Malayalam film star Kalabhavan Mani today cremated with full state honours at his home town here with thousands of mourners bidding a tearful farewell to the actor.
	The cremation was held in the compound of his residential premises here in front of a large gathering of relatives, friends and his fans, who had come from different parts of the state to pay their homage to 45-year old Mani who had made a mark for himself acting in 200 odd South Indian films.
	Police faced a tough time managing the crowd, who were yet to come to terms with the death of Mani.
	Mani had won special jury National and state awards for his role in the popular film "Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njannum".
	Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Mani.
	"A promising career is cut short. Kalabhavan Mani was multifaceted and popular. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans," he tweeted.
	Mani passed away yesterday at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) at Kochi where he 

Thousands bid adieu to actor Kalabhavan Mani 

PTI Automatic

Actress Taapsee Pannu will be joining megastar Amitabh Bachchan on the shoot of filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's next production venture tentatively titled "Eve" here.
	The 28-year-old "Baby" actress said she is happy to begin the work on International Women's Day.
	"To start the shoot of a movie on Women's day who's subject is related to women and working with my favourite people like Amit ji and Shoojit sir have made me more excited for the movie," Taapsee said in a statement.
	The actress is also excited for the project as it will let her work in her city.
	"The shooting of the movie is being done in my home town because of which I would be able to spend some time at home. Hoping this movie brings change in other's life, including mine!," she added.
	The film will be directed by National Award-winner Aniruddha Roy Chowdhary.

Taapsee Pannu to join Big B on sets of Shoojit's next

Crediting Salman Khan for his success in the film industry, music director-actor Himesh Reshammiya says the superstar is nothing less than a "messiah" for people, who want to make big in Bollywood.
	Himesh made his debut as a composer with Salman's "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" and went on to create music for many of his films like "Tere Naam," "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?," "Bodyguard," and "Prem Rata Dhan Payo".
	The actor, who was in the city to promote his upcoming film "Teraa Surroor: A Lethal Love Story," said Salman gave him fitness tips.
	"Salman is a messiah in the industry," he said.
	Himesh made his acting debut in 2007 with "Aap Kaa Surroor," said he learned a lot from actors like Nasiruddin Shah and Kabir Bedi in last one year.
	The actor lost 20 kgs for his role in Shawn Arranha-directed movie.
	"Viewers will see a new Himesh Reshammia in my upcoming film Terra Surroor. I worked hard for a year and learned a lot from legendary actors Nasseruddin Shah and Kabir Bedi," he ...

Salman is a messiah in the industry: Himesh Reshammiya

Reality TV star Rob Kardashian has denied splitting from girlfriend Blac Chyna, insisting they are still together.
	The 28-year-old reality television star and his 27-year-old model girlfriend started dating back in January, causing controversy due to the fact that Blac shares a young son with rapper Tyga, who is now in a relationship with Rob's half-sister Kylie Jenner.
	Rob took to his Instagram page to set the record straight about the reports, signing off a lengthy caption explaining his actions with a newly coined moniker for the couple - ChyRo.
	Alongside a cosy picture of him and Blac, Rob wrote, "Chy and I are not broken up we just feel like it would be a lot healthier for our relationship if we kept a lot more to ourselves. It's impossible to have a positive relationship with so much negativity from the media and outsiders and we would appreciate it if everyone respects that - ChyRo @blacchyna."
	Rob, 28, has allegedly been estranged from his family after he was linked to ...

Blac Chyna and I are still together: Rob Kardashian

All-women Indian theatre group Creative Arts, has been invited to stage its award winning production, "Baawre Mann Ke Sapne", in Colombo on the International Woman's Day tomorrow.
	Invited by the SAARC Cultural Centre, Colombo, the Ramanjit Kaur-directed play will reflect the battle of every woman, working or otherwise.
	"The SAARC Cultural Centre invited us for staging 'Baawre Mann ke Sapne' at the prestigious Lionel Wendt Theatre on the occasion of International Woman's Day tomorrow," Kaur told PTI from Colombo.
	"After the positive response we got from the audience of Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai, we hope to connect with the Lankan audience too," she said.
	Certain issues pertaining to women are universal, crossing boundaries, language and customs, said Kaur.
	"Baawre Mann Ke Sapne" has been woven together through improvisations, incidents and real life experiences, the SAARC Cultural Centre, Colombo, said in its website announcing that it will be celebrating the International ...

Indian theatre group to perform in Colombo on Women's Day

World Culture Festival (WCF), commencing in Delhi from March 11, will see over 3,000 artists from Maharashtra participating in the three-day extravaganza showcasing the state's rich culture and tradition of dance, music and arts.
      A total of 35,973 artists from 155 countries across the globe are expected to perform at the festival which includes 8,000 musicians playing 40 instruments.
	Scores of tribal artists from Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Sikkim and others will also perform at the mega event, said the organisers.
	Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony while President Pranab Mukherjee would preside the valedictory function.
	From Maharashtra, there would be over 1000 performers of "Dhangari Dhol" and "Pakhawaj" each and 1300 performers would present their recitals in the "Music Symphony" program, said a statement from (Maharashtra Chapter) Art of Living Foundation, which is organising the festival in collaboration with .

Maharashtra set to shine at World Culture Festival

Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan Nana Patekar, Om Puri and Shefali Shah are set to lend their voice for the Hindi version of Disney's upcoming American live-action epic release "The Jungle Book".
	The original film is a re-imagining of Walt Disney's 1967 animated movie of the same name and stars Indian-American actor Neel Sethi as Mowgli.
	It features the voice talents of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken.
	In the Hindi version, Priyanka will voice Kaa, the python, which has been voiced by Johansson in the international film.
	Irrfan will lend his voice to the friendly bear Baloo, while "Dil Dhadakne Do" actress Shefali Shah will dub for Raksha, the wolf.
	Veteran actor Puri, who has been often honored for his performances in India and abroad, will lend his voice to Bagheera, the Black Panther.
	The Studio has also approached powerful performer Nana Patekar, who recently wowed critics and ...

Priyanka, Irrfan to lend voice for 'Jungle Book' Hindi version

Model Chrissy Teigen and musician John Legend celebrated the impending arrival of their first child with a baby shower.
	Teigen, 30, and Legend invited friends and family to the fun-filled party which was held at Material Good in New York City, reported Ace Showbiz.
	Teigen uploaded some photos from the party on her Instagram.
	In one of the snaps, she was seen kissing her husband who smiled to the camera.
	The model also shared another picture featuring herself carrying her adorable bulldog Pippa.
	In the photo, she sported a bindi on her forehead as she donned a nude horse-patterned long coat atop a white tube dress.
	Teigen and Legend treated the guests to a lot of food, including cute cookies in various shapes like baby carriage and and crown.
	She later shared the photo of the cookies and captioned it, "Luckiest girls around."
	The couple shared a similar selfie on their own Instagram.
	They declared themselves parents-to-be by wearing customised paper crowns with the words "Baby 

Chrissy Teigen plays Queen at baby shower

Actress Konkona Sensharma has wrapped up the shooting of her directorial debut "A Death in the Gunj",
starring her estranged husband Ranvir Shorey and Kalki Koechlin.
	The last schedule of the movie was shot in McCluskiegunj, Jharkhand, the 36-year-old "Talvar" actress shared in a Twitter post.
	"Just wrapped the shoot of our film A Death in the Gunj in McCluskiegunj!" she wrote.
	The film also stars Vikrant Massey, Gulshan Devaiah, Tanuja Mukherjee, Om Puri and Tillotama Shome.
	The movie is said to be a "coming of age" story that centres around the lead character named Shutu and his conflicted ideas of masculinity.
	He finds himself navigating the blurred lines of what is accepted in society and questions his own space within the world.
	It has been produced by Abhishek Chaubey, of "Ishqiya" fame, and Honey Trehan under the banner MacGuffin Pictures.
	The movie was launched by lyricist-writer Gulzar and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, who has directed Konkona in "Ek Thi Daayan" (2013).

It's a wrap on Konkona Sensharma's directorial debut

"India's Best Dramebaaz" second season winner Swasti Nitya says she idolises megastar Amitabh Bachchan and noted actress Madhuri Dixit.
	"My favourite actors are Amitabh Bachchan sir and Madhuri Dixit ma'am. They are my idols. Amitabh sir's acting is superb, his personality is very strong. Madhuri ma'am's dancing and acting are amazing. I am a fan of their work," Swasti told PTI.
	The 11-year-old girl from Bhagalpur in Bihar is yet to come to terms with the fact that she has won the second season of children's acting talent hunt show "India's Best Dramebaaz". In addition to the coveted trophy, Swasti walked away with a cheque of Rs five Lakh.
	"The journey on the show has been very good. I have learnt a lot of things. I was shocked, surprised, I can't believe I have won the show," she said.
	Swasti, who proved her versatility on the show, plans to celebrate the victory by having a party at home.
	She was viewed by the judges as a complete entertainer and a mature performer.
	"I want ..

Swasti idolises Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit

Forcer soccer star David Beckham has paid touching tributes to both his wife Victoria Beckham and his mother Sandra West on Mother's Day in the UK.
	The 40-year-old retired soccer star thanked Victoria for their family yesterday, reported Female First.
	Alongside a black and white picture of the children, he wrote on Instagram, "17 years ago our brood started and these little ones have the most amazing mummy that they love so much ... And I love her for many reasons but the main one is because she gave me the most amazing children ... Happy mama's day as the little ones would say (sic)"
	David also took the time to pay tribute to his "number one fan", his own mother.
	"Happy Mother's Day mum... You have been my number one fan from day one but more importantly your support , honesty , and tireless love for not just me and my sisters but for your grand kids which really shows the type of person you are, amazingly generous. Thank you for being my mum (sic)."
	He posted, alongside, a ...

David Beckham pays touching tributes to mother, wife

Comedian Louis CK has appealed to his fans to not vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
	The 48-year-old "Louie" star compared Trump to German dictator Hitler, in a lengthy online post addressed to his fans, reported Aceshowbiz.
	The post began with, "Please stop it with voting for Trump. It was funny for a little while. But the guy is Hitler. And by that I mean that we are being Germany in the 30s. Hitler was just some hilarious and refreshing dude with a weird comb over who would say anything at all."
	CK said he's endorsing neither Hilary Clinton nor Bernie Sanders but he's open to a "good smart conservative" to represent the Democrats.
	Then he noted, "Trump is not that. He is dangerous.

Louis CK requests fans to stop voting for Donald Trump

Brit Awards bosses have promised to make next year's ceremony more diverse, after facing criticism over last month's nominees.
	At this year's awards the only non-white nominees were in the international artist categories and chairman Ged Doherty has promised this will not be the case going forward, reported BBC.
	In an open letter Doherty said: "There was an elephant in the room at the O2. As chairman of the BPI, the music association which organises the awards, I can tell you that it was sat firmly on my lap.
	"It was an elephant some might characterise as a lack of diversity among the nominees, but which, for me, was more about the lack of recognition of the emerging music that is a huge part of British youth culture."
	Doherty went on to say that the awards had "somehow become disconnected from this heritage of diversity" and that "the playing field for that judgment must also be even. Everyone, regardless of background, should have an equal opportunity to impress."
	In order to ..

Brit Awards promises to diversify for next year's ceremony

R&B star Beyonce Knowles delivered a rendition of singer Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" at a school gala.
	Knowles, 34, performed at the benefit gala event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Center of Early Education, where reportedly her daughter Blue Ivy studies.
	The classic song originally recorded by Dolly Parton and then covered by Houston for movie "The Bodyguard".
	Knowles wore an animal-print mini gold dress during the event, reported Aceshowbiz.
	The R&B singer also performed her own hit singles such as "Crazy In Love", "Halo" and "XO".
	The Center for Early Education is described as a "socio-economically and culturally diverse independent school for children."
	The event took place Saturday, March 5 as an effort to raise funds.

Beyonce covers Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'

DJ Calvin Harris gifted girlfriend Taylor Swift a heart-shaped gold locket necklace and a cake to celebrate their one-year anniversary.
	Swift, 25, singer took to Instagram to give fans a look at the locket engraved with the date "3.6 2015" on it, reported Aceshowbiz.
	"3.6.15 One year down!" Swift captioned the photo.
	According to a source close to the two, Harris, 32, chose the gift himself because he wanted to give Swift something meaningful.
	"He bought the locket all on his own. Calvin is not a flashy guy when it comes to gifts and he knows Taylor appreciates the small meaningful things, so he thought this would be the perfect gift," the insider said.
	Harris also gave some other surprises throughout the day, including a seemingly handmade cake covered with chocolate with the words "1 Year" on it.
	"Taylor is a true hopeless romantic kind of lady and she thought Calvin really outdid himself with this gift," the source added. "He had surprises for Taylor all throughout the ...

Calvin Harris gifts Swift heart-shaped gold locket necklace

He has composed several chartbusters for Salman Khan and popular singer-music composer Wajid Ali, of Sajid-Wajid fame, says the superstar has a very good taste for music.
	The duo first composed a song for the 1998 Salman starrer "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" and went on to give music in films like "Wanted", "Dabangg" and "Jai Ho". Wajid says Salman is a "musical superstar" with a fantastic taste of songs.
	"He is a very big musical superstar. I started working with him in 'Pyaar Kiya toh Darna Kya' whose production started in 1997-98. We have been working for almost 18 years so we know what kind of taste Salman has. And he has a fantastic taste," Wajid said in an interview.
	The "Mashallah" singer said Salman selected various songs ranging from classical-based 'Lagan lagi' from "Tere Naam" to the funky rap song "You're My Love" from "Partner" with ease which shows his versatility.
	"The kind of songs we gave him, he selected all of them from 'Lagan lagi' of Tere Naam, (songs for) ...

Salman Khan is a big musical superstar, says Wajid Ali

Singer Kelly Clarkson has slammed her former collaborator producer Dr Luke, who has been accused of raping singer-songwriter Kesha.
	The 33-year-old former "American Idol" winner, who collaborated with the producer on her hits like "Since You Been Gone" and "Behind the Hazel Eyes", had nothing nice to say about him when she weighed in on his legal battle with Kesha, reported Aceshowbiz.
	"Her experience was different to mine. Her fans are like, 'Why don't you stick up for her?' but I wasn't there," Clarkson said.
	"I'll be honest about the guy, but I don't know that situation. He's not a good person, to me. We've clashed."
	Of why she collaborated with him despite her dislike of him, Clarkson revealed that she was forced to do it by her label.
	"I only worked with him because literally I was blackmailed by my label," she said and went on claiming that her label threatened they wouldn't release her album if she didn't work with him.
	A number of fellow musicians showed support to Kesha 

Dr Luke not a good person: Kelly Clarkson

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan has condoled the death of noted South Indian actor and popular folk singer Kalabhavan Mani, who passed away in Kochi yesterday.
	Mani, 45, was undergoing treatment for liver and kidney diseases at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
	"Sad about my friend Kalabhavanam Mani. One more of My Malayalee brothers dying of cirrhosis. He had more talent than time," Haasan, 61, posted on Twitter.
	Mani starred in over 200 films, including Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films, and is especially known for his character and villain roles.
	He won the National Film Award and Kerala State Film Award in 1999 for his performance as Ramu in "Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum".

Kamal Haasan condoles Kalabhavan Mani's death

Singer Gary Barlow will reportedly rake in 10 million pounds this year from his busy schedule that includes a new tour, album and a Take That musical.
	The 45-year-old singer has no less than three West End musicals, a tour with Take That and an album to look forward to in the next 12 months as well as the possibility of a new TV show, reported Female First.
	"Gary always wanted to put on a Take That musical and the band have written enough tracks for a score. Using a Saturday night TV show to find talent will give the musical huge publicity," a source said.

Gary Barlow to rake in 10 million pounds this year?

Singer Kesha has been honoured with the Visibility Award by the The Human Rights Campaign in Nashville.
	The 29-year-old singer was recognised for her support of the LGBT community and for speaking out against bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, reported E! online.
	Accepting the award, Kesha referenced her recent struggles which have seen her embroiled in a contract dispute with Sony.
	Last month a judge denied her request to be freed from her contract with Sony and producer Dr Luke, whom she has accused of physically, mentally and sexually abusing her.
	Dr Luke has always denied the allegations.
	"As many of you know I am going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately and I just want to say thank you for the support I have received," she told the audience.
	During her speech the singer appeared visibly choked up and had to take a moment to compose herself.
	The singer went on to say that growing up, she was a ...

Kesha receives visibility award for support of LGBT community

"Saturday Night Live" has targeted Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during an episode hosted by Jonah Hill.
	In a parody dubbed "Racists for Trump", "real" American offer insight into why they'll be voting for the Republican presidential candidate.
	They included a man wearing a Nazi armband, another man painting "white power" on the wall, and a woman ironing a Ku Klux Klan uniform, reported Ace Showbiz.
	In another sketch, Darrell Hammond returned as Trump who addressed his supporters that included "racists, ugly racists, people who didn't even know they were racists."
	In the "Cold Open" segment dedicated to super-Tuesday results, Kate McKinnon's Hillary Clinton and Taran Killam's Ted Cruz delivered their speeches as well.
	Earning the biggest applause, however, was Jason Sudeikis who returned to the variety show as Mitt Romney.

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