Page 529 - Entertainment Culture

Tharoor, Sudha Murthy, Bond, Soha Ali Khan conferred Crossword Book Awards

Celebrity writer Shashi Tharoor was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award while Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murthy and Soha Ali Khan were among those who were honoured at the 16th Crossword Book Awards, an organizer said here on Friday.

John Cena's special 'Bumblebee' treat to kids

Wrestling star and actor John Cena treated 21 children to a private screening of his new film "Bumblebee".

I'm headstrong, bossy and I am who I am: Ratna Pathak Shah

Mrs Kapoor from "Kapoor and Sons" and Usha Parmar from "Lipstick under My Burkha" are mere glimpses of the potential that resides in acting powerhouse Ratna Pathak Shah, who asserts she can and wants to play all kinds of characters on screen. The actor credits the writers of these films -- Shakun Batra-Ayesha Devitre Dhillon and Alankrita Shrivastava -- for developing characters which saw her sift through a variety of feelings. "I feel lucky to be around when roles are being written for women of my age. It's just a very fortunate condition that over the last few years the quality of scriptwriting has improved dramatically," Ratna told PTI in an interview. The 55-year-old actor believes there is a more free examining of issues in storytelling today. "The exploration of different issues has become much more open and much more free. People are taking risks and I just happen to be there at the right time. That is good for me," she added. Ratna next plays a headstrong headmistress of an ...

Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski have ideas for more 'John Wick' sequels

Chad Stahelski is currently busy directing the third installment in the "John Wick" franchise, but the filmmaker says he and star of the movies Keanu Reeves already have ideas for more sequels. Stahelski, who is also an executive producer on the in-the-works John Wick TV show, titled "The Continental", said he and Reeves will make more films only if the third part gets positive response from the audience. "I enjoy making these movies because there's no limit. We create our own mythology, and we have a studio that both stays out of our way and supports us on the wacky decisions. If people go see the movie, and it makes money, and they came back to us, Keanu and I have ideas for days. I could live here for the rest of my career. "If people like it and want to watch more, I could think of way worse ways to spend your career. But, you know, we're in the entertainment business. We'll let the audience figure that out," Stahelski told Entertainment Weekly. In "John Wick: Chapter 3" Reeves' ..

Afghanistan mourns death of comic who mocked the powerful

Afghanistan has been mourning the death this week of one of its most treasured celebrities, comedian Hanif Hamgam, known for ridiculing the powerful in a region where poking fun at warlords is no laughing matter. Hamgam's daily show "Zang Khatar" (The Dangerous Bell), which aired on Afghanistan's largest private TV channel Tolo from 2007-2013, was so popular that squadron leaders on the front line against the Taliban would demand televisions so as not to miss an episode. "After the fall of the Taliban (in 2001) and freedom of media, his show was the first that critically looked at important issues," his old friend and Zang Khatar colleague Nehmat Haidari told AFP. "He had a big impact on society, even people in remote areas knew him," he says sadly. A 56-year-old graduate of Kabul Theatre and Art School, Hamgam died on Saturday from a long illness. Politicians, artists, civil servants and fans risked security fears on Monday to attend a religious ceremony marking his death in Kabul ...

Blend original with the predictable: Singer Shaan

Popular Indian singer Shaan, whose upcoming music video is titled "It's Natural", says one needs to be original -- as also adapt to change -- to make a mark in the industry.

'Khatron Ke Khiladi' is a very tough show, says Rohit Shetty

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who is back as the host of action-adventure based reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi", says it is a tough show and lot of hardwork goes into designing the stunts. The director said the credit for the show's success goes to the technical team. "'Khatron Ke Khiladi' is a very tough show. Lot of planning goes into designing stunts, work begins at least three to six months before the show goes on air. We first have to scout for apt location for the season. Plan and do the stunts we end up doing three stunts a day, overall there are 100 stunts performed performed during the entire season. "The credit for the show goes to the technicians who work hard I just come in the end look at the stunts and tweak a bit if required. And on TV it may look like the stunt is performed in few minutes but the reality is it takes six months of pre-planning. Once the show is edited it looks cool on TV," Rohit told reporters here Thursday at the launch of "Khatron Ke Khiladi", season ...

Olympian Johnny Weir joins Netflix's ice skating drama 'Spinning Out'

Former Olympian Johnny Weir is set to co-star in the 10-episode drama series "Spinning Out" with Kaya Scodelario and Evan Roderick on Netflix. According to Entertainment Weekly's, the show revolves around Kat Baker (Scodelario), an up-and-coming single skater. She is about to leave skating after a disastrous fall, but realises she can continue her career if she enters the paired skating division, forcing her to partner with a talented bad boy named Justin (Roderick). However, their partnership "risks exposing a fiercely kept secret that could unravel her entire life". Weir, who made his acting debut in 2016's "Zoolander 2", will play Gabe, an ice skater who may seem like an easy-going guy, but is really a cutthroat competitor who'll stop at nothing to beat Kat and Justin.

'Zero' is Shah Rukh's career best (Movie Review)

Film: "Zero"; Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma; Director: Aanand L Rai; Rating: ****1/2 (4 and a half stars)

Daniella Pineda joins Netflix's 'What/If'

"Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" star Daniella Pineda has joined Netflix's anthology drama "What/If" as series regular. The 10-episode series, featuring Renee Zellweger, is described as a social thriller exploring the ripple effects when acceptable people start doing unacceptable things. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the first season revolves around newlyweds who accept a dangerous proposition. Pineda will play Cassidy, an analytical, conscientious and work-obsessed employee of Bioprint since its inception. She is the kind of woman who does the right thing, even when no one's looking a quality that will come to haunt her when she is set up to take a big fall. Zellweger is said to be playing a shrewd San Francisco venture capitalist whose towering successes and meticulously curated public persona is the result of a searing devotion to her unapologetic post-feminist doctrine. Jane Levy and Blake Jenner are reportedly playing the newlyweds. The cast also includes Keith Powers, ...

Guillermo Del Toro to produce 'Terrified' remake

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has come on board to produce an English-language remake of 2017's Argentinian horror thriller "Terrified" for Fox Searchlight. Sacha Gervasi is set to write the script, reported Variety. Demian Rugna, who directed the original from his own script, will also helm the remake. The original "Terrified" is set in a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires where a doctor specialising in the paranormal, her colleague, and an ex-police officer investigate horrifying events and attempt to stop the evil before it spreads. The movie starred Ariel Chavarria, Maximiliano Ghione, and Norberto Gonzalo.

Of history, roaring women, ghazals and kids' memory (IANS Books This Weekend)

Uncover the gripping stories of each day in history; rejuvenate your "roaring" power with powerful stories of 30 women; absorb a comprehensive account of Urdu ghazals; and, finally, understand how parents can activate the working memories of their little ones.

Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig join 'Bad Boys' sequel

Actors Alexander Ludwig, Vanessa Hudgens, and Charles Melton have joined Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Sony's "Bad Boys 4 Life". Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are directing the film, reported Variety. Peter Craig has penned the script with Joe Carnahan doing a rewrite. Chris Bremmer is the current writer. Hudgens, Ludwig, and Melton will play a modern, highly specialised police unit that collides with the old school Bad Boys when a new threat emerges in Miami. Production is set to start sometime next month and the film is slated for theatrical release January 17, 2020. Joe Pantoliano is also on board to return as Captain Howard. Jerry Bruckheimer returns as producer. Doug Belgrad will also produce, as will Smith. Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, and James Lassiter are executive producers.

'Beverly Hills, 90210' reboot in works

"Beverly Hills, 90210" reboot is in the works at CBS Television Studios with original cast members set to return. Actors Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Gabrielle Carteris are said to be on board for the new edition of the 1990s teen soap franchise The new version will be steered by the showrunners of the previous iteration of the series, CW's "90210", reported Deadline. The original series, created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling, became a pop culture sensation and aired from 1990 to 2000 on Fox. Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry also starred in the long-running hit. CW revived it for five seasons with a new cast from 2008-2013. The rebooted version saw several original cast members make appearances, including Garth, Doherty, and Spelling.

'Ray Donovan' renewed for season 7

Showtime has renewed "Ray Donovan", featuring Liev Schreiber, for seventh season. According to the Hollywood Reporter, production of the new season is set to begin in spring, 2019 in New York. Starring Schreiber, Jon Voight and, most recently, Susan Sarandon, "Ray Donovan" premiered on Showtime in 2013. It has since become one of the network's most-watched series, currently ranking among cable's top five scripted series. The sixth season saw the series' production and setting shift from Los Angeles to New York. The season six finale is set to air on January 13.

Jane Fonda to receive Stanley Kramer Award from producers guild

Veteran actor, producer and activist Jane Fonda will be honoured with the Producers Guild of America's (PGA) 2019 Stanley Kramer Award. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Fonda will be presented the honour at the 30th annual Producers Guild Awards on January 19 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The award was established in 2002 and honours a production, producer or other individuals whose achievement or contribution illuminates and raises public awareness of important social issues. A two-time Academy Award winner for 1971's "Klute" and 1978's "Coming Home", Fonda was cited in the announcement for her "prolific" work in support of many political and social causes. Recent efforts include her nonprofit, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential, for which she celebrated her 80th birthday a year ago by raising USD 1.3 million to lower the teen pregnancy rate and improve the health and well-being of young people in Georgia. The award's recipient is selected by a nine-person ...

'Zero': Performances outshine the narrative (IANS Review, Rating: ***)

Film: "Zero"; Director: Anand L. Rai; Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, Abhay Deol, Sheeba Chaddha, Bijendra Kala; Rating: *** (3 stars)

Sandra Bullock opens up about her family

Actress Sandra Bullock feels lucky to live in a moment where she can choose how her family looks like.

Rishi Kapoor taught me honesty: Anirudh Tanwar

Actor Anirudh Tanwar is all praise for his "Rajma Chawal" co-star Rishi Kapoor. He says the veteran is a fantastic and an honest person.

Salman, Katrina, others attend Priyanka-Nick wedding reception

Actress Priyanka Chopra and her singer husband Nick Jonas hosted their third wedding reception in Mumbai on Thursday. The newlyweds partied with some of the top Bollywood stars at Taj Lands End Hotel.