A fire broke out at veteran Tamil star Kamal Haasan's residence here in the wee hours today, but the actor said he was safe.
	"Thanks to my staff. Escaped a fire at my house. Lungs full of smoke, I climbed down from the third floor. I am safe, no one hurt," he said on Twitter.
	He did not mention the cause of fire.

Fire breaks out at Kamal Haasan's house, actor escapes unhurt

PTI Automatic

A Chinese comedian and former judge on the "China's Got Talent" television program is facing drug and weapon charges on Long Island.
	Zhou Libo was arrested during a traffic stop January 19 in Lattingtown, east of New York City. Police said he had been driving erratically.
	Officers said they noticed a shoulder holster in the back seat and found a loaded pistol and two plastic bags containing crack cocaine in a backpack.
	He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney declined to comment on the charges but said his client has confidence in the judicial system.
	His case was adjourned until June 9.
	Last July, the Shanghai native performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
	He was a judge on the popular "China's Got Talent" programme in 2010 and 2011.

Popular Chinese comedian faces weapon, drug charges in NY

Priyadarshan, the chairperson of the feature film section for the National Film Awards, says he does not understand why people are questioning his frequent collaborator Akshay Kumar's best actor win today.
	The filmmaker has collaborated with Akshay in films like "Hera Pheri", "Garam Masala", "Bhagam Bhaag", "Bhool Bhulaiya", "De Dana Dan" and "Khatta Meetha".
	Many in social media are attributing Akshay's win to his close proximity to Priyadarshan.
	But the director says last year Ramesh Sippy was head of the jury and none questioned his good friend Amitabh Bachchan's best actor win, so why should he and Akshay be subjected to such allegations.
	"I have heard of all that and I will answer it in a simple way. When Ramesh Sippy was jury head Amitabh Bachchan won. When Prakash Jha was head of jury, Ajay Devgn won.
	"So none questioned at that time. So why all these questions are cropping up today," Priyadarshan told PTI.
	The filmmaker also clarified that Akshay's performance in ...

Why are people questioning Akshay's win: Priyadarshan

Fearing arrest for allegedly making offensive remarks against sage Valmiki, Bollywood actor Rakhi Sawant today sought anticipatory bail from the Bombay High Court, which said it would give her 'transit bail' instead.
     Justice Ajey Gadkari, before whom her plea came up for hearing, said he would grant the TV actress a 'transit bail' for the period of travel to Punjab to enable her seek pre-arrest bail from the court which had issued the warrant against her.
	The judge, however, reserved his order on Sawant's plea for April 10.
     A Ludhiana court had issued a warrant against Rakhi on March 9 on a complaint that she hurt religious sentiments of the Valmiki community by her comments against sage Valmiki, the author of Ramayana, in a program last year.

Rakhi Sawant seeks anticipatory bail, to be given transit one

"Neerja" today won the best Hindi film National Award and its director Ram Madhavani has dedicated the honour to Neerja Bhanot's family.
	Starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role, the movie is based on 22-year-old air-hostess Neerja, who thwarted the hijack attempt and was later killed by the terrorists while helping to save over 350 passengers and crew on board.
	The filmmaker, who made his directorial debut with the biopic, thanked the Bhanot family and said they deserved the award more than anyone else.
	"I did not anticipate the National Award for 'Neerja'. I was happily surprised. I am thankful to the Bhanot family. This award goes to them, they deserve it," Madhavani told PTI.
	The filmmaker said post the win he had a word with Neerja's brothers and they were very happy with this recognition.
	"I spoke to Akhil and Aneesh Bhanot, I spoke to Sonam as well. She is shooting in Maheshwar for 'Padman' it's the same place where we shot the climax of 'Neerja'. It's kind of a universal ...

Ram Madhavani dedicates National Award win to Bhanot family

Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who was approached to play the role of Inspector Satyoki Rana Sinha in Vidya Balan-starrer "Kahaani", says he regrets not being part of the 2012 film.
	Chandan says he rejected the film due to date issues and the role eventually went to Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee.
	"I have rejected big films either due to date issues or the script was not good. In 'Kahaani' I was offered to play the role of a cop which was later played by Parambrata.
	"I was doing 'Faltu' and the dates couldn't be worked out so I couldn't do 'Kahaani'," Chandan told PTI.
	The particular role in the Sujoy Ghosh-directed movie turned out to be a significant move in Parambrata's career.
	"I do regret not doing the film. Sujoy is a great director and a very dear friend. We have been trying to work together since quite sometime but things did not work out," Chandan adds.
	He is, however, excited about his film "Mirza Juliet" which hit the theatres today. The film also stars Darshan Kumar .

Chandan Roy Sanyal regrets turning down "Kahaani"

Zaira Wasim today won the National Award for her role in "Dangal" and the young actress from Kashmir has thanked superstar Aamir Khan for supporting her throughout the film's journey.
	The actress, who won the best supporting actress award for her portrayal of young Geeta Phogat in the Nitish Tiwari-directed biopic, said it is encouraging for her to receive the honour for her debut role.
	"I am extremely happy. I would like to thank the jury for conferring on me this honour. My heartfelt gratitude to my family for believing in me and to Aamir Sir and Nitish Sir for supporting me.
	"It is very encouraging to receive an award of this stature in my debut film, the appreciation has only got me more excited to work harder," Zaira said in a statement.
	"Dangal," based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita, was one of the biggest hits of 2016. All the actors won critical appreciation for their performance in the film, that released in December last ..

Zaira Wasim thanks Aamir, director on National Award win

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol's comeback film with brother Sunny is all set to hit the screens on September 8.
	The film titled "Poster Boys" is directed by Shreyas Talpade, who is also one of the stars in the movie.
	Bobby, 50, was last seen in "Yamla Pagla Deewana 2", which also starred his brother and father, while Sunny last featured in "Ghayal Once Again".
	"Poster Boys" is produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions, Sunny Sounds Pvt Ltd and Affluence Movies Pvt Ltd.

Bobby Deol's comeback film to hit theatres in September

Actress Olivia Munn and Aaron Rodgers have parted ways after dating for three years.
	"They have amicably ended their relationship of three years," a source confirmed to People magazine.
	The source added the couple "remains close friends and wish nothing but the best for each other moving forward."
	The 36-year-old actress and the American football star started dating at the end of 2014.
	Rodgers, 33, and Munn's breakup comes two months after the couple fueled engagement rumors in January when the actress was spotted wearing a diamond sparkler on her left-hand ring finger.

Olivia Munn, Aaron Rodgers split

From being talked about as a fashionista to getting a special mention at the National Awards for "Neerja", actress Sonam Kapoor has come a long way, and she says the latest honour motivates her to work harder.
     Sonam won critical appreciation for her portrayal of the Neerja Bhanot in the Ram Madhvani-directed movie and at the 64th National Film Awards, the 31-year-old actress got the Special Mention for her performance.
     "The best thing to do when your work is appreciated is to work more and give your best. I am shooting in Maheshwar with Akshay Kumar for "Padman" where the climax of "Neerja" was also shot...I am feeling grateful," Sonam told PTI.
     Incidentally, Akshay too won National Award for best actor.
     Sonam has won several awards for "Neerja" before this, but she feels this recognition is more special.
     "The National Award is immensely special to me because this is a special jury award. It means the world to me especially since I wasn't expecting it at all," 

National award makes me want to work harder: Sonam Kapoor

After a picture of veteran actor Vinod Khanna looking very gaunt and frail went viral and sparked rumours that he was suffering from cancer, the hospital authorities today chose to not say anything about it.
     Khanna was admitted to Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital here on March 31 for severe dehydration.
     "He is 70 years old and he had severe dehydration. He was admitted due to this reason and we are treating him for dehydration. If he had something (some other ailment) before admitting here then we don't know," a hospital official said.
     "We can't say anything much as the family has requested privacy. It is not fair to talk about it," he told PTI.
     Khanna was responding positively to the treatment, the official added.
     "He is stable. He is improving, he is responding well to the treatment. There is nothing to worry," said the official.
     Khanna made his acting debut in 1968 with "Man Ka Meet" and is best remembered for his performance in films like "Mere ...

Hospital mum on speculation about Vinod Khanna having cancer

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was named the best actor for his portrayal of a patriotic naval officer in "Rustom" at the 64th National Film Awards, where Marathi movie "Kasaav" led the regional cinema dominance bagging the best feature film honour.
	The awards, which were spread out in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Marathi languages, saw Bollywood movies like "Pink", "Neerja" and "Dangal" score in key categories.
	"Rustom", a court room drama directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, is loosely based on the 1959 Nanavati murder case.
	Akshay, 49, took to Twitter to express his gratitude over his surprise win.
	"Thank you is a very small word right now but I don't know how else to express how I am feeling right now... 'Rustom' was a very special role to play. Being able to wear the uniform of Indian Navy itself is a huge honour, even if it's just for a role," Akshay said in a video message to his fans.
	The actor said Sonam Kapoor, who received a special mention for her role in "Neerja", was shooting .

Akshay Kumar best actor, 'Kasaav' named best film at Nat Awards

Hansal Mehta is disappointed that his movie "Aligarh" could not win any National Award this year, but the filmmaker said he believes in moving on and will keep working on subjects that interest him.
	Mehta, who won the National Film Award for "Shahid," took to Twitter to congratulate the winners.
	"I am getting calls from people asking me if 'Aligarh' was entered for the National Awards and if I was disappointed with the results. Yes, 'Aligarh' was entered and while we are disappointed like many other colleagues I would like to congratulate all the winners.
	"The jury has a difficult job every year and there are bound be disappointments for many, a few debatable awards and much hurt over being overlooked. At the same time some fine films have been rewarded and some excellent work has been recognized," Mehta wrote on Twitter.
	The filmmaker said there is no point in brooding over the results and thanked "Aligarh" team for an outstanding job.
	"To all my colleagues who poured their ...

There are bound to be disappointments: Mehta on 'Aligarh' snub

Actress Richa Chadha has made her debut as a writer, chronicling her journey towards ideal health amid travels to distant cultures and hectic shoots.
	The book, published by Penguin India, will be replete with famous encounters, anecdotes from her jet-setting life as well as a good dose of optimism and common sense.
	Earlier this year, Richa very candidly spoke about suffering from an eating disorder for several years. She recovered with help from her family, professionals, nutritionists and loved ones.
	"The book is an experiment. I want to open my heart out and give people a peek into my world," she says.
	"This is the first time a hugely successful actress like Richa, who is juggling several movie shoots in India and internationally, will use her public profile to voice her opinion," says Gurveen Chadha, Commissioning Editor of Penguin India.
	"One can't categorise the book solely in the 'self-help' section because of the witty and pleasant anecdotal quality of the writing. We ...

Richa Chadha pens book on physical and emotional well-being

Verne Troyer has said that he has been battling alcohol addiction and is receiving treatment.
	The 48-year-old actor, best known for portraying Mini-Me in two "Austin Powers" films, announced he has recently started undergoing therapy.
	"As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day.
	"I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment centre later this week to continue to get the help that I need," wrote Troyer.
	The actor added he has been receiving lots of calls from concerned readers so wanted to address the situation and thanked his well-wishers for their concern.
	Troyer continued, "I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this."
	The actor, who appeared in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" (1999) and "Austin Powers in Goldmember" (2002), ...

Verne Troyer being treated for alcohol addiction

As part of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017, British Council here has launched an interactive digital platform that invites young audiences to discover the sights and sounds of Delhi and create their own music mix.
	'Mix the City Delhi' has been created as a collaboration between Indian and UK artistes, where 12 city-based musicians will showcase the diversity of sound, music and cultural influences of the capital city.
	"This world-class digital and cultural innovation means that a global audience will be able to see, hear and share the amazing Delhi music scene and the beauty of the city," Alan Gemmell OBE, British Council Director India, said.
	Curated by British music producer 'Boxed In', the platform will host musicians like 'BLOT!', Shubhendra Rao, Aditya Balani, 'Curtain Blue', Shishanath and seven others.
	Conceived during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's UK visit in 2015, the UK-India Year of Culture aims to celebrate the strong cultural ties between the two countries through .

Indian, UK musicians collaborate for digital music platform

Iain Glen says although his character in "Game of Thrones" is appearing near its death due to the deadly greyscale disease, the actor hints that he will get through the season seven.
	The 55-year-old actor, who plays Ser Jorah Mormont in the HBO fantasy series, says he hopes to survive the upcoming installment, reported The Independent.
	"There's quite a high death count in 'Game of Thrones' and they don't blanch at removing favourite characters. They just get rid of them in a brutal way. My end may well be close but so far I'm doing OK," told Glen in an interview with Stuff magazine.
	The actor says he has always enjoyed playing his character and "it has been a role that's been good to me so far."
	"GOT" season seven premiers July 16.

Iain Glen hints at surviving 'Game of Thrones' season 7

The Chainsmokers have released their debut album titled "Memories... Do Not Open".
	The American DJ-producer duo of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall have finally come up with their first full body of work, reported Billboard.
	The 12-track set is available on hit retailers and streaming services.
	Earlier, the EDM rockers had given a glimpse into their upcoming LP with the lead single "Paris", "Something Just Like This" featuring Coldplay and the recently-released "The One".
	The song titles also include: "Break Up Every Night", "Bloodstream", "Don't Say", "My Type", "It Won't Kill Ya", "Honest", "Wake Up Alone", "Young" and "Last Day Alive".

The Chainsmokers release debut album

Scarlett Johansson says she was disappointed by Ivanka Trump's recent interview when she interpreted being a "complicit" to her father US President Donald Trump as a "force of good".
	Speaking at the Women in the World Summit, the 32-year-old actress says she was baffled by Ivanka's tete-a-tete on CBS "This Morning", reported The Telegraph.
	"It was kind of baffling, I have to say, really baffling. You can't have it both ways, right? If you take a job as a public advocate, then you must advocate publicly, right?
	"And yesterday, she said something that I found particularly disappointing, which is that the greatest change she was going to make... Would be behind closed doors, and nobody would actually know she made this change," Johansson says in a sarcastic tone.
	Rapping Ivanka on the debate of women's rights, she says, "I thought to myself, 'Well, that's empowering!' How old-fashioned, this idea that behind a great man is a great woman. What about being in front of that person, or ..

Scarlett Johansson slams Ivanka Trump's 'complicit' comment

Singer Harry Styles' has dropped his first solo single "Sign of the Times".
	This is the 23-year-old musician's first outing after he left the British music group One Direction, reported Billboard.
	Earlier, Styles had released a sneaky teaser on UK's "X Factor" on March 25, while the title and cover art were revealed on March 31.
	The number sounds like a spacey rock ballad, which resembles the sound of a music legend like David Bowie or a rock jam from the '90s like Spacehog's "In the Meantime".
	Styles will be seen as the musical guest on the April 15 episode of "Saturday Night Live".

Harry Styles releases first solo single

From Akshay Kumar, Shoojit Sircar, Sonam Kapoor to Marathi film director Rajesh Mapuskar, the winners of the 64th National Film Awards today said the recognition has given their cinematic journey a major boost.
	Akshay Kumar, who won his first National Award for court room drama "Rustom", said it was an honour to get the country's top acting award.
	"Thank you is a very small word right now but I don't know how else to express how I am feeling right now... 'Rustom' was a very special role to play. Being able to wear the uniform of Indian Navy itself is a huge honour, even if it's just for a role," Akshay said in a video message to his fans.
	The actor's wife and actress-turned author Twinkle Khanna showered her heartfelt wishes to the 49-year-old star on Twitter.
	"I don't know if I am crying or laughing-emotions all over the place-So proud of you @akshaykumar you smart, humble, amazing creature," she wrote.
	The actor said Sonam Kapoor, who received a special mention for her role in .

Page 1283 -