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Angelina Jolie fires Hollywood agents
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 29 (IANS) Actress Angelina Jolie has fired her agents at top Hollywood talent firm CAA after only 13 months of representation. 

The "Tomb Raider" star signed on with CAA in March 2005 and is not expected to sign up with another agency, contactmusic.com reported. CAA also represents Jolie's boyfriend actor Brad Pitt, who still remains a client.

The celebrity couple is currently in Namibia with their two adopted children, awaiting the birth of their next child.
 
Sienna Miller turns fashion designer
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 29 (IANS) Actress Sienna Miller is set to launch her own range of jeans as she has signed a multimillion-pound deal with Pepe to produce a unique line.

"Sienna has become a style icon in such a short space of time," an anonymous source was quoted as saying by contactmusic.com.

"She has been on the cover of Vogue, everyone knows who she is and this is the perfect time to do something like this. The jeans will be her own unique designs and the fact that she can model the clothes herself makes the whole project even more exciting," the source added.

The jeans are to be unveiled next season, according to reports in the Mirror.

Sienna follows in the footsteps of singer Victoria Beckham, who designs jeans for brands like Rock and Republic.
 
Lopez sought more 'peace' after Affleck split
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 29 (IANS) Singer-cum-actress Jennifer Lopez claims her break-up with former fiancé Ben Affleck forced her to seek more peace and goodness in her life. 

The duo had a tumultuous relationship that played out in the public eye and was a favourite target of the tabloid press, who dubbed the couple "Bennifer", contactmusic.com reported. 

She explains: "I honestly have to say that my own trials and tribulations were really hard, especially living in the public eye. "That experience made me seek more peace, more truth, more honesty, more goodness in my life. It has made me want more." 

The "I'm Real" singer claims the failed relationship allowed her to gain perspective and has led her to a better place than she might have been in, if the two stayed together. She added: "If it was not for that experience, who knows what I would have done, who I would have been - hopefully still a nice person, but maybe not in as good a place as I am now."
 
All's not well in 'Happiest Place On Earth'
DPA

Hong Kong, April 27 (DPA) They call it 'The Happiest Place On Earth' but in a quiet backstage corner, out of sight of thousands of visitors milling around Hong Kong Disneyland, Minnie Mouse is in a flood of tears after an unpleasant encounter with a male visitor.

The young woman in the Minnie Mouse outfit - one of 120 employees hired to wear character costumes, greet guests and take part in daily parades - had an encounter with a male visitor that was far too intimate, colleagues said.

"This man groped her chest," said one fellow costumed character. "She was very upset and she cried when she went back to her rest station."

"People grab your private parts for a joke, or if you are one of the bigger male characters like Tigger or Pooh, they will punch you in the head or the body or pull your tail. It can be very painful."

Unpleasant incidents like the one that reduced a Minnie Mouse to tears are rare, but for at least some of the 120 costumed employees, anxiety over the incidents and the perceived lack of management support is symptomatic of a wider malaise among this small but highly visible sector of the 5,000-strong Hong Kong Disney workforce.

To protect its costumed characters, Disney sends a 'greeter' with each Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy when he or she meets the crowds and has instituted an intricate system of hand signals and arm squeezing to allow the costumed employees to signal distress.

But there are other complaints as well.

Seven months after the opening of the first Disney park on Chinese soil, some employees are becoming increasingly agitated about their pay and working conditions to the extent that holding a protest is being discussed unless conditions improve.

According to the Disneyland Cast Members Union, 90 of the 120 have put their names to a petition calling for a pay raise to put them on a par with show performers.

The letter complains of "unfairness and injustice" and says they have been made to feel "secondary and valueless".

The employees beneath the costumes complain that their starting salaries of 9,000 Hong Kong dollars a month ($1,160 US) are 20 percent lower than show performers, that they do not get much time off, and the Lycra bodysuits they must wear underneath them, are stifling.

"I loved the Disney characters from when I was a child, but my feelings for Disney have changed so much in the past year," he said.

"It is a very low atmosphere. The characters are smiling on the outside, but inside they are unhappy, very tired and very down."

Elaine Hui, the union's organising secretary, said Disney had failed to address major issues among its employees.

A Disney executive, who pointed out that only 20 people attended a union meeting last week, said they have not yet seen the petition, which Hui said will be presented to managing director Bill Ernest in May.

Asked about those who are said to have signed the petition, Greg Morley, director of human resources services, replied: "I could probably go into the most happy working environment in the world and get the vast majority of people there to say, 'Yes. I'd like a pay increase.'"

Executives pointed out that trouble appears to have started after pay raises ranging from two to five percent were awarded to most staff and said the cast members raising complaints might be among those who were disappointed with what they were given.

"To say we haven't acted on issues they have brought forward to us is just not honest. It is not what has happened."

Disney executives, however, acknowledged that the Magic Kingdom has lost its sparkle for some Hong Kong staff and that Walt Disney's vision of a theme park that is "The Happiest Place On Earth" may not be a reality for everyone.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Britney pregnant again
DPA
 
Los Angeles, April 27 (DPA) Pop princess Britney Spears is four months pregnant with her second child - just seven months after having firstborn Sean Preston, according to gossip magazine Us Weekly.

The report Wednesday said that Spears had been spotted at a Las Vegas swimming pool sporting a pregnant bulge and quoted sources close to the singer as saying she was 100 percent pregnant and due to give birth in early October.

Reports also said that Spears had fired a nanny who allegedly dropped Sean Preston on his head earlier in the month while putting him in a high chair. The incident scared Spears into taking the baby to the hospital and prompted a routing police investigation.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
  
Israel's Skazi to put Delhi in musical 'trance'
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) Israeli trance artiste Skazi, who introduced a unique style of hardcore dance floor music, is all set to play to Delhi's tune this weekend.

Come Saturday, and Skazi will play trance - a style of electronic dance music developed in the 1990s - at Centrestage Mall, Noida. 

Skazi, whose real name is Asher Swissa, had released his first trance album "Animal" in 2000. He followed up the success of "Animal" with "Storm", "Zoo1", "Zoo2", "Zoo3" and "Most wanted". 

He has also performed in Germany, Greece, South Africa, Switzerland, Australia, Russia and Spain.
 
Lachey in magazine cover spat
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 27 (IANS) Singer Nick Lachey is angry with Wenner Media after they promised him a Rolling Stone cover but put him on US Weekly instead.

According to pagesix.com, Lachey had given an interview to Rolling Stone magazine where he spoke about the end of his marriage to Jessica Simpson and expected to be on the cover. 

A source said: "At the end of the day, Rolling Stone said he needed to dish more on Jessica and Joe Simpson. Nick said no... in the dark of the night, Jann gave the photos and the interview to US Weekly. 

"Lachey, who never wanted to be on the cover of US Weekly, quickly fired his reps at Baker Winokur Ryder who had brokered the deal and hired Sunshine."

The insider added: "It's absurd to dangle the cover in front of someone, and if it doesn't work out, just hand it to another magazine. We will think twice before dealing with Wenner again." 
 
Padma Lakshmi praises Bean's kissing
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 27 (IANS) Sean Bean, star of "The Lord Of The Rings", was praised for his kissing by author Salman Rushdie's wife Padma Laksmi who co-starred with him in a British TV series "Sharpe's Challenge".


According to contactmusic.com, Lakshmi has a clear 'no nudity' clause in her contract and was extremely nervous before the scene. But she says Bean helped her through the scene. 

She says: "We had a passionate kiss in one scene and I have to say Sean is a very good kisser. I don't like nudity but I am ok with kissing and Sean made it an enjoyable experience."
 
Clinton's painting has no wedding ring
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 27 (IANS) The portrait of Bill Clinton for the Smithsonian features no wedding ring.

According to pagesix.com, Clinton's left hand is naked in the hands-on-hip pose in the portrait done by Nelson Shanks. Shanks said: "It just didn't seem that it was an artistic necessity. I know the president always wears his wedding ring, but it wasn't show and tell. 

"The hand was in that position to give kind of a jaunty gesture and was not at all meant to signify anything." But Clinton was wearing the ring on the night the portrait was unveiled during a private ceremony. 
 
Jolie speaks up on relationship with Pitt
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 27 (IANS) Actress Angelina Jolie has finally broken her silence on her relationship with Brad Pitt and says the media scrutiny makes her giggle. 
 
According to contactmusic.com, Jolie spoke with Ann Curry for the "Today" show. She claims people's curiosity is "just kind of funny". 

She says: "If Brad saw this, he would probably understand why I was laughing. Because I just don't know how to address that kind of thing. I don't talk about our - my relationship in public. But we also don't talk about it at home. It is one of those funny things that just happens and you live your life, and you are a family. But you never actually discuss."

Jolie is presently in Namibia where the couple is awaiting the birth of their child. She also corrected media reports, which said that she would give birth to her child as early as next week and said that she is not quite eight months pregnant. 

She also revealed they know the sex of the child but don't want to reveal that. 

Jolie has also enrolled Maddox (her adopted son) in yoga classes and introduced him to the top French instructor Maryam Askari who said: "She loves to do yoga with Maddox. He's really into it."
 
Elton John duets with Andrew Flintoff
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 27 (IANS) Singer Sir Elton John is set to sing a duet with cricket star Andrew Flintoff next month to raise money for charity.

According to contactmusic.com, the pair became friends when Flintoff made John's song "Rocket Man" as England's unofficial anthem for the Ashes tournament last year. The duet will take place at Flintoff's benefit event in London's Battersea Park.

Elton says: "Andrew puts bums on seats, makes the game as exciting as it can be. And he plays the game in a sporting manner, the manner in which all sports should be played." 

Of the duet, Flintoff says: "Appearing with the great man, at the moment, seems far more daunting than bowling to Ricky Ponting or facing Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. I am really looking forward to Elton performing 'Rocket Man' - which became such a special part of last summer's Ashes success."
 
Jagger praised for funny lines
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 27 (IANS) Rock legend Mick Jagger has been praised as a smart and funny guy by Rob Burnett, producer of a sitcom in which the singer is to appear.

According to ananova.com, Jagger makes a cameo appearance in a show, which is tentatively entitled "Let's Rob Mick Jagger". Burnett said: "He did a lot of ad-libbing. Some of the funniest stuff in the pilot came from him. He is just a smart, funny guy." 

Jagger filmed some scenes for the show in New Zealand while taking a break from the Rolling Stones' world tour.

In the pilot episode the janitor of a New York apartment building decides to rob Jagger's penthouse. If the show does well it will be picked up by ABC and Jagger is expected to appear regularly but not in every episode
 
Moore horrified by Cosmopolitan cover
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 27 (IANS) Singer-actress Mandy Moore was horrified when she appeared on the cover of the Cosmopolitan magazine with the risqué headline 'orgasms unlimited' next to her face.

According to contactmusic.com, Moore was embarrassed by the headline, especially when she had to show the magazine to her conservative parents. She says: "I am very flattered to be on a magazine cover, but the horrifying part is my parents have framed every magazine that I have ever been on from the beginning. 

"So there's a whole wall dedicated to that and it starts off with me at 14 and 'Mandy's favourite colour is pink!' and now Cosmo and my face and 'orgasms unlimited.' 

"And my dad has to take it to the framer's to get it framed. It has nothing to do with me - it's just an article (that appears in the magazine)!"
 
George Clooney campaigns against 'genocide' in Darfur
DPA

Washington, April 28 (DPA) George Clooney threw Hollywood star power behind efforts to stop the killing in Sudan's Darfur region, urging the US government to push for bolder international action.

Fresh from a weeklong trip to Sudan and Chad with his journalist father and a cameraman, the Oscar-winning actor and director told a packed Washington news conference Thursday that time was running out.

His call for action by the US, NATO and the UN came ahead of weekend rallies in Washington, San Francisco and other US cities to highlight what US President George W. Bush has called "genocide" in the western Sudan region.

"Everyone has a good reason not to act," said Clooney. "But what we cannot do is turn our heads and look away and hope that this will somehow disappear."

Clooney's recent films "Good Night and Good Luck" and "Syriana" have established him as a politically engaged Hollywood star. Campaigning for Darfur, he noted that the US government had failed to stop genocide in Rwanda a decade ago.

"Of course we are slow to act. We always are," he remarked.

Clooney also showed a short documentary from his trip that included harrowing accounts by Darfur refugees of family members killed by government-backed Arab militias.

The militia in Darfur, known as janjaweed, have gone on killing raids against a local rebel group and Darfur's residents, displacing at least two million people.

More than 180,000 civilians have been killed in Darfur, according to UN estimates, but relief groups put the figure higher. The EU and the UN have not yet called the killings genocide.

A 7,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force has been unable to stop the conflict, prompting calls for a more robust UN force or a NATO role. These efforts have made little progress, with a Sunday deadline looming in peace talks that could trigger more commitment and involvement by the UN.

Two US senators - Sam Brownback of Bush's Republican Party and Barack Obama of the opposition Democrats - joined Clooney on the podium to press Bush to do more for Darfur.

Brownback praised Clooney for getting involved and said the actor was setting an example by "giving voice to people who do not have a voice."

Meanwhile, Obama said the administration's focus on Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran had pushed down Darfur on the diplomatic agenda.

He and Brownback called on the Bush administration to lead an international push to put more diplomatic pressure on Sudan's government.

Also on Thursday, President Bush formally authorised the freezing of assets of four individuals believed to be connected to the killing in the Darfur region. The four individuals - including Sudanese military officials as well as rebel leaders - were singled out in a UN Security Council resolution on Tuesday.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Angelina Jolie appeals for global education
DPA

Los Angeles, April 28 (DPA) A day after being named the world's most beautiful woman by People magazine, actress Angelina Jolie promptly used her celebrity status to back a global education campaign for the planet's poorest children.

Appearing in an exclusive interview with NBC, Jolie, 30, urged the US and other first world countries to invest more in education to give children in the developing world a better chance of achieving their potential.

Jolie was speaking from the southern African state of Namibia, where she currently lives with her two adopted children and partner and fellow actor, Brad Pitt. She is expecting Pitt's child in about a month and could give birth in Namibia.

Jolie said that the experience of the two children she adopted in Cambodia and Ethiopia had led her to press for better educational opportunities. Referring to her one-year-old daughter Zahara, she said: "There is no possible way she would have gone to school. She is so smart and so strong. And her potential as a woman one day is great."

"Hopefully, she will be active in her country (Ethiopia) and in her continent when she is older. And because she will have a good education, she will be able to do that much more," Jolie said.

"It has been proven that a basic primary education can completely change the lives of people around the world," said Jolie in a separate teleconference with British chancellor Gordon Brown.

The comments came despite the Pitt-Jolie family's attempts to remain out of the spotlight in Namibia. Numerous paparazzi tried to follow them to Namibia, where the government has been requiring foreign reporters to provide written proof that the Hollywood couple is willing to meet with them.

Last weekend, the government deported at least four foreign journalists, according to local news reports.

"The lady is pregnant and you are hounding her," Namibia's Prime Minister Nahas Angula was quoted as saying in South Africa's Sunday Times.

Pictures of the couple with their newborn are likely to sell for millions of dollars, but according to Sunday Times, Jolie has already agreed to sell People Magazine the pictures in return for a $3.5 million contribution to UNICEF.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Pitt and Jolie might act in "Atlas Shrugged"
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may appear together in the screen adaptation of Ayn Rand's famous novel "Atlas Shrugged" about the economic collapse of the US.

According to contactmusic.com, Lionsgate Films has bought the rights to the film version of the novel, considered in many polls to be one of the most important books in the history. Both Pitt and Jolie are fans of Rand and would play the lead roles of Dagny Taggart and John Gault.

The novel talks about the economic collapse of the US set in the future and features Rand's philosophy of objectivism. The producers Howard and Karen Baldwin, who worked on "Ray", will adapt the novel into a film. 

Other stars attached to the project in the past have included Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway.
 
Jolie giggled during TV interview
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Actress Angelina Jolie giggled her way through a TV chat about the need to educate Africa's children and blamed her high spirits on her hormones.

According to contactmusic.com, Jolie is seven months pregnant and she was very light hearted during the chat. She spoke about her plans to urge US politicians to help educate young Africans. 

She said: "More children die under the age of five when the parents are not educated, more people get AIDS when they haven't had an education. Statistics prove that if every child was in school every year 700,000 less people would get AIDS." 

Jolie started giggling when she was asked about her upcoming birth. She said pregnancy had turned her into a happy lady. 

She said: "I get hysterical now, like. It'll go on for hours; it is really horrible. It is hormonal."
 
Cruise has career plans for Holmes
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Actor Tom Cruise says he has plans to work with his fiancée Katie Holmes in a movie.

According to ananova.com, Holmes just gave birth to their first child Suri. He said: "I can't wait to do a movie with Kate. I don't think working together is a bad idea at all, a relationship can definitely work under that pressure if you like someone enough." 

Cruise had in the past starred with his then wife Nicole Kidman in "Days Of Thunder", "Far An Away", and "Eyes Wide Shut".
 
Watros and Rodriguez voted off the island
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Actresses Cynthia Watros and Michelle Rodriguez' "Lost" characters are to be killed off after being charged with drunk driving on Hawaii where the series is being filmed.

According to contactmusic.com, Rodriguez, who has started serving a five-day jail term, and Watros were arrested separately as they left a set party. Both were arrested on DUI (driving under the influence) charges. 

Watros pleaded no contest to her charges but Rodriguez was defiant and fought her arrest before she pleaded guilty and opted to serve time rather than community service.

The characters played by the actresses are to be written out of the series in an episode featuring a double-death. 

An insider said: "The funeral scenes have already been shot and their tombstones are now part of the island set."
  
I am misunderstood, says Lopez
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Singer-cum-actress Jennifer Lopez is frustrated that most people misunderstand her intense drive to succeed.

According to contactmusic.com, Lopez says she works hard just because she loves the creative process. She says: "I think a lot of people just don't understand what I am about. They see me laughing, having a good time, and they may think, 'Oh, she is so ambitious and everything,' but the thing is that I am just a creative person. 

"If I could describe myself to somebody, that's how I would do it. I'd say, 'I am creative and that's what drives me.' I think I am driven by money, things and all that stuff. They get it so mixed up that they forget that's not why I started doing it. I started doing it because I love to perform."
 
Harry pays tribute to Lil' Kim in new song
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Blondie singer Debbie Harry has posted a tune as a tribute to the jailed rapper Lil'Kim on her blog page.

According to contactmusic.com, Harry is a big fan of the rapper and decided to write a new song in her honour. Harry in the song raps: "Put down your sweet 16/Lil' Kim can do it, she can phone it in. She wants love and affection, not the house of correction. She stands where she stands, it's all in her hands. 

She adds: "We are all dying to hear your dirty rap again." She urges fans to "lick her like you lover her/All over Queen B (Kim's nickname)".
 
Ludacris to rap about Oprah feud
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 28 (IANS) Rapper Ludacris is singing about his feud with Oprah Winfrey on his new album.

According to contactmusic.com, Ludacris had appeared on Winfrey's show to promote his Oscar winning film "Crash" but was instead lectured on his controversial song lyrics from Winfrey. He feels the talk was exaggerated but has chosen to write about the spat to let people know about his side of the story. 

He says: "I really think it's been blown out of proportion. The media just took it and ran with it. We don't have a beef or anything. It was more of a disagreement. The only thing I had a problem with was when the show aired, they took my comments defending myself out and left her comments in. 

"I have an album coming out and I am going to explain my side of the story that got edited out. You'll see what I am saying." 

He adds: "I love Oprah. I love everything she's done for herself, she motivates me. I am not gonna let her have it (on the album), I just want to try and change her views."
  
Ang Lee's hometown celebrates local boy's return
DPA

Taipei, April 28 (DPA) Ang Lee's hometown declared April 28 as "Ang Lee Day", as the director returned home Friday to celebrate his mother's 80th birthday.

Tainan city's Mayor Hsu Tain-tsair announced it at a welcome party for Ang Lee at the City's Government office, in south Taiwan. Lee made handprints, which would be displayed at the Tainan Film and Image Museum, and signed autographs for his fans.

Two Tainan cinemas were showing Lee's films Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon free of charge, as part of the Ang Lee Day's activities.

Lee grew up in Tainan and embarked on the road to film making in 1973 when he enrolled himself in the film and drama department of the National Arts School near Taipei.

At 23, he went to the US to study film making at New York University and has lived in the US since then.

Though he is a US citizen, Taiwan people still consider Lee, now 51, a Taiwan director and take pride in his cinematic achievements.

After Ang Lee won the best director award at the Oscars for Brokeback Mountain on March 5, President Chen Shui-bian called Lee "the pride of Taiwan".

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Bob Dylan to perform for peace in Basque region
DPA

Madrid, April 28 (DPA) Bob Dylan will give a free concert for peace in Spain's Basque region, where the population is hoping for peace after the armed separatist group ETA announced a permanent ceasefire in March, reports said Friday.

The concert will be staged by the organisers of the San Sebastian jazz festival, in collaboration with local authorities and private sponsors in San Sebastian on July 11.

The US singer, who wrote the famous 1960s-era peace song "Blowin' in the Wind," has expressed a wish that no political messages should be expressed during the concert, which would also involve other artistes.

Organisers, nevertheless, linked the concert to "the new times in the Basque region" in reference to hopes of ending ETA's violent campaign, which has claimed more than 800 lives over nearly four decades.

ETA has not staged fatal attacks for nearly three years. The Spanish government is hoping to launch peace talks in June.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 
Cruise attends Rome premiere on Kate's behest
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 26 (IANS) Hollywood star Tom Cruise behaved like a true professional and attended the Rome premiere of his new movie "Mission: Impossible III" just days after his fiancée gave birth to a daughter.

According to ananova.com, Cruise said: "My own 'mission impossible' was to get here. I wasn't going to come and then Kate said, you know, 'Go. Go.' So I am here. And I'll be here for a few hours and then I'll get back on an airplane and go back home to Kate and Suri. 

"My daughter has just been born and I want to be close to her. I thought about not coming to Rome, but Kate said go and have fun."
 
I don't like to get too political, says Barton
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 26 (IANS) Star of the hit TV show "The OC" Mischa Barton has been given US citizenship and says she will not use her fame to speak out on political issues.

According to contactmusic.com, Mischa was born in London to an English father and an Irish mother and lived in Britain for the first five years of her life. 

She says: "I grew up in New York and that makes me pretty American, I think, but I am definitely different to a lot of Americans. I just became an American citizen so I can vote now, and I am really looking forward to that opportunity. 

"There are things I stand up for, like voting and stuff like that; that's sort of thing is very important. I am very opinionated in my private life, but I don't like to get too political in the press."
 
Williams believes in noisy birth
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 26 (IANS) Comedian Robin Williams says he doesn't believe in the Scientology principle of silent birth saying it is healthy for the woman to make noise during childbirth.

According to contactmusic.com, Williams appeared on the "The Tonight Show" and commented on the recent birth of Tom Cruise's and Katie Holmes' daughter. He said: "I am not particularly into silent birth. I think the idea of a silent birth is like a slow circumcision - not good. Or a silent conception. 

"A little noise would be nice. And Brooke Shields gave birth down the hall - I don't think that was a quiet one. She was in the medicated ward - she was like, 'Whatever. Woo hoo'!"
 
'Da Vinci Code' could help church, says Hanks
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 26 (IANS) Tom Hanks says his new film "The Da Vinci Code" could help ministers increase their congregations.

According to annaova.com, Hanks thinks church leaders should use the movie to start a debate that will encourage more people to attend church. 

Hanks said: "I think the movie may end up helping churches do their job. If they put up a sign saying: 'This Wednesday we are discussing the gospel', 12 people show up. But if a sign says: 'This Wednesday we are discussing The Da Vinci Code', 800 people show up."
 
Jolie speaks out
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 26 (IANS) Oscar winning actress Angelina Jolie has broken her silence in a TV interview that will be aired soon.

According to contactmusic.com, Jolie, who is about to give birth soon, was interviewed by Ann Curry, anchor of "Today" show. She was dressed in a brown tunic dress, matching trousers, cowboy boots and a headscarf and spoke while she walked along a dirt road in Namibia. 

Jolie said her heart bleeds for the suffering children of Africa. Speaking about her adopted daughter, she said: "She is from a country where six million kids don't go to school every year... Her mother died of AIDS and they wouldn't have had any funds to send her to school."
 

Hanks considered wigs for 'Da Vinci Code'
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 25 (IANS) Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks considered wearing a wig for his new role as Robert Langdon in "The Da Vinci Code" because he wasn't sure if he would be able to grow his hair long enough to look like a scholar.

According to contactmusic.com, Hanks created a mental picture of the character and was determined to get the right hairstyle. He even worked with a stylist to come up with the perfect look. 

He says: "I wanted it fuller in the back and falling down across my forehead. But the truth is my hair cannot be long and flowing; genetically it doesn't do that. It is a bush. We talked about a wig, but that ends up taking a huge amount of time. So I went to these guys who know about hair chemistry and found a way."
 
Pitt-Jolie ask press not to intrude into their privacy
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 25 (IANS) Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have had enough of the persistent interest in the arrival of their baby and have issued a statement to journalists to leave them alone.

According to ananova.com, they are staying in Namibia right now and have found support in Prime Minister Nahas Angula too. The statement said: "We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us. To the local people who have been so kind and gracious, thank you for making us feel at home. 

"As for the press, we kindly ask for privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children."

The prime minister also spoke against the press and said: "This lady is expecting. You guys are harassing her. Why don't you allow her some privacy? Harassment is not allowed in Namibia. If a person says they don't want to be photographed then, of course, that person deserves protection."
 
Garcia's film banned for anti-Guevara sentiment
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 25 (IANS) Actor Andy Garcia's new movie "The Lost World" has been banned in parts of South America because it portrays Ernesto Guevara in a negative way.

According to contactmusic.com, Garcia spent years trying to get the movie made but film bosses and cinema chains have shunned the movie because it tells the truth about Guevara as he fought to revolutionise the country. 

Garcia, who wrote, directed and stars in the film, says: "There have been festivals that wouldn't show it. That will continue to happen from people who don't want to see the image of Che be tarnished and from people who support the Castro regime. 

"He still has a lot of supporters out there. Some people think Castro is a saviour that he looks out for the kids and the poor. It is a bunch of hogwash. In the 45 years since Castro came to power, Cuba has been in the top three countries for human rights abuses for 43 of those years. People turn a blind eye to his atrocities."
  
Suri's birth was indescribable, says Cruise
Indo-Asian News Service
 
London, April 25 (IANS) Hollywood star Tom Cruise has spoken out on the birth of his daughter Suri in his first TV interview since then.

According to ananova.com, Cruise appeared on the US TV show "20/20" and said: "It was everything that we wanted it to be. It was spiritual. It was powerful. It was indescribable. It is still something that I am processing and keep reliving."

Cruise already has two adopted children.

However, Cruise doesn't want the intense publicity focused on his personal life to affect the release of his new movie "Mission: Impossible III" saying that journalists who write such headlines are unhappy with their own lives.

According to contactmusic.com, Cruise sees himself at the centre of media frenzy since he began dating Katie Holmes and recently, as she gave birth to a daughter, the scrutiny has intensified. 

He said: "When I look at the people who write or say these things, I realise it is not a lot of people doing it. It is just a few people, trying to take advantage of sensationalism. The actor claims a few interviewers have tried to bait him into combative statements or behaviour, but insists, 'You just have to be who you are.'"

He added: "Because when I meet these people, they really seem unhappy to me. And that's too bad. Because I am happy."

The media glare has become so overwhelming recently that the star has been forced to have bodyguards accompany him to all of his press interviews. 

He further added: "The attention seems to come in phases. This just seems a little more intense lately."
  
Grammer considers politics
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 25 (IANS) Kelsey Grammer, award- winning actor of "Frasier", is thinking of running for office and says his notorious past will benefit him.

According to pagesix.com, Grammer is sure that his scandalous past which includes a drug habit, an inclination for strippers and a battle with alcohol could give him an edge over his opponents. 

He says: "It's a notion I have about the future - to run for office, to do the world some good."

He adds: "Well, the idea that we can do the world some good is a little nuts; the world tends to take care of itself. But as I get older, in maybe 15 years or so, there may be a run for office... The opposition would hope it (my past) would harm me, but my frankness and openness about it would probably benefit me."
 
Geldof had an affair with TV star Claire King
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 25 (IANS) Singer Sir Bob Geldof's image has come under question after British TV star Claire King revealed that she had a secret affair with Geldof while he was still married to his late ex-wife Paula Yates.

According to contactmusic.com, King detailed the romance in her new autobiography "Confessions Of A Bad Girl" and adds that she arranged sexual liaisons with Geldof while Yates was expecting their first child. 

She said: "There have been many people in my life, some famous, some not so famous. It is not my fault that Bob Geldof happens to be one of the most-high-profile celebrities in the world. To me he was always Geldof. 

"I would have written about him whether he was famous or not. I am not intending to cause any trouble - but I couldn't have left him out as he was one of the biggest loves of my life."
 

Daniels urges parents to go on road trips
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) Actor Jeff Daniels is urging all well-to-do parents to take trips around the US in mobile homes saying they are a good way to get to know your kids.

According to contactmusic.com, Daniels is a fan of the road and takes road trips regularly with his family. He says: "I think RV trips can help families, maybe if you are a little disconnected. It certainly helped ours but we were never that disconnected. 

"We worked hard on our kids, staying in their lives and communicating with them. I had two boys that went through travel hockey and that was 14 years of travel hockey which can be eight, nine or 10 months a year of driving here, driving there for games and practices. I tell stupid youth sport parents, `It's not about the trophies or how your kid plays, it's about the drive there and the drive back. Eventually the winning goes away.' 

"An RV trip can be the same thing - when your kid has a baseball trip in St. Louis and you decide to take an RV there, it becomes about the journey and not just about getting to the baseball tournament. It becomes fun and you see things as a family and it creates memories."
 
Kathy Bates' fame lesson
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) Oscar wining actress Kathy Bates got a harsh lesson on how fleeting fame can be when she once had to clean up dog excrement with her own autographed paper.

According to contactmusic.com, Bates had just won an Oscar award and she was shooting a movie with Alec Baldwin when she was mobbed by fans. But her first moment as a star was short-lived. 

She says: "All the kids from the neighbourhood were all there and they all knew who Alec was and then I realised they all knew who I was too, and they all wanted our autographs. Later on that night... I went to take my little dog out for a walk and they were like, 'Oh, Ms Bates, you can't go by yourself, you have to take a bodyguard with you.' I thought, 'Woah, man, this is really awesome.' 

"So the bodyguard went with me and I walked my little dog and he did his business and I realised I didn't have anything to clean up with, so I was looking around and I saw this piece of paper on the ground and I picked it up and it had my autograph on it. It was kinda cool. It was like god was saying, 'Just take it easy... This isn't the big deal you think it's going to be.'"
 
Longoria desperate to bag raunchy roles
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria is keen to nab as many raunchy roles as possible before her sex appeal expires.

According to contactmusic.com, Longoria is planning to enter into movies but is disappointed at the lack of raunchy roles. 

She says: "I have had very few offers, to the point I am getting annoyed going, 'Hey, where is all the sexy stuff?' I am going with sexy as long as I can do it. You know women have an expiration date in this business."

Lilly determined to be missionary
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) "Lost" star Evangeline Lilly is sure that TV stardom will not stop her from taking part in missionary work.

According to contactmusic.com, Lilly refuses to let the trappings of fame deter her from helping people in poor countries. She says: "I spent a month in Rwanda last summer as a way of bringing myself back down to reality. I was welcomed into the homes of people who were living with their families in cement and dirt holes in walls. But they were smiling and welcoming me. 

"It is about keeping Hollywood in perspective. I never want to believe the world of five-star hotels and chauffeur-driven cars is normal. I think every girl dreams of being a superstar or a model but I grew out of that by 16. By the time I was 18 I did my first mission trip and decided I wanted to give my life over to that."
 
Madonna shared lesbian lover with Jolie
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) Pop singer Madonna supposedly enjoyed a lesbian affair with gay model Jenny Shimizu who also had a fling with actress Angelina Jolie.

According to contactmusic.com, Jenny says that Madonna chose to be with her from a casting video. She says: "From the age of 14 I'd watched her videos and thought, 'I am going to have sex with that gorgeous woman one day.' 

"And that night my fantasy came true - again and again and again. For hours we explored each other's bodies, kissing every inch. Far from the sex-crazed woman many think she is, I found her a very gentle woman. 

"Madonna wanted someone she could trust to call when she wanted pleasuring right there and then. I was her secret 'booty call' available any time of the day or night for secret sex sessions."

Jenny is now dating Rebecca Loos who recently gained attention when she claimed she had an affair with soccer star David Beckham.
 
Minogue pens comeback cancer album
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) Pop star Kylie Minogue, who is recovering from a battle with breast cancer, has written a comeback album.

According to contactmusic.com, Minogue is inspired to write songs about her life-threatening struggle. She is also planning a surprise duet with her French boyfriend Olivier Martinez. 

A source says: "Kylie decided on the concept about her illness as being very therapeutic and she also thinks it will help other cancer sufferers. She has spoken to her team who are in talks with producers she has worked with before."

The album titled "Lessons" will be her 11th album and it will come out sometime in 2007.
 
Hutchence family angry at film
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) The family of the late INXS star Michael Hutchence is angry that film bosses did not consult it about making a movie on him.

According to contactmusic.com, the British director Nick Egan is on the lookout for actors to play the late singer, his girlfriend Paula Yates and Yates' ex-husband Sir Bob Geldof. 

Hutchence's mother says: "No one has ever made any contact with us about doing a film. Are they going to look at his younger days growing up? How would they know anything about that when they weren't there? I would be interested to know who they are going to cast, and who would play me."

The singer was 37 when he was found dead behind the door of a hotel room in Sydney. It was declared accidental suicide.
 
I got high off bootlegs, says Vedder
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder is fine with fans bootlegging his concerts because he is still hooked on those gigs he illegally recorded when he was a kid.

According to contactmusic.com, Vedder is very fan-friendly and confesses that his own bootlegging was "like heroin" to him and he still listens to the tapes. 

He says: "I have still got them. I listened to them a lot. Music, for me, was f**king heroin. It was something I needed. Live shows gave me strength. A day or two after a show, the high would wear off, but listening to the bootlegs with your eyes closed was like getting high again."
 
Knightley gets lessons on how to walk in heels
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) British actress Keira Knightley is taking the help of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi for a new film role because she struggles to walk gracefully in her character's high-heeled shoes.

According to contactmusic.com, Knightley plays a French merchant's wife in a dark story called "Silk" but she needed lessons from the stylist to help her get comfortable with her footwear. 

Mizrahi says: "I wanted her to put her weight back then walk foot first, foot first, nice and slow. She is so much better already."
 
Martin expected for Coldplay's fourth album
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 24 (IANS) New father and lead singer of Coldplay Chris Martin is expected to return to the studio to record the band's fourth album by the end of the year.

According to contactmusic.com, Martin had expected to take time out but has promised the band that he will come back to work sooner than he had promised despite the birth of his son Moses earlier this month. 

Bassist Guy Berryman says: "We hope to have something together by January. We are going to make sure with our new album that everyone remembers why Coldplay are one of the best bands in the world."
 

Franz Ferdinand mobbed by fans in South America
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) Scottish band Franz Ferdinand had a great time at the recent South American leg of their world tour because they were worshipped by fans.

According to contactmusic.com, the band is filming a documentary and has been travelling extensively. They received great treatment from fans in South America. 

The lead singer Alex Kapranos said: "South America was one of the most intense and extreme tours we have ever done. The fans over there were well up for it. There is a totally different attitude there. When they go for something, they really throw themselves into it. We would be driving through crowds of people in this van while they were hammering on the windscreens and the roof and clambering over the top. It is the kind of thing you see in old footage of The (Rolling) Stones and The Beatles in the 1960s. You do not think it happens anymore but over there it does. It is exciting but terrifying."
 
Johnston recalls his institutional hell
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) Singer Daniel Johnston says he was so misunderstood by his family during his teenage years that he only had to "raise his voice" to be sent to the mental hospital.

According to contactmusic.com, Johnston spent five years as a young adult in and out of institutions to seek treatment for his manic depression. Johnston is now the subject of a documentary called "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" and says his parents failed to differentiate between a simple upset and depressive outburst.

He says, "I was stuck. I could not get out of the system. Every time I would come home, if I got upset and raised my voice a little bit or something, mom and dad would say, 'Back to the hospital'. So the last time I got out, I said, 'Hey, this time I am going to stay out'. But I spent almost five years in mental hospitals and it was like a bird in a cage."

Bettany says playing Silas was great fun
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) Actor Paul Bettany loved the character he plays in the movie "The Da Vici Code" because it gave him a chance to be mean to everybody and not feel guilty about it.

Bettany found portraying Silas deeply therapeutic, contactmusic.com reported. He said: "There is something nice about being able to leave your sense of morality at the door when you come to work in the morning and just be cruel to people all day. It is quite fun."
 
Howard's 'Da Vinci' dilemma
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) Oscar winning director Ron Howard was happy when French President Jacques Chirac gave permission to film the movie "The Da Vinci Code" in the La Louvre museum, though he was restricted a lot.

According to conatctmusic.com, the Louvre was the perfect location for the movie as it houses Da Vinci's masterpiece "Mona Lisa". The film crew, however, had to be extremely careful and had to avoid shining any lights on the antique masterpieces. The script too had to be adapted numerous times. 

Howard said: "We had to be very specific about every single shot we were going to do, both for security and for preservation reasons. There were all kinds of things we could not do. In the script, there is blood on the floor but we could not do that, and obviously we could not take paintings off the walls."
 
Evangeline Lily prayed to be ugly
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) Actress Evangeline Lilly revealed that she used to hope and wish that god would make her ugly when she was a teenager.

The "Lost" star confessed that she used to pray to god for an ugly face so that she could ward off men, ananova.com reported. She said: "I cried myself to sleep wishing I was ugly because men leered and disrespected me."

Lily is now dating actor Dominic Monagahn of "Lord of the Rings" fame. 
 
McKellen refuses to write autobiography
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 23 (IANS) British actor Sir Ian McKellen is refusing to write his autobiography because he will not be able to write about his own death.

He believes that the book would be incomplete without his death as the final chapter, contactmusic.com reported. Therefore, he now plans to stick to updating his website for more of the latest news. 

The "Lord of the Rings" star says, "I will never put my memoirs in print. What is upsetting about an autobiography is that the final chapter is always missing. I mean, you want the death, don't you? There is more on that site then there could ever be in a book. Eventually, before I die, I hope to have written about every part I have played."

Robin Williams says he is not gay
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 22 (IANS) Comedian Robin Williams wants to confront the gay men who say they have slept with him because he cannot recall that time of his life.

Williams insists he is 100 percent heterosexual, but many gay men seem keen to "out" him, contactmusic.com reported. 

He said: "There are many websites that will go, 'Oh, he is gay - I know he is gay.' Even our chef, who is gay, was at a gay ski lodge, and some guy came up to him and said, 'Robin Williams is gay. Oh, I know he is. I know people who have been with him.' They should tell me, because I don't remember."

Williams says he has never had a guy encounter even when he was taking drugs and bisexuality was the rage. 
 

Doherty plans to revive his career
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 22 (IANS) Troubled rocker Pete Doherty is trying to revive his flagging career by performing at a prison.

Doherty wants to perform at London's Pentonville Prison in an effort to copy the late country legend Johnny Cash's revolutionary performance at Folsom Prison, which turned into hit albums in the 1960s, contactmusic.com reported. 

Doherty was spared jail recently after admitting to possessing crack, heroin and marijuana. He had earlier spent some time at Pentonville prison for drug, robbery and blackmail charges.

The Smashing Pumpkins to reunite
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 22 (IANS) American rock band The Smashing Pumpkins has finally confirmed that it is reuniting after months of speculations and is now ready to record its sixth studio album. 

According to contactmusic.com, the lead singer, Billy Corgan, has stayed friends with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The second bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, however, has not confirmed the latest line-up.

A statement on the website reads, "It's official, The Smashing Pumpkins are currently writing songs for their upcoming album, their first since 2000. No release date has been set, but the band plans to begin recording this summer."
 
Abrams to revive Star Trek
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 22 (IANS) The director of the upcoming film "Mission Impossible III", J.J. Abrams, has been selected to revive the flagging Star Trek Franchise.

Abrams will produce the 11th Star Trek movie, which is set to be released in 2008. According to a statement issued by Paramount Studios, the new movie will centre on the early days of the central characters Captain James Kirk and Mr. Spock.

The bosses at Paramount want to revive the franchise after the latest instalment "Star Trek: Nemesis" flopped at the box office.

DiCaprio's girlfriend dodges conscription
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 22 (IANS) Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend, Bar Refaeli, has raised a controversy in Israel over accusations that she is dodging conscription in her country. 

The 20-year-old Refaeli avoided having to enlist in the army by secretly getting married a week before she was supposed to report for duty in 2004, pagesix.com reported. 

All Israeli women between the ages of 18-20 are required to serve in the military unless they are ultra-religious, physically disables or married. 

A friend of the family said: "Everyone knows why she got married. It does not take a genius to work it out."

Hugh Grant fed up with media intrusion
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 22 (IANS) British actor Hugh Grant refuses to talk about his personal life in interviews, after he learnt what it is like to have his private moments on the front pages.

According to contactmusic.com, Grant is tired of apologising to people for things he is supposed to say. He now tries to avoid any misunderstanding by not revealing any personal details of his life.

He said: "After years and years, I do not want to say anything at all about my private life. I just do not want to play ball any more. I just cannot be bothered with the backlash. By that time, what I say has been filtered through various different media and I have been misquoted sixteen times. I am going to have to unstitch and apologise to people or explain it away. I would rather just not go into those areas."

Portman leading veggie vixen race
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 21 (IANS) Actress Natalie Portman is the hot favourite to win this year's 'Sexiest Vegetarian' title launched by the animal rights group People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA).

According to contactmusic.com, vegetarians around the world are being asked to pick their favourite vegetarians by voting online. The results will be announced by the end of the month.

Portman is happy that she is leading the race and says: "I am a very strict vegetarian. I just really really love animals and I act on my values." 

Other celebrities expected to rank high on the list are Nicollette Sheridan, Tobey Maguire and Joaquin Phoenix.

Lachey still not over with Simpson
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 21 (IANS) Nick Lachey, ex-husband of pop star Jessica Simpson, revealed the details about their break up and said he is still in love with her.

According to ananova.com, he neither confirmed nor denied the rumours that Simpson cheated on him. Speaking about his wife being linked to Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera and Adam Levine he said: "We chose as a couple to ignore it... on both sides. I chose to trust. No discussion about it. I don't know if there were other men. But if she did cheat, it was the result of something bigger, not the reason we didn't work. 

"Sometimes I think it would be easier if I had just walked in the house and found her in bed with a guy. That would be clear-cut. End of story! I wouldn't have to deal with the uncertainty of adultery."

He added: "I never wanted to be a divorcee. I wanted us to be happy. I guess we differed on strategy. During those last months, we weren't fighting. It was just an overall state of tension. It was suffocating. And it just got worse and worse. 

"I'd marry her all over again, because I still love her. It would be a lot easier to walk away if I didn't."

Hanks takes on Abba musical
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 21 (IANS) Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is set to make a film based on the stage show Mama Mia.

According to ananova.com, Hanks will produce the film with Abba songwriters Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson. The show will feature many of the group's hits including 'The winner takes it all" and "Dancing queen." 

The film, which is set to be release at the end of the year, will coincide with the show's 10 years on stage.

Hanks' production company Playtone will be involved in the project and Universal will oversee the distribution.
 
Bob Dylan to host radio show
DPA

Los Angeles, April 21 (DPA) Well-known American singer Bob Dylan is to make his debut as a radio DJ on May 3, kicking off a series of weekly shows on the US satellite radio station XM.

The show "Theme Time Radio Hour with Your Host Bob Dylan" will feature an eclectic mix of music based around a theme, with Dylan offering stories about music and topics of interest. Dylan also will read and answer select emails sent in by fans.

The series will feature contributions from special guests, including Elvis Costello, Charlie Sheen, Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel.

The first episode of Dylan's show will be devoted to the theme "weather", with a song list that spans "A Place in the Sun" by Stevie Wonder, "The Wind Cries Mary" by Jimi Hendrix and "Keep on the Sunny Side" by The Carter Family, among others.

Other episodes will be built around themes such as "cars," "dance," "police," and "whiskey."

Much of Dylan's best-known work is from the 1960s, when he became a figurehead of American unrest. Some of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service
 

'Paradise Lost' to be created on silver screen
DPA

Los Angeles, April 21 (DPA) The literary classic "Paradise Lost" is soon to be turned into a $100- million movie epic, according to Variety magazine.

Written in 1667, the epic poem by John Milton revolves around the fall of man and the classic battle of good vs evil, telling along the way the story of Satan, the angel who tries to overthrow God, and the temptation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

"This is the war that started all wars, and it will certainly have an epic feel to it," producer Thomas Tull said in an interview. 

"If you want to get biblical, when god needed something done, he sent in angels. And these can be pretty fierce creatures. So if you think about what that epic battle looked like and try to realise visually what it would have looked like, it can potentially be pretty incredible."

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Three Chinese movies to compete in Cannes
Xinhua

Paris, April 21 (Xinhua) Three Chinese movies will compete in the upcoming 59th Cannes film festival, according to organisers here.

"Summer Palace" by Chinese "sixth generation" director Lou Ye, is the only Asian film in the Cannes' main competition section which tells a story of two young people fond of arts, experiencing their love against the backdrop of changing time and space.

Two other Chinese films, "Luxury Car" by Wang Chao and "Gwaiwik" by directors from Hong Kong, have entered the Cannes' non-competitive section, the organisers said at a press conference Thursday.

In the main competition section, a total of 19 films will be vying for the prestigious Palme d'Or trophy.

Among them are "Volver," the latest film by popular Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, "Marie-Antoninette" by US director Sofia Coppola, "Babel" by Mexico's Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, and "Laitakaupungin Valot" by Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki.

Outside the competition, some movies are also certain to draw attention, such as "United 93," a real-time account of what is believed to have happened on the fourth plane hijacked in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in the US.

"The Da Vinci Code," by US director Ron Howard, will be the opening-night movie on May 17, but will not compete for prizes.

Hong Kong Director Wong Kar-Wai of "In the Mood for love" fame, will head the jury of this year's festival, making him the first Chinese chairman of the panel.

--Xinhua

Indo-Asian News Service

John Lennon schoolbook sold for $226,000
DPA

London, April 20 (DPA) A school exercise book in which future Beatle John Lennon drew a walrus as a 12-year-old fetched 126,500 pounds ($226,000) at an auction.

The picture illustrates Lewis Carroll's poem "The Walrus and The Carpenter", which Lennon later cited as the inspiration for the band's 1967 song "I am the Walrus".

The book, entitled "My Anthology", features some of the late Beatle's earliest thoughts drawings and poems on 10 illustrated pages, the news agency Press Association reported.

An unidentified private collector from Britain outbid offers from the US at the auction Wednesday night in London.

Lennon's engraved silver christening bracelet sold for 27,000 pounds ($48,000), PA reported.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Baldwin attacks ex-wife over daughter's injury
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Actor Alec Baldwin has accused his ex-wife Kim Basinger for not notifying him of their 11-year-old daughter Ireland's latest injury.

According to contactmusic.com, the enraged Baldwin has just recently battled Basinger for their daughter's custody. He says he was not told when the girl had fractured her foot at a friend's house.

But Basinger's attorney said: "This is yet another attack by Alec Baldwin over something that was previously resolved by the court."
 

Clark Gable's son exposed as drug addict
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Movie legend Clark Gable's son has been exposed as a drug addict with suicidal tendencies by his 19-year-old daughter Kaylee Gable.

According to contactmusic.com, the daughter Kaylee feels that her grandfather would be heartbroken if he were alive and could see his son, actor John Clark Gable, now. 

She said: "My father is dying from addiction to crack cocaine. I know if my grandfather were alive today it would break his heart to see his only son killing himself with drugs. 

"He was just as good looking as his father, but now he's lost all his teeth and he is wasting away."

Jolie's ex-lesbian lover warns Pitt
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Actress Angelina Jolie's former lesbian lover has given Brad Pitt a reason to worry when she declared that Jolie will return to her bisexual ways.

According to contactmusic.com, the actress Jenny Shimizu says Jolie's romance with Pitt won't last long because she will soon crave the love of a woman. 

They dated on the set of "Firefox" in 1996 and says: "I was her first and although she is having a baby with Brad I doubt I'll be the last. She loves women too much. It is like a drug and she was hooked."

Shimizu is now dating British TV presenter Rebecca Loos and confesses she was crazy about Jolie during their passionate relationship. 

She says: "I don't want to sound like I hustle a**, but, for a while back then, if Angelina called, I'd drop everything and join her wherever she was in the world. It is her mouth that made me beg for more - kissing me passionately with those full lips over every inch of my body. It is unbelievable what she can do."

Life with rock star is not easy, says Hall
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Sir Mick Jagger's former wife Jerry Hall has warned women not to be tempted by rock stars, saying U2 singer Bono is the only exception.

According to contactmusic.com, Hall, who was once engaged to Bryan Ferry, hopes her controversial love life will serve as a warning to all young girls. 

She said: "So many women fall for rock stars but, ladies, believe me, life with such a man is not easy. Bono is the only man who has made it work."

Morrissey slams Bono's lyrics
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Former Smiths lead singer Morrissey has attacked U2 rocker Bono, questioning his song-writing skills.

According to contactmusic.com, U2 was recently hailed for creating one of Britain's best pop lyrics when the line "One life, with each other, sisters, brothers," from the song "One", beat off competition from The Smiths song "How soon is now?" It came second in the poll. 

But Morrissey cast doubt on the result and said: "I noticed in the newspapers that in a lyrical competition Bono did better than me. He is really nice, but really?"

Roberts touched by Clooney's thoughtful gift
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 20 (IANS) Actor George Clooney surprised Julia Roberts when he presented her with baby gifts for her twins because the present was not a joke.

According to contactmusic.com, Roberts expected the famous prankster Clooney to send something silly and was impressed when the actor chose thoughtful and practical over draft.

She says: "It was so unexpected, coming from George - these incredibly sweet, very warm - I must say - super fuzzy, like, angora baby booties. (They are) like a head of a cat; so cute and they're hilarious when they have them on."
 
Brooke Shields has baby girl
DPA

Los Angeles, April 19 (DPA) Actress Brooke Shields has given birth to a baby girl named Grier Hammond Henchy, who weighed 3.2 kg, according to a spokesperson.

It was a second daughter for Shields, 40, and husband Chris Henchy, a 42-year-old television writer and producer. Their first daughter, Rowan, turns three next month.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Actors Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes have baby girl
DPA

Los Angeles, April 19 (DPA) Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes welcomed their first child together, a baby girl they named Suri, according to a statement from their publicist.

The couple "joyously welcomed the arrival of a baby girl, Suri," the actor's representative said Tuesday. The baby weighed 3.4 kg, the statement said, and her name meant "princess" in Hebrew and "red rose" in Persian.

The baby comes about a year after the two became a hot item in Hollywood gossip columns, which breathlessly covered every move of the celebrity lovers. The latest angle was the "silent birth" that Holmes, 26, was scheduled to practice in accordance with teachings of Scientology, to which Cruise, 43, is a long-time adherent.

Cruise recently revealed that the couple plan to wed later this summer.

The baby was a first for Holmes, while Cruise has two children, both adopted as infants, from his previous marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Gervais cannot spend his millions
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) British comedian Ricky Gervais is struggling to spend the millions of dollars he is earning.

According to contactmusic.com, the star of "The Office" is so rich that he actually wanted to buy a whole college to turn it into a house in the prestigious London area of Bloomsbury. He was turned down by local planning officials who wanted to keep the building in its original state. 

Gervais says: "I have got too much money. It's embarrassing. Maybe I can find a museum and get it tarmacked!"
 

Lohan, Simpson contesting for 'Dallas' role
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson are duelling for the role in the movie "Dallas".

According to contactmusic.com, the two actresses allegedly fought in a bar recently after Simpson did not thank Lohan for buying her a drink. Lohan seems to be in the lead in getting the role because the original actress, Charlene Tilton in the TV series "Dallas", wants Lohan to take over the role. 

Tilton said: "Jessica is beautiful but too old. I had just turned 17 when we started filming. It is more exciting if Lucy is doing all these things... out of high school. Lindsay Lohan is a great choice."
 

Knightley wanted fame later in life
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) Actress Keira Knightley says she has regrets about finding fame so early in life.

According to ananova.com, Knightley first found fame when she starred in the hit film "Bend It Like Beckham" - she was just 17 years old. In a interview she said: "My father says: 'I wish this had happened in five years' time, you could have been 20 and got really p***** and slept with loads of people and no one would have known.' 

"That would have been great. It's like you have got to be perfect. Holding any 20-year-old up as a role model is completely idiotic. I think that's b******s."

Longoria desperate to leave 'Housewives' behind
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) Eva Longoria is certain she won't renew her contract with the show "Desperate Housewives" because she plans on becoming a movie star.

According to contactmusic.com, Longoria is eager to move on to movies and says no amount of money can change her mind. When asked how long she thought the show would stay on the air, she said: "God, I hope not past our contract. Honestly, I think shows wear out their welcome. I don't want to be on 'Seventh Heaven' - on for 20 years and no one is really watching and it is hanging on by a thread. 

"Even now there's no amount of money that would make me decide something for a career. And I want to do movies anyway."
 
Truth about divorce needs to come out, says Meg
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) Actress Meg Ryan says she hates talking about her personal life because it feels "cheap", but adds that the truth about her divorce from Dennis Quaid needs to come out.

According to contactmusic.com, the couple divorced in 2001 after 10 years of being together and Ryan has only now started talking about her personal life. She is still unsure about revealing details of her personal life and says: "It feels cheap, but the other part of me feels you do, as a female, have to express yourself."

She says that for years she and Quaid were involved in a marriage "that needed to end much, much, much earlier than it actually did".

Ryan also reveals that Quaid cheated on her. She says: "My story is not unique to me. It is an incredible cliché! It is almost embarrassing the cliché. I feel like the truth will come out. It can't help but come out."

Moore wants to keep romance under wraps
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 19 (IANS) Singer-actress Mandy Moore doesn't want to talk about her romance with "Scrubs" star Zach Braff because she regrets sharing too many details when she was dating tennis star Andy Roddick.

According to contactmusic.com, Moore regularly gushed about Roddick to the media but has now learnt a painful lesson through a public break-up. 

She says: "I am an open book, to a fault, and that's fine when you are together but then when you are not anymore, and people think they know why, it is such a bummer. I ended up wishing I'd never opened my mouth."

Hatcher happy about girl next door roles
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher is happy that she is not being offered glamorous roles because she says she is content playing the common girl.

According to contactmusic.com, Hatcher is happy playing the real, accessible woman instead of the typical glamorous person. 

She says: "For me now, the glamorous, confident b**ch is a reach. That is why I love the comedy in my role as Susan Mayer. She is open, and she is real. 

"When I was younger, I was considered very sexy. I even got the Bond Girl role. But I was never cast as 'the girl next door', and now I am. I am so grateful for that change."

Cruise thanks Scientology for fighting colds
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) Superstar Tom Cruise thanks Scientology studies for helping him fight off colds and other common sicknesses.

According to contactmusic.com, Cruise credits the religion for helping him deal with various aspects of his life like the spiritual, mental, physical and medical. 

He says: "I used to have terrible sinus infections all the time. I don't get them at all anymore. I can't remember the last time I got a cold. It's been a long time."

Cruise has supposedly climbed the ranks of Scientology thinking and is considered a 'Thetan' after having mastered mind over matter.


Fox credits Parkinson's for making him better actor
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) "Back To The Future" star Michael J. Fox thinks Parkinson's disease has made him a better actor because his performances are simpler.

According to contactactmusic.com, Fox admits he cannot depend on his acting lessons when he is involved in long shoots, so he has to resort to simpler ways of delivering dialogue and getting through scenes. 

His biggest problem is when the director wants to shoot several angles of the same shot because he is not sure if his condition will allow him to repeat the same action.

He says: "We shoot a master and then we'll shoot a close-up and then we'll shoot the two-shot, or whatever, so actually what you are seeing is not happening at once, it's a series of separate events that are edited together. It, in a way, makes me a better actor because it makes me simpler."

Oprah and Aniston mock wedding reports
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) Friends Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Aniston have corrected rumours that the talk show host was going to plan the actor's wedding at her California estate.

According to contactmusic.com, they made fun of reports stating that $8 million were going to be spent on a reception. Aniston, whose telephone chat with Winfrey aired on TV, said: "It sounds like you are giving me Santa Barbara." 

Aniston also poked fun at press reports that she is desperately house hunting with boyfriend Vince Vaughn. She said: "I am really good, I have got my house."

Winfrey also took shots at reports saying that she was splitting from her long time partner Steadman Graham. She was upset with one story, which went too far with photos of her dropping him off at the airport. 

She said: "The photo they have, I was asking him, 'Are you sure you have your ticket?' but it said I was very angry that 'the tension between us could be felt by everyone in the vicinity'."

Winfrey reassured fans and said: "If we ever do (break-up) I promise, I promise the night it happens, if it ever happens, I will come on TV the next day and tell you."

Federline nearly got into 'gangster stuff'
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) Britney Spears' husband Kevin Federline was scared that he would be caught up in a gangster life after seeing his friends get shot or jailed for gang-related activity.

According to contactmusic.com, Federline was involved with gangs in Los Angeles and continued when he later moved to Fresno. 

He says: "I moved back to Fresno and the gangster stuff started coming along. It was crazy for a while. Crazy like shooting at people, people getting robbed. A lot of my people got locked up... a lot of my people are dead. 

"I am not gonna sit here and get into details about what I did. I am not gonna sit here and say that I am this grimy, gutter, gangsta. But I have been on the hustle."

Ludacris slams Oprah
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) Rapper Ludacris is slamming Oprah Winfrey for initially refusing to let him be on her TV talk show and then publicly lecturing him about his rap lyrics.

According to contactmusic.com, Ludacris was surprised when Oprah criticised him about using words like 'b**ches' and 'ho's' in his songs when he appeared on the show to promote his movie "Crash".

Ludacris says: "She edited out a lot of my comments while keeping her own in. Of course, it's her show, but we were doing a show on racial discrimination, and she gave me a hard time as a rapper when I came on there as a rapper. Initially, I wasn't even invited on the show."

He said Winfrey lectured him once the show was over. 

He adds: "After the taping, she pulled me into a room and we had a five-minute conversation. What I got was that by having rappers on her show, she feels like she is empowering in them. It was like being at someone's house who doesn't really want you there. 

The rapper admits he'd think twice before agreeing to return to the show.

He says: "I don't see why (comedians) Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, who I am huge fans of, it's OK for them to go on Oprah. They speak the same language as I do, but they do it through comedy, so I guess that's acceptable to her (Oprah)."

Madonna's tour to feature disco crucifix
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 18 (IANS) Pop singer Madonna is having a huge disco crucifix made as one of the centrepieces for her upcoming tour.

According to contactmusic.com, Madonna in the past has raised controversy for her use of religious images and now plans to shock again with the flashing cross. 

A source says she will descend onto the stage on the disco-ball crucifix, covered with diamonds and Swarovski crystals. The ball supposedly costs $10 million and is being created in a well-guarded airplane hanger in Los Angeles for her tour. 

The source says: "It'll create a blinding light, like she is landing on the spaceship from E.T.'

Chinese film festival begins in Washington
Xinhua

Washington, April 18 (Xinhua) A film festival showcasing China's modern film industry began here to mark Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the US.


The first Chinese film festival ever held in Washington, it is co-sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the National Geographic Society (NGS) and the China State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) with support from the Chinese embassy here.

"In honour of the visit of Hu Jintao, along with the celebration of the Chinese film industry's 100th anniversary in 2005, we thought it appropriate to provide a special forum to celebrate China's achievement in films," said Dan Glickman, the MPAA chairman and CEO.

"We are pleased to partner with the NGS and the SARFT in this endeavour and look forward to enjoying this exciting sampling of Chinese films," added Glickman. 

Said John Fahey, the CEO of NGS: "We applaud the idea of bringing the focus on Chinese culture through some of their most recent and exciting cinema."

The opening ceremony was also marked by the presence of renowned Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi of "Memoirs of a Geisha" fame as well as young Chinese directors Lu Chuan and Hu An.

The event, from April 17 to 23, will showcase seven Chinese movies, including the internationally acclaimed "The House of Flying Daggers" and "Kekexili: Mountain Patrol".

--Xinhua

Indo-Asian News Service

Cruise denies 'South Park' rumours
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) Superstar Tom Cruise has slammed media reports that he was responsible for stopping the rebroadcast of a controversial episode of "South Park" making fun of him.

Cruise on the "Primetime" show was vehement that he was not the one who pulled the show off the air since he was too busy filming for "Mission: Impossible III" to be worried about such small things, contactmusic.com reported.

He says: "I honestly didn't really even know about it. I'm busy. I don't spend my days going, 'What are people saying about me?'"

Julia Roberts goes green
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, April 17 (IANS) Actress Julia Roberts has become passionate about the environment.

A recent article in Vanity Fair reveals Roberts' concerns about the environment, pagesix.com reported. 

It states: "An admitted latecomer to environmental concerns, Roberts is proof that it's never too late to start caring for the earth and that it can all start at home. From the Prius she drives and the solar-powered house she's building in California to the metal cup she uses to go out for coffee, the grocery bags she religiously returns to the store for a nickel ... Roberts firmly believes that the little things make a difference."

Sheen slams critics
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) Actor Charlie Sheen has slammed critics for hitting out at him for his controversial opinions on the 9/11 terror attacks.

Sheen appeared on a radio talk show saying he had trouble believing the official story from the Bush administration, contactmsic.com reported.

He says: "I just had a lot of questions. The forum I chose to voice those questions in was the Alex Jones radio show, just because he's a guy I had been a fan of and followed for a lot of years. I got attacked. It was sad because they didn't really take a look at any of the stuff I was asking them to look at, any of the evidence, or any of the stuff that generated those questions. 

"I took a look at the research and said, 'Yeah, a lot of it doesn't add up', hence these questions. Don't listen to me, do your own research, but I think, what happened to a time in this country when we had a constitutional and a god given right to be curious about things that didn't make sense?"

Federline loves his 'pimp' reputation
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) Rapper Kevin Federline loves his "pimp" image because it gives him credibility as a rapper.

According to contactmusic.com, Federline says he won't let the reputation come into his home life with wife Britney Spears. 

Federline wore a tracksuit with the words "Pimp Daddy" on the back during his wedding celebration. 

He says: "I'm not no pimp. I'm just Kevin. Happy husband. Happy father. I didn't pimp Britney. I found love."

Saunders not asked for next 'Shrek' film
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) Actress Jennifer Saunders has confirmed that her evil fairy godmother character from the "Shrek" movies will not appear in the next instalment.

Saunders voices the character and was killed off at the end of the previous movie. Saunders has said that she has not been asked to return for the next movie, contactmusic.com reported. 

She says: "Nope - she may be supernatural but she's dead and gone. Well they certainly haven't asked me to be in the next one at any rate."

Cruise says he has no Oprah regrets
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) Actor Tom Cruise says he has no regrets about his couch-jumping incident where he displayed his love for Katie Holmes on the Oprah Winfrey show.

According to contactmusic.com, Cruise says it has encouraged others to express similar feelings. 

Cruise appeared on the show "Primetime" and was asked by the interviewer about his feelings on looking back on the experience. 

He says: "I say, 'Now there's some fun. There's some fun.' That's what I see. Some people have really come out of the woodwork and felt very open now about discussing their 'couch-jumping' experiences in their own lives, different things they did when they found that person they knew they were going to spend the rest of their lives with."

'Simpsons' creator snubbed by Gervais
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 17 (IANS) "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening revealed that he is hurt that comedian Ricky Gervais has not picked him for a part on the hit comedy show "Extras".

Gervais has not returned the favour when Groening allowed him to make a cameo appearance on the "Simpsons", contactmusic.com reported.

Groening admits that he is a big fan of the show but feels that he was snubbed. 

He says: "He (Gervais) didn't ask me. It would have been perfect for me because I worked as an extra when I first moved to Los Angeles in 1978."

China's first 3D cartoon ready for summer release
Xinhua

Beijing, April 5 (Xinhua) An animation studio in South China's Shenzhen city has created the country's first 3D cartoon film, entitled "Thru the Moebius Strip".

The animation film will be screened in cinemas during the coming summer holidays, and will also be available on mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).

Jin Guopin, chairman of the Institute of Digital Media Technology Ltd. (IDMT), the studio behind the film, said the company had signed a 3.8-million-yuan ($475,000) contract with Shenzhen mobile Internet service provider Caishow Tuesday, which will allow the latter to release the movie on mobile devices and sell related products through such devices.

Jin also announced that the long-awaited film would be shown in domestic cinemas during the summer break. Negotiations are currently underway over the film's overseas release. 

The 3D feature film is a science-fiction adventure about a boy who travels to another galaxy to rescue his stranded father. The story was originally written by famous French cartoonist Jean Giraud, whose pen name is Moebius. 

The film is funded by IDMT's Hong Kong parent company, Global Digital Creations Holdings Ltd., and thus regarded as a product of Hong Kong and Shenzhen cooperation in the animation field. 

Hong Kong boasts of diversified channels for overseas release and attracts many mature film investors, said IDMT general manager Xu Ling.

The tie-up with the mobile value-added service provider marks an advancement in the industrial chain for animation films, Jin said.

Mobile users will be able to download film footage, pictures and ring tones and receive updates on the latest news about the film. 

"Analysis shows that the age curve of mobile users is very close to that of cartoon film watchers, which drove us to make the investment," said Bai Wentao, general manager of Caishow.

--Xinhua

Indo-Asian News Service
 

Gottfried tops unsexy list
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Comedian Gilbert Gottfried has topped a new poll of the least sexy men in the US.

According to contactmusic.com, Gottfried is famous for his grating, high pitched voice. He beat out the likes of baseball pitcher Randy Johnson, film critic Roger Ebert and rockers Chad Kroeger and Mike Mills. 

The poll was created by the website phoenix.com.

Other celebrities who featured on the list are - Michael Jackson at 11 and Beastie Boys star Mike Diamond at 13.

Surgeon warns Jones
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Singer Sir Tom Jones has been warned by his surgeon that his face will collapse if he undergoes surgery again.

According to ananova.com, Jones said: "He advised me against having anything else done. I went to see a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and he said: 'You've got to be careful with your lower eyes.' He told me: 'Your eyes will be bloody popping.' He said I should try to look as natural as I can."

Jones also admitted he dyes his hair and beard dark.

Davis laments lack of movies on strong women
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Actress Geena Davis is sad that her efforts in the road movie "Thelma & Louise" failed to encourage Hollywood studios to make films about strong, determined women.

According to contactmusic.com, Davis is known for starring in empowering roles which include the liberated housewife Thelma in the Ridley Scott directed film, the baseball player in "A League Of Their Own" and America's first woman president in the TV show "Commander In Chief". 

She said: "We can't seem to catch momentum. After 'Thelma & Louise' everyone said there would be a bunch of female buddy movies. There weren't. 'A League Of Their Own' was a giant hit, so there were going to be so many female sports movies. 

"There wasn't one until 'Bend It Like Beckham', and that wasn't even an American movie and it was 10 years later."
 
Ford regrets refusing 'Syriana'
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Actor Harrison Ford is upset at George Clooney winning an Academy Award for his supporting role in "Syriana" because he was originally offered the part.

According to contactmusic.com, Ford admits he made huge mistakes, which includes passing up on the movie "Traffic". He says: "I am sorry I passed on both 'Traffic' and 'Syriana'. I feel responsible for George Clooney's career."

Travolta supports Cruise's silent birth method
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Acting couple John Travolta and Kelly Preston have rushed to support fellow Scientologist Tom Cruise as he and his fiancée Katie Holmes prepare for a controversial silent birth.

According to contactmusic.com, Holmes plans to follow strict Scientology rules and give birth without screaming or making loud noises. Travolta insists the process, which has been mocked in the press of late, is not what people think.

He says: "There are unwanted emotions and pain that goes along with any birth. Preston insists the Scientology-friendly labour doesn't forbid the mum-to-be from yelling out in pain. Screaming is fine... It's the words. If you can avoid saying certain phrases and words... Just try to keep it as quiet as possible. Of course, you are going to groan and yell. It hurts. Just keep it to a minimum."
 
]Keener defends Aniston
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Actress Jennifer Aniston was stunned when actress Catherine Keener defended her from reporter Jill Rappaport in the TV show "Today" after she persisted with questions about her wedding plans.

According to contactmusic.com, the interview became tense when Rappaport asked Aniston to comment on reports that Oprah Winfrey was planning to throw an $8 million wedding bash for her and her boyfriend Vince Vaughn.

Aniston was on the show to promote the movie "Friends with Money" but the questions turned to her personal life. When Rappaport persisted with the questions, Keener snapped: "I thought you weren't going to go there?" 

But the reporter persisted, saying she was curious because she had never been to an $8 million wedding, only for Keener to bite back with, "And now you won't be."

Cruise speaks on making peace with dad
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Actor Tom Cruise has spoken out for the first time about how he reconciled with his estranged father on his deathbed.

According to contactmusic.com, Cruise, who is preparing for the birth of his first biological child, is using the occasion to talk about his terrible childhood. He said his father was "a bully and a coward" and also added, "He was the person where, if something goes wrong, they kick you."

But Cruise said he saw his father one last time after 10 years of estrangement. 

He added: "He was in the hospital dying of cancer, and he would only meet me on the basis that I didn't ask him anything about the past. When I saw him in pain, I thought, 'What a lonely life.' He was in his late 40s. It was sad."
 
Alba forgives Playboy
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 5 (IANS) Actress Jessica Alba has forgiven Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, for putting her on the cover of the March 2006 issue after he pledged to donate a good amount of money to charities of her choice.

According to contactmusic.com, Alba threatened to take legal action when the magazine tricked Columbia Pictures into allowing them to use a promotional shot from the upcoming movie "Into The Blue" after she had refused to pose for a fee.

Hefner wrote Alba a personal letter of apology. He apologised for "any distress unintentionally caused by the publication of your photo". 

He added: "What was intended as a tribute to your tremendous popularity has been misinterpreted by some as something else for which we are truly sorry since we are among your biggest fans." 

Alba said: "In light of Mr. Hefner's personal apology for Playboy's unauthorised use of my photo on their cover, I have decided to discontinue my claims against them."
 
Cameron Diaz wins topless photo case
DPA

Los Angeles, April 5 (DPA) Actress Cameron Diaz has won her court battle to keep topless photos of her out of the public eye, said media reports.

A judge awarded the vivacious actress undisclosed damages from John Rutter, the photographer who took the photos. 

Last year, Rutter was found guilty of forging her signature on a model release form in an attempt to blackmail her for $3.5 million. The judge has yet to rule on whether he must pay her legal costs as well.

Rutter is currently serving three years and eight months in prison on these convictions.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Hollywood studios to sell new movies online
DPA

Los Angeles, April 4 (DPA) Major Hollywood studios will start offering new movies for sale online at the same time as they are released on DVD.

The move marks the continued development of the Internet as a film resource, with analysts predicting that within a few years movie downloads will become commonplace.

Among the fist movies to benefit from the new plan are hits such as "Brokeback Mountain" and "King Kong", which will be available online in the US this week, according to an announcement Monday.

Until now, the studios have made movies available on the Internet for rental only.

Six studios - Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and MGM - will offer some first-run and older titles on the websites Movielink.com and CinemaNow.com, making Disney the only major studio not to join the initiative.

New films will be priced similarly to DVDs - between $20 and $30 - while older titles will sell for $10 to $20. But they will come with copy restrictions that will prevent copying them to DVDs and limit them to specified computers.

"The important thing is to embrace the future, respect the economics of DVD but move forward into digital delivery," said Ben Feingold, president of Worldwide Home Entertainment at Sony Pictures.

--DPA

Indo-Asian News Service

Pink ridicules Rice's fitness regime
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 4 (IANS) Singer Pink was angry when an American TV network NBC produced a feature on US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's fitness regime and said America's obsession with beauty is spiralling out of control.

According to contactmusic.com, Pink is stunned that a powerful, educated woman like Rice is a role model for her body-toning technique rather than her status. 

She said: "NBC recently produced an item on Condi's exercise routine. This is the first black, female secretary of state and a professor of political science - but you know what, I have always wanted to ask her? 'How many minutes of cardio do you do?'"

Davis felt lost after 'Sex And The City'
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 4 (IANS) Actress Kristin Davis feared she would never find work again after the show "Sex And The City" ended. 

According to contactmusic.com, she admits it was a bit exciting not knowing what opportunities might be lurking around the corner after the drama series wrapped up on HBO. 

She says: "I wondered if I'd ever work again. We used to have this safety net, we used to know that every year we were going to go back to work and have this wonderful unit, and we didn't have that any more. 

"Sometimes it's still a little scary not knowing. The good part is that it's an adventure and you don't know what's going to happen."
 
Thurman troubled by typecasting
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 4 (IANS) Actress Uma Thurman says her European looks affected her career options because Hollywood has been eager to cast her as a hardened tough woman.

According to contactmusic.com, Thurman, who was able to show her soft side in her latest movie "Prime", says she is tired of being reduced to cliché parts. 

She says: "You are so limited in this business by people's perceptions, and I know that a lot of people found me cold in the past. I am not alone in that - there are other ice-blonde, blue-eyed Nordic-looking actresses - but these clichés chase you around and it does get a little boring. 'Oh boy, they want me to play the German wife of the Nazi officer again. Tell them no!'"

'Wicked' Spears' has 'sick' bash for hubby
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 4 (IANS) Pop singer Britney Spears has been slammed as "wicked" and "sick" for hiring dwarves to entertain her husband Kevin Federline's guests at his recent birthday bash.

According to contactmusic.com, Spears has been criticised by many foundations, which represent the interests of smaller people. They have called the birthday event completely tasteless. At the party, two female dwarves carried Federline's cake while two others were dressed up as Sonny Bono and Cher. 

Stunned sources said drunk guests giggled and cheered while some even suggested having a dwarf-throwing contest. 

A member of America's Billy Barty Foundation - named after the late short Hollywood actor, says: "It is wicked to hurl abuse at anyone of diminished height simply because they are small. We know dwarves and midgets who are immense in stature because of their talent. Mostly they are able to rise above any insults. But inevitably, feelings are hurt by nasty comments. There's only one word for it - bullying."
 

Pitt miserable in Paris
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 4 (IANS) Actor Brad Pitt is reportedly miserable and his relationship with Angelina Jolie under pressure since he has moved into a cramped 1970s tower block in Paris.

According to contactmusic.com, Pitt had earlier lived in a $25.5 million mansion with his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston but is now staying in a deprived area of Paris with Jolie and her two adopted children. 

A café worker Ahmed Shrir, who serves Pitt regularly, says: "Brad is a really nice guy, but he's not too happy about this area. He says Angelina wanted to live in an ordinary Paris district, and that his security people put them in the high-rise block. 

"Although Brad's great with the kids, he says there's nowhere for them to play properly, and they are both very worried about the pollution. There are hundreds of cars going by night and day, not to mention the trains. Brad came over here to get away from it all. He finds Angelina very demanding and doesn't seem to be very happy with the way their lives are going."

Pitt's neighbour Mohamed Dhabi says: "I have heard Brad grumbling as they go out in the morning with their children, and I know he'd like to live somewhere a lot nicer. 

"Americans come to Paris looking for romance and beauty - they won't get much of that living here. The plumbing in this building is very bad and sometimes you get a sickly, cabbage-like smell filling the entire place."

Pitt is also denying his present humanitarian efforts are because of his relationship with Jolie.

Pitt, who has been involved with many charities in recent months, says rocker Bono is his inspiration. He credits Bono's famous efforts for getting him involved in humanitarian works and calls him "a wonderfully dedicated beast unto himself".

He recently narrated a documentary called "RX for Survival - The Heroes", which focused on heroes whose efforts helped save millions of lives. 

The actor says his charity work will slow down. He says: "My plan right now is to have a child ."
 
Gong Li confirms next Hollywood venture
Xinhua

Beijing, April 4 (Xinhua) Noted Chinese film star Gong Li, who recently received rave reviews for her role in Oscar-nominated film "Memoirs of a Geisha", confirmed her next English-language movie would be "The Yellow M."

Based on Edgar P. Jacobs' comic-strip characters Blake and Mortimer, "The Yellow M", directed by James Huth, will be an adventure thriller set in the 1950's, centred around MI5 agent Blake and brilliant physicist Mortimer who fight evil in London.

Gong will play the enigmatic Dr. Li Mei, a scientist whose intelligence is matched only by her icy beauty, the Tianjin-based Morning Post reported.

"The role is fresh to me and I have a lot of confidence in the director," Gong was quoted as saying.

Rufus Sewell of "A Knight's Tale" and Hugh Bonneville of "Notting Hill" fame will respectively play Blake and Mortimer.

Gong rose to stardom over a decade ago with art house hits like "Red Sorghum'' and "Raise the Red Lantern". She recently carved a niche in Hollywood after appearing in "Miami Vice", "Young Hannibal: Behind the Mask" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."

Produced by the French company Telema with a budget of $33 million, "The Yellow M" is reportedly set to go into production in Britain.

Gong first disclosed that she would participate in "The Yellow M" at the Venice Film Festival in 2002, but filming has been delayed until now.

--Xinhua

Indo-Asian News Service

Beckham addicted to tattoo pain
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) Soccer star David Beckham is afraid he could end up being covered with tattoos from head to toe because he is addicted to the pain of getting them done.

According to contactmusic.com, Beckham as of now has 12 tattoos, which include the names of his three children, an angel, and a cross on the back of his neck. His wife Victoria has warned him against getting any more done but he can't seem to avoid the sensation of getting them done.

He said: "I know it sounds weird but I actually enjoy the pain (of tattoos). Victoria's not keen on me having many more but they are addictive."
 

Meyers says Cruise is too strict
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) Irish movie actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has praised Tom Cruise for his professionalism while saying it was a bit intimidating at times to work with him.

According to contactmusic.com, Meyers worked with Cruise on the sets of "Mission: Impossible III" and says Cruise does not tolerate nonsense. 

He says: "I was nervous. Tom runs a very tight ship. Luckily, I don't drink because you do not turn up to a Tom Cruise film set hung over. You do not turn up late and you don't muck around. He will not stand for any s**t. He's strict with himself and everyone he works with."

Banderas blames 'orgasmic' Hollywood for divorces
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) Actor Antonio Banderas is convinced that most actors are unable to commit to a long-term relationship because Hollywood is such an "orgasmic place".

According to contactmusic.com, Banderas, who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his marriage to actress-wife Melanie Griffith later this year, urges his friends to slow down, wait for the right person and not be tempted by a pretty face. 

He says: "When you are in this profession and you are young and you have got a lot of sexual power, you want to fall in love. People have to be ready to spend time and be patient, but Hollywood is such an orgasmic place. The candies are out there and they are beautiful."

Spin magazine's April fool joke
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) Spin magazine played a joke on All Fool's Day by doing a review of the long awaited Guns N' Roses' album "Chinese Democracy". 

According to pagesix.com, suspicions were raised when Spin writer Chuck Klosterman wrote the review and said: "Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses lead singer) has also retained his pathological distaste for the media, lyrically attacking the editors of Vanity Fair, MTV personality Sway, numerous teenage bloggers, and the City Hall reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer (who, curiously, has never written about pop music)."

Klosterman also added that The Clash front man Joe Strummer played guitar on a song called "Janky Holocaust" just two weeks before he died in 2002 and was reported as a fact by a few websites. 

Spin spokesperson said: "We just wanted to see how long it would take for the blogs to figure it out."

Bonaparte movie angers historians
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) The movie "Napoleon And Betsy" starring Scarlett Johansson about the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and a 14-year-old girl has angered historians who say Hollywood is distorting the view on an innocent friendship.

Bonaparte was befriended by English teen Betsy Balcombe when he was exiled to the island of St. Helena in 1815. Although he was supposedly like an uncle figure to Balcombe who lived with her merchant father and siblings, the director Benjamin Roos wants to give it an edgier slant, contactmusic.com reported. 

The historian Peter Hicks says: "It was a platonic relationship. It would be ridiculous to suggest anything else."

But Ross has hit back and says: "The facts are very interpretable. I'd be delighted to get historians jumping and down."
 

Bono attacks Italian prime minister
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 3 (IANS) Rocker Bono has attacked Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after his face was used in a government magazine without his permission.

Bono has written to Berlusconi saying he feels exploited by the use of his image in the magazine Forza, which was sent to millions of homes ahead of next week's elections, contactmusic.com reported. 

A caption below the image reads: "The Irish star is grateful to the prime minister for the actions promoted by the Italian government toward poor countries." 

Bono's letter, which has been printed on the front page of a newspaper, reads: "Mr Berlusconi, as flattered as I can be of appearing in your brochure, I also feel a bit exploited."

Bono also challenges the leader to fulfil Italy's commitments to the cause and double aid to Africa by 2010 as he promised to do at the summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. 

The letter adds: "If your commitment is real and your signature is trustworthy, then the world wants to know how Italy intends to reach this target."

Hollywood superstar Crowe angers anti-smokers
DPA

Wellington, April 2 (DPA) Film star Russell Crowe broke New Zealand's anti-smoking laws when he puffed his way through a concert with his band at an Auckland casino, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Crowe smoked cigarettes after each song with his band, the Ordinary Fear of God, and sometimes during songs - actions that breached the Smokefree Environment Act, which bans smoking in workplaces, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

The Herald quoted a "shocked" Becky Freeman, director of the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) organization, as asking, "So he's above the law because he's a celebrity or something? Just because you're Russell Crowe doesn't mean you can do whatever you like."

The paper said it was the responsibility of the management at the SkyCity venue to have stopped him smoking during Friday night's concert.

Freeman said it was disappointing that a public figure like Crowe had such contempt for the law.

"He's a guest in one of our clubs," she said, "and he has an obligation to follow our rules."

Crowe was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Jeffrey Wigand, who blew the whistle on tobacco companies in the United States, in the anti-tobacco movie "The Insider".

--DPA
 
Indo-Asian News Service

Simpsons movie to be released in 2007
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) The movie version of the popular animated TV series "The Simpsons" will hit the screens in 2007.

The studio Twentieth Century Fox is set to bring the show to the big screen and trailers are already being shown in theatres in the US, contactmusic.com reported. 

A brief 25-second trailer shows Homer Simpson in his underwear after being introduced as "the greatest hero in American history".
 

Lohan to join Kabbalah?
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) Actress Lindsay Lohan is planning to join Kabbalah saying she needs something to get through her life's difficulties. 

According to contactmusic.com, Lohan is eager to join the religion which has other celebrity followers like Madonna, Britney Spears and Demi Moore. 

She says: "I am looking into Kabbalah. All of us need something. You just have to grab on to whatever can get you through. Maybe it's this business, but it seems everything can be so tough, so hard."

Moss glad her drug addiction was exposed
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) Troubled supermodel Kate Moss has confided to her close friend Sir Richard Branson that she was relieved when she was exposed by a newspaper for her cocaine abuse because it forced her to face the problem and deal with it.

Moss confided to the Virgin Group tycoon who has known Moss since she joined his model agency in 1999, contactmusic.com reported. She admitted she could have spiralled further out of control if the story had not broken out in the media. 

Branson said: "The story coming out could have saved her from a much worse situation. I talked to her about it. She said it was the best thing that could have happened to her. When it broke in the press it was almost a release. She realised she had a problem which had to be addressed. It was an awakening."

Kelly Osbourne to pen memoirs
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) Pop star Kelly Osbourne is planning to pen her autobiography after seeing the success of her mother Sharon's book "Extreme". 

Kelly is keen to write about her eventful life that includes time spent in rehabilitation centres and whirlwind romances, according to contactmusic.com.

But she is limiting her plans to only writing. Though she has lost considerable weight, she doesn't want to show off her new body by releasing a fitness tape or appearing on her mom's new TV talent show. 

She says: "I am definitely going to write an autobiography, so watch out for it. There is no way I would ever do Celebrity X Factor, even though my mother is involved. And I would never even dream of releasing a fitness video with my brother Jack, even though we have both lost loads of weight recently."

Blur warn rival rockers about new album
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) The Blur bassist Alex James says their upcoming album is so strong that rockers Foo Fighters will "wet their pants" when they hear it.

The band members James, Damon Albarn and drummer Dave Rowntree have been working on their first album since their 2003 release "Think Tank". James thinks their sound is heavier and more aggressive than ever before, contactmusic.com reported. 

He says: "We all got together before Christmas, and were making the most nasty, dirty, filthy rock music I think we have ever made - it was great. Foo Fighters are going to wet their pants when they hear it."
 
Romano still haunted by flop
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) Ray Romano, star of the hit TV show "Everybody Loves Raymond", is still haunted by his flop movie "Welcome to Mooseport" because he adopted a dog from the set of the movie who is a constant reminder of his failure.

According to contactmusic.com, Romano became so attached to the dog that he ended up taking the dog's brother home after filming ended. 

He said: "My kids fell in love with a dog that I had on 'Mooseport'. So we brought his sibling home and named him Moose. 

"Now for the next 15 years, I have a reminder of a movie that didn't do well for me. It's kind of like Dustin Hoffman having a dog named 'Ishtar'."
 

Knowles' father challenges American idol judge
Indo-Asian News Service

London, April 2 (IANS) Matthew Knowles, Beyonce Knowles' father, has challenged the American Idol judge Simon Cowell to a duel to create the perfect female singer or group.

Knowles is still angry with comments made by Cowell about Beyonce. Cowell said Beyonce was neither sexy nor a great singer. Knowles, who also serves as Beyonce's manager, made the challenge after he heard Cowell's criticisms, contactmusic.com reported. 

A contender on the show did a rendition of Beyonce's song "Work It Out". But Cowell was not very impressed and said: "I am sorry to put a damper on everything... You know what it reminded me of? It's like a little girl pretending to be Beyonce. Whoopee." 

Knowles fired back and told the New York Daily News: "I challenge him to put together a female group or female solo artist, and I will do the same, and then let the audience decide which is better. It is even more clear to me that Simon wouldn't know a hit song, image or talent if it hit him in the face."
 
Oscar-winning film's editors held for piracy
Xinhua

Johannesburg, April 2 (Xinhua) Two people have been arrested for producing and distributing pirate copies of South Africa's Oscar-winning drama film "Tsotsi", a South African newspaper reported Sunday.


The suspects were also allegedly involved in producing pirate copies of "Mama Jack", another hit South African film, said the Sunday Times.

Reportedly key members of a suspected syndicate, they will face charges of fraud, theft and corruption in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court Monday.

A three-month investigation led to the arrest last week, as all evidence pointed to the two members of the editing team of both movies, James Lennox, chief executive of the South African Federation Against Copyright Theft (SAFACT), told the newspaper.

Both worked at Video Lab, a Johannesburg company that has edited more than 30 South African films including "Tsotsi", until they resigned late last year.

Fake DVDs featuring local hits and Hollywood productions such as "Big Momma 2" could be easily found on some Johannesburg streets. They were estimated to cost South Africa's fledgling but internationally acclaimed film industry 850 million rand ($135 million) a year.

"Tsotsi", winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar last month, tells the story of a young Johannesburg thug who faces moral dilemma after inadvertently kidnapping a baby during a hijacking.

--Xinhua

Indo-Asian News Service