Former First Lady Michelle Obama is set to appear as a guest judge on on the upcoming season of Gordon Ramsay's hit show MasterChef Junior.
	Apart from Michelle, a string of famous chefs and celebrities will act as guest judges in order to replace former MasterChef Junior judge Graham Elliot, including Martha Stewart and the Muppets, reported the Los Angeles Times.
	 Last year, Michelle filmed an episode of cooking show "Barefoot Contessa" with host Ina Garten at the White House.
	Michelle has always been an advocate for healthy eating. She also established the Let's Move! campaign.
	 In 2015, she vowed to "fight back" against ads for unhealthy foods, especially in school lunches.

Michelle Obama to come as guest judge on 'MasterChef Junior'

PTI Automatic

Anushka Sharma has blasted media reports claiming that her alleged boyfriend Virat Kohli has "co-produced" her second production "Phillauri", saying the movie is made under her banner Clean Slate Films.
	There were media reports that Kohli has apparently invested money in the film, which also stars Anushka in the lead role.
	However, the 28-year-old star, said apart from her banner, only Fox Star Hindi is serving as producers on the film.
	"Putting to rest some rumours that have been doing the rounds for some days now. 'Phillauri' is produced by Fox Star Studios and Clean Slate Films. So those TV channels/newspapers/ websites claiming anything else, please check FACTS, practice responsible journalism and have some shame," the actress wrote in an Instagram post.
	Anushka said such reports take away from hard work she has put in for years and that she is very much capable of handling her own films.
	"By making such bogus claims and validating this rubbish by your so called 'source', not 

Anushka slams reports of 'Phillauri' being produced by Virat

Elated with the box office success of "Kaabil, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has already started working on the script of his next venture.
	The 47-year-old filmmaker, who waited long for a hit, took to Twitter to announce the news.
	"My favourite writing desk in the corner of my room in Khandala. A new journey begins," Sanjay wrote alongside a picture of his desk.
	The Hrithik Roshan-starrer came as a huge relief for the filmmaker, who faced a series of debacles with films like "Woodstock Villa", "Acid Factory" and "Jazbaa" not creating any magic at the ticket window.

Sanjay Gupta starts writing next film

Director Neeraj Pandey is busy working on the script of his much delayed film "Crack" but is not sure when the movie will go on floors.
	In November 2016, Akshay had announced on Twitter about doing another project with Neeraj titled "Crack" which was to release on Independence Day this year.
	He had also shared the first look of the film which showed a broken pair of spectacles.
	However, due to some reasons best known to the makers, "Crack" got delayed and rumors of the film being shelved were doing the rounds.
	"We are working on the script of 'Crack' right now. Once the script is ready we will begin (shoot)," Neeraj told PTI.
	Ask him if the film will go on floors this year or next year the director says, "Let's see. I won't say anything till the script is locked."
	Refuting the rumours Akshay had cleared the air last month on social media that "Crack" will happen.
	Akshay and Neeraj have earlier collaborated on movies like "Baby" and "Special 26". Neeraj was also one of the ...

Work on the script of 'Crack' is on: Neeraj Pandey

Newbie Divya Menon worked as an assistant designer with Sabyasachi Mukherjee and the actress says it was he who pushed her to start acting.
	Divya made her debut with Yash Raj Film's "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" in 2015, which was helmed by Dibakar Banerjee.
	"He (Sabyasachi) was the person who pushed me for Byomkesh auditions. He said you are perfect for the role. He had met Dibakar who told him he doesn't have a leading lady. He said to me 'go and give the audition.'
	"He was really serious but I was apprehensive initially because I am a designer, used to being back stage. He literally pressured me to do it," Divya told PTI.
	The actress is now ready with her second Bollywood venture, "Mona Darling".
	Though she says people started taking her "more seriously" post her debut, the journey to bag her second project was in a way a struggle which involved moments of self doubts too.
	"Even though I did 'Byomkesh...,' I didn't feel like I was an actor then. I wasn't doing the film because 

Sabyasachi persuaded me to act in films: Divya Menon

The 59th annual Grammy Awards are set for Sunday evening, and the Recording Academy shared the evening's star-studded list of presenters which include Kelly Clarkson, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion and Taraji P Henson, among others.
	The Chainsmokers, Laverne Cox, Jason Derulo, DNCE, Halsey, Paris Jackson, Nick Jonas, Jennifer Lopez, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Katharine McPhee, Pentatonix, Thomas Rhett, Gina Rodriguez, Ryan Seacrest, Solange and John Travolta are also scheduled to introduce performances and pass out trophies at the ceremony, reported Entertainment Weekly.
	The Recording Academy has already announced a stacked lineup of performers for the show.
	Adele, Chance the Rapper, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and Sturgill Simpson will all take the stage.
	The ceremony, which will take place at Staples Center here, will be hosted by TV personality James Corden.

Clarkson, Cabello, Henson, Dion to present awards at Grammys

The teaser of Swara Bhaskar's next "Anaarkali of Arrah" will be unveiled today by her good friend Sonam Kapoor.
	"Swara is a dear friend and someone I deeply respect as an actor. When I saw the teaser of 'Anaarkali of Arrah"'  I was so excited and happy to lend my support to her and the film," Sonam said in a statement.
	The "Nil Battey Sannata" actress is happy and thankful that the "Neerja" actress is supporting her film.
	"Sonam is the most wonderful person I know in Bollywood. She is one of the most encouraging and enabling woman and friend anyone can ever have," Swara said.
	Both Sonam and Swara have worked together on films like "Raanjhanaa", "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" and they will team up again for "Veere Di Wedding".
	"Anarkali of Arrah" revolves around an erotic singer (Swara) from Arrah in Bihar, who sings double meaning songs.
	Things take an ugly turn when Anaarkali has  confrontation with a very powerful man who molested her and instead of bowing down she chooses to fight ...

Sonam to launch teaser of Swara Bhaskar's "Anaarkali of Arrah"

Singers Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and Sting are set to perform at 2017 Academy Awards.
	Timberlake will perform his Oscar-nominated song "Can't Stop The Feeling" from the movie "Trolls," the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Friday, reported Variety.
	The 36-year-old singer-actor portrays Branch in the animated film and co-wrote the upbeat track, whose music video features his mom, co-stars Anna Kendrick, Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches and Icona Pop.
	While "La La Land" stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling won't be performing at the Oscars, their co-star John Legend will take the stage to sing both "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" and "City of Stars," which Stone and Gosling perform in their musical film.
	He is expected to attend the 2017 Oscars with wife and model Chrissy Teigen.
	Grammy winner Sting will perform "The Empty Chair" from "Jim: The James Foley Story."
	Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of Broadway's "Hamilton," will ...

Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Sting to perform at Oscars

Actors Ben Kingsley, Henry Cavill and Alexandra Daddario are set to star in the psychological thriller "Nomis".
	David Raymond has written the script and will also direct the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	The movie is about an American police force who trap an online predator, only to realize the depth of his crimes goes far beyond anything they had anticipated.
	"I'm overjoyed by our cast. Henry's got such a strong presence on-screen, but he's also incredibly smart and has a wicked sense of humor. I think people are going to be blown away by what he's going to do with this role.
	"Sir Ben is always incredible. I wrote the character for him, so I was quite relieved when he signed on. Alexandra is a raw talent and has an undeniable electricity, which is exactly why I wanted her in this role," Raymond said in a statement.
	Raymond will also produce the pic alongside Fortitudes' Robert Ogden Barnum, Arise Pictures' Chris Pettit and Buffalo Gals' Jeff Beesley.

Ben Kingsley, Henry Cavill to star in 'Nomis'

Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich has said that the awards night welcomes political passion in the acceptance speeches.
	Ehrlich said he has no reservations about political messages or anti-President Trump statements flying during three and a half hour event, reported Variety.
	Artists expressing passionate opinions about real-life issues are the stuff of memorable moments, he said.
	"One of the tenets of our show is artistic freedom, and over the years we've shown we do believe in it. How many more times do we need to hear 'I'd like to thank my publicist, my agent, my wife and kids.' The great acceptance speeches are ones that have a point of view and are more personal.
	"One of the things I've learned from working with artists for 40 years is that they are deep-thinking, vital individuals who have interests that cover a broad cover a broad spectrum of subjects and passions. We should certainly allow for it on the broadcast," Ehrlich said.
	Ehrlich, who is in his 37th year of producing ...

Political speeches are welcome at the GRAMMYs, says producer

Actor Joel Edgerton has been roped in to star in dark crime thriller "Stingray".
	Anthony Hayes will write and direct the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	The movie revolves around a petty criminal (Bernthal) who, after accidentally killing the brother of a powerful racketeer (Edgerton) in his small town, must kill one of his own family in the next two days to pay off his debt.
	Unified Pictures' Keith Kjarval is producing the project along with John Schwarz.
	"Tony Hayes has crafted an exquisitely well timed and intense rural thriller which explores the themes of nurture versus destruction with powerhouse artists Jon Bernthal and Joel Edgerton forming opposite sides of that equation.
	"And with Unified partnering with Sierra Affinity, who have brought us classic films in this very same terrain, it is easy to see why we are all immensely excited," said Unified's 'Kjarval.

Joel Edgerton to star in crime thriller 'Stingray'

Feature documentary on R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass is in works with BBC Films co-financing the project.
	The documentary will examine the life of the music icon, who became the first black male singer to record five consecutive multiplatinum albums in the US, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	 Known as the "Black Elvis," Pendergrass rose to fame in the '70s as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and achieved global success with hits including "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now."
	The film is being directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Olivia Lichtenstein.
	"Everyone knows his voice - 'Don't Leave Me This Way,' 'If You Don't Know Me By Now,' 'Love' ... And a score of other instantly recognizable and much-covered classics - but all too many have forgotten the extraordinary story of the man behind it - and his unique contribution to the history of popular music and his courageous triumph over adversity," said Lichtenstein.
	Storyvault ...

Teddy Pendergrass feature documentary in works

The "Batman" standalone movie has found its new director in "Planet of the Apes" filmmaker Matt Reeves.
	Reeves is in early talks to replace Ben Affleck as the director of "The Batman," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	Affleck remains on board to portray Bruce Wayne/Batman and co-wrote the script with DC Films co-head Geoff Johns.
	The 44-year-old actor was developing the project as a directing vehicle but after considerable hand-wringing officially exited the project last week.
	"Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film," Affleck had said in a statement.

Matt Reeves to direct 'Batman' movie

Actress Thandie Newton is in negotiations to star in the Han Solo "Star Wars" spin-off movie.
	Alden Ehrenreich is starring in the movie, which began shooting last week, with Phil Lord and Chris Miller directing, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	The movie also stars Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson.
	Details of Newton's character were being kept locked tight.

Thandie Newton in talks for Han Solo 'Star Wars' spin-off film

Filmmaker Barry Jenkins says his Oscar-nominated film "Moonlight" was an opportunity for him to bring on-screen the memories of his childhood.
	The movie is based on a short play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue" by Tarell Alvin McCraney and the 37-year-old filmmaker said it beautifully captures the life of a black kid growing up in the Miami projects.
	"Tarell did a great job of capturing what it felt like to be a poor black kid growing up in the Miami projects. I saw it as an opportunity to get some of my own childhood memories out of my head and onto the screen, filtered through Tarell's wonderful voice.
	"The root of his experience was also the root of my experience - it was the perfect marriage," Jenkins said in a statement.
	The movie also marks "Medicine for Melancholy" director's comeback after an eight year gap.
	On his on his return to the big screen Jenkins said," I knew it would be a process but I thought for sure within the next two years I would be on set making my ...

Created childhood memories on-screen via 'Moonlight': Jenkins

Actor Matt Lanter is set to join the cast of "Pitch Perfect 3".
	The 33-year-old actor's description of the character and plot line are yet to be revealed, reported Variety.
	The film will be helmed by Trish Sie.
	Elizabeth Banks, who directed "Pitch Perfect 2" will reprise her role as Gail and will remain a producer, along with Max Handelman of Brownstone Productions and Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment.
	Recently veteran actor John Lithgow was added to the cast.
	Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow are all signed on to return for the movie.
	The film is slated for release on December 22.

Matt Lanter to star in 'Pitch Perfect 3'

Producers of the singing reality TV show "American Idol" are in talks to get the reboot of the hit series.
	However, the catch is the show will return on NBC, instead of Fox, reported Entertainment Weekly.
	The network is trying its best to get the iconic singing competition under its belt, which dominated the Nielsen ratings for years before it was cancelled in 2016.
	However, sources say the deal with the Fremantle Media is unlikely to take place as NBC already has successful shows like "The Voice" and "America's Got Talent" in its kitty.

'American Idol' may get a reboot

Actress Sandra Bullock has put up one of her properties, Sunset Strip mansion with USD 15,000 per month as rent.
	The 52-year-old Oscar winner's home is spread over 3,153 square feet with 3 bedrooms and baths each, reported Variety.
	"The Blind Side" star bought the Zen-inspired California contemporary in early 2001 for USD 1.485 million.
	This is not the first time Bullock has made the Sunset Strip house available as a rental.
	The pad was put out for lease at USD 18,500 per month in April 2015, but the price dropped to USD 14,500 per month before it was taken off the market, or perhaps rented, five months later.

Sandra Bullock puts Sunset Strip home on rent

Actress Marcia Gay Harden has said she wanted the catfight scene between her and "Fifty Shades Darker" co-star Kim Basinger to be a little longer.
	The 57-year-old actress said the the high-tension sequence between her character Grace, Christian's mother and his former lover, Elena in the film may not last as long as fans had hoped, reported Entertainment Weekly.
	"It's too short, in my opinion, it should've been longer. It happens very quickly, as it does in the book," Marcia said.
	The actress said it is quite close to what has been narrated in the book.
	"It's very true to what happens in the book, and Grace hears what she doesn't want to hear, and understands what she doesn't want to understand, that Kim had been sleeping with her son.

Marcia wanted a longer catfight scene in 'Fifty Shades Darker'

Rapper Jim Jones has said he is inspired by Jay Z's ability to move past their feud and sign him to Roc Nation.
	The rappers have been trading insults in songs and interviews since the early 2000s, when Jay Z and Jones' best pal and Diplomats crew mate Cam'ron had a dispute over the running of Roc-A-Fella Records.
	However, the "We Fly High" star signed a contract with Jay Z and his team at the entertainment company Roc Nation and they will manage all aspects of his brand including music and fashion, reported Contactmusic.
	Jones said the new partnership shows "how much the rappers have grown" since their feud.
	"The fact that people are ready to forget the past and help me move forward to the next step of my career is very inspiring," a statement from Jones read.
	"As you get older you realize that most of your peers are either dead or in jail. The fact that we can move pass the nonsense.

Jay Z and I have moved past our feud: Jim Jones

Actor Paul Giamatti will portray renowned physicist Samuel Goudsmit in World War Two drama "The Catcher Was A Spy."
	The film will chronicle the secret life of professional baseball player Moe Berg, a former attorney who served as a back-up catcher for teams like the Chicago White Sox, while leading a double life as a spy for America's Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.), the forerunner for the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.).
	He helped the U.S. Beat Germany in the race to build the atomic bomb.
	Paul Rudd has been attached to play Berg since last April and now Giamatti has signed on as Goudsmit, alongside Jeff Daniels as the chief of the O.S.S., William 'Wild Bill' Donovan, reported Deadline.
	Guy Pearce has also been cast as a military specialist.
	Together, Berg and Goudsmit managed to infiltrate the inner circle of leading Nazi scientist Werner Heisenberg and gather information about their atomic programme as part of the Alsos Mission.
	The film will be based on the ...

Page 1395 -