Saturday 29 December 2012

Gang-rape victim's death: I'm sorry that I'm a man, says SRK

Gang-rape victim's death: I'm sorry that I'm a man, says SRK

"I am so sorry that I am a part of this society and culture", and "I am so sorry that I am a man", Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Saturday following the death of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist who was brutally gang-raped and tortured in the national capital.

"We couldn't save you but what a big voice you have, you brave little girl. That voice is telling us that rape is not an aberration, not a mistake," Shah Rukh tweeted.

"Rape embodies sexuality as our culture and society has defined it. I am so sorry that I am a part of this society and culture," he tweeted.

"I am so sorry that I am a man. I promise I will fight with your voice. I will respect women so that I gain my daughter's respect," added the 47-year-old, father to two children - son Aryan, 15, and daughter Suhana, 12.

The victim, who was gang-raped by six men in a moving bus Dec 16, was flown to Singapore for treatment Thursday and breathed her last early Saturday morning.

The heinous incident has triggered nationwide outrage with people taking to streets to demand death penalty for the criminals and better safety laws for women.

Chinese Zodiac: Jackie Chan is back!

Chinese Zodiac: Jackie Chan is back!

Jackie Chan's film Chinese Zodiac 12 (CZ12), also known as Armour of God III, is packed with amazing stunts, with Chan earning two Guinness World Records for Most Stunts By A Living Actor and Most Credits (15) in a single movie.

CZ12 took seven years to make, with a budget of $50 million. The movie revolves around a man who searches the world for a set of mystic artifacts - 12 bronze heads of the animals from the Chinese zodiac.

Chan reprises his role as adventurer and treasure hunter Asian Hawk, who is seeking to repatriate the bronze heads that were looted from the Old Summer Palace in the Second Opium War.

The movie completes the trilogy that he started back in 1986 with Armour Of God and continued in the sequel, Operation Condor five years later.

Mirchi Movies is releasing the film in India on January 4, 2013, for Edit II productions.

Katie Holmes Broadway play 'Dead Accounts' flops

Katie Holmes Broadway play 'Dead Accounts' flops

Katie Holmes' Broadway play 'Dead Accounts,' which opened last month will bring down its curtain on January 6- a full seven weeks ahead of schedule and just 44 regular performances.

The play opened on November 29 to mixed reviews, and reports say that the show's closure is due to poor ticket sales.

The Post's theater critic Elisabeth Vincentelli said of Holmes' performance that the 34-year-old actress had got one note - shrill, impatient - and she yelled it at top volume, which made a vein bulge on her slender neck.

She also said that with its cardboard characters and implausible developments, 'Dead Accounts' felt like a rough first draft, the New York Post reported.

The show had been touted as a comeback for Holmes after her high-profile, divorce from Tom Cruise earlier in the year.

Leonardo DiCaprio regrets not cashing on 'Titanic' fame

Leonardo DiCaprio regrets not cashing on 'Titanic' fame

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio says he should have done more movies post his successful 1997 film "Titanic".

The 38-year-old rose to fame after playing the role of Jack Dawson in the epic love story. However, the actor feels he could not explore the new found fame then.

"I probably should have done more movies during that time period. I took a solid break. I didn't even understand what a hit was, you know?.

"That movie came out and people were like, 'This movie is doing amazingly well!' and I'm like, 'Good, that's great'," DiCaprio said on "Today" show.

Vidya Balan should wear Emerald: Astro-Numerologist

Vidya Balan should wear Emerald: Astro-Numerologist

After a stellar performance in 'Kahaani' and getting hitched to her beau just recently, she couldn't have had a better 2012. Astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi what the future holds for Vidya Balan (now Kapur) on the eve of her 35th birthday?

He says, "Vidya is a truly a 'new year' baby born on the 1st of January 1978 which makes her a Number 1 (Sun) person in numerology. Her sun sign is Capricorn (ruler Saturn - Number 8) and her destiny number adds up to Number 9 (Mars)" explains Bhavikk. "Speaking of her traits, Vidya is an extremely powerful, an achiever of sorts, does not fear struggle and a go-getter in life. Although she was lucky in to her entry in films, she has come a long way as a model and worked really hard, until she became a familiar face and a name to reckon with. If the impact of 'shani' made her go through a fair amount of struggle, it is the same planet which catapulted her in to one of the most promising actresses in the industry right from her first film. The 'mangal' effect brought some delays in her marriage life, but that's sorted now".

He adds, "Vidya will now be enter the 36th year of her life which indicates that her streak of good luck continues and she is here to stay even post marriage" predicts Bhavikk, adding that the actress' next release 'Ghanchakkar' will once again win her a lot of critical acclaim and even the film will do well at the box office.

"On the personal front, her match with producer Siddharth Roy Kapur is a good one and they are likely to have a blissfully wedded life ahead" he adds further. "Wearing an 'Emerald' on her smallest finger on a Wednesday morning (two hours after sunrise) will bring speed and stop delays in her life whatsoever" recommends Bhavikk very strongly before signing off.

Friday 28 December 2012

Trisha Krishnan interested in Mollywood

Trisha Krishnan interested in Mollywood

The reigning star of South Indian film industry, Trisha has recently expressed interest towards Mollywood films. The actress who was in Trivandrum recently to inaugrate Atlas Jewellery revealed that Mollywood scripts have come her way and she would definitely be doing Malayalam films if something gripping and interesting comes her way.

The actress also stated that she is busy with her projects in Tollywood but is willing to work in Mollywood too.

Thursday 27 December 2012

Anjali & Hansika Motwani haven't met!

Anjali & Hansika Motwani haven't met!

The remake of 'Delhi Belly' in Tamil, which is titled 'Settai', that features Arya, Hansika and Anjali. Arya is indeed having some intimate moments with Anjali as well as Hansika Motwani. Usually when two heroines share the screen space, clashes are bound to happen but the director has been cleaver enough that has not shot any combination scenes with Hansika and Anjali till now.

Anjali & Hansika Motwani haven't met!

Settai also stars Santhanam, Premji Amaren, Nassar, Suja Varunee in important roles. Director Kannan who directed Kanden Kadhalai (a remake of Jab We Met) is directing Settai as well. The film stars Hansika and Anjali as the lead girls and this gave rise to speculation that the heroines would clash on who has importance in the film. But interestingly that hasn't happened so far.

UTV Motion Pictures producing the remake of Bollywood film 'Delhi Belly' titled 'Settai'. 'The film which was initially planned to release for Pongal on 13th January is now expected to release on Feb 13th.

Parvathi Melton's first night pose

Parvathi Melton's first night pose

Slender babe Parvati Melton is anyway burning the hearts of many eligible bachelors in a couple of days as she is getting ready to tie the knot. But before that, she makes sure that she is raking up enough heat that can keep the flame alive for a life time.

Posing in a white saree for her on-screen first night, Parvati Melton has left the 'pallu' of that saree aside to offer a treat of her bosom. While her raised leg and 'malle poolu' in her plait are setting a perfect mood, the expression on her face is a bit pale. What if she changes her mood and moves that hand aside? Wait for it guys!

Ram Gopal Varma enters Sandalwood

Ram Gopal Varma enters Sandalwood

Actor is Sudeep is on a roll post the success of the Rajmouli's Eega. The film was not just a massive hit, but also fetched several congratulatory messages from stalwarts of Indian cinema. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma was one among them. Though he's already worked with the actor in movies such as Rann, Phoonk among others, the latest buzz is that RGV will direct him in a four language film that will be produced by KCN Kumar.

The buzz is that RGV will be visiting Bangalore this week to initiate the discussion. We also hear that the film will originally be made in Kannada and Telugu, which will later be dubbed in Tamil and Hindi. However, we will be getting a clear picture once the filmmaker makes an official announcement.

Meanwhile, Sudeep is currently shooting for Bachchan, which has Bhavana, Tulip Joshi and Parul Yadav in lead roles; while his cameo appearance in Vardhanayaka along with Sameera Reddy is ready for release. The movie has Chiranjeevi Sarja and Nikeesha Patel in lead roles.

Wednesday 26 December 2012

Radhika Pandit considers 2012 lucky

Radhika Pandit considers 2012 lucky

Radhika Pandit is very thrilled that she has had two of the biggest hits of 2012 falling under her kitty. The actress was first seen in the film Addhuri, which is arguably the biggest hit of 2012 and then followed it up with a successful Drama.

"I couldn't have had a better year. With two of my films doing extremely well, it makes me feel very content," says Radhika, who also had her film Sagar releasing this year, which was an average performer at the box office.

Radhika recently signed a new flick Dilwala opposite Sumanth Shailendra Babu, where she is rumoured to have paid an amount much higher than the last film that she has signed, considering the fact that her release Addhuri, where she was teamed opposite newbie Dhruva Sarja, did exceptionally well at the box office.

Radhika, meanwhile, will next be seen on screen opposite Shivarajkumar in the Suri-directed Kaddipudi, which is currently in its post-production stage.

Arun Vijay excited about 'Deal' stunts

Arun Vijay excited about 'Deal' stunts

Arun Vijay is excited about a car chase sequence that he filmed recently for his film, Deal. He says, "In the scene, I drive a high-end car, and I'm chased by 10 other cars. It was an adventurous experience to drive in the narrow lanes leading to the highways in Theni district. The sequence was shot for 10 days with five cameras. We also brought down a special sports camera from the USA for this sequence."

Currently, the crew is filming in the city, at a set worth 60 lakhs, erected in Saidapet. He adds, "My character in the film is a total contrast from the one I played in my previous flick, Thadaiyara Thaaka. Karthika, my co-star in this film, is very professional and a pleasure to work with. The fact that we have a young and energetic team has helped us a lot."

Sunday 23 December 2012

John Abraham: The ‘cage fight’ is my item song

John Abraham: The ‘cage fight’ is my item song

John Abraham talks about being sexy and edgy, and the severe action sequences which broke his bones and made him cry in Race 2, that also stars Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel.

You have performed Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Race 2, something you have not done before...
When I was offered Race 2, it reminded me of Dhoom (2004) minus the bikes. I missed the bikes, but the mind-blowing action in Race 2 makes up for it. I had to practice MMA with stunt director Peter Hein. Two Vietnamese fighters — Son and Tun — coached me for two months to get my kicks, flexibility and agility right. When I started rehearsing, for the first few days, I had tears in my eyes as my body went through excruciating pain. I'd scream dao (it means pain in Viatnamese), but they pushed me. I almost lost faith in myself, but didn't give up.

What kept you going?
I want to set a certain benchmark for raw action in Bollywood. I believe in stunts that are real and believable. I've done a cage fight in the movie without cables. This is my item song for Race 2 ! I have fought with a 300-pound South African professional fighter, Andrew, in the film. He was a sweet, docile guy otherwise, but once he entered the ring, I had to fight to save my life. The reality of action is very evident when you see us bashing each other's guts out. You can tell it's not fake.

Given the intensity of the fight, the injuries must be severe...
My back was bleeding, I had a 14-inch gash. I cracked my shin bone and navicular bone in the ankle area. I had to take a two-week break from action. My orthopedic surgeon joked about putting me on a retainership in his hospital, given the number of times I visited him.

You work hard on your body...
I train and eat differently for every film. My body is like a machine. When you are muscled, achieving flexibility is not easy. I've still managed a split and 145-degree kicks in the film. Sylvester Stallone has been a great influence. He defies age.

From a sexy guy to an action hero, are you changing your territory?
I look at myself as a commodity. Cinema is a visual medium. I want to draw a balance between my sex appeal and the rawness of the stunts I perform. I like being edgy. Normal is boring. It's all about attitude; you either have it or you don't. I play an anti-hero in Race 2. Bad has never looked so good.

Race 2, produced by Tips Industries Ltd and UTV Motion Pictures, releases on January 25.

Deepika Padukone: I wish, I was a part of 'Rockstar'

Deepika Padukone: I wish, I was a part of 'Rockstar'

If Deepika Padukone is satisfied after doing romantic comedy 'Cocktail' in 2012, she wishes she had been part of the Ranbir Kapoor starrer 2011 musical hit 'Rockstar'.

"I am more than happy I was part of 'Cocktail'. It was the most satisfying experience to do the film. The audience really appreciated me a lot in 'Cocktail'," Deepika told IANS.

"So this year, I am extremely happy about 'Cocktail' and have no regrets. But if you ask me about last year, then yes, I would say, I wish I was part of 'Rockstar'."

The actress had dated Ranbir for some time and even featured with him in the hit movie 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' before parting ways.

'Rockstar', a musical extravaganza that rocked the box office, was helmed by Imtiaz Ali who roped in Pakistani American Nargis Fakhri as Ranbir's love interest in the movie.

If Deepika pats herself for doing 'Cocktail', she candidly admits that some of her films disappointed her.

"I don't regret anything but, yes, I have been disappointed with two to three films that I did in the last two years," the 26-year-old said.

"I put equal amount of effort to each and every film but when it doesn't work, it is very disappointing. All of us face ups and downs in our lives, but all we can do is we can learn from our experiences."

However, she refused to name those disappointing films, saying it would be "unfair to name any films because ultimately it's me who had chosen the film ... so I would never name them".