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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