Page 926 - Entertainment Culture

Remembering Naipaul: A flawed genius

Celebrated for his extensive commentary on both, colonisers and colonised, in fiction and non-fiction, V S Naipaul walked the controversy tightrope, admired for his prose but scorned by those who perceived him as an apologist for imperial powers. Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, or Sir Vidia, as he was sometimes known died at his London home at the age of 85 today, leaving behind a legacy of lucid prose and unapologetic narratives strewn across dozens of works that earned him both applause and brickbats, say experts. Looking back at the Nobel Laureate's elaborate literary career of over five decades, Patrick French, the author of his biography "The World is What It Is", remembered him as a "very funny and witty" person who was "always conscious of his Indian family background". Born to an Indian family in Trinidad, Naipaul's portraits of Africa, India, West Indies and the Islamic faith brought him hostility for his views. "In his books, he tried to describe the best and the worst of ...

Liev Schreiber to appear in court over harassment charges

Hollywood movie star Liev Schreiber has been summoned to appear at a court for allegedly harassing a photographer on Tuesday.According to Page Six, the 'X-Men' star's lawyer said that when the incident took place, the actor did not make physical contact with the photographer.Schreiber's lawyer further added that the former only pushed the photographer's camera as a flash went off in his face.The lawyer also went on to say that this act of Schreiber does not equal to breaking any law.Schreiber has been charged with second-degree harassment, which is a violation.The lawyer further confirmed that he will try and get the actor free from the charge, as the charges framed could not be equated to a violation of the law.

Britney Spears remenisces her debut single

Singer Britney Spears' first single "...Baby one more time" will complete 20 years this October. Recalling that moment, she said it was such a fun and crazy time.

Miss Diva Miss Universe India back with its new edition

Miss Diva Miss Universe India is once again back and this time with its sixth edition. The nationwide auditions for the competition began in June and were held in 10 cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Indore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Delhi. It culminated with Mumbai audition last week after which the top 20 finalists were announced who will now compete for the coveted crown. The winner of the competition will represent India at the coveted pageant Miss Universe 2018. The finalists will undergo vigorous training and grooming from the best in the industry and will participate in 4 city sub-contest event followed by a thematic night, which is an all new format with a unique concept based event to vie for the crown. The first sub contest was held in Goa followed by the second at the Roseate House, Aerocity New Delhi. The finalists will later travel to Chennai and the final sub-contest will be in Mumbai. The judges for the Delhi sub contest included Bollywood celebs

Trinidad pays tribute to Noble laureate Naipaul

People in this Caribbean nation on Sunday mourned the death of their national-icon and Noble laureate V.S. Naipaul, with many calling him "one of greatest gifts to the world". Naipaul, born in Chaguanas town of Trinidad, died on Saturday evening.

Britney Spears recalls recording '...Baby One More Time'

Singer Britney Spears has reflected back at the beginning of her career as her first track "...Baby One More Time" completes 20 years. In an interview with The Guardian, the 36-year-old singer said that she knew Max Martin had written a "great" track but never expected it to be a huge hit. The track, released in 1998, marked the beginning of her Britney's career and instantly launched her into stardom. "The whole song is about that stress that we all go through as teens. I knew it was a great song. It was different and I loved it, (but) I don't think you can anticipate how a song is going to be received," said Spears. The singer hailed Max as a "genius" and said she loves working with him. "I really respect that when I'm working with him. I think Max is a genius. It all just came together and felt right. In my opinion Max is the greatest songwriter of all time," Britney said. The singer had travelled to Stockholm to record the track with Martin and remembering her trip, Britney said ..

Stories talk to you, they don't leave you: Mudassar Aziz

Mudassar Aziz believes that story is most important aspect of filmmaking and directors should only make films when they have a good script. Six years after he made his directorial debut with passable "Dulha Mil Gaya", featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen and Fardeen Khan, Aziz won over the critics and audiences with his 2016 film "Happy Bhag Jayegi". Now, Aziz is gearing up for the release of its sequel, "Happy Phir Bhag Jayegi", which will hit the theatres on August 24. "Stories talk to you, they are living things, they are not dead things. They create a stir in your life, they don't leave you. That's when you should make a film. Don't make a film because you have to make a film," Aziz told PTI. Money was never a motivator for Aziz, who dropped out of engineering college in the final year to fulfil his dream of making films. "...We land up reaching a certain stage in our life where bills will get paid, coffee will be affordable, let that not become the reason to make a film. "This .

Vijay doesn't want fans to waste time on 'unproductive' activities

Actor Vijay Devarakonda says he doesn't want his fans, whom he calls "rowdies", to waste even two minutes on any unproductive activity.

Visibility is good if it offers variety: Actors on multiple releases

Be it National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao or actresses Taapsee Pannu and Shraddha Kapoor, they are ruling Bollywood by having multiple film releases.

Demi Lovato temporarily leaves rehab

Demi Lovato has reportedly left the rehabilitation facility she entered last week in search of additional treatment in Chicago. According to People magazine, the 25-year-old singer and her mother, Dianna De La Garza, left Los Angeles and flew to Chicago to meet with a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health and sobriety treatment. "She's in the midst of recovery," a source told the publication. "It's going to be a long road, and Demi knows that. Emotionally, it hasn't been easy, but she's doing okay," it added. Last month, Lovato overdosed on what was reported as an unspecified opioid. She was found unconscious in her Hollywood Hills residence. She was then taken to Cedars-Sinai hospital, where she listed in stable condition and has remained there since the incident. Following her hospitalization, the singer had cancelled performances in Atlantic City and Toronto, which were originally slated for July 26 and July 29 respectively. Earlier this week, the singer cancelled the rest .

Video of vocalists from MP singing national anthem released

A video of classical singers from Madhya Pradesh singing the national anthem was released here today. The video features famous classical singer Pandit Ajay Pohankar, dhrupad singers Gundecha Brothers, Meeta Pandit, famous folk singer Prahlad Singh Tippaniya, classical singers Bhuvnesh Komkali, Pandit Sajjanlal Bhatt and Ulhas Telang, director of ATG Media Karan Anup Khanna told reporters here. The video was shot at various locations in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Renowned sitar maestro Smita Nagdev, santoor player Shruti Adhikari along with her son Ninaad Adhikari, well-known sarangi player Hanif Hussain and sarod maestro Aamir Khan also feature in the video, Khanna added.

Amy Adams requires back story to prepare for a role

Actor Amy Adams has said that she needs to know the background of a character before she can embody it on screen. According to Femalefirst, the "Arrival" star said that it adds to her performance if she can give her character a good back story. "For each character, I build a psychological back story from the age of around three - I'll imagine their whole life leading up to the present day," Adams said. Adams most recently starred in HBO series "Sharp Objects" where she played Camille Preaker, an emotionally troubled reporter who returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. The 43-year-old actor said she is very grateful to her family for helping her during the making of show which often required her to visit "uncomfortable" places. "You have to go and live in a place that's rather uncomfortable, but I am lucky that I have great friends and family and they pull you right out at the end of the day. It was darker and deeper than I first thought though," Adams said.

Hamill once advised Schwarzenegger to lose his accent

"Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill once advised Austrian-American actor Arnold Schwarzenegger to lose his accent and last name.

Happy with A certificate for 'Satyameva Jayate': Nikkhil Advani

Producer Nikkhil Advani says the 'A' certificate for Milap Zaveri's anti-corruption film "Satyameva Jayate" is most welcome. The violence, the CBFC felt, was "extremely relevant".

Wasn't stumped by Jimmy Kimmel's Trump question, says Kanye West

Kanye West has denied that he was "stumped" by a question about US President Donald Trump from host Jimmy Kimmel. West, 41, recently appeared on Kimmel's show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" where the host asked him whether he believes that Trump would "care about black people". As West remained silent, Kimmel took the show to a commercial. The rapper has now disputed the claims that he was left "stumped" by Kimmel's question and said he was not given a chance to answer it. "On Jimmy Kimmel we had a great time having a dialogue. I'm reading that I was stumped by a question. Let me clarify the click bait. I wasn't stumped. I wasn't given a chance to answer the question," he wrote. "The question was so important I took time to think. And then I was hit with the let's go to commercial break. That interview showed strong personalities with different opinions having a civil conversation," he added. West confirmed that there was no ill feeling about the incident. "I was so happy when I saw Jimmy walk .

Debby Ryan, Alyssa Milano defend 'Insatiable' after backlash

Actor Debby Ryan has defended her Netflix series "Insatiable" which stirred up controversy for its take on fat shaming and cruelty. The new series from the streaming giant follows Ryan's character Patty, who loses significant amount of weight after having her jaw wired shut and decides to take revenge from those who fat shamed her in high school. In an interview with EOnline, Ryan said that despite the backlash, she is happy that the show has started a conversation about important issue. "I'm super thankful that there is such an awareness and such a concern about these topics and I'm really glad that we have been able to step a little bit more forward into the conversation," the 25-year-old actor said. Ryan's co-star from the series Alyssa Milano also defended the show. "Any time people start a conversation about social issues it's a good thing. Obviously, people are already having that conversation, which I think is a good thing. But I do think there's lots more for them to be upset .

Potpourri of Indian arts to end in Delhi

A five-day multidisciplinary programme "Incredible India", giving platform to classical and folk dances, music, Indian cuisine and painting, will conclude at Connaught Places Central Park here on Sunday.

Ashi cuts 67 birthday cakes

"Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hain" actress Ashi Singh, who turned 21 on Sunday, has cut 67 birthday cakes.

Jindal Art Institute offers classes in performing arts

Offering classes in classical dance forms, musical instruments, theatre and fitness, the Jindal Art Institute (JAI), held its inaugural showcase here.

Authors mourn Naipaul's death; lost a beloved old brother, says Rushdie

Salman Rushdie today mourned the death of V S Naipaul, saying he lost a beloved older brother while fellow authors said he was one of the greatest writers who was very engaging when he turned on the charm. Naipaul's family today announced he died in London at the age of 85. British Indian novelist Rushdie in a tweet said, "We disagreed all our lives, about politics, about literature, and I feel as sad as if I just lost a beloved older brother. RIP Vidia." Author-poet Jeet Thayil described Naipaul as an awful man and a brilliant writer and said his death was like "losing a cantankerous, contrarian father". He also put out several other tweets tagging his quotes and photographs. Sanjoy K Roy, one of the organisers of Jaipur Literature Festival, tweeted, "He could be cranky and disagreeable but when he turned on the charm he was engaging and more often then not educative and informative! He will be missed." The official feed of the Nobel Prize also put out a tweet saying, "Remembering V .