'Game of Thrones' creators mull shorter final seasons

Los Angeles, Apr 15, 2016 (PTI)

'Game of Thrones' will premiere its highly anticipated sixth season during the end of this month, but the executive producers say they are considering an abbreviated end game for the hit HBO series.
In an interview, showrunners David Benioff and D B Weiss said they are weighing wrapping up the Emmy-winning saga of Westeros and the battle for the Iron Throne with just 13 more episodes once this sixth season is over: seven episodes for season 7; six for the eighth and potential final season, reported E!Online.

"I think we're down to our final 13 episodes after this season. We're heading into the final lap," said Benioff.

"That's the guess, though nothing is yet set in stone, but that's what we're looking at."

HBO programming president Michael Lombardo acknowledged the showrunners' plan to wind down the series with two more years.

"That's my understanding from them right now, those have been the conversations we've had," he said.

"Because where these narratives go, it feels like another two years to them. As a television executive, as a fan, do I wish they said another six years? I do."

I had a ball shooting 'Rustom': Akshay Kumar

Mumbai, Apr 15, 2016, (PTI):

On the last day of shooting his upcoming film 'Rustom', Akshay Kumar says he had a gala time filming the movie.
Akshay, 48, who plays a naval officer in the film, took to Twitter to share his "mixed feelings" with his fans.

"It's time to rest the cap coz its a wrap. Last day of #Rustom today, had a ball shooting this one! #mixedfeelings," he wrote.

The thriller, which marks the directorial debut of Tinu Suresh Desai, has been produced by Neeraj Pandey, who has earlier worked with Akshay in "Special 26" and "Baby".

'Deadpool' sequel officially in the works

Los Angeles, Apr 15, 2016 (PTI)

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is officially on board to suit up again for a "Deadpool" sequel. Two months after the Marvel superhero movie hit cinemas, bosses at 20th Century Fox confirmed they are already working on a follow-up for the blockbuster hit during an appearance at Las Vegas' CinemaCon, said the Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to Reynolds returning as the titular homicidal mercenary, aka Wade Wilson, director Tim Miller will be back, as well as original writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who will pen the new script.

It is currently unclear whether Reynolds' co-stars Morena Baccarin, T J Miller and Karan Soni will reprise their roles for the second instalment.

"Deadpool" proved to be a killer hit upon its release, grossing USD 760 million worldwide to date, making it the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time.

The news of the sequel confirmation will be warmly welcomed by fans of the popular comic book character, after waiting for years for the standalone "Deadpool" movie to emerge. 

Politicians failed to create peace, it's upto artists now: Richa

Mumbai, Apr 15, 2016, (PTI):

Actress Richa Chadha feels that the onus to create peace in the society now lies in the hands of actors and artists since politicians have miserably failed to do so.

In Omung Kumar's directorial venture "Sarbjit", Richa plays the wife of Sarabjit Singh essayed by Randeep Hooda.

"My belief is that I feel politicians have failed to create peace and it is now upto artists, musicians and writers. It sounds very preachy but my belief is that only via films like this we can reach out," Richa told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Sarbjit".

Though the film revolves around Sarbjit and his sister Dalbir Kaur but according to Richa even her role is important.

"I read the script and I understood the weight of my character.. It supports these two primary characters (Sarbjit and his sister Dalbir)," Richa said.

"The film is about human casualty. It is about the story of this man and his family going through tough times. The story interested me. I am proud being part of this film," she said.

This is the second time when Richa and Randeep have come together for a film. "I have worked with Randeep before. I was intimidated by him," she added.

Meanwhile, her co-star from the film "Sarbjit" Darshan Kumar is very elated to have teamed up with Omung again for this film. His previous outing with the director was Mary Kom.

"I am thankful to Omung for giving me this film. It was great working with talented actors like Aishwarya, Randeep and Richa," he said.

"I am playing a Pakistani lawyer. He is an ordinary man doing extraordinary things. I loved the story and my role," he added.

Feel sad I should be made to say I am a patriot: Shah Rukh

New Delhi, Apr 16, 2016, PTI:

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says that sometimes he feels "very sad" and even feels like crying when he is made to prove his patriotism, asserting there is no patriot "greater" than him.

The 50-year-old actor was at the centre of a controversy last year for his comments on patriotism in the wake of a raging debate on intolerance and faced backlash on the social media.

"Sometimes I feel very sad, I even feel like crying, that I should be made to say that I belong to this country, I am a patriot. I am a patriot, rather we all are. We do not have to compete with others to say we are patriots," he told Rajat Sharma on the latest edition of India TV show 'Aap Ki Adalat'.

"I get very sad when I am supposed to explain each and everytime how good a patriot I am," he added.

The star said his message to the youth would be to be tolerant and work towards taking this nation forward as small, petty matters should not harm the nation's interest.

"Whether my film 'Fan' is a hit or not, I want to say for the last time, I will not repeat it again that there is no patriot greater than me."

Asked by the host whether there was a perception that he had friends in Congress, who wanted to "fix" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah Rukh said, "How dare I fix anyone? You have known me long. I am apolitical though I have friends everywhere."

Shah Rukh also clarified his comments during the intolerance controversy, saying his remarks were taken out of context.

"I had only advised the young to not be intolerant in matters related to religion, caste, colour, creed and region. My father was one of the youngest freedom fighters. How can I think that this country has not been fair to any of us? A man like me who has got everything from this country, I will be the last one to complain.

"My family itself is mini-India. My wife is Hindu, I am Muslim by birth and my three children follow three religions so how can I think of my country like this?," he said.

The actor, whose double role in "Fan" has come in for praise, claimed he leaves it to the producer to decide the amount for his film roles.

"I never take money for acting in films. I only charge fees for endorsements, for events and live shows. I tell producers to pay me whatever they wish, if the films do well at the box office. I don't take acting in films as business."

Reminded by Sharma that Shah Rukh had 22-years ago claimed to be a better actor than Amitabh Bachchan on the show, the actor attributed it to the arrogance of youth.

"That was my overconfidence as a youth. 22 years later, I have now realised that I had no idea what makes a great actor. That was because of lack of education. My arrogance was sheer childishness. Even now at the age of 50 I sometimes appear to be childish," he said.

A raw, rowdy romance

S Viswanath, April 16, 2016

The Great Story of Soda Buddi
Kannada (A) Cast: Uthpal Gowda, Anusha Ranganath, Kushi, Achyut Kumar, Jyothi, Rangayana Raghu
Director: Jyothi Rao Mohit

Helmed by an aspiring debutant and played by an ambitious star, The Great Story of Soda Buddi belies facile description. A collage of art house and commercial elements, Soda Buddi turns a bit tedious. 

Made solely to give wings to son Uthpal Gowda’s filmi ambitions, the movie is a tale of two romances, divided between the first and second half. Director Mohit employs a film-within-film concept to narrate the two strands of love stories. 

The first romance between Soda Buddi and Anusya is fiery and feisty, with the two love birds literally kicking ass over chicken legs and liquor bottles. The second between Soda Buddi and a docile Bhagya blooms and blossoms across windows of their respective apartments, through mime, eye contacts, bells, and notebook scribbles. How the two romances pan out forms the rest of Soda Buddi which ends with an interesting twist in the climax. 

Though Mohit shows he is adept at film-making, he fails to ensure that Soda Buddi is engaging. 

He vacillates between downright drama and technically polished production fare, justifying the end-credit which states “it is a film by technicians.” Yes, Soda Buddi, turns out to be a triumph of technique over simple story telling and in that lies the film’s flaw. 
Debutants Uthpal, Anusha and Kushi show promise in their respective roles. Rangayana Raghu is the pits, hideous as the drunkard father.

Background score by Mithun and cinematography by Harish Nayak add fizz to the film. If editor Girish was allowed to trim the film from its unwieldy 154 minutes, Soda Buddi could have turned itself into a “great story” as its title touts. 

Mainly for the fans

Angel Rani, April 16, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

Film reviews

Fan
Hindi (U/A) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Waluscha de Sousa
Director: Maneesh Sharma

Khan still can. ‘Fan’ is proof enough. The star is finally pushed out of his comfort zone by one obsessed fan whose prosthetics takes all the room reserved for the regular SRK romance rigamarole. 

While it is welcome change for a hero trapped in years of Yashraj mush, the movie isn’t particularly gripping for non-fans. 

It’s is just a plain story of a star trying to handle his overwhelming stardom, at the same time doing everything to greedily retain it.

The man, the fame, the legion of admirers... ‘Fan’ seems like a been-there-seen-that till the stalker turns the tables on the hero. The Delhi guy with a “one-way wali girlfriend” turns at the gate of his hero, only to get drowned in the sea of people trying to get a glimpse of their reason to live. One encounter with his screen love, and the fan grows fangs and horns. While the film explores the “art” that is hero-worshipping in India, it also reveals that the fall from the pedestal comes with a costly thud.

Shahrukh makes the most of his double role, switching effortlessly between the star and the worshipper. Clearly showing that stars too are as insecure and fallible as their millions of viewers, Khan gives a good performance. 

But despite all the getting-under-the-skin act, it’s the still-incomprehensible equation between the hero and the fan that brings down the movie to the average ground. 
And the fan himself sums it up: “Rehn de. Tu nahin samjhega.”

Dilip Kumar is stable, recovering well: Saira Banu

Mumbai, Apr 16, 2016 (PTI)

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who has been admitted to a hospital for treatment of high fever and chest infection, is stable now and recovering well, according to his wife Saira Banu.

The 93-year-old cinema legend was admitted to Lilavati Hospital here around 2 AM, and was kept under observation with doctors attending on him stating that the next 72 hours are crucial.

Saira took to the actor's official Twitter account to give an update about his health.

"Dilip Sahab was admitted to Lilavati Hospital for treatment of high fever and chest infection on April 15 night. He was advised intravenous administration of antibiotics for speedy recovery," Saira said in a statement.

"Oral drugs would not act as fast as the IV injections, the doctors advised. Hence it became necessary to shift him to a hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him. He is in a room and in the hospital and not in the ICU as spread by rumours."

Earlier, a doctor attending to the actor had said that Kumar would be kept under observation for 72 hours.

"It takes time for a patient to respond to the treatment in the same way as it takes three hours for the food to digest," Dr Jalil Parker of Lilavati Hospital said.

No disdain for commercial films: Tannishtha Chatterjee

Mumbai, Apr 16, 2016 (PTI)

She may have featured mostly in critically acclaimed off-beat films, but actress Tannishtha Chatterjee says she does not hate commercial cinema and would want to be a part of it in future.

The actress, who has done films including "Angry Indian Goddesses" and "Chauranga", enjoys commercial movies unlike people's perception.

"There is no disdain for commercial cinema at all. That's what people think. I like and follow commercial films. They are bringing modern thought and are addressing issues," Tannishtha told PTI.

"Be it 'Bajirao Mastani' or 'Kapoor & Sons'. Even directors like Prakash Jha and Ramgopal Verma make hard-hitting yet commercial films and I love that," she added.

Even though she has featured in Indie films including "Bhopal: Prayer for Rain", "Dekh Indian Circus" and "Gulaab Gang" Tannishtha likes watching romantic comedies and would love to be a part of that.

"I would want to do a commercial film too. Today Bollywood is exploring great content within the commercial space. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar all are doing interesting work. Everything is changing."

The actress recently won the best actress award at the Indian film festival of Los Angeles for her performance in "Parched".

Tannishtha, who missed collecting the award as she is busy house hunting, feels extremely happy for her third consecutive honour but insists she does not work for awards.

"I am happy for this honour, it is my third this year. But I don't work for awards. It is always the script, character and the people I am working with which matters. I want to explore something about myself while doing a movie."

Apart from "Parched" and "Angry Indian Goddesses", the actress is also elated for her movie "Island City" and says she was confident the movies will do good.

"I knew these films will get international acclaim. They are special films and reviews have been excellent too, which is in a way a validation for good work." 

Omung Kumar doesn't fear backlash from Pakistan for 'Sarbjit'

Mumbai, Apr 17, 2016 (PTI)

Director Omung Kumar says he does not have the fear of facing backlash from Pakistan for his upcoming film "Sarbjit", a biopic on Indian prisoner who died in the neighbouring country.

The film portrays the struggle of Sarabjit Singh, played by Randeep Hooda, and his family through his sister Dalbir Kaur's journey for justice, essayed by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Omung said the film does not show any of the two countries in a bad light.  "There is nothing as such in the film that will create backlash. We want to release the film worldwide. The idea is to make Indians and Pakistani and others realise what happens when an incident like this happens," Omung told PTI.

"We are not pin-pointing anyone, there is fault in us also... There is some fault in the system as well," he added.

The film also stars Richa Chadha and Darshan Kumar in pivotal roles and is set to release on May 20. 

Dilip Kumar recovering, will be in hospital for some more time

Mumbai, Apr 17, 2016 (PTI)

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who is suffering from respiratory problems, is recovering well but doctors said he will have to stay in the hospital for another four days.

Kumar, 93, was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra early morning yesterday.

"He is much better than at the time of admission. He is recovering well," said Dr Jalil Parkar, who is attending to him along with other doctors.

When asked how long he will be in the hospital, Parkar said, "May be another four-five days."

Kumar's wife, actress Saira Banu had earlier said that the actor was hospitalised as he was suffering from high fever, chest infection and respiratory problems.

"Oral drugs would not act as fast as the IV injections, the doctors advised. Hence it became necessary to shift him to a hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him," Saira said.

The legendary actor, whose real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan, acted in many superhit films during his six-decade long career such as "Madhumati", "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Ganga Jamuna", "Ram Aur Shyam" and "Karma".

He was last seen on-screen in the film "Qila" in 1998. He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Never expected 'Fan' would be loved universally: Shah Rukh

Mumbai, Apr 17, 2016 (PTI)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has thanked his admirers for the overwhelming response his recently released thriller "Fan" has been receiving.

In a video post on Twitter, the 50-year-old actor said the Maneesh Sharma-directed film was special to him.

"On behalf of Aryan Khanna, Gaurav, Maneesh, Adi and everyone, who has made 'Fan', thank you for the overwhelming response.

"We are extremely thankful that you liked it so much because it's a very different film. We never expected it to be embraced so lovingly and so universally. Thank you so much all around the world for liking it. Normally, I won't do this but this film was special as you made it even more special. Love you all and keep watching 'Fan' again and again. Baar baar nhi dekha toh kya dekha," he said.

"Fan", produced by Aditya Chopra, features Shah Rukh in double role of a superstar Aryan Khanna and his lookalike admirer Gaurav Chandna. The film released on April 15. 

Go to Top

  

  

Substance abuse issue needs to be addressed, says Shahid

Mumbai, Apr 17, 2016, (PTI)

Actor Shahid Kapoor says his upcoming film "Udta Punjab" on substance abuse is not an issue of just one state and needs to be addressed on a pan-India level.

"For 'Haider', we used Kashmir as the backdrop but the story was human journey. An issue that is of one state can be an issue of entire country. It's not that we are saying through this film that the issue exists only in one state, it is just that we chose Punjab as the backdrop," Shahid told reporters last night at the film's trailer launch.

"It is an issue that needs to be addressed... It's a real issue for parents and children. It is courageous on part of our director Abhishek Chaubey to talk about it," he said.

The "Jab We Met" star hopes the audiences understand the context of the film.

"It's a fictional film with fictional characters but it has an important issue. I hope people will take it in the right context."

Shahid, who plays a Punjabi pop star in the film, said it was difficult for him to get into the skin of the character as it is was a "loud" one, unlike of his real self.

"When I heard the role of Tommy Singh it had to be nothing like me. He is a Punjabi pop star who is a substance addict. He is not a regular guy. I had to work on my body and look.

"The most difficult part was to get into the head of this character like why he behaves like this, why is he so eccentric and mad. Those who are addicts are often hyper and eccentric. Usually I prefer to do less loud characters," he said." 

On his on-screen rockstar look where he is seen sporting long hair and tattoos on body, Shahid said, "Abhishek Chaubey was concerned with what I was doing with my hair we had discussions over it and then things worked out. I did not want to get a body of a body builder I wanted it of someone who has abused himself. We worked a lot on that."

Given the unusual subject of the movie and his character, the 35-year-old star says telling a new story always involves a certain amount of risk.

"I think good and new stories needs to be told. If you don't do it that way then you will never be able to discover things yourself and never be original. I feel new things are always risky," he said.
"The story of the film is honest and the intention of the film is to give message to audience." he added.

The film features Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt in key roles.

Shahrukh's 'Fan' sets new box office record in Pakistan

Karachi, Apr 17, 2016, (PTI)

Superstar Shahrukh Khan's latest film "Fan" has set a new record for box office collections in Pakistan at Rs 50 million in the first three days of the release.
An official for Geo films which has distributed the film in Pakistan claimed the collections for the first three days all over Pakistan have already exceeded 50 million rupees.

"The biggest generation of revenue has come in Karachi and Lahore and the fans have given the film a thumbs up as bookings for the next one week are sold out in most cineplexes and theatres," he said.

"Fan" sees Shahrukh make a triumphant return to form essaying a double role and so far the critics have also given a thumbs up to the film in both India and Pakistan.

"Shahrukh is a bankable star and his star power was visible on the first three days of the film's release as all shows have been sold out in Karachi," Nadeem Mandviwala a well known exhibitor, distributor and cinema owner said.

He said the film had generated great interest in Pakistan as in recent times big budget and big star Indian movies also were focusing on the Pakistan market while promoting their product.

"The Indian film industry now realises that Pakistan is a strong market for their products that is why they now focus on promoting the film for Pakistanis as well," he noted.

The ban on exhibition of Indian films in Pakistani theatres was lifted during the tenure of former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf.  

Elton John, Rowling listed as most charitable UK celebrities

London, Apr 18, 2016 (PTI)

Elton John and JK Rowling have been revealed as Britain's most benevolent celebrities, with each donating a large proportion of their fortune to charities.

John gave 26.8m pound to charity last year, mainly to his Aids foundations in Britain and the US which he established in 1992.

Rowling donated 10.3m pound, according to the Sunday Times. The writer's charities of choice were the Lumos Foundation, her own charity aimed at closing down all child institutions and orphanages around the world by 2050, as well as the Volant Charitable Trust, which raises money to alleviate social deprivation and for research into multiple sclerosis, which killed Rowling's mother.

Golfer Rory McIlroy, boyband One Direction and Queen musicians Brian May and Roger Taylor also featured among the top celebrity givers.

Other celebs that made the list include footballer David Beckham, who donated 5m pound to children's charities. Another athlete on the list was Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, who donated 1m pound and Colin Montgomerie with 0.9m pound.

Jamie Oliver was named seventh most generous celebrity in the poll, having donated 1.4m pound towards his own charitable organisation including the chef apprentice programme he started in 2002. 

Dilip Kumar 'better', thanks well wishers for love

Mumbai, Apr 18, 2016, (PTI):

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who was hospitalised following respiratory problems, is feeling better now and has thanked fans for their wishes.
The 93-year-old actor was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra on April 16.
"By God's grace feeling brighter and better. Thank you all for your prayers, love and affection," a post on the official Twitter handle of the actor read.

A smiling picture of Dilip Kumar was shared along with the tweet.

Dilip Kumar's wife, actress Saira Banu had earlier said that the actor was hospitalised as he was suffering from high fever, chest infection and respiratory problems.

"Oral drugs would not act as fast as the IV injections, the doctors advised. Hence it became necessary to shift him to a hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him," Saira said.

The legendary actor, whose real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan, acted in many superhit films during his six-decade long career such as "Madhumati", "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Ganga Jamuna", "Ram Aur Shyam" and "Karma".

He was last seen on-screen in the film "Qila" in 1998. He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

May the best 'killer' win: RGV on film's clash with Anurag's

Mumbai, Apr 18, 2016, (PTI):

 He may have been his mentor and collaborator once, but filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is now all set for a box office clash with former friend Anurag Kashyap.
Varma's comeback film will release on May 27, the same day as Kashyap's drama-thriller "Raman Raghav".

Interestingly, while RGV's film traces the life of sandalwood smuggler and bandit 'Veerappan', the "Bombay Velvet" director's next focuses on a serial-killer.

When asked if "Veerappan" will clash with Kashyap's film, Varma told reporters here, "Yes that's what I was told. His film is coming, 'Raman Raghav', that is a biopic on a killer, our film is also a biopic on a killer, so may the best killer win."

Kashyap had worked with Varma in many films including the cult "Satya" but they later fell out.

When asked about his cold war with Kashyap, Varma said, "I never have cold war, I have only hot war... We have a bond. I love him, he hates me."

Incidentally, when Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet" tanked at the box-office last year, Varma called it the "Aag" of Kashyap's career, a self-deprecating taunt.

When prodded further about what kind of relationship RGV shares with the "Ugly" director, Varma said, "We both are not making any films together. He hates all my films and I like some of his. Beyond this there is no connection at all."

The filmmaker said he had liked the first instalment of Kashyap's "Gangs of Wasseypur" a lot.

"Veerappan" is the Hindi remake of the Kannada film which was also helmed by Varma.
The film is produced by Sachiin Joshi, who also stars in the film along with Sandeep Bharwaj, Lisa Ray and Usha Jadhav.

Kangana to play comedian in Rajkumar Hirani's next

Mumbai, Apr 18, 2016 (PTI)f

 Kangana Ranaut may not be part of Rajkumar Hirani's upcoming Sanjay Dutt biopic but the actress says she is in talks with the director for another project in which she will play a comedian.
Kangana was reported to have been approached to play Dutt's wife Manyata in the film, which will see Ranbir Kapoor playing the titular role, but the 29-year-old National Award winning actress has rebuffed it saying she was never offered the film.

"Sanjay Dutt's biopic hasn't been offered to me but I am in talks with Raju sir for another project where I play a comedian," Kangana said in a statement.

Hirani's other film is a love story in which Kangana will be seen sharing screen with a known actor.

Recently Hirani shot with Kangana for an advertisement with cricketers Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

Rajinikanth fans will kill me if I make a film with him: RGV

Mumbai, Apr 18, 2016 (PTI)

 Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma says fans of Rajinikanth will "kill" him if he tries to make a movie with him, after the director tweeted as to how can "somebody with his looks" become a superstar.

Varma, in a series of tweets yesterday, wondered how can someone with looks of the Tamil actor become a superstar. His tweets were met with extreme reactions from the fans who took offence over his views.

"I think some of those Rajini fans are so dumb they didn't even understand I was complementing him. If a very handsome man becomes a big star what's the big deal, it happens all the time. But Rajinikanth looking (like) that becomes a big star.. that is a compliment," Varma told reporters here.

"God favours him much more than anyone else. That's what I meant. But dumb guys didn't understand," he added.

Varma was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming Hindi film "Verrappan".
When asked if he would make a film with the "Linga" star in the future, the "Satya" director said, "I think Rajini fans will kill me if I make a film now. So unless all those dumb guys go, I am not going to go there."

Actress Amy Jackson had tweeted a picture of herself and Rajinikanth earlier, saying, "I don't think I've ever looked so happy on a photograph. Rajiniji, I feel super honoured to be acting alongside you."

To which, Varma began a series of tweet writing, "This man by being the biggest star ever completely destroys the notion of looks being important for stardom... He is a bad looker, doesn't have 6 packs, short with a disproportionate body and knows just second half dance movements," he had tweeted.

"Nowhere in world a man who looks like this can be SuperStar. I wonder what he did to God that God did this to him," the filmmaker had tweeted last night.

John Abraham ignores query on ex-flame Bipasha's wedding

Mumbai, Apr 18, 2016, (PTI)

Actor John Abraham chose to side- step a question about his ex-girlfriend and actress Bipasha Basu's upcoming wedding.

When John was asked by the media at an event last night about Bipasha's upcoming wedding, the 43-year-old "Force" actor evaded the query. Not looking interested at all in answering the query, he pushed the mike, looked away and walked off in a huff.

John and Bipasha, once Bollywood's hottest couple, dated for reportedly 10 years before going separate ways.

Post break-up, the ex-couple has often avoided talking about each other in public.

John moved on quickly by marrying Priya Runchal, an investment banker, in 2014, while Bipasha was romantically linked with several actors.

The Bengali beauty eventually found love in her "Alone" co-star Karan Singh Grover. The duo will be tying the knot on April 30.

'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Doris Roberts dies at 90

Los Angeles, Apr 19 (PTI)

Five-time Emmy winner Doris Roberts, who delighted audiences as the meddling mother next door on "Everybody Loves Raymond", has died.
Roberts died Sunday night in her sleep of natural causes in Los Angeles, her representative Janet Daily said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In 1996, Roberts landed the part of Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond", playing Ray's mom and the wife of the cranky Frank (Peter Boyle).

She was with the hit CBS sitcom for every one of the show's nine seasons, covering 210 episodes.
She was scheduled to appear at an "Everybody Loves Raymond" reunion in June in Austin.
"Truly the end of an era," Patrica Heaton, who did battle with Roberts as daughter-in-law Debra on the show, wrote on Twitter.

"My wonderful TV mother-in-law and ELR nemesis Doris Roberts was a consummate professional from whom I learned so much. She was funny and tough and loved life, living it to the fullest."

Roberts once said she based Marie on a combination of Romano's mother, an Italian, and series producer Phil Rosenthal's mom, a German Jew.

Wrote Rosenthal on Twitter, "We loved our mom, the great #DorisRoberts. A wonderful, funny, indelible actress and friend."

"Doris Roberts had an energy and a spirit that amazed me," Romano said in a statement.
"She never stopped. Whether working professionally or with her many charities, or just nurturing and mentoring a green young comic trying to make it as an actor, she did everything with such a grand love for life and people."

Roberts excelled in motherly roles throughout her career. She played Donna Pescow's mother on the 1979-80 ABC series "Angie", created by Garry Marshall, and joined NBC's "Remington Steele" as Mildred Krebs, the receptionist for the detective agency run by Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist, in 1983. She stayed with the show through 1987.

Roberts also won another Emmy in 1983 for a stint on "St Elsewhere". She received 11 nods in all, three more for "Everybody Loves Raymond", one for "Remington Steele" and one apiece for "Perfect Strangers" and "American Playhouse".

Her big-screen resume included "Something Wild" (1961), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Honeymoon Killers (1969), "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) and "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star" (2003).

Her marriage to novelist and short story writer William Goyen lasted 22 years until he died of leukemia in 1983 at age 68. Survivors include her son Michael, daughter-in-law Jane and grandchildren Kelsey, Andrew and Devon.

Didn't want to enter Bollywood initially: Sudheer Babu

Mumbai, Apr 19, 2016, (PTI)

He is a big name in the Telugu film industry but actor Sudheer Babu, who is making his Hindi movie debut with "Baaghi", had no fascination to enter Bollywood as he was already getting good roles down south.
The actor will be seen playing the main antagonist in "Baaghi". When director Sabbir Khan called him for the part, Sudheer wanted to politely decline the offer but decided to come onboard once he heard the story.

"Initially I didn't want to join Bollywood because there is a lot of scope for growth in Telugu industry. But this being a very big banner, I thought it would be nice for me to come here, explain them and say no," Sudheer told PTI.

"But once I heard the script I thought there was a lot of scope for performance. I realise now, that I haven't done a Bollywood film but a Hollywood one going by what they have done," he added.

The actor will be seen doing hardcore action in the character of 'Raghav' and says he has no apprehension starting out his Bollywood career with a negative role.

"I am aware I am representing a family of superstars and down south fans worship heroes. They put their pictures next to God's picture and pray. It is slowly changing, they are no more that obsessed with heroes.

"Even in my first film, I was a villain because it is better to start off in a negative role before playing a lead. If you start off with a lead role, it is tough to then do a negative role. It becomes tougher for people to accept," he added.

"Baaghi" features Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor in lead role who will be seen doing high-octane stunts.

The "Siva Manasulo Sruthi" star is the brother-in-law of popular Telugu star Mahesh Babu. Sudheer says he spoke to Mahesh before coming on board for the film and is keen to arrange a special screening of the action-drama.

"Before even taking the call I told him that I might be doing this film. He was very happy. He has seen my work and he said 'this is the right film I am looking at for you. Tomorrow I want to see you and tiger fight'." 

With "Baaghi" scheduled to release on April 29, Sudheer is now geared up to do more Hindi films.

"I'll be putting conscious effort now because I've got a very good opportunity with this one and I want to prove that I am good. Lot of actors have come from south to north but very few have a made for themselves. I'll try my best to change that," he said.

"I'll try to do both Telugu and Hindi films simultaneously. Even a bilingual film in case the cultures match," he added.

The actor also said he admires Hrithik Roshan, Salman and Shah Rukh Khan in Bollywood.

"There are many I look upto in Bollywood. I can't even think one but I like Hrithik, Salman and even Shah Rukh. Everybody is good in their own way and I do admire all of them."  

Kangana to record statement in Hrithik's cyber impostor FIR

Mumbai, Apr 19, 2016, (PTI)

Actress Kangana Ranaut will record her statement with Cyber Crime police in connection with an FIR filed by superstar Hrithik Roshan, with whom she has been having a running feud, that an online impostor has been sending e-mails under his guise to his fans.

"We have communicated the date (April 30) to the cyber crime on Saturday last, as that is the earliest when all three of us - Kangana, her sister Rangoli and I will be available - for recording of the statement," Kangana's lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui said today.

He said Kangana and her sister will record their statements at the actress' residence in a western suburb.

Dismissing reports that Kangana was 'summoned' by the police, Siddiqui said police merely requested the actress to record her statement as a witness regarding the FIR filed by Hrithik last month.

The FIR stated that a fake email-ID has been created and an impostor has been operating it under Hrithik's guise and misleading many of his fans, including Kangana.

Hrithik's lawyer had earlier claimed that Kangana had not recorded her statement to assist in the investigations and hence the proceedings in the legal battle between the two were stalled.

Kangana and her rumoured former beau Hrithik have been at loggerheads since the "Queen" star had hinted at Hrithik being her 'silly ex'.

The feud between Hrithik and his "Krrish 3" co-star turned nasty after they slapped legal notices on each other.

42-year-old Hrithik, who was the first to send the legal notice to Kangana, has demanded that she apologise in a press conference and clear the air about their alleged affair which he firmly refutes.

A defiant Kangana, 28, had said she was not a "dim-witted" teenager and refused to apologise. She instead shot off a counter-notice to Hrithik warning him to take back his notice or face a criminal case.