Saturday, August 9, 2008

Bush plays beach volleyball with home team

Bush plays beach volleyball with home team
August 9, 2008 NSI News Source Info
U.S. President George W. Bush plays beach volleyable with an athelet of the U.S. women's beach volleyball team in Chaoyang, Beijing, Aug. 9, 2008.

The Best and Worst of the Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Best and Worst of the Olympics Opening Ceremony
(NSI News Source Info) August 9, 2008: By now, you've fast-forwarded through the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, an amazing $300 million spectacle that featured 15,000 performers, nearly 11,000 athletes from 204 countries, and two slap happy television commentators (at least in America). Below, three of the best and worst moments you should not have missed.
The Best1. The sigh of relief one of the 2,008 drummers (pictured, top) let out at the end of their number. You can't blame him. In addition to the pressure for perfection (which was achieved), they had to remember to smile so they wouldn't intimidate TV audiences.
2. The big reveal that it was people controlling those bouncing blocks. Unbelievable. It blew my mind when they finally flipped their lids and peeked out. Plus, their waves were adorable.
3. When nine-year-old earthquake survivor Lin Hao, who freed himself from the rubble of his school then returned to rescue two of his classmates, joined China flagbearer Yao Ming. See also: when Yao Ming looked down at Lin Hao and showed him how to wave to the crowd. When Yao Ming was interviewed holding Lin Hao in his arms and Lin Hao answered the reporter's "Thank you" with "Thank you. Thank you very much." Honorable Mentions: That Olympics-themed commercial for The Office's fall return ("Slap Face" is Jim's new sport, and Dwight is a natural athlete) and the little smirk President Bush let slip while applauding Iraq's athletes during the parade of nations (I read it as, I know all 91,000 of you in this stadium are looking at me). The Worst 1. Team Hungary's entrance. Though they'd already established that they weren't the right men to discuss fashion, NBC analysts Matt Lauer and Bob Costas couldn't help themselves when the Hungarian women (pictured, bottom) entered the Bird's Nest wearing what has take the gold medal in Worst National Ensemble. "What do you think of these outfits?" Lauer asked. "Well, it's all a matter of taste," Costas answered. "Diplomatic as always," Lauer noted. Awkward silence. "They appear happy about it all," Costas said. "Slowly digging yourself out. Hungary, Line 1," Lauer joked.
2. Lauer imagines what President Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are discussing in the stands. "Perhaps talking about that opening drum number still..." I would've loved to hear what Matt thought a bored Bush was thinking later in the evening when he was tapping a mini-American flag on his knee.
3. Each time it looked as though the Olympic torch was, gulp, out. Not only did I think the torch had gone out several times during the flame's final hand-offs, but I also thought it'd gone dark on its flight up to the cauldron with former Chinese Olympian Li Ning. (If you're wondering why his astounding air-lap around the "membrane" of the Bird's Nest didn't make the best-of cut, that's why. Awe-inspiring doesn't have to mean stressful. Or does it?)
What were your best and worst moments from the opening ceremony? And what was your favorite bit of trivia from Matt and Bob: That the United Arab Emirates boasts female athletes for the first time, and they just happen to be the daughters of the prime minister? That at the 1936 games, Haiti and Liechtenstein realized they had the same flag? That El Salvador's flagbearer was chosen through a nationwide text-messaging poll and weightlifter Eva Maria Dimas received 73 percent of the vote?

Beijing Olympics 2008 Opening Ceremony

Beijing Olympics 2008 Opening Ceremony
August 9, 2008 NSI News Source Info





Deepika can't share Ranbir with Bipasha

Deepika can't share Ranbir with Bipasha
(NSI News Source Info) August 9, 2008: Deepika Padukone does not like sharing her beau Ranbir Kapoor with anyone. Recently the Om Shanti Om girl had a face off with Bipasha when the stars went for a TV show to promote their upcoming movie Bachna Ae Haseeno which also stars Minissha Lamba. Both the stars wanted to accompany Ranbir into the show.Being the senior actress Bipasha felt she should accompany Ranbir into the show and Deepika should follow them. But the lovebirds wanted to make an entry holding each others hand. This angered Bipasha who did not take the idea lying down and made sure that the show went her way. Deepika who was upset at all this later snapped at one of the contestants in the show.
Deepika is known to be over possessive about Ranbir which was evident from the manner in which she made him cut all ties with Sonam Kapoor. The movie always carried the spice of trouble when one guy was cast to handle three hot woman. The director scripted their on screen behaviour but off it he could do nothing.

Katrina's saree debut

Katrina's saree debut
August 9, 2008 NSI News Source Info

Katrina Kaif, Bollywood's new style icon who is usually seen in western clothes, has shot an entire song in sarees for Singh Is Kinng.

Sherlyn's sexy act!

Sherlyn's sexy act!
August 9, 2008 NSI News Source Info

Actress-turned-singer Sherlyn Chopra is ready with her music album 'Outrageous' which she says is a tribute to Dream Girl Hema Malini.

Aishwarya is my favourite actress: Bipasha Basu

Aishwarya is my favourite actress: Bipasha Basu
(NSI News Source Info) New Delhi, Aug 09, 2008:The India International Jewellery show saw Gili’s new glamorous brand ambassador, actress Bipasha Basu at her charming best. In an industry, where actresses never praise each other, the lady candidly declared that Aishwarya is her favourite actress. “My favourite actress is Aishwarya”, said the sultry actress, looking bewitching in a set of Gili diamonds, which stood out on a black evening dress and the bangs accentuating her twinkling eyes.When asked to choose between diamonds and John as her best friend, Bipasha stated that “My best friend is of course John, but my second best friends are diamonds, as diamonds a girl’s best friend.” As a message for the viewers of Spicezee, Bipasha said, “I wish Happy Independence Day to all.” When questioned on her continuous use of English in answering questions, the amused Bipasha stated that she would give an exclusive message in Hindi for Spicezee viewers, shortly before Independence Day.

Birthday Blessing From Pandit Isharwaran Ji To K. V. Seth

Birthday Blessing From Pandit Isharwaran Ji To K. V. Seth

August 8, 2008 (NSI News Source Info)

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Shiv Aditya Dhar....Happy Birthday....August 8, 2008....God Bless You

August 8, 2008 NSI News Source Info

Shiv....Happy Birthday....God Bless You
Best Wishes
From
Seth's, Dhar's, Marwah's, Patel's and Near & Dear

Kismet Konnection - Watch Online

Kismet Konnection - Watch Online

Kismet Konnection Online Zshare

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Director: Aziz Mirza
Writer: Sanjay Chel (writer)
Genre: Musical Romance
Plot: In college Raj Malhotra was numero uno. In academics, sports, dramatics and touted as the next cover of Time magazine.
Cast: Haidar Ali, Vidya Balan, Juhi Chawla, Shahid Kapur, Shahrukh Khan... Narrator (voice),
Vishal Malhotra

Mughal-e-Azam: Reliving the epic

Mughal-e-Azam: Reliving the epic
(NSI News Source Info) Thursday, August 7, 2008: (Mumbai): This week marks 48 years since the release of K Asif's magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam. Almost five decades later the magic of the Salim-Anarkali legend and its grandeur live on. Released on Aug 5, 1960, it was the first movie ever to be produced in Mumbai at a cost of Rs 10.5 million. When K Asif spent Rs 1 million on the Sheesh Mahal to picturise the classic song Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya, many thought his financier Shapoorji Pallonji would go bankrupt.And, according to Dilip Kumar, who played Salim, it took seven years to complete the film that was premiered at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre.Released in 150 theatres all over the country simultaneously, which itself was a record in those days, it became an instant hit and collected a record revenue which remained unsurpassed till G P Sippy's Sholay broke it 15 years later.Asif had planned to make the movie way back in 1944 after he read a play on the 16th century love affair between a prince and a commoner during the reign of Emperor Akbar and he had gone ahead with it, casting Chandramohan, Nargis and Sapru for the roles of Akbar, Anarkali and Salim, respectively.But the perfectionist that he was, he suspended the movie and restarted it in 1953 with Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Durga Khote and Ajit in the cast.Initially, Dilip Kumar was reluctant to do a historical movie, but he gave in when Shapoorji Pallonji insisted that he play Salim. Asif sent Dilip Kumar to London to try out the wig he wore in the movie.Mughal-e-Azam was seven years in the making all right, but when it was released its awesome battle scenes, splendour of the Mughal court, ensemble dances picturised on Madhubala and hundreds of junior artistes took the audience's breath away, for the like of this had never been portrayed on the Indian screen before with such finesse, dazzle and perfection before.It was a signature movie of K Asif and the only magnum opus he could complete. After the success of Mughal-e-Azam, he had started Love and God with Guru Dutt and Nimmi in the leads. But it was shelved after Guru Dutt's death.Later Asif revived it with Sanjeev Kumar as the male lead. But it was not to be as he died during its making. Later, in 1986, producer-director K C Bokadia released the incomplete movie as a tribute to the late filmmaker.Asif had planned to make Mughal-e-Azam in three languages - Hindi, Tamil and English. While the Hindi version became a super hit, the Tamil-dubbed version came a cropper at the box-office and he subsequently dropped the idea of dubbing it in English in the voices of British actors.The making of Mughal-e-Azam was a gigantic affair, but Asif carried it out patiently and painstakingly.Tailors were brought from Delhi to stitch the costumes, specialists from Surat were hired to do the embroidery, goldsmiths from Hyderabad designed jewellery, craftsmen from Kolhapur worked on the crowns, ironsmiths from Rajasthan made the weaponry and shoemakers from Agra produced the royal footwear.For the battle scenes, 2,000 cameras, 4,000 horses and 8,000 soldiers were used. Most of the soldiers were taken on loan from the Jaipur Regiment of the Indian Army.Although the movie was made partly in colour, the full colour version was released in 2004. It was the first Indian movie to be released in Pakistan after Indian movies were banned there following the 1965 war.Earlier, K Asif had directed Phool (1945) and produced Hulchul (1951).

Miller secretly meeting Getty

Miller secretly meeting Getty
(NSI News Source Info) Thursday, August 7, 2008: (London): British actress Sienna Miller and Balthazar Getty have been meeting at a hotel that is less than two miles from the actor's wife's house. Miller and Getty have been meeting at the Chateau Marmont hotel. Getty had recently claimed that he has split from Miller and has begged his wife Rosetta to take him back. He also has four children with her. Miller was seen leaving the Chateau recently while Getty's car remained outside the hotel garage. Sources say that before she left the hotel, Miller looked nervous and upset and was arguing on her mobile phone. A source said: "She looked ragged. Her hair was a mess and she was chain-smoking. She was arguing on the phone, talking about her and Balthazar being caught together in Italy." Another source added: "Rosetta has a lot of friends in Hollywood. People are turning their backs on Sienna because of this."

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Kareena Kapoor bags a Hollywood deal

Kareena Kapoor bags a Hollywood deal
(NSI News Source Info) 6 Aug, 2008: Bollywood’s reigning queen Kareena Kapoor is all set to go international after days of speculation she has finally clinched the Hollywood deal.
The Geet of Jab We Met is going to make her Hollywood debut with a flick called ‘Chamera’ and is will have Billy Zane (The ultimate mummy of ‘The Mummy’) as her co-star.
Famous director, Daniel Silverman who is known for his famous hits ‘Perfect Strangers’ and a more recent ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is going to direct the film. Bebo will be seen playing the character of an Asian girl.
The film will be shot in a month in the picturesque locales of North India.
I wonder what Bebo has charged for the movie.

Rajinikanth's Kuselan weaves magic

Rajinikanth's Kuselan weaves magic
(NSI) Wednesday, August 6, 2008: (Mumbai): Tamil film Kuselan crossed the 1 lakh pound mark in its opening week, overtaking all Hindi films running in UK this weekend. The sole Hindi release, Ugli Aur Pagli is below expectations in UK. Last week's Mission Istaanbul and Money Hai Toh Honey Hai have slipped further. Kuselan debuted at No 13 position and in its opening weekend, the film has collected Rs 88.14 lakh on 17 screens.The film has also received an outstanding response in the US and tickets for most of the shows have already been sold out in almost all the cities.Advance bookings are very strong and the audience, who watched the preview and first day shows show love the simplicity of their 'Thalaivar'. Many fans want to watch the movie again to see his stylish appearance and Om Zare song.According to the reports, it may hold strong at the Box Office for next few weeks. The Telugu version Kathanayakudu has also received rave reviews of Rajinikanth's performance.

Singh Is Kinng - unadulterated fun

Singh Is Kinng - unadulterated fun
(NSI News Source Info) August 6, 2008: Akshay Kumar, the Bollywood actor with the Midas touch, is on a mission. The actor, 41, who began his career as a bloodthirsty action hero, wishes to spread cheer in a world filled with negativity. And helping him in his quest, is his next release Singh Is Kinng (SIK).
Kumar plays the role of Happy Singh, a simpleton with a heart of gold, who transforms a bunch of gangsters into noble beings. Kumar says he has reached a point in his life where he abhors violence and prefers to give his fans a light-hearted fare.
"They will get their money's worth. It is unadulterated entertainment and even the action sequences in SIK are hilarious yet slick," he adds. Kumar, one of Bollywood's highest paid actors, who delivered four hits and one box-office disaster in the last two years, confesses that his role in SIK was an easy one to pull off.
Comedy of errors
"This was one of the few roles which did not require any preparation. The role just flowed because it's a reflection of me and my own positive philosophy," says Kumar. The movie tells the story of the comedy of errors that occurs when a simple Sikh is sent to Australia to rescue a fellow Sikh.
It may have been smooth sailing for the lead actor, but the filmmakers had to tackle a few bumps on the way.
As far as controversies go, the film ran into a mother of all feuds, when the Sikhs, a religious community in North India, took offence to the movie's title and were concerned that they were being portrayed in a negative light.
But the crisis was averted, thanks to a host of damage control measures undertaken by the actor and producer Vipul Shah. A special screening was set up for the leaders of Sikh groups to reassure them.
Though the movie was given the go-ahead by the community leaders, a few scenes were altered or deleted.
"An additional dialogue where my character seeks forgiveness if he has committed any mistake has been incorporated. The changes will benefit our film," says Kumar.
But despite such friendly overtures, The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Monday requested another screening.
Apart from this, the title too has come under scrutiny. Was Kumar indirectly proclaiming himself the king of Bollywood?
"We were not intending to many any personal statement of such a kind. I got hold of the title in a most unusual and funny manner. While I was driving back from Jaipur, a truck driven by an easy-going Sikh had this slogan emblazoned on his vehicle back. I loved the ring of it and immediately called up Vipul Shah [the producer] and suggested it," says Kumar.
A winning combination
If Kumar is Bollywood's golden boy, then Katrina Kaif is the quintessential lucky charm. The pair, with their combustible on-screen chemistry, delivered some of the biggest hits of last year such as Namastey London and Welcome.
Kaif, who was recently voted the sexiest woman in the world by FHM, sticks to what she does best - dialling up the glam quotient as an eye-candy with a flair for comedy.
"Most of the Bollywood films are male-dominated and the heroines are expected to look good and appear in songs. But in this movie, apart from looking good I needed to tune my comic timing too," she says.
But what made it easier, says the actress, was the comfort level she enjoyed with the lead actor.
Greater ease
"After having worked together for several films, we are able to communicate with greater ease. And, it's a pleasure working with an actor who brings in energy into a film with his sheer presence," says Kaif.
The admiration is not one-sided. Kumar waxed lyrical about his on-screen lover's determination to learn Hindi. For all those who came in late, Kaif was panned initially for her heavily anglicised Hindi.
"Katrina has improved over the last couple of years. She is hard-working and is eager to work on her shortcomings," says Kumar.
But quiz Kaif about her earnest approach to work and she promptly pulls out the diplomacy card.
"I think I am lucky to be a part of some highly successful films. All I try to do, is choose roles that make sense to me. Besides that, the actors and the banner play a deciding role," says Kaif.
If the words from an actress, who is fast developing a reputation for being associated with wholesome entertainers, is anything to go by, then SIK is worth heading to the theatres for tomorrow.
Did you know?
The title song of Singh Is Kinng features American hip-hop sensation Snoop Dogg and the lead actor Akshay Kumar rates his experience of working with the R&B star as top notch.
Katrina Kaif made a lightning visit to Dubai and bought a dazzling orange gown from Missoni, the high-end Italian label, for Singh in Kinng.
The action sequences, which were tailored by Australian stunt director Danny Baldwin, will see Kumar execute some gravity-defying stunts like jumping from one skyscraper to the next and tackling as many as eight beefy wrestlers.
Know your characters
Happy Singh (Akshay Kumar)As his name suggests, Happy Singh is a do-gooder whose noble intentions end up having disastrous consequences.
Sonia (Katrina Kaif)Chirpy and fun-loving, Sonia is a law student who loses her cool when she is confronted by a bunch of gangsters.
Lakhan Singh aka Lucky (Sonu Sood)By a twist of fate, Lakhan becomes an underworld don. Dodging bullets and running his own organised crime dynasty in Australia has become his way of life.
Julie (Neha Dhupia)A gangster's moll, Julie harbours ambitions of making it big in Bollywood. Her grand plan is to get one of her boyfriend to force a director to cast her.

Abhishek Bachchan promises Aishwarya Rai a baby

Abhishek Bachchan promises Aishwarya Rai a baby
(NSI) August 6, 2008: Abhishek Bachchan was recently left blushing during the Unforgettable tour press confrence when a journo quizzed wifey Aishwariya Rai whether Abhishek has promised her a baby.
Aishwariya was surprised by the question and Amitabh Bachchan saved her the embarrassment by quoting, “Every husband promises his wife a baby.”
But the Little Bachchan put the icing on the cake when he immediately turned towards his wife and held her hand and said, “I promise”.
The press conference hall burst into laughter at the turn of events. Well this is called “Saanp bhi marjaye aur laathi bhi na toote”.

Saif Ali Khan wants to make films for Kareena

Saif Ali Khan wants to make films for Kareena
(NSI News Source Info) August 6, 2008: Saif Ali Khan is back to his producing ways after a brief stint with Being Cyrus and this time he is back with Homi Adjani again.
Saif warns, “But not right away. We’ll be doing it next year. I’ll produce a film and it’s not really a period film.”
Saif explains, “It would be a period film. But it won’t feel like one. By that I mean it’d be very contemporary in terms of actions and emotions. But in order to make those actions and emotions credible the plot will be set in the past. Part of my character might have some thugi traits. But I don’t play a thug, as defined in the history books.”
The Chote Nawab makes it clear that he is gonna rope in his ladylove Kareena Kapoor for his future productions.
Saif adds, “I’d love to make films for Kareena and my sister Soha. But I don’t have to star in all my productions. See, initially the whole idea was to give myself a chance to produce films and do the roles I wasn’t being offered.”
“Now when I’m in my first three production being directed by Imtiaz Ali, Sriram Raghavan and Homi Adjania I don’t mind playing just the producer in future.”
Well let’s see if Saifoo’s other movies with Bebo make it big on the box office or are big duds like Tashan.

Sanjay Dutt prefers Imran Khan to Shahid Kapoor

Sanjay Dutt prefers Imran Khan to Shahid Kapoor
(NSI News Source Info) August 6, 2008: Shahid Kapoor is turning heads after the box office success of his movie Jab We Met, but he has failed to turn the head of Munnabhai of Bollywood, Sanjay Dutt as he has lost out on a lucrative offer of working with Dutt to Imran Khan.
Apparently Ashtavinayak wanted to have Shahid in their next flick Kidnap, but took Imran Khan on suggestion of Dutt, as the later did not find Shahid suitable for the role.
An insider reveals, “Well both Sanjay and Shahid didn’t get along well during their last film Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! Shahid didn’t interact with him much and Sanjay thought that the young actor has an attitude problem. This irked Sanjay being a senior.”
A close friend of Shahid says, “Poor Shahid was in awe of Sanju and was too shy to be on back slapping terms with him.”
Imran Khan will be sporting a more muscular look for the movie as the producers have asked him to put on some weight.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Katrina suffers because of Salman

Katrina suffers because of Salman
(NSI News Source Info) Tuesday, August 5, 2008: (New Delhi): Looks like Salman, Shah Rukh spat has affected the world's sexiest woman the worst.According to the grapevine, Katrina Kaif has been chucked out of King Khan's wolrd tour, Temptations Reloaded. Kaif's birthday last month seems to have been a not so happy day for the b'day girl.Apparently, Sharukh and Salman got nasty with each other, and a word duel ensued.Salman hit Shah Rukh's pain spot when he leg-pulled Shah Rukh for Paanchvi Pass' lukewarm success.Shah Rukh, in turn touched Salman's raw nerve when he said something not so becoming about Aishwarya Rai. According to sources, Salman took it very personally and lost his temper completely.Both the Khans were at loggerheads, and the guests at Katrina's b'day party were forced to take sides.Now, Katrina being the reason for Salman's presence at her party doesn't seem to have gone down well with King Khan.Though he couldn't do anything to Salman, he vented out his anger against Salman's girlfriend Katrina.Now, all's not well even on that front. Rumour mills have been abuzz with stories of Salman, Katrina break-up following the embarrasing incidents at Katrina's party.Looks like Salman is not Katrina's lucky mascot anymore rather he is the reason behind her professional loss, or may be a personal one as well. Who knows?

Pooja Bedi joins the blog bandwagon

Pooja Bedi joins the blog bandwagon
(NSI News Source Info) Tuesday, August 5, 2008: (New Delhi): After Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgan, actress-anchor Pooja Bedi has made her foray into the big bad world of blogging. Bedi is back home after a month long shoot from South Africa for Khatron Ke Khiladi. The lady said in her blog, "Internet is one of the best things that has happened to us, And I have decided to make the best use of it. I was already very active on Facebook when one day it dawned to me that here s another way where not only can I express myself but also can connect to you guys more. So here I am."Pooja, who has been infamous for her vocal and direct approach, intends to share her experiences, thoughts, and opinions and reveal her real side to her fans via the blog. "This blog is my way of saying there's a lot more to me than just a sum of all the parts people tend to gossip about. I am what I am and through this blog, you will get to know the real me," said Pooja. The actress, who shared screen space with Aamir Khan in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, also wrote about how different people have different perceptions about a person, based on what they hear or read about them. She shared the story of the five blind men and the elephant with the readers. "For those who skipped this one in school, it s about how each one of them bases his impressions on the portion of its body he comes into contact with. The one who gets hold of the tail declares that the elephant is like a rope, the one who grabs its leg swears that it is like a tree trunk and so on. Similarly people often end up making up their minds about people they have never met - especially celebrities," said Pooja. The blog has already started getting responses from her fans and they can't wait for her to share her experience about shooting with Akshay Kumar and more.

Brad and Angelina's record breaking photos

Brad and Angelina's record breaking photos
News Source Info - NSI Aug 5, 2008: The first photos of the newborn twins of celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, have been sold for a reported $US14 million ($A15 million), which would make them the most expensive baby snaps in history.
The couple sold the rights to the photos to Getty Images, which then sold them to magazines. Getty said that the proceeds would go "entirely to charity".
Intimate photos of Hollywood's most glamorous couple and their three-week-old twins, Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, appear in a 19-page spread in the latest issues of People magazine in the United States, and Hello! in Britain.
Who Weekly, the Australian version of People, is published on Fridays but its Australian owner, Pacific Magazines put out a cryptic statement yesterday saying publication of another of its magazines, New Idea, had been delayed from yesterday to today. "It's a first for us not to be out on Monday. But we'd like assure readers that there's no problem … We'd like to advise readers that it'll be worth the wait. We have a few surprises in store."
Prices of celebrity photographs are sometimes hyped but even allowing for that, the price reported by Associated Press in the US for the newborn twins is more than three times the previous record figure as quoted in the business magazine Forbes last year.
That figure — $US4.1 million — was also for "Brangelina" and their firstborn child, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, and also appeared in People magazine, in 2006.
Pictures of Nicole Kidman's baby, Sunday Rose, are said to be worth $5 million.

Monday, August 4, 2008

The Most Expensive Celebrity Baby Photos

The Most Expensive Celebrity Baby Photos
News Source Info - NSI August 4, 2008: Chalk up another No. 1 ranking for Brangelina, arguably the most famous celebrity couple on planet Earth.
An exclusive first glimpse of twins Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon, the highly anticipated offspring of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, tops our latest rundown of the most expensive celebrity baby photos. According to published reports, People magazine, which is owned by Time-Warner, along with London-based Hello! magazine coughed up between $11 million and $15 million for exclusive first shots. (In the U.S. and Canada, People holds the rights, while Hello! has international rights to the pics.)
This comes just two years after the tabloid-staple couple peddled pictures of their pouty newborn--and first biological child--Shiloh Nouvel. Rather than pocket the loot, the humanitarian duo donated the funds to African charity. The reported sum: a then-record $4.1 million--and that doesn't include the $3.5 million that Hello! reportedly shelled out for the British rights to the pictorial.
The second-most lucrative photo sale to date came in March this year, when boldface pair Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony sold exclusive first shots of twins Max and Emme to People magazine. In return for the lavish spread, the glossy allegedly coughed up $6 million.
The newborn shots are not only must-sees for the masses but also big business for the magazines that publish them. As celebrity weeklies are forced to compete with a growing number of entertainment shows and tabloid-style blogs to chronicle the minutia of celebrity life, the price tags associated with these types of private moments have skyrocketed. And entrepreneurial celebrities stepping in to maintain control of--and profit from--their exposure only fuel things further.
In Forbes' list, we surveyed top-priced photo sales in the U.S. over the last decade. Our estimates are not adjusted for inflation, and we didn't look at photos that sold for less than $500,000. Since the celebrity weeklies are notoriously tight-lipped about such sales, we were forced to rely on published reports and only considered photo sales for which information was available.
Such photographs are no doubt adorable, but are they really worth their hefty price tags?
Absolutely, says OK! magazine Deputy Editor Rob Shuter. First off, they sell magazines--job No. 1 for publishers. A heavily hyped exclusive typically sells an extra 300,000 to 500,000 copies. Some do even more: The buzz-worthy Shiloh cover sold 800,000 more than usual.
"But anybody that looks at it as just a one-week phenomenon has missed the real point," Shuter explains. "It's branding. It's publicity. It's marketing." For a magazine, an exclusive set of A-list baby pics generates a tremendous amount of buzz, from blog write-ups to talk show segments to newspaper headlines.
Star magazine Editor-in-Chief Candace Trunzo agrees, adding that you're giving your readers what they want: a window into the real lives of celebrities.
Of course, with stars dictating the terms, it's often a heavily primped version. But getting in on the action offers more to a celebrity than just a preapproved shot. Rather, working directly with a publication to capture the big-ticket event is one way to ward off the paparazzi and control the media maelstrom--not to mention making big money along the way.
Not every star is willing to play, however. Hordes of photographers found themselves tripping over each other trying to score the first shots of Sarah Jessica Parker's son James Wilke in 2002. By walking out of the hospital and posing for the masses, she turned what some predicted would fetch $1 million as an exclusive into a discounted also-ran.
Will the latest crop of pregnant celebs, including Jessica Alba and Nicole Kidman, take their cue from the Sex and the City star?
The increasingly competitive stargazing industry is hoping not, and Trunzo says the audience that supports it wouldn't be pleased either.
"Celebrities put out one face when they're on the big or small screen," she says. "But the face that our readers want to see is the one behind closed doors."

Anne Hathaway's Nude Photos Expected in Web Leak

Anne Hathaway's Nude Photos Expected in Web Leak
Monday, August 04, 2008 - Fox News: How long will it be until Anne Hathaway’s naked photos surface on the net?
Not too long, according to Gawker.com. “We'll give it another two weeks or so.”
Hathaway, 25, has been the subject of non-stop tabloid coverage following her recent breakup with scam artist Raffaelo Follieri of Italy. Follieri, 30, was arrested in June for fraud.
But it appears Hathaway’s real problems could be just around the corner.
According to the Enquirer, Follieri had reportedly taken several nude photos of Hathaway, Gawker writes. The piece de resistance of which is a prized and “sizzling” photo of her in black fishnet stockings, a garter belt and bustier that completely exposes her top portion. Follieri is believed to have paid a famous photographer to take that picture.
Hathaway’s brother tried to recover the pictures from a storage unit, only to find out that the FBI had beaten him to it the day before, according to Gawker.
The photographer is believed to have copies and it is questionable whether Follieri’s friends do as well.

Nicolette Sheridan is partly of Indian Punjabi descent.

Edie's world
News Source Info - NSI; August 04, 2008: She is meant to be Wisteria Lane's prime vixen. Yet many viewers of Desperate Housewives also call Edie their favourite. Nicolette Sheridan explains why...
What reactions did you receive when we were left thinking that Edie was dead?
It was great. I kept being approached by strangers in the street saying, "Does Edie live or die?" They were extremely upset about it. And what I heard a lot was, "If Edie dies, I'm not watching the show any more." So I thought, "Yesss! This is good."
It must be a giggle playing the vamp?
I love the shock value. Edie's the most fabulous, audacious character on TV. But I also like that she is a person; she's multilayered and breakable. And it's a challenge, when you play a bad girl, to find ways to make her likeable.
She does have a habit of falling in love with the other girls' men…
It's a very small town. I love her. She's just misunderstood.
Do you share any traits with her?
I'm much more reserved, but I get to live things out through her. Edie has a fabulous wardrobe, but, I mean, have you seen those hot pants? It's horrifying if I haven't been running for a week. I think, "No, I'll march into the wardrobe trailer and find some long pants."
You're engaged to be married to Michael "The Voice" Bolton - have you got a date yet?
We havent decided where we're doing it yet. The date will come after we decide where. Michael's been touring and I've been working, so it's hard to eke out some time.
What does Michael think about your part on the show?
He is highly amused.
Tell us why do you think people always assume there are huge cat fights on the set?
Because they are stupid. Because people like to focus on the negative rather than the positive which I think is a problem, a big problem everywhere and then we can bring it down to Desperate Housewives. People like to create animosity and ugliness because somehow it is more entertaining.
Do you relate with any of the characters of the housewives?
Sure, I have always been an extremely neat person, everything has its place, so there is a little bit of Bree in me and I love to cook and bake. I guess Susan's sensitivity and Lynette's mothering - that's a strong part of my nature.
Did you know?
In 2004 Nicolette Sheridan topped Blackwell's list of the worst dressed celeb women.
She is partly of Indian Punjabi descent, was born in England, and considers her stepfather, Kojak actor Telly Savalas, as her real father.
She has been in trouble with the American Federal Communications Commission for appearing in a sexually suggestive advertisment.

Motherhood comes in handy for Lopez in film role

Motherhood comes in handy for Lopez in film role
News Source Info - NSI; Aug. 4, 2008 -- Jennifer Lopez will be able to call on her newly acquired parenting skills for her latest film role, where she plays a professional thief posing as a nanny, it was reported Tuesday.
The Daily Variety reported that Lopez had confirmed bagging a lead role in romantic comedy "The Governess," her second movie project since giving birth to twins earlier this year.
The 39-year-old music and acting diva will play a robber planning a bank heist who pretends to be a nanny for children of a wealthy widower, the report said. Filming gets underway later this year.
Lopez, whose last film was 2006's "El Cantante," is already working on another project, "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits," due for release in 2009.

Amrita Arora – the impressive actress of bollywood

Amrita Arora – the impressive actress of bollywood
News Source Info - NSI; 4 August, 2008: Amrita Arora had created a good impression with her performance in bollywood films in the last few years. She had a background in bollywood films as her sister Malaika Arora had also played notable roles in many films and had also conducted a number of television shows successfully.
She started her career opposite Fardeen Khan in the film Kitne Door Kitne Paas. Then she acted in the film Awara Pagal Diwana.
In Awara Pagal Diwana, Om Puri, died out of heart attack at the beginning of the film. After that his property consisting of diamonds was supposed to be distributed between his son, his daughter and son in law. Amrita Arora, the wife of the dentist played by Altaf Shivdasani, got involved in the battle between Akshay Kumar, Rahul Dev, Sunil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, etc., when she lived next door to Akshay Kumar and others. Although the film involved action sequences, Amrita Arora impressed the viewers with her own performance in the film.
She also acted in the film Girlfriend where Isha Koppikar also played a significant role. The film was related to the relationship between both the girls.
She also acted in the film Fight Club – Members Only, where leading characters were played by Dino Morea, Ritesh Deshmukh, Zayed Khan and other actors. All these characters were involved in affairs, and Amrita Arora and Diya Mirza created an impact in their life. It was an action film, but again Amrita Arora had played her part very well.
There are number of films of Amrita Arora which are going to be released in 2008. She also provided a great dance performance in the closing ceremony of DLF Indian Cricket League before the finals, held at Mumbai, where Rajasthan Royals emerged as the victorious team.The viewers expect her to continue her good work in the years to come.

Jassi Kaur is thrilled!

Jassi Kaur is thrilled!
(NSI News Source Info) August 4, 2008: Jassi Kaur is thrilled about her two-day holiday in Goa with hubby Aziz. “This was the first time in four years that the two of us were going out on a holiday all alone.
Till now it’s either been with family or friends, never just the two of us.” The couple had a blast and a well-deserved one. “I’ve had a very hectic schedule past few months. Aziz too has been busy with his film. We were waiting to take this break,” she says.
On the work front, Jassi’s role in Betiyaan... continues to be as negative as always.
“I can’t expect this role to turn positive,” she says, “But yes, I’d like to take up some positive role in another show.” Jassi in recent times has been seen doing many reality shows. She was first seen in Mr & Ms TV some time ago.
Currently she’s doing Ek Se Badhkar Ek and will soon get busy with Saas Vs Bahu on SaharaOne. “The one show I’ve always wanted to do is Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, but that’s not come my way yet,” she says. What does she have to say about the drama that goes on in reality shows most of which are said to be staged?
“I don’t know how much of that is true. But as far as I am concerned, I have never been part of any natak.” Jassi, who’s known for her dancing skills, recently shot with Saroj Khan for NDTV Imagine’s Aaja Nachle, where she was given the Natraj trophy by the ace choreographer. Naturally, it was a big moment for the actress.
“To dance in front of Sarojji was a big thing for me. Besides, I was dancing to her choreography. And I got a ten on ten! I was so excited!”

Shilpa Shetty breaks her 'maun vrat'

Shilpa Shetty breaks her 'maun vrat'
News Source Info - NSI; Monday, August 4, 2008: (Mumbai): Actress Shilpa Shetty is just back from a spirituality course in Andhra Pradesh where she observed a three-day vow of silence."I was at the Oneness meditation camp in Chittoor district. I had undertaken a 'maun vrat' till the end of this week. I did a spiritual course there and returned to Mumbai Sunday," said Shilpa.The actress has discovered a new affinity to meditation thanks to the spirituality course at the Oneness University."The place was so beautiful and calm. Though it's hard for me to keep quiet for more than 10 minutes, I found it easy to remain quiet when nature seems to second my tranquil emotion," she added.Shilpa, constantly into health and fitness activity, discovered the spirituality course through a common friend."It's a fabulous mind and body healing course. When I met the spiritual leader at the Oneness University, I could feel his divine energy flow from him into me. I know it sounds like mumbo jumbo. You've to experience it to know how it feels," she added.The Bollywood actress is also into yoga in a big way and has even brought out a CD called "Shilpa's Yoga" that was released in June.The Oneness course has become very popular among celebrities in India and abroad. Big names from Hollywood like Gerard Butler, Uma Thurman and Richard Gere are some of those who have undergone the course. And from Bollywood, Manisha Koirala has enrolled at the Oneness University.

Preity: Ash, Madhuri are awesome together

Preity: Ash, Madhuri are awesome together
News Source Info - NSI; Monday, August 4, 2008: (Mumbai): Preity Zinta, who is accompanying the Bachchans for their Unforgettable tour, says she gets along with everyone in Bollywood's first family, but shares a special bonding with Jaya Bachchan.The Unforgettable tour that kicked off last month has Amitabh, his son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai performing with other Bollywood stars. Although Jaya is not performing, she is accompanying the family on the tour."I knew I'd be comfortable with Amitji, Ash and Abhishek. I've always gotten along with them. I did the film The Last Lear with Amitji. And we had a blast," Preity said. "But my favourite is Jaya aunty. We bonded earlier during Kal Ho Naa Ho. At that that we had gotten really close. Now it's like old times again. Jaya Aunty is my favourite member of the Bachchan family. We get along so well," she added.Apparently, the two ladies take off on long walks and shopping sprees at every venue."Just the two of us. We love it!" said Preity.Commenting upon her relationship with Aishwarya and Madhuri Dixit, she said, "Come on, it's not hard to get along with Aishwarya and Madhuri, who joined us in the US. They're two of the sweetest chicks I've worked with. And they're as comfortable in their space as I am in mine. No rivalry, no looking anxiously over our shoulders."We're all cool doing our own thing. And I'm sure I'd be the same when Shilpa Shetty joins us in London. I knew I'd be completely comfortable in present company. Otherwise, I'd never have agreed to come along."Her favourite act, Preity says generously, is Madhuri and Aishwarya's Dola re song from Devdas."They're awesome, breathtaking together. Absolutely paisa vasool! We all are, actually, ha ha... Riteish Deshmukh, who I've never worked with, is such a revelation on stage. He dances so well. And he's such a cool guy."And Vishal and Shekhar are rock stars. In fact, the whole experience so far has been just amazing. I can't wait to get along with the rest of the show," said the actress who was also part of Shah Rukh Khan's world tour Temptations.However, the tour wasn't without hiccups. After Amitabh, Preity too lost her luggage on arrival in Los Angeles just hours before she was to go on stage."Can you imagine my plight on de-boarding from the flight? So it's not just Amitji whose world-tour experiences come with a baggage," Preity puns perkily."I had a 'wail' of a time when I lost my baggage. To my horror the lost suitcase contained my precious golden gown. There was no way I could go on stage without wearing that gown. So I decided to get a replacement garment," said the actress.Then began Preity's hunt in the shopping areas of LA for a designer who would stitch the lost gown."I finally found this place run by a guy called Mike. At first he was horrified. 'How can I make a duplicate dress without a pattern, and that too in just hours?' But you know me. I badgered, threatened, pleaded. It was done. I got my golden gown just in time," said Preity"All my Indian clothes for the concerts have been done by Neeta Lulla and Ruchika Pandey. I even get into an Anarkali dress and do a full on Indian number. So much for my Western image, ha!"

Sunday, August 3, 2008

'Pineapple Express': High Hopes for James Franco

'Pineapple Express': High Hopes for James Franco
Aug 3, 2008: James Franco is reading Gertrude Stein. It's homework for a course he's taking at UCLA — English 173B: American Fiction 1900-1945 — as he continues his long, between-pictures slog toward finally finishing his bachelor's degree. ''I'm graduating this June,'' announces the 30-year-old actor-turned-lit major, plunking down a thick paperback of the Parisian expat's prose onto a tabletop at a busy Westwood coffee shop. ''But I'm going on to graduate school. For creative writing. What I really want to do is write.''
And Gertrude Stein probably wanted to be in Spider-Man. But a rose is a rose is a rose, as somebody once wrote, and for now Franco is stuck being a movie star. In fact, he's here on this early March morning — ''the first day of the spring quarter,'' he cheerily notes — to discuss a new film, Pineapple Express, in which he and Seth Rogen costar as a couple of hapless stoners whose buzz gets harshed when one of them witnesses a cop committing a murder. ''The whole idea of the movie comes from Brad Pitt's stoner character in True Romance,'' explains producer Judd Apatow, referring to that star's glassy-eyed walk-on in the 1993 Tony Scott crime drama. ''I thought it would be funny to make a movie in which you follow that character out of his apartment and watch him get chased by bad guys.''
It's Franco's first leading role in a major studio comedy — also a step up for director David Gordon Green (Snow Angels, Undertow) — as well as a huge attention-grabbing stretch for an actor best known for playing Peter Parker's playboy pal. Franco dives so deeply into the character, burying his chiseled features under a mop of greasy hair and blinking into the camera in a heavy-lidded daze, some fans might have trouble recognizing him. ''It really is amazing, isn't it?'' marvels Rogen. ''You see him in the Spider-Man movies wearing $3,000 suits and he's a total heartthrob. But we put him in a grungy wig and some baggy clothes and he's a whole different guy. It's almost like he isn't even handsome in this movie.''

Raima Sen shines in latest movie

Raima Sen shines in latest movie
August 03, 2008: Bollywood actress Raima Sen, who has been noticed for her performances in Eklavya and Chokher Bali, is all set to appear for the first time as the solo heroine in C Kkompany. Raima, who got much appreciation for her special performance in her debut film Godmother in 1999 and went on to play supporting roles, cameos and special appearances in various other films, is all set to play the solo heroine in Balaji Motion Picture's C Kkompany. She is the daughter of Bengali actress Moon Moon Sen and granddaughter of actress Suchitra Sen. "I have done various films where I have played important roles," she says. "I have done special appearances, played supporting actress or was one of the two or more heroines, but this is my film where I am the solo heroine. "I find comedy the most difficult thing to do. I don't have many comic scenes to perform in the film as I am playing a middle class girl who is the sister of under world don played by Mithun Chakraborty." About the film, she said it is about three friends from different age groups who are striving to achieve their respective dreams. It is about their struggle and a series of events which changes their lives in a dramatic way.

Prachi Desai From A Desi Bahu To Urban Chic

Prachi Desai From A Desi Bahu To Urban Chic
3 August, 2008: Prachi Desai the innocent girl next door in Ekta Kapoor’s forgettable serial Kassamh Se. A single audition saved her from playing a middle aged bahu to a relatively younger looking nani, as the serial took a time leap. Young Prachi, as she was shooting for Ekta’s serial got a call from Farhan Akhtar’s Rock On team for an audition. She was chosen and there she transformed from a ‘heavily-decked-in-jewelry-and-makeup’ desi bahu into a very chic looking urban lass. She plays Farhan Akhtar’s better half in the movie. And it is said that she has sung a couple of lines in the movie. She couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s STK Date Night

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s STK Date Night
August 3, 2008:Enjoying a romantic night out on the town and away from the twins, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were spotted grabbing a bite to eat at STK on Friday evening (August 1). Upon finishing their meals, the “El Cantante” co-star couple hit the exits - making their way past a sea of photographers and into the backseat of their Rolls-Royce.
As for the upbringing on their baby twins, Max and Emme, J Lo reportedly isn’t one to hold back when it comes to making sure that her man pitches in.
In a recent interview, Marc revealed: “Jennifer pushes me out of bed to go and check on the twins if they are crying. Absolutely.”
By no means upset with doing his fair share, the Latino singer adds: “We share the parenting responsibilities. We are a team. I love being a dad and that is a big part of it. My family is strong and my foundations are good and they give me so much energy. So I have energy to look after them and energy to work. I am on top of the world right now.”

Christina Applegate Battles Breast Cancer

Christina Applegate Battles Breast Cancer
August 3, 2008: Former “Married With Children” actress Christina Applegate is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, a spokesperson for the star announced to press.
Fortunately, the 36-year-old is expected to make a full recovery after being diagnosed with cancer during a regular MRI scan, representative Ame Van Iden confirmed in a statement released on Saturday night (August 2).
The full statement reads: “Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor ordered MRI, the cancer is not life threatening. Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery. No further statement will be issued at this time.”
Meanwhile, Applegate is still believed to be appearing at the Emmy Awards, as she was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in hit TV show Samantha Who?

Lauren Conrad and Lauren Bosworth “Do Something”

Lauren Conrad and Lauren Bosworth “Do Something”
August 3, 2008: Wearing a sexy white sheath dress, Lauren Conrad styled up the red carpet at the “The Do Something Awards: The Pre-Party of The Teen Choice Awards” at Level 3 in Hollywood on Saturday night (August 2).
The 22-year-old MTV reality starlet, who showed up with BFF/co-star Lauren “Lo” Bosworth, accessorized her outfit with a pair of black Louboutin pumps, a skinny black belt and, as always, ample jewelry.
According to press reports, “The Do Something Awards, announced with the Teen Choice Awards, recognize nine young people who saw a problem in the world and then tackled it. Each winner receives $10,000 for their cause - with one Do Something Awards grand prize winner receiving $100,000.”
Prior to her arrival at “The Do Something Awards”, LC was spotted out getting ready as she payed a visit to the Warren Tricomi hair salon on Melrose Avenue.
Wearing a blue striped vest and carrying a fedora hat, “The Hills” babe spent over two hours getting her hair done in preparation of her big weekend affairs.