Page 1689 - Entertainment Culture
When Hema Malini played Rani Padmini
Deepika Padukone is still awaiting the release of "Padmavati" but veteran actor Hema Malini has revealed she once played Rani Padmini, a character now mired in controversy. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama is yet to receive a certificate from the CBFC. Several Rajput outfits and political leaders accusing the director of "distorting historical facts" in the movie. Historians are divided over whether Padmini actually existed. Malini had played a number historical characters on the TV series "Tera Panhey", which depicted 13 chapters from the history. Rani Padmini was one of the characters she played in the series, which aired in 1986 on Doordarshan. The 69-year-old actor was speaking at a panel discussion, "Seventy is the New Seventy - Who the Hell Wants to be Thirty?" along with author-columnist Shobhaa De and Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who penned Malini's biography "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl". When asked if people have become a little too sensitive about issues, .
Sam Rockwell to host first SNL of 2018
Actor Sam Rockwell will host next year's first episode of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" on January 13. He will be joined by musical guest Halsey. SNL made the announcement on their official Twitter handle. "The biggest of all dreams come true," Halsey tweeted shortly after the announcement. "I can't believe this". Rockwell, recently received his first Golden Globe nomination in the best supporting actor category for his performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri". Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the film follows a grieving mother, Mildred (Frances McDormand) who erects the titular signage as a means to light a fire under her local police department after they fail to capture her daughters murderer. Rockwell, 49, plays Dixon, a reckless, violent-tempered officer whose trajectory intertwines with Mildreds in curious ways.
Raghu Rai: An accidental photographer
Having scripted an illustrious career spanning over six decades, Raghu Rai, on his 75th birth anniversary, revealed he never wanted to be a photographer in the first place. He aspired to be a musician instead. Rai, who went on to become a protege of iconic lens man Henri Cartier-Bresson, was ambitious enough for his musical dream, that he ended up owning a violin, a flute and a harmonium pretty early in his life. Clearly, his hand at music did not work, and rest is history. "In my childhood, if anybody would have asked me what I would like to become, which nobody did, I would have said -- 'a musician'. "I tried my hand at everything, but gave up when it didn't go anywhere," Rai said at his "surprise" birthday party yesterday at the Imperial here. A 55-minute documentary film: "Raghu Rai, An Unframed Portrait" by his daughter Avani Rai was screened to mark the occasion. During his versatile career as a photographer, the septuagenarian has captured nature, people and ...
Gene Simmons denies accusations of sexual misconduct
Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, who is being sued by a TV-radio broadcaster for alleged sexual misconduct, has denied the claims. The 68-year-old musician defended himself in a statement posted on Twitter. "Friends, I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media. For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. "I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence," Simmons wrote. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the musician in Los Angeles Superior Court, after she interviewed him at his new Rock & Brews restaurant on November 1, San Bernardino Sun reported. According to the lawsuit, Simmons allegedly grabbed her hand during their conversation; he "forcefully placed it on his knee" until she ...
Mark Feehily denies Westlife's comeback
Westlife alum Mark Feehily has denied having any knowledge about the band's planned reunion. The 37-year-old artiste's remarks come a week after the group's former manager Louis Walsh claimed they would return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inception. "People have offered us blank cheques to get back together but it's not about money. There are no plans to reform. The time isn't now. We all have a lot more that we want to achieve first. It feels way too soon to be honest," Feehily told the DailyStar. "A 20th anniversary tour could still happen one day as 2019 is 20 years since we released our first single, while 2021 is 20 years since our first world tour. So you never know," he added. One of the biggest groups in the UK chart history, the Irish band split in 2012.
X-Men, Fantastic Four will be home now: Lee on Disney-Fox deal
Popular comic book writer Stan Lee says in the wake of the historic Disney-21st Century Fox merger, characters from franchises such as "X-Men" and "Fantastic Four" can finally come back to Marvel, their home. The 94-year-old legend's comments come after Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that the MCU will incorporate these franchises, including "Deadpool", after their USD 52.4 billion-worth buyout plan for Fox is complete. "A truly great piece of news! Now characters such as the X-Men and the Fantastic Four can come home to the place where they belong. "It's vitally important to have the Marvel characters under one roof. And now, as great as they were before, I can't wait to see the wonders that will unfold!" Lee told Newsrama. With the announced deal, Marvel can finally reclaim many of its lost characters after it licensed them out to prevent bankruptcy in the 1990s.
Hiten Tejwani evicted from 'Bigg Boss'
In one of the biggest surprises of the current season of reality television show "Bigg Boss", popular TV actor Hiten Tejwani was evicted tonight. Of the nominated contestants -- Shilpa Shinde, Priyank Sharma, Luv Tyagi and Hiten -- the 43-year-old actor was evicted out from season 11 of the show. "It (eviction) came as a shock to me. I deserved to be in the house as compared to some of them like Priyank and Luv. I think I was a threat to the other contestants. I feel people were waiting to chuck out the strong contestants. We are in the 12th week and the game will get dirty now. "I would love to go on the show again, if there is an opportunity, but I will not come with revenge on my mind. I would be aware of who was good or bad to me behind my back. All I would say is, I got to see real faces," Hiten told PTI. On tonight's "Weekend Ka Vaar" episode, there was a twist in the eviction process as host Salman Khan asked nominated contestants Hiten and Priyank to enter a ...
Love to entertain people: Farhan Akhtar
Actor-filmmaker-singer Farhan Akhtar said he loves to entertain people, be it with his singing, acting or script-writing. At a recent event here, the 'Lucknow Central' actor said he feels a bit nervous before performing in live concerts. "I feel nervous before performing in live concerts but it does not last more than five minutes," he said. Be it singing or acting or script writing, I love to do all of them. I love to entertain people, he said. On his campaign against gender-based violence, the actor said youths were associating with it. "When males are free to go out at night, girls must have the same right and they should feel secure," he said. Akhtar, gave live musical performances where he was accompanied by other musicians.
Five nods for Himachali short film 'Pashi' at WMIFF 2018
Himachali short film, "Pashi", has received five nominations at the World Music & Independent Film Festival. Directed by Shimla-based independent director Siddharth Chauhan, the film has been nominated in categories including - Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. "This one is special because I have received three nominations at an international film festival for the first time in my career! I am extremely happy to know that my hard work is being recognised..." Chauhan said in a release. He has also penned the screenplay and is a co- cinematographer with Yashwant Kumar Sharma on the film. Set in a traditional village of HP, "Pashi" (Pahari word for trap) is an unusual love story, which unfolds when a visitor arrives and meets his neighbour after years. A young boy simultaneously learns about the technique of trapping birds from his wicked grandmother and begins practising it. Lead actor, Chetan Kanwar, a Class 12 student has also scored a nomination
MCU to include 'X-Men', 'Deadpool' post Disney-Fox merger
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the Marvel Cinematic Universe will incorporate franchises such as "X-Men", "Fantastic Four" and "Deadpool" after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox is compete in the historic merger. Disney is set to buy 21st Century Fox assets for USD 52.4 billion in the Hollywood deal. AceShowbiz quoted Iger saying, "We're also looking forward to expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe to include 'X-Men', 'Fantastic Four' and 'Deadpool'." The announced deal is a massive turnaround for Marvel as the company can finally reclaim many of its lost characters after it licensed them out to prevent bankruptcy in the 1990s. Iger also addressed the potential of "Deadpool", the R- rated Marvel franchise at Fox. "It ('Deadpool') clearly has been and will be Marvel branded. But we think there might be an opportunity for a Marvel-R brand for something like 'Deadpool'. As long as we let the audiences know what's coming, we think we can manage that fine," he said. The ...
Independent genre Bengali movie completes 100 days
Independent Bengali film 'Sahaj Paather Gappo' (Colours of Innocence), which got two national awards in 2017, has completed 100 days of screening, making a mark for the genre. An independent film is a movie produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. "So a film mostly having non-actors... keeps the flag of Bengali film industry high by bringing in the audiences and completing 100 days," director Manas Mukul Pal said. 'Sahaj Paather Gappo' completed 100 days yesterday. Apart from this, only one Bengali film, 'Posto, starring popular actors had completed 100 days this year, according to industry figures. The two children who won the national awards and almost all the actors in the film were first timers and hailed from villages in North 24 Parganas. Directors such as Srijit Mukherjee and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, actors like Sudipta Chakraborty to Chiranjeet Chakraborty and major producers
Would have stopped doing music if there was no demand: Rahman
Music maestro A R Rahman says he would have hung up his boots as a composer if there was no market demand. Veteran artistes often complain about the dearth of offers for quality songs in films but the 50-year-old musician has a different take on the issue, saying creative people must find unconventional methods to express themselves. When asked if film music is a limited career option, Rahman told PTI in an interview, "It is not limited, they are limiting it. You have to find unconventional ways to express, to evolve. "I would have stopped doing music if CDs would have stopped selling. But things are different. Music is the same, but the way we express, the way people hear, it is different. We have to be in our zone. We have to evolve with time. I am still retaining that foundation." Having composed songs almost across all genres, Rahman said he holds Sufi music close to his heart - like a "part of ibaadat (prayer)". "When I was offered to do a qawwali 'Piya Haji Ali', I
Drama festival with a difference: in jungle, no light or sound
A theatre festival in a remote Assam village by the Garo Hills could not have asked for a stage more spectacular. The venue was a forest of sal trees, and the plays were staged without artificial lights or sound. Nine plays from India and Bangladesh were performed at the three-day 'Under the Sal Tree Theatre Festival', which ended today. Organised by the Badungduppa Kala Kendra, the drama fest was held in Rampur village in Goalpara district, near the Assam-Meghalaya border. "I have seen a lot of plays in auditoriums. Then I thought of taking theatre to the villages, where nothing happens," said theatre artiste Sukracharjya Rabha, a disciple of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Heisnam Kanhailal and the brain behind the festival, now in its eighth edition. The festival, with plays performed in natural light and without a sound system, has been gaining global fame. Last year, groups from Brazil, Poland, South Korea and Sri Lanka took part in it. Rabha, who is from Rampur, ...
Jason Priestley claims punching Harvey Weinstein
Actor Jason Priestley says he punched disgraced Harvey Weinstein in the face at a party organised by the media mogul's company, Miramax celebrating 1995 Golden Globes. The response by the "902010" alum comes after actor Tara Strong referenced the alleged incident while tweeting a message of sympathy for Mira Sorvino, who thanked director Peter Jackson for speaking up against Weinstein. "Of course there is more to the story... '95 Golden Globes... At the Miramax Party... Harvey told me I had to leave... I was leaving when he grabbed me by the arm and said 'what are you doing?' I said 'You told me leave, I'm leaving'. "I didn't say you had to leave. You just told me to leave... Right over there' I tell him once again. Getting heated now. He then grabs me tighter and says 'Why don't we go outside and talk about this'. That was all I needed to hear," Priestley wrote on Twitter. "'I'm not going anywhere with you' I said as I pushed him back and punched him with a right hand ..
Cinema theatre watchman kills self
An 18-year-old watchman allegedly committed suicide by hanging on the premises of a cinema theatre where he was working at Rangampeta village, police said today. Police received the information about the incident last evening, a police official said. On reaching the spot, police found A. Chanti hanging in the booking room of the now-defunct theatre, he said. Chanti was living alone on the premises of the theatre, the official said, adding that further investigation is on.
Smita Patil a far better actor than me: Rekha
Veteran actor Rekha said Smita Patil was a far better actor than her and she has no qualms accepting that. Rekha, who received the first Smita Patil Memorial Award here last night, said she will always consider Patil as her younger sister. "I am here to receive this award which signifies the excellence of her craft, her acting, dancing abilities or her ability to be fearless in front of the camera or the way she could lift those beautiful eyes of hers and make a statement without saying a word. All of this is not why I have received this award," Rekha said. "She was way more brilliant as an actress, which I got to know 30 years ago when I saw her films. She is far better actor than me or anybody else. She was, is and will always remain my choti si pyaari behen (younger sister)," she added. Patil's son, actor Prateik Babbar and noted music composer Anandji Virji Shah were also present at the ceremony. Addressing Babbar, Rekha said, "Prateik, I know you have not spent time
Creativity flourishes when it is curbed: Vishal Bhardwaj
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj today said an atmosphere curbing the freedom of expression eventually ends up making space for creative voices to come out in resilience. The 52-year-old filmmaker launched his book of poems titled "Nude" here, in which the director highlights some of the contemporary issues - even touches upon mob lynching over beef. When asked how he views the atmosphere prevailing in the country, Bhardwaj said, "I think whatever is happening, it's very good. When people are pushed in one corner, they shout. If nobody is cornering you, you won't shout. Creativity always flourishes when it's curbed. So for creative people, it's the best of the times." Bhardwaj was speaking at the ongoing Times Litfest 2017 here. When asked about the title of the book, he said, "Earlier, the title which came to our mind was 'A Spy in My Heart', which was out of a poem I had written. But we thought it was too long. The title 'Nude' came from Gulzar sahab, I had suggested ...
There is a difference between expression and aggression: Joshi
CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi today said artistes need to be more sensitive when voicing their opinion and that "expression" should not be confused with "aggression". The 46-year-old writer-lyricist said he is not averse to artistes turning political activists, provided they have requisite knowledge about the issues they raise. When asked Joshi said, "Of course you are free to express yourself but there is difference between expression and aggression. You can express yourself in a free world. It is important whatever is done in any field - whether it is art, education, social (sciences)... I think whoever comments about political things, which have a larger implication, should first know the subject. "Just giving sensational bytes and controversial statements is a disservice to politics." The censor board chief was participating in an interactive session during the "India Ideas Conclave 2017", an initiative of the India Foundation. Joshi said the entertainment industry is .
MJ's 'Blood on the Dance Floor' short film out with new rushes
Michael Jackson's classic short film "Blood on the Dance Floor" with new footage from Cirque du Soleil in a new video for the song is out. The video has been approved by the Jackson estate and choreographed by Jamie King, Rolling Stone reported. It features Michael Jackson: One, the second Jackson- based production in Soleil's roster, delivering their one- time-only performance of the hit number. The team debuted the performance during their annual tribute on the King of Pop's birthday (August 25). "Blood on the Dance Floor" released in 1997 as part of Jackson's remix album 'Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix'. The song received a pair of new remixes on Jackson's recently-released 'Scream' compilation, a Halloween-themed collection with tracks such as "Torture," "Thriller" and Rockwell's Jackson-featuring "Somebody's Watching Me." This year also saw debut of the "Thriller's" restored 3D music video, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Taraji P Henson confirms dating Kelvin Hayden
Taraji P Henson has finally confirmed that she is in a relationship with former American football cornerback Kelvin Hayden for two years now. During an episode of Essence's podcast "Yes, Girl!", the 47-year-old actor let the cat out of the bag. Henson had briefly mentioned "my man" in the interview, which led the hosts press for more about her rumoured boyfriend. "I'm very happy. Everything is coming together. I'm happy in my personal life," she said before breaking into CeCe Peniston's song "Finally! It has happened to me. Finally." The actor yielded saying, "It was all over The Shade Room anyway", referencing the photographs of her and Hayden holding hands in Miami that the media portal shared on Instagram back in 2015. Henson added, "I'm not the type to blast my personal business. But, you know, I think that's important for people to know. I'm happy. I'm very very happy. I just am. "And you know, we've been together for two years. No one would really know that because .