Page 718 - Entertainment Culture

Ariana Grande pulls out of another event

Ariana Grande has withdrawn from yet another scheduled performance as she is still trying to overcome her personal turmoil after Mac Miller's death.The 'Get Well Soon' singer was supposed to make her first onstage appearance on Saturday after staying away from the limelight since the death of her ex-boyfriend. Grande was due to perform at F--k Cancer's inaugural Barbara Berlanti Heroes fundraising gala, according to E! Online.Confirming the news, Grande's manager Scooter Braun said, "Someone I'm very close to was supposed to come to sing for you today, and because of things that she's going through, she couldn't be here today."Scooter further revealed that he has now arranged for The Daily Show host Trevor Noah to perform in place of the 'No Tears Left To Cry' singer.On September 7, Mac Miller passed away, reportedly, after a possible drug overdose in California. Ariana and Miller dated for two-and-a-half years before ending their relationship in the spring of 2018.Earlier this month,

Claire Foy was 'deeply hurt' by gender pay gap

Actress Claire Foy says she felt compelled to speak out about the pay gap between herself and "The Crown" co-actor Matt Smith to open doors for others fighting for fair play.

Former head write of SNL Seth Meyers returns as host

Seth Meyers, who was the former head write of Saturday Night Live (SNL) returned to host the show on Saturday.Meyers also said that he was not surprised by rapper Kanye West's supported president Donald Trump, reported the Hollywood Reporter.The episode was a parody of President Donald Trump's meeting with rapper Kanye West and football player Jim Brown. Chris Redd played Kanye West, while the role of Jim Brown was portrayed by Kenan ThompsonAmerican rapper Kanye West met with President Donald Trump at the White House for lunch on Thursday (local time), and held a press conference in which the duo touched upon the 13th and Second amendments, North Korea, bringing manufacturing to the US, and ending stop-and-frisk in Chicago, among other issues.

Scrap decision to give land for Ghai's film school: BJP leader

A Mumbai BJP leader demanded Sunday that the Maharashtra government revoke its decision to give land to filmmaker Subhash Ghai for his film school here in the wake of accusations of sexual misconduct against him. The veteran Bollywood filmmaker has been accused of rape and molestation in the last few days, as the #MeToo movement continues to sweep social media. "In view of sexual harassment charges on Subhash Ghai and police complaint filed, 5.5 acre land leased by govt in Film City for Subhash Ghai's film school, be reverted," tweeted Vivekanand Gupta, secretary of the BJP's Mumbai unit. Gupta tagged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and culture minister Vinod Tawde in his tweet. The BJP-led state government cleared a proposal to lease 5.5 acres of land to Ghai in Film City in Mumbai at a cabinet meeting two weeks ago. Gupta's demand that the decision be scrapped came as an actor-model filed a complaint against the filmmaker Saturday for allegedly molesting her. Before ...

Never thought I will be a successful actor, star: Nawazuddin

Nawazuddin Siddiqui says while he studied theatre, the thought of becoming a "successful actor" or "star" never crossed his mind.

Territorial army band enthrals spectators

The territorial army symphony band enthraled spectators and tourists at the India Gate with melodious and scintillating tunes as the 'citizens' army' celebrated its raising day. As part of the Territorial Army's 69th raising day on October 9, its symphony band played at the iconic India Gate on Saturday and Sunday. The event showcased the rich tradition of the Territorial Army through variety of melodious tunes from contemporary to traditional music, the army said in a statement. "The fusion of Indian traditional with western music enthralled the crowd which congregated in large numbers drawn by the scintillating performance of the band," the statement said. At present, the symphony band consists of more than 40 musicians playing brass, strings and indian classical instruments. This symphony band is a representation of 'Unity in Diversity' which is the essence of 'Territorial Army' also popularly known as the 'Citizens' Army', it added.

International Film Festival of Shimla 2018 concludes

The International Film Festival of Shimla 2018 concluded here Sunday, with "The Fog" by Ali Shoorvarzi and Hoseyn Mahroughi bagging the 'best short film' award, an official press release said. The festival organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with Himalayan velocity saw the participation of 23 countries including the US, Russia, Japan, Iran, Dubai, Argentina, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Canada, Israel, France, Australia, Belarus, Nepal among others. A total of 80 international and national films were screened at the festival. Under the international category, "Its Also Love" by Masao Konno (Japan) was adjudged 'special jury short film'. "Burkinabe Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso" by Lara Lee (Burkina Faso) won 'best documentary' and "New Life" by Veysi Altay (Turkey) won 'special jury documentary' award, it said. In the national category, "Anahut" by Umesh Bagade was declared 'best short fiction', "Plucked" by Tejus Yakhob 'special jury ...

Allegations levelled against me are totally false, motivated:

Veteran Tamil film lyricist Vairamuthu Sunday said sexual harassment allegations against him are "false" and he is ready to follow the legal route if the accusers file a complaint against him. Several women, including singer Chinmayi Sripaada, have accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment. Apart from her own story, Chinmayi corroborated three accounts of Vairamuthu's alleged sexual misconduct and posted them on Twitter without naming the victims. In a short video released on Twitter, the lyricist claimed he has collected "unassailable evidence" in his defence and said he was ready to face those accusing him in the court. "Allegations levelled against me are totally false, motivated. If they are true, those concerned can file a case against me.. I am waiting to face," he said. Vairamuthu said in past one week he held in-depth deliberations with senior lawyers and intellectuals on the issue. Asking people to not judge him, the lyricist said, "None should decide if I am a ...

#MeToo movement a reflection of society: Prakash

Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said that what people are witnessing today as part of the '#MeToo' movement is a reflection of what is happening in the society."Prabhupada Swami always talked about character building and used to say, 'If you lose character, it is a real loss'. What we are witnessing today in #MeToo movement is a reflection of what is happening around," Javadekar said while addressing a gathering here.The 'Me Too' movement gained momentum in India after Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta accused Nata Patekar of misbehaving with her during a film shoot in 2008.Since then, scores of women have come out to speak about their ordeals on social media, including actors, musicians, journalists, and politicos.

Vairamuthu denies sexual harassment allegations

Poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has denied all sexual harassment allegations levelled against him and said that he has 'compiled all evidence' in his defence.Vairamuthu's statement comes after he was accused of alleged sexual misconduct by multiple women as part of the #MeToo movement. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada had also alleged on Twitter that she was asked to 'cooperate' with Vairamuthu by the organisers of an event in Switzerland."All the accusations against me are fake and motivated. If it's true then those who are involved can file a case against me. I am waiting for it. I have had discussions with senior advocates. I have all the evidence compiled. One should not judge me whether I am a good or a bad person. The court decide. I respect the court," Vairamuthu said in a video.The 'Me Too' movement gained momentum in India after Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta accused Nata Patekar of allegedly misbehaving with her during a film shoot in 2008.Since then, scores of women have come out to .

Actress Revathy clarifiescomment on girl who sought help

A day after criticising Malayalam actor's body AMMA, senior south Indian actress Revathy Sunday came out with a clarification on a comment she had made on the the experience of a minor girl during the shooting of a film years ago. In a press note, Revathi said, the incident, which she mentioned, had happened 25 or 26 years back and not in recent years as some people were projecting it to be. The 'Kilukkam' actress also made it clear that the girl, who had sought her help was not sexually or physically assaulted. The actress-director came out with a clarification after many people had criticised her silence and a man reportedly filed a police complaint against her for "hiding" the incident all these years. While detailing the necessity to make the film industry a safer place for women, Revathy had said in the press meet called by Women in Cinema Collective in Kochi Saturday that, a 17-year-old girl had knocked at her doors, pleading to save her during the shooting of a ..

Richard Madden in talks to play James Bond

"Game of Thrones" fame star Richard Madden is in talks to essay the role of Agent 007 after actor Daniel Craig stepped down from the film.

Allegations levelled against me are totally false, motivated: Vairamuthu

Veteran Tamil film lyricist Vairamuthu Sunday said sexual harassment allegations against him are "false" and he is ready to follow the legal route if the accusers file a complaint against him. Several women, including singer Chinmayi Sripaada, have accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment. Apart from her own story, Chinmayi corroborated three accounts of Vairamuthu's alleged sexual misconduct and posted them on Twitter without naming the victims. In a short video released on Twitter, the lyricist claimed he has collected "unassailable evidence" in his defence and said he was ready to face those accusing him in the court. "Allegations levelled against me are totally false, motivated. If they are true, those concerned can file a case against me.. I am waiting to face," he said. Vairamuthu said in past one week he held in-depth deliberations with senior lawyers and intellectuals on the issue. Asking people to not judge him, the lyricist said, "None should decide if I am a good or a bad ...

Michael Buble announces retirement from music

Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer Michael Buble has announced his retirement from music after admitting he no longer has the desire for fame following his son's battle with cancer.

Sonam wishes 'total rockstar' Zoya on 46th birthday

Bollywood director Zoya Akhtar has turned a year wiser and her dear friend and Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor has the best birthday wish for her 'total rockstar'.Taking to her Instagram stories, the 'Veere Di Wedding' star shared a picture of the 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' director holding a tape recorder and smiling.She captioned the image as. , "Happy Birthday @zoieakhtar you're a total rockstar! I hope this year is full of love, laughter and everything you could desire.'Sonam's younger sister, designer-producer Rhea Kapoor also wished the director, writing, "Happy birthday Zoya. You will never know that how much your call after you watched my movie meant to me. Thank you, for always being so genuinely kind and encouraging. You inspire me to be like you, there are a lot a lot of people in this industry who are happy for each other. Thank you, for reaching out when a girl needs it and just being a badass in general. #goals."Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif also took to Instagram and wrote,

It is important to handle the #MeToo movement responsibly: Kriti Sanon

Kriti Sanon Sunday praised women for sharing their stories of sexual harassment in the wake of the #MeToo movement and said the fear which is being instilled in the offenders, courtesy the campaign, is a welcome change. The actor said she hopes the movement is here to stay "but we need to make sure this does not get diluted." "It takes a lot of courage for a girl to come out in the open and talk about her #MeToo story and hats off to the ones who have spoken up. Thanks to you girls and the movement that now people will fear being caught if they wrong anyone. This fear was much need and is hopefully here to stay," she posted on Twitter. Kriti, however, questioned the anonymity of some of the alleged victims, saying just one fake account can malign someone's name and career. "What happens when a #MeToo story of an 'anonymous' girl comes out against someone? Do we simply believe it without knowing who the girl is or if she even exists? How does one inspect such an incident in order to ...

Kriti Sanon questions veracity of anonymous #MeToo stories

Actress Kriti Sanon on Sunday urged people to handle the #MeToo movement responsibly and to not dilute the movement with their anonymity.

Prashant Agarwal: The man who captures Indian classical music

Capturing legends at work is never easy, but then trust diplomat-cum-shutterbug Prashant Agarwal, for knowing what it takes to freeze just the right frame for eternity. The evidence, captured in some breathtaking frames, is currently hanging on the walls of the gallery at the India International Centre where one can witness pictures of maestros of Indian classical music striking just the right note. The exhibition is his tribute to great Indian artistes including Kishori Amonkar, Amjad Ali Khan, and SPIC-MACAY for their contribution in preserving the country's classical music heritage. Agarwal, who is also a 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, said he couldn't make peace with the fact that he missed out on Kishori Amonkar's last concert in Delhi in 2016, and came up with the idea of paying his tribute to the great Indian classical vocalist with this exhibition. "Missing this opportunity to witness the legendary Amonkar in action was something I deeply regretted. That is ..

Lust is replacing love on-screen, says Karan Johar

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who has helmed films like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", says showcasing old world romance on-screen today is no longer viable.

Actor-model files molestation complaint against Subhash Ghai

An actor-model has lodged a complaint against Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai for allegedly molesting her, a senior police official said Sunday. The complaint was filed at the Versova police station on Saturday night, he added. "We have received a written complaint application from her and an inquiry into the matter is underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone IX, Paramjit Singh Dahiya said. In her complaint, the actor alleged that Ghai had called her to his residence in August and forcibly tried to kiss her. "He (Ghai) called me to his house on August 6. There were about five to six people there. He told me to massage his back and head. It was shocking for me, but as a mark of respect for the 73-year-old person, I massaged his head for three to five minutes and then went to the washroom to wash my hands," the complaint read. It added that Ghai followed her to the washroom and then took her to another room, saying he wanted to talk to her about something. "He told me to ...