Page 818 - Entertainment Culture
Eminent children's writer Ramendra Kumar honoured in Athens
Award winning children's writer Ramendra Kumar was honoured at the 36th International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Congress in Athens where he showcased the glory of Jagannath culture. Besides chairing two important sessions at the 3-day IBBY Congress recently, Kumar said he also presented a paper on 'The Brave New World of Indian Childrens Literature.' Globally acclaimed speakers from different countries presented papers during the sessions chaired by Kumar, who is a distinguished children's writer and chief of communications in the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). Kumar was the only Indian writer to have got this honour. The Congress, where 450 delegates from more than 70 countries participated, is considered to be the biggest biennial global event focusing on childrens literature, a statement of RSP said. During the sessions at the event held from August 30 to September 1, Kumar also highlighted the global relevance of the Jagannath consciousness, it said. "I am .
I am a minimalist in life: Harshvardhan Rane
Actor Harshvardhan Rane is a minimalist, keeping very few things and enjoys living close to nature. For Rane, who played the real-life character of Major Harbhajan Singh in war drama 'Paltan', helmed by veteran filmmaker J P Dutta, released last week, his jeep is everything for him. The four-wheeler has no stereo, radio and music system. He has also removed the back seat so that he can cook food and also sleep in the vehicle. "I go to bed in my jeep", says Rane who often camps in the jungle. "I have also built a tree-house outside Mumbai. That's my house," Rane says proudly. "That's my idea of living close to nature. I am definitely a minimalist. I have very few things in life", he told PTI. He ran away from home at the age of 16 with a dream to become a film actor and did odd jobs like courier delivery boy in his struggling phase, and today he is full of gratitude towards the industry. Rane made his Bollywood debut in 2016 with 'Sanam Teri Kasam' and 'Paltan' is his ...
Lil Wayne admits attempting suicide at age 12
American rapper Lil Wayne recently opened up about how he tried to end his life when he was 12-years-old.According to his new Billboard cover story released on Thursday, on an unnamed track from his upcoming album 'Tha Carter V', Wayne told how he found a gun in his mother's home when he was 12-years-old and shot himself in the chest, just missing his heart.In the past, Wayne had called this an accident but he now "admits this was a suicide attempt, undertaken after his mother told him he would no longer be allowed to rap," according to Billboard.After recovering from his gunshot wound, the rapper's mother allowed him to join the Cash Money team but under one condition- he couldn't swear.The confession wasn't originally a part of the unnamed song, but Wayne stated that he added new lyrics after the suicides of designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain this year.Talking about his retirement plans, the rapper said he is still thinking about it."I do think about ...
Hollywood has not really tapped Indian market: Oscar-nominated producer
Academy Award nominated-producer David Womark sees India as a huge market, but feels that Hollywood is yet to tap it.
Kylie Jenner says she's bullied by 'the whole world' in Snapchat video
Kylie Jenner has said she has been "bullied" by the "whole world" since she was a nine-year-old girl. In a heartfelt video released on her Snapchat, Kylie, 21, opened up about her experiences with paparazzi and media spotlight during her younger years. The video, which shows clips of the star being chased by eager photographers on red carpets, was shared by her older sister Kendall on Twitter with the caption 'that made me cry'. Through the video, Kylie says she hopes to inspire those who are being bullied and tell them that they "are not alone." "Half of you guys think I'm weird. And the other half think I'm funny. But I've been bullied since I've been nine. From the whole world it feels like sometimes," the make-up mogul said. "And I think, I think I've done a really great job in handling all of this. But there are bullies everywhere. So this just a little like Snapchat to tell whoever with their own bullies that the only opinion that really matters is yours and to never change," ...
Seeing world through female lead's eyes has become relevant: 'Love Sonia' producer
Art imitates life and this appears to be the case with cinema as films with female protagonists seem to have attained relevance, says "Love Sonia" producer David Womark. The #MeToo movement is on the cusp of completing its first anniversary and the filmmaker calls the upswing "rewarding". "Filmmaking reflects society whenever there is big change. If you go to the '70s at the time of Vietnam War, the American filmmaking revolution (with) hippies smoking pot, liberation, freedom of thought and now were going through another big transformation. "I saw 'NH-10' and I enjoyed it. So there is an action picture with a women kicking some bu**, which is fun to see because it's a variety and it's commercial. But I think it's also uplifting to see that all of a sudden a genre where you're seeing the world through the eyes of the female protagonist. It is relevant, effective and rewarding," Womark told PTI in an interview. Directed by Tabrez Noorani, "Love Sonia", inspired by true events, is the ..
'Bohemian Rhapsody' does not ignore Freddie Mercury's sexuality, AIDS diagnosis: Rami Malek
Actor Rami Malek has hit back at critics of Freddie Mercury-biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody", saying the film does not shy away from the legendary singer's sexuality and cause of death. The biographical drama, directed by Bryan Singer, features Malek in the role of Mercury. The film's trailer was severely criticised for overlooking the rock legend's sexuality and AIDS diagnosis. In an interview with Attitude magazine, 37-year-old Malek said he was saddened by the fact that people are passing remarks about the film based on its teaser. "It's difficult. First, let me say that I don't think the film shies away from his sexuality or his all-consuming disease, which is obviously AIDS. "I don't know how you could avoid any of that, or if anyone would ever want to. It's a bit absurd that anyone's judging this from a minute trailer," the "Mr Robot" star said. The actor also said that they have presented Mercury's life in the film in a "delicate manner". "You can't shy away from it. It was an ...
Peter Dinklage wants Reed Morano to helm 'Supergirl' film
"Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage believes Reed Morano, who directed him in the feature "I Think We're Alone Now", should helm the "Supergirl" film. Speaking at the premiere of the new film, Dinklage addressed the rumours of Warner Bros planning to collaborate with Morano for the "Supergirl" solo and said the director is perfect for it. "I just heard about it today, but stranger things have happened out of rumours. Could be fun to start rumours and make a movie!" Dinklage said. "Reed is just a beautiful cinematographer and director," he added. Dinklage's co-star Elle Fanning also seemed excited about the prospects of Morano helming the superhero film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Reed is someone who is so inspiring when you watch her, just her abundance of artistic talent and how she can juggle so many things," Fanning said. "I'm open to (her directing 'Supergirl'), sure!" she added. Morano, best known for directing episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale", said she has not ...
India should legalise marijuana: Uday Chopra
Actor Uday Chopra says India should legalise marijuana as it can be be a huge revenue source and has medical benefits.
Kyra Sedgwick to direct supernatural love story
American actress Kyra Sedgwick will direct the independent supernatural love story "The Way Between" from a script by Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lee.
Now, pick what your kid watches on YouTube
Giving parents even more control over the content their child watches, YouTube has announced new tools and content to make the video experience safer for the young.In its official blog, YouTube announced new parental control that allows one to handpick every video and channel available to their child in the app. The feature is rolling out on Android for global users. It will be soon rolled out to the iOS version.To enable this feature, head to settings, go to the child's profile and select 'approved content only'. You can now start choosing videos for the kids to limit their exposure to unwanted content.In addition to this, YouTube has also announced a new experience for the older kids aged 8-12 years. It includes new content including popular music and gaming videos. Parents can choose this profile for their child when creating or updating their profile.
Neil, Adah to star in 'Bypass Road'
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh will be seen in the upcoming film "Bypass Road", which marks the directorial debut of his younger brother Naman Nitin Mukesh.
Exploring a city, life's challenges and a rape victim's tale (IANS Books This Weekend)
Go through a topographical anthology that explores sites of interest and recreates the key events, customs and lives of the past vis-a-vis Delhi and Agra; get answers to your existential queries, learn and evolve from the challenges of life; read a fictional tale around the life of a rape victim, based on the Nirbhaya gang-rape; and flick through English translation of Urdu writer Nazir Ahmad's Mirat ul-'Arus.
John Legend to join 'The Voice' as coach in season 16
Musical competition series "The Voice" has added John Legend as a coach. The 39-year-old musician, who recently won Emmy win for his role in "Jesus Christ Superstar Live", will replace Jennifer Hudson in the 16th season of the show. Legend will join returning coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, as well as host Carson Daly, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm thrilled to join the coaches of 'The Voice'. I've been a guest and mentor on the show multiple times and I'm so excited to discover talented singers and help them make the most of their gift," Legend said in a statement. "I hope the world is ready for #TeamJL," he added. After his Creative Arts Emmy win on Sunday, Legend has officially scored an EGOT (winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony). He won an Oscar in 2015 for his original song "Glory" for Selma, and scored a Tony in 2017 for producing the revival of August Wilson's "Jitney". Legend has also scored 10 Grammys over the course of his music .
John Legend joins 'The Voice' season 16 as coach
Singer John Legend is joining American singing competition television series "The Voice" season 16 as a coach.
Elisabeth Moss watched Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse documentaries for role in 'Her Smell'
"The Handmaid's Tale" star Elizabeth Moss has said that she studied the documentaries on the lives of Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, and Marilyn Monroe to prepare for her role in the film "Her Smell". The 36-year-old actor plays Becky Something, a self-destructive punk rocker who struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success. "I watched any music documentary I could get my hands on, honestly," Moss told IndieWire. "All the usual suspects, 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck', which I'd already seen but now I've seen a million times, 'Amy', the Amy Winehouse documentary. And also things on Marilyn Monroe, like that kind of thing, just to get a grasp of that fame and that addiction. Anything I could find about somebody who was incredibly famous or successful, but also dealing with addiction, was very helpful," she added. The film, directed by Alex Ross Perry, had its world premiere at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.
Bieber, Hailey spotted at marriage license courthouse
Pop singer Justin Bieber and his fiancee Hailey Baldwin have been inseparable ever since they started dating. The couple recently visited the courthouse where marriage licenses are issued.As reported by TMZ, several eyewitnesses said the couple was inside the Marriage Bureau in NYC where Justin got emotional. They added that the 'Sorry' singer was crying and at one point told Hailey, "I can't wait to marry you, baby."The lovebirds were spotted walking hand-in-hand, with Hailey dressed in a casual white outfit and Bieber, in a striped shirt and pants.However, a friend of Bieber told PEOPLE magazine that the wedding is still in the works."They have hired a wedding planner and have been looking at venues," informed the friend. "The plan, for now, is to have a real wedding."The 'Love Yourself' singer took to social media on July 10 to confirm his engagement with the American model.The love-struck couple has been in news ever since they confirmed their engagement on social media in July ...
Nicolas Cage says R-rated 'Ghost Rider' could be hit today
Actor Nicolas Cage believes that his 2007 superhero film "Ghost Rider" would have been a hit if it was made and released in the present era. The 54-year-old actor told Yahoo Entertainment that an R-rated "Ghost Rider", made on the lines of "Deadpool", would be "enormously successful" today. "Had 'Ghost Rider' been made in R-rated format, the way they had the guts to do with 'Deadpool', and they did it again today, I'm fairly certain it would be enormously successful," Cage said. Upon its debut, Cage's film was panned by the critics and grossed USD 115 million in the US against a USD 110 million budget Cage, however, insists that the 2007 film and its 2012 sequel, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance", did well post its box office run. "I still think the movies were a hit. People don't look at the subsidiary outlets, like DVD and streaming and whatnot. When you look at what (directors) Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor did (on 'Spirit of Vengeance') for USD 50 million, and they got a USD ...
Broadway musical star Marin Mazzie passes away
American actor and singer, Marin Joy Mazzie, known for her works in musical theatre, took her last breath at the age of 57.The Broadway star passed away at her home in New York City on Thursday morning and was surrounded by her loved ones."I confirm three-time Tony Award Nominee Marin Mazzie passed away at her Manhattan home peacefully at 10:10 a.m. this morning surrounded by her husband Jason Danieley, close friends and family," publicist Kim Correro informed E! News.Danieley also released a statement confirming his wife's death and wrote that Marin was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer in May of 2015.Born in Rockford, Illinois, Mazzie began singing in a church choir at the age of 8. After her graduation in 1982, Mazzie moved to New York City and made her stage debut in a 1983 Equity Library Theatre revival of the 1948 musical 'Where's Charley?'Mazzie was a three-time Tony Award nominee for her performances as Clara in 'Passion' (1994), Mother in 'Ragtime' (1998), and Lilli ...
Aaron Paul joins 'Westworld' season three
"Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul is all set to star in the season three of sci-fi series "Westworld". The 39-year-old actor will have a regular role in the high concept show which was recently renewed by the studio for a third season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Paul, best known for playing Jesse Pinkman in Bryan Cranston-starrer "Breaking Bad", joins Evan Rachel Wood, Ed Harris, James Marsden, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson and others in the series. The actor also shared the news on Twitter and wrote, "I feel like I'm in a dream Dolores. Can you wake me up from this dream? #Westworld". The sci-fi thriller, based on the 1973 Michael Crichton's movie of the same name and created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin. In the second season, which debuted on April 22, the androids have raged a mutiny against their human creators. The airing date of the third season is yet to be revealed.