life before Lisbon. “I’m originally from Norway. I came to India in 1994, when I was only 16. I always had a passion for dancing, and so when I came to India, I learnt Kathak. It was later that I started getting offers from Bollywood. I’ve done a lot of dancing around trees, but now I want to change my image on screen. I’d like to do some emotional and serious roles,” she says. Has she been getting any offers?

“Yes, I’ve been getting movie offers and want to get back to acting. It’s too early to disclose anything right now, but you’ll soon see me on screen again,” she smiles.

But she has been on screen, in Bigg Boss 2... “Actually, before I entered the show, people had objected to me being a part of it. But once the show started, their mindset slowly changed with every episode. I only realised that when I got out of the show. Today, people recognise me and say nice things to me. That makes me very happy. I like it when people show love and care for me.”

Did the other participants on the show also “show love and care” for her? “I was very close to Alina (Wadiwalla) and Rakhi (Vijan). Rakhi was a bit hyper, but at the end of the day, she was a lovely friend. She hadn’t been keeping well during the show and I was worried about her health. The naughtiest people in the house, though, were Rakhi and Rahul (Mahajan). When I first walked into the show, I was a little hesitant. It was because of the both of them that I started to feel more comfortable and confident. I miss the pranks they’d keep playing,” says Monica.

So Rahul was naughty... naughty enough to propose to her? Monica laughs at that. “What rubbish!” she exclaims. “It was all in good fun. We’re good friends and that’s it. He never misbehaved with me. He was very kind and caring. He’d keep playing pranks but meant no harm. We’re still good friends,” she says.

Rumour has it that Monica’s “good friend” has promised to help her get her book published... “I do plan to write a book, and it’ll probably be ready by next year. And yes, Rahul did promise to help out with getting it published, but I’ve already finalised things on that front. I don’t think I’ll need his help. The name of the book hasn’t been decided yet. It’ll reveal the truth about me, and I’m sure people would love to read it,” she says.

That they will, especially if it has anything about a certain Mr Salem. “Abu Salem and I have parted ways. The news about him asking for a TV in jail to watch my show – it’s all cooked up,” says Monica, and tells us, from her experience of jail life, why that’s not possible. “There already are TVs in jails, but they only have Doordarshan, there are no cable connections. And there’s only a certain time when you can watch TV. So how is that possible?”

Alright, so she’s put Salem and jail life behind her. What does she want to do now? “I’ve gone through a lot,” she says. “I’m a very emotional and sensitive person. But I’m glad God helped me come out of that situation. Now, I want to see my parents happy. My mother is staying with me these days, and I’ve booked a new house. (Politician) Sanjay Nirupam was kind enough to speak to a real estate agent and helped me find it. I’ll shift soon,” she says.

Sep 21, 2008

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National Award winning actress Priya Mani thanks...

Sep 20, 2008

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Bollywood News...

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Bollywood actor Karishma Kapoor displays a creation by designer Manav Gangwani

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Woman finds 'Goldilocks' snoring in her son's bed

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Comic escapes prosecution for insulting pope

Italian comic who said Pope Benedict would be punished in hell for the church's treatment of homosexuals was spared possible prosecution on Thursday when the government blocked an investigation against her.

Sabina Guzzanti, one of Italy's most biting political satirists, made the remarks before a cheering crowd of thousands gathered at Rome's Piazza Navona in July.

A Rome prosecutor suspected the comments broke a law protecting the honor and dignity of the leader of 1.1 billion Roman Catholics under a 1929 Italian treaty with the Vatican.

But the treaty, signed by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, required government approval before the investigation could go forward. Justice Minister Angelino Alfano decided to block it.

"I decided not to authorize it, knowing well the stature and capacity of the pope for forgiveness," Alfano told Italian media.

The Vatican said it considered the case closed and added there was no point dredging up the "deplorable" comments in a legal battle.

"The justice minister's decision was wise," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told Ansa news agency.

"The Pope's authority is far too superior to be dented (by the comments) and, in his magnanimity, he considers the case closed."

Among the Lateran Treaties that established Vatican City as a sovereign state within Italy, the treaty provided that offences against the pontiff be punished the same way as offences against Italy's president.

Offences against the president can be punished with five years in prison.

The possibility that Guzzanti could be jailed outraged proponents of free speech, both among the opposition centre-left and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's conservative majority.

Guzzanti is famous for her criticisms and impersonations of media mogul Berlusconi and has long complained of media censorship in Italy. Her television show "Raiot" was taken off the air in 2003 after a defamation suit from Berlusconi's broadcaster Mediaset.

Her explicit comments about the pope were widely published by Italian media and posted on the Internet.

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Natalie Cole hospitalized due to hepatitis C

Sep 19, 2008

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Court issues notice to Mallika Sherawat

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Natalie du Toit Profile and Photo Gallery

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Happy 113th birthday for world's oldest man

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World's Smallest Man, met woman with the longest legs

Sep 18, 2008

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Israel poised for first female leader in 34 years

Israeli Foreign Minister and candidate for Kadima party leadership Tzipi Livni,left, is greeted by a supporter after casting her ballot in the Kadima primary in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. TV exit polls say Livni has won a clear victory in the party primary election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

JERUSALEM - Israel's foreign minister declared victory Thursday in a tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as the head of the governing party, getting a chance to be the country's first female leader in 34 years.

Tzipi Livni, 50, said she would immediately turn to the task of trying to cobble together a new government.

"The national responsibility (bestowed) by the public brings me to approach this job with great awe," Livni said.

Official results showed Livni winning by a 1.1 percentage point margin in the Kadima Party primary elections — a far narrower victory than the double-digit romp polls had predicted.

Livni, a political moderate, barely edged out hawkish rival Shaul Mofaz, a former defense minister, in a contest that could have far-reaching implications for peacemaking with the Palestinians and Syria.

Livni said she would launch coalition talks on Friday, even though President Shimon Peres cannot officially ask her to try to put together a government until Olmert resigns the premiership.

After she is assigned the task, she will have 42 days to form a new ruling coalition.

If she succeeds, she will become Israel's first female prime minister since Golda Meir stepped down in 1974. If she fails, the country will hold elections in early 2009, a year and a half ahead of schedule.

Olmert, who is stepping down to battle multiple corruption allegations, will remain as a caretaker leader until parliament approves a new Cabinet.

Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said the prime minister called Livni to congratulate her on her victory and would notify the Cabinet on Sunday that he would resign. "After that, he will resign," Regev said, without specifying when.

Israeli media reported Thursday that Mofaz called Livni to congratulate her, rejecting a legal adviser's proposal to challenge the results.

Three TV exit polls released just before the voting ended Wednesday night had showed a clear victory for Livni over Mofaz, about 47 percent to 37 percent, leading to premature celebrations.

But official results saw that margin shrink dramatically, to 43.1 percent for Livni and 42 percent for Mofaz — a 431-vote edge. This was not the first time exit polls have badly missed their mark here.

Livni needed 40 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff next week. Two other candidates lagged far behind in the tally.

A fast-rising star in Israel's political firmament, Livni is Israel's lead negotiator in peace talks with the Palestinians and a rare female power figure in a nation dominated by macho military men and a religious establishment with strict views on the role of women.

A lawyer and former agent in the Mossad spy agency, she is eager to continue the low-decibel diplomatic efforts. She says she hopes diplomatic efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program will prevail, though she says all options are on the table.

With opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline Likud Party polling well, neither Kadima nor its coalition partners appear eager for a new election.

But the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, which could be key to building a new coalition, has already served notice that it would not join a government that is willing to negotiate the fate of disputed Jerusalem with the Palestinians.

As lead peace negotiator, Livni is committed to discussing all the outstanding issues between Israel and the Palestinians, and the future of Jerusalem is at the heart of the conflict.

Shas' position will require some deft political maneuvering on Livni's part if she is to sidestep elections.

"If it becomes clear that Jerusalem is on the negotiating table ... then we won't be part of the coalition," party spokesman Roi Lachmanovitch said.

Nationally, polls show Livni roughly tied with Netanyahu should elections be held today. A new nationwide vote would likely turn into a referendum on the current effort to forge a historic peace deal with the Palestinians.

Palestinian Information Minister Riad Malki was hopeful that peace talks could succeed under Israel's new leadership.

"We welcome the results of the election, and we are going to deal with any new prime minister in Israel," he told The Associated Press. "We hope this new prime minister will be ready to ... reach a peace deal with the Palestinians that ends the occupation and allows the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living beside Israel."

The primary was Kadima's first since the party was founded by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2005. Sharon suffered a debilitating stroke in early 2006, and Olmert subsequently led the party to victory in elections.

Sharon set up Kadima as a personal bastion after his hard-line colleagues in Likud blasted his unilateral pullout from the Gaza Strip in 2005. It was widely predicted Kadima would disintegrate after his exit, but the moderate Livni's victory appeared to give it a chance of survival.

Olmert is under police investigation over his financial dealings. But he has been pursuing peace talks with the Palestinians and has pledged to continue as long as he is in office.

However, both he and his Palestinian counterparts now say they are unlikely to reach the U.S.-set target date of year's end for a final peace deal. Any agreement they might reach would not be implemented until Abbas regains control of the Gaza Strip, overrun by Islamic Hamas militants in June 2007.

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Hottest Bollywood Debuts, 2008

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Abhishaken!...but not stirred

As you can see, I’m not at all health conscious,” says Abhishek Bachchan, as he gleefully bites into a deep-fried snack with not a moment’s hesitation. Guess so – after all, he’d unapologetically said some time ago that he had managed to get by with a one-pack ab in Bollywood all this while.

“But I’ve multiplied it. It’s two packs now!” Two down, four to go? “No. I’m happy. This (pointing to his head) is the more important pack.”

Isn’t there pressure amidst all the rippled bodies? “No, I’ve never conformed to the stereotype. But I’ve conformed to the demands of the characters I’ve played. For instance, I did Guru, in which they asked me to put on 12 kilos. I did it because I needed to be true to the character... And this whole new trend of being very body conscious is primarily reflective of the demands of the scripts being written today.”

So if your character were to demand it, you’d get into similar shape? “Absolutely. Actors today are willing to completely surrender themselves and compromise their ‘image’ for a film.” What is your image? “My endeavour has been to have no image.” That’s a good thing for an actor? “Certainly.” Really? “Yes, I’ve made efforts to not be typecast. I take pride in the fact that in one year, I can start with a KANK , then do an Umrao Jaan , then a month later do a Dhoom 2 and a month later, Guru. That, to me, is exciting.”

Why is it that after so many years, Abhishek the individual, in public perception, is little understood? Surely there can’t be an endeavour to have “no image” there?

“It’s simply that I don’t think people are interested in it. I firmly believe that when it comes to filmstars, at the end of the day, what you’re selling on screen is the most important thing. It is because of that that they want to know what you eat, what you wear, where you travel, your friends, your enemies... the origin is that. So I tell myself, do your shot properly. Because that is the sole reason why people would want to know about me.”

So you’re happy wearing the mask of your onscreen persona all the time? Isn’t that a handicap in some way?

“Not necessarily. My belief is that one of the greatest reasons why KBC worked is that for the first time, after maybe 25 to 30 years, Amitabh Bachchan stepped into your living room. On a daily basis, he spent an hour with your family. And guess what, he was a really nice guy! But that was the first time they got to meet him. Till then, their entire image of him was what was portrayed through his work... So if the audience often don’t know us beyond the screen, maybe they don’t want to know. I remember – when I was very young, and I was travelling somewhere, there was a Hollywood actor on the same flight. And I saw that person, ragged hair, torn dress, this, that, and I said, this is the guy? I’d much rather remember him for being the person I saw on screen. You don’t want to break that image! So I think people often don’t want to know about stars because they’re possibly scared of breaking the image they have in their own minds.”

People may have got to know Amitabh only after KBC, but for someone who calls him dad, what is dad’s guiding funda? “My dad teaches me this – when you’re confused, cut the fat, just go back to the basics.” And what are your basics?

“My basics are, I wake up in the morning, and I act in front of the camera. And the greatest thing is, I love it. I get to live my dream. What more can I ask for? My basic is, go and give it your best shot, and if you can make even one person smile or cry or laugh in that dark cinema hall, you’ve achieved what you set out to do. It’s the one thing that kept me going through difficult times. I’ll illustrate this with something that happened some years ago... My films were doing really badly at that point. I had no work. People were actually replacing me in films. You know, the world out there can be really harsh. I remember, at that point, a film of mine called Shararat had come out; in fact, that release had been delayed by a year, it had a very small release. It was a wonderful, wonderful film with a very nice message – and it was a disaster. I went to GT Galaxy in Mumbai, like I go to watch all my movies with the audience. The hall was empty. There were about 15 people in a 900 seater hall.” That couldn’t have been a nice feeling? “Well, I wasn’t disheartened even by that, because, at that point of time, I’d actually gotten used to this sort of thing,” Abhishek laughs.

“Anyway, I was standing there outside during the interval and this old lady walked up to me. And for a moment I stepped back – because, you know, not too long before that I’d actually been slapped by a lady in the audience, so I was apprehensive.”

Did we get that right? “Yes. I think it was during the release of Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai . I think that lady was having a bad day. She got very upset. She walked up and said to me, ‘Who do you think you are? You think you can just go out there and make films and that’s it, you’re not responsible for anything beyond that?’ And she actually slapped me!” What was the issue with the film? “I don’t think there was an issue, but obviously, she didn’t agree with it!” Guess not.

“So now this old lady is walking up to me and I’m saying to myself, not again, and I’m sort of leaning back in anticipation of another slap – and she just came, she put her hand on my head, and she had tears in her eyes, she said, bless you, bless you for making this film. And I was, like – wow! After that, I had many more flops, but that lady kept me going. I don’t know who she is. But just knowing that I made a difference to that one person, that I managed to put a smile on her face... that mattered. There’s that famous quote – people will forget what you did, they’ll forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. That’s so true. I can’t remember exactly what she said, what she did, but I remember how she made me feel, and I haven’t met her since, but I want to say thank you to her even today. That one person was enough for me to carry on. If we manage to make a difference to even one person’s life, how many people have that power – no, power’s the wrong word – how many people have that opportunity?”

What was the whole near-miss thing on the night of the blasts in Delhi recently? “I was scheduled to attend a function in the evening. I had some time to spare and so, as I often do when I’m in Delhi, I decided to go to CP to visit the showroom of the watch brand that I endorse. Traffic was slow and when I was about five minutes from Connaught Place, I realised that I was getting late for the function, so I impulsively decided to turn around. When I reached back, I got to know that the bombs had gone off in CP a few minutes after I turned back. So, yes, divine intervention maybe...”

Abhishek will be playing a superhero in his next release, Drona, something he’s not done so far in his career. Which superhero was his favourite in childhood? “Superman, of course!” he exults, “Man of steel.” So tell us, Abhishek, what will the star who likes the man of steel and plays this magnificent steel sword-wielding character do when he meets the big bully, currently going by the name of Raj Thackeray? “If I meet Raj, I’ll walk up to him and say hello. Simple.” No hard feelings?

“At the end of the day, I don’t allow much to get to me. People have their compulsions. Life’s too short to hold grudges. Forgive and forget. Live and let live. Move on... but while you’re there, give it your best shot.”

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Kelly says he's not interested in 'anyone illegal'

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Brad Pitt donates money to support gay marriage

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Spears tells how Jamie Lynn revealed pregnancy

Sep 17, 2008

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World's shortest man, leggiest woman meet - Video

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World's shortest man, leggiest woman meet

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Telugu Actress ' RADHIKA SARATHKUMAR' Profile

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Bharat Ratna, Smt MS Subbulakshmi Profile

M. S. Subbulakshmi

Born : September 16, 1916(1916-09-16)
Madurai, Madras Presidency, British India
Died: December 11, 2004 (aged 88)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Spouse(s) Kalki Sadasivam

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi , popularly known as M.S. or M.S.S.) (September 16, 1916 - December 11, 2004) was a renowned Carnatic vocalist. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. The Bharat Ratna, was conferred on her in 1998.

Early life

M.S.Subbulakhsmi was born on 16 Sep, 1916 as Kunjamma to Shanmukhavadivu (Veena Vidwan), in a musical family, in the temple town of Madurai situated in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. M.S. started learning Carnatic music from a very early age.

Career

She gave her first public performance during the Mahamaham festival at Kumbakonam at the age of eight, and released her first recording at the age of ten. She began her Carnatic classical music training under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and then Hindustani classical training under Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas. By the age of 17, Subbulakshmi was giving concerts on her own, including major performances at the Madras Music Academy, a prestigious center for the study and promotion of Carnatic music. Performance in Carnatic music concerts, was until then, a domain, traditionally reserved for men. She performed a vast variety of musical forms in different languages including Tamil , Telugu , Sanskrit, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali , Gujarati and Marathi.

MS Subbulakshmi traveled to London, New York, Canada, the Far East, and other places as India's cultural ambassador. Her concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York; the UN General Assembly on UN day in 1966; the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1982; and at the Festival of India in Moscow in 1987 were significant landmarks in her career.

With the death of her husband Sadasivam in 1997, she stopped all her public performances. M.S.Subbulakshmi died on December 11, 2004 after a brief illness, due to complications relating to pneumonia and cardiac irregularities.

To millions across the world, she lived a life as the symbol of humility and will forever remain a legend.

Films

M.S. also acted in a few Tamil films in her youth. Her first movie "Sevasadanam" was released in 1938. MS Subbulakshmi also played the male role of Narada in "Savitri" (1941) to raise money for launching Kalki, her husband's nationalist Tamil weekly. Her title role of the Rajasthani saint-poetess Meera in the eponymous film (1945) gave her national prominence. This movie was re-made in Hindi in 1947. The movie had M.S Subbulakshmi. sing the famous Meera bhajans, with Dilipkumar Roy as the music director. Following the success of the film she quit films and turned wholly to concert music.

Personal life

Born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai to Subramania Iyer and Shanmukhavadivu, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, her brother Saktivel and sister Vadivambal grew up surrounded by classical music. Her grandmother Akkammal played the violin and her mother was a veena artist.

M.S., as she came to be known, was initiated to music young, learning her first lessons from her mother. She appeared on stage when she was just 13. By the time she moved to Chennai in 1936, she was already a popular Carnatic vocalist. It was then that she met T. Sadasivam, a freedom fighter and a follower of Rajaji, in 1936. Executive in Ananda Vikatan, the Tamil weekly. They were married in 1940, and their marriage spanned over 50 years, in which he played a key role in the advancement of her career. They had no children. Sadasivam had children from his previous marriage that M.S. treated as if they were her own children. They were named Radha, Vijaya. M.S and Sadasivam also raised Radha who frequently sang with M.S. in concert while Vijaya played the Tanpura.

Discography

* Venkateshwara Suprabhatam

Honours and awards

M.S. received a large number of awards during her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years. India's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, was conferred on her in 1998.

In 1968, M.S. became the first woman musician to be honoured with the Sangita Kalanidhi title by the Music Academy, Chennai. After a brief foray in films, she devoted her time to music.

The other honours conferred on M.S. include the Padma Bhushan (1954), Padma Vibhushan (1975), Kaalidas Sanman (1988) and the Ramon Magsaysay award (1974). She gave the inaugural concert at the India Festival, London in 1982, and has also performed in Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore and Malaysia. She introduced Carnatic music to the West at the Edinburgh Festival (1963) and at the United Nations (1966).

She was conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters by many universities, including the Sri Venkateswara University (1971), Delhi University (1973), Benaras Hindu University (1980) and the University of Madras (1987). The Desihothama (doctoral degree) was conferred on her by the Viswa-Bharati University, Shantiniketan. She donated the money made from recordings and concerts to many causes. With her husband to guide her, M.S. raised crores of rupees for charity through her concerts. The first charity concert was for the Kasturba Memorial Fund in 1944.

The institutions that benefited include the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the Ramakrishna Math, the Nanak Foundation, the Subramanya Bharati memorial at Ettayapuram, the Hindu Temple in Flushing, New York, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the Kamakshi temple in Kancheepuram, Sankara Nethralaya, the Cancer Institute and Voluntary Health Services and the Music Academy (all in Chennai).

Starting with `Seva Sadan" in the 1930s, M.S. had a brief stint in Tamil films. She also played the male role of Narada in "Savitri" (1941) to raise money for launching Kalki, her husband's nationalist Tamil weekly. Her title role of the Rajasthani saint-poetess Meera in the eponymous film (1945) gave her national prominence. 'This movie was re-made in Hindi in 1947.

Her voice held the world in a spell. She has sung bhajans in 10 languages, each setting high standards in purity of diction and emotional content.

Many leaders and political giants of that period, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajaji, praised her abilities as a vocalist. 'M.S. was an ardent devotee of the Kanchi Paramacharya.

It was the Paramacharya who composed the benediction "Maitreem bhajata" which M.S. sang at the conclusion of her concerts at the U.N. and in Carnegie Hall.

His Excellency the President of India and the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu paid homage to the departed
Bharat Ratna Tmt MS Subbulakshmi, who had passed away on Saturday (11th December 2004) night.

Sep 16, 2008

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Chandhok wins GP2 Best Driving Style award

Following his impressive second season in the GP2 Series, Karun Chandhok bagged the "Best Driving Style" award in a glittering ceremony at the Sporting Club Monza.

The 24-year-old iSport International driver ended the 20-race season in the top 10 in a year highlighted by victory at Hockenheim in Germany as well as podium finishes at classic Grand Prix venues in Monaco and Silverstone.

"Overall, it's been a positive season. I am very pleased with the progress I have made this year," said Karun.

"Winning my second GP2 race was a big highlight, and having been a regular front runner this year has put me in a good position in the que of drivers trying to break into Formula 1," he said.

On the award, the Chennai youngster said, "To win the award for the 'best driving style' is a fantastic way to end the season, and one I feel really proud of. It was the only award that was voted for by the fans of the championship on the GP2 website which makes it more special."

Karun, however, was disappointed at not maintaining the tempo throughout the season but felt he was luckless in the second half.

"Looking back, I'm a bit frustrated that the second half of the season didn't deliver as much as it promised pointswise, and our terrible luck on Sundays, in the sprint races, really hurt my points total," Chandhok said.

"In the middle of the year in Budapest we were right in the fight for the top five, but since then our luck changed and 7 non-scores put me on the back foot. It's particularly frustrating since five of those non-scores were out of my control but such is life," he added.

Looking ahead, Karun said he would explore the Formula One option.

"This year there are very limited options in terms of race seats in Formula 1, so it looks like the best option for me in 2009 would be to be a test driver in Formula 1 and gain some experience in preparation for 2010.

"The test driving role these days is quite limited so I think it will be important to combine that with a season of GP2 to ensure that I am racing often at a highly competitive level," he said.

"We are in discussion with Formula 1 and GP2 teams in order to put this program in place I am optimistic that that by the end of November, I will have a clearer idea on things," said the youngster.

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Lincoln Center to honor Tom Hanks in annual gala

Sep 15, 2008

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Mammamia - About Mammamia

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Actor George Takei Marries Longtime Partner

Sep 14, 2008

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National Film Award for Best Actor 1968 - 2007

National Film Award for Best Actor 1968 - 2007

The National Film Award (India) (Silver Lotus Award) for Best Actor winners:
Year ↓ Winner ↓ Film ↓ Language ↓
2007 Soumitra Chatterjee Podokkhep : Bengali
2006 Amitabh Bachchan Black : Hindi
2005 Saif Ali Khan Hum Tum : Hindi
2004 Vikram Pithamagan : Tamil
2003 Ajay Devgan The Legend of Bhagat Singh : Hindi
2002 Murali Neythukaaran : Malayalam
2001 Anil Kapoor Pukar : Hindi
2000 Mohanlal Vaanaprastham : Malayalam
1999 1.Mammooty
2.Ajay Devgan Dr. Ambedkar
Zakhm English
Hindi
1998 1.Suresh Gopi
2.Balachandra Menon Kaliyattam
Samaantharangal : Malayalam
Malayalam
1997 Kamal Haasan Indian : Tamil
1996 Rajit Kapur The Making of the Mahatma : English
1995 Nana Patekar Krantiveer : Hindi
1994 Mammooty Ponthan Mada & Vidheyan : Malaualam
1993 Mithun Chakraborty Tahader Katha : Bengali
1992 Mohanlal Bharatham : Malayalam
1991 Amitabh Bachchan Agneepath : Hindi
1990 Mammooty Mathilukal & Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha : Malayalam
1989 Premji Piravi : Malayalam
1988 Kamal Haasan Nayakan : Tamil
1987 Chaaru Haasan Tabarana Kathe : Kannada
1986 Shashi Kapoor New Delhi Times : Hindi
1985 Naseeruddin Shah Paar : Hindi
1984 Om Puri Ardh Satya : Hindi
1983 Kamal Haasan Moondram Pirai : Tamil
1982 Om Puri Arohan : Hindi
1981 Balan K. Nair Oppol : Malayalam
1980 Naseeruddin Shah Sparsh : Hindi
1979 Arun Mukherjee Parashuram : Bengali
1978 Gopi Kodiyettam : Malayalam
1977 Mithun Chakraborty Mrigaaya : Bengali
1976 M.V. Vasudeva Rao Chomana Dudi : Kannada
1975 Sadhu Mehr Ankur : Hindi
1974 P. J. Antony Nirmalyam : Malayalam
1973 Sanjeev Kumar Koshish : Hindi
1972 M.G. Ramachandran Rickshawkaran : Tamil
1971 Sanjeev Kumar Dastak : Hindi
1970 Utpal Dutt Bhuvan Shome : Hindi
1969 Ashok Kumar Aashirwaad : Hindi
1968 Uttam Kumar Antony Firingee & Chiriakhana : Bengali

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National Film Award for Best Actress 1968 - 2007

Sep 13, 2008

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The Last Lear has ultimately hit the cinema halls

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Shubh Joshi, born on Bollywood Club!

A star is born on Bollywood Club!

Shubh Joshi, a 24 year old hailing from a small town in Nainital came to Bombay with dreams to become an actor. He was dismissed by one and many as just another struggler. Until destiny played cupid. And it so happened that he chose to accompany one of his roommates for his second level audition for Zoom’s reality TV show Bollywood Club. He says, “I was standing with my friend who had cleared the first round of audition when one of the organisers asked me whether I have also cleared the first round. I didn’t think for a moment and said ‘yes.’ They took my interview and asked me to come for the finale.”

It was then that he got a chance to perform in front of director Vikram Bhatt. Vikram remembers, “Shubh had chosen an emotional monologue and suddenly after his act he broke down. Everyone was spell bound and for a minute there was pin drop silence. I gave him a standing ovation. He deserved every bit of it. I have never seen someone look into my eyes like he did.” Did his struggle story influence Vikram or was it purely talent that he spotted? “Hardships never make someone a good actor. It’s the talent. If someone’s struggling to be an actor but lacks talent, they are struggling in the wrong field. Before going on the Bollywood Club show, I was quite apprehensive. I am a very sensitive person and such shows actually put you at an uncomfortable platform where the performers pin up a lot of hope on you,” he says. He goes on to add, “I told him that I might not be able to make you a hero but you’ll definitely get a break in my next film.”

So far Shubh has been doing odd jobs to sustain himself in Mumbai. While this episode came as a breath of fresh air, the guy’s very much grounded. He’s honest enough to admit that whatever little money he gets, goes into paying for his ‘maintenance,’ though he regrets not sending it home. By maintenance he means, his grooming which broadly includes his gym fee. Hereon, Shubh seems to be geared to make it big. While it is still uncertain what route his career will take, one thing is for sure that people will sit and take notice.

Sep 12, 2008

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Shilpa Shetty Promotes Yoga at Radio Mirchi - Images

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Bollywood Actress Amrita Rao Profile

Amrita Rao born June 17, 1981 is an Indian model and Bollywood actress.

Beginning her career as a model, Rao made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002), which went unnoticed. However, she grew into prominence when she starred in Ken Ghosh's love-story, Ishq Vishk (2003) and earned her first Filmfare nomination in the Best Female Debut category. Delivering acclaimed performances and commercial success with films like Main Hoon Na (2004) and Vivah (2006), her biggest commercial success so far, she has established herself as one of the most promising actresses of Bollywood.

Personal life

Of South Indian heritage, Amrita Rao was born on June 17, 1981 to a Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Chitrapur, Karnataka. She speaks English, Marathi, Konkani and Hindi.

Career

Model

Amrita Rao attended C.G High School in Mumbai,and later enrolled in Sophia College to pursue a degree in psychology. While studying there, she auditioned for an advertisement for Fairever Face Cream. To her surprise she was selected amongst 60 other contestants. After that, she got many offers and became one of the most sought-after models in India within an year.

Her appearance in Cadbury’s Perk Karwa Chaut ad and the Bru Coffee advertisement helped her receive offers from film directors in Bollywood. As she wanted to complete her education, she refused them. After earning a degree in psychology, she began her profession as an actress, working in films.

Actress

She made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002), but gained recognition only after the success of her 2003 film, Ishq Vishk, in which her portrayal as Payal earned her the girl-next door image. Success followed for her in 2004 with films like Masti and Main Hoon Na.

Her career took a setback when her following releases, Deewaar (2004), Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi (2005), Shikhar (2005), and Pyare Mohan (2006) did poorly at the box office. Things turned around when she starred in Sooraj R. Barjatya's blockbuster Vivah (2006) opposite Shahid Kapoor. The film was a universal success and her performance was well appreciated by critics, earning her a Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award.

Rao recently made her debut in Tollywood, with the Telugu hit Athidhi opposite Mahesh Babu. Amrita had no releases in Bollywood in 2007. Amrita's first release of 2008 was My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves , which failed at the box office. Her performance got poor reviews.

Awards & nominations

Filmfare Awards

Nominated

* 2004: Filmfare Best Female Debut Award - Ishq Vishk
* 2005: Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award - Main Hoon Na

Star Screen Awards

Nominated

* 2003: Star Screen Award Most Promising Newcomer - Female - Ab Ke Baras
* 2004: Star Screen Award Most Promising Newcomer - Female - Ishq Vishk
* 2007: Star Screen Award Best Actress - Vivah
* 2007: Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 along with Shahid Kapoor - Vivah

Zee Cine Awards

Nominated

* 2004: Zee Cine Award Best Female Debut - Ishq Vishk

International Indian Film Academy Awards

Winner

* 2004: IIFA Awards, Best Female Debut - Ishq Vishk

Stardust Awards

Winner

* 2004: Stardust Awards, Superstar of Tomorrow - Female; Ishq Vishk

Other Awards

* 2004: Sansui Awards, Best Debut - Female - Ishq Vishk
* 2007: GR8 Women Awards, Young Achiever
* 2007: Anandalok Puroshkar Awards, Most Promising New Talent - Vivah
* 2007: Sports World Awards, Jodi of the Year along with Shahid Kapoor - Vivah
* 2007: Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award - Vivah

Filmography
Year: Title: Role: Other notes
2002 Ab Ke Baras Anjali Thapar/Nandini
The Legend of Bhagat Singh Mannewali
2003 Ishq Vishk Payal Mehra Nominated, Filmfare Best Female Debut Award
2004 Masti Aanchal Mehta
Main Hoon Na Sanjana (Sanju) Bakshi Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award
Deewaar Radhika
2005 Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi Piya
Shikhar Madhvi
2006 Pyare Mohan Piya
Vivah Poonam Dubbed into Telugu as Parinayam
2007 Heyy Babyy Special appearance in song Heyy Babyy
Athidhi Amrita Telugu film
Dubbed into Tamil as Thani Kaatu Raja
2008 My Name is Anthony Gonsalves Riya
Shaurya Neerja Rathode In a cameo role, as major Rathode's widow
Welcome to Sajjanpur Filming
Victory Announced

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Raj Thackeray accepts Amitabh’s apology

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Stefania Fernandez, a 17-year-old brunette, has been crowned Miss Venezuela —

Sep 11, 2008

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`The Twist' is top song of Billboard Hot 100 era

Chubby Checker is joined by a fan as he dances the Twist during a special in-store concert to promote his latest CD, 'Knock Down The Walls' in New York.

`The Twist' is top song of Billboard Hot 100 era

How's this for a twist: Of all the No. 1 songs in the 50 years of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Chubby Checker's "The Twist" ranks as the most popular single.

Elvis and the Beatles didn't even make the top five.

Checker's ranking may come as a surprise to some, but not to the classic rocker.

"I'm glad they've finally recognized it," said Checker of his early 1960s hit.

He compared "The Twist" — named by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock 'n' roll — to the creation of the telephone as a groundbreaking moment because he said it was the first time people were dancing "apart to the beat."

"Anyplace on the planet, when someone has a song that has a beat, they're on the floor dancing apart to the beat, and before Chubby Checker, it wasn't here, and I think that has a lot to do with me being on the charts," he said.

Santana's "Smooth," featuring Rob Thomas, is the No. 2 most popular, followed by Bobby Darin's "Mack the Knife," Leann Rimes' "How Do I Live" and "The Macarena" by Los Del Rio.

The Beatles did make the top 10, coming it at No. 8 with "Hey Jude." But Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" and Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" are ahead of that hit. Rounding out the top 10: Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" at No. 9 and Toni Braxton's "Un-break My Heart" at No. 10.

Geoff Mayfield, director of charts at Billboard magazine, acknowledged that the list might not jibe with some fans' personal thoughts of the most popular songs of the past 50 years.

"This is simply a chronicle of how each of these songs performed in their era on the Hot 100. We're not saying these are the most memorable songs of your life. That would be something that's almost impossible to determine," said Mayfield. "Everyone has a subjective frame of reference."

The Beatles do top Billboard's all-time Hot 100 artists, followed by Madonna, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and the Rolling Stones. Billboard.com is breaking out some of the other chart achievements (the list of most No. 1 singles by an act is topped by the Beatles) on its Web site.

The Billboard Hot 100 chart measures airplay and sales information (and more recently digital downloads) in determining the nation's most popular songs. To determine the most popular song of the Hot 100 era, Billboard used a formula to determine the top song — not always relying on weeks at No. 1 since the data was reported differently in its early days.

Initially, Billboard relied on stations to report the most popular songs, and got sales surveys from record stores. But Mayfield said stations often stopped reporting on a song's popularity if it was no longer a priority for record labels. And in 1991, Billboard began relying on sales data from Nielsen SoundScan and airplay data from Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems. So Billboard weighted certain songs from different eras to make sure all songs were on an even playing field.

"We went through each era, and we looked through the rate of turnover. The rate of turnover was very high in the late '50s and early '60s, and we had to put a weight on that to make the chart runs of that era equal to the chart runs that can be accomplished since 1991," he said.

Checker's "The Twist" spent a total of only three weeks at the top of the charts, but did so twice in two separate runs more than a year apart.

"It's the only song that was ever No. 1 in two different chart runs," he said.

Checker said he was gratified that Billboard noted the popularity of "The Twist," and lamented that both the song and his career have been at times overlooked.

"My music is less played that any performer that has been a No. 1 chart man on the planet," said Checker, who also had hits with "Pony Time," "The Fly" and "Let's Twist Again," which earned him a Grammy. "I don't get the respect that Rod Stewart gets, or the Rolling Stones, or Frankie Valli. ... But I have to deal with it."

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Bollywood Actor IMRAN KHAN Interview

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Oscar for the movie The Golden Compass Team

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Cricket: ICC awards announced

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Australian celebrity Nikki Phillips underwater fashion show

Sep 10, 2008

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Rakhi also produced a ring after asking Salman to marry her

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Hollywood Actress Catherine Zeta Jones Photo Gallery And Mini Biography

Hollywood Actress Catherine Zeta Jones Mini Biography And Photo Gallery

Early days: Zeta Jones started her career on the stage, performing for parents and in the neighbourhood theatre.

Caught in pyjamas: She was first discovered for something more than neighbourhood theatre at the age of 14 when she was spotted by Mickey Dolenz in her audition for The Pyjama Game.

Stepping stones: As custom would have it, she moved on from theatre to TV, where she acted in the hit TV series The Darling Buds of May, and also in an episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.

On to movies: Zeta Jones' first stint with the movies was in 1993, when she played Kitty in the comedy film, Splitting Heirs.

Getting noticed: As people started looking beyond her 'exotic Welsh looks', she started getting more acting oriented roles, the first among which was her role as Sala in the action film, The Phantom

Eye of the tiger: Ace-director Steven Speilberg noticed Zeta Jones in the mini-series Titanic (1996) and recommended her to friend Martin Campbell for his upcoming film The Mask of Zorro.

Zeroed in on Zorro: Catherine played the role of Elena in one of the biggest films of her career that time, The Mask of Zorro. Her co-stars were Sir Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas, playing the successive Zorros.

Terrific trap: Zeta Jones then went on to star opposite the legendary Sean Connery in Entrapment in the year 1999.

It's a golden globe: The year 2000 saw Zeta Jones in the critically acclaimed Traffic, where she played Helena Ayala. She got her first Golden Globe nomination (Best Actress in a Supporting Role) for this film.

The Douglas connection: That was not the only reason why Traffic was special. More important than the award nomination was the meeting between Catherine and her future husband, Michael Douglas, that took place on the sets of this film.

More of Michael: Zeta Jones married actor Michael Douglas in November 2000, shortly after their son Dylan (named after Dylan Thomas) was born.

Oscar and all that jazz: All of Catherine's hard work paid up in 2002, when she received an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for her legendary portrayal of Velma Kelly in the film Chicago. Not only her acting, but also the seemingly effortless dancing got her accolades from every department.

A charismatic child: Zeta Jones and Douglas had a daughter in 2003, who they names Carys Zeta Douglas.

Star of the sequel: In 2004, Zeta Jones acted in the multi-starrer Ocean's Twelve, as well as The Terminal

Another sequel: She also went on to play Elena, yet again, in The Legend of Zorro, a sequel to The Mask of Zorro.

More Dylan: Catherine Zeta Jones' admiration for Dylan Thomas goes on, as she named her production company Milkwood Films, inspired by Thomas' play Under Milk Wood. Her brother, Lyndon Jones, runs the company.

Maiden venture: The first film under the Milkwood banner is Coming Out, starring Alan Cumming.

Always a bridesmaid?: If Zeta-Jones agrees to play the role in Dr. Who, she will feature as the sidekick to the character Time Lord, played by David Tennant. Does anyone wonder why an actress of her stature and beauty only gets supporting roles?

Catherine in demand: Director Russell T. Davies is keen to sign Welsh actress Catherine Zeta Jones for his upcoming film Dr. Who.

Welsh connection: Davies wants Zeta Jones to play a companion for the Doctor in the film based on the BBC series of the same name. He says, Being from Wales myself, I'd love to have Catherine Zeta Jones as a companion for the Doctor. To have anyone else would be inconceivable.

Sep 9, 2008

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Salman- Akshay: Who’s the King?

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Olympic swimmer Dara Torres models at Fashion Week

Sep 8, 2008

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MTV Video Music Awards

MTV VMAs find few surprises as Britney steals show

No Madonna kiss. No Michael Jackson cameo. No flying Howard Stern. Not even a Kanye tantrum.

MTV has set a high standard for the unexpected at its Video Music Awards, but on the show's 25th anniversary, the network instead settled for throwing its full support behind Britney Spears' comeback. Spears won a leading three awards, including video of the year for "Piece of Me."

Paris Hilton, center, poses backstage

Any spontaneity was left to host Russell Brand, the British comic whose rock star style and outlandish candor gave the Los Angeles show a pulse. But at the end of the night Sunday, even the manic and mangy Brand — a confessed former sex addict — could only summon a comic semi-feud with the young Jonas Brothers over their premarital celibacy.

But while Brand was unpredictable, witty and offensive, Spears was resolutely careful, determined to set right her pop star image. She was, after all, returning to the scene of the crime, so to speak. At last year's VMAs — Britney Comeback 1.0 — her unpolished performance was roundly disparaged.

Gustav Schafer (L), Bill Kaulitz (2nd L)

In each acceptance speech Sunday, Spears spoke briefly, thanked God and dedicated the awards to her fans. Even while opening the show, she was all business, zipping through her few lines of introduction.

"Thank you so much," she said flatly as the crowd greeted her with a standing ovation. "Thank you for all the love."

MTV has a habit of reengineering the VMAs every year, and, true to form, took this year's show to the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles. After last year's awards, splashed throughout a Las Vegas hotel, MTV re-centered the action to a more traditional main stage.

The performances, though, often traveled back into the reaches of the Paramount lot. The Jonas Brothers played their song "Lovebug" on a fake building's stoop, before the set fell away and throngs of screaming fans ran down fictional city streets to surround them.

Unwittingly, the Jonas Brothers — one of the hottest young acts to the MTV audience — became the night's biggest talking point. Brand repeatedly joked about their purity rings, which each wears as a symbol of their vow not to have premarital sex. At one point, Brand brandished one as if he had won it from a Jonas brother.

"American Idol" champ — and fellow promise ring wearer — Jordin Sparks defended the brothers while presenting an award: "I just wanna say, it's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?"

Brand was happy to apologize for any hurt feelings, but only to such a degree. After the show, he told The Associated Press, "I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity and I'd like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It's a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening."

Paris Hilton and her boyfriend

A celebrity in England but relatively unknown in the States, Brand proved an interesting mix with the VMA crowd, who seemed unsure of how to react to his lack of political correctness. In his opening monologue, he joked about Madonna, virgins and President Bush, whom he called "that retarded cowboy fellow."

He pleaded, "Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world." Some in the star-studded crowd cheered, while others — like Spears — sat quietly.

The rest of the evening was mostly given to performances, many of which paired performers in unusual combinations. The prim and proper Leona Lewis joined Lil' Wayne, who later joined Kid Rock. Lil' Wayne took home the best hip hop video for "Lollipop."

T.I., who is currently serving 1,000 hours of community service and will afterward serve a year in prison for federal weapons charges, performed with Rihanna.

Closing the night was Kanye West who, like Spears, was hoping for a second chance after a disappointing VMA experience last year. In Las Vegas, he had a Kanye-sized hissy fit backstage and vowed never to appear at the VMAs again after he didn't get a Moonman trophy despite several nominations.

Kanye West performs at the 2008

West again went home without an award this year; there were only eight awards in total. Videos from Chris Brown ("With You"), Linkin Park ("Shadow of the Day") and the Pussycat Dolls ("When I Grow Up") took home awards for best male video, best rock video and best dancing in a video, respectively.

Best new artist went to Tokio Hotel, while Spears' "Piece of Me" won for best female video, best pop video and video of the year.

Sep 7, 2008

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London calling at New York Fashion Week

Designers at New York Fashion week heard London calling — from 1975

The looks of the London youth movment in the years when mod morphed into punk dominated runways Saturday in the second day of spring previews. Short skirts and tight pants kept the skinny profile fresh, paired with — what else? — edgy black.

Charlotte Ronson played on the theme to a crowd that included Lindsay Lohan in a denim corset dress with bright blue pumps.

Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville were taken with the era after watching the Anton Corbijn film "Control" about the British band Joy Division. Their collection Friday wasn't the only ones inspired by the era's nonconformity, and the Fashion Rock concert featured a tribute to punk led by Fergie.

The look was in contrast to another emerging trend at the Bryant Park tents: easy, vacation-bound elegance. New York Fashion Week runs through Sept. 12, with more than 100 shows over eight days.

ROCK & REPUBLIC

Rock & Republic sees next spring's styles in black and white — with nothing in between. Saturday's runway presentation was all about micro minis or long and lean pants, with nary a color in sight.

For a brand that made its name in denim, the emphasis was on formfitting dresses, all but a handful of which were barely long enough to cover the models' undergarments. One black dress with all-over ruching actually looked more like a retro-style bathing suit.

Still, some of the emerging spring trends were represented, including one-shoulder tops, zipper details and skinny jeans that pooled around the ankles, draping around towering platform heels. And the only thing skinnier than the legs on the guys' jeans were the ties.

ABAETE

There was something for the nice girl — as well as something for the naughty one — on the Abaete catwalk.

Designer Laura Poretzky described her spring collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as the "dichotomy of the two sides of a woman." A cute chambray sundress with a ruffled front and petticoat underneath shared the runway with skintight bodysuits with mesh side panels.

Abaete also furthered some trends that appear to be on the horizon: corset-style dresses, one-shoulder tops and killer gladiator platform sandals. Poretzky's version, which will be available at Payless, had a zipper on the back of the ankle to give a hard-rock edge to the shoe.

Her muse wears everything from mod dresses with contrasts of black and white with pops of bright sorbet colors, to flirty shirred skirts that barely reached the middle of the thigh.

CHARLOTTE RONSON

With two celebrity DJ siblings (including Lohan gal pal Samantha), Charlotte Ronson knows the club crowd. With her spring fashion collection, she showed she can dress them too.

There was a hint of irony in many of the outfits, such as a gingham print gone sexy thanks to a sheer fabric and a knit bustier top paired with skinny-leg sweatpants. And almost all the looks were worn with fishnet socks and platform shoes with towering heels.

But even with those young urban looks, Ronson proved she could court a more sophisticated customer with a corset-style dress in a subtle cheetah-print pique fabric and a feminine ruffle-front frock in a floral pattern that blended coral, lavender and brown.

Ronson also showed a knack for knits, including a sweater dress in teal and blush pink with cutout shoulders.

LACOSTE

Lacoste broke down its new collection into three different types of crocodiles, playing off the brand's famous logo: the silver croc, the sporty croc and the hipster croc.

Designer Christophe Lemaire brought the silver type to the Mediterranean, offering long, relaxed button-front dresses over a retro mailot or crocheted bikini for the daytime, and a sexy halter top with a plunging V-neck paired with wide-leg linen gauchos for the evening.

The palette was sepia tones of brown, dusty pink and off-white, the same colors used for the stripes of an adorable sportier tennis dress with a lace-up neckline. Shorts for women were super-shrunken, while the men's shorts hit the mid thigh.

The silhouette got even smaller with the more urban styles, inspired by the mod 60s. "Slim-fit cuts are the rule rather than the exception in this new line," the designer said.

NICOLE MILLER

Nicole Miller aimed to demonstrate with her spring collection that cheerfulness and sophistication are not mutually exclusive.

The vibe at her show Friday night was playful thanks to a color palette that ranged from teal to coral and prints inspired by the good-luck symbols from voodoo flags.

Dresses are Miller's specialty and she didn't disappoint with draped silhouettes that followed an emerging trend of casual elegance. The best ones included a scarf-print jersey one, a purple racer-back gown and a green-yellow linen viscose gown with one strap beaded with crystals.

On some pieces, though, Miller went overboard with fabric, putting a giant ruffle on the shoulder of tops that she called spirit wings. Also, cropped harem pants with too-roomy thighs and a tight band just below the knee would be hard for any woman without model legs to pull off.

ERIN FETHERSTON

Erin Fetherston floated her newest collection down the runway, mining both the daytime and nighttime skies with a theme of "east of the sun and west of the moon."

The first outfit on the runway Friday night was a stunner: an asymmetrical white chiffon tank, "sunburst" jacquard pants in yellow and white with extremely exaggerated wide legs and a shimmery sequin sash. It sent the tone for one ethereal outfit after another — most of which married sexiness and femininity in white or light, pastel colors. There also was a beautiful watercolor-style print that mixed blue, blush, light yellow and green.

But the gimmick went too far with silhouettes that mimicked the clouds with giant puffs of fabric, sometimes on the shoulder, sometimes on the hem, and, worse, sometimes around the hips.

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Beyonce Knowles $5 Million Engagement Ring

Sep 6, 2008

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Kirsten Dunst’s burglar jailed

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Marilyn Monroe made cover girl of mag 46 years after death

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Bollywood Actress ' SARIKA' Interview

'Tahaan shows how conflicts affect children'

Actress Sarika plays the mother of an eight-year-old boy in the troubled Kashmir Valley in her forthcoming film Tahaan and she says that it highlights how conflicts impact children's minds and their lives.

Directed by Santosh Sivan, the movie is set in Kashmir and narrates the story of the young boy Tahaan and his quest across the mountains to find his donkey friend Birbal.

"It is a very simple script like Santosh Sivan's earlier works Malli and Halo. It's a very happy film but at the same time it is very scary because it is a reality that whatever conflicts happen in life it affects children. You only realise it later. We are also addressing an issue with the film," Sarika told IANS in an interview.

Talking about her role in Tahaan, she said: "My role is that of a half-widow who is waiting for her husband to come back. She is sad, but she doesn't show. She has a child who goes to school and he has a donkey. The story is actually about the little boy and his (donkey) friend Birbal.

Contrary to the current unrest in Jammu and Kashmir that was sparked by the allotment and subsequent revocation of 40 hectares of land to the Amarnath shrine board, Sarika revealed that they didn't face any troubles while shooting in the valley.

Sarika in Parzania - National Award Winner 2005 Best Actress

"We were a very small unit of around 20 members and the people there are very cooperative. The womenfolk in Kashmir are amazing," said Sarika, who was here to promote the film that releases Friday.

The actress made her comeback to films in 2006 with an issue-related film called Sacred Evil. She was then seen in Parzania based on the Gujarat riots of 2002 that won her a National Award for Best Actress.

"I kept away from the arc lights because I didn't feel like doing films," said the actress who has also featured in films like Manorama Six Feet Under and Bheja Fry.

Asked if she had a special inclination towards issue-based films, Sarika said: "I don't get attracted to subjects that are issue-based. My career is not going to be issue-based. It is the script that attracts me.

"It has to be an intelligent script and if the script works, a film works and when a film works, the actors work. After all I also have a duty towards the audience to inform them."

During her sabbatical from the big screen, Sarika was involved in costume and sound designing for films. She bagged the National Film Award for Best Costume Design for her ex-husband's historical film Hey Ram in 2000.

The actress, however, says going back to designing is a complete no-no.

"I had designed costumes for 37 films, but now there's no way I'm doing it as you have to meet a lot of individual demands. I've also done some sound designing for a few films and if ever I do anything in designing again, I might do some sound work apart from films if I feel like but no costume designing," she said.

Sarika will next be seen in Hari Puttar, Kacha Limbu and Shoebite and she admits that she likes working with children.

"I love working with kids. But the kids must be disciplined. In fact, I am playing the role of a mother in three films."

Sarika also thinks that it is high time that children are given their due share of recognition in films.

"I think that by virtue of age we do not recognise children as co-stars but as child actors. A co-star is always a co-star no matter what the age," she asserted.

Sarika's daughter Shruti Haasan is making her acting debut opposite R. Madhavan in Nishikant Kamat's yet-to-be-titled film, but Sarika refused to talk about it.

"Ask me only about my films and co-stars. I'm here to promote my film Tahaan," she said.

Sep 5, 2008

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Paris Hilton Lifestyle Gallery

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Laxmi Mittal Residences On Costliest Street In London

Lakshmi_Mittal

Lakshmi_Mittal_house_England_Kensington_2004

The street on which UK's wealthiest Indian lives is the country's most expensive street.

In a list of Britain's costliest streets, the top slot has been grabbed by Kensington Palace Gardens, popularly known as Billionaire's Row, where Arcelor's Laxmi Mittal has purchased three houses.

As per a ranking of Britain's 20 highest value streets, compiled by property website Zoopla, London's Kensington Palace Gardens is top-ranked with an average house price of about 41.4 million pounds, while Compton Avenue in Hamstead, North London, has come as the distant second with an average price of 7.5 million pounds.

All the 20 costliest streets in Britain are in London.

Last month, Mittal reportedly purchased a 70-million-pound house, formerly the Philippines embassy -- for his daughter Vanisha on this street, close after a world record 117-million-pound mansion bought for his son Aditya and the third for the family in the same area. About four years ago, Mittal had purchased his first house on the Billionaire's Row for 57 million pounds.

The combined value of the three properties owned by Mittal family on this street is said to be valued at about 440 million pounds - nearly 200 million pounds more than the amount paid for these properties over a period of four years.

The street has been home to a number of celebrities even before Mittals came here. Late Princess Diana once lived in this street in central London and its current residents include Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.

Kensington Palace Gardens is a private avenue lined with trees and dotted with foreign embassies.

The remaining eight in the top 10 are Courtenay Avenue, Chelsea Square, Manresa Road, Ilchester Place, Spaniards Close, Elm Walk, Essex Villas and Gilston Road.

Others in the top-20 list include Carlyle Square, Kensington Square, Eldon Road, Mulberry Walk, Cottesmore Gardens, Victoria Road, Earls Terrace, Winnington Road, Ingram Avenue and Albert Place ranked last with a price tag of over 4.5 milion pounds.

Sep 4, 2008

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Hansika Motwani’s 15 children

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Katrina on top with six hits in a row: critics

British-born actress Katrina Kaif has delivered six back-to-back hits, bagged several brand endorsements and is now a highly sought after heroine - all the qualities needed to be crowned the reigning actress in Bollywood, say film critics.

"Katrina has immensely evolved as an actress. In Bollywood, actors are mostly known for the number of hits that they can deliver. Katrina has won in that respect hands down. She can undoubtedly be called a lucky mascot for her producers," popular film critic Taran Adarsh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

After wowing audiences in the recently released romantic comedy Singh Is Kinng opposite Akshay Kumar, Katrina has successfully displaced top-rung actors, including Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra.

Her success story started with Namastey London and continued with Apne, Partner, Welcome, Race and now Singh Is Kinng.

"Last year was simply fantastic and, touchwood, this year is the same. I would like to thank god. I believe in enjoying doing the work I'm doing. It is also good to know that the hard work I have put in has shown result. I will continue to do so," Katrina said.

The 24-year-old star ventured into Bollywood in 2003 and was instantly written off because of her strong British accent. But after five years of hard work and determination, she is one of the most sought after actresses in the Hindi film industry.

Her next is Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj, which is about the arrogance and overconfidence of contemporary youth. Set to release in October, critics are confident that Katrina has another hit on the anvil in Yuvraaj.

Mumbai-based film critic Anupama Chopra says there are high expectations from Katrina's performance in the movie.

"Katrina has had a fortunate choice of films" even though she "had a rather unfortunate start with Boom," Chopra said.

"She is a stunning looking actress and so far she is doing well with her glam doll image. We did see glimpses of an actor in her performance-oriented roles such as in Namastey London," Chopra explained.

Katrina is one of eight siblings, all girls. Her mother is British and her father is from Jammu and Kashmir who has since acquired British citizenship.

The actress spent her formative years in Hawaii but later moved to London. She started modelling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the age of 14. Thereafter she continued modelling in London till she moved to Mumbai in quest of a career in the world's largest film industry.

She has also moved on to bigger banners and has teamed up with John Abraham and Neil Mukesh for a Yash Raj Films' project. Apart from that, she will be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi's next film, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, with Ranbir Kapoor.

Besides spinning gold at the box office, Katrina also has an assorted line-up of brand endorsements. These include Nakshatra diamond jewellery and Veet hair removal cream among others.

The actress created waves when she replaced Aishwarya Rai as the brand ambassador of Nakshatra last month, besides bagging the crown of being the most downloaded Indian actress in cyber space.

"Katrina is the perfect representation of the young, trendy and fashionable woman that Nakshatra targets. We feel that Katrina lends a refreshing look to the brand. We are excited about having her on board as the new face for Nakshatra," said Mehul Choksi, chairman, Gitanjali Group and Nakshatra.

Though the actress has acquired a star status in a short span, critics feel that she needs to work on more performance-based roles.

Said Chopra: "Katrina needs to evolve and emerge out of her glamorous image to do meatier roles like the ones Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta were doing two to three years ago."

Sep 3, 2008

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Lindsay Lohan Says Bristol Palin's Pregnancy....

Lindsay Lohan Says Bristol Palin's Pregnancy Is 'Distracting' Voters From Real Issues
Actress blogs that Sarah Palin should focus on campaign, not daughter's pregnancy.

While speaking to the delegates of the Republican National Convention on Monday, vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin announced that her 17-year-old-daughter, Bristol, is five months pregnant. The chatter sparked by the news included a few words from someone who knows what it's like to be a teenage girl in the public eye: Lindsay Lohan took to her MySpace blog to weigh in on the issue.

"Well, I think the real problem comes from the fact that we are taking the focus off of getting to know Sarah Palin and her political views, and what she can do to make our country a less destructive place," Lohan wrote. "It's distracting from the real issues, the real everyday problems that this country experiences.

She continued, "I am concerned with the fact that Sarah Palin brought the attention to her daughter's pregnancy, rather than all world issues and what she believes she could possibly do to change them — if elected. I get Sarah Palin's views against abortion, but I would much prefer to hear more about what she can do for our country rather than how her daughter is going to have a child no matter what."

She also talks about the importance of sex education for teenagers. "I think that parents need to recognize how important it is to talk to their children about the things that can result from being sexually active if they aren't protecting themselves (birth control, condoms, etc.)," she wrote.

Tuesday morning (September 2), media outlets began running details from the MySpace page of the father of Bristol's baby, 18-year-old Levi Johnston. (The MySpace page has since been removed.) The Wasilla, Alaska, hockey player's page had listed him as being in a relationship, but under his "children" status, Johnston opted for "I don't want kids."

On Monday, Sarah Palin issued a statement about Bristol's pregnancy saying that she and her husband, Todd, are "proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support." The statement noted that Bristol and Johnston will marry, and asked that the media "respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

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Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher Interview

I'm happy with Demi and her daughters: Ashton Kutcher

Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher says he is perfectly happy being married to actress Demi Moore - who is 15 years his senior - and playing parent to her three daughters.

"I am happy with my married life and feel complete to be with Demi. The daughters from her side are also my life. They give me open and unconditional love and everything that I do revolves around making them happy as they too do the same," Kutcher in an e-mail interview told IANS.

"Adjusting with older people is not new to me. Most of my friends are older and I have no problem in adjusting with them," he said.

Kutcher at the age of 27 had tied the knot in September 2005 with the acclaimed Demi who was 43 at that time. Demi has three daughters from her second husband, Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, whom she divorced in October 2000.

Demi's first husband was song writer Freddy Moore whom she had divorced in 1984 after a four-year-long relationship.

Model-turned-actor Kutcher, who has featured in movies like Bobby, The Guardian, Butterfly Effect and Just Married among others, has played the lead role in What Happens In Vegas.

What Happens..., which will be released in India September 5, stars the gorgeous Cameron Diaz as his co-star.

"The film is about the different attitudes of men and women towards marriage. It is about the perspective of marriage from the guys and the girl's point of view," Kutcher said about the movie.

About his character, Kutcher said: "I play the character of Jack Fuller. He is a happy go lucky person who takes life easy. He is not bothered by the happenings around him and wants to live life on his own terms and conditions."

Kutcher said the story of the film starts from a point where Jack gets married to Joy McNally, played by Cameron, in an inebriated state. They want to part the next day until they come to know they have a won a jackpot of $3 million as a couple.

What Happens.. is a comedy, the genre Kutcher is known for. He said the funny situations in the film are highlighted when the two characters discover each other's flaws.

"When you have the flaws of two people put together, one's strength in character reveals the flaws of the other and I think that makes the story more funny and interesting."

About working with Cameron, Kutcher said: "She is really a tough lady and I had to really work hard to look as fit as she is. I even hired a personal trainer because I did not want my leading lady to look as though she is in better shape than I am.

"But she is really a nice actor to work with as she has all the professional qualities of a star. I was always anxious after a day's shoot to go for the next day as I will get to see her again."

What Happens.. has been directed by Tom Vaughan who debuted in feature films with the hit comedy Starter for 10 and then went on to make the HBO series John From Cincinnati and Big Love.

About the director, Kutcher said: "I saw his first film Starter for 10 and really liked it. He is one of those people who allow you to be your best. He doesn't take any credit for making you look great though; he just allows you to do that and then captures those moments. It was a blast making this film with him. I loved it."

The film also stars Robb Corddry, Treat Williams, Denis Miller and Lake Bell.

Sep 2, 2008

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Jade Goody Cancer Was Misdiagnosed

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Aishwarya creating trouble in Salman-Katrina romance!

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Sushmita Sen and Mudassar are bed and breakfast partners

Sep 1, 2008

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Former Miss World Yuktaa Mookhey to wed soon

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‘It’s the media that is marrying Shilpa Shetty off ’

Actresses may insist that it is a male dominated world, yet one look at Shamita Shetty and her glamorous sister, Shilpa, would make it apparent that women in Bollywood are having their cake and eating it too.

Shamita Shetty, who is just back from London, gushes about switching tracks and turning producer, and also tells NT why she is being choosy about her roles.

Ask her what is keeping her busy these days and Shamita says, "I'm concentrating on my career and reading some scripts." And what are the projects that she has in hand? "Actually, I've none at the moment and that's because I'm not willing to do just any role that comes my way.

Bollywood is going through a catharsis and possibilities are tremendous these days. Even married actresses are being offered roles that are tailor-made for them," she says. Tell her that there are too many actresses around, making the competition much tougher and she says, "There is definitely an influx of heroines in the industry. And getting noticed in this melee is undoubtedly difficult. But then, I feel Bollywood is big enough for all of us and there is work for everybody, though luck and right contacts do matter a lot. Considering my sister Shilpa and I do not belong to any camp, I feel we have done well for ourselves," says the actress who has worked in films like Mohabbatein, Saathiya, Fareb and Cash. Is that the reason why she has decided to produce her own film? "In a way maybe, but I am not acting in this film, I am only producing it. It is based on a very mature story that revolves around two women and Manish Jha would be directing it. We will make an announcement shortly," says she.

There is also a buzz that Shamita was in London recently, trying to get a place for herself in the British reality TV show, Big Brother, because her sister Shilpa became a celebrity after winning that show. To this she says "I have no such plans. I can never do a show like that, as I will not be comfortable in such a setting. Nor can I stay away from my family for such a long time." Agreeing to the fact that television has pepped up the stagnant careers of many actors, Shamita adds, "I too am being offered a lot of work on TV, but I'm not the one to follow trends. So, you will not be seeing me on the small screen."

Now that big sis Shilpa has announced her plans to tie the knot in near future, is she also planning to follow in her footsteps? Shamita laughs throatily and says, "It is the media that is so busy marrying her off, she has not made any such announcement. As for me, there are no boyfriends or marriage plans on the anvil. As of now, I'm happily single."

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