STR lists out hits of 2011

              Known for his open talk, Simbu aka STR is at it again. Now that the year is coming to a close, the actor-director-singer has listed out the movies he liked in 2011, in his interview to a popular Tamil weekly.

 ...............

Rahman wants 'Dam 999' to win Oscar

           AR Rahman has expressed hope that 'Dam 999', which was nominated in the Best Film and Best Original Song categories at the 84th Academy Awards, will bring laurels to the nation just as he did for his work in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire.

Priyamani in Australia

           Priyamani is off to Australia to welcome the New Year. "She worked without even a small break throughout the year and hence she has left for the foreign country with her family members on a holiday trip," circles close to her say.

'Aadukalam' bags honour at CIFF

 

    After sweeping the National Awards, it was time for 'Aadukalam' on Thursday to make its presence felt at the Chennai International Film Festival.

Arya and Maddy trying to emulate Dhanush?

    The official promo video of a single from Vettai - Pappappa Pappa Pappappa was released yesterday.

Kamal’s special training

    Kamal Haasan will leave for the US with his 75-member crew on December 15^th.

Adele May Take Two Or Three Years Before Next Album

 Nominated for six Grammy awards and recently named Billboard’s Artist of the Year, Adele has dominated the 2011 charts with her second album, “21.”

Vidya Balan to charge Rs 7 crore per film?

     Thanks to the super success of The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan is being rated as one of the leading actresses in Bollywood.

Neha Dhupia snubs porn star Sunny Leone?

 Neha Dhupia does not regard porn star Sunny Leone to be part of the film industry.

Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra's cold war ends?

       

    It seems Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra's cold war would see it's end soon.

Shilpa Shetty is pregnant and glowing

 Though Shilpa Shetty is married and not much into movies, she is still very much in the limelight. The actress is glowing these days.

Vidya asks Shahrukh, Salman, Aamir to add Balan to their names

 Vidya Balan is riding high with the success of her just released film The Dirty Picture.

Eddie Murphy to get cracking on Marion Barry biopic

    LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Tower Heist" star Eddie Murphy, who recently bowed

out of the hosting gig for next year's Oscars, is attached to play scandal-plagued former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry in a biopic that's being developed by HBO Films, HBO confirms to TheWrap.

Spike Lee will direct the project, while John Ridley (whose resume includes "The Wanda Sykes Show," the "Barbershop" TV series and "Undercover Brother") will write the script. Murphy, Lee and Ridley will all serve as executive producers.

The project's source material will include the 1994 book "Dream City" by Washington, D.C. journalists Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood, who will serve as consultants on the project. Also consulting: Dana Flow and Toby Oppenheimer, who made the 2009 documentary "The Nine Lives of Marion Barry."

Barry initially served as mayor of D.C. -- he was the city's second mayor -- from 1979 to 1991, but his political career was temporarily placed on hold due to a drug scandal during which he was videotaped smoking crack cocaine. After serving six months in federal prison, Barry was elected to the D.C. city council, and was elected mayor again in 1994. He currently serves as a member of the Council for the District of Columbia.

The Washington Post first reported the news.

Jolie quiets Bosnian critics with war film screening

   Victims of Bosnia's 1992-95 war had most of their anxieties over a film by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie put to rest at a private screening this week.

Objections to filming Jolie'

s tale of love between a Serb man and a Muslim woman in Bosnia last year forced the Hollywood star to shoot most of the film in nearby Hungary. Only some of the exterior scenes were shot in Bosnia.

But the Thursday night screening of the film in Sarajevo to representatives of victims' associations elicited positive reactions from some of Jolie's toughest local critics.

"She has made a fantastic film for Bosnia and Herzegovina, I can really say that from the angle of a victim," Murat Tahirovic, the president of Bosnia's association of (wartime) detainees, told the Federal Television in Sarajevo.

Tahirovic was among a dozen representatives of wartime victims invited to the closed screening of Jolie's directorial debut "In The Land of Blood and Honey".

"Everybody should see this film," Tahirovic said.

In October 2010, a Bosnian minister cancelled Jolie's filming permits citing incomplete paperwork, after female victims of the Bosnian war objected to details of the plot, alleging it was about love between a rapist and his victim.

The film tells a tale of love between a Serb man and a Muslim woman before the Bosnian war, who later meet in different circumstances - he is an army officer and she is his detainee.

Victims of sexual violence in Bosnia wrote to the United Nations refugee agency, saying Jolie did not deserve her role as a UNHCR Good Will Ambassador, and did not know enough about the Bosnian conflict.

Jolie first came to Bosnia last year as an UNHCR ambassador.

She filmed most of the feature in Budapest but asked war victims voicing their objections to the movie to reserve judgment until they had seen the finished product.
One of the loudest opponents to Jolie filming in Bosnia said she was now satisfied by the film's portrayal of the war.

"Two hours of film is not enough time to show all (the horrors of the war), but I think Angelina managed to do it," said Sadzida Hadzic of the Women-Victims of War association.

However, Hatidza Mehmedovic, who lost her husband and two teenage sons in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys, said she was disappointed the film was shot elsewhere, even though she congratulated Jolie.

"The film is so strong, so difficult, it would be stronger if it was shot in Bosnia," she told Reuters.

The closed screening was organised by the Center for post-conflict research, and was not open to media.

Kim Kardashian Heads To Haiti With Maria Bello

   Kim Kardashian has headed to Haiti with “Prime Suspect” actress Maria Bello.

According to People, the divorcing reality star made the trip with Maria and the NBC star’s We Advance group, which, according to the organization’s website, works to “advance the healthy, safety and wellbeing of women throughout Haiti.”

Kris Jenner is reportedly also on the trip.

“She connected with Mario Bello and is there with Maria’s foundation and also with her mom,” a source close to Kim told People. “Her intention was always to take the end of the year to focus on some of the other things that are important to her and this trip was one.”

The source added that Kim was inspired into performing charitable acts by her late father, Robert Kardashian.

”[Kim’s] father instilled in her and her siblings that every little bit counts and she always tries to do as much as she can – whether it’s privately or whether it’s something that she can use her platform for – to help,” the source said.

‘Nate Berkus Show’ Not Renewed For A Third Season

    Caption Nate Berkus is leaving the tough world of daytime television next year.

On Friday, it was revealed that “The Nate Berkus Show” was not renewed for the 2012-2013 television season.

“After careful consideration, we have decided that ‘The Nate Berkus Show’ will not return for a third season in the fall,” Sony and Harpo said in a joint statement released to Access Hollywood on Friday. “We are grateful for the hard work and heart that Nate, [executive producer] Corin Nelson and their entire team have poured into the show, and we’re very proud of what they’ve delivered.”

Nate’s show, which focuses on interior design and features interviews with celebrity guests, is currently in its second season – now, its last.

Reacting to the news, Nate said he was pleased with the product his team has put on television.

“I’m incredibly proud of my hard working and talented staff, and proud of the show we were able to produce every day,” he said in a statement.

Nate was one of several stars, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Phil McGraw and Rachael Ray who got their own shows after an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey.

Judge Orders Man To Stay Away From Kirsten Dunst

    A judge on Friday granted Kirsten Dunst a temporary restraining order against a French man who has repeatedly written to the actress
and traveled to Los Angeles at least five times to try to meet her.

Superior Court Judge Carol Boas Goodson ordered Jean Christophe Prudhon of Dijon, France, to stay 100 yards away from the “Spider-Man” star and to stop trying to contact her.

In letters accompanying Dunst’s petition, Prudhon wrote that he sold his home in France so he could continue to travel to meet Dunst, who has not responded to any of his more than 50 letters. He wrote that he is in love with the actress and that he has repeatedly waited outside Dunst’s home to try to meet her and has been mistaken for a paparazzo.

“I am frightened for my safety, as well as the safety of my family and friends who visit my home,” Dunst wrote in a court filing. “I am worried that Mr. Prudhon will escalate his conduct further, putting myself and my family in danger.”

Dunst’s mother, Inez Dunst, wrote in a sworn declaration that she was alarmed by Prudhon’s appearance when he came to her door last week trying to meet the actress. Inez Dunst said she knew who he was because he has repeatedly sent her daughter letters over the years.

It could not be immediately determined if Prudhon, 51, was represented by a lawyer, and attempts to locate him for comment were unsuccessful.

The actress, who recently appeared in the film “Melancholia,” wrote in a court filing that her security personnel told Prudhon to stay away, but he has refused.

Goodson will consider whether to grant a three-year restraining order at a Dec. 21 hearing.

Former ‘Survivor’ Winner Ethan Zohn Opens Up About His Cancer Returning

    Despite Ethan Zohn’s cancer returning after being in remission for two years, the “Survivor: Africa” winner and “Amazing Race” contestant said he’s hopeful that he’ll beat cancer once and for all.

“Right now, I’m feeling good.

I’m on a new incredible drug, SGN-35,” the reality star and former soccer player told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Friday’s Access Hollywood Live. “I don’t look sick, but inside it’s ‘War of the Worlds.’ After this I go in for another stem cell transplant and after that I’ll be healed and cured for life.”

In September, Ethan’s rare form of Hodgkin’s disease returned, something he says was harder to deal with the second time around.

“It really was, just because, you know, you’ve gone through so much, we paid our dues to cancer, and here it is coming back,” the 38-year-old explained. “It’s frustrating, disappointment, sadness. On the flip side, you use all that fear and disgust to turn it against cancer and use it to keep positive and moving forward.”

Girlfriend Jenna Morasca, another “Survivor” alumnus, echoed Ethan’s sentiment about his cancer returning.

“I think the second time was a lot harder,” she told Billy and Kit. “We had two years where we were just over it. We made plans, we were ready to move forward, so for me, it was a lot harder for me this time. I took it a lot harder.”

The couple, who hosts “Everyday Health” on ABC and plans to document Ethan’s treatment in hopes of helping others, said his current treatment is aiming to cure the cancer.

“They’re looking at this with curative intent, which is good. It’s not like they’re just going to make me feel comfortable for the rest of [my] life,” Ethan said. “Life is going to be back to normal at some point.”

Ben Kingsley Joins His 'Hugo' Kid Co-Star in 'Ender's Game'

    Ben Kinglsey is a serious actor, but a guy who also loves having fun making movies.
When I spoke to him for Hugo, you could just feel his love and passion for the craft exuding from word—even when discussing his role in a "kid's movie." That kind of unbridled affection for performance is reason enough for me to be excited for any and every project Kingsley signs on for. When the project just happens to be an adaptation of one of the more exciting sci-fi novels of the last 25 years, that's when my head starts spinning.

Kingsley is set to join the big screen version of Ender's Game, the 1985 science fiction war novel penned by famed author Orson Scott Card. Card and a number of name directors and writers have been trying to bring Ender's Game to life nearly as long as the book as been in existence, but now it's finally happening under the guidance of producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (writers of Transformers and Star Trek) and writer/director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Tsotsi).

Ender's Game will also act as a reunion for Kinglsey and his Hugo co-star Asa Butterfield, who is set to star as the titular youngster, a brilliant boy recruited at a young age to help with the resistance against a warring alien race. Also in the mix is Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) in an unspecified role.
Kingsley and Butterfield's collaboration in Hugo was a surprise and a real treat. A kid actor who can stand up to a legendary force like Kingsley is no easy task, but Butterfield pulled it off. I'm hoping it wasn't a one-off for the fresh-faced actor, but I feel as if I can rest assured now that Kinglsey's on board Ender's Game. Even if they recreate a little of that magic in this new film, fans of the book and newcomers to the material will be in for something special.
The filmmakers aim to shoot Ender's Game in February, which means we could see this one in theaters around 2013!

Kim Kardashian’s yoga session with nude man infuriates hubby Kris

   Kris Humphries went furious when he discovered wife Kim Kardashian, her sister and friends taking part in a yoga session with a naked male yoga instructor on their reality show.
The fight between the couple took place during the season premiere of Kourtney and Kim Take New York, which was aired on US television on November 28.

Even though Kim keeps her clothes on, hubby Kris wasn't happy about her being in the company of a naked man. An upset Kris told the Daily Mail, "That is disgusting. This is my home. This is disrespectful."

A furious Kim blows back to her hubby by calling him “immature". In fact the fight turned so serious that Kris told Kim clearly that her sister, "Kourtney cannot live with us anymore. I will personally pay for her to have a room on a different floor."

Kim Kardashian will never become a mother?

  

 S ocialite Kim Kardashian fears that she will never have children after her divorce with basketball star husband Kris Humphries.
Kardashian always dreamt of having many children but now it seems like all her dreams have shattered.

"I always wanted what my parents had. And at first I was like, I want six kids. Then I went down to four, then I was down to three, and now I'm like, maybe I won't have any. Maybe I'll just be a good aunt," contactmusic.com quoted Kim as saying.

"At this moment in my life, I feel like maybe I'm not supposed to have kids and all that. That's how I feel. Maybe my fairytale has a different ending than I dreamed it would, but that's OK," she added.

Kim Kardashian becomes quiet and reserved

   Kim Kardashian, who filed for divorce from husband, 26-year-old NBA player
Kris Humphries has apparently become very reserved and is reportedly keeping very quiet since she began working for Tyler Perry"s upcoming film The Marriage Counsellor.

According to sources on the sets of Tyler Perry"s The Marriage Counsellor, Kim Kardashian seems very upset and keeps to herself. She is extremely reserved and prefers to be quiet most of the time. Speaking to New York Daily News, a source revealed, “Kim has been reading a script and not being very social at all."

Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kris Humphries, barely 72 days after their grand wedding.

Kids get to watch The Adventures of Tintin on Children's day

On the occasion of Children's Day, city schools are taking their children to watch Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin.


While some schools have planned to take their children out on a special outing to some tourist spot, others have planned to take their children out to watch The Adventures of Tintin.

Speaking about their plans for their children on Children's Day, Harsimran Kaur, principal of Gurukul School, Panchkula said, “Children have a lot of craze for the movie Tintin. So we are taking all of them in different shifts for the movie and that too for free". Kaur added that this is the only day they get to make the children feel special.

Brad Pitt plans to quit acting in three years

Brad Pitt, who is busy working on his forthcoming films Happy Feet Two, Cogan's Trade and World War Z says he might quit acting when he turns 50.


Speaking on Australian chat show 60 Minutes, the 47 year old Brad Pitt said that he plans to quit acting with three years, once he turns 50. He also added that there are not many days left in his career span as an actor. Brad Pitt said, “My days as lead actor are 'numbered'."

According to dailymail.co.uk, Brad Pitt intends to move behind the camera when he steps out of the limelight, suggesting that the actor might get into full time production and direction.

"I've really enjoyed the producerial (sic) side and getting stories to the plate that may have had a harder time otherwise," said Pitt.

'Jayam' Ravi to box it off

    Close on the heels of his long pending project with Ameer, 'Aadhi Bhagavan', which is all set to re-start,
'Jayam' Ravi is also gearing up for his other projects. The actor has three films in his hands, apart from 'Aadhi Bhagavan'. "In Boologam to be directed by a newcomer, Jayam Ravi is playing a professional boxer. To get his act right in the movie, the actor is learning boxing from an expert. He is regularly attending classes," sources say.

After 'Boologam', 'Jayam' Ravi will share the screen space with Jiiva for a yet to be titled movie, tentatively to be directed by S P Jananathan. Remember Ravi has earlier worked with the director in 'Peranmai', while Jiiva in 'Ee'.

Also in the list of the 'Thillalangadi' actor is a film to be produced by K S Srinivasan of Vasan Visual Ventures, who had produced 'Boss Engira Baskaran' and 'Naan Kadavul' earlier. Looks like 2012 will be one hectic year for Ravi.

Rahman likes 'Kolaveri...'

 The latest in the list of celebrities who are impressed with 'Why this kolaveri di...',
written and penned by Dhanush for his forthcoming film '3', is none other than Oscar-Grammy winner A R Rahman. Says Anirudh, the music composer, who is making waves right from the day one the single number was released, "I heard from someone that Rahman has said he likes the song. That's really big news for me."

Some of the big guns who are already appreciative of the song are Superstar Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan and industrialist Anand Mahindra. Top media houses all over the world carried features on the song.

Meanwhile, arrangements are on for the audio launch of '3', which is set to take place in Chennai soon. Says Dhanush, "The remaining songs from the movie will be totally different from Kolaveri... Anirudh has done a very good job."

Saguni

Cast: Karthi
Direction: Shankar Daya
Music: G V Prakash Kumar

'Saguni' is Karthi's forthcoming political satire which marks the debut of director Shankar Dayal.

The film will be produced under the Dream Warrior Pictures banner and Karthi will be seen opposite Pranitha.

The film will do away from clich�d racy political thrillers where the hero beats up goons and baddies or dons the role of a politician to teach his villain a lesson. For, 'Saguni' has no villains!

"Karthi, after facing tussles in his village, moves to Chennai where certain circumstances lead him to opt for politics. Karthi's character has negative shades in the film, but in the end, he does it all for the good of the society", express sources in the know. In fact, it is said that his character, at certain portions will remind one of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia, of 2G spectrum scam.

The film also has Radhika Sarathkumar playing a pivotal role, of a politician again.

With good on-screen chemistry between Karthi and Pranitha, a political satire without villains and Karthi in part grey shades, 'Saguni' sure looks like a promising venture.

Oru Kal Oru Kannadi

 Banner: Red Giant Movies
Cast: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hansika Motwani, Santhanam
Direction: Rajesh M
Production: Udhayanidhi Stalin
Music: Harris Jayaraj 

If you can call director Rajesh a master in reflecting modern day youngsters on screen, films like 'Siva Manasula Sakthi' and 'Boss Engira Baskaran' are there to add strength to the claim. He is now gearing up for the release of 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi'.

Producer Udhayanidhi Stalin's maiden attempt as an actor, 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' is ready for release. The film has Hansika Motwani opposite Udhayanidhi, besides Santhanam, the inevitable man of Rajesh movies.

Says Rajesh, "Udhay has done a fabulous job. So has Hansika. OKOK is a laugh-a-thon with Santhanam at his best." Udhayanidhi too is upbeat. He says, "Rajesh is a great filmmaker. He knows what the audiences want. His penchant for comedy is widely known and am sure OKOK will rock".

Recently, the teaser trailer of 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' was released and it became an instant hit among the masses. It was one of the most shared videos in these parts, on social networking sites.

In no time, it spread like a wildfire on social networking sites and garnered more number of likes and comments, with netizens saying that they laughed like anything while watching it.

After 'Ovvuru manushanukkum ovvuru feeling...' in 'Siva Manasula Sakthi' and 'Nanbendaaa....' in 'Boss Engira Baskaran', the 'Vaaliba vayodhiga anbargaley...' opening line from Santhanam in the teaser of 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' has now become a rage among youngsters.

The film also has cameo appearances by Rajesh's lucky mascot, Jammy aka Arya and Andrea Jeremiah.

Another important highlight of the film is said to be the music of Harris Jayaraj. This is first time for the composer to join hands with Rajesh. "His songs are extremely good," says the director with an optimistic smile.

With so many plus points, 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' will be backed by the aggressive promotions of Udhayanidhi during its release. We're all game for this one; for we know it will be one healthy laugh riot!

Nanban

  Cast: Vijay, Ileana, Jeeva, Srikanth, Sathyaraj, Sathyan, S.J. Surya, Anuya Bhagvath, Lawrence Raghavendra...
Direction: Shankar
Production: Gemini Films
Music: Harris Jayaraj

With Vijay's 'Velayudham' becoming a Diwali release, it is confirmed that the Ilayathalapathy's next venture, the Shankar-directed 'Nanban', will hit the screens for Pongal.

'Nanban', a remake of Bollywood blockbuster 'Three Idiots', stars Vijay, Srikanth, Jiiva, Ileana D' Cruz, Sathyaraj in lead roles with Anuya Bhagawath and S J Suryah playing pivotal ones. Harris Jayaraj has scored music. The shooting for the movie is complete and post production works have begun.

In 'Nanban', Vijay plays an engineering college student, whose ideas are always out of the box. Jiiva and Srikanth play his close buddies in college. A major portion of the film was shot in Darjeeling and Ooty. Unlike other Shankar films, 'Nanban' was completed in a quick pace.

Says Vijay, "It is my longtime wish to join hands with Shankar and it has come true with Nanban. He is a dedicated director and expects nothing but his best from his colleagues. Shooting for Nanban was a great and lovely experience. I enjoyed it thoroughly."

Goan-beauty Ileana is expecting to start her second innings in Kollywood with 'Nanban'. She enacts the role done by Kareena Kapoor in the original, romancing Vijay, who has replaced Aamir Khan.

The actress pins all hope on the movie and circles close to her say that she would accept other offers in Tamil only after the release of 'Nanban', produced by Gemini Films.

Shankar is known for his grand approach and his producers, keeping his lavish predilections in mind, had no objections to spend the extra buck to shoot his signature style of visuals, especially in the songs of the film. "This has made Nanban a visual delight," sources say.

Confirming this, Shankar says, "I feel Nanban has shaped out very well in all aspects. The highlight of the film will be its characters and the excellent performances of the artists in it. It's going to be a treat watching Vijay, Jiiva, Sathyaraj, Srikanth, Sathyan, Illeana altogether. Every scene is edited and dubbed till date."

The 'mega director', who is fresh from the grand success of 'Enthiran' adds: "Vijay hosted a wonderful party for the completion of the film and it was so nice that all the artists and technicians of the film gathered; it was a very relaxing evening full of talk, dance, fun, laughter etc."

Let's hope that 'Nanban' will be an enjoyable movie, as much as its original was, probably even more entertaining considering the exciting cast and crew of 'Nanban'! 

 

Former ‘Gossip Girl’ Stylist Lauren Scruggs Takes First Steps After Life-Threatening Propeller Accident

  
 Caption Lauren Scruggs, a fashion blogger, aspiring model and former “Gossip Girl” wardrobe stylist,
has taken her first steps following a near-fatal accident on Saturday.

The good news was revealed in a blog posted by the 23-year-old’s family on Wednesday.

“This morning, Lauren experienced a victory!” the post read. “Earlier, the physical therapist assisted Lauren in walking for the first time. Once she got halfway there, she said, ‘30.’ Not sure what she meant [her family] asked her what that means, she replied, ‘Steps!’

“What a praise, she was counting every step that she took!” the post continued.

Scruggs, a Texas native, suffered severe injuries on Saturday after accidentally walking into the moving propeller of a small plane. Her left hand was severed in the accident and she sustained critical wounds to her skull, left eye and left shoulder.

Peter Wasserman and Luke Dixon, the first two paramedics to arrive at the scene, told ABC News that even as veteran emergency responders, Scruggs’ injuries were some of the most shocking they’d encountered.

“It was one of those things that kind of just takes your breath away,” Wasserman said in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Thursday, adding that he began to pray for her as soon as he saw the extent of the damage to her body.

“We honestly didn’t expect her to survive,” he said. “The extent of her injuries, the lacerations she had to her head, the skull fracture. … We thought for sure there would be significant brain damage. I was praying as soon as I got there.”

Scruggs is currently being treated at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital, where doctors are working to save her left eye.

Jay-Z To Raise Money, Perform At Carnegie Hall

Jay-Z didn’t graduate from high school, but he’s encouraging others to value their education.

The rapper announced Thursday that he will perform two shows at New York’s Carnegie Hall in February to benefit the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the United Way of New York City.

“Education is super important,” Jay-Z said. “I don’t have a high school diploma or a college diploma, but still for me to articulate, I had to have some form of schooling to articulate my thoughts.”

The concerts will take place on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7. Tickets in the private sale will range from $500 to $2500.

The press conference announced Jay-Z as the first solo hip-hop artist to play at the famed venue, though Wylcef Jean performed at there in 2001 with Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Whitney Houston.

“I feel like they bent the rules so that could make sense for me right now, but I’ll take it,” Jay-Z said with a laugh.

Jay-Z says performing at the venue is a big deal for hip-hop, and he’s happy to bring the genre to greater heights.

“Any time that I get a chance to expand and broaden the reach of hip-hop is a great thing for me on a personal level,” he said.

The Brooklyn-born performer said he’s excited to influence his community in ways outside of music. He says going back to the Marcy Projects complex where he grew up remains a moving experience.

He says he got the same feeling when he recently went to Kanye West’s old home in the Southside of Chicago.

“The inspiration and how happy the people were, it just makes you feel really good,” he said.

Rosie O’Donnell: I’ve Been Engaged For ‘Months’

   Caption It’s been a whirlwind romance for Rosie O’Donnell and her fiancée Michelle Rounds,
who announced their engagement on Monday after going public with their romance in September.

Now, Rosie, 49, has revealed they have been engaged for quite some time, though the talk show host initially opted to keep the news private.

“Michelle said to me a few months ago, when we got engaged, she said, ‘How come you didn’t say it on your show?’ And I was like, ‘Honey, I don’t know how.’ I didn’t know how to say it,” Rosie said Tuesday, on her Oprah Winfrey Network talk show, “The Rosie Show.”

Rosie – who has four children with former partner Kelli Carpenter and split from ex-girlfriend Tracy Kachtick-Anders in February – admitted the idea of putting her love life out there for the public makes her uncomfortable.

“You don’t want to become one of those celebrities that talks about their relationship ad nauseum and makes it into a fairy tale thing,” she said. “And then they go and have an affair with somebody.

“I don’t want to say any names,” she added, jokingly.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Rosie’s rep confirmed the engagement news to Access on Monday.

The rep told Access the two will continue to split their time between New York City and Chicago, where the star films “The Rosie Show.”

Karisma to star in Satte Pe Satta remake

 Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor, who is making her comeback on the silver screen after a hiatus, will be stepping in the shoes of veteran actress Hema Malini for the remake of Satte Pe Satta.

Reportedly, Vidya Balan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit were approached for the role essayed by Hema in the yesteryear hit.

"I am doing Satte Pe Satta. The film will start soon," Karisma told reporters here, after announcing her association with oneline store - Babyoye.
Actor Sanjay Dutt will be playing the role of Amitabh Bachchan and will also produce the film.
Satte Pe Satta, is a 1982, Amitabh Bachchan-Hema Malini film. The film is a story of seven brothers.
Karisma turned investor with BabyOye, one of the leading online store for baby products. The association is with Arunima Singhdeo, a businesswoman.

Babyoye, is a online store for baby and mother care products, Karisma is the co-investor in the company.

Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif top most-downloaded poll

 

The annual poll’s findings reveal the Bollywood actors, whose films and songs have been consistently high on the most-downloaded charts, pointing to their levels of popularity among mobile users.

Kaif stayed on the top position for the third consecutive year, while Jacqueline Fernandez came fourth, pushing Priyanka Chopra to fifth.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did not reflect in the top-five list. In the male actors category, Khan topped the list, as a lot of users downloaded his pictures from the last released film, Ra One.
The findings of the Airtel Mobitude 2011 survey conducted by the mobile network operator also showed that Khan left Salman Khan behind in the list, as he got 70 per cent more downloads than last year.

Salman was my first serious relationship: Katrina Kaif

After years of denials, Katrina Kaif has finally admitted to have dated Salman Khan in the past. "Salman Khan was my first serious relationship," she told Cosmopolitan in an interview.

Salman had given her a big break in Bollywood in his film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. The duo will be back together in romantic thriller Ek Tha Tiger.

It is believed that Khan's over-possessive nature was the reason behind their break-up.
After Salman, Katrina was linked to Ranbir Kapoor. In fact, it was reported that Ranbir cheated on his ex-flame Deepika Padukone with Katrina.

She was seen romancing the Kapoor boy in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Rajneeti. However, the pretty lass denied dating him. "As far as rumours of dating Ranbir go, we did two films that worked well for both of us," the magazine quoted the actor as saying.

Katrina calls herself a 'hopeless romantic' person at heart. "I think what you learn from relationships is that they are unpredictable. Right now, I am single and I believe that you cannot control or predict these things. I am also a hopeless romantic. Love should be all about giving and trusting," she told Cosmo.
We hope the sexy siren finds her soulmate soon!

You have to pinch me: Tom Cruise

 Tom Cruise made his maiden visit to India over the weekend, but the Hollywood actor had trouble believing he was finally here.
“I have wanted to come here all my life. I kept telling Anil (Kapoor), a great actor and an incredible host, ‘I promise you I will come to India’.

Yesterday, when we were at the Taj Mahal, I told him ‘You have to pinch me. I can’t believe I am here’, he said. Cruise was in India for three days between December 3-5 to promote his film Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, which also stars Kapoor. “I’m honoured and privileged to be in India. I loved being here. The atmosphere and the people here are very nice.

I’m happy with the love and appreciation I’m getting from my fans over here. India is an amazing place and I would definitely love to come again,” he said.
The actor attended a special screening of the film in Mumbai on Sunday evening with co-stars Anil Kapoor and Paula Patton.
Bollywood A-listers Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor , Neil Nitin Mukesh and Dhanush of Kolaveri Di fame were also present.

The desi glam clearly rubbed off on the star and he said that he would love to act in a Hindi film. “I love watching Hindi movies. There are many Hindi movies that come every year but I do watch a few of them. (If offered a Bollywood film), I would never say no. I would love to do it,” the 49-year-old said. He added that it was a delight working with Kapoor. “We were happy working with him. We were happy when he came on board the movie,” he said.

No job crunch for Kingfisher girl!

   The airline may be in serious trouble, with several staffers facing job cuts, but Kingfisher calendar girl Angela Jonsson says life's not changed for her at all.
"I know that the brand is not doing too well and I sympathise with them for the losses they are facing right now. But frankly, it has not affected me in any way," says the 20-year-old actor-model.


"I am sure they are going to do well and pull out of it. Everything will work together," she adds. Jonsson hit headlines earlier this year, when she confessed to being in a relationship with Bollywood's casanova, actor Ranbir Kapoor. Now, she refuses to talk about him or what went wrong in their relationship.

"I would not want to discuss my personal life in public. It's for me to know and for everyone else to wonder." Though she confesses that she enjoyed the actor's performance in Rockstar, when asked if she congratulated him personally, pat comes a "no". Are they in touch at all? "I would rather not answer that," she says. But, she has no qualms in praising the actor. "Ranbir has done a good job and so has Nargis (Fakhri), the whole film was really creative."

Jonsson, who is half Indian and half Icelandic, is reading Bollywood scripts as she works on Hindi and acting classes. "It's a slow process as I want to do it right. Main hindi seekh rahi hoon (I am learning Hindi). My understanding of the language has improved a lot. I suppose learning any new language is tough but I am enjoying it," she says.

Baby boy for Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao!

  Actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao have been blessed with a baby boy.

The baby was born through IVF to a surrogate mother on December 1 at a private clinic in Mumbai.
"Due to medical complications, we were advised to go for IVF-Surrogacy.

We are absolutely delighted. This baby is very dear to us as we've got him after a lot of difficulty. We are so happy and would like to thank all our well wishers." said Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan produced a successful Delhi Belly this year, directed by Abhinay Deo, starring Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Vir Das, Poorna Jagannathan and Shenaz Treasurywala. Coming up next is Reema Kagti's suspense thriller.

Nothing can prepare a woman for motherhood – Karisma Kapoor

Actress Karisma Kapoor says being a mom is the best feeling in this world but at the same time she feels that no books or tips can prepare a woman for motherhood.

“I think it is a challenge everyday because you want to be a good mother, you want to be a good parent, you are learning everyday and it’s a new experience everyday. Absolutely, it is the best thing in this world — being a mum is just the best thing ever,” said the 37-year-old.

Karisma, a mother of two, however, opines that nothing can prepare a woman for motherhood.
“Just like any mum, I had read a lot of books, then of course you ask your own mum and you get a lot of tips. But frankly, my opinion is that nothing can prepare you for motherhood,” she said.
“You know, when you hold your baby in your arms, it is a totally different feeling. So, nothing can really prepare you for that,” added the actress who quit her then 12-year-old career after her marriage to Delhi-based businessman Sanjay Kapur in 2003.

She has a daughter, Samaira who was born in 2005, and son Kiaan, born in 2010.
The actress was speaking at a press conference to announce her tie-up with an online baby products brand “BabyOye.com”.
Karisma, the first Kapoor girl to step into showbiz, is making her comeback on the big screen with Vikram Bhatt’s “Dangerous Ishq”.

She has had an illustrious career and starred in 58 films. Some of her notable performances include “Raja Babu”, “Andaz Apna Apna”, “Hero No.1″, “Biwi No.1″ , “Fiza”, “Zubeidaa”, “Raja Hindustani”, and “Dil To Pagal Hai”, for which she won the national award for the best supporting actress

I grew up watching Bollywood films: Michelle Yeoh

   Actor Michelle Yeoh may have starred in Hollywood hits like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, but she says that she grew up watching Bollywood films.
“I have grown up in Malaysia watching Indian films, as we are a very multi-racial community.

My mother is a very big cinema buff, so as a kid, we watched a lot of Indian and Malay films,” she says“When I see the movies, I understand them and I love the colour and the drama, but I don’t remember their names. I am very familiar with it and I hope one day, I would have the opportunity to make a film in India,” she said. “I would love to get the DVD of 3 Idiots and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” she adds.Yeoh, 48, was in India recently to host the closing ceremony of International Film Festival of India

Bipasha's new bff!

  Francois, my French bawarchi, looks mighty pleased. He says he's happy to learn that while stories of catfights between heroines
dominate the industry, Bipasha Basu is actually reversing the trend and bonding with one of her female co-stars.

She has found a friend in Dipannita Sharma, a model-trying-to turn actor, whose claim to fame is the yet-to-be-released Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl. The two shooting in Goa for Jodi Breakers, and having roomed together for almost two years in their modelling days, are getting along like a house on fire.All this love in the air is giving me a sugar rush. Next, bawarchi will be telling me that Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have kissed and made up.

No name for Arjan in Lanka!

A character in Lanka doesn't have a name. But the actor isn't complaining.
"The credit for this goes to writer Shashant. He has ensured that even though you get familiar with my role, you'll never hear my name," says Arjan, who plays Manoj Bajpayee's younger brother in the film.

Talking about his character, he adds, "It is inspired by Vibhishan, who is considered half devil-half human. But he is the man behind Ram's victory. He has not betrayed his brother Raavan, but is also somewhat on the side of the truth. Jaswant (Bajpayee) is everything in my life. I worship him, but when he ill-treats Annju (Tia Bajpai), I take the side of the truth."

Nargis Fakhri: 'I'm unfazed by negativity'

 She may have got flak for her acting in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar, her debut film, but actor Nargis Fakhri is unnerved.
"I take all criticism in a positive way, because they teach me what works and what doesn't and help me grow as an actor," she says.Her pout, too, has become a topic of discussion in the online world, with many calling her "duck face". In fact, the criticism got so nasty that the actor asked people on Twitter to use "kind words". 

"Someone was writing nasty comments and using profane language for no reason. I don't think anyone would appreciate such uncalled for behaviour from anyone. And I don't want my fans of any age group to be subjected to reading stuffs on my page which might upset them. People need to be a little more mature and responsible while using a public forum."The actor, however, doesn't heed to such statements anymore. "I think it's amusing, and the negativity doesn't bother me now," says the 32-year-old actor. Ask if her age could create an obstruction in her career, as most of the leading female actors in Bollywood are in their 20s, she says, "As long as you look and fit the part, nothing else should matter. Human beings have their own perceptions of the world, of people and things, I am as young as you want me to be, and I am whatever you perceive me to be.

That becomes your reality of me."In fact, scripts and endorsements are pouring in, and she is being touted as a replacement for actors Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor for brands, but she disagrees. "I am glad that brands in general consider me a good fit and feel that I can take them forward. I don't see this as a replacement, there is enough work for everyone here as we all bring something special to the table. And having met Deepika, I can say she is an absolutely lovely person." She adds, "Thankfully, projects are being offered to me, my team and myself are going through them, and hopefully if all goes well, we will have an announcement very soon." While she has denied being in a relationship, Fakhri says that she is sad about her single status. "I'm single and not happy about it. I wish I had a partner to share all my ups and downs with, and all the wonderful things I am receiving and experiencing now."

Priyanka Chopra: Gettin' jiggy with it?

  Howdy my raspberry macaroons. How goes your Thursday morning? I've woken up facing a dilemma today.
I can't decide which of three parties I should attend tonight. Vyjjy my silver bearded beau is coaxing me into attending a bash on a cruise, while a luxury brand wants me to grace their evening soiree.


But it's also Sandra from Bandra's birthday, which I might attend, because she's been giving me the best goss from Bollywood these days. Even today, despite it being her janamdin, she's called me with a spicy nugget. Apparently, Priyanka Chopra, who has been spotted around town with good friend Shah Rukh Khan very often of late, will perform at an upcoming award function with SRK's not-so-good friend, Salman Khan.

But when Sandra asked her if she would dance with Sallu, the abhinetri vehemently denied the rumour. PC confirmed that she'd be at the event, but didn't know whom she'd be shaking a leg with. And brushing her past differences with Salman aside, she wondered why it was a big deal anyway. Sigh. She does have a point there.

Yana Gupta turns writer, pens book on health

   Model Yana Gupta has donned the writer's hat with her upcoming book on health and wellness in which she gives fitness tips.
In fact, unknown to many, Yana, for some years, has been suffering from chronic eating disorder, despite being a fitness freak.


In her book, How To Love Your Body And Get The Body You Love, she reveals how she put all this behind her and evolved a unique approach to health and wellness. "I was being repeatedly asked by various friends to give them fitness tips to lose weight. Whenever I started talking about the subject, I noticed how much I enjoyed it. I much I enjoyed it. I could just go on and on. So one day it just came to me that I should write it all down as a book," says Yana. Penguin is publishing the book.

Yana, who started her career as a singer and came to India when she was 21. She says if one is working in the entertainment and showbiz industry, one has to be in shape or else the job will go to someone else. "That puts us all quite under lot of pressure. At the same time, we travel all the time and eat on the sets, where the food is not the healthiest. If one is serious about maintaining their figure and eating healthy too, you can surely eat outside food and still be in a great shape, but it's difficult to get the right balance of all essential nutrients from eating outside food. I carry my food for the day with me for the day with me daily," Yana, who is best known for her item song 'Babuji...' in the film Dum (2003).

Madhur: No demands from Kareena

  Ever since actor Kareena Kapoor replaced Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the much talked about film
Heroine, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, 43, has been at the receiving end of a lot of queries, particularly those related to script changes demanded by Kareena. Madhur admits to having changed the script a bit, but insists it wasn't Kareena who made him do so."Absolutely not," he says in response to the reports, and adds, "The basic story structure of the film remains the same. I have made some changes to the main character.

The film was stalled for a few months, so when I started again, I had to make some changes. Kareena and I have had a great rapport from day one."The film's shooting was stalled in June when Aishwarya announced her pregnancy. Kareena took on the role, reportedly after much persuasion from Bhandarkar. He denies that too, and says, "It was never difficult (to get her on board). I narrated the script and she was very comfortable with it."Did she have any jitters stepping into Ash's shoes? "Let's not get into old things. I am not talking about that," he says dismissively.

He hopes that the film will work wonders for Bebo. "I have my fingers crossed. Till now she is known for bubbly roles. This is a very bold role and will break that image."Buzz had it that actor Arunoday Singh was replaced by Randeep Hooda as Bebo was uncomfortable doing intimate scenes with Singh. Bhandarkar refutes the news. "Aisa bilkul nahi hai. When I started the film, I had a certain character in mind. But now, I could not visualise Arunoday as that character. We met and he himself accepted it. He is a friend," says Bhandarkar.

Chitrangda Singh’s family loves Desi Boyz

    Till a few days ago, she was famous as the simple girl from Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005). But now, Chitrangda Singh has undergone a 360-degree makeover for her much-appreciated glam outing in Desi Boyz.
Of course, she is elated with the response. Especially since her husband, champion golfer Jyoti Randhawa too loved the film and her performance.“Jyoti loved it. In fact, he enjoyed the whole film,” she says with a laugh, adding, “Since it’s an A certificate film, my son Zorawar can’t watch it.”Interestingly, Jyoti had liked Irrfan Khan’s performance more in Chitrangda’s last hit, Yeh Saali Zindagi.

“But this time, Jyoti really relished the film, besides my look and performance,” she smiles.“He thought the comedy in Desi Boyz was very balanced and well controlled without bordering on mindlessness. I am excited that everyone has liked the film.”Not just her husband, Chitrangda’s mother too loved the film, especially her glam look.“My family have all loved it. They told me I have never looked so gorgeous. And my mother is the happiest. I don’t think they expected me to look like this (in a glamorous avatar),” she laughs.The actor feels her new avatar was a “bit of a shocker” for them.“In fact, my mother told me, ‘you are the best.’ Being a mother, she must be biased, but she thought I was better than others. It felt good,” says Chitrangda, adding, she feels “great and happy” that Desi Boyz got a great response.

“And what makes me happier is that the response to my look has been very encouraging. Someone told me that the transition has been extremely seamless and he wondered why I waited so long to do a film like Desi Boyz. So, I thought it was very sweet because someone from the industry told me that after a screening,” says Chitrangda, who has Sudhir Mishra’s next, besides John Abraham-starrer I Me Aur Main, in her kitty.

Vidya Balan to be booked for obscenity

  Controversies continue to dog The Dirty Picture with a city court directing police to book actor Vidya Balan for posing for indecent photographs on the film posters and promos.
Nampally criminal courts ordered the Nallakunta police station in the city to book a criminal case against the Bollywood star.The court passed the orders on a petition filed by an advocate SK Azad.

The judge asked police to book the actor under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and also under Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.Police was also asked to take action against public display of posters and promotional advertisements of the controversial movie. 

The petitioner said the posters and hoardings of the film were spoiling the minds of the people and causing harm to the society.Produced by Balaji Telefilms, starring Vidya, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor, the film was released all over the country on Friday.

There have been protests by anti-obscenity activists in parts of Hyderabad and other towns in the state during last two days.The film before its release had landed into trouble when former south Indian actress Silk Smitha's brother V Naga Varaprasad Rao moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court, objecting to the way her late sister was portrayed in the film.The court on December 1 refused to stop the film's release after the filmmaker denied that it is based on Silk Smitha's life.

Chaalis Chauraasi’s female lead revealed

    “What I love about her is that she is the first one to get ready, has never ever complained about being tired and never stopped shooting to get her make-up done,”
says Naseeruddin Shah, when asked about the female lead of his next movie, Chaalis Chauraasi.Without holding the suspense back any longer, the actors reveal that the the female lead of the movie, around which the entire story revolves, is the police van with the registration number plate MH-02-CA-4084.

Marriage talk hampers Geeta Basra’s career

Geeta Basra, who is said to be dating cricketer Harbhajan Singh, finds engagement-marriage rumours infuriating because these can harm her career, which is yet to take off.

“He (Harbhajan) is a dear friend. Look, everyone in this industry has a personal life. I am not saying I am single or not single. Beyond that, whether we are getting married or not…I am not getting into all that. I am here to work really hard. And it hurts to hear my hard work being trivialised by such rumours,” she said.

“I’ve shot a terrific item song for ‘Zilla Ghaziabad’. Rumours of an engagement or marriage at this juncture would definitely harm my career. There is no shaadi on the anvil. Such talk will take my career 10 steps backwards. I can’t afford that. When producers hear such rumours, they will obviously say, ‘Isski to shaadi hone wali hai.’ I’ve been hearing such talk for three years. How come I’m not married yet?”

Reacting sharply to the latest engagement rumours, Geeta said: “I’ve been getting updates about my private life in the papers. Now they’re even drawing up a list of the guests. Let me set the record straight. He (Harbhajan) is my very good friend. But we aren’t getting engaged or married. My personal life is my personal life. No way am I going to use it to stay in the news.”
Refuting the January engagement rumours, Geeta said: “I am not getting engaged. Maybe he (Harbhajan Singh) is. You’ve to ask him. Forget enagagement or marriage, I am starting a new movie in January. Let January come and the world will know. Why do I need to say anything? As per reports, Itni baar hamari breakup aur shaadi ho chuki hai. I feel there’s no need to clarify anything.”
“Who is giving these reports on my engagement and marriage?”
Geeta’s last release was “The Train” in 2007 and she is making a comeback with an item song with Sanjay Dutt in “Zilla Ghaziabad”.

She admits she has waited long to sign a new film.
“Three years is a very-long time in the entertainment industry. But it was a conscious decision. I had so many offers. It was very hard to turn them down. You can’t imagine the number of films I’ve turned down in the last three years, including ‘Golmaal Returns’. Even the money was good. Everyone kept advising me, ‘Geeta, you’ve to be seen’. But I knew what I wanted. I had to wait. And I had no godfather to guide me.”

In three years, apart from other things, Geeta did a music video with Rahet Fateh Ali Khan.
Geeta gets charged up at talking about her item song.
“I love dancing. I always wanted to do an item song like Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Ek do teen’. In fact, I came down from London to Mumbai because I was inspired by Madhuri. I wanted at least five days to rehearse. But there was no time. I had to virtually get ready in a day. Luckily my choreographer Remo D’Souza is so calm. It’s so difficult to perform an item song. I don’t know how Madhuri made it look so effortless,” she said.