Uma Thurman says she regrets passing on the opportunity to play the role of Eowyn in Peter Jackson's money-spinning "Lord of the Rings" franchise.
	Thurman, who appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, said she considers turning down that role as one of the "worst decisions" she ever made, reported Deadline.
	"I would've played Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings," joked Colbert, a big fan of the franchise.
	"It was a very long time ago, and I do consider it one of the worst decisions ever made. But I just had my first child and, I don't know, I was a little housebound. I think I was a little bit, it was a little unknown for me, but it's really definitely a regret," she said.
	The "Kill Bill" star will next be seen in series "Imposters".

Uma Thurman regrets turning down 'Lord of the Rings' role

PTI Automatic

The makers of the Oscar-nominated film "Lion" have decided to a hold special screening for the children of Salaam Balak trust and members of Google India tomorrow, a day before the movie hits the screens in India.
	That the tech giant's programme, Google Earth, played an important role in reuniting the film's central character Saroo Brierley with his family in India thousands of miles away from Tasmania, Australia.
	On the other hand, Salaam Balak is a non-profit organisation established by filmmaker Mira Nair, which provides support and care for the street children.
	Talking about the drive, Avinaash Jumani, CEO, Pictureworks, said, "We are happy to be hosting the screening for a great cause that Salaam Balak is dedicated to. This screening just a day before the release in India is special for various reasons. Looking forward to see the kids and their response to the film.

Special screening of 'Lion' for Salaam Balak and Google India

Seijun Suzuki, a maverick director who was notoriously fired from the Nikkatsu studio for a film many consider his masterpiece, the 1967 actioner "Branded to Kill," died in Tokyo on February 13 at age 93.
	The cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reported Variety.
	After failing to launch a directing career at Shochiku, Suzuki joined Nikkatsu in 1954, and made 40 films for the studio, mostly supporting pictures in double bills. With production designer Takeo Kimura and, beginning with 1963 film "The Bastard," the two men together shaped the 'Suzuki style,' with its surreal visuals, Kabuki-esque staging, bold colors and action that seemed to be unfolding in a dreamscape.
	Suzuki was fired after the flop of "Branded to Kill," which starred Joe Shishido as a hitman who finds himself caught in a bizarre life-or-death struggle with a higher ranked rival. He won an out of court settlement, but was essentially banned from the industry for a decade.
	In 1980 Suzuki began a ...

Japanese director Seijun Suzuki dies

Adoption drama "Lion" has found a great fan in author Salman Rushdie, who wants the movie to win every Oscar it has been nominated for and then some more for its message of "common humanity".
	Calling it a "three-hankie" movie, Rushdie said he wept "unstoppably" while watching the film on a DVD screener.
	The Garth Davis-directed movie is the true story of a young boy, who gets separated from his family and is adopted by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo is troubled by resurfacing memories of his birth family in India and sets out to find them.
	The "Midnight's Children" writer said being an immigrant, he loves a story which talks about how this mingling of worlds can "enrich" lives at a time "when politicians and demagogues around the world, from India to the UK and the USA, seek to divide us, to separate us into 'us' and 'them'".
	"Much of this fear targets migrants and refugees, people looking to make new lives in new worlds, or simply looking for shelter from horrors they ..

Salman Rushdie wants 'Lion' to win big at the Oscars

With "Raees" releasing in Egypt and Jordan today, superstar Shah Rukh Khan is hopeful the people in the two countries will enjoy his film.
	The 51-year-old actor, who has a massive fan following in the Middle Eastern countries, took to Twitter to reach out to his followers.
	"'Raees' releases in Egypt and Jordan today. Hope you all enjoy it and thanks for watching Indian films. My love to you all," Shah Rukh wrote, along side a still from the Rahul Dholakia movie.
	Recently, the film was mired with controversies after it was not allowed to release in Pakistan.

Hope you enjoy 'Raees': Shah Rukh to fans in Egypt and Jordan

Actor Rajat Kapoor says mainstream cinema in the country has become so huge that it hardly gives any space for small independent films to have a good release.
	The actor, who has featured in several off-beat films like "Bheja Fry", "Phas Gaye Re Obama" and "Mithya", says indie cinema was at it's peak in the middle of 2000 post which commercial cinema took over completely.
	"The high point of indie cinema was from 2003 to 2008. That's when we really saw revival of this kind of cinema. Multiplexes were new at that point and that became our space, for our audience.
	"Post 2008, there has been a resurgence of mainstream cinema. It has more or less killed everything else. What happens now is, a regular mainstream film comes out in 3000, 4000 screens, which doesn't leave space for anything else," Rajat told reporters.
	The actor was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming "Mantra". Set in 2004, in the midst of a nationwide 'India Shining' campaign, the film tells the intimate story ..

Commercial cinema has killed independent movies: Rajat

Kangana Ranaut is rarely seen mingling around with her co-stars and the actress says the call is intentional as she does not like forming personal relationships at the workplace.
	The 29-year-old actress says she does believe in making her co-actors comfortable but avoids being over-friendly.
	"There should be a comfortable environment on set. But I won't recommend one should form personal equations at work. I don't do that as I feel it will come in the way of your work.
	"Comfort with co-stars is good but too much comfort is not good. It is good to be formal at work. I prefer sticking just to my work but at the same time I like being someone who is approachable," Kangana told PTI.
	The actress believes working women should always carry the "I mean business" attitude if they want their colleagues to respect them.
	"I don't say it only for movie sets, I recommend it to all the women as I believe when you come with 'I mean business' attitude, you get respect. I feel that respect is very 

I don't form personal equations at work: Kangana Ranaut

Actress Huma Qureshi, who is making her international film debut with Gurinder Chadha's "The Viceroy's House", is elated with the response the project is getting in London.
	Huma is currently in London promoting "The Viceroy's House" along with the rest of the cast as the film was screened at the Berlin Film festival, a press release issued here said.
	"'The Viceroy's House' releases in the UK on March 3 and so many fans are sending me and Gurinder posters of the film all over the tube stations in London. I am feeling so blessed and loved," Huma said in a statement here.
	The posters of the film are up at main public tube stations and especially prominent in areas like Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street in London.
	Huma is also enjoying the success of "Jolly LLB 2" in which she was paired opposite Akshay Kumar.

Feeling blessed: Huma on response to 'The Viceroy's House'

Actor Arjun Kapoor is filming his next venture "Mubarakan" here.
	The 31-year-old actor, who will be seen in a double role in the Anees Bazmee-directed comedy, took to Twitter to share a bearded selfie.
	"Black and white beard check!!! #London4Mubarakan!!!" Arjun captioned the image.
	This is the first time the "2 States" actor will share screen space with actor uncle Anil Kapoor.
	The movie also stars Athiya Shetty and Ileana D'Cruz and is scheduled to release on July 28.

Arjun Kapoor starts shooting for 'Mubarakan' in London

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj says he admires Kareena Kapoor Khan a lot and would love to work with her again.
	The duo worked together in the critically acclaimed "Omkara", which also featured Saif Ali Khan.
	"I worked with Kareena in 'Omkara' and our rapport was very good. I really want to work with Kareena again. I am her huge fan," Vishal told reporters.
	The director was speaking at a special screening of his latest film "Rangoon".
	Vishal was all praise for his leading lady Kangana Ranaut and was excited to see how the audience laps up the film.
	"Kangana is a very good actress, she is one of the finest of our industry. She is very good in the film and I am so excited for the audience to watch the film," he said.
	The film, which also stars Saif and Shahid Kapoor, is scheduled to release this Friday.
	"It's a very strange feeling that you've lived with a dream for seven years and now it's no more yours. It's that of the audience. To see it come alive on the big screen is a very ...

Huge fan of Kareena, would love to work with her again: Vishal

Buoyed by the success of "Jolly LLB 2", makers of the Akshay Kumar-starrer are now planning to come up with the third part of the hit franchise.
	"Yes definitely there will be "Jolly LLB 3". We are in the second week of release. So, we are yet to sit down and work (on the third part). We have two-three ideas. Let's see what we pick up," producer Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios told PTI.
	The Subhash Kapoor directed "Jolly LLB" had Arshad Warsi in the lead, and for the sequel, the makers roped in Akshay.
	When asked if they plan to get a bigger star for the third part, Vijay said, "The details are yet to be finalised. But there will be a star."
	When asked about the status of the court case regarding "Jolly LLB 2", he said, "The matter is subjudice.. So we can't comment."
	The sequel earned Rs 100.37 crore at the  box office since its release on February 10.
	"We are thrilled and humbled with the response that 'Jolly LLB2' has got from audiences. This is Fox Star Studios' 100 ...

'Jolly LLB 3' in pipeline

TV actor Mrinal Dutt, best known for his role in show "Private Investigator", has starred in a Mumbai-set short film "A Moment" directed by Rohit James, which is set to travel to international film festivals.
	The film has already made the cut to Brooklyn Film Festival and Dutt, who has co-conceptualised the story along with James, says they are planning to take their project to Rain Dance Film Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival, Berlin Short Film Festival and Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA).
	"Our film has already been selected for Brooklyn Film Festival. In rest of the festivals it has been sent in the international film competition section. We want to send the films to festivals as it gives us an opportunity to get buyers. Also Indian distributors get interested when a film has done well in the festival circuit," Mrinal told PTI.
	The short film has been produced by Moonwalk Production and co-produced by Chronostasis Films. Besides Mrinal, it also features .

Mrinal Dutt's short movie to tour global film festivals

Hollywood star Malin Akerman is having a blast playing the savvy Lara Axelrod in "Billions", a character for which she drew a lot from her own life.
	Akerman, who starred in Hollywood rom-coms like "27 Dresses", "Couples Retreat" and "Wanderlust", says it is rare to find strong female characters and that's what attracted her to Lara, an ambitious wife of a corrupt hedge fund king.
	"Lara is such a powerful woman and what I really love about her is that she is an equal to her husband. There is a mutual respect that they have for each other. It takes a strong woman to be appreciated and respected by her man," Akerman told PTI in a telephonic interview from Los Angeles.
	"Her position on the show is of a nurturer. Lara represents family values. I drew a lot from my own life of humble beginnings and then coming to Hollywood. She also comes from a normal working class family. She is street smart and tough because of where she comes from."
	The Showtime series, starring Paul Giamatti and ...

Could relate to my character in 'Billions': Malin Akerman

Emma Watson has said constant scrutiny that comes along with fame has made her a stronger person.
	The 26-year-old actress said she has spent most of her life under the arc lights and has realised that she is a different individual today, reported Elle magazine.
	 "There is a level of criticism that comes with being an actress and a public figure, which I expect but once you take a stance on something like feminism, that's a completely different ball game. It really toughened me up," Emma said.
	The "Beauty and the Beast" actress added she is no expert on feminism and feels she has "a long way to go".
	Emma continued, "I am not sure if I deserve all the respect I get yet, but I'm working on it.

Criticism has really toughened me up: Emma Watson

Singer Celine Dion says it was "tough" for her to deal with things after her husband Rene Angelil passed away, but now she feels "stronger" than ever.
	Angelil died last January after a long battle with throat cancer.
	The 48-year-old singer said circumstances made her the leader of the family and now she has become more confident, reported Entertainment Tonight.
	"I feel stronger. He gave me the rest of him. I feel stronger, I step forward. I say what I mean, I mean what I say. I stand up for my kids and I feel like I'm the leader of the family.
	"Now I have to stand up for myself and say, 'I'm not sure. I need time,' and I take more time, because before, I didn't even have any questions," Dion said.
	The  "Power of Love" singer, who recently launched 'The Celine Dion Collection' of handbags, luggage and accessories with the Bugatti Group, said creating the collection helped her through a difficult year.
	"When he left, he came inside of all of my kids' hearts and mine, he gave the ..

I am leader of my family: Celine Dion on life after Angelil

Sushant Singh Rajput has started working for the upcoming space adventure film "Chanda Mama Door Ke" and the actor says after starting the preparations he can now feel what the astronauts on the 'Apollo 11' must have experienced.
	The 31-year-old actor, who plays an astronaut in the film, took to Twitter where he posted a picture with flight journals titled 'Apollo 11' and "Chanda Mama Door Ke Apollo Program".
	"I'd always wondered how Armstrong, Buzz and Michael were feeling during those nine days to the Moon. Well, now I know #flightjournal #Apollo11," Sushant wrote, along side the photo on Twitter.
	For the project, filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan has spent a lot of time researching at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Filming will start sometime in July. The movie also stars R Madhavan.

When Sushant had his Armstrong moment

Actress Diana Penty says her film "Lucknow Central", in which she will be sharing screen space with Farhan Akhtar, is special as it has a strong story and features some of the finest actors.
	Diana, who made her Bollywood debut with Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer "Cocktail," was last seen in the family entertainer "Happy Bhag Jayegi".
	She has teamed up for the first time with Farhan in "Lucknow Central", where she will be playing an NGO worker.
	"I have always wanted to be a part of stories that I feel strongly about and 'Lucknow Central' is one such story. I instantly said to it when Nikhil Advani (producer) told me about it," Diana said in a statement.
	"Playing a character that holds her own in a film that has some of the finest actors from our industry, makes it even more special for me," she said.
	The movie, produced by Nikhil Advani, marks the directorial debut of Ranjit Tiwari.
	"Diana is a talented and versatile actress. She brings with her an element of quiet ...

Diana Penty excited to be part of 'Lucknow Central'

Hollywood star Tom Hanks is set to release his first book, a collection of 17 short stories focusing around the theme of typewriters.
	Titled 'Uncommon Type: Some Stories' the book will release in October, reported The Guardian.
	Hanks started working on the book soon after he published a story in the New Yorker in 2014.
	"In the two years of working on the stories. I made movies in New York, Berlin, Budapest and Atlanta and wrote in all of them. I wrote in hotels during press tours. I wrote on vacation. I wrote on planes, at home, and in the office. When I could actually make a schedule, and keep to it, I wrote in the mornings from 9 to 1," Hanks, 60,  said in a statement.
	The book will be published with Alfred A Knopf.
	Publisher Sonny Mehta said, "It's an accomplished debut. I am thrilled by the narrative range on display in this collection, and by the humour and humanity Tom brings to his work. This is an accomplished debut."
	The UK edition will be published by William Heinemann 

Tom Hanks to release first book

Two-time oscar winning actor Tom Hanks has turned writer with a new collection of short stories titled, "Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks".
	"Susan Sandon, Managing Director of Cornerstone and Jason Arthur, Publisher of William Heinemann have acquired UK and Commonwealth Rights in 'Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks'. The deal was struck with Suzanne Smith at Knopf, Penguin Random House in New York.
	"The collection of seventeen wonderful short stories show that two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is as talented a writer as he is an actor," publishers Penguin Random House, UK said in a statement.
	The book that will be published in October this year both in hardcover and as an ebook, features seventeen stories that have a typewriter in common, owing to Hanks' fascination with the writing instrument.
	"Hanks is an avid collector of vintage typewriters and owns over one hundred of them," publishers said.
	The stories talk about a varied range of subjects - while one shows an ..

Tom Hanks turns writer with new collection of short stories

King of Pop Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson says she is in no mood to follow her father's footsteps and make career in music.
	The 18-year-old eldest child of Jackson said she does write music, but do not see herself following it "career-wise," reported E! online.
	"I write music for myself. I use it as a way to get stuff out. It's not something I see myself following career-wise. There are so many amazing artists in my family. If I were to do it as a career, it would change how I feel about music and I don't want that to happen," Paris said.
	She may not be pursuing music, but her father is her constant motivation.
	"(He is) all of my inspiration. I would say 99 percent of my inspiration comes from him, because he has always been my world. He is my roots," she said.

Paris Jackson has no plans to make career in music

Hollywood star George Clooney says he is planning to be "much more responsible" after welcoming twins with wife Amal Clooney.
	The 55-year-old actor said he is already thinking about some lifestyle changes, reported E! online.
	"We decided to be much more responsible, to avoid the danger. I will not go to South Sudan anymore and in the Congo, Amal will no longer go to Iraq and she will avoid places where she knows she is not welcome," Clooney said.
	"Before, I did not care, I would even say that there was a pretty exciting side to going where no reporter had ever been. We have the chance to live between three countries: Italy, America and England," he added.
	The Oscar-winning actor said once it's time for the twins to enroll in school they will "choose where to settle."
	"In the meantime, we will continue to move according to our respective schedules. People think we're never together, but we have not been separated for more than a week," Clooney said.

Page 1371 -