skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Dakota Fanning has paid tribute to tragic actress Brittany Murphy, her co-star in 2003 movie Uptown Girls.
Fanning was just nine when she lined up alongside Murphy, who played her childlike nanny in the comedy.
But she remembers the experience well, and cherishes the time she spent with the late star.
Fanning says, "My thoughts go out to her family and friends. I am just very grateful that I had the chance to work with her."
Murphy died from a cardiac arrest at her Los Angeles home on Sunday (20Dec09). She was just 32.
Angelina Jolie seems to be breaking up all the concepts that have been on people’s minds regarding their relationships.
In a recent interview that she gave to a German magazine, she came out with an explosive theory of her own, something that is not likely to be echoed in many quarters: that it is not important to be absolutely loyal to one’s partner in order to maintain a perfect relationship.
When asked if she maintained her relationship with Brad Pitt based on that principle, the Changeling and Tomb Raider star commented that she did not believe in restricting anyone’s life on the basis of some principle. She feels that it is important to provide ample space to one’s partner, even if that extends to compromising on one’s fidelity. She claims that though she has been in a pretty long relationship with Brad Pitt, they have never encroached on each other’s personal space.
It is normal and even healthy, to have occasional arguments with one’s partner, believes the actress who is rumored to have a notorious temper. It is worse to break up and then slander one’s partner than to be an infidel, according to the attractive brunette.
She does not believe that being in a relationship means that they have to be bound to each other all the time, and that it is okay to wander now and then. This sort of explains why, despite being dogged by numerous rumors of being on the verge of splitting, the couple has been going strong over the years. The secret, as can be gleaned from Angelina Jolie’s candid confession, lies in their open relationship.
Lindsay Lohan has laughed off reports she has a new man in her life - insisting she's just "friends" with her latest rumoured love interest.
The Mean Girls star, who split from her DJ girlfriend Samantha Ronson earlier this year (09), has fought off a string of dating rumours in recent weeks after she was linked to Jason Segel, Entourage star Kevin Connolly, and Gerard Butler.
I'm not dating my friend, people are nutso (sic), and it's not a way to start off the new year with rumours.
She was most recently rumoured to be involved with model Adam Senn, but Lohan is adamant she's still single.
In a post on her Twitter.com page, she writes, "I’m not dating my friend, people are nutso (sic), and it's not a way to start off the new year with rumours."
Robert Plant wants to spend New Year's Eve (31.12.09) in the arms of a woman.
The 61-year-old rocker - who has famously lived a life of sex, drugs and rock n roll excess - admitted he will be looking for love over the holiday season.
He said: "Where would I like to welcome in the New Year? In some warm, tantalising arms."
Although he is looking forward to celebrating New Year's Eve, the former Led Zeppelin singer isn't looking forward to the next decade because all it holds for him is "more attention to bladder control".
Where would I like to welcome in the New Year? In some warm, tantalising arms
He added: "I don't think I've aged gracefully. When you can feel the breeze of the Grim Reaper, there's nothing graceful about that fear, because I'm only a third of the way through the adventures I want to have."
However, the star has made some New Year's Resolutions - to improve his driving.
He explained: "I park my car by touch, using the wheels as a guide to when I've hit the kerb."
Singer Rihanna is upset as she won't be able to do her usual raunchy stage show in Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve because the organisers have told her to dress "conservatively".
"Rihanna is tearing her hair out over what to do. She wanted to put on her most eccentric and provocative show here. A huge part of her show is her sexy stage gear.
"But the dress code in Abu Dhabi does not encourage excessively revealing outfits," contactmusic.com quoted a source as saying.
Now Rihanna, 21, and her team are busy devising a new show complete with modest outfits which don't show off too much of her body and won't offend audiences in conservative Abu Dhabi.
Black Eyed Peas' vocalist Fergie is said to have accidentally flashed the cast and crew of musical movie Nine when she kept flying out of her corset while doing a saucy dance routine.
Fergie, 34, real name Stacy Ann Ferguson, plays the part of vampish prostitute Saraghinain in the Rob Marshall movie, and she has to perform a vigorous all-singing all-dancing routine in the film.
According to WWD.com, Fergie's skimpy outfit could barely contain her assets, and the movie's costume designer Colleen Atwood was forced to rethink the star’s clothing after the embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
"Fergie's dance was all about keeping Fergie in the corset. It was a really tiny corset and (it) didn’t have straps," the Daily Express quoted Atwood as saying.
"We had to add them in the end because, with all that dancing, she was just flying out of it," she added.
The Pussycat Dolls singer has been dating the British Formula One ace for nearly three years, but they have reportedly not seen each other in three weeks and shelved plans to spend Christmas together.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Lewis and Nicole have had a few problems for a while now. They love each other dearly but have incredibly busy schedules.
"Nicole was in London last week and was desperate to hook up with Lewis but she was busy in the studio while he is on a European training camp and couldn't come back.
Lewis and Nicole have had a few problems for a while now. They love each other dearly but have incredibly busy schedules.
"Hopefully after a month apart, they will come to their senses and give things another go."
Despite the claims, a spokesperson for Lewis insisted the couple are "perfectly fine".
Meanwhile, Nicole recorded the theme song to forthcoming musical 'Love Never Dies' - the sequel to the hugely popular 'Phantom of the Opera', by composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber - while in London.
A source said: "Andrew is a huge fan of Nicole and her voice. He has always said she could become one of the biggest stars on the planet with the right songs."
Popstar Lady Gaga stripped naked for a sexy new photoshoot with rapper Kanye West. In the candid new photographs taken by acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle, GaGa, real name Stefani Germanotta, is seen lying in the rapper’s arms with one hand covering her breast, as West stares zombie-like into the distance with a raging volcano behind.
Other photos show her standing on crutches over sleeping naked people, dressed in an android-esque two-piece with matching helmet and arms, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The series also shows her fallen from the wheelchair, on a mirrored floor in a doll-like pose, with pink afro hair surrounded by pink flowers and a blue sky.
Meanwhile the Poker Face hit maker is this year's most listened to artist online, according to a leading music site Last.fm. The company, that reviewed tracks from full-length albums which had been streamed by visitors on the site to come up with their top ten, said tracks from Gaga's album The Fame were played more than 18.5 million times by the site's 35 million-strong community.
The 23-year-old singer had her songs played six million times more than her nearest rivals The Killers.
Actress Tara Reid, who was left with a scarred stomach after a liposuction procedure went wrong, has posed topless for Playboy magazine to prove that her body looks fine.
She said, "It wasn't a good surgery, it happens sometimes. I got it fixed and now I'm OK, and I want people to know that I'm OK. I've been OK now for the last five or six years but people only show old pictures which is so unfair and that's part of the reason why I did the Playboy shoot - to show the world this is me and this is what I look like."
Reid, 34, had been offered to strip for the publication several times in the past but she had always turned down the opportunity.
"I have been offered to pose for the magazine in the past but I didn't really think it was the right time. I was younger and I am in my 30's now and I feel that I am at the best age in my life - mentally, physically and spiritually," she said.
"So many unbelievable stars have done it throughout the years and I figured, 'Why not?' "
A Hindu statesman has advised Lindsay Lohan, who is currently in India for a BBC documentary, to take a dip in the holy Ganges so that the Mean Girls star can 'rediscover herself'.
After a much-publicised struggle with booze and prescription drugs Lohan, 23, is finally getting back to some serious work. She is currently making a film on women and child trafficking in India for the BBC. And some feel coming to India can help Lohan in more ways than one.
"Lindsay Lohan should rediscover herself by taking a dip in the holy Ganges. It is believed that bathing in the sacred Ganges purifies one of all sin and its waters confer immortality," the Telegraph quoted Rajan Zed, as saying.
And what does the star feel about the subject of her documentary? "Trafficking is a big issue here, I'm (here to do) what I can, and I will continue to do so as long as life when time permits it," she wrote on her Twitter page.
Later Lohan added: "Over 40 children saved so far. Within one day's work. This is what life is about. Doing this is a life worth living. I'm only one person. Let's not start judging and looking for negatives that don't exist."
Jason Biggs and Simon Curtis are all smiles as they support the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s continuing work and dedication toward saving Uganda’s gorilla population.
Both Jason, 31, who attended with his wife, Jennifer, and Simon, 23, traveled to Africa as part of the campaign to track endangered mountain gorillas.
Earlier this year, Jason and Simon toured Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and raised awareness and funds for mountain gorillas
"Titanic" director James Cameron releases his first dramatic feature in 12 years this weekend, and there's almost as much buzz about its costs as the film's groundbreaking motion-capture animation.
Distributor 20th Century Fox first claimed that its costs on "Avatar" totaled $237 million but more recently refused to confirm any number. Most industry observers believe the picture cost a minimum of $300 million to produce.
Even at the lower studio figure, that's a lot of green stuff to expect to make back from a mostly animated picture populated by blue aliens.
Cameron appears unfazed by such pressures.
"I don't think it means jack s--t," Cameron said. "To be perfectly honest, I think the studio has generated the myth about its costs to help in the selling of the movie. I have seen this happen with 'Terminator' and 'True Lies' and 'Titanic,' and it helps the film become a must-see film. By the way, doesn't that mean it's a bargain to see such an expensive film for the same amount it costs to see any other film? It's the deal of the century!"
So just how much can "Avatar" ring up during its all-important opening weekend? Broad consensus has the sci-fi actioner -- starring Sam Worthington ("Terminator Salvation") and Sigourney Weaver -- fetching $80 million or more through Sunday, though Fox has been floating much lower figures to tamp down expectations.
Toting a running time of 2 hours and 36 minutes, "Avatar" starts its long march toward profitability with 12:01 a.m. Friday performances set for more than 2,000 mostly 3D locations. For the rest of the weekend, "Avatar" will play in some 3,400 theaters boasting almost 3,000 3D screens and roughly an equal number of 2D auditoriums.
"Avatar" debuts simultaneously this week in most foreign markets, with more than 5,000 3D screens in place internationally for the release.
"Avatar" is likely to draw best among male moviegoers, but it will bear watching how it skews in the age demo. Heading into the weekend, prerelease tracking surveys indicate a good chance the film will draw well among both younger and older males.
Bollywood's latest offering "Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year" is going great guns in the US with its review currently the number one most read movie story on the New York Times site.
The Times review, beating stories on the Golden Globe nominations and reviews of all US films, calls "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year," with Ranbir Kapoor "a smart, focused Bollywood movie".
Shimit Amin, "who directed the delightful 'Chak De! India', about a girls' hockey team, dispenses with Bollywood's normal tangle of subplots and mashup of genres", it says. "There's music, but no big production numbers. Even romance is back-burnered. Instead, Mr. Amin sticks to the story at hand."
"Kapoor, a heartthrob who has quickly become a star playing cads, turns in a skilfully understated performance," says the review. "His Harpreet is an old-school hero: solid, righteous, compassionate. You can't help cheering for him."
In an equally flattering review, Film Journal International says: "David-and-Goliath workplace drama from India goes unexpected places, and hits satisfying chords."
The posters for the Bollywood import "promise a workplace satire or a light-hearted employee caper" it says. "Instead we get a sharply observed drama of an honest man trying to survive in the usual business world."
"In the exploding modern India, it's a very American story: How do you succeed in business without really trying to compromise your ethics?"
"Not all Bollywood movies are big, colourful musicals, of course, and this one offers only a couple of plot montages set against songs, it says, "But with uniformly excellent performances-particularly by (Naveen) Kaushik and (Shantanoo) Bhagyaraj as the conflicted and not-so-conflicted antagonists, respectively."
In addition, there is "a no-nonsense pace and storytelling sense by director Shimit Amin, and a truly universal and credible office mise-en-sc?ne, 'Rocket Singh' is instantly accessible to any stateside audience," the Journal adds.
Harpreet Singh, the protagonist, "may be a prisoner of the system, but he can proudly say, 'I am not a number. I am a free market'." it says.
Lady Gaga has admitted that she has no confidence when it comes to men and that she feared sex in the past.
The singer said that the songs in her new album ‘The Fame Monster’ is inspired by the time when she was experiencing a phobia of intimacy.
“Each song represents a different monster I have encountered on my travels; a fear of sex, a fear of alcohol, a fear of love, a fear of death, it goes on…” Contactmusic quoted her as telling MTV.
“I’m so proud of my new music but I feel during all this time – while my dad was having open heart surgery – it was a really difficult time for me personally and that is what this album is all about.
“I’m just really happy being single at the moment, working on my music and travelling. I think there is a time for that but it’s just not now for me. And anyway, I have no confidence when it comes to men,” she added.
She concluded: “Something that I have or fear is never being able to enjoy myself.”
English actress Keira Knightley has reportedly stripped off to pose naked for an acclaimed artist.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actress, who bared all to film a bath scene with Sienna Miller in their 2008 movie The Edge of Love, has allegedly been shedding her clothes during sessions at London's Halcyon Gallery for Mitch Griffiths, reports heraldsun.com.au.
"It's considered a great honour to be painted by Mitch. He is a highly respected nude painter and is painting a number of subjects for an exhibition next year. He is delighted Keira agreed to take part," said a source.
The singer-and-actress fell during her performance at last month’s American Music Awards and injured her famous derriere in the process.
She said: "I have a bruised bone. What happened was one of the dancers' backs was slippery from sweat and lights and everything. We never bargained for that because they always had T-shirts on in rehearsal.
"So they were bare-backed, didn't have shirts on for the performance, and when I stepped on their backs my feet got wet. So when I landed, it just slipped from under me."
Jennifer was performing her new song ‘Louboutins’ and credits adrenaline with helping back onto her feet so quickly.
She added to US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres: "That's kind of what I felt the rest of the performance, ‘Did I fall?’ It happened so fast. I was up and all I could think was, 'I have to get to the next beat. I have to do this dance solo right now.’ I had no time to think about it."
"Then I get to the back, and one of the dancers was like, 'Are you OK?' 'Oh my God that's right, I fell.’ It was awful, but you know, it happened."
‘Idol’ star Underwood hosts ‘All-Star’ lineup for holiday special
Christmas variety shows never played much of a role in Carrie Underwood’s Oklahoma home as she was growing up.
Yet the fourth-season “American Idol” winner embraces them whole-heartedly in “Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (tonight at 8 on WFXT, Ch. 25).
The multiplatinum-selling artist will be joined by such guests as Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Kristin Chenoweth, Christina Applegate and fellow “Idol” winner David Cook for two hours of songs and skits.
But don’t expect the young country superstar to tip her hat to the likes of format forerunners Andy Williams, Bing Crosby or even the Rockettes.
“I think I kind of just missed some of the variety stuff,” she said during a recent conference call with reporters. “I’ve seen the Mandrell Sisters before, but it wasn’t something we all gathered around to watch. I missed that era, and I’m glad to see that there’s other people doing their stuff, too, and I think it’s really great family programming.”
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old said she does have a few Christmas traditionsshe likes to keep alive.
“Of course, Santa would come on Christmas morning,” she said. “But we had records. It was just like a choir or something. We had these old records that I would always play for Christmas. I have them now - thank God my mom didn’t throw them away. I have them now and I still like to play them.”
Underwood said spending time with country legend Dolly Parton was a “dream come true.” The two perform a duet on the show - she’d go no further than to say it’s a Parton classic - and interact in a few funny moments.
“I’d never met her before this,” she said. “So I was excited to be able to get to talk to her and obviously get to sing with her. It felt like such a special moment for me in the show to be able to perform with her.”
When Parton arrived on the set, Underwood realized it was time to take a back seat.
“When Dolly’s there, you just step out of the spotlight and let her do her thing, because no matter how hard you try, she’s going to steal the spotlight,” Underwood said. “It’s great. It’s the way it should be.”
The special marks the second time Underwood has worked with Paisley in recent weeks. The two co-hosted the Country Music Awards last month.
“Brad and I have a bit of a history together,” she said. “I got to co-headline a tour with him not too long ago. I feel like the more we’re around each other, the more we get comfortable with each other and things just get better and better.”
The two do perform together on the show, but not in the traditional sense. Paisley could not be in Los Angeles for the taping, so Underwood said the producers “did something kind of cool to bring two locations together.”
Viewers can expect to hear Underwood’s latest chart-topper, “Cowboy Casanova,” as well as a collection of more traditional holiday standards.
“It’s a big mish-mash of awesome music,” she said.
Legendary actress Bina Rai, who charmed Indian audiences with her performances in Anarkali and Taj Mahal, and won a Filmfare award for Ghunghat, died of a heart attack in her Mumbai home on Sunday. She was 78.
Bina was married to actor Prem Nath, who was well-known filmmaker Raj Kapoor's brother-in-law. She is survived by two sons - Prem Kishan and Kailash Nath.
"Her funeral will take place in Banganga [in South Mumbai] on Monday at around 4 p.m. We are waiting for my brother Prem Kishen. He is on his way back from abroad," Kailash, also known as Monty, said.
Bina, who went on a hunger strike to convince her parents to allow her to act in movies, entered Bollywood with director Kishore Sahu's film Kali Ghata in 1951. Later she featured in movies like Vallah Kya Baat Hai (1962), Bandi (1957), Changez Khan (1957), Durgesh Nandini (1956), Marine Drive (1955) and Aurat (1953).
But she is still remembered for her roles in Anarkali (1953) and Taj Mahal (1963). Her last film was L V Prasad's Daadi Maa that was released in 1966.
Her son Prem Krishen, who had tried his luck in Hindi films with Dulhan Wohi Jo Piya Man Bhaye, is a successful TV producer and has made hit serials like Gul Gulshan Gulfam and Junoon.
Bina's granddaughter Akanksha, too, entered films with Yeh Mohabbat Hai, but the film didn’t work at the box office and she decided to bow out.
Her grandson Sidharth, however, is a successful TV director. He wielded the megaphone for the hit TV serial Sanjivani.
Penelope Cruz was terrified of singing in new film 'Nine'.
Speaking on the red carpet at the London premiere of the musical movie in Leicester Square last night (03.12.09), the 35-year-old Spanish actress admitted her singing was a bit rusty because she hadn't done it in public for years.
Singing was terrifying because it was new and because it was my first time.
The 35-year-old star told BANG Showbiz: "Singing was terrifying because it was new and because it was my first time.
"It was like doing theatre, but I only did theatre as a student in Spain."
Penelope - who plays seductress, Carla Albanese, who seduces Daniel Day-Lewis' character, director Guido Contini, in the film - also revealed her sexy look in the movie was aided by some very good costume designers.
She said: "The woman who designed the costumes for every one of us, I think she really must be one of the most amazing artists."
Penelope was joined on the red carpet by several of her co-stars, including Nicole Kidman, 42, Kate Hudson, 30, and Dame Judi Dench, 74.
Judi admitted she was surprised by how well all the actresses got along, saying: "They're wonderful, I mean every single one, I swear you're going to be surprised. They're going to surprise everyone."
Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) has opened up a shop.
Called “A.R. Rahman Store” on his official website, this online shop presently sells only seven items but promises to expand the inventory to “include exclusive presale tickets, merch, DVDs and more”. But currently one can only shop with Canadian Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars.
Under “Soundtracks & Scores”, it is offering ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ (2007), ‘Bombay Dreams’ (2002), and ‘Original London Production: The Lord Of The Rings’ (2008); while offerings in “Albums & Compilations” include ‘Vande Mataram’ (1997), ‘Between Heaven And Earth’ (2004), and ‘The Best of A.R. Rahman: Music and Magic From the Composer of Slumdog Millionaire’ (2009).
Tracks listed under his latest “The Best…” compilation include Rand De Basanti, Khoon Chala, Barso Re, Tere Bina, Mayya, Ghanan Ghanan, Radha Kaise Na Jale, Dheeme Dheeme, So Gaye Hain, Gurus of Peace, Yeh Rishta, Ae Nazneen Suno Na, Shakalaka Bady, Warriors in Peace (Hindi version).
Former American supermodel Cindy Crawford has revealed she wants people to think of her as a sexy older woman, known as a "Milf".
The 43-year-old has said she hopes people still think she's sexy, even though she is now mother to two children, reports contactmusic.com.
"I don't want to be a cougar, I want to be a Milf. I hate that word cougar and what it represents. Milf is a word I absolutely love," she said.
"I like that tag because I think there is a worry for all models that the moment you have kids the perception of you is going to change," she added.
A Milf is an abbreviated slang term used to describe a sexy woman who has children while a cougar is meant for an older women who seeks out and enjoys the company of younger men.
Twilight’s Taylor Lautner has been cast as the superhero Max Steel.
Deadline reports the 17-year-old will play a “19-year-old extreme sports junkie recruited by a secret agency after an accident infects his body, leaving him with superhuman powers.”
Let’s hope this isn’t another Speed Racer!
Taylor has been rumored to be dating country cutie Taylor Swift, both of whom star in the upcoming movie Valentine’s Day.
ARE YOU EXCITED to see Taylor Lautner on the silver screen again - Yes or No?
Amy Adams and fiance Darren Le Gallo are expecting their first child together after being together for seven years, her rep confirms to JustJared.com.
The couple met in acting class in 2001 and became engaged in July 2008.
Amy, 35, and co-star Matthew Goode can next be seen in the romantic comedy, Leap Year, out January 8.
The happy pregnancy news was first reported by People.
Congrats to the happy couple!!!
