Scarlett Johansson is engaged to actor Ryan Reynolds, it has been claimed. The ‘Lost in Translation’ actress, who has been dating Ryan for almost a year, is said to be smitten with the ‘Smokin’ Aces’ star and has accepted his marriage proposal. A source said: “We can expect an engagement announcement from Ryan and Scarlett any day now. They are very much in love and have decided to take the next step. Scarlett is thrilled!” Scarlett, 23, and Ryan, 31, were first seen together at a New York cinema last April, shortly after Ryan ended his engagement to fellow Canadian Alanis Morissette. The couple first sparked engagement rumors last year, when Scarlett and Ryan flew to Canada to meet his parents. Scarlett previously dated her ‘Black Dahlia’ co-star Josh Hartnett for two years. Josh, who has remained good friends with Scarlett since their split, has joked about finding the “perfect” photograph for her bachelorette party invitations. A source added to the New York Daily News newspaper: “Josh has the funniest picture of Scarlett on his phone. They’re at home having dinner and she’s brandishing a carving knife over a chicken like a slasher, and making a face. It would look perfect on the invitation for the bachelorette party!” |
Scarlett Johansson Engaged To Reynolds January 22, 2008
Reshammiya’s ‘Karzzzz’ Heroine Found January 22, 2008
Producer-director Indra Kumar’s daughter Shweta has been confirmed as the leading lady opposite Himesh Reshammiya in Satish Kaushik’s version of Subhash Ghai’s 1977 blockbuster Karz.. Confirming not just the leading lady, but also the rest of the cast Himesh speaking from Hong Kong said, “Yes Indra Kumar’s daughter is playing Tina Munim’s part from the original. Urmila Matondkar plays Simi Garewal’s part. Danny Denzongpa will step into Pran’s role. Gulshan Grover is playing Premnath’s prat. And Raj Babbar is stepping into Pinchoo Kapoor’s character. Finally, Rohini Hattangadi will be playing Durga Khote’s part.” Adds Satish Kaushik, “Indra Kumar and I’ve worked together in a large number of projects as director-actor. He was supposed to launch his daughter in a home production. But then he thought Karzzz was an ideal vehicle for Shweta. He’ll be making a film for her later.” Satish turns nostalgic. “You know I’ve worked with Sridevi, Tabu, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bhendre, Mahima Chowdhary, Bhoomika and Ayesha Takiya. I introduced Tabu in Prem and Bhoomika in Tere Naam. This year I’m introducing Sheena Shahabadi in Tere Sang and now Shweta Kumar in Karzzz. I guess I’m lucky for the heroines. And they’re lucky for me.” Continues Kaushik, “I’m getting Saroj Khanji who choreographed my very first song with Sridevi in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja to choreograph at least some of the dances in my Karzzz. I’ve just finalized locations in in South Africa and parts of Africa. We’ll be shooting in Mombasa, Cape Town among other places.” He’s all praise for Himesh. “He’s so full of energy and gusto, it’s a pleasure just watching him compose his songs and preparing for his part. I’ve a feeling me and Himesh will create something special in Karzzz. We aren’t trying to compete with Subhash Ghai’s Karz.We’re doing our own thing.” As for the original Kamini, Simi Garewal’s comment that Sushmita Sen would’ve been far better than Urmila Matondkar as the new-millenium Kamini, Satish laughs, “Actually there’s a romantic angle to the character’s relationship with the hero that wasn’t there in the original. Himesh romancing Sushmita wouldn’t have worked.” |
Royal Roles for Aishwarya Rai January 22, 2008
There is indeed something regal about the beauty of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai . She may have played a courtesan with impeccable mannerisms in Umrao Jaan and a warrior princess in The Last Legion , but when it comes to royal roles, no other actress in Bollywood can match Aishwarya Rai. Ash was Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “first and only choice” to play the Rajput princess Jodhabai who goes on to become the beloved consort of Mughal emperor Akbar in the upcoming film Jodhaa Akbar . Last year, when British actor Sir Ben Kingsley announced his ambitious film on Taj Mahal, he had unequivocally stated that he could not think of any actress other than Aishwarya to play queen Mumtaz Mahal. And now, Hollywood director Michael Radford wants Aishwarya for his film on Taj. He doesn’t want Ash to play Mumtaz, but Salim’s wife Mandi. If Ash agrees to act in this film, she would get the distinct honour of playing the wives of three generation of Mughals – Akbar, Salim and Shah Jahan – in different projects, of course. While ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is set to release on February 15, Ben Kingsley’s film will go on the floors later this year. |
Britney and Sister Supported By Hometown January 22, 2008
While many are bashing the Spears family as they get caught in a series of controversies, their hometown, Kentwood, Louisiana, continues to show support for the family’s troubled siblings. Residents of the rural town, which has a population of 2,200, are optimistic that Jamie Lynn Spears, star of Zoey 101 who recently made headlines with the announcement that she’s pregnant, and pop star sister Britney Spears, who was embroiled in a nasty custody battle with Kevin Federline and got caught in a string of personal dilemmas, will get through the ordeal of being in the scandal spotlight once they return to their the hometown that still welcomes them with open arms. “How many 16-year-old girls get pregnant every week? It doesn’t mean she’s a bad person. I don’t think this will end her career. Life will go on, “Pam Wright, who works at a convenience store along Kentwood’s main drag, U.S. Highway 51, said of Jamie Lynn Spears. After the Zoey actress revealed to the world that she was expecting, more rumors emerged, along with issues of cheating, statutory rape, the uncertainty of the unborn child’s paternity and Jamie Lynn having a miscarriage. Of course, the town extends its support even more to the Zoey actress’ sister Britney, whose awards and memorabilia occupy half the Kentwood Historical and Cultural Arts Museum, which is also dedicated in honoring local men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces. “I cry every time I see another story about her on television,” Wright added. “I think she needs to come home and we’ll get her right again. Everybody here loves her. We believe in her.” Despite Britney’s meltdown, which morphs through broken marriages, hospitalization, her two sons removed from her custody and bizarre behavior, residents of Kentwood stand by the troubled celebrity. “The media should leave her alone,” store clerk Becky Gill said. “Everybody has problems, she’s not the only one. But she’s the one gets her problems on television. She’s the one under constant scrutiny.” |
Charlize Says She’s Just A Simple Girl January 22, 2008
Charlize Theron claims she is naturally plain. The Oscar-winning actress, who plays a small-town cop and single mother in new film ‘In the Valley of Elah’, insists her character’s appearance is how she really looks behind all the Hollywood glamor. Charlize, 32, said: “If you don’t consider my character beautiful, I’m sorry, but that’s really me.” “That’s my natural hair color. That’s me with very little make-up. There’s no prosthetics. That’s what I look like.” The blonde star – who always appears on the red carpet looking radiant – insists all the good lead roles for women are ugly. Charlize – who had to gain weight and dramatically alter her appearance to play serial killer Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’ – said: “It’s not like I’ve been offered any great glamorous roles that had great conflict and great story-telling. But I’m not going to be picky because those are hard to come by. If I sit around waiting for a good, glamorous story to come around, I’m probably never going to work.” |
Bipasha-Saif Shoot Hot Scenes for RACE January 22, 2008
The promos of Ramesh Taurani’s ‘RACE’ have created quite a buzz in the industry. Besides the slick and international feel of ‘RACE’ directed by the master of the thriller genre Abbas-Mustan, the industry is abuzz about Bipasha Basu’s hot scenes with Saif Ali Khan. According to insiders, Bipasha and Saif have shot a steamy song and passionate scenes in the film and both shared such a comfort level during the filming of the scenes that they had no awkward moments during the shooting. When contacted, Bipasha said, “Right now in Bollywood we can’t feel awkward about doing any scene during shooting as we are informed well in advance about the story and screenplay. I am quite comfortable shooting for sizzling scenes as long as I know what I am supposed to do and am not uncomfortable about the idea.” “But yes, even if remotely I would sense any discomfort, I will not do it, says the sultry sex bomb from Bengal. She adds, “But then it’s not only me, the whole film is sizzling. All the characters have a lot of intimate scenes and it is not just between me and Saif.” Giving her opinion regarding the film, Bipasha says, “’RACE’ is a very sexy and slick film comparable to any international thriller. The film’s plot has a certain levels of intimacy.” Tips Film producer Ramesh Taurani too confirms that there are very many hot and steamy scenes between Bipasha and Saif in ‘RACE’. Elaborating, Taurani says, “’RACE’ has got a very international feel as it has been shot in exotic locales of Durban. There are intimate scenes between the other characters in the film too, but Saif and Bipasha are the hottest. But there is no kissing scene in the film and both Bipasha and Saif are very professional. There were no awkward moments since both were comfortable with the scenes during the shooting.” |
Jolie, Pitt to Adopt Second African Girl January 22, 2008
Angelina Jolie’s brother has confirmed that the actress is to adopt another African girl with partner Brad Pitt. The couple plan to tour orphanages in March in search of a sister to bond with Ethiopian daughter Zahara. James Haven is quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying: “They are creating one big family and will keep adopting as long as they are able to. “Angie and Brad talk about how much they have been taught by their kids. In many respects Angie saved Zahara’s life and there are so many more children whose lives she could save and she talks about that constantly.” Jolie and Pitt already have three adopted children – two-year-old Zahara, six-year-old Maddox from Cambodia, and four-year-old Pax from Vietnam – as well as 20-month-old biological daughter Shiloh. They were originally reported to be planning a second African adoption last August. |
King Khan Rules the Box Office in 2007 January 1, 2008
As 2007 comes to an end, Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as the undisputed king of the box office and Kareena Kapoor as the actress Number 1. Top actors: Akshay Kumar: Take a bow, Akshay. With four hits – Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Welcome, the man is the new Midas of the box office. Aamir Khan: With Taare Zameen Par, Aamir has proved he’s a man of integrity and puts his money where his mouth is. Top actresses: Vidya Balan: Three solid hits – Guru, Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa have suddenly made Vidya a force to reckon with. Konkona Sen-Sharma: From Rani’s chirpy sibling in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag to Kunal Kapoor’s besotted Laila in Aaja Nachle, Konkona didn’t really deliver hits. But her solid performances put her among the formidable actresses. Top directors: Imtiaz Ali: So what if Jab We Met came when the lead pair parted? Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor had never showed great chemistry in any of the films they did as a real-life pair. Ali is flooded with offers. He has agreed to direct a film for produced by Saif Ali Khan. Priyadarshan: He’s the only director in 2007 with delivered two hits, a minor Dhol and a major Bhool Bhulaiyya. Priyan sure has come a long way. Top music directors: Pritam Chakraborty: The composer delivered chartbusters in Life… In A Metro, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Jab We Met. Vishal-Shekhar: Sajna ji vari-vari in Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd at the beginning of 2007 and Dard-e-disco in Om Shanti Om at end of the year rocked the charts. Top newcomers: Sonam Kapoor: She’s been compared with Waheeda Rehman and Rekha. Sonam is here to stay. Ruslaan Mumtaz: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar was a damp squib, but Ruslaan created a ripple in a quiet way. Watch out for him in his second film Tere Sang. Deepika Padukone: Shah Rukh Khan’s dreamy girl in Om Shanti Om made a dream debut in a double role. |
Now You can Wear Kareena’s Clothes January 1, 2008
Having virtually given up films for family or ‘choosing her roles’, Kareena Kapoor is now all set to design clothes for the brand she is currently endorsing. While many Indian actresses have taken up other vocations after quitting movies, with this move Bebo becomes the first Indian actress who will be designing her clothes. A little birdie from Bollywood whispers, “Kareena has a very good sense of dressing and loads of style that is in vogue and liked by the youngsters. In fact, our Bebo baby has set a new trend after she wore a Patiala salwar along with a T-shirt. Now most teenagers and youths keen to sporting that look”. Well, though not doing too many films right now, Kareena is always in the news. Currently, she is the talk of the town for her much-publicized affair with Saif Ali Khan. Such free fame has encouraged the designer company endorsed by Kareena to ask her to design her own clothes hoping that it will hit the market like a thunder. For the initiator, this particular clothing line for which Kareena will be designing clothes will be launched sometime in July or August next year. We are told that Kareena, who is well known for going into the details of the roles she performs on screen, will now go through each and every step of designing the clothes and approving them personally. Bebo has made it clear that she will be the only person to decide the material as well as the work to be done on this line of garments, which will include accessories also. So, even without too many films in her kitty, Bebo will be all busy this year. She has lots and lots of work to do. She will be designing clothes, promoting ‘Tashan’ and look after the ‘Golmaal’ returns. Interestingly, ‘Heyy Babyy’ director Sajid Khan has also signed Kareena up for his next venture and she has also bagged a role in ‘Kambhakt Ishq’ opposite Akshay Kumar. Meanwhile, Bebo’s rival Bipasha Basu’s beau John Abraham too has managed to get a successful clothing line to work for him for his designer jeans and accessories. |
January 1, 2008
| Lohan Kisses Three Men in One Day | ||
Actress Lindsay Lohan reportedly snogged a trio of men in just 24 hours – at the start of her festive holiday. According to reports, the 21-year-old ‘Mean Girls’ star was first snapped smooching with waiter Alessandro Di Nunzio shortly after arriving in Capri, Italy, for a film festival. And then a four hours later she was playing tonsil tennis with handsome actor Eduardo Costa. And then, according to reports from British newspaper The Sun, Lohan then rounded off her weekend by kissing another local actor — long-haired actor Dario Faiella, the son of Italian music legend Peppino Di Capri. An onlooker who was also at the Capri Film Festival, said: “Lindsay certainly likes her men and judging by her efforts over the weekend, they love her too. “She wasn’t content to share a snog with just one fella — it seemed like she wanted them all. She certainly set tongues wagging.” |
