Celebrity Gossip: December 2010

Details of Reese Witherspoon's 4-carat engagement ring

Actress Reese Witherspoon was recently seen sporting a 4-carat engagement ring.

Witherspoon, 34, became engaged to talent agent Jim Toth on December 28 after a whirlwind romance.

The beautiful 4-carat engagement ring is an Ashoka cut set on a pave diamond and platinum band.

The shape was re-created based on the famous 41.37 carat diamond named after the Buddhist warrior-emperor Ashoka Maurya and is known for its exceptional beauty and unique cut.

"In the past year, the retro look in diamonds has been very popular," Radar Online quoted jeweller William Goldberg as telling People magazine of the design.

"It's a very elegant cut and it has an old feel to it," he stated.

Bobby Farrell, the only male member of the disco group Boney M, died here aged 61, an official said Thursday.

"A probe (into his death) is underway," the source said without elaborating.

The website of City Concert entertainment agency said Farrell and Boney M were to perform two shows in St. Petersburg Dec 28 and 29, but their location was not disclosed.

Russian media reported that the band was to perform at a private party.

A Russian tabloid, Life News, said Farrell felt ill after a conflict during his show, and died of a heart attack.

A source close to the organizers said Farrell's long-time co-performer, Liz Mitchell, was in tears over his death.

Mitchell's husband, Thomas, who is with his wife and the rest of the group in St. Petersburg, could not be reached by telephone to confirm the cause of the dancer's death.

The Dutch consulate in St. Petersburg said it was informed of its citizen's death, but received no official notification from Russian authorities.

Boney M, popular in late 1970s, was the favourite ensemble of disco fan Leonid Brezhnev and still enjoys great popularity in Russia.

"Dabangg" Salman Khan will now send out a new message to his fans - 'Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai' - as the newly appointed brand ambassador of Mountain Dew soft drink.

"I love the high-action imagery of Mountain Dew and more importantly the fact that it's not mindless action but there is a message at its core 'Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai'. I have spent time with the Mountain Dew team and I eagerly look forward to working with them," Salman, who has been appointed by PepsiCo India as the brand ambassador, said in a statement.

This is the first time that a brand ambassador has been appointed for Mountain Dew.

Speaking about the association, Deepika Warrier, marketing director, Pepsico Beverages, said: "Mountain Dew is strongly anchored in the relevant consumer insight of 'Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai'. Salman Khan embodies this philosophy and he has strong national appeal. We look forward to the partnership and are confident that it will be mutually rewarding."

Apart from this, Salman endorses brands like Chlormint, Wheel and Dixcy Scott among others.

LOS ANGELES: ‘Another Year’ a comedy film, has released. The film is written and directed by Mike Leigh and stars Jim Broadbent as Tom, Lesley Manville as Mary, Ruth Sheen as Gerri, Oliver Maltman as Joe, Peter Wight as Ken, David Bradley as Ronnie, Martin Savage as Carl, Karina Fernandez as Katie, Michele Austin as Tanya, Philip Davis as Jack (as Phil Davis), Imelda Staunton as Janet, Stuart McQuarrie as Tom's Colleague, Eileen Davies as Mourner, Mary Jo Randle as Mourner and Ben Roberts as Mourner.

Movie synopsis: A married couple who have managed to remain blissfully happy into their autumn years, are surrounded over the course of the four seasons of one average year by friends, colleagues, and family who all seem to suffer some degree of unhappiness.

LOS ANGELES: Johnny Depp enjoyed making his upcoming movie Rango as it gave him the chance to “be silly”.

The actor provides the voice for the film’s title character, with stars including Bill Nighy, Isla Fisher and Abigail Breslin also displaying their vocal talents.

The comedy is CGI-animated, with the actor’s own facial expressions providing a reference for their characters, and Johnny loved delivering his performances on a soundstage alongside his co-stars.

"I think it just gives a bunch of grownups an opportunity to be silly," he laughed.

The movie is set for release next year, and tells the tale of a chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero before finding himself stuck in a Western town plagued by bandits. Johnny felt he had a great deal in common with his reptile character, as he too sometimes wonders who he really is.

"Rango is a lizard attempting to adapt to his surroundings," the star told ET. "He's trying to figure out what he's supposed to be, like most of us in life. It's certainly like nothing I've ever done before, or any of us have ever done before."

Paula Abdul has claimed that she has never been drunk.

In an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, the Live To Dance host denied rumours that she abuses drugs and alcohol, insisting that her odd behaviour is simply a part of her "goofy" personality.

"I've never had a drinking problem. Even though I've been in this business for quite some time," she explained.

"I've never physically been drunk in my life. I've never been drunk in my life! I don't use recreational drugs. But I am goofy."

Abdul went on to defend her intellect, challenging those who might doubt her intelligence.

"I am intelligent. I am," she said. "Having a brain, that's a concept, yes, with Paula Abdul. I have a brain."

The wife of the late Paul Gray has insisted that the rocker's death was "a mistake".

The Slipknot bassist was found dead in his Iowa hotel room in May after suffering a drug overdose.

In a tribute to Gray in the new Revolver magazine, widow Brenna said that she would rather her husband be remembered for his music and personal achievements than his shortcomings.

"I don't want people to judge him for the mistake that he made. He wasn't just a drug addict. That was a little part of his life that he couldn't overcome," she explained.

"He was a great guy, a great musician, a great husband, a great friend, a great brother, a great son. And I just want people to know that."

Brenna went on to reveal that she hopes to help others learn from the tragedy via advocacy work.

"I've been working with the organisation MusiCares, and if they can get my story out there, as hard as it is to tell... if one person can save their life with my husband losing his, that's what matters," she said.

The BBC has defended its decision to air an interview with a supporter of state-sponsored execution of gay men, arguing that the contribution was to give balance to news coverage of the birth of Sir Elton John's son.

On Tuesday, the BBC's News At Six bulletin featured a report on the birth of Sir Elton's first child with his partner David Furnish on Christmas Day.

The piece also featured an interview with Stephen Green, of right-wing group Christian Voice, who has previously supported the proposed death penalty for gay men in Uganda, reports the Pink News.

In the interview, which was repeated later on the BBC News channel, Green claimed that the baby was a "designer accessory" for Sir Elton, and said that depriving the child of its natural mother was "an act of pure selfishness".

The contribution of Green caused controversy among viewers, but a BBC spokesman said that it was included to reflect the wider debate on surrogacy for gay couples.

The spokesman said: "The practice of surrogacy is a sensitive subject and remains controversial in some quarters.

"Our short news bulletin featured Elton John talking about wanting to have a child and an opposing viewpoint. All sides of the debate on surrogacy have been widely reported in the news media and our coverage has reflected this."

In August, the BBC Trust dismissed complaints against a BBC News online discussion headline on the anti-homosexuality bill being proposed in Uganda, which controversially asked, "Should homosexuals face execution?"

JLS 'in New Year party booze ban'

JLS have reportedly been told to cut back their New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Sun reports that the 'Love You More' group's management warned the bandmates to limit their partying because they have to continue their 'Outta This World' tour on Monday.

"The boys were looking forward to letting their hair down," a source told the paper. "It is New Year's Eve after all.

"They've been told to be quite strict with themselves seeing as they've got half the tour left."
It was claimed yesterday that Marvin Humes believes that he is too skinny but struggles to put on weight.

Mel B has admitted that she talks about her sex life a lot.

The former Spice Girl said that she talks so openly about making love to husband Stephen Belafonte that other people could think she is obsessed, according to Bang Showbiz.

"We have lots of sex, we raise our kids very well and Stephen cooks dinner every night for the whole family - life's good," she said.

"Everybody has sex, especially if you're married. I don't know if married people will be inspired by me though - they might just think I'm a pervert."

The 35-year-old went on to say that sex is a good way for her to keep fit, adding: "I think any kind of sexual activity is a bit of a workout if you do it right.

We have good communication with each other and I never fake it."

Susanna Reid has revealed that her home was recently burgled during the night.

The BBC Breakfast host said that thieves broke into her South London house while she was sleeping on Wednesday night and made off with her car, a 32-inch television and an Apple iPad and iPhone.

Reid - who lives with her partner Dominic Cotton and their three sons - told the Daily Mail that it was her children who first noticed something was missing.

She explained: "We found out we had been burgled when our 6-year-old son came upstairs and said, 'Daddy, where's the TV?'

"The boys know what happened, but they are not too concerned. They were just excited about the police coming round and dusting for fingerprints."

Reid said that she was glad no-one was injured and that none of the children's presents were snatched in the burglary. She also admitted that she was relieved not to have encountered any of the intruders.

"I woke up in the middle of the night, which is unusual for me, and couldn't sleep for an hour or so. I'm just so relieved I didn't bump into them," she added.

"I feel so bad for people who have had this done to them before Christmas when there are loads of presents in the house. At least that didn't happen to us. All the children's gifts had been unwrapped and weren't in full view."

SAO PAULO: "Elite Squad 2," a Brazilian movie mixing explosive action with political intrigue, has become Brazil's top movie of all time, besting even the US blockbuster "Avatar" at the national box office, producers and industry specialists said.

The movie, a sequel to a 2007 original that also became a huge success, has taken 60.5 million dollars in Brazilian ticket sales since its premiere three months ago, topping the 60.4 million dollars "Avatar" pocketed over a similar period, the industry outlet Filme B said.

"The film has grabbed the title of the biggest box office hit in Brazilian cinema history, topping the blockbuster 'Avatar' by James Cameron," the producers of the movie crowed on their website.

The launch of "Elite Squad 2" in Brazil coincided with a spectacular real-life operation by the crack police squad of its title that swept brutal drug gangs out of a nest of slums in Rio de Janeiro.

It is to get its international showing next month at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States.

A racy animal rights advert featuring Pamela Anderson has been banned from another airport after officials in Hong Kong deemed the promo too risque.

Anderson is seen posing as a scantily-clad member of airport security staff in the clip for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She is shown stripping passengers, including Jackass star Steve-O and comic Andy Dick, of their leather, fur and other animal products as they pass through security checks.

It was banned from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts last month and now chiefs at Hong Kong's airport have refused to screen the ad, because it was "considered inappropriate" and might offend some visitors, reports the AFP.

The promo was banned from all three New York City airports by officials last year amid fears it was not suitable for passengers with young children.

Anushka Sharma has said she is glad she is known for her talent but has questioned why she gets less hype than other Bollywood actresses.

Speaking to the Mumbai Mirror the actress said she does not know why Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor were more famous than her.

"I don't know. You tell me. Having given three hits back-to-back in three years I wonder why there is not as much hype about me as them," she said.

Sharma added that she thinks the other leading ladies are less famous for their films than they are for their off-screen activities.

"I am glad that I am known for my talent and not for my clothes or controversies," she told the paper.

Sharma made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in 2008 with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, for which she was nominated for a Filmfare award.

Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly going to appear in a negative role in Rakesh Roshan's latest Krrish film.

According to Mid Day, the actor has been offered the role of a villain opposite Kites star Hrithik Roshan.

A source for the newspaper revealed: "Shah Rukh and Hrithik are the best of pals in the industry today. It was but natural for Roshan Sr to etch a role in his son's flick for his buddy as well. SRK's character in the film will have shades of grey to it."

The source added: "The Roshans have already sounded Khan off about having him in their project. And he has told them that he can be available only after the release of his production Ra.One."

Both Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish have gone on to become two of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood, and expectations are high around the new project.

The actors have worked together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Khan made also made a cameo in Roshan's Luck By Chance.

Upcoming romantic comedy Tanu Weds Manu has received a unique form of marketing at major multiplexes across India.

Bollywood Hungama reports that two different postcards were handed out by the parents of both Tanu (played by Kangana Ranau) and Manu (R. Madhavan) featuring the dating stats of both characters.

Tanu's card reads: "Namaste ji, our daughter Kumari Tanuja Trivedi (Tanu) is a convent educated girl who is very polite, genuine, and down to earth with good family values. We are looking at a suitable match who is simple, adjusting and from a respectable family."

Manu's reads: "We are seeking a suitable alliance for our son Dr. Manoj Sharma (Manu), doctor settled in London. Self owned house, handsome, intelligent, family orientated and soft spoken. He has no vices. The girl should be sweet, simple and homely from a well respected family."

The parents also asked cinemagoers if they knew of a good alliance for their son/daughter.

Tanu Weds Manu is due out on February 25, 2011.

Nicki Minaj has hinted that she is interested in launching an acting career.

Speaking to King magazine, Minaj expressed a desire to work with Alice In Wonderland director Tim Burton.

"I’d like to play someone in a Tim Burton movie, where I get dressed up and painted and crazy," she said.

The 'Your Love' rapper also revealed that she particularly admired Angelina Jolie's performance in Salt and asserted that she'd like to one day take on a role in a relatable drama.

"And then I'd like to just play a regular girl who, you know, is facing the world. Something really sentimental and organic, that girls all around the world can identify with. You know, how Jada Pinkett Smith did in Jason’s Lyric," she explained.

The star recently scored a top five US album with her debut Pink Friday.

Amanda Seyfried has revealed that she felt "extremely ugly" when she was growing up.

The actress admitted that she lost confidence in her looks from the age of 10.

She said: "I was super-outgoing until I was around 10. I got a bit older and started getting shy. Way too shy.

"I felt so extremely ugly. When I look back, I was not ugly - I was cute and had a gap in my teeth. But I wish I could have enjoyed that part of my life and be more confident."

Although Seyfried felt self-conscious about her appearance, she explained that she loved performing songs at home.

The 25-year-old added: "Sometimes I would sing around the house for two hours straight, but I didn't want anyone to hear me up close. I would sing all the Broadway show tunes like 'Cabaret'.

"Our cat started hating me. He went from being affectionate to being almost scared of me. Our theory was that when I was singing around the house, I hit notes that hurt his little ears. That is what I tell myself anyway!"

KARACHI: A long red carpet led the way for all those invited to the exclusive launch of the Atrium 3D digital cinema in Saddar.

Movie enthusiast Mariam Azmi said she has watched every trailer on the project website and has scheduled her entertainment calendar for the next month. “We have no real entertainment in the city which is why this is just what we need right now,” she said, while testing the popcorn, which for her is “an equally essential” part of the movie experience. “Good, fresh” she commented, munching the kernels. Display screens above and on the ticket counter listed the movies playing at the cinema as well as the prices (different for regular and 3D cinemas).

The launch scheduled for all will play Hollywood blockbuster and Oscar-winning Avatar in 3D at a price of Rs500 with an additional Rs150 for the reusable 3D glasses, which you can take home. Regular movies such as the Indian Tees Maar Khan will cost the cinemagoers Rs300. The third movie on the launch list is Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The Express Tribune caught up with a few people at the soft launch on their previous 3D experiences, the future of the cinema and film industry in Pakistan as well as entertainment culture and taxing the sector.
Director for Mandviwalla Entertainment Nawab Hasan Siddiqui said this project will definitely encourage the cinema industry. Not disclosing the investment made, he said recovery will take some time but the company is “very confident” that the project would succeed. The man behind the project, Nadeem Mandviwalla, watched his first 3D movie in 1983 but it wasn’t until he watched James Cameron’s 3D digital Avatar that he knew he “must bring this technology to Pakistan.”

Supporting her son-in-law Nadeem Mandviwalla was Mrs Nasim Shaikh, who was excited about watching her first 3D movie. She hoped that soon good Indian and Pakistani movies will also be shown in 3D with “some great songs and most importantly well-choreographed dances.”
“It is crucial for cinema culture to be revived and for the film industry to get a desperately needed boost,” said Pakistan film star Nadeem Baig. He added that the public craves good, clean entertainment and they deserve to get it.

Another big name of the silver screen, Mustafa Qureshi said, “Even though our films are not in 3D we still need cinema houses of this calibre to encourage moviegoers. Our movies are currently not worthy of being on these screens but I hope we will soon move in the right direction and make some world-class movies.” Qureshi suggested such new projects should be exempted from taxes.

A former television producer, Nofil Naqvi, was “very excited” about the city’s new technology. “You get a very definitive perception of depth plus we needed cinemas where the hall seat doesn’t break in the middle of the movie,” he said recalling an experience with his friend at another cinema in Karachi.

Chief guest at the event federal minister for culture Aftab Shah Gillani said the government is doing all it can to support the cinema and film industry. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said that the government plans to support the industry by giving them a processing lab for film which will be set up in Lahore in a year.

A porn company reportedly wants to buy a rumoured Demi Lovato sex tape and destroy it.

According to TMZ, Vivid Entertainment head Steve Hirsch has said that he wants to purchase the tape if it exists. However, Hirsch said that he has no plans to release the rumoured tape.

"After everything that Demi Lovato has been through, we would never consider distributing a sex tape with her.

In fact, we would purchase it and either give it back to her or destroy it," Hirsch said.

Lovato's rep recently claimed that the tape does not exist.

"Perpetrating these completely unfounded rumours from supposed sources while Demi is in treatment dealing with serious physical and emotional issues is disgusting," the rep said previously.

A great soundtrack can work wonders for most films and set the tone for any scene. The following are the top 10:

1. Ed Wood
This movie had a very funky soundtrack and was Howard Shore’s baby. It was directed by Tim Burton and was extremely funny. The music was both soothing and startling at the same time and managed to capture hearts all around the world.

2. The Fountain
This breathtaking film had an equally remarkable soundtrack. The music manages to merge in with the beautiful scenery and is such that it is laced with grace and timelessness. The movie and the soundtrack are both classics and intensely beautiful.

3. Doctor Zhivago
This movie’s soundtrack is undoubtedly the most inspirational of its time. Composed by Maurice Jarre, it is peppered with well picked out themes like revolution, rebellion and paranoia. The fact that it is brilliant was clearly recognized as it won an Oscar.

4. Dracula
This eerie remake was better than the original simply because of its soundtrack. It was picked out in such a way that it merged in with the overall theme of the movie and kept its peculiar style alive till the closing credits started rolling. Dracula’s soundtrack was as terrifying as the movie and it is not surprising that it did as well as it did.

5. Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Breakfast At Tiffany’s is undoubtedly a classic which is not surprising as the legendary Audrey Hepburn was a part of the cast. One particular song won an Academy Award as it was the highlight of a remarkable soundtrack. The movie was graceful and beautiful and the soundtrack has kept it alive all these years.

6. Requiem for a Dream
This movie gets darker with every scene and so does the soundtrack. While the initial songs are upbeat and cheerful, the last few are grim and dark. This adds to the overall feel of the film and allows the audience to remain gripped till the last scene.

7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Even though this film’s soundtrack was not concentrated on as much as that of the rest in this list, fact remains that it will never be forgotten. Those who grew up in the 80s will agree and besides, when somebody like John Williams is involved with a movie, it is obvious that it will do well.

8. Star Wars
This film’s soundtrack became so popular that it is shocking when somebody does not recognize it instantly. It is so remarkable that even those who are not interested in science fiction cannot help but fall in love with it.

9. McCabe and Mrs. Miller
McCabe and Mrs. Miller’s soundtrack includes songs recorded by Leonard Cohen. This legendary singer created beautiful music and will go down in history as among the best. If you have not watched the movie, you should do so just to listen to the songs. There is no doubt that the beauty, depth and clarity will render you speechless.

10. Faust
Directed by F.W. Murnau, this film has an amazing soundtrack. Most of the songs have extremely morbid choruses which stay with the audience long after the movie ends. They resound through the haunting scenes and give life to the scenery.

Kelsey Grammer has revealed that he is planning to marry his fiancée Kayte Walsh in a "private affair".

The Frasier star announced the engagement earlier this month and has reportedly requested a quick divorce from his current wife Camille so as to be free to marry Walsh.

He told People: "Kayte and I are marrying because we are engaged, and we are engaged because we are in love and see no reason to postpone our happiness any longer.

"We are planning something we wish to be a private affair among several of our friends. Anything else is conjecture and false. Kayte and I are the only reliable source for this story. End of story."

Camille recently confessed that she still loves her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Sylvester Stallone has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Italian pen company Montegrappa.

The actor - who will also serve as investor and creative advisor - has become owner of a large part of the brand under the deal, reports TradeArabia.com.

Montegrappa CEO Guiseppe Aquila said: "I have had the pleasure of meeting Stallone on many occasions, including the 2009 Venice Film Festival, where he was recognised for his filmmaking with the 'Glory To The Filmmaker Award'.

"Stallone is much more than a friend - he is an icon and an artist and now, an integral part of Montegrappa's distinguished history."

Stallone is said to have become a fan of the company's writing instrument over 15 years ago.

Katrina gets set to play a woman robed in ochre and in search of spirituality in the Prakash Jha film

After opting out of Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, Katrina Kaif plays the central character in Satsang, the director's upcoming film exposing the multi-billion global religion factory in India.

After a critically acclaimed performance in Raajneeti, Kat seems dead serious about getting into serious non-glamorous roles.

However, her role in Satsang is so complex that even Jha was not sure, initially, if the actress could deliver.

"It would be the most challenging part of my career so far, " says Katrina, who played a pivotal character in the director's Raajneeti.

In Satsang, she doesn't just play the central character, but also a semi-autobiographical character. The character of a woman from the West in search of Oriental spiritualism is modelled on a real-life character.

This will be a startling departure from her glamorous image.The decision to do Satsang came after much brainstorming between the actress and director.

Even before Raajneeti, Jha was sure that Kat was perfect for the part in Satsang in terms of physical appearance.

He realised she could deliver the strength required by the central character in Satsang while shooting for the political thriller.

In Satsang, Kat will don ochre robes and will appear without makeup. She would also have to get informed on the intricacies of the multi-billion religious industry in India."

KK's up to the task. She says, confidently, "Prakashji and I have discussed the part in detail. This is one film that I've do the most preparation for. I'm open to the challenge."

Prefers to work on Dhobi Ghat than go on a romantic holiday with his wife, the director

The Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao shaadi turned five yesterday. The biwi had planned an trip for two to the south of France to mark the occasion.

Aamir not only cancelled the plan but preferred to work rather than have a holiday.

This is the first time in three years that the actor didn't have a release during the holidays (TZP, Ghajini and 3 Idiots were all December releases).

Despite the odds working in her favour, 'K' had to succumb to her husband's demands and ended up cancelling the vacation.

A source reveals, "Aamir and Kiran haven't gone on an official honeymoon.

This time around, they didn't have any release around Christmas, Kiran excitedly made all enquiries and was planning a short trip to her favourite destination the south of France.

She loves backpacking and going to remote places. Her idea was to take off on the Christmas Eve and return on Jan 2."

Aamir had initially planned to stay away from the promotion of Dhobi Ghat and let 'K' take centrestage, he has now cited a reason to forego the vacation.

The source adds, "Aamir wants to concentrate on the mixing of Dhobi Ghat. He feels if they delay the sound mixing it might hamper the further promotion and marketing of the project.

Kiran's plans went for a toss when Aamir suggested they concentrate on the film and postpone their holiday for a later date." Aamir confirms, "Yes, Kiran wanted to go for a holiday, she has been planning a holiday for longest time."

'Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji'; Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty; Lyricists: Sanjay Chhel, Neelesh Misra, Kumaar, Sayeed Quadri; Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Sonu Niigaam, Shefali Alvaris, Kunal Ganjawala, Antara Mitra and Naresh Iyer; Rating: ***

Pritam Chakraborty's compositions in "Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji" album is perfect for the season of love. This is Madhur Bhandarkar's first comedy and the music of the film will be lovers' delight.

The film offers eight tracks.

Hummable, likeable and sweet number "Abhi kuch dino se" marks a good beginning for the album. It has been crooned by Mohit Chauhan and his voice is apt for the love song that creates a lively mood for the listeners.

Next is "Tere bin", which has all the qualities to be a chartbuster. The high point of the song is that it is sung by Sonu Niigaam, who is the master of the genre. The free flowing melody is interspersed with English lyrics. The easy on ears orchestration makes the love ballad more beautiful. It is moderately paced and is a song one would like to hear in loop.

The song also has two more versions - one is a reprise version, which has a raw appeal and has been sung by Naresh Iyer and the other is a usual remix version of the original with more beats.

"Yeh dil hai nakhrewala", sung by Shefali Alvaris, is an interesting number and has a rock feel. The song does engage for a while, but then loses its lustre. It is average.

It has another version called the film version where Antara Mitra replaces Shefali. However, the original is better.

Then comes another romantic number titled "Jadugari". The song with alluring guitar strumming has Kunal Ganjawala behind the mike. The musical arrangement is soothing and interesting.

Finally comes "Beshuba", a duet by Kunal and Antara. The soulful, breezy, love ballad is a typical Pritam composition with his signature style quite evident in the music.

On the whole, the album will be thoroughly enjoyed by people in love. Also, Pritam has done a good job of churning out melodious and soulful tracks.

Veteran actor Robert De Niro has topped a new survey of actors who have died the most in their movies.

De Niro has met a nasty end in 15 different movies, including "Cape Fear", "Jackie Brown", and "Heat" topping a poll by ChaCha.com.

Second in the list is Hollwyood heavyweight Bruce Willis, who died 11 times in movies, including "Mortal Thoughts" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle", dailystar.co.uk reports.

Third place is bagged by Johnny Depp, with 10 on-screen deaths, including his blood-spattered exit in "A Nightmare on Elm Street".

Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson died nine times.

The top 10 was rounded by Denzel Washington and Christian Bale with eight on-screen deaths, and George Clooney with five.

Mexican pop singer Kalimba will face trial for allegedly raping an underage girl as a second minor on Tuesday claimed she was sexually abused as well, prosecutors said.

According to their statements, both girls were hired as hostesses during Kalimba's December 18 DJ performance at the Buddha Bar club in Chetumal, which is located near Cancun and within the Riviera Maya area. After the performance in which Kalimba was presented as DJ Tripod, he and all his team and staff members, including the girls, were transported to Marlon Hotel.

According to the first girl - a 17-year-old high school student who firstly accused Kalimba of rape and has remained unnamed - she was contacted by the bar's administrator to invite her and the second girl to an after party at the hotel where free drinks would be served.

During the party, the girl states to have been raped by Kalimba after falling asleep at around 3 a.m. local time in the singer's hotel room. The following Monday, on December 20, she filed the complaint at a local public ministry while accompanied by her aunt.

On Tuesday, prosecutor Francisco Alor Quezada said a second girl, also 17 years old, spoke out about the incident, saying she was sexually abused as well, but in a different room. However, this case is still undergoing legal procedures and details have not been disclosed.

Quezada, nonetheless, did not detail whether the girls were drunk or under the influence during the incident.

Kalimba, whose complete name is Kalimba Kadjhali Marichal Ibar, is scheduled to make a court appearance in the upcoming days to make his initial statements regarding the incident. The singer, however, used his Twitter account on Monday to respond to the accusations.

"You should know that I am not proud of everything I do, I make mistakes, I fall and I sin; but I definitely did not do what I am being accused of."

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon has been confirmed to be engaged with Hollywood agent Jim Toth, her representative said on Tuesday.

Witherspoon, 34, and Toth, 40, have been dating for about a year as the couple went public earlier in the year after they were seen together in March. "They are extremely happy," Witherspoon's representative told US Weekly.

Toth works as an agent at L.A.'s Creative Artists Agency, which represents a number of actors and athletes. Witherspoon is client of the agency herself, but Toth does not represent her.

This would mark Witherspoon's second marriage after seven years with fellow actor Ryan Phillipe. However, the couple, which have two children together divorced in 2008.

In 2001, Witherspoon starred in 'Legally Blond' which brought her nationwide attention and won several award, including an Academy Award for her role of June Carter Cash in 2005's biographical movie of Johnny Cash 'Walk the Line.'

HYDERABAD (India): Over 2,800 Kuchipudi dancers performed the classical Indian dance at Hyderabad’s G M C Balayogi Stadium on Sunday, which created a new Guinness world record for the assembly of the largest number of such artistes.

President Pratibha Patil witnessed the mega event. Representative of the ‘Guinness Book of World Records’ announced the new world record has been created by over 2,800 Kuchipudi dancers, most of them children.

Dance was performed in ‘hindola raga’ for over 11minutes. The participants came from about 15 countries and from every town of Andhra Pradesh. Show was choreographed by veteran Kuchipudi exponent and Padma Bhushan recipient Vempati China Satyam.

Prominent Kuchipudi dancers Yamini Krishna Muthy, Sobha Naidu, and Raja and Radha Reddy were also involved in the event.

LOS ANGELES: US actress Natalie Portman is engaged to marry French ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied and is pregnant with his child, her publicist told People magazine Monday.

Portman, 29, met Millepied, the principal dancer of the New York Ballet, while filming "Black Swan," the dance drama that has made her a favorite for an Oscar next year.

The actress's representatives would only confirm that she was pregnant and engaged without disclosing the date of the wedding or where the baby will be born.

Millepied, born in 1977 in the French city of Bordeaux, is an internationally-known choreographer who trained Portman and Mila Kunis for their roles in Black Swan, and danced in it as well.

Portman's next film is a romantic comedy with Ashton Kutcher directed by Ivan Reitman, father of Jason Reitman, the director of "Juno" and "Up in the Air."

NEW YORK: Americans would most like to live next door to actress Sandra Bullock in 2011, but the cast of the reality show "Jersey Shore" made the most undesirable neighbors, according to a poll released on Tuesday.

Bullock, who has won huge audiences with her All-American, girl-next-door image, earned more than a quarter of the vote in the annual poll on the most desirable celebrity neighbors, conducted by online real estate marketplace Zillow website.

She was followed by conservative Republican politician, Sarah Palin. That may bode well for people in Arizona as on Monday, headlines trumpeted the news that her daughter, Bristol Palin, had bought a home in the state.

President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha dropped three places to No. 4 on the list after coming out on top last year. They were proceeded by talk show hosts Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia DeRossi at No. 3. Rounding out the top five was talk show host Conan O'Brien.

But the extroverted Italian-American cast of "Jersey Shore," which has scored impressive TV ratings and won fans with their fist pumps and tans, were voted the worst neighbors for 2010, followed again by the Obamas at No. 2 and Sarah Palin at No. 3.

"It was voyeuristic fun getting to know the 'Jersey Shore' crew as they partied and fist-pumped week after week on reality television, but do we want to live 'up close and personal' next door? Americans said 'no way,'" according to Zillow Vice President of Marketing and Communications Amy Bohutinsky.

Kanye West and Mel Gibson rounded up the top five worst neighbors in the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, respectively.

The survey asked U.S. adults which celebrities and politicians they would most like to be their neighbor, and with whom they wouldn't want to share a fence.

"Little Fockers," the third in a series of Ben Stiller comedies playing on the nightmare in-laws theme, topped the Christmas weekend box office in North America, preliminary data showed Sunday.

Despite a lukewarm response from critics, the flick grossed 34 million dollars over the three-day weekend, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.

Oscar-winning brothers Joel and Ethan Coen came in second with their remake of the John Wayne western "True Grit."

Jeff Bridges plays drunken, hard-nosed US Marshal "Rooster" Cogburn in the new version of the 1969 classic, which took in 25.6 million dollars, giving the Coen brothers their best ever opening.

Bridges also stars in last weekend's top film -- "TRON: Legacy" -- which captured 20.1 million dollars in ticket sales in its second weekend, slipping down to third in the rankings.

The sequel to the 1982 sci-fi cult hit stars 61-year-old Oscar-winner Bridges appearing opposite a computer-generated version of his younger self from the original movie.

The original "TRON" -- about a hacker transported into a computer game world -- was one of the first-ever computer animated films. It did well at the box office and became a cult for a generation of budding sci-fi fans.

In fourth spot was "Voyage of the Dawn Treader," the third installment in the "The Chronicles of Narnia" series based on the classic C.S. Lewis children's books. It earned 10.8 million dollars.

"Yogi Bear," a blend of 3D and live-action fun, notched up 8.8 million dollars in earnings ahead of Mark Wahlberg's boxing drama "The Fighter," in sixth place with 8.5 million.

Jack Black 3D comedy "Gulliver's Travels," based on Jonathan Swift's 1726 novel about a voyage to the Lilliput kingdom of tiny people, opened in a disappointing seventh place, with 7.2 million in ticket sales.

Ballet thriller "Black Swan," starring Natalie Portman as a dancer in a New York company exploring the dark sides of the industry and her own sensuality, dropped down a notch to eighth. It made 8.38 million dollars.

In ninth place, the animated Disney fable "Tangled" about long-haired Princess Rapunzel netted 6.5 million dollars, notching up a total of 143.8 million over its five weeks in theaters.

Rounding out the top 10 was romantic thriller "The Tourist," starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. It earned 5.7 million.

British historical drama "The King's Speech," featuring Colin Firth as a stuttering King George VI who is helped to overcome his impediment with the help of an eccentric speech therapist played by Geoffrey Rush, earned 4.6 million in a limited showing in 700 theaters.

Seemingly always involved in some sort of drama these days, Miley Cyrus is once again facing a photo leak consisting of a few racy personal pictures.

The latest offering contains no nudity while depicting the "Hannah Montana" star clad in a barely-there dress as her assistant pretended to delve in for a chest lick.

Miley's latest photo snafu comes just a month after the teen star made headlines upon being shown on videotape smoking a bong allegedly packed with salvia as part of her 18th birthday celebrations.

None-too-pleased with his daughter's actions, Billy Ray has let it be known that Miley's doings are beyond his control - as he's currently in the midst of separating from now ex-wife, Tish.

Love knows no age barriers - and "Playboy" chief Hugh Hefner proves this. The 84-year-old has apparently got engaged to his 24-year-old girlfriend Crystal Harris.

Hefner posted on Twitter that he has gifted Harris a ring on Christmas eve, the tmz.com reports.

"After the movie (The Tourist) tonight (Dec 24), Crystal and I exchanged gifts. I gave Crystal a ring. A truly memorable Christmas Eve," he posted.

Hefner has married twice before. He first tied the knot with Mildred Williams, the marriage lasted from 1949 to 1959, and later with model-actress Kimberly Conrad with whom he split earlier this year.

Beyoncé has been named the highest-earning music artist of 2010.

The 'Single Ladies' singer, who claimed to be on a career hiatus this year while she works on her new album, was listed ninth in the Forbes Highest Hollywood Earners Of 2010 list.

The star is estimated to have earned $87 million over the last 12 months from a number of high-profile endorsements and her 'I Am... World Tour', which saw her play over 100 live shows and gross $103 million.

Television host Oprah Winfrey topped the magazine's tally - which also included sportsmen and film directors - having amassed a $315 million fortune in the last year. Avatar creator Jamed Cameron finished second with $210 million.

Further down the list, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa came in at 13 and 14, having earned $64 million and $62 million respectively.

ABBA are among a list of acts tipped to perform at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes have offered odds of 66-1 for the Swedish group to reform at the royal wedding on April 29.

Spokesman Alex Donohoe told the Daily Star: "The return of ABBA would be sensational news for fans, unfortunately for us it would cost us a lot of money, money, money."

Other acts slated for a possible performance include Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.

Neil Nitin Mukesh's planned new release Tera Kya Hoga Johny has been postponed further.

The project, which was completed in 2008, has suffered a series of delays since shooting commenced, reports the Hindustan Times.

In a press release, the movie's publicist said: "The release of Tera Kya Hoga Johny is being postponed indefinitely owing to unfavourable market conditions."

The production, which also features debutant Sikandar Agarwal, Soha Ali Khan, Kay Kay Menon and Shahana Goswami, follows four different plotlines.

It has been reported that a major portion of the film has recently leaked online on a video sharing website.

Katrina Kaif is reported to have turned down a signficant amount of money to perform at a New Year's Eve stage show.

The Tees Maar Khan actress has said that her personal life is more important than working that night, Mid Day reports.

The former model denied rumours that she would be performing at a suburban Mumbai hotel: "Are you crazy? I am not dancing at any hotel on New Year's Eve. To be entertaining a live audience that night instead of enjoying oneself as another year slips in.

"How sad is that? It's almost like you are telling the audience, 'Hey guys, I don't have a life'."

Kaif has won acclaim for her song 'Sheela Ki Jawaani' from current film Tees Maar Khan.

The Farah Khan-directed project has taken a substantial box office opening, in spite of its mixed critical reception.

Amitabh Bachchan has said that Karan Johar wants to make a follow-up to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

The 68-year-old revealed on his Big Adda blog that Johar is keen to direct a sequel to the 2001 family drama, Indian Express reports.

Bachchan posted: "Karan Johar and we talk of cinema and other lighter moments. His visit to Goa and the sudden impulse to do a sequel to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, for he felt that all the relevant characters were still around and 'how'."

The Dharma Productions film also features leading Bollywood stars including Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan as brothers, alongside Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.

The veteran actor detailed how the plot to the film has developed, nine years since the original.

"It would be a story on the growth of the brothers and the problems that arise because of their independent understanding and working of the business empire of the father, a split within them and so on," said Bachchan.

Ashley Greene has revealed that she has a fear of Santa Claus.

Greene plays the clairvoyant vampire Alice Cullen in The Twilight Saga. According to WENN, Greene says that she has been terrified of Santa ever since she asked a stranger with a beard for Christmas presents.

"I'm like 3, and so my mum of course then has to tell me about strangers and how dangerous they are," confessed Greene. "She's like, 'If you ever sit on Santa's lap, you'll never see your mum again.'"

Greene continued: "After that I was like, 'Hmm, Santa - not so great!'"

Greene is currently shooting The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.

Movies that revolve around a character with mental illness are always fun to watch because the ending is always climatic and shocks the audience.

1. Play Misty for Me (Borderline Personality Disorder)
Evelyn Draper is an obsessive fan who dotes on Dave Garver, a Disc Jockey. She starts dating him and ultimately admits that she’s the one who keeps calling him and asking him to play the well-known song “Misty”. Evelyn then takes to stalking the man, ruining his career, killing his maid and basically, destroying his life.

2. Through a Glass Darkly (Schizophrenia)
Karin is a young woman who has recently checked out from a mental hospital. She decides to spend time on the family island with her father, brother and husband. Karin slowly loses touch with reality and her relationship between the family members gradually changes as well.

3. Ordinary People (Anxiety Disorder)
Bath and Calvin are married and they have one son- Conrad. Their other son dies and the family is overwhelmed with grief. Conrad is guilty and tries to commit suicide and is told to meet with a psychiatrist. It is then revealed that Beth always loved the other son more which is why she finds it hard to show love towards Conrad. This is an amazing story of compassion and love.

4. Psycho (Dissociative Identity Disorder)
Norman Bates grows up emotionally disturbed because his mother, Norma, drills it into his head that women are loose and sex is the root of all evil. Norman then kills her and her new lover because he is overcome with jealousy. He develops the disorder and takes on Norma’s personality.

5. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (Autism)
Gilbert Grape lives with his family which includes Arnie, his autistic brother. It is Gilbert’s job to take care of him which he finds quite difficult as he works at minimum wage at a grocery store. Becky enters the picture and Gilbert falls in love with her. A really amazing performance by Johnny Depp makes it a must watch.

6. A Beautiful Mind (Schizophrenia)
John Nash tries to bring about a revolution in the field of mathematics during his early years. He starts teaching after graduation and gets involved with Alicia, a student. The Government then asks him for help after which he gets involved in an intricate conspiracy plot. He gets more paranoid every day and then discovers something that changes his life. He turns to Alicia for help so that he can regain his respectable status. This film is based on the real life story of Nobel prize winner John Nash.

7. Rain Man (Autism)
Charley’s father throws him out during his teenage years after which he learns to manipulate situations and people. He comes to know that his father his died and left behind a car and an autistic son, Raymond who is brilliant with numbers. He kidnaps Raymond and takes him for a road trip.

8. Girl, Interrupted (Borderline Personality Disorder)
Susanna is sent to a mental institution after she tries to kill herself. She finds herself getting fascinated with Lisa, a wild and cold-hearted woman. She finally stands up for herself and gives Lisa a taste of her own medicine after which she gets better at a rapid rate.

9. Donnie Darko (Schizophrenia)
Donnie Darko is a social outcast who starts dating a girl named Gretchen. Donnie has another friend- a big bunny named Frank who is only visible to him. This movie has garnerned a wide cult following ever since its release.

10. Sybil (Multiple Personality Disorder)
Sybil is an anxious young woman who slips in and out of her sixteen personalities. She starts meeting with a kind-hearted psychiatrist who helps her face her troubled childhood. It is revealed that Sybil’s mother used to abuse and torture her and take immense pleasure in her pain.

LOS ANGELES: R&B singer and songwriter Teena Marie, best known for the hit 1980s singles "Lovergirl" and "Ooo La La La," died at her home in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to news reports.

She was 54. The cause of death was not known, and a spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment. Her friend, percussionist Sheila E, reported on Twitter that Teena Marie had a history of seizures.

Alanis Morissette has given birth to her first child with rapper Mario 'Souleye' Treadway, according to People.

A rep for the singer-songwriter announced that she gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day. The couple have named the child Ever Imre Morissette-Treadway.

The rep said: "All are healthy and happy."

The 36-year-old announced her "surprise" pregnancy in August. She and Treadway married in May.

Usher has reportedly bought his protégé Justin Bieber some expensive gifts for Christmas.

According to The Sun, the 'OMG' singer was seen at New York outlet Andrew Buckler buying a sweater, jeans and a shirt for the teen star.

A source said: "He told the staff he was shopping for Justin. He was talking about Bieber's clothing size to make sure he would get the right fit for him."

Bieber had previously joked that he hoped Usher would buy him a motorbike, after he had been given a Range Rover for his 16th birthday.

Emma Bunton was reportedly forced out of her family home at Christmas due to frozen pipes.

The pregnant singer had to leave her Hertfordshire home along with long-term partner Jade Jones and their 3-year-old son Beau.

According to the Daily Star, the family moved to Bunton's mother Pauline's house for the weekend.

She wrote on her Twitter page: "Good morning, I've woken to frozen pipes so no water!!! Need a plumber!! ... So we can't un freeze my pipes, off to my mums to get looked after!!!

Penelope Cruz reportedly had a lucky escape while watching a basketball game, when a player nearly fell on top of her.

According to WENN, the pregnant actress was watching the Los Angeles Lakers match against the Miama Dolpins with her husband Javier Bardem on Christmas Day.

She avoided injury when a player reached for a high ball and fell into crowd members in the front row, reportedly avoiding Cruz and Bardem by a few inches.

The Spanish couple married in early July 2010.

Johnny Depp has described the first time that he fell in love with his eventual wife Vanessa Paradis at a Paris hotel 13 years ago.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, he explained: "I was doing a film with Roman Polanksi, The Ninth Gate, and across the room I saw this woman's back.

"I saw this neck attached to the back, and I was sort of fascinated by it. Honestly, it was a very beautiful sculptural thing. Then suddenly the back and the neck turned, and it had a face."

The pair had met several years before, and Depp revealed that the French singer asked him: "Hi, do you remember me?"

He added: "'I knew it was over - I was done. I was in big trouble from that second on."

Depp's latest movie The Tourist was released in cinemas earlier this month.

The usual frontrunners like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and even megastar Amitabh Bachchan failed to charm audiences with their big budget outings this year except for Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn who were followed by underdogs and first-timers.

Here's a list of the top actors on the basis of their box office performances:

- Salman Khan: Nobody beats this "Bigg Boss" when it comes to pleasing audiences with his authenticity and irrevocable charm. Living up to his "Wanted" legacy, 'Robinhood Pandey' stood tall as the invincible king of Bollywood this year with his mofussil mazaa providing contemporary vintage corrupt cop saga "Dabangg" that flushed the debacle of his first release of the year "Veer" to obscurity.

- Ajay Devgn: Comedy, politics, action - you name it, he's done it. Proving his mettle with the maximum releases for an actor this year in "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" "Raajneeti", "Golmaal 3", "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai" and the forgetful "Aakrosh", the National Award winner emerged as the most versatile and dependable actor. To top it all, he is set to close the year with the live-action animation "Toonpur Ka Superhero".

- Omkar Das Manikpuri: No six packs, no film connections and no fanfare, but still this 39-year-old native from Bhilai managed to make his place in a billion hearts with his vulnerable, suicidal and tattered appearance as soon as his modest debut "Peepli Live" hit the screens. The result - you had the common man and now he's got a name, Natha.

- Raghubir Yadav - "Massey Sahib" returned and how! The award-winning seasoned actor might be an irregular with his attendance on the big screen, but when it came to playing Budhia, Natha's elder brother in "Peepli Live", this Mungerilal just struck the right note.

- Shah Rukh Khan: Businessman, actor - actor, businessman. The Badshah of Bollywood, a name often synonymous with larger-than-life cinema on the big screen, found it difficult to maintain his crown this year despite pulling off the role of an autistic youth in "My Name Is Khan" with aplomb. Still wondering why he's on the list? Because he's Khan...Shah Rukh Khan!

- Ali Zafar: While illegal Bollywood discs run on the neighbouring nation's home theatres with panache, the Hindi film industry got an original import in Zafar from Pakistan to produce a sleeper hit "Tere Bin Laden". As for the singer-actor's performance, he definitely left the fairer sex wanting for more.

- Ranbir Kapoor: Nobody believed that this Kapoor family scion will portray the nuances of a conniving and scheming politician with such perfection in "Raajneeti". But this chocolate boy turned into desi Michael Corleone and surprised everyone with his immaculate performance in the political thriller that hit bull's eye at the box office. His antics as lover boy in "Anjaana Anjaani", however, couldn't live up to the wickedness of the character he portrayed.

- Ranvir Singh: Again no pomp and show and no filmy father but this lad from Mumbai managed to do just the appropriate justice to his role as a Delhi munda in Yash Raj Films' hit "Band Baaja Baaraat". With a dream debut and a petite co-star in Anushka Sharma, he was praised for carrying both the film and the actress on his shoulders.

- Rishi Kapoor: Now this is what you call a comeback. Not that Rishi Kapoor has not been active on the celluloid but he certainly has not been doing lead roles. "Do Dooni Char" just brought back the plump kid from "Mera Naam Joker", in his twilight days now, to the big screen in an ovation worthy slice of cinema.

- Ronit Roy: More than 15 years after he made his big screen debut before making a phenomenal breakthrough on the small screen, this actor just proved he has it in him to shake and not stir the audiences with his captive and powerful performance. If there are any adjectives to go by, truly the underdog.

Fashion bible Elle magazine has been caught in a race row after reportedly whitening the skin of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on its cover.

Readers reacted with anger after it was suggested that the fashion magazine might have digitally "bleached" the complexion of the former Miss World.

The 37-year-old, who has also starred in Bride & Prejudice and The Pink Panther 2, appears on the cover of this month's Indian edition of the magazine. However, her skin appears to be several shades lighter than her normal colour.

Inside the magazine, she is again pictured in a series of shots, all showing her with pale skin, reports the Daily Mail.

Fans have been posting angry comments online about the latest cover, with one saying: "It's annoying because it seems like lighter skin is always in fashion as if darker skin is something to be frowned upon."

Advertisement