Page 1688 - Entertainment Culture
Gatlin fires coach, faces new doping probe after report
World 100-metres champion Justin Gatlin, twice suspended for doping, could face another scandal after The Daily Telegraph reported that members of his entourage offered to sell undercover reporters performance- enhancing drugs. The 35-year-old American sprint star has sacked coach Dennis Mitchell, according to the report, which revealed Mitchell and athletics agent Robert Wagner offered to provide false prescriptions for banned performance-enhancing substances and smuggle those drugs into the United States. The Telegraph said investigations into the actions of those connected to Gatlin are being investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), set up this year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). "Investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers play a critical role in anti-doping efforts," an unnamed USADA spokesman told the newspaper. "We are presently coordinating with the Athletics Integrity ..
Kolkata celebrates all religious traditions, US Consul General
US Consul General Craig Hall today said he is amazed to see the way people of Kolkata celebrate almost every religious tradition, including Christmas. It is great how the people of Kolkata accept someone from the West and make him feel at home, Hall said. "The US also celebrates many different traditions in the same way but that is not the situation in many other places of world, who don't have the same spirit," Hall said. He was talking to PTI on the sidelines of a cultural performance by underprivileged children to mark Christmas. At one point, the US Consul General started playing drums when 'jingle bells' was being sung. "It was my first performance as drummer and did I fare too badly! I enjoyed every bit of it," he later said. To celebrate Christmas, Hall said, Kolkatans hit Park Street which is decorated with lights at this time of the year, and this "adds up to the Christmas spirit for a person like me.
Kabir Khan to make digital series debut with Amazon Original
Filmmaker Kabir Khan will be making his debut on digital platform with an Amazon Original titled "The Forgotten Army". The "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" director commenced shooting for the digital original series today in Mumbai. According to a press release the series is based on true events, and focuses on men and women who fought for the independence of India as part of the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Created by Kabir Khan Films, "The Forgotten Army", will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Raj questions PM on BJP not achieving mission-150 in Gujarat
Multi-lingual actor Prakash Raj, who has been critical of the BJP, today lauded the saffron party for its win in the Gujarat polls but asked why it could not achieve its target of more than 150 seats. Raj congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the BJP's victory but tweeted "Weren't you supposed to sweep with your VIKAAS? What happened to 150+..?." He inquired whether Modi will pause for a moment to realise that "divisive politics" has not worked. "Our country has bigger issues than Pakistan, religion, caste, supporting fringe groups that threaten... and the ego of settling personal scores. There are genuine rural issues," the actor said. Saying that the "neglected voice" of the farmer, poor, and rural India just got louder, Raj sought to know from the prime minister whether he could hear that. The actor had earlier questioned Modi's "silence" over the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh with whom he was closely associated. He has also been ...
Sonu Sood honoured with Punjab Ratan award
Actor Sonu Sood has received the Punjab Ratan award for his contribution to the welfare of people of Punjab, specially his hometown, Moga. Governor of Punjab, V P Singh Badnore, honoured the actor at an event at Fazilka in Punjab. During the ceremony, the 44-year-old actor also paid homage to the soldiers who fought the 1971 Indo-Pak war. "I feel really honoured to get Punjab Ratan award from the Governor of Punjab and that too at a venue which was full of the families of the martyrs in the 1971 war and several Majors, Colonels and soldiers who fought that war were also present. "It was a great honour. I can relate to it more because I just finished for one schedule of J P Dutta's 'Paltan' where I'm playing a Major and was in the uniform for two months. Meeting those families and people, who sacrificed their lives for their nation, was a huge honour. I feel blessed. It was all possible because of the blessings of my parents," Sonu said in a statement.
All 'isms' are about individual or group's ego: Will Smith
Hollywood star Will Smith is in India to promote his Netflix movie "Bright" and the actor today said all the ideologies are governed by an individual or group's need to feel superior than others. The 49-year-old actor, who stars as "racist" human cop in sci-fi action-crime drama, said it was interesting to be on the other side. He said his role in the Netflix movie made him understand that even the struggle to get rid of these ideologies is motivated by this sense of superiority. "What I realised - it's not just racism, it's all the 'isms' (the ideologies). Racism, sexism, class-ism, nationalism - all of the -isms are about the individual or group's ego struggle for comparative superiority. Everybody wants to feel like they are better than somebody. Even a fight against racism is laced with an individual's need to feel superior. "I never saw it that way. So, both sides of any -ism, one of them is winning, so you're having an argument that is winning, so the other side ..
Eros International signs four film deal with Drishyam Films
Eros International has signed a four film co-production deal with leading production house, Drishyam Films. The first of the four projects, titled "Kaamyaab" starring Sanjay Mishra and Deepak Dobriyal, is already under production. The shooting of the film, directed by National Award- winning filmmaker Hardik Mehta, started on November 25. "We feel the kind of cinema Drishyam makes and the agenda we have for the next five years at Eros perfectly match. "At Eros, we believe that our future slate should have a mix of blockbusters like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Bajirao Mastani' as well as beautiful stories made on smaller budgets like 'Aligarh', 'Nil Battey Sannata' and 'Newton'," Jyoti Deshpande, Group CEO, Eros International said in a statement. Manish Mundra, founder of Drishyam Films, said the production house is excited about the collaboration. "We are very excited to associate with a leading studio like Eros who are backing our kind of content-driven cinema, and happy ...
Sundarbans officials get Green Administrator Award
The Kolkata International Wildlife and Environment Film Festival (KIWEFF) authorities conferred its 'Golden Tiger Best Green Administrator Award' jointly to two government officials working in the Sundarns. The two officials are Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve Director Dr S Kulandivel and Field Director of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Nilanjan Mullick. "It is our endeavour to create public awareness on wild life and environment, especially among the younger generation. Besides screening films as part of this, we also honour people who are involved in preserving wildlife and environment," KIWEFF Director Aditya Lal Mukherjee said. Magsaysay awardee couple Dr Prakash Baba Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte were declared as Life Time Achievement Awardees by the KIWEFF at the last day of its festival here yesterday. Prakash Amte and his wife Mandakini run a wildlife orphanage and sanctuary for animals in Maharashtra. The Life Time Achievement Award was also given to former Principal Chief ..
The whole situation has been bizarre for me:Smith on Weinstein
The Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal has opened a can of worms for global cinema and Hollywood star Will Smith says it has been "bizarre" for him to come to terms with the dark side of showbiz. Blaming his naivety, the 49-year-old actor said the fact that people like Weinstein existed in the world filled him with bewilderment. "The whole situation has been bizarre for me... As I'm hearing these things people would do like... I just don't know who would do (something) like that! "And I don't know, I'm naive but (you) schedule a meeting with someone and the person shows up and like you're in a bathrobe! I just don't know those guys. I have male friends but no..." Smith said in a group interview. The actor is currently in the city for the India premiere of his Netflix film "Bright", accompanied by the director of the movie, David Ayer. As a father to teenage daughter, Willow, Smith raised concern over women safety and security in these times. "My 17-year-old ...
BBC orders Harvey Weinstein feature documentary
U K public broadcaster BBC has ordered a feature-length documentary on the rise and fall of producer Harvey Weinstein. The documentary will include interviews with "the many actresses who have been brave enough to tell their stories" sexual harassment and assault scandal, as well as producers, directors, actors, agents, lawyers, journalists and others, reported Variety. The 90-minute film, directed by Ursula MacFarlane, has the working title "Weinstein" and will air on BBC Two. Production company Lightbox, founded by Academy Award- winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy Award winner Jonathan Chinn, said it wants the documentary to tell "the definitive story of Weinstein's career, fall from grace and Hollywood's culture of abuse." "As a little bit of an (industry) insider, I was fascinated with the story as it unfolded and not a little shocked. As much as people knew a lot about Harvey and his reputation, there was plenty that we didn't know," Simon said. Chinn, who has ...
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez fly to Seattle for date
Pop stars Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez flew to the Seattle to spend some quality time together. The duo is still going strong, more than a month after they rekindled their romance and was spotted on a romantic date at the Sugar Factory in Seattle, reported E! online. "Selena and Justin are doing great. Justin is very affectionate to Selena. He wears his heart on his sleeve lately especially when it comes to her. They are still learning about each other as grown adults," a source said. The source also said Bieber and Gomez plan on spending New Year's Eve together. Gomez and Bieber had dated on and off for about three years until 2014. They have been spotted together many times over the past couple of months and especially after Gomez's split from The Weeknd.
Jay-Z stops his gig to meet cancer survivor
Rapper and music mogul Jay-Z stopped his concert in the middle to meet a female fan, who is a cancer survivor. The musician halted his show at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, to bring up his fan Christina Cruz, who got some attention in the crowd when she held up a sign that stated she had beaten cancer twice, reported E! online. In an audience-captured video, Jay-Z read aloud the glittering sign that said, "I beat cancer 2 X 2 C U! I Love You! Selfie or hug? Jay-Z said to the woman, "You beat cancer twice I got to give you at least a hug." The 48-year-old rapper then brought her on stage. The excited fan not only hugged him but even got to have a brief on-stage chat.
Ajay Devgn to produce TV show on Baba Ramdev
Ajay Devgn will be producing a television show based on the life of yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev. "Swami Ramdev: Ek Sangharsh" is a scripted biopic series, tracing Ramdev's journey from a life of anonymity to a renowned yoga guru and business mogul. "Chillar Party" fame child actor Naman Jain will play the younger Ramdev, Ramkishan, in the show. The show is produced by Ajay Devgn Film Productions and WaterGate Production. "There are huge expectations from this biopic series and we wanted to ensure that somebody who fits the bill perfectly gets to play the role of Ramkishan as the audience will, for the first time, get to know about the early days of Swami Ramdev. "Naman Jain is hugely talented for his age and has delivered a captivating performance," Devgn said in a statement. Namam said he is honoured to play the role and it was challenging for him. "The task was not easy as Swami Ramdev faced multiple challenges as a child and it was important for me to ...
Silent protest against sexual harassment at Globes irks Rose
Actor Rose McGowan has criticised many major female actors, who are planning to wear black to the Golden Globes as a symbol of protest against sexual harassment in Hollywood. McGowan, 44, called out Meryl Streep in particular, as she spoke against the "silent protest", saying "their silence is a problem". "Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for 'The Pig Monster', are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest," she wrote on Twitter, referring to disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein. "Your silence is the problem. You'll accept a fake award breathlessly and affect no real change. I despise your hypocrisy. Maybe you should all wear Marchesa," she added, referencing Weinstein's estranged wife Georgina Chapman's fashion line. In October, Streep became one of the first actresses to speak out against the disgraced producer. "The disgraceful news about Harvey Weinstein has appalled those of us whose work he championed, and those whose good and worthy causes he
McKellen wants to play Gandalf in 'Lord of the Rings' TV show
Veteran actor Ian McKellen has expressed an interest in reprising the role of Gandalf in the new "Lord Of The Rings" TV series. Amazon were confirmed to be adapting JRR Tolkien's novels for TV last month, reported Entertainment Weekly. During an appearance on Graham Norton's BBC Radio 2 show, the actor was asked if it was going to be annoying to have another Gandalf around, McKellen replied: "What do you mean, another Gandalf?" He added: "I haven't said yes because I haven't been asked. But are you suggesting that someone else is going to play it? Gandalf is over 7000 years old, so I'm not too old.
Chargecheet filed in court after govt finds film on Tilak
A charge sheet was filed in court after a CBI probe into alleged financial irregularities in the making of a government-sanctioned film on Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The culture ministry had sanctioned the production of a film on the freedom fighter while commemorating 50 years of the Indian republic in 2000-2001 at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said in the Lok Sabha today. He said the funds were released in two instalments of Rs 1.25 crore each during FY 2000-2001. The file relating to the sanction was not traceable. The matter had been reported to police, he said in reply to a question by BJP MP and Dalit leader Udit Raj. The ministry had in December 2012 received an RTI application enquiring about the status of the film. In September 2013, the producer, Vinay Dhumale, was asked to submit a status report. Dhumale then submitted two "scratch copies" of the film in December 2013 along with photocopies of utilisation certificates (UCs) for the sanctioned
Ed Sheeran wrote a Bond theme three years ago
Ed Sheeran has revealed he had penned a James Bond theme three years ago, thinking he would be ready if asked to compose a tune for the popular franchise in future. The 26-year-old musician although said he has not been approached to write a song for the Agent 007 films yet. "With Bond, I've had a theme tune written for about three years, just in case!" Sheeran said on Ireland's "The Late Late Show". The "Shape of You" singer said his Bond theme is "good", but he did not want to give away any details about the song, including the title. "I'm not going to say 'cause someone might steal it," he said. Sheeran added his collaboration with Eminem, 'River', was also a something he had had ready with him for a while. "I just recently did a song with one of my all time heroes, Eminem and when we did the song together I had already had this song. It's the same with Bond. If ever I am called, I will be like, 'Here you go'," he said.
Response to 'Mom' Russia premier overwhelming: Sridevi
Veteran actor Sridevi is elated with the response her latest release, "Mom" received at its premier in Russia. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the rape revenge drama will release in 30 theatres across the country, under the title "Mama". Sridevi, along with producer husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi were welcomed by the Indian Ambassador in Moscow, Pankaj Saran at the premiere of the film. The film premiered at a theatre packed with an audience of 400, including Russian delegates and cinema aficionados. "It was overwhelming to witness the audience's reaction to the film. It felt like I was watching it for the first time because there was so much energy in the room," Sridevi said in a statement. Kapoor recounted the time his classic "Mr India" released in Russia exactly 30 years ago and how India-Russia ties can go an extra mile with a film collaboration. "... The locals are celebrating our cinema. While the influx of Hindi films had slowed down in the last few ...
Pete Davidson gets Hillary Clinton tattoo
"Saturday Night Live" star Pete Davidson has paid homage to Hillary Clinton with a tattoo of the former secretary of state on his arm. Davidson shared the picture of his new ink on Instagram. "Wanted to get Hillary Clinton a Christmas gift so I got a tattoo of my hero. Thanks for being such a badass and one of the strongest people in the universe," Davidson captioned a photo showing off his new tattoo. The 24-year-old actor-comedian, who joined SNL in 2014, was a vocal supporter of Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. He also criticised her Republican rival Donald Trump on social media several times throughout the campaign.
Judd Apatow's 'Love' to end with third season
Netflix has set March 9, 2018 as premiere date for the upcoming third season of the Judd Apatow comedy series, which will be its last. The series, which stars Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust, is the latest to end its run on Netflix as the streaming service has been refining its offerings and cancelling many of its series, including "Gypsy", "The Get Down", and "Sense8", reported Entertainment Weekly. "I am really excited about the third season of 'Love'. I think it is our sweetest, funniest season and ends our story in a beautiful way," said series co-creator and executive producer Judd Apatow in a statement. Apatow, who co-created the series with "Girls" alum Lesley Arfin and Rust, also confirmed the news in an Instagram post, writing, "March 9, 2018 is the date the final season of @loveonnetflix returns.