Victoria Wood, a British comedian whose sketch shows and sitcoms blended playfulness and sharp social observation, has died. She was 62.
	Wood's publicist, Neil Redding, said she died today at her London home "after a short but brave battle with cancer." Wood got her break in 1974 winning the TV talent contest "New Faces."
	As a woman from the north of England, she was an outsider in the world of British comedy, but became a well-known standup, and got her own TV show in the 1980s with "Victoria Wood as Seen on TV."
	It featured the spoof soap opera "Acorn Antiques," which many consider a classic.
	Wood also created and starred in the late-1990s sitcom "Dinnerladies," which featured a mostly female cast including Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and Maxine Peake.

British comedian Victoria Wood dies of cancer at 62

PTI Automatic

The Bombay High Court today posted for hearing tomorrow a petition filed by Shoma Banerjee, mother of actress Pratyusha Banerjee who allegedly committed suicide on April 1, seeking probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch into the case.
	Shoma's lawyer K T Thomas mentioned the petition before a division bench headed by Justice N H Patil today and sought urgent hearing claiming the investigation currently being done by Bangur Nagar police was misleading.
	"The investigation being done by the local police is misleading and we fear that in future it would be scuttled. We are seeking for the probe to be transferred to the crime branch under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police," Thomas told the court.
	The bench, however, sought to know why the parents of the actress feel the police was not doing its job. "How do you (parents) know the probe is misleading? Let the police investigate. It's (suicide) a recent incident," Justice Patil said.
	Advocate Thomas said the FIR was registered ...

Pratyusha case: Petition seeking CB probe posted for tomorrow

"Mr Robot" star Christian Slater has filed a motion to get his father Thomas Knight Slater's defamation lawsuit dismissed, claiming he suffers from manic depression schizophrenia.
	Slater said his mother told him about his father's diagnosis and how Thomas was taken to Bellevue Hospital in a straitjacket in 1972 after threatening to kill her and Christian, reported TMZ.
	The actor, 46, said his mother told him Thomas pushed her into a busy street when she was pregnant with him.
	Thomas has sued his son for talking about his diagnosis in an interview last year, claiming that it ruined his acting career where as Slater said his father, also an actor, hasn't worked since 1988 due to his mental health issues.

'Mr Robot' star claims father threatened to kill him

Known for his excellent comic timing, actor Sharman Joshi is all set to get back to the comedy zone with the sequel of "Tom Dick And Harry".
	The film will be directed by Deepak Tijori, who also helmed the 2005 original about three deaf, dumb, and blind men.
	"I am doing a film called Tom Dick and Harry part 2. It is a 'Golmaal' film genre comedy. It's a fun script and I am playing a deaf character in it. I had also done a similar play called 'All The Best' so I know this character very well," Sharman told PTI.
	The film also stars Aftab Shivdasani and Jimmy Shergill.
	Sharman has starred in several hit comedy films like "Golmaal", "Dhol" and "3 Idiots".
	The 36-year-old actor says it will be "fun" returning to comedy after a long time.
	"I'll start filming in August and release will be next year. I am looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've done a comedy. So doing it after a long time should be fun."
	Sharman will also team up with his "Hate Story 3" director Vishal ..

Sharman Joshi to start shooting 'Tom Dick Harry 2' in August

Singer and TV personality Cheryl has officially dropped surname Fernandez-Versini following the breakdown of her marriage.
	The 32-year-old pop star, who is in the process of re-launching her solo career, will now just be known by her first name as she gears up to record her new album, reported Daily Mirror.
	After splitting from second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini at the end of last year, Cheryl will publicly go without a surname, instead of reverting to maiden name Tweedy.
	The former Girls Aloud star will be honoured at 7th annual Global Gift Gala in Paris by Eva Longoria, and has been added to the line-up as simply 'Cheryl'.
	She will receive The Global Gift Philanthropist Award, honouring her work with Cheryl's Trust -which she set up to support the needs of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
	"Cheryl wants to wipe the slate clean and start afresh with a new name, now the divorce is going through. "Things turned pretty nasty over the weekend, with ...

Cheryl drops the name Fernandez-Versini

Karan Singh Grover just couldn't stop gushing about his would-be-wife Bipasha Basu as the actor says she is the "best".
	The 34-year-old "Alone" actor will be tying the knot with Bipasha on April 30 and the couple are busy sharing their pre-wedding moments on social media.
	"Everything about you is the best," Karan shared a black and white image of him giving a peck on Bipasha's nose, who is wearing a veil.
	The couple, who were dating for a while announced their wedding date through a joint statement.
	"We are happy to finally share the good news with everyone. 30th April 2016 is the big day and we cannot thank our family, friends, fans and well-wishers enough for all their love and support," the statement read.

Karan Singh Grover gushes about his bride-to-be Bipasha Basu

Actress Anushka Sharma's next production venture "Phillauri" has gone on floors.
	The movie stars Anushka, Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh and "Life Of Pie" star Suraj Sharma.
	"And so it begins! #Phillauri with @AnushkaSharma and @diljitdosanjh! Who's excited," the official Twitter page of YRF Talent read.
	Dosanjh also took to Instagram to share a picture from the set of the movie.
	After the success of their dark thriller "NH10," brother-sister duo Karnesh and Anushka are back with their second production "Phillauri".
	Directed by debutant Anshai Lal & written by Anvita Dutt, the film has a unique premise- it took almost 100 years, a crazy Punjabi wedding and rank strangers to complete this love story.

Anushka Sharma's 'Phillauri' begins shooting

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who was hospitalised for respiratory problems, will be discharged this evening.
	Kumar, 93, was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra on April 15.
	"He is much better and is on road to recovery. He will get discharged today at 4 PM," Dr Jalil Parkar, who is attending to him along with other doctors, told PTI.
	Kumar's wife, actress Saira Banu had earlier said that the actor was hospitalised as he was suffering from high fever, chest infection and respiratory problems.
	The legendary actor, whose real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan, acted in many superhit films during his six-decade long career such as "Madhumati", "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Ganga Jamuna", "Ram Aur Shyam" and "Karma".
	He was last seen on-screen in the film "Qila" in 1998. He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Dilip Kumar to be discharged today

With successful campaigns like 'Yeh Dil Maange More', 'Darr ke Aage Jeet hai', 'Kit Kat Break Banta Hai' among others, Anuja Chauhan had a thriving advertising career many would vouch for, yet she decided to switch careers and write novels in what she calls a "quest for control".
	"It was not that there would be no more advertising, but more like I needed to do something more. And that happened very specifically. I remember the day, we were shooting a Pepsi campaign with Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhavan and Surya. It was a crazy budget and a crazy shoot! It was so hectic, nerve-wracking and frantic that it became depressing.
	"I went back to the hotel room that night and decided that I have to do something different. It was a quest for control that got me started on writing books," says Chauhan.
	The 1970-born Chauhan, who has penned bestsellers like 'The Zoya Factor', 'Battle for Bittora', 'Those Pricey Thakur Girls' and the more recent 'The House that BJ Built' lends a unique .

A bad choice to sell book to TV channels: Anuja Chauhan

Yesteryear actor-producer Joy Mukerji's son, Monjoy Mukerji is all set to revive his father's production house Joy Mukerji Enterprises with a new film, "Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara".
	The slice-of-life film chronicles the lives of three young couples and marks the directorial debut of Monjoy.
	"Both my father and grandfather have been part of some wonderful and successful films and the idea was to carry forward their legacy. In 2013, when I released 'Love In Bombay' which was my father's last work, the film did well and that gave me confidence to make this film," Monjoy said in a statement.
	"We will not be just doing this film, there are two more films in the pipeline and are planning to make more," he added.
	"Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara" stars relatively new faces including Sahil Anand, Niyati Joshi, Vikram Kochchar, Divya Choksey, Nilesh Lalwani, Jayaka Yagnik, Herry Tangri and Sareh Far.
	The film has been shot in several locations in Kashmir.
	"The idea of the film came to me when I was ..

Joy Mukerji's son to revive his father's production house

Actor Patrick Stewart was nearly unrecognizable when he showed up in a wig, false lashes and a pink dress for an event to promote season two of "Blunt Talk."
	His co-star Adrian Scarborough also donned drag, wearing a black velvet dress and strawberry blonde locks to the event. The pair arrived to Hollywood's Lindwood Dunn Theater straight from the season two set of their Starz comedy, reported Variety.
	"Something is happening in Hollywood tonight," Stewart tweeted before the event, along with a photo of himself getting ready.
	Stewart, 75, went all out by donning a statement necklace, black heels, a pair of pantyhose and a silver clutch bag.
	When asked who Stewart looked like, an audience member shouted "Cate Blanchett." Stewart quickly apologized to the Oscar winner.
	After showing off his look, the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" star got quite the compliment when Twitter users started comparing him to 70-year-old actress Helen Mirren.
	One tweeted, "@SirPatStew You look like ...

Patrick Stewart dresses up as a woman for event

Shaman Joshi to start shooting 'Tom Dick Harry 2' in August

Actor James Franco has described himself as "a little gay".
	The 38-year-old actor said people started over-focusing on his sexuality after he explored gay themes on-screen in "Milk," "I Am Michael" and behind the camera in "Interior. Leather Bar," reported People magazine.
	"If your definition of gay and straight is who I sleep with, then I guess you could say I'm a tease. It's where my allegiance lies, where my sensibilities lie, how I define myself. Yeah, I'm a little gay, and there's a gay James," he said.
	Franco's latest film, "King Cobra," is another project in which the star takes on the leading role of a gay man.
	The Justin Kelly-directed drama revolves around the circumstances of the 2007 murder of gay adult film impresario Bryan Kocis.

I'm a little gay: James Franco

She has been away from the big screen for a while and actress Madhuri Dixit says she is yet to bag the right script which would get her back to films.
	The 48-year-old actress, who was last seen in 2014 in black-comedy "Dedh Isqiya" and crime drama "Gulaab Gang", said she has not bid adieu to acting and is taking up judging reality shows more because dance is her passion.
	"Acting is my first love. As soon as something that I like comes to my table, I will surely say yes to that film offer. Right now, I am busy with dance shows as dance is my passion," Madhuri told reporters here.
	The mother-of-two said she does not miss facing the camera because her family has always been her priority.
	"Everybody has their own dreams. Having a family and children were a big part of my dream... When I was in Denver, I was living my dream. My priorities are very straight. I know what is important for me. And whenever I do anything, I plan very well."
	But Madhuri keeps a tab on the work of her ...

Waiting for the right film script: Madhuri Dixit

Actress Parineeti Chopra will start working on her upcoming film "Meri Pyaari Bindu" in next two weeks.
	The 27-year-old actress, who will be seen on big screen after approximately a year of no show, is preparing hard for her role.
	"The film starts in 2 weeks. Preps on in full swing! #MeriPyaariBindu," Parineeti tweeted.
	A Yash Raj project, the film will be produced by Maneesh Sharma and directed by debutant Akshay Roy. The movie also stars Ayushmann Khuranna.
	"Meri Pyaari Bindu" will mark Parineeti's singing debut as well.
	The actress, who made her Bollywood debut with Maneesh's directorial venture "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", was last seen in YRFs "Kill Dil" (2014).

Parineeti to start work on 'Meri Pyaari Bindu' in two weeks

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose latest release "Fan" has been garnering positive response, says he took a chance with this film as he wanted to present before the audience something which they had never seen before.
	"It's (Fan) not a film that heartland audience will like it. But we took a chance thinking hopefully they (audience) will like it, but they need song and dance. I am not unrealistic," Shah Rukh told PTI.
	The actor, 50, in his over 20 year-long career has given several blockbusters like "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Chennai Express", "Happy News Year", among others.
	But some of his films like "Swades", "Chak De! India" did not do good business at the box-office as compared to his other commercial films.
	"My last film ('Dilwale') had cars flying, there is dance and all so more heartland audience sees it and non-heartland don't see it. The idea is to make a film that everyone would see it," the actor said.
	The "Happy New Year" star ...

Took a chance with 'Fan': Shah Rukh Khan

Action star Vin Diesel shared the poster of upcoming "Fast & Furious 8".
	"New Roads Ahead," the poster reads above a photo of Diesel looking somber into the distance.
	 The text continues with, "'Furious 8'. April 14. In Theaters and IMAX."
	This is the first film sans the "Fast & Furious" star Paul Walker, who passed away in November 2013.
	Diesel, 48, recently announced on Instagram that there would be an entire trilogy, rounding out the franchise to an even 10.
	"Fast 8" is set for release April 14, 2017, while "Fast 9" and "Fast 10" will hit the theaters on April 19, 2019, and April 2, 2021, respectively.
	F Gary Gray is helming the project with Charlize Theron and Scott Eastwood set to join the franchise, while Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson are signed on to reprise their roles.

Vin Diesel shares 'Fast & Furious 8' movie poster

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has wished his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai on their ninth wedding anniversary and called the occasion a day of "joy and happiness."
	The couple tied the knot on April 20, 2007 in a lavish ceremony here. They welcomed their first child, daughter Aaradhya in November 2011.
	"As tomorrow dawns, the wedding bells ring of 9 years of togetherness, for Aishwarya and Abhishek.. A day filled with the joy and happiness that not just conforms to the two that bind themselves in matrimony but for us elders too.. A coming together of families, of affection and oneness," Bachchan, 73, wrote on his blog last night.
	"This bond remains with us throughout.. It then flourishes into the next generation that comes along and the next and the next and the next. Life is perpetual.. It is on going and infinite.. As must life be," he added.

Big B wishes Abhishek, Aishwarya on 9th wedding anniversary

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and wife Behati Prinsloo are expecting a baby girl.
	The 26-year-old Victoria's secret model, who registered at West Hollywood's high quality baby clothing, stroller and nursery furniture shop, went for baby shopping ahead of her September 20 due date, reported Us magazine.
	"She browsed the furniture department, but notably bypassed the boys' clothing section," a source said.
	Documenting her first foray into maternity wear over the weekend, Prinsloo showed off her growing baby bump on Instagram.
	"Yup took the plunge. First pair of maternity jeans and it feels so good," she captioned a photo of herself," she captioned a photo of herself.

Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo expecting a baby girl

Emmy Award-winning comedy show "Saturday Night Live" has been criticised of promoting heroin and making light of drug abuse in a sketch called "Heroin AM."
	The commercial parody starring Kate McKinnon and Julia Louis-Dreyfus shows people how to remain productive while consuming heroin, reported Ace Showbiz.
	Dodge County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to criticize the show, "The skit, whether intended or not, appeared to promote the use of this deadly drug.
	"The lack of sensitivity for the families of those who have lost loved ones to heroin, and those who are fighting the addiction from this deadly drug was shocking. The skit was distasteful, inappropriate, and irresponsible.
	"Another skit in the very same episode attempted to be comedic about a person who was not a pharmacist who came in off the street to a national drug store chain, and began handing out prescription drugs as though that was funny," the Sheriff's Office continued.
	They have sent a letter to NBC, asking the ..

Saturday Night Live under fire for glorifying heroin in a skit

Actor Bruce Dern and Anthony Michael Hall are set to star in the comic adaptation of William Shakespeare's "King Lear".
	The makers have also roped in Sean Astin to be a part of the ensemble cast, reported Variety.
	Titled "The Lears," the film is a first in-house production for distributor NeoClassics Films and has started production in Malibu and other parts of Los Angeles. Carl Bessai is directing from his own script.
	"Carl's script is a smart, modern day derivative of Shakespeare's 'King Lear'. In the classic play, the old King wanted each of his three daughters to prove their love so that he could determine who was most worthy of his kingdom.
	"In our modern spin, iconic architect Davenport Lear has created a family retreat - also to test the love of each of his children as he is contemplating his future," NeoClassics Films' CEO Irwin Olian said.
	The story revolves around world-renowned architect Davenport Lear played by Dern. Nearing retirement, he calls his dysfunctional ...

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