Saturday 1 April 2017

Michelle Keegan a quick dresser

Actress #Michelle_Keegan says she is a quick dresser, and there are only two factors that can slow her down.

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"I am quite quick. If my hair is already washed, I don't really do anything with my hair I just run a brush through it with the hairdryer, so if my hair is already washed it normally takes about an hour, 45 minutes to an hour, and if I know what I'm wearing," Keegan told BANG Showbiz.

However, the actress said that there are two factors that can delay her, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"What makes me go wrong is when I don't know what I'm wearing, so I'm trying on outfits and it's like a changing room slinging everything, and I need to wash my hair and dry it, they are the two things that hold me up. If everything is done I'll be fine," she said.

Keegan has said that she would "love" to design an accessories line for the brand.

"People always ask. And obviously this year I haven't even thought about it because, obviously, I've been so busy. It is something I'd love to do in the future, definitely. Not talks yet, but I do love my jewellery, I love stacking jewellery, I love dainty jewellery, things like that. Finger crossed, maybe," she said.
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'Deadpool 2' will pay homage to original: David Leitch

#Deadpool_2 director #David_Leitch says he will pay homage to the first instalment and won't change the DNA of the title character.

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A sequel to the critically acclaimed 2016 superhero movie "Deadpool", which features Ryan Reynolds as the protagonist, is being developed. Leitch, who took over the role from the first movie's director Tim Miller, says he won't be making radical changes to the character, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think you have to pay homage to this movie that's so beloved. Everybody is anticipating it. And I think we have to find a way to make it distinctly our own, and we're doing that. The DNA of Deadpool shouldn't change. He's such a lovable character, we're going to carry that through," Leitch told Cinema Blend magazine.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones loves raising her teenagers

Actress #Catherine_Zeta-Jones says she loves raising her two teenage children Dylan, 16, and Carys, 13.

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"I love it. And I'm still waiting for ... I kind of pre-empted the roll-your-eyes teenage years. I love it. I just love the kind of freshness of the... it's all so exciting to me. I was working when I was my son's age," Zeta-Jones said on The Today Show. 

"I was in the theatre, and I look at him, and I go, 'Wow, I was working when I was your age.' So I'm just enjoying this time, learning a whole bunch of stuff that I didn't know," she added.

Jones had earlier said her children would love to follow in their parents' footsteps and become actors, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Belt your sari, ditch the petticoat, change tradition

Flaunt your #saris in different ways other than the traditional style. Replace the blouse with a chic crop top or add a belt for added style, suggest experts.

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Bhavya Chawla, Chief Stylist at Voonik and Yashodhara Shroff, Director and founder at Styletag.com have given tips on how you can stylise your six-yard wonder in innovative ways:

* Ditch traditional blouse for a crop top: Pair a funky crop top with your sari. Choose from polka dotted prints or monochrome colours and Aztec prints and flaunt your midriff in these hot picks. You can also switch to peplums.

* Top it with jackets or shirts: Sport an embroidered, velvet, denim or collared jacket with sari. Try coverall jackets and sheer printed shirts to look trendy.

Pick a heavily embroidered jacket and team it with a plain sari or a collared jacket like the Victorian ruffled high collar style to dazzle in the traditional attire.

Great time to be in movies right now: Rana Daggubati

#Rana_Daggubati, who started his acting career with the 2010 Telugu film "Leader", says it is a great time to be a part of the film industry right now.

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"Seven years ago when I started as a film actor, I did my first film in Telugu, second in Hindi and then did a cameo in a Tamil film.

"I was hoping that at some point of my life there will be cinema that will break these barriers," Rana told reporters at the launch of "The Rise of Sivagami", a prequel to the blockbuster "Baahubali", here on Friday.

Then filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli's magnum opus "Baahubali" came to him. He played King Bhallaladeva in the film, which released across the world in different languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, and minted over Rs 600 crore worldwide.

"I am sure there will be many more films that will continue to break these barriers. It's a great time to be in movies right now," he said.
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Rajamouli plans to turn 'Baahubali' books into TV series

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli's magnum opus #Baahubali now has a book series, and if all goes well, the trilogy will be adapted to small screen.

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"The plan is to make the book into a TV series... not the daily soaps that you get to see. The plan is to make a seasonal show with 10 to 13 episodes," Rajamouli told reporters at the launch of "The Rise of Sivagami", a prequel to the blockbuster "Baahubali", here on Friday.

Anand Neelakantan, who has penned "The Rise of Sivagami", is known for writing fiction books based on the Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. What about making a film on one of the books?
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Indulge in peanuts, peanut butter for good health

Don't overlook or underrate the power of #peanuts as a nutty #super_food, say experts.

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Nutritionist and weight management consultant Kavita Devgan, author of "Don't Diet! 50 Habits of Thin People", says 'good' fats are essential for good health.

Devgan told: "Nut butters, particularly peanut butter, is a source of unsaturated fats, which are proven to be good for our heart and general health. Plus, it is a good source of fibre and protein too. And both provide satiety, so keep you full for longer."

"It also delivers the antioxidant vitamin E, magnesium and some hard to find zinc. Of course moderation is the key as it tends to be steep in calories and sodium."

A tribute to SRK at San Francisco film fest

Bollywood superstar #Shah_Rukh_Khan says he is excited to attend the San Francisco International Film Festival #SFILM, which is honouring him with a tribute in its 60th year.

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"Honoured to be at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival and looking forward to meeting my friend Brett Ratner. Also memories in San Francisco," Shah Rukh tweeted on Friday.

Shah Rukh, who has spent a quarter of a century in Indian showbiz, will be in an in-depth conversation with American filmmaker Brett Ratner. The discussion will precede a screening of "My Name Is Khan" on April 14.

Officials at the fest find it an honour to welcome Shah Rukh -- whom they have addressed as "one of the world's most recognized film personalities" -- at the gala.
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Home remedies to protect your skin in summer

The skin is the first to bear the brunt of the summer heat, leading to problems like #sun_tan, #sun_burn, skin-sensitivity, rashes and eruptions. There are several home remedies that can help you save your #skin, say experts.

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Bharti Taneja, Founder-Director of ALPS Beauty Group, Shahnaz Husain, CEO of Shahnaz Herbals Inc, and Aromatherapist and beauty expert Blossom Kochhar have suggested remedies that can save your skin: 

* For removing sun tan, scrub your face with this pack: Add a teaspoon of milk to two spoons of oatmeal and add two tablespoons of tomato juice, some orange pulp and a few pinches of poppy seeds. Blend the mixture together so that it forms a thick density like a face-pack.
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Jennifer Lopez sued over hoverboards

Singer-actress #Jennifer_Lopez has been sued by a hoverboards company for not keeping her end of the contract.

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Lopez got some customised hoverboards for her Las Vegas show from Sidekick Group Corp.

The company says it shipped out 42 hoverboards for Lopez and her dancers to use in her All I Have show at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, and didn't charge her cash. However, their signed contract required Lopez to do a few things in return, tmz.com reported.

In return, she had given her word that she would make promotional posts for the brand on Instagram or Twitter once every three months. But Sidekick Group Corp says she only posted once, and later deleted it, the lawsuit claims.

Gauri Khan designs nursery for KJo's twins

Filmmaker #Karan_Johar can't thank his good friend #Gauri_Khan -- wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan -- enough for helping to create a "paradise" for his twins Roohi and Yash.

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Karan, who became a father of twins via surrogacy last month, tweeted a glimpse into the white-themed nursery on Friday.

"My baby nursery designed by Gauri Khan with so much love and care... It's my paradise! Love you Gauri," Karan captioned the image, in which he and Gauri -- an interior designer by passion -- are seen posing for the camera.

The nursery exudes a dreamy feel with a white sofa, a white crib, a white lamp, a white wall dotted with colourful animals. One can spot soft toys hanging on one wall and a cute teddy bear painted on the side of the crib.

Karan's children were born on February 7, but since they had a premature birth, they had to be kept in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a hospital here.
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Kiran Rao keen to make film on singer Gauhar Jaan

Filmmaker #Kiran_Rao says she is keen to explore a film on the life and times of courtesan-turned-singer #Gauhar_Jaan, who cut a gramophone record in 1902.

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"Since a few years, I have been thinking of making a film on the life of Gauhar Jaan. I was trying to write the script as well, but now I think I should leave it for some years. But her life was so interesting and very few people know about her. I think a film made on her will be a treat for the audience," Kiran said on the sidelines of a special screening of "Poorna" here.

Gauhar Jaan is considered the pioneer of the thumri tradition in Indian classical music.

At the screening, Kiran praised "Poorna" and asserted that biopics are successful because they are interesting to watch.
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Friday 31 March 2017

‘Begum Jaan’ will be a turning point of my career says debutant "Poonam Rajput"

Model and Punjabi film actress #Poonam_Rajput is all set to make her debut in bollywood with one of the most anticipated film of 2017 #Begum_Jaan in which #Vidya_Balan is playing the role of brothel owner.

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The film is set in the backdrop of late Indian Independence period of 1947. It is Hindi remake of the Bengali film Rajkahini. 

The film depicts journey and struggles of bunch of sex workers who fight against all odds to maintain their existence and dignity. Poonam Rajput unfolds her journey to bollywood and relationship with Vidya Balan and how this film will be one of the important film of her career.

Talking about background, Poonam said, “I basically belong to Himachal Pradesh. I never desired to be an actress as people from our region is still pretty conservative. Since childhood, I was good at studies, dance and sports but never had dream to become actress but after my schooling, I moved to Chandigarh to complete my graduation and during that time, I featured in a music video and subsequently, I almost did 40-45 Punjabi music videos and that’s how I started taking keen interest to pursue acting as my profession.”

Talking about her journey in bollywood, she said, “When I decided to come to Mumbai, I tried to work in TV soaps and I got my first break on TV in MTV’s Panasonic Face of Beauty and after that I debuted in Punjabi film called What The Jatt. 
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Navratra diet: Restaurants shift to healthier low-calorie dishes

When it comes to "fasting" during the #Navratras, people usually opt for puris, pakoras and sweets, but keeping in mind the health-conscious generation, restaurants in different Indian cities have experimented with innovative and alternative low-calorie dishes to cater to the tastes of the new age devout.

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Ashish Ugal, Executive Sous Chef of the capital's The Taj Mahal Hotel, points out that over the past few seasons, there has been a shift from traditional recipes served during Navratra to more innovative dishes.

"In fact, we have tried to incorporate these elements in our menu and present dishes such as 'hare mattar adrak ki chaat' and 'plantain koftas' which give patrons the chance to follow the nine-day fast and yet at the same time indulge in a range of sumptuous delicacies, all of which are made using saatvik ingredients.

"Also there is gradual shift to healthier, low-calorie alternatives from traditional Navratra food such as puris, pakoras and mithai. People are now increasingly consuming soups, uttapams and idlis during the Navratra," Ugal told.

I'm a big basketball fan: Katie Holmes

Actress #Katie_Holmes says she is a fan of basketball and likes to follow the sport.

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Holmes opened up about her love for basketball while appearing on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I'm a big basketball fan," Holmes said.

"My dad played at Marquette under Al McGuire," she said while referring to her father Marty Holmes, who played on the legendary coach's first two teams at Marquette University in 1965 and 1966.

Holmes said everyone in her family is "very good" at basketball except for her. 

"I'm a very intense fan," she said.

It was emotional blackmail: Mischa Barton on sex tape

Actress #Mischa_Barton has opened up about her "emotional blackmail" following the emergence of a sex tape featuring her and her former beau.

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The 31-year old reflected on the moment she discovered that the tape was being offered to the highest bidder, during an interview on TV show "Dr. Phil", reports dailymail.co.uk.

While speaking on the show, Barton said that someone told her of the sex tape's existence "several months ago".

"It got to me because somebody came up to me on the street and said, ‘There's something I need to tell you'.

Victoria Beckham back to singing

Singer-turned-designer #Victoria_Beckham, who became a sensation as part of girls group Spice Girls in the early 1990s, returned to her singing roots with the 'Carpool Karaoke' session of "The Late Late Show with James Corden".

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Victoria, who parted ways from the music industry in 2008, on Wednesday gave a backstage peek into the shoot over Instagram in which she showed her hairdresser Ken Paves giving her a new style before she gets into the car with Corden, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Carpool Karaoke" is a session where Corden is joined by singers and hums their popular songs alongside them.

Before Victoria, popular singers like Justin Bieber, Adele, Selena Gomez, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Elton John, have appeared in the 'Carpool Karaoke' session.

When you become successful, love becomes rare: Vikram Bhatt

Filmmaker #Vikram_Bhatt, who is presenting "Spotlight", a web series which talks about the dark side of Bollywood, says it's ironic that when a person isn't successful, he or she is surrounded by loving people and friends, but as a person climbs the ladder of success, love becomes rare.

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"Spotlight", a series of 10 episodes, will be available on Viu app, the video on demand service of Vuclip, from Friday.

"To my mind, 'Spotlight' is not so much about Bollywood but about a girl in Bollywood. It is about everything that you want. You get fame, money, but the higher you climb, the lonelier you get. The one thing that becomes rare as you go higher, like when we climb the mountain, oxygen becomes lesser... Love becomes rare," Bhatt told.

"You crave that one person with whom you can share. It is a kind of an irony that when you don't have success, you have people around you and when you do have success, you don't have that person with whom you can share it. It is the loneliness of fame which is what 'Spotlight' is about," he added.

Directed by Suhail Tatari, "Spotlight" is a fictional biopic of a Bollywood starlet. It features Tridha Choudhury along with Sid Makkar.

Content-driven, profitable productions are Anushka's mantra

Producing films which are high on content and turn out profitable for all stakeholders, are a priority for #AnushkaSharma, who is delighted with the audience response to her latest entertainer #Phillauri.

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Anushka and her brother co-own the banner Clean Slate Films, which has so far come up with "NH10" and "Phillauri".

"I'm very happy with the audience response to our film 'Phillauri'. It is delightful that families are loving the film and watching it together making it truly a fun, family entertainer, which was always our endeavour," Anushka said in a statement.

"I have loved being a part of this journey right from the script stage to its post production and final release. I feel blessed that our efforts are resonating with the audience," added the actress, who plays a friendly ghost named Shashi in the movie.

The movie minted Rs 15.25 crore in its opening weekend in India after releasing on March 24.
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Would love to do reality shows: Nehha Pendse

Actress #Nehha_Pendse, who is seen essaying the role of a dominating boss in "May I Come In Madam?", says she would love to do a reality TV show.

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"I would love to do reality shows -- be it dance or an action-packed show. All my life, I've always wanted to become a TV host, but that dream is yet to materialise," Nehha said in a statement. 

The actress who plays the role of Sanjana in the Life OK show, says she is competing with herself. That is helping her perform better.

"I think healthy competition always gets the best out of you. I believe in competing with myself. Only then I can perform better than yesterday," Nehha added.

Priyanka Chopra vouches for Zac Efron's abs

There was speculation that #Zac_Efron's well-toned body in the trailer of forthcoming film "Baywatch" is fake, but Indian actress and his co-star #Priyanka_Chopra has vouched for how real it is.

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The actress added that she initially had her doubts, but was shocked to know the abs were real.

"I didn't think it was real initially. (I thought) there's gotta be some air brushing or paint brushing or whatever people... I can vouch for them. I have seen them for real. They are real and I was shocked," Priyanka said.

The "Quantico" star, who will be making her Hollywood debut with "Baywatch" this year, talked about Efron's physique in an interview with E! News when she became a part of ongoing CinemaCon here. The video is doing the rounds on social media platforms.

She was joined by her co-stars Dwayne Johnson, Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Jon Bass.

Taylor Swift 'loving her break' from social media

Singer #Taylor_Swift, who has kept herself away from social media for a while now, is reportedly taking a long hiatus from the cyber world, and she is "loving her break".

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Swift has been absent from Twitter and Instagram.

According to a source, Swift wants to clear her mind from the hatred and negativity that she gets online.

"Taylor (Swift) is loving her break from social media," the source told hollywoodlife.com. 

"She enjoys being connected with her fans but she also struggles with the negativity and bullies that she deals with whenever she reads Instagram comments. 

"She will be back to posting more regularly soon. But for now she is really appreciating detoxing and being unplugged from some of the negative energy online," the source added.

On Twitter, Swift last posted a link to her song "I don't wanna live forever" in January end.

On Instagram, meanwhile, Swift last appeared three weeks ago when she shared a sketch of singer Lorde's single "Green light".
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Bid adieu to puffy face

If you notice your #face_bloating, then avoid #caffeine and #alcohol, apply a cold towel on the face and get eight hours of sleep, suggest experts.

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Geeta Fazalbhoy, Dermatologist and Managing Director and Founder Member - Skin & You Clinic, and Vandana Punjabi, Consultant Dermatologist, Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, have a few useful tips:

* Facial bloating can be due to various causes like increased salt intake or product allergy. A balanced diet high on fruits and vegetables with normal salt consumption, less of pickles or processed packaged food is advised.

* You should also get your thyroid levels checked.

* Lack of water intake, especially in summer months, can lead to facial bloating. So will lack of sleep. So get eight hours of rest and avoid caffeine. 
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Films very important medium of communication: Shabana Azmi

Veteran actress and social activist #Shabana_Azmi says change should be reflected through mainstream cinema as films are a vital medium of communication.

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"Films are a very important medium of communication and I do think if change is to happen in society, then it must be reflected in mainstream cinema because if you are only going to talk about different characters within the parallel cinema or independent cinema, then you are preaching to the already converted," Shabana told over phone from Mumbai. 

The need of the hour, as she pointed out, is "to bring these concerns particularly about the women's equality into the mainstream".

The Padma Shri awardee is glad top actresses of Bollywood are willing to take that step. 

The Weeknd, Selena Gomez planning 'summer wedding'

Singers #The_Weeknd and #Selena_Gomez are reportedly planning a "summer wedding", which will be held in August this year.

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According to a source, the couple, who started dating each other from January this year, are thinking about taking their relationship to the next level, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Selena Gomez is set to tie the knot with The Weeknd in August." the source told InTouch magazine.

The source said that the couple is "getting married".

"She's told pals that they're planning to exchange vows in August once he finishes his 'Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour'," the source added. 

Raising funds major challenge for internet startups: Study

Even though the government has been trying its best to ensure sustained funding for startups, a large number of internet-based #startups are yet to get any formal funding in the form of business grants, loans or lines of credit, a survey said here on Thursday.

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A dipstick survey of bootstrapping 2,925 internet startups by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) suggested that this shortage of funds persists despite nearly 74 per cent of them leveraging mobile technologies to scale up their businesses.

The survey was conducted in the cities of Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and New Delhi.

The survey found that while a majority 74 per cent of the respondents are leveraging mobile technologies to boost their businesses, 12 per cent of the respondents had completely mobile-based products.

Thursday 30 March 2017

Calvin Harris's new single to feature Pharrell

Record producer and singer #Calvin_Harris's new single will feature singer-songwriter #Pharrell_Williams, singer #Ariana_Grande and rapper #Young_Thug.

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Harris announced the collaboration on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, reports aceshowbiz.com.

He shared a cover art for his new single, "Heatstroke", which features the three artistes. 

The "My way" hitmaker revealed the summery artwork along with the studio credits of all the people involved in the upcoming track. 

Harris co-wrote the new track with Williams and Brittany Hazzard (professionally known as Starrah).

The credit list also shows the music instruments used in the song -- a piano, an electric piano, a flexitone, a synthesizer and a 1965 Fender Stratocaster.
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Cheryl planning low-key wedding to Liam Payne

Singer #Cheryl, who has welcomed her first child with her boyfriend #Liam_Payne, is reportedly planning to have a low-key wedding with the One Direction singer.

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According to a source close to the couple, Cheryl is now keen to marry Payne, but as she has been married twice before, she wants to have a low-key wedding this time, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Because this will be her third marriage, Cheryl doesn't want a circus. She'd rather have just close friends and family. She'd also love the baby to be sitting on their lap in the wedding photos," the source told Closer magazine.

Cheryl married footballer Ashley Cole in Barnet, north-west London, in July 2006. They got divorced in 2010.

Ben Affleck is doing fantastic: Matt Damon

Actor #Matt_Damon says his friend and actor-filmmaker #Ben_Affleck is doing "fantastic" after he went to a rehabilitation centre for alcohol addiction earlier this year.

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Damon says Affleck is busy looking after his three children - daughters Violet Anne and Sera and son Sam - as his estranged wife Jennifer Garner is tied up with work.

"He's fantastic… He's with the kids now, couldn't be happier. Jen's working for a couple weeks in Atlanta, so he's ‘Mr Mom-ing' it right now. And that's what he wants to be doing," Damon told etonline.com.

Affleck revealed earlier this month on social media that he had undergone treatment for alcohol addiction so he can focus on being the "best father he can be" to his children.

Katee Sackhoff doesn't like playing hero

Actress #Katee_Sackhoff is fine missing out on #Captain_Marvel role as it would have been "boring" being a hero.

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The 36-year-old was at the centre of a fan campaign to get filmmakers to cast her as the superhero for an upcoming standalone film. Though the role in the 2019 project ultimately went to Brie Larson, Sackhoff isn't too disappointed because she doesn't think she'd have enjoyed the role, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"No, it wasn't meant to be. I had meetings with Marvel but I don't know if it was for 'Captain Marvel' specifically. I don't like playing the hero anyway - it's boring," Sackoff told Metro newspaper.

Sackoff thinks the fan campaign she did for getting the part ended up pushing the role further away from her grasp.

"They don't work. They potentially do the opposite. No executive wants to do what the masses tell them to. They always go for the unexpected because they all want to be the hero that saves the series. They don't want to jump on a bandwagon. I can't think of an example where it's ever worked," she said.
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Bob Dylan to finally accept Nobel Prize

Music legend #Bob_Dylan will finally accept his Nobel Prize for Literature in Stockholm this weekend, the Swedish Academy announced on Wednesday.

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The American singer was awarded the prize in October but failed to travel to pick up the award, or deliver the lecture that is required to receive the $900,000 prize, BBC reported.

The academy said it would meet Dylan, 75, in private in the Swedish capital, where he has two concerts.

He will not lecture in person but is expected to send a taped version, said the report.

If he does not deliver a lecture by June, he will have to forfeit the prize money.
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Nivedita Basu debuts on digital platform with 'Spooks'

Producer and creative director #Nivedita_Basu has forayed into the digital platform with a series of two-minute horror shorts titled #Spooks, based on real life events.

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"I've always wanted to venture into digital, mainly because that's a platform where you get to create what you've always wanted to, without restrictions and apprehensions. With this collaboration with Thoughtgasms (a channel on YouTube), we aim to kick-start this journey," Basu said in a statement.

"Spooks", directed by Shray Rai Tiwari, features actors Kunj Anand and Aanchal Goswami.

The first episode is scheduled to release worldwide on Saturday.
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Asha Bhosle donates Rs 25k to 'Li'l Champs' contestants

Legendary singer #Asha_Bhosle, who will next be seen as a special guest on children singing reality show "Amul Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Season 6", felt emotional after hearing about the journey of two contestants Jasu Khan and Adnan Hussain and donated Rs 25,000 each to their families.

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At the age of 13, Jasu, whose father is an alcoholic, took the responsibility of his family on his shoulders and paid household bills by singing at marriages and parties. 

On the other hand, Adnan's family worked really hard to pay for his singing lessons. 

"Childhood is a crucial stage of life and it lays the foundation for the years to come. Everyone should be given a chance to live their carefree childhood because those precious years never come back," Bhosle said in a statement.
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Karan Johar wants his children to listen to Hindi film music

Filmmaker #Karan_Johar, who has become a father to twins via surrogacy, says he wants his children to listen to Hindi film music that he has grown up listening to.

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"I have grown up listening to lot of Hindi film music whether it is Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle among others. I want in their (twins's) nursery; some of my favourite music should play all the time," Karan told the media during the book launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's "Master on Masters".

"So that my babies to listen to them because I love their song and they should listen what I love, to love me," he added. 

The 44-year-old filmmaker says he got the habit of listening to iconic playback singers and late rocker Elvis Presley from his mother Hiroo Johar. 

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan pens down memories of 12-music maestros

Legendry sarod player #Ustad_Amjad_Ali_Khan has written a book on 12 legendary musician of the country titled "Master on Masters".

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The book was unveiled on Tuesday evening by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar in the presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash.

The book release was followed by a reading session and conversation between Karan and the Ustad that revolved around sharing memories, changing culture of music and how technology has taken away heart-to-heart connection amongst people.

In the book, published by Penguin Random House, Khan recalled his earlier memories with iconic musicians like Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Ustad Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Bismillah Khan, among others.

After romance, technology has killed conversation too: Karan Johar

Filmmaker #Karan_Johar, best known for love stories and family entertainers, feels that technology has killed the romance in real life and now it is killing the conversation between people.

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"I find conversation among people has become very rare about art and artists. Phone has become like a part of our body now. We are always distracted for various reasons," Karan said at the launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's book "Master on Masters" on Tuesday.

"I don't see people talking to each other at all. People in families also don't communicate with each other quite often. Just like technology has killed the romance, now it has also killed the conversation," Karan said.

"...I have been in and around the filmmakers all my life. I have had the pleasure to see Raj Kapoor on film set, saw Yash Chopra directing a film and be in music session with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. I clearly remember that generation communicated, engaged and shared their work and experience and so much," he added.
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Wednesday 29 March 2017

Brad Pitt joined Jolie, kids on Cambodia trip

Actor-filmmaker #Brad_Pitt secretly joined his former wife #Angelina_Jolie during a trip to Cambodia in February.

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Jolie was in Cambodia for her film "First They Killed My Father".

A source told eonline.com that Pitt was in Cambodia "most of the time except when it conflicted with his own shoot schedule". 

A second source said that the former couple's six children, Shiloh, Maddox, Knox, Vivienne, Zahara and Pax, split time between Pitt and Jolie while they go to see Cambodia's sights. 

"All through production and filming, and on her most recent press trip, Brad came to Cambodia in secret to spend time with the kids," the second source said. 

Amazon launches innovation service centre in China

The cloud-computing arm of #Amazon on Tuesday launched its first joint innovation service centre in China's Qingdao.

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The Qingdao-Amazon Web Services (AWS) centre aims to provide cloud-computing services -- including web services, new technologies such as cloud-computing and big data, and capital and services support -- to global startups.

AWS Global Vice President and AWS China Executive Director Rong Yongkang said the centre would fuel Qingdao's innovation and development, Xinhua news agency reported.

"In the next five years, the centre will work with Qingdao government to support 750 innovation firms," said Rong.

'Jumanji' sequel gets new title

The #Jumanji sequel has offcially been titled #Jumanji_Welcome_to_the_Jungle.

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A short clip of the film was shown to an audience assembled at Sony's CinemaCon presentation attended by its cast members Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Jack Black.

The footage featured four high-schoolers in detention who, after being ordered to clear out the school basement, discover a video game console featuring a version of the game Jumanji, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

After picking a character, you are transported to the jungle -- meaning the main cast are playing a different version of high-school students (a teenage girl ends up as a character played by Jack Black).

Paulson wanted to hum Rihanna's songs on film set

Actress #Sarah_Paulson felt the urge to hum singer #Rihanna's songs on the set of the film "Ocean's Eight".

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The 42-year-old actress appears with Rihanna in the new Gary Ross-directed movie. Paulson spent much of the time on set trying to stop herself from singing some of Rihanna's hits, reports etonline.com.

"A lot of us spent a lot of time not singing Rihanna songs. We all sort of covertly were like, 'Are you doing it, too?'," Paulson said.

Paulson said her co-stars Sandra Bullock, Mindy Kaling and Anne Hathaway, would feel an especially strong urge to hum Rihanna's tunes whenever she would turn around and look at them.

"Everyone would be like, 'Stop'. It was a lot of collective winking," she said.
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Niall Horan exchanging messages with Marnie Simpson

One Direction singer #Niall_Horan has been exchanging messages with reality TV star #Marnie_Simpson.

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Simpson, who split from Lewis Bloor just weeks ago, says she has been in touch with Horan and singer James Arthur, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I've been speaking to them. We've said hello and I've spoken over DMs with both of them," Simpson told The Sun newspaper.

"It's just friendly - they're both big fans of the show (‘Geordie Shore')," she added.

While Arthur confirmed his relationship with his on-off dancer girlfriend Jessica Grist in February, Horan is currently single.

Bella Thorne hates being single

Actress #Bella_Thorne, who has been linked to names like Tyler Posey and Charlie Puth, says she doesn't enjoy her single status.

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"I hate not being in a relationship," the 19-year-old wrote on Twitter, reports femalefirt.co.uk.

Her comment comes after Thorne said dating a celebrity is the "worst thing".

The "Blended" actress, who split from Posey late last year, said it is difficult dating other celebrities like her former beau as they have a lot of girls who are "really in love with them".

"Dating in Hollywood is literally the worst thing. People are really crazy on social and, unfortunately, I date people that have girls, like, in love with them. They're, like, really in love with them and they want to kill me. Literally, I was getting death threats, full-on death threats on Twitter," she said.

Anecdotes on Manto helping Rasika Dugal for film

Actress #Rasika_Dugal is preparing for her role as Saadat Hasan Manto's wife Safia in Nandita Das's directorial, by indulging in conversations with theatre artistes, journalists and avid readers of the legendary writer.

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"Manto" is a biographical film based on the Pakistani writer, and it will not only emphasise on Manto and his writings, but also on his personal life in which his wife Safia stood beside him strongly.

For her role as Safia, Rasika is speaking to different writers' wives to understand the nuances of a relationship of such nature. She is also talking to directors of the plays who have worked with his characters.

A theatre artiste herself, the actress said in a statement: "The interesting thing about Manto is that everyone has something to say about him. Ever since the film has been announced, I have had several conversations with friends from the theatre who have performed Manto's short stories, journalists who know about him or just people who are avid readers of his work.

"These conversations have been lovely. They have given me titbits of anecdotal information which are priceless and hard to find in any book."

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is playing Manto in the movie.
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Jewels for summer weddings: Pearl strands, multi-layered strings

Ditch chunky neck #jewellery in the scorching heat. Go for pearl strings or delicate multi-layer pieces when you attend a summer #wedding.

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Manju Kothari (Creative Director at Entice Jewellery), Rajesh Tulsiani (Director at Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers) and Chitwn D Malhotra (lead designer and founder Dillano Luxurious Jewels Pvt Ltd) have tips on jewellery trends that could be followed:

* Pearls can never go out of style and have always been a constant favourite adornment on weddings for all the right reasons. They balance your entire look with royalty and go well with all skin tones and wedding lehenga colours. 

They are a meek epitome of a gleaming bead but without being overly dramatic, and are multipurpose.

I'm looking at 'Ittefaq' as new film: Sonakshi Sinha

Actress #Sonakshi_Sinha, who has been roped in for a remake of the 1969 suspense thriller #Ittefaq, says she is looking at it as a fresh film.

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"I have not seen the old 'Ittefaq'. So for me, I am doing a new film. And I am sure a lot of people from our generation have not seen the original 'Ittefaq' either. The way film is rewritten and adapted to fit in today's scenario and time, makes it a fresh film. I am looking at it as a new film," Sonakshi said on Monday during an interview here.

The 1969 classic was directed by late filmmaker Yash Chopra and starred Rajesh Khanna, Nanda and Madan Puri in pivotal roles.

Sonakshi, who is selecting strong women-oriented roles, is stepping into the role Nanda played.

"I would like people to know me as a versatile actor who can perform all kinds of roles," said Sonkashi, who is paired with Sidharth Malhotra in "Ittefaq".
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Have done well without any guidance, says Neha Sharma

Actress #Neha_Sharma admits the work she has done in Bollywood may not be "path-breaking", but says she has picked the best from what she got. In that sense, she feels she has done well in her career without having any guidance.

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Neha ventured into Bollywood in 2010 with the film "Crook: It's Good To Be Bad". She then featured in films like "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum", "Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story", "Yamla Pagla Deewana 2", "Youngistaan", "Kriti" and "Tum Bin 2", and she has a special appearance in "Mubarakan".

Asked if it's a conscious decision to not be a part of too many films, Neha told: "Yes. The reason I am in cinema is because of the passion I have for cinema.... So, for me to convince myself to do anything and everything becomes impossible.

"I'm not trying to say that the work I have done in the past is path-breaking, but I have definitely tried to pick the best from what I was offered and being an outsider with no one to guide me I think I have done well." 

I console myself with a career that lasts: Twinkle Khanna

She started off as an actress, became an entrepreneur and she is now creating waves with her books and column. #Twinkle_Khanna, famous on social media as #Mrs_Funnybones, doesnt regret that she couldn't score a success story in films.

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Asked if she finds it ironic that she didn't receive as much praise for acting as opposed to her writing career, Twinkle told over phone from Mumbai: "Maybe I am better at writing. So I console myself with the fact that I have a career that lasts me a lifetime." 

Twinkle, the daughter of veteran actress Dimple Kapadia and the late superstar Rajesh Khanna, featured in films like "Barsaat", "Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai", "Mela", "Baadshah" and "Joru Ka Ghulam". But failed to make a mark.

She then became an entrepreneur, exploring her interest in interior designing. Her writing skills came to be known via her column in a daily, and eventually she turned an author. She calls her professional journey gratifying. 
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Idris Elba wants to do action-packed films

Actor #Idris_Elba wants to star in an action-led fighting films like "Rocky" after doing a year's training to become a professional K1 kickboxer for the documentary #Fighter.

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"My agent has been fielding boxing scripts left, right and centre. They're not imaginative enough, though. Maybe one day I'll do a fight film but what would be the story? Comeback king of the year? I don't know," Elba told Metro newspaper. 

"I feel like I have more of a foundation in the art of fighting now for roles that require action-led fighting," he added, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Elba admits his kickboxer training was "one of the toughest things" he has done but branded being a father of two to daughter Isan, 12 and son Winston, 2.
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President watches Rahul Bose's 'Poorna'

Actor #Rahul_Bose hosted a special screening of his upcoming film #Poorna for President #Pranab_Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan here ahead of its commercial release.

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"Poorna" is a biopic on Poorna Malavath, who at the age of 13, became the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest. A tribal girl, she fought social stigmas and achieved her dreams with true grit, determination and a never-give-up attitude. 

President Mukherjee, who saw the film on March 25, was moved by the biopic, which spreads awareness about Poorna's journey, encourages women's empowerment and is an inspiration to women from every part of the country to dream big and accomplish their goals, read a statement issued on behalf of the movie's makers.
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'Gulaabi 2.0' in 'Noor' needed carefree attitude: Tulsi Kumar

Singer #Tulsi_Kumar, who has crooned numbers like "Saiyaan superstar", "Mere humsafar" and "Soch na sake", says her new song "Gulaabi 2.0" in the forthcoming Sonakshi Sinha-starrer #Noor required a carefree attitude.

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"I was literally dancing and enjoying while recording this track in the studio. Being a mix of trap and hip-hop, the new age song required a carefree, 'bindass' attitude in rendition, that made me relish one of the best times of my life. I have tried my best to do justice to the vivacious spirit of the song and I hope that the listeners love this too," Tulsi said in a statement.

"Gulaabi 2.0" is an EDM version of late music legends R.D. Burman and Mohammed Rafi's "Gulaabi aankhen". 

The song has been composed by Amaal Malik, and sung by Tulsi and Yash Narvekar.

Based on Pakistani author Saba Imtiaz's novel "Karachi, You're Killing Me!", "Noor" also features Purab Kohli and Sunny Leone with comedian Kanan Gill debuting in the film industry.
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