Prakash Raj had a fall out with Dabangg 2 director Arbaaz Khan?

After his grand entry into Bollywood with Wanted and following it up with Singham, actor Prakash Raj signed Dabangg 2 as the film's main villain.

However, less than a month after the film hit the marquee, reports are that the South actor and film's director Arbaaz Khan had a huge fall-out during the making of the film. It even prompted Prakash Raj to leave the dubbing incomplete. The actor was also nowhere to be seen during the film's promotions.

According to a source: "It was a high-profile role that Prakash landed, especially since Sonu Sood became an overnight star with Dabangg. However after the film was shot, he refused to give dubbing dates. Arbaaz sent him an email for the same which went unanswered."

Prakash Raj apparently later blocked November 22 and 23 for the dubbing but failed to turn up on the second day.

Sources add that the South actor was not happy with the length of his role.

The informer states: "There were professional issues. Prakash was not happy with certain portions of the film being edited out but Arbaaz explained to him that such things happen. But by then he had made up his mind to not dub for the film. It is difficult to please everyone and Arbaaz felt the film was bigger than an individual."

"It was not the happiest experience for both of us. Next time we both will be more clear so that we don't have issues," said Arbaaz Khan.

Prakash Raj was not so forthcoming to comment on the matter and said: "Dabangg 2 is over, so why speak about it now?"

Neither did he say why he refused to dub for the film.

Read more »

Table No 21 surprises everyone at the box office

The start of the New Year has been rather busy at the box office. As many as four Bollywood films released in the first week of 2013. While three of the films did not make any impact at the Box Office, Table No 21 managed to surprise everyone with more than decent collections.

The film, which had Rajeev Khandelwal and Tena Desae in the lead, has managed to collect around Rs 4 crore in its opening weekend. The other films Rajdhani Express stands at around Rs 1 crore and Dehradun Diaries earned less than Rs 50 lakh in its first weekend.

On the other hand, Dabangg 2 is all set to surpass the collections of Dabangg and the collections after the third weekend are around Rs 148 crore (Dabangg was around Rs 149 crore).

Trade analyst Amod Mehra said: "The general norm of the first week of a new year being bad continued. All the films were disappointing barring Table No 21, which was average. The publicity was not as exciting as it should have been. On the other hand Dabangg 2 is on its way out."

Atul Mohan, trade expert says: "I think Table No 21 has suffered due to the cold wave that has hit the country and also because of the ongoing cricket matches between India and Pakistan. The collections could have been better. The film got critical acclaim but did not convert into footfalls."

Rajdhani Express got derailed on day one while no one read Dehradun Diaries and Meri Shadi Karado was nothing to talk about. Now all eyes are on Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and Race 2 to give the trade its first hits of 2013."

Read more »

Ajay Devgn rides a beach buggy

Incidentally Ajay is shooting at a beach in Madh Island for the Sajid Khan directed flick. (Photo: Mid-Day.com)

Ajay Devgn is known to come up with unique ideas as far as his travelling is concerned. Earlier he had given up the luxury of his SUV for a small car to save time and traffic issues.

Now reports are that he has come up with another unique way to commute on the sets of his upcoming film Himmatwala, directed by Sajid Khan.

Incidentally Ajay is shooting at a beach in Madh Island for the Sajid Khan directed flick.

The place where his Vanity was parked was at quite a distance from the sets where he was supposed to shoot. So the actor decided to cover the distance on a beach buggy from his vanity to the shooting location.

According to a source: "Well, this is not quite new to the actor as he used to commute the same way when he was shooting for all the Golmaal series and All the Best in Goa. Ajay loves beach bikes and whenever he gets a chance, he decides to ride them. He used to commute only on the buggies when he was in Goa shooting for Golmaal and All the Best, and when he learnt that the same bikes were available here in Mumbai he did not miss the chance to ride them."

Read more »

Bipasha Basu off to Goa to celebrate 34th birthday

Actress Bipasha Basu plans to ring in her 34th birthday in with her sisters and close friends in Goa.

The Bengali actress, who recently launched her second fitness video, turns 34 today. She has had a busy week but she's not complaining as she's looking forward to throwing a private bash in Goa.

People expected to turn up are long-time buddy designer Rocker S, along with some other close friends and relatives.

"Off to Goa with my buddies and sisters for my birthday!," Bipasha tweeted Sunday.

"I like celebrating my birthday and I'm one of those who live for the moment. Since this is a once-a-year event, I want it to be a private event attended by those whom I cherish having in my life. I don't think I'd want it any other way," said Bipasha. So what does she wish for in 2013? "Continued good health, love and success," pat comes the reply!

Read more »

Success is superficial, says Salman Khan

Salman Khan performing at the Umang Show.

He has several films in his kitty that have joined the Rs.100-crore club and thanks to them, Salman Khan's films are perceived as high-yielding projects. But his feet are on the ground and he knows how to handle success, the star says.

Salman Khan's Dabangg, Bodyguard, Ready, Ek Tha Tiger, and Dabangg 2 grossed more than Rs.100 crore at the box office and now producers are making high-stake investments in the star, who says: "I am so used to it (success) by now that I know exactly how I need to take it."

"I know this is all superficial... I know this is my profession and my work and I get paid for it. But apart from that, it does not go into my head. It's like a nine-to-five job," said Salman in an interview.

Does losing success scare him?

"We know that is going to happen. It's just that how hard you can work to keep it going. How long you can see the distance between the fans and the hero increasing is important," said the 47-year-old.

A brand in himself, Salman Khan has experienced failure, but in the last five years, he has become one of the most bankable stars in tinsel town. His movies are a hit even before they release.

"I don't get nervous (before the release of films). I just pray that the hard work, which we put in, shows. Mentally, you are the same, but you worry that you haven't lost the plot or the character you have played," said Salman who has featured in about 90 films in the last 25 years.

Starting out as a romantic hero with Maine Pyar Kiya, he did many action films too. In fact, his last few releases were only action films.

He feels action works only if it is backed by emotions.

"Till the time action is not backed by emotion, it doesn't work. In my films, there is action, but there is a lot of romance and emotion as well. In 'Dabangg 2', relationship between husband-wife and father-son are shown. But as all the action scenes are put in the promo, it looks like an action film...but actually it is not," he said.

His movie schedules, TV assignment as host of "Bigg Boss 6" and brand endorsements keep him busy.

What about personal time?

"I have lots of time. Why would anyone want to have time for themselves? You are 24 hours with yourself," he said.

Salman is known for his tiffs with star Shah Rukh Khan but was seen defending him on Bigg Boss 6 when Imam Siddique, one of the contestants, claimed to have contributed to his success.

"If anyone has become something, it is because of his dedication. We have no right to put somebody down. We don't get along at all, but what is not right is not right. The fact that SRK comes out of his house and goes to work provides so many people with work...so who are you to take credit for that?" said Salman who doesn't let his problems with Shah Rukh bother him much.

With success at his feet, Salman's desire is to work harder and make sure unsung heroes in the industry get their due too.

"I want to work a little harder. I just hope that the other people are also as interested as I am...not in the heroes, but the people in our team," he said.

Read more »

Kai Po Che! actors take viewers behind the scenes

The footage is said to be directed and edited by the trio.

Actors Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkumar Yadav and Amit Sadh of Kai Po Che! have directed a behind-the-scenes footage, which will be shared with viewers in the DVD of the film.

"All the three boys became very good friends during the shoot and they decided to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage about their camaraderie. These boys are multi-faceted," Kai Po Che! director Abhishek Kapoor told IANS.

The footage is said to be directed and edited by the trio.

"These three were the livewires on the sets of Kai Po Che! - always joking, dancing and pulling pranks. They also shot some stuff which seemed innocuous, but one can never be sure with these three," he said.

"I think we are in for another prank-filled video, but that's just my guess," said Manish Hariprasad, creative director, Studios, DisneyUTV.

The film, a screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's 3 Mistakes of My Life, is slated to release February 22, 2013.

Read more »

Katrina Kaif avoids questions about Ranbir Kapoor

It came as a surprise to a lot of people, when there were reports that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif had spent the New Year's eve together.

There were reports that onlookers had spotted the two on the wintry streets of Manhattan walking around together trying to hide their face.

However, a few days ago Ranbir Kapoor returned solo from his trip - making us wonder where Katrina Kaif was.

But when the actress returned last week, we got the opportunity of asking her how she welcomed 2013 back in USA.

The actress politely told us "My mother is with me," before we spotted her mother walking a step or two behind her.

Read more »

Newcomers are more mature than seasoned actors: Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal's first film of the year Table No. 21, a suspense thriller, released last Friday (January 4, 2013). Needless to mention, the veteran actor is thrilled about it.

Although he usually prefers to stay away from media, Paresh Rawal shares his opinions on why he avoids being in the limelight, working with newcomers and his future projects.

Question: Are you still media shy?

Paresh Rawal: It is not about shyness. I respect media a lot. It has tremendous power and I just feel that we should not waste it by appearing in news for no reason. I cannot tell stories about how I like idlis more than anything else or how black is my lucky colour and so on. Media is a powerful weapon and it needs to be used properly.

Question: How was your experience of working with newcomers?

Paresh Rawal: They are very clear in their views and they know what exactly they want and they do their homework very well. Sometimes I find them more mature than even the seasoned actors. They are career-oriented. I had seen Rajeev Khandelwal's first movie and I admired his work. He's a very good actor and a bright future ahead of him.

Question: You're playing a host of a game show in the film ,would you like to host any such show in the future?

Paresh Rawal: I don't think I can do that. I barely watch television and one show which I really hooked on to is Kaun Banega Crorepati. I think Amitabh Bachchan has that charisma of holding audience. If I get a chance to anchor knowledge-based show then I may agree to do it.

Question: After this film, would you call yourself tech savvy?

Paresh Rawal: No, I still don't know much about computers. I have learnt a few things but I was never a gadget freak. I used to play games on PC during the shoot of the film. However I still do not get time to check my mails for 15 days. I do not like to sit in front of the screen for hours and hours staring it!

Question: What are your future projects?

Paresh Rawal: We want to start working on the sequel to OMG: Oh My God! Since people have liked the first installation, it is important for us to select a good subject. If I get another good script from the play, then I do not mind adapting it for another movie. At the moment for the sequel we are yet to finalise the script so we will make the announcement soon. As far as Himmatwala is concerned, it is too early to talk about it now.

Read more »

Aftab Shivdasani's romantic holiday with fiancee

Aftab Shivdasani with his fiance Nin Dusanj. (Photo Credit: Mid-Day.com)

Aftab Shivdasani and his fiance Nin Dusanj spent the New Year in Sweden.

The actor had enjoyed his visit to the country, while shooting for the film 1920-Evil Returns. He had decided that he would go back for a holiday with Nin.

A source said, "The couple spent a fair amount of time exploring the Swedish countryside and even went horse riding in freezing temperatures. Aftab was excited to reunite with his horse, Tosca, who also featured in the film."

The source added, "The two spent New Year's eve in Copenhagen in Denmak adding some Danish flavor to their romantic getaway."

Earlier for Christmas, the couple was together in London. As Nin was born and raised there, they decided to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve at a cathedral in London.

Incidentally, Nin is the younger sister of Parveen Dusanj who is Kabir Bedi's girlfriend.

Aftab Shivdasani, who has been missing from the big screen will be seen in Indra Kumar's upcoming comic caper.

The source added, "He is happy to be back in full force with more energy, focus, drive and looking rejuvenated."

Read more »

Catherine Zeta-Jones to visit Kumbh Mela

The 43-year-old actress, who began her career with small TV films and has trained in musical theatre, is open to starring in an Indian film if the opportunity is good.

Hollywood beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones is keen to visit India again to see the Kumbh Mela, and is confident she can fit into a Bollywood movie owing to her Oscar-winning turn in musical Chicago.

The 43-year-old actress, who began her career with small TV films and has trained in musical theatre, is open to starring in an Indian film if the opportunity is good.

"Considering my musical experience, I think, I fit into Indian movies perfectly. I am not very familiar with actors but would love to work with some if a good opportunity comes," Catherine Zeta-Jones said in an email interview.

She is also planning a trip to India with husband Michael Douglas and her children.

"I really want to visit India again specifically during the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage and I'm told it is a sight to behold for the eyes and soul. I'm hoping to find what I'm looking for here. I'm trying to make this happen with my family. If that doesn't work out I'm definitely coming on my own," she said.

This is not the first time the Welsh actress will be visiting the country, she has visited Rajasthan and Mumbai in the past.

"The two places were so different from each other. Rajasthan is as beautiful and bright as the people there. The state is so colourful despite the fact that the state for the most part is a desert which is cold and staid. Bombay (Mumbai) of course has a charm of its own," she said.

Catherine Zeta-Jones will be seen next in American crime drama Broken City along with actors Russell Crowe and Mark Wahlberg.

In the film, she is playing an "emotionally draining" character of a politician's wife, who shares a complex relationship with her husband. 'Broken City' will hit theatres on January 18. "My character in the film is a catalyst. I'm playing the role of the Mayor's wife. She has a complex relationship with her husband as is often the case with real life political couples. Politicians' wives sometimes put on a face to protect their partner... It was very draining emotionally to play such a character," she added.

Having started her career at the age of 14, Catherine Zeta-Jones came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the 1998 action film 'The Mask of Zorro' and the 1999 crime thriller film Entrapment.

Her breakthrough role was in the 2000 film Traffic, for which she earned her first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

"I remember coming here to the film industry and joining a list of girls from different parts of the world all trying to prove themselves. I feel thrilled that Hollywood accepted me and I got to play the kind of roles that I did. I guess as an actress you try and reinvent yourself with each new role so yes, I would like to sound greedy and say I am still waiting for meatier roles to come my way. I would love to try my hand at more European movies," she said.

Ms Zeta-Jones sought treatment for bipolar disorder in 2011 and also checked herself into hospital. This year, she pledges to have peace and tranquillity in her life.

"Personally, I have been going through a tough period in my life. What I require for my mental health and well being is some peace and tranquillity."

Read more »

Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor Kartik Tiwari prepares for his next film

The actor has always had a chocolate boy persona, so gearing up to be a bulked up college student took a lot of efforts.

Post his lean look in Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Kartik Tiwari had to work just as hard to sport a beefed up look for his upcoming film which is produced by the same team of Abhishek Pathak and directed by Luv Ranjan.

The actor has always had a chocolate boy persona, so gearing up to be a bulked up college student took a lot of efforts. The actor had 6-8 months for preparations and we hear that it was not an easy task.

A source said, "Being an eggetarian, Kartik is used to having around 1-2 eggs a day, but when it came to this film, he had to eat approximately 25 eggs a day. Initially it was difficult for Kartik to consume so many eggs but with sheer determination, he made sure that he reaches his target soon. His daily routine included 12 eggs in the morning, 6-7 for lunch and the rest for dinner."

Now, when you come across Kartik Tiwari's latest pumped up look, you know the reason behind it.

Read more »

A shortcut holiday for Ameesha Patel

Ameesha Patel ends 2012 with work and begins 2013 with a holiday.

Ameesha Patel, who had zillion offers to perform at various events for the 31st night, never agreed for any of them.

According to source close to her, "The moment Ameesha came to know from her director of the film Shortcut Romeo where she is paired opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh that there was an event being held especially for them to unveil the first look of the film, Ameesha canceled all her previous appointments. As the film is very dear to her and she wouldn't miss such a special occasion for any amount of commercial gain."

The source further states, "Shortcut Romeo is a very difficult film and Ameesha is looking forward to it the most.

She pushed the holiday plans she had made with her business partner Kuunal Goomer and his wife Shammli. Close family friend Sheetal Mafatlal was also planning a post-31st event for which all left on the eve."

On being contacted, Ameesha laughs about her holidays and says, "Yes we all partied till wee hours of the morning and shopped till we weren't exhausted.

Truly it was a memorable and a much-needed break, after which I will have to get back to a rather hectic schedule."

Source at the party revealed that Ameesha and Neil have simply loved the look of their upcoming film and keeping their fingers crossed.

Ameesha is currently back in Mumbai and has already reported to her chalk-a-block schedule. She will be busy with her work which will include outside films, endorsements along with her own home production film."

Read more »

Arshad Warsi's leap of faith

The scene required Arshad to climb the top of the human pyramid while singing and dancing in a thick cloud of gulal and amber.

For his upcoming film, Arshad Warsi not only had to climb the top of a human pyramid of 400 people but also jump down.

Of late, actors performing stunts have become a norm in Bollywood. The latest name to enter this ever-increasing list is Arshad Warsi who had to climb a considerable height and then execute a jump for a song sequence in Anand Kumar's forthcoming action thriller.

The scene required Arshad to climb the top of the human pyramid while singing and dancing in a thick cloud of gulal and amber. The actor admitted that it wasn't very easy even though the number had a festive mood.

"This was one of the most complicated scenes ever shot by me. I was required to jump off a human pyramid made of 400 people. And it was not a straight jump but a diagonal one so a lot of technical dynamics were used for the same," says the 44-year-old.

However, keeping the danger involved aside, the more difficult part for him was to take shower and get ready after every shot so that he looked fresh before every retake. He further states that safety wasn't an issue as he was fully aware of what he was doing.

"As it was a long shot, no extra safety was used. Just a wire was enough to control the jump. There were not even safety mats on the floor nor they gave me a ladder to climb the pyramid so the dancer used guns they were holding to make the ladder," chuckles Arshad.

Read more »

Vipul Shah sir is someone who I owe a lot to: Vidyut Jammwal

Incidentally Vipul is also producing the Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster Thuppaki that had Vidyut as the negative lead but in the Hindi version.

Vidyut Jammwal on how filmmaker Vipul Shah helped him get a foothold in the industry.

Vidyut Jammwal made his debut with Vipul shah's Force and made an impact in a negative role. He'll be next seen making his debut as a lead actor in Shah's forthcoming film. As expected, Vidyut feels blessed to have kickstarted his career with a renowned name like Vipul's from the industry.

When contacted Vidyut says, "Vipul sir is someone who I owe a lot to for the kind of faith he's put in me after he saw what I was capable of with Force. He promised me that whenever he does an action film next, he'll definitely do it with me and he stood by it.

I had a chance to perform the kind of action I would want to see and would like audiences to see on screen. He's been very encouraging and seeing the kind of belief he has in me is truly humbling which instills a sense of responsibility to push myself to be better at my craft with every passing day."

Vidyut further adds, "His experience and knowledge, not just in the business but also in life, precedes him making him someone whose point of view really matters. He and I have conversations ranging from his feedback on my work/performance to what our favorite food is! "

Incidentally Vipul is also producing the Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster Thuppaki that had Vidyut as the negative lead but in the Hindi version, Vipul is introducing a new guy.

Read more »

Australian actress Kristina Akheeva learns Hindi for Yamla Pagla Deewana 2

According to sources, the cast and crew of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 helped Kristina brush up her skills too.

Australian model-turned-actress Kristina Akheeva, who is making her Bollywood debut with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, brushed up her Hindi-speaking skills during the film's shooting. She feels it will help her in the long run.

"I am indeed taking my career in Bollywood very seriously and I think that the language plays a very important role. Hence, I am brushing up my Hindi skills," Kristina said in a statement.

Kristina, who has been paired with Sunny Deol in the film, recently wrapped up a three-month-long schedule for the movie.

According to sources, the cast and crew of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 helped Kristina brush up her skills too.

The romantic comedy, a sequel to the 2011 film Yamla Pagla Deewana, has been directed by Sangeeth Sivan.

Kristina had a very rewarding experience shooting in London with the Deols - Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby - and now she is considering new projects that are coming her way.

In Yamla Pagla Deewana, Australian actress Emma Brown Garrett had featured opposite Sunny.

Read more »

Ranbir Kapoor hails singers, says they contribute a lot in actor's life

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has been roped in to play the main lead in a biopic on legendary performer Kishore Kumar, feels that a singer must be given due credit as he plays a very important role in an actor's life.

"Kishore Kumar has sung for my father so many times. While doing Bachna Ae Haseeno, I got an opportunity to sing a few lines of his (Kishore Kumar) song too. A singer contributes a lot in an actor's life and must be given credit for that," he told reporters on Monday at a press conference arranged for Screen Awards.

Being a huge fan of the singer, Ranbir Kapoor, 30, said: "Whenever we talk of Kishore Kumar, all we can say is that he used to sing from his heart."

Kishore Kumar died in 1987 at the of 58. He gave the Indian film industry evergreen hits like Chalte chalte mere ye geet yaad rakhna, O Hansini, Aa chal ke tujhe, Pyar manga tumhi se, Pal pal dil ke paas, Hawa ke saath saath, Chhukar mere mann ka and Jahaan teri ye nazar hai.

The actor also revealed that the script of the film is not ready at the moment.

"It is a great opportunity for me to act in a biopic of Kishore Kumar on screen. The script is not ready at the moment and we are waiting for Anurag Basu to complete it. It is my duty as an actor that I do full justice to it," said Ranbir who proved his versatility with films like Rockstar and Barfi!.

Ranbir Kapoor will not be singing in the film, but "I will try my best to look and act like him".

At the moment, the actor is busy with two of his upcoming films - Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Besharam.

Read more »

Priyanka Chopra is my favourite actress: Arjun Kapoor

In Barfi!, Priyanka played an autistic girl Jhilmil. The ease with which she essayed the part won her a lot of appreciation and critical acclaim.

Actor Arjun Kapoor is in complete awe of Priyanka Chopra and her performance in Barfi!, and says she is his favourite actress of the year.

"Best actress this year (2012) is Priyanka Chopra. She has done terrific work in 'Barfi!'. She has done a wonderful work. So, she has to be my favourite actress for this year," the 28-year-old said at the red carpet of Zee Cine Awards.

Priyanka also happens to be the cousin sister of Parineeti Chopra, who was Arjun's co-star in his debut film Ishaqzaade, which released last year.

In Barfi!, Priyanka played an autistic girl Jhilmil. The ease with which she essayed the part won her a lot of appreciation and critical acclaim.

Asked about his favourite song from the last year, Arjun Kapoor said: "My favourite song has been Deva shree Ganesha from Agneepath. I think that song has helped me a lot in my workout. Everyday I workout listening to that song. So that's my favourite."

Arjun Kapoor had to shed 40 to 50 kg for Ishaqzaade. Currently, he is shooting for Ali Abbas Zafar's Gunday with Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra.

Read more »

'Texas Chainsaw 3D' tops box office

LOS ANGELES: Slasher flick "Texas Chainsaw 3D" stole the top slot at the North American box office this weekend, driving "The Hobbit" from its three-week perch in first place, estimates indicated Sunday.

The latest offering in the horror franchise, first launched in 1974 but now in 21st century 3D gore, took in $23 million in its debut weekend, the first of the new year, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

Not far behind in second place was Quentin Tarantino's brutal Western "Django Unchained," which earned $20 million it its second week. The film, which has already earned five Golden Globe nominations, is considered a top Oscars contender.

That left "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the long-awaited first part of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" prequel trilogy, in third place. It racked up $17.5 million in its fourth week in theaters, for an international grand total of $263.8 million so far.

Another Oscar-tipped movie, "Les Miserables," took fourth spot, raking in in $16.1 million at the box office in its second week in theaters.

The all-important Academy Award nominations are due to be announced Thursday, January 10.

In fifth place, "Parental Guidance," a comedy starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler looking after their grandchildren, earned $10.1 million.

Tom Cruise action blockbuster "Jack Reacher," in which the Hollywood A-lister's character investigates fictional shootings by a trained military sniper, came in sixth with weekend earnings of $9.3 million.

And Judd Apataw's comedy "This is 40," billed as "a sort-of sequel" to the 2007 film romcom "Knocked Up," stayed just behind with $8.6 million.

In eighth place was Steven Spielberg's political drama "Lincoln" -- another Oscar hopeful which topped the Golden Globe nominations with seven nods -- earning $5.3 million on its ninth weekend.

"The Guilt Trip," about a mother-son road trip starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogan, earned $4.5 million, good enough for ninth place.

Joining the top 10 for the first time, with $4.3 million in box office receipts, was "Promised Land," a drama starring Matt Damon and exploring the booming but controversial drilling process known as fracking.

Read more »

Bipasha Basu 34th birthday today

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is off to Goa to celebrate her 34th birthday with her sisters and friends on Monday.

"Off to Goa with my buddies and sisters for my birthday!," Bipasha tweeted.

Bips ventured into Bollywood in 2001 with Abbas Mustan’s ‘Ajnabee’ and the film won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Bipasha was a successful model before she entered into films.

Apart from Hindi, she has worked in Telugu, Bengali and Tamil language films.

Read more »

Giant duck brings Sydney fest to life

SYDNEY: A gigantic, bright yellow rubber duck floated into Sydney's Darling Harbour on Saturday as part of the Australian city's annual arts festival, a celebration where high-art meets popular entertainment.

Each January hundreds of thousands of people attend theatre, music, dance, film, talks and other events for three weeks, often braving sweltering summer temperatures and thunderstorms for their dose of culture.

The 2013 festival, which will present 92 events from some 750 artists from 17 countries, kicked off Saturday under bright sunshine, with thousands lining Darling Harbour for the entry of artist Florentijn Hofman's inflatable duck.

"What makes Sydney Festival unique I think is this amazing blend of serious art and quirky and playful entertainment," festival director Lieven Bertels told AFP.

"And what better to celebrate that than with a really, lovely public art work such as the rubber duck."

Bertels said the duck -- a 15-metre high creation by Dutchman Hofman, models of which have appeared in other cities -- appealed to the young and old, bringing back childhood memories for some.

"This is the Sydney duck and for him (Hofman) what's important about it is that it is not just a playful thing but also one that connects," Bertels explained.

"Because his whole theory around this, which is quite beautiful, is that all these harbours are connected to the local seas, and all these seas are part of one big ocean. So he says, well, really the whole world is one big bathtub.

"And what better way to celebrate summer than to have a giant bathtub party?"

Many Sydney Festival events, such as the duck's arrival, are free and family-oriented to showcase the personality of Australia's biggest city.

This year the big attractions will be a sexy Latino circus show from Circolombia and soul singer Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, but the January 5 to 27 festival will also present an interpretation of Handel's opera "Semele" and encompass an exhibition of works by painter Francis Bacon.

Quirky events include a performance by an actor who will run a full marathon on a treadmill in front of spectators at Sydney's Hyde Park while wearing gold sneakers and recounting an ancient Greek tale.

Sydney Festival was designed to bring life back into the city during the slow summer months. It first took place in 1977 and has since then grown to become one of the country's largest annual cultural celebrations.

"For me, from my European perspective, what made it really unique is this amazing way where you can combine high art and entertainment and very popular stuff all in one festival which is something you don't often do in European arts festivals," said Belgium-born Bertels.

Read more »