The Antioch area remained in the spotlight Sunday, as major media organizations continued their coverage of the Jaycee Dugard case and suspect Phillip Garrido.

On Sunday, the New York Times published a story about the 40-some images shot by English photographer Nick Stern of the compound where, authorities say, Garrido kept Dugard, while a second piece explored how the case may affect a vote Monday that the California Assembly is scheduled to take on prison reform. That vote would save money and parole more prisoners early.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times weighed in with a story on the Antioch area's high concentration of sex offenders.

According to the New York Times story about the photos, the images were published Sunday in The Sunday Times of London, The New York Post and some web sites. Based on an interview with Stern, a photographer from Los Angeles, the New York Times said he jumped a fence Friday and "did not consider the lot — which was surrounded by a fence and dotted with trees — a crime scene."

In its story about the Assembly vote Monday, the New York Times reports that the Garrido case highlights critics' concerns about a proposal to reduce the state prison population by 27,000. That plan would mean $1.2 billion in savings, a move the Legislature is considering to trim the California budget deficit.

Earlier, the Sacramento Bee, reporting on the same issue, quoted state Sen.

Celebrity disc jockey Adam Goldstein, known as DJ AM, was found dead Friday evening in his New York City apartment, and media reports say drug paraphernalia was found nearby.

Goldstein, 36, was a DJ for hire who performed at Hollywood's most exclusive parties. He became a celebrity in his own right with a glamorous lifestyle and high-profile romances, including with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.

Paramedics had to break down the door to his Manhattan apartment before they found his body at about 5:20 p.m., a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. There was no evidence of foul play, the official said.

Click here for photos of DJ AM.

Goldstein had talked openly about past addictions to crack cocaine, Ecstasy and other drugs, but he claimed he had been drug-free for years.

A source close to Richie told FOXNews.com that she is "shocked" and understandably devastated over ex-fiance Adam's passing.

"When they were together, Adam and Nicole, they were very cool, very good, happy, and upbeat," the source said.

"She is incredibly affected by this. They had such a close relationship for so long," the source said. "Even though they're not together anymore, they had a close relationship, and were friends. They were in touch as friends but didn't really see each other."

Goldstein died nearly a year after surviving a South Carolina plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured rock musician Travis Barker.

"This comes as a complete shock. I will miss him forever. He was a great friend to me," DJ AM's friend, actor Simon Rex, who was at his welcome home party after the tragic plane crash, told FOXNews.com.

In September of 2008, Goldstein and Barker were seriously burned escaping the plane crash. The pair had planned to perform together for the first time since the crash at an event in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve.

A friend of DJ AM told FOXNews.com that Goldstien "has been spiraling out of control since the plane crash. He was taking so many painkillers for his injuries, he slowly got hooked on them.

"About 7 years ago he went through major drug addictions, and he worked so hard, and successfully kicked the habit. He was terrified to take any of the meds the doctors prescribed him after the crash, but the pain was so bad," the friend said. "Adam took them, and the need for the drugs grew, and now here we are. It's terrible that no one was able to stop him soon enough, but it just happened so fast."

She sang for Republicans. Now she'll sing for Democrats.

On Saturday, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham will perform at the funeral mass of Sen. Edward Kennedy, which will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston.

Graham will sing Schubert's "Ave Maria," according to her publicist.

Also scheduled to perform is Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, who will sing "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha." (Mitchell was seen earlier this month in "Guys and Dolls" at the Hollywood Bowl, performing alongside Jessica Biel.)

In addition, Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma will perform at the service. The two were seen at the Bowl earlier this week in a concert with the L.A. Philharmonic.

Culture Monster remembers that Graham performed at the second inauguration of George W. Bush in 2005. The opera star hails from Midland, Texas, which also happens to be the home of the former Republican president.

Graham is no stranger to L.A. classical fans, having performed "The Merry Widow," "The Coronation of Poppea" and other works at the L.A. Opera.

The funeral mass of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy today brought together a remarkable cross section of America's political leadership.


Amid a steady rain in the Roxbury section of Boston, limousines lined the streets outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and filled the church with dignitaries, politicians, celebrities and dozens of Kennedy family members.

Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, along with Vice President Joe Biden, who spoke at the memorial service Friday evening at the JFK Library in Boston, were present. Former Vice President Al Gore was in attendance, as well as many members of the Obama Cabinet.

The eulogy was delivered by President Barack Obama.


Funeral remarks were given by the senator's sons, Ted Kennedy Jr. and Rep Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I. Readings were delivered by the senator's daughter Kara, stepson G. Curran Raclin Jr. and stepdaughter Caroline Raclin. Prayers were offered by a group of the youngest Kennedys, some of his grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Performing at the funeral mass were world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, among others.

Several priests were involved in conducting the service. Cardinal O'Malley, the archbishop of Boston, closed the mass.

The pallbearers were all family members, including his children and stepchildren. Also serving as pallbearers are the eldest children of each branch of the Kennedy family: Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy; Christopher Lawford, son of Kennedy's sister Patricia; Bobby Shriver, son Eunice Kennedy Shriver; Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, daughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Stephen Smith, eldest son of the only remaining sibling of the senator, Jean; and Ed Michael Reggie, Kennedy's brother-in-law.

Ted Kennedy Jr. has saluted his fallen father as his greatest source of love and encouragement through tough times.

The younger Kennedy, who lost a leg from cancer at the age of 12, stood before hundreds of mourners Saturday to memoralize Sen. Edward Kennedy at a funeral Mass in Boston. Kennedy's son said, "Although it hasn't been easy at times to live with this name, I've never been more proud of it than I am today."

Said Ted Kennedy Jr.: "He was not perfect — far from it. But my father believed in redemption and he never surrendered, never stopped trying to right wrongs, either as a result of his own failings or ours."

RT & COPY is a powerful new film about advertising and inspiration. Directed by Doug Pray (SURFWISE, SCRATCH, HYPE!), it reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time -- people who've profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Exploding forth from advertising's "creative revolution" of the 1960s, these artists and writers all brought a surprisingly rebellious spirit to ...more

As the glossiest of colored glossies this film delivers a message than creativity is still alive in America. But the main reward seems to be corporate bottom lines

Probably the best parade of the most creative minds in America today “Art and Copy” is a filmic club of people who can justifiably claim more responsibility for affecting the way Americans think than the presidents of the 20th century combined. These are the modern advertising titans who sell you the majority of what you buy, whether you like it or not. The writers and distributors of ad campaigns such as “Got Milk?,” “Where’s the Beef?,” “Just Do It” and the unforgettable ad that killed off the Budweiser frogs take the time to share their secrets with the consuming public and, yes, maybe sell you some more.

The best part of this movie is the story of modern advertising. This started in the 1960s when Mary Wells enabled Braniff Airlines to put sophistication in to flying. She started with an industry that had more in common with military transports than chic intercontinental jet-setting, invented the concept of the Barbie doll stewardess outfitted with a designer skirt and took Braniff to the top. Of course, this was back when it was still actually enjoyable to fly.

Well’s idea was to make advertising fun; make it entertainment instead of a lecture. Although there is no doubt that other campaigns were successful, her campaigns brightened the consumers’ world while lightening their pocketbooks. Her seminal influence was followed by campaigns such as the original Apple computer ad which made history by not showing the product. Instead it showed how a person could change the world with a personal computer. Forget the product and sell inspiration and you will never have to work another day.

The Nike campaign “Just Do It” was inspired by the last words of a serial killer as he headed for the electric chair. The “Where’s the Beef” campaign was ordered snuffed by corporate heads before it barely escaped the trash can and become one of the blockbusters of all time selling that king of the junk food chain, the Wendy’s hamburger.

The one thing that the viewer does not want to do while watching this film is start thinking about the ultimate impact of all this genius. These stories are such wonderful examples of pure American in-your-face non-conformity that it spoils it all if it is reduced to simply selling shoes or airplane tickets. One mega-selling executive points out that Toulouse Lautrec only wanted to direct business to the Follies when he created his posters. Modern ad campaigns morph into fine art when they are done right.

In spite of the art of feel-good consumerism there will be some who watch the film and are forced to ask “What’s It All About, Alfie?” Are we really a better country because Wendy’s experienced a sharp spike in sales or Braniff populated the skies with short-skirted models? If people didn’t buy Nike jogging shoes and bought other brands instead would American be worse off for it?

The gist of the message seems to be that advertising does not have to be just a dull transmission of information but can be entertainment and even art. But is this the best way for us to get art and entertainment? The more one thinks about this film the more one sees the movie for what it is; an advertisement for advertisers. It is the ultimate feel good promotion for feel good promotions, wrapped up in a film. The fact that films are enjoyable mostly because of their lack of advertisement doesn’t seem to faze these guys a bit.

Although a fun movie to watch and a work of consumer art, in the end it is more about promotion and consumption than entertainment.

CD101’s Summerfest has become a seasonal institution here in Columbus, and for good reason.

Every year, the radio station and PromoWest bring in several bands on one Saturday night. A $5 bill gets you into the LC Pavilion, which leaves much to be desired in its indoor configuration but is a pretty great outdoor venue. All in all, not a bad deal.

The 2009 edition of Summerfest featured local rapper Envelope, Band of Skulls, Living Things, Company of Thieves, Stellastarr*, Matt & Kim and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. As at most Summerfests, there were hits and misses.

As I was watching Living Things on the side stage, it struck me that Summerfest is always heavy on bands funded by major labels (Living Things are on Sony’s Jive Records), pseudo-indie labels (Black Joe Lewis is on Lost Highway, whose parent company is Universal) and indie labels with particularly deep pockets (Company of Thieves is on Wind-Up, which is distributed by Sony and home to bands like Creed and Evanescence).

There’s nothing inherently wrong with bands on well-funded labels, of course, but they do tend to sound watered-down and/or sanitized for the sake of reaching a wider audience. Take Living Things, for example. While the St. Louis band seems to pride itself on being politically and socially outspoken, sonically it can’t decide whether it’s the Ramones (“Bom Bom Bom”) or some forgettable band like Rock Kills Kid (“Oxygen”).

There’s also something about an ultra-serious band wearing black leather and sunglasses on the broad-daylight LC side stage that makes it look like a d-bag.

Band of Skulls suffers from an identity crisis, as well. Sometimes the Brits went for a Black Keys-meets-Franz Ferdinand feel (“I Know What I Am”), and then out of nowhere came the radio-groveling, arena-rocky “Fires.” It’s not a terrible song, nor was it a terrible set, but the dichotomy was jarring, and I much prefer the group’s bluesier stuff.

I kind of want to hate any band that shares a label with Creed, but Company of Thieves won me over. Or, rather, lead singer Genevieve Schatz did. I’d still advise saving your money instead of buying the Chicago band’s lackluster debut, Ordinary Riches, but live, Schatz has a deliciously unhinged stage presence and some impressive pipes that sounded surprisingly jazzy when breathy, and astonishingly powerful when loud.

Company of Thieves also gets the award for the déjà vu moment of the night for covering Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979” just as Honey Honey did at last year’s Summerfest, with almost the exact same vibe.

Stellastarr*, on the other hand, wins the award for the most recycled sound, proving its music is just as irksome as its band name. Be warned.


There’s also something about an ultra-serious band wearing black leather and sunglasses on the broad-daylight LC side stage that makes it look like a d-bag.


Envelope played my favorite set of the night. Even on the huge main stage, he was his usual affable self, grasping a mike and a bottle of Bud while effortlessly laying down self-deprecating rhymes about an everyman’s life in Columbus (and rarely rapping about rap).

He also debuted a new tune with the Catalyst, “We’re All Gonna Die Together.” Despite the pseudo-anguished screaming after the song’s eponymous refrain, Envelope reveled in its statement—as in, “Hey, all of us are gonna die, but at least we’ll die together.” Times New Viking isn’t the only romantic nihilist in town.

And just when it looked like Envelope would play an entire set without some sort of stage prop, he opened up a case that let loose a bunch of balloons and white doves—real, live birds—followed by a big Columbus, Ohio, flag. It was great.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears closed out the night, channeling James Brown and Howlin’ Wolf. I had a little bit of concert fatigue by that point, but the band buoyed my energy with songs like “Sugarfoot” and the funky “Big Booty Woman.” (Lewis explained the latter, saying, “People say I got a lot of gimmicks. That ain’t it. I just like booties.”)

The band played Cafe Bourbon Street last year to about “two people,” Lewis said, so apparently that debut album is doing well. Still, enough people were trickling out that the headliner spot probably should have been reserved for the infectious Matt & Kim, who played just before the Honeybears.

One of indie rock’s biggest faults is its excess of indifference and irony, so it’s always refreshing to witness the youthful exuberance of Matt & Kim. Even more so than at Skully’s back in March, the duo seemed overjoyed just to be playing music, especially to a huge, sold-out crowd. I can relate to those who don’t come back to Matt & Kim’s albums much, but not enjoying the couple’s live performance is like admitting you have no soul.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Despite its (aforementioned) faults, Summerfest is a great thing. Even if just a couple of the bands are worth seeing, it’s still a good deal. And when the weather is as perfect as it was on Saturday, it’s an evening well spent.

A California stepfather who heard his little girl scream as she was abducted 18 years ago said she has been found alive and well and her captors are in custody.
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A woman claiming to be Jaycee Lee Dugard, now 29, walked into a police station in tiny Antioch, Calif., Wednesday, her stepfather Carl Probyn told ABCNews.com today. Based on conversations his wife has had with police, the FBI and the woman herself, Probyn said the family is convinced Jaycee has been found.

"I had personally given up hope," he said. "I had just hoped for a recovery" and to find the people responsible.

Instead, he said, "I've actually won the lotto."

Authorities are keeping mum until a press conference at 6 p.m. ET, but Contra Costa County Sheriff's Capt. Daniel Terry confirmed ABCNews.com that it was Phillip and Nancy Garrido, a couple from Antioch who were arrested in connection with the case.

Phillip Garrido, he said, is a registered sex offender who was paroled in 1999 after serving prison time for kidnapping and forceable rape.

Court records state that the Garridos are in police custody in Concord, Calif. Both are charged with kidnapping to commit rape and bail was set at $1 million.

FBI Sacramento Special Agent Steve Dupre told ABCNews.com today that he could not confirm any details about the woman, but that "we've had an open case since it happened in '91."

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, which covers the area where Jaycee was taken, declined to provide further details, but Lt. Les Lovell told the Associated Press that "we're 99 percent sure it's her."
Lowell, who was a detective assigned to the case back in 1991 said she appeared to be in good health.

Helen Boyer, the Garridos' neighbor for more than 10 years, said she would be completely shocked if it turned out they had something to do with Jaycee's kidnapping.

"There was no girl living next door as far as I knew," she said.

Boyer said the couple were caregivers to Phillips Garrido's bedridden mother. They would sometimes have three young blonde girls, friends of the family, she said, come visit.

"They were real good neighbors," she said. "Real nice people."

Probyn said his stepdaughter had been transferred from Antioch to Concord, a smaller city in the area more than a two hour drive from the South Lake Tahoe, Calif., neighborhood where Jaycee was snatched on June 10, 1991 as she tried to catch the bus to school.

"I saw them pull her in and I tried to get her," Probyn said.

The kidnapping terrified the community and led to a massive manhunt.

His wife, Terry Probyn, who now lives in Orange County, left for northern California at 6 a.m. today, joining the couple's 19-year-old daughter who was just a year old when her sister was kidnapped.

"She's in shock," Probyn said of his wife. "I told her and my daughter to sit down there and think of questions to ask her."

Probyn said he doesn't have any details of what had happened to Jaycee for the last 18 years or who abducted her, but he claims that the FBI told his wife that "they have Jaycee and the people she was with."

"She sounds like she's okay," he said. "She had a conversation with my wife and she remembers things. I hope she's been well treated this entire 18 years."

Probyn also told ABC News that Jaycee now has two children of her own.

No DNA test has been done to confirm the woman's claims, but Probyn said his wife told him that she remembers her childhood. Plus, he added, the FBI likely wouldn't have upset his wife unnecessarily unless they were pretty sure.

Heidi Montag (Pratt) of reality tv show The Hills performed on Miss Universe 2009 last night. You can view the video below.

Miss Universe 2009 was crowned last night, Stefania Fernandez from Venezuela. She is 18 years old, an interested in international relations.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton finished in the Top Ten, along with Miss France, Miss Switzerland, Miss Czech Republic, Miss South Africa, Miss Australia, Miss Puerto Rico, second-runner up Miss Kosovo, and first runner-up Miss Dominican Republic.

Patti Davis (perhaps better known to you as Patti Reagan) did indeed pose for Playboy back in 1994. You can see the cover of the magazine here (SFW). She was also inside the magazine wearing less than just those dark hands and as they're not safe for work we'll not be linking to them.

It has to be said that there's always been an element of epater les bourgeois to Patti Davis' public actions. Daughter of the famously conservative Ronnie and Nancy Reagan her opinions on such things as abortion are a great deal more liberal than theirs are/were. But that's not all.

In the parlance of the day she was "shacked up" with one member of the Eagles (Bernie Leadon) while her father was Governor of California. These days the idea of a couple living together without marriage is quite unsurprising, even if there are areas of the country where people would prefer their daughters didn't do so. But back in the early 1970s it was still quite unusual: and doubly so for the daughter of a prominent conservative politician.

In fact, while she was with Leadon she co-wrote with him a song which appeared on the Eagle's album, "One of These Nights": "I Wish You Peace", a song for which she still gets royalties.

The only slightly puzzling thing is why everyone seems to be searching for the Patti Davis Playboy pictures today.

She has also, to some extent, followed in her mother's footsteps, as an actress in various shows, including Love Boat and Fantasy Island.

Mark it down: Kourtney Kardashian nude photos will soon hit the Internet!

When asked by E! News if she'd follow in the naked-while-knocked-up tradition of other celebrities such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Katie Price and Lisa Rinna, Kourtney barely hesitated, replying:

"I think so. I'd have to think about it."

Heck, why not?!? Sister Kim got nude for Playboy (and Ray J); while sister Khloe got nude for PETA. Kourtney needed a different way to shed her clothes.

Would it shock anyone if she got pregnant just to give herself a reason to don her birthday suit on the cover of a magazine?

Totally Preggers

Kourtney Kardashian: Pregnant, soon-to-be-naked, fitting right in with her family.

Jasmine Fiore Playboy killer is Megan Wants a Millionaire probable winner The tragic killing of a former Playboy model Jasmine Fiore has shocked millions of people across the country. Though she was not very well known, the way she was killed by her ex husband and reality star has aggrieved people more.

Many people have not been able to come to terms with the gruesome killing of a model like Jasmine Fiore. They are saying that the killer, her former husband and the reality star Ryan Jenkins be given exemplary punishment.

They are also asking the federal government to increase the hunt down Jenkins as soon as possible.

California prosecutors have charged the star of “Megan Wants a Millionaire”, Ryan Alexander Jenkins with the murder of his 28-year-old ex-wife and former model Jasmine Fiore. Fiore’s mutilated body was found naked in a suitcase in a trash bin here earlier this week. Her fingers and teeth were found missing.

Buena Park Chief of Police Tom Monson said police received information Wednesday that Jenkins could have escaped to Canada. Police agencies across Canada were on the lookout for Jenkins after US officials suggested he likely fled more than 1,600 kilometers from southern California to sneak back into the country. However, Peter Van Loan, Federal Public Safety Minister said reports that Jenkins had crossed the border were unconfirmed, but police were watching for him. His car and an empty boat trailer were found at a Point Roberts, just south of Vancouver that can only be reached by land from Canada, said Tom Monson.

After reporting Fiore missing Saturday night to the Los Angeles County sheriff's department, Jenkins cut off contact with police. Jasmine Fiore was last seen alive with Jenkins at a poker game in San Diego. A preliminary coroner's report indicated she was strangled.

Kaminey (2009)







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London : Katherine Heigl has admitted that she took the vibrating pants she wore in The Ugly Truth for trying at home, but was not really impressed with the gear.


In a scene in the film, Katherine's character Abby has an orgasm at dinner with work bosses while wearing the buzzing underwear. However, Katherine was not much impressed with the bizarre contraption when she attempted to perk up her sex life at home.


"I took the vibrating pants home with me... I was being 'method', you know really committing to my role, but they don't work at all,” the Sun quoted her as saying. She added: "That's not a solid purchase. Ladies don't bother!"

Katherine also said that she had never bothered faking an orgasm to please a partner. She said: "If it's not working it's not working. I'm not gonna go to all that bother to fake it - let's work this out together!"

Washington : Robert Pattinson's aunt has asked the Brit heartthrob not to fall for his Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, for it would be difficult for them to have a peaceful life as a couple because both of them are big stars in their own right. According to reports, Stewart has split from longtime boyfriend Michael Angarano, and is being linked to her on-screen love interest Pattinson.


Both Pattinson and Stewart, who are now working together again for the sequel 'New Moo, have claimed that they are just close friends and co-stars. And Pattinson's aunt Diana Nutley hopes that things stay that way and the love rumours are false. "I don't think it would be a good idea for Robert to be in a serious relationship with Kristen. How can he live his life with a fellow star, with their every move being watched just like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes?" Contactmusic quoted her as telling U.S. magazine Life and Style.


Instead, Nutley, who is the sister of Pattinson's mother, wants that her famous nephew will make the most of his overnight super fame and have fun."He's only 23 and probably won't get married until he's 40, if he's got any sense," she added.

She is also hoping that the actor eventually settles down with an English girl. "I think he will eventually come back home to England and fall in love with somebody he's known since school," she said.

Washington : Rumours are abuzz that teen sensation Vanessa Hudgens' latest naked photo scandal could be a publicity stunt.


Hudgens is currently prepping to play a potty-mouthed hooker in her first breakaway Disney film entitled Sucker Punch and is busy doing the media rounds for her new family-friendly flick Bandslam. And although such controversy isn't exactly ideal for the girlfriend of Zac Efron, it may successfully propel her career in the adult stratosphere, as per Hollywood's leading image consultant Michael Sands.


"Vanessa wants to raise her visibility and become an 'A' lister, so by posing Vanessa is shedding her Disney image and becoming a serious actress," Fox News quoted Sands as saying. "Vanessa feels her career is being held back and she wants to be 'en vogue'," he added.

However, a source close to Hudgens has said that she refuses to discuss the ordeal and is humiliated by the expose.

Washington (ANI): High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens is all set to drop her layers for an upcoming movie Sucker Punch. The 20-year-old will play the role of a foul-mouthed prostitute in the film that is scheduled to hit the theatres in 2011.

"I'm playing a character named Blondie and it's set in a brothel in the 1950s, so there's not a whole lot of clothes," Contactmusic quoted her as saying. The star also revealed that she was excited to begin training for what would be her first action role.


She said: "It'll be gun training, stunts, fighting and all that craziness. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I've wanted to do an action film for a while. I think this is my time to really step it up and get to grow up. It will be somewhat different with the content and a few more foul words but that''s the biggest difference."

Washington (ANI): Scottish actor Gerard Butler was reportedly so nervous while filming sex scenes with American actress Katherine Heigl that he kept forgetting his lines. Butler, 39, plays a cocky ladies man in The Ugly Truth, but his confidence disappeared when it came time to shoot passionate scenes with Heigl, 30.

And he was so flustered by the bedroom takes that he struggled to keep in character. “I was so nervous. I kept forgetting my lines. Once, in the middle of a take, I said to Katie, ‘Did I touch your breast?” Contactmusic quoted him as saying. “It was an accidental brush but I was pretty nervous about it,” he added.

John Hughes: dies at 59


Famous director and screen-writer John Hughes died due to heart attack on Thursday. He was 59. The last film he directed was “Curly Sue,” in 1991. In 1994, he retired from both the film business. His last public project was writing an independent film, “Reach the Rock,” in 1999. Hughes is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two sons, James and John.

Hughes will be ever remembered for his talent and intellectuality, there are several examples, among those the famous films for young generations are the all time popular - Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink.

According to fans it is a irreplaceable loss, he is the one who truly able to demonstrate the real sentiment of an American teenager in connection with every aspect of life and able to influence all movie loving people along with the movie makers.

According to Matthew Broderick, who starred in Hughes’ 1986 hit “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,

Truly shocked and saddened by the news about my old friend. … He was a wonderful, very talented guy and my heart goes out to his family.

According to Molly Ringwald, who starred in The Breakfast Club as well as sixteen candle and Pretty in Pink,

Stunned and incredibly sad” to hear about Hughes’ death.

He will be missed - by me and by everyone that he has touched,” she said in a statement on People.com.

Years back in time, Tollywood’s filmmaker Vittalacharya far-famed in making films based on ‘fantasy’ delivered a grandiloquent blockbuster ‘Jagan Mohini’. The film released in 1978 did an extraordinary business in both Telugu and dubbed version of Tamil. Trade analysts have marked that the film made big collection in box office more than the flicks of superstars NTR and ANR. Yesteryear actress Jayamalini made a stunning performance as a beautiful girl and well as a vampire.

After three decades, ace cinematographer-filmmaker N.K. Viswanathan remakes the film with the same title. Namitha enacts the role of Jayamalini, while Raja performs the character of prince and Nila as princess. Vadivelu will be adding to the humor quotients with rib-tickling comedy tracks. Jayamalini’s elder sister Jyothilakshmi has been offered to perform a cameo role.

Maestro Ilayaraja has tuned melodies with Sivashankar, Kala and Kalyan choreographing for the songs. The magnificent graphics have been designed by EFX and SATHYAM BPO.

Trailer for ‘Jagan Mohini’ will be launched by Producers L. Suresh and Kalaipuli S Dhanu on August 10 at Satyam Cinemas.

Famous director and screen-writer John Hughes died due to heart attack on Thursday. He was 59. The last film he directed was “Curly Sue,” in 1991. In 1994, he retired from both the film business. His last public project was writing an independent film, “Reach the Rock,” in 1999. Hughes is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two sons, James and John.

Hughes will be ever remembered for his talent and intellectuality, there are several examples, among those the famous films for young generations are the all time popular - Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink.

According to fans it is a irreplaceable loss, he is the one who truly able to demonstrate the real sentiment of an American teenager in connection with every aspect of life and able to influence all movie loving people along with the movie makers.

According to Matthew Broderick, who starred in Hughes’ 1986 hit “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,

Truly shocked and saddened by the news about my old friend. … He was a wonderful, very talented guy and my heart goes out to his family.

According to Molly Ringwald, who starred in The Breakfast Club as well as sixteen candle and Pretty in Pink,

Stunned and incredibly sad” to hear about Hughes’ death.

He will be missed - by me and by everyone that he has touched,” she said in a statement on People.com.

Washington (ANI): Scottish actor Gerard Butler was reportedly so nervous while filming sex scenes with American actress Katherine Heigl that he kept forgetting his lines. Butler, 39, plays a cocky ladies man in The Ugly Truth, but his confidence disappeared when it came time to shoot passionate scenes with Heigl, 30.

Washington (ANI): High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens is all set to drop her layers for an upcoming movie Sucker Punch. The 20-year-old will play the role of a foul-mouthed prostitute in the film that is scheduled to hit the theatres in 2011.

She said: "It'll be gun training, stunts, fighting and all that craziness. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I've wanted to do an action film for a while. I think this is my time to really step it up and get to grow up. It will be somewhat different with the content and a few more foul words but that''s the biggest difference."

Washington : Rumours are abuzz that teen sensation Vanessa Hudgens' latest naked photo scandal could be a publicity stunt.

"Vanessa wants to raise her visibility and become an 'A' lister, so by posing Vanessa is shedding her Disney image and becoming a serious actress," Fox News quoted Sands as saying. "Vanessa feels her career is being held back and she wants to be 'en vogue'," he added.

However, a source close to Hudgens has said that she refuses to discuss the ordeal and is humiliated by the expose.

London : Katherine Heigl has admitted that she took the vibrating pants she wore in The Ugly Truth for trying at home, but was not really impressed with the gear.

"I took the vibrating pants home with me... I was being 'method', you know really committing to my role, but they don't work at all,” the Sun quoted her as saying. She added: "That's not a solid purchase. Ladies don't bother!"

Katherine also said that she had never bothered faking an orgasm to please a partner. She said: "If it's not working it's not working. I'm not gonna go to all that bother to fake it - let's work this out together!"

Washington : Robert Pattinson's aunt has asked the Brit heartthrob not to fall for his Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, for it would be difficult for them to have a peaceful life as a couple because both of them are big stars in their own right. According to reports, Stewart has split from longtime boyfriend Michael Angarano, and is being linked to her on-screen love interest Pattinson.

Instead, Nutley, who is the sister of Pattinson's mother, wants that her famous nephew will make the most of his overnight super fame and have fun."He's only 23 and probably won't get married until he's 40, if he's got any sense," she added.

She is also hoping that the actor eventually settles down with an English girl. "I think he will eventually come back home to England and fall in love with somebody he's known since school," she said.

New York : Actress Kristen Stewart will reportedly do a steamy bedroom scene with Dakota Fanning in the upcoming Joan Jett biopic ‘The Runaways.’ According to Life & Style, the ‘Twilight’ starlet will try her hand at some girl on girl action in the movie.

“Dakota’s very controlled and poised. She’s going to have to lose herself in this because it’s pretty heavy,” the New York Daily News Stewart as saying.

New York (ANI): Actress Kristen Stewart, who is busy shooting her forthcoming movie The Runaways, laughs off rumours that she pregnant with Rob Pattinson's baby, say sources. However it was reported earlier that Kristen Stewart was pregnant with with her co-star Robert Pattinson's first child.

An Australian tabloid recently claimed that the Twilight star was expecting a child with Pattinson. Rumours about them being an item have been circulating ever since they starred together in the hit film Twilight last year.

Washington (ANI): Colombian singer Shakira is keen to record a duet with actor Robert Pattinson after witnessing his musical talent in 'Twilight'. The singer was introduced to the vampire film, which stars British hunk Pattinson as vampire Edward Cullen, after an executive at her record label noticed its themes are similar to those explored on her upcoming album, She Wolf.

"The president of my label said, 'Have you checked out Twilight? It's about wolves and vampires and things.' And I'm like, 'Ah, that's up my alley. I mean, where is it?' And I watched it and loved it," Contactmusic quoted her as telling MTV.com.

She admits she'd love to duet with Pattinson, who played piano and recorded vocals for two songs on the Twilight soundtrack. "I've heard he's a great singer and a great musician. If those rumours are true - yeah, of course, why not?" she added.

Melbourne (ANI): New Moon director Chris Weitz has dismissed rumours that the Twilight sequel will feature three of its stars in a nude scene. Weiz had to fight the rumors after actor Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Volturi leader Caius in the sequel, said there was a nude scene in the movie, reports News.com.au.

"We just all sit there, completely naked, for one scene," Bower told MTV. "Yeah, it's me, Michael Sheen and Christopher (Heyerdahl); we just sit there, naked", Campbell added.

However, now the film's helmer has rubbished the reports, saying: “Even though we do want the look of the Volturi to be a bit of a surprise, they are always - as in the book - fully clothed. Jamie (Campbell-Bower) has what you might call a dry sense of humor and almost managed to convince me - which is why he's such a good actor.”

Speaking to TheCelebrityTruth Weiz added: “I would like to put everyone's mind at rest and let them know that the Volturi are not naked.”

Unlucky-in-love Jennifer Aniston insists she doesn't mind being branded "the lonely girl". The sultry stunner, who did a sexy, shirtless pose for Elle magazine, said in an interview that hits stands this week: "I'm not going to ignore the pink elephant in the living room. It's fine. I can take it," reports The New York Post.

Aniston, whose beaus since her 2005 split with hubby Brad Pitt have included Vince Vaughn, model Paul Sculfor and John Mayer, said she's fully supportive of "anybody who is in a place that's not their strongest [but] is ready to push forward. If I'm the emblem for 'this is what it looks like to be the lonely girl getting on with her life,' so be it." Aniston said.


"I can make fun of myself. And I'll bring it up as long as the world is bringing it up," she added. The actress recounted: "I remember being 7 and asking my mom if I was as pretty as [my best friend] Monique. And with all the love in the world, my mom looked at me and said, 'Oh, honey, you're so funny.'

"So, she doesn't lie to me . . . She answers the question by not answering and instead tells me what she thinks is my greatest strength." Her parents, Aniston recalled, were funny and made each other laugh "like nobody's business. I put a lot of value in that at a very young age," she said.

Melbourne (ANI): Actor Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie love to have sex behind the waterfall in their pool. The Inglourious Basterds actor has revealed that despite their hectic life he and Jolie sneak off to a secret stone grotto behind a waterfall in his pool whenever they can for a steamy sex session.

"It's a great place for sex," News.com.au quoted him as telling Parade magazine. Meanwhile, the 45-year-old actor lambasted a TV evangelist, who said that he and partner Angelina Jolie are setting a bad example by living in sin and refusing to marry.


He refused to divulge the name but said he was infuriated when he tuned into a news show recently and watched in disbelief as the 'TV reverend' he'd never met criticised his relationship. “I resent people telling others how to live! It drives me mental!” Pitt said.

“Just the other night, I heard this TV reverend say that Angie and I were setting a bad example because we were living out of wedlock, and people should not be duped by us. It made me laugh. What damn right does anyone have to tell someone else how to live if they''re not hurting anyone?” he added.

Praveen Mani, a core member of maestro A R Rahman's troupe is all set to conduct a grand musical event to pay tribute to the late legend Michael Jackson.

The Rotary Club of Chennai is presenting the show in the name of Artists United which will be held on 29th August, the birthday of Jackson, at the Wesley School Grounds at Royalpettah in Chennai at 7 pm. The concert seems to serve a social cause also. While paying homage to Jackson, it will also collect funds in aid of Autism Awarness and cure.


Explaining the grand plans and purpose of the show, Praveen Mani and Sanjay Ramasamy of Rotary club, said, "The entire show will be dedicated to Jackson and his songs. All leading voacalists and musicians who have worked for Oscar winning music director AR Rahman will be performing under the banner Artists United. Top performers of the country including Shankar Ehsaan and Loy apart from Kollywood’s singing fraternity comprising of top singers like Benny Dayal, Karthik, Naresh Iyer, Suchitra Karthik Kumar, Anu Cheyur, Sunitha Sarathy, Keith Peters, Blaaze, Joshua Sridhar, Suresh Peters and Timothy Madhukar will be performing..."

Rahman will not be physically present at the concert, but a recording of his tribute to Jackson will be played for the audiences which isestimated to be around 20,000 people.

Kareena Kapoor cannot sleep at night without seeing her beau Saif Ali Khan. Let us not turn our imagination too wild and imagine Saif's presence in Kareena's bedroom. In fact the actress says Saif will be the last person she will want to meet before she goes to sleep. But the actress doesn't sleep without seeing her beau's photographs.

Saif Ali Khan is just five minutes away before he addresses the Indian media on his maiden venture into production for his film Love Aaj Kal in which he stars opposite the beautiful leggy Deepika Padukone. But inside the PVR theatre, the room temperature is high and our mind is on overdrive. He has it all. A successful career and a blissful relationship with Kareena Kapoor. Media keeps waiting for more than an hour but they don't complaint because the man in question is a 'nawab'.

Buzz up!
In fact, there is a 99% possibility that he can be declared as the sexiest man alive in Bollywood. So there he was; he walks up to the stage with an English walk, wearing the summer cliche white shirt and blue denims. His brown boots, brown sun-glasses and belt make him the ultimate spaghetti western and a true style icon of Hindi cinema. For the genial Indian actor, there is more than usual at stake because Love Aaj Kal is too personal for him.


Not only is Saif inspired by his idol Clint Eastwood
, he also recalls what the American actor once said, "The worst step I can ever take is to get into production. So I've named my company 'Malpaso' which means a bad step". Khan quotes, "I think that was very brave and bold." We meet the desi cowboy in videsi style to talk all about Love Aaj Kal, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali, his take on life, career and how to play it safe in love. Over to Saif in Love!

As a debutant producer
"You are never hundred percent satisfied as a producer. Every detail has to be organized. Even if you want a glass of water, it has to be organized. We've learnt a lot of things into our maiden venture and my dear friend and partner Mr. Dinesh Vijan has been a great support. Our entire team of Illuminati is fantastic. But it was Imtiaz Ali who told me that he wanted me to only be an actor as he didn't like me to handle the production problems. Yes, creatively, in terms of promos, posters, etc I've been actively involved with. Being a producer is sometimes frightening but it's also exciting. I'm in a positive frame of mind with Love Aaj Kal."

Advice from Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar
I've been fortunate enough to work in a few very good productions. My only success in cinema came from working with big banners like Yash Raj, Excel Entertainment, Dharma Productions, etc. I'm fortunate enough to have friends in the industry who're producers too. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would be happy to advice me on the finer tips about production if ever I asked them for one. I haven't called anyone to ask for help. I'm not saying that I know everything about production but I believe that everything is a learning process and somehow we've managed to make our first film."

Getting into Production
"My interest really is not so much in production. But after working for eighteen years you feel that it'll be nice to own a little bit of what you're working for and work a little bit more for yourself and be creatively involved. When your own money is involved, the inputs from friends, colleagues mean something else. So I wanted to learn that level of involvement and business that has given me so much. Today, I do feel more ready as a producer, an independent one because there aren't any independent producers left. All have turned into one big production house."

The mystery woman
"There isn't any mystery surrounding the second actress in Love Aaj Kal. Her name is Harleen. She isn't here as a part of the promotion for the film because we felt that the main focus of the movie is Deepika and myself in terms of characters. Harleen isn't someone whom we've kept deliberately away from you. She is very good in the film."

Imtiaz Ali
"When you hear a script and hear a vibe from somebody, it works for me. A famous actor once said, 'The clever thing an actor does is not acting, it's the listening he does'. I'm a good listener. So when Imtiaz narrated me the script, I decided that we should go ahead with the film."

Love 1965 to 2009
"I think the experience of love is the same. A lot of cinematic and real life love stories have certain obstacles. In today's time it could be career, distance, etc. The process of falling in love may be different in two different eras but the feeling is the same. That is pretty much what Love Aaj Kal is about. There is a 1965 love kal and 2009 love aaj. So there is a story within the story and it's not really a comparison between two different eras. I'm not playing a double role and Imtiaz Ali isn't going to make a film which is confusing."

Saif Ali Khan - the lover
"I guess everybody has the same definition for love. I mean, I am lovey-dovey kinds but also a bit practical and if you're saying that there is too much love happening in my life, I think it's a little bit unfair. That's got a lot to do with the media (laughs). Yes, I've got a lot of love in my life which is a good thing."

Deepika Padukone
"Deepika's personality grounds my personality on screen; in a way what Rani Mukherjee does because we are different types. I'm a little more western in my things and she is a little more earthy. That mixture makes an interesting chemistry on screen."

Playing a Sardar
"To play a Sardar, I had some responsibilities to it also. We met various members of some Sikh organizations like the Akalis. They were all very happy when they heard about the film and my role. Dolly Tiwari who has done my clothes in the film has been so perfect to dress me up as one. A lot of Sardarji's will be very proud for the honourable representation that this character has given in the film. I had to work on the accent a little bit."

On IIFA
"IIFA is a great platform to promote your film as long as it suits everybody. The main performance slot is the first one or the last one and they both were already taken. The opening act was already booked and the Bachchans are doing the grand finale at this year's IIFA. So we didn't want to dissolve our film somewhere in the middle."

On Salman and Akshay playing a Sardar
"I haven't seen Salman Khan's film Heroes but I have seen Akshay's Singh is Kinng. I thought that it was a very glamorous and a cool kind of a film and I think he looked very good. The outfits were larger than life but the Sardar I'm playing is very down to earth and there is no comparison. You should see a film as a new and a different world and only then you'll enjoy it. We can compare between us but the idea is just to be genuine within that and not really think about others."

Deepika Padukone tells us that Kareena Kapoor is not insecure as an actress to demand that Saif should replace Deepika in Love Aaj Kal with her, just because Saif is her boy friend and Imtiaz Ali is her favorite director after Jab We Met.

What was your reaction when Saif compared you with Rani Mukherjee?
If Saif Ali Khan compares me with an actress of the caliber of Rani Mukherjee, I think he is only being extremely polite, kind and sweet towards me. I should say that I have learnt a lot from him as a co-actor. What I like about Saif is that he is so natural. I will unabashedly state that I have been a huge fan of his right from the time I liked watching him in Dil Chahta Hai.

Isn’t it strange but true that you have always been pitted with actors older to you except for Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseena. Do you ever feel conscious about the age difference?
To tell you the truth, though people ask me whether I was conscious because of the age difference between Shahrukh and me in Om Shanti Om or Akshay Kumar and me in Chandni Chowk to China or for that matter Saif and me in Love Aaj Kal, all that I’d say is that I do not feel the age difference at all. On the contrary I feel secure because all my co-actors are very experienced. It is nice to be around people like these, especially for a girl like me who has absolutely no filmi background at all.

After working with Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, how comfortable were you working with the chote nawab Saif Ali Khan?
Deepika admits that it was a very good experience for her working with the unit of Love Aaj Kal. “Considering that it is their first film production, I should say that Saif as well as Dinesh have done a brilliant job. Saif and Dinesh ensured that I was comfortable throughout their shoot, as producers. It is nice to have a director like Imtiaz Ali who understands my approach to acting.

Did you have any reservations about doing a hot lip to lip kiss with Saif in Love Aaj Kal just because you are in a relationship with Ranbir Kapoor?
As an actress, I see to it that I am able to separate my personal life from my professional life. All of us have to move on in life. I am not a prude, though I am still conservative enough not to be in favor of getting into a love in relationship. I have never ever denied that I am into a relationship. I feel it is nice to have that one person with whom you can share everything in your life. Just because I am into a steady relationship with Ranbir, it does not mean that I am against doing any kissing or intimate scenes with any of my co-actors. I am a through professional. You do a scene some times because you feel you should do it and it is right.

How often was Saif’s girl friend Kareena Kapoor spotted on the sets?
Kareena was never on the sets even once when I was shooting with Saif, because, she is not the type of girl who is insecure about her man. Kareena knows that she is brilliant as an actress. If I were in her place, and I was not cast in my boy friend’s film, even I would have felt the same like Kareena if she felt that she should have been the leading lady opposite Saif in Love Aaj Kal and not me. Just because her boy friend is the producer of the film and Imtiaz Ali who is the director of the film is her favorite director, after she worked with him in Jab We Met, she did not demand that I should be replaced in Love Aaj Kal with her.

She's just two films old at 24. Togged in a trendy black jumpsuit, she flashes her trademark mischievous grin that reaches all the way to her eyes. Sonam Kapoor epitomises today's youth. Here's the perky and perceptive actor at her chirpy best.

Have you finished unwrapping your birthday (June 8) gifts yet? Which is best one of all?
The best gift was that dad flew into Mumbai from Los Angeles for four days and then we went together to Macau. His visit was supposed to be a surprise but in all her excitement, my manager Nisha just let it slip out. But that was very sweet of him. I got some 500 books and the most delicious home-baked carrot cake from Monika, my publicist.

At 24, how would you sum up your personality?
I was born and brought up in the film industry. I have seen dad go through a lot - I had the ringside view of his struggle and stardom. He was never aware of his super-stardom, work has been worship for him. That experience, together with my mom and sis Rhea, keeps me well-grounded. I certainly don't have any false sense of self importance.


I am very hard-working. I am like the pit bull - I never give up on anything. Like I get claustrophobic in lifts but I made sure I rode up and down in the elevator from the 38th floor hotel room in Macau recently with a brave face. I am scared of going underwater, so I will take to deep-sea diving.

The easiest perhaps is facing the camera? Your recent photo spreads have been scintillating.
Facing the camera for films surely comes easy to me because that is such a great escape. You are playing someone else! But I hate still camera. I overcame that apprehension working with Mr Bhansali when we had hundreds of photoshoots. I also don't look at myself in the mirror, I get self-critical and self-conscious.

We heard that you will be soon busying yourself in a workshop with your co-stars in Ayesha.
Ayesha is not a pure love story, it is about six or seven friends played by Ira Dubey, Amita , Lisa, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh and Abhay Deol. Since the film spans over 63 days, we all have to really be friends before the film goes on floors. So if we have to work together for nearly four months we should have mutual trust too. Now that Abhay is back from New York, we can hold the workshops.

How is it working for the first time with a lady director, Rajshri Ojha?
Oh, we keep discussing back stories for every character in Ayesha. I can be annoying with all my questions to the director. I used to badger Mr Bhansali and Mr Mehra too. So Rajshri is no exception - at times she asks me when I will stop asking questions! (laughs) As for women directors , I think they make films most beautifully. I am a big Mira Nair fan because she uses space with her actors so effectively.

What's Ayesha like? Do you identify with her?
Ayesha is the Indianised version of Jane Austen's character, as you know already. Ayesha is a motherless girl who has taken care of the family. She wants to be in control - she likes everything to be perfect. She's smart and perceptive. But she challenges everybody which makes her self-destructive in a way.

How and why did Abhay Deol come into the picture?
Abhay is a brilliant actor. He can be fun and he has the confidence to carry off this role. He is a very secure actor, he knows who he is. He suits the role of Knightley aka Arjun who is a very sorted-out guy and he is at ease with Ayesha as a woman of substance.

So is Ayesha anti-marriage? What's your view about the institution of matrimony?
Ayesha definitely feels that marriage is not a merger. I am a romantic, so I too feel marriages cannot be arranged, but since I also know that my parents love me so selflessly, I will be smart about bringing home someone whom I love and of whom they approve. I will have to do a balancing act.

You are a Jane Austen fan. What do you admire about her heroines?
All her protagonists are independent, self respecting women. They read, write and play music. They have a definite sense of self-entitlement. And I am quite a feminist, so I love her work and most of my favourite authors are women writers like Sylvia Plath.

Are you doing Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Sahibaan?
Mehra speaks to me about so many films, Sahibaan is one of them. Let us see which one of these works out. But I want to with him for sure. He is extremely realistic - a good man and a great filmmaker. I want to play characters of conflict - like the ones in his films.

You have been signed up by Dharma Productions for I Hate Love Stories opposite Imran Khan. So are you prepared to get away from the traditional mould and don a bikini if "the role demands"?
Punit Malhotra is the young, earnest director of the film. It's a young man's sweet romantic take. This will be a lovely film for Imran and me. It is a love story, a date flick. As for wearing a bikini - well I wear it in real life and I have worn angarkhas, salwar-kameez, bandana, jeans, skirts, gunjee - whatever it takes. If the character I play is on the beach - the correct gear would have to be a bikini. (squeals away naughtily).

What kind of roles are you being offered these days?
Oh absolutely anything - my sister is going through umpteen scripts offered to me. It is flattering that most of these are strong women roles.

Having been an assistant director, when will the director in you surface?
At present, I am still evolving as an actor. But the writer in me is wanting to surface. I don't know if I can be a good director because I am not so good at dealing with people. I would rather write screenplays.

Shahrukh Khan was conferred an honorary doctorate in the United Kingdom for his contribution to arts and culture by Bedfordshire University at a ceremony in London last week. In a brief chat from London, SRK reveals what the doctorate means to him. Excerpts...

Other Indian stars to have been given honorary doctorates in the UK, including Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar and AR Rahman. Do you think your doctorate has come too late?
Everyone gets what they deserve… and when they deserve it. I am an immensely satisfied and happy person with my life and achievements and always appreciate the achievements of my colleagues.

Is an honorary doctorate better than the many awards you have received as an actor?
The race I run doesn't have a finish line. There are no bests in the standards I set for myself. This doctorate is an absolute delight and matter of pride for me and my family and so are all the other awards, but the fun is in running not finishing the race for me.

The university received your nomination from Routes 2 Roots, an NGO that works towards people-to-people contact across the subcontinent, especially India and Pakistan. Are you aware about what they do?
Yes I am. They explained to me all the work they do and why they felt they should nominate my name.

You've said that you aim to use the award to help educate underprivileged children. How will you do that?
First comes the thought of making your life more meaningful, then the direction you want to take to fulfil the thought. The plans and modalities will follow after that. It is too early to give you the system and processes of the same but I will try and create an environment in my office and people to bring about education opportunities especially for little girls — and do it with as little show and publicity as possible.

Though you got the best student award from one of Delhi's top schools with you never finished a Masters degree. Do you regret not having gone in for higher studies?
Studies and trying to figure out things never end. It would have been good to complete my Masters degree but unavoidable circumstances led to it not being finished. But I don't regret it though.

What subject did you love and hate the most in school?
Biology was my favourite and so was English (Shakespeare). Mathematics was a horror especially as I was terrible in it. I did very well in Physics, Chemistry and National Income Accounting.

What does true knowledge mean to you?
The belief that the more you learn the more you know, the more you know the more you forget, the more you forget the less you know, the less you know the less you forget, the less you forget the more you remember, the more you remember the more you know… and the cycle keeps on going. There is no end to seeking and absorbing knowledge. True knowledge is unfathomable, uncapturable, unknowable… like life. but we got to keep living and just like life that we have to live, we have got to keep striving for knowledge without knowing what it leads to.

Recently, Baba Ramdev publicly made comments around sexual life of 'actresses like Celina Jaitley' on the front page of a leading newspaper. On her standing up for gay rights, he stated, "These actresses know nothing about Bhartiya sanskriti. They stay away from their parents and have no morals. Unke partner har mahine badalte hain." Truly livid, Celina reacts as she bares her heart out in this candid conversation.

Your sex life seems to have come under the spotlight now. Any comments?
[Sighs] Well, this great, great Brahamachari seems to know more about my sex life then I may know myself. In any case, now I feel I can truly say that he is not a true 'yoga' teacher. After all 'yoga' knowledge comes from Adi Shiva , who in Hindu scriptures is active when there is 'Shakti - The Cosmic Female'. For a brahamachari, every woman is 'Maa' and nowhere in 'bharatiya sanskriti' is it written or practiced that you can make sexually motivated comments on any girl; especially by a brahamachaari. He does not know the meaning of true 'Brahamacharya'.


Well, Baba Ramdev has also claimed that he can cure homosexuals?
I can just laugh when he says that he can cure homosexuals by Pranayam and meditation. With all due respect to Baba Ramdev, he 'may' have the so called 'cure' for homosexuality but the point is LGBT community 'does not' see their homosexuality as a disease. The point is no one is interested in buying this 'over the counter' prescription for curing what is not a disease at all. This is what they are and they are comfortable with their self. They are not interfering in anyone's life or religion but unfortunately everyone wants to interfere in their lives and tell them how they should eat, sleep and have sex. It is plain and simple ridiculous!

He has created a clout for him though over a period of time...
But because of that, he cannot become 'Samaaj Ka Thekedaar', right? Yes, I give him credit for contributing to realization and revival of yoga in today's time and date. But this is it. These people prefer to live in a cocooned thought process of their own and do not wish to come out of it. Ok, good for him, it's his fundamental right to speak his mind. We, the youth, too are using our fundamental rights the way we wish to do, so I guess we are even.

So what is it that you wish to tell Baba Ramdev?
That even if he screams from every rooftop of India, the reality is homosexuality will not cease to exist. It is there since the homo sapiens have existed. Also, according to zoologists, even today homosexuality is exhibited in over 15000 species of animals, leave alone humans. Once even Hitler thought that Jews were an impure race and ancient scientists thought the earth was flat but then ultimately truth persisted, right? It is up to people to follow blindly or to respect the truth and slowly come around. Just because some people think LGBT is a threat to the family system, what should we do? Give rise to another genocide based on closed views?

Now Baba Ramdev and several other religious groups have filed a case against the verdict.
All I can say is that the respectable judges of Supreme Court will definitely consider the human rights aspect and the fight against the growing HIV AIDS epidemic in India. I am confident that 'jiska koi nahi hota hai uska khuda hota hai'. Society needs to focus on one issue and it is that for any step towards progression, change needs to come from within. If everyone just takes the responsibility for improving themselves from within by becoming more tolerant, becoming giving, becoming kind and being honest, everyone would be happier and contended. That would lead to a Happy and peaceful community.

And your message for the 'aam junta'?
Take your own responsibility first that's it. As for these Babas, they are doing whatever their remote upbringing and closed mindset is dictating them to do. Only togetherness and standing up for what is right can change this mindset. So let's all stop people from being misled by publicity hungry self proclaimed gurus of the society.

Agyaat: Is film se mujhe bachao

Rating: 1.5 out of 5*

Starring: Introducing Nitin Reddy, Priyanka Kothari, Gautam Rode, Ishrat Ali, Howard Rosemeyer, Joy Fernandes and Ravi Kale

Director: Ram Gopal Varma

Irrespective of the fact that his last few films haven’t really been great experiences, one still enters a Ram Gopal Varma movie with certain expectations in mind. But Ramu nowadays it seems is hell bent on scaring even his most loyal fans away. Agyaat turns out to be one such experience wherein you go in expecting a thrill ride but come out absolutely unmoved rather irritated.

Agyaat tells the story of a film crew arriving in a dense forest to shoot their film. The team comprises of a tantrum throwing hero Sharman (Gautam), the heroine he badly lusts for – Aasha (Kothari), a South Indian producer Moorty (Ishrat Ali), an eccentric director JJ (Howard), a submissive spot boy Laxman (Ishtiyak Khan), the philosophical cameraman Shakky (Kali Prasad), a forever frustrated action director Rakka (Kale), Assistant Director Sujal (Nitin) and the simple script supervisor girl Sameera (Rasika Duggal) who has a secret crush on Sujal. While Sameera pines for Sujal, he dreams of attaining the film’s leading lady Aasha. Circumstances lead to a two day shoot break. Setu (Joy) the local jungle guide then suggests a small camping trip in the jungle. During night when everyone is enjoying the bonfire, following a strange sound Setu goes on to find out more about it but doesn’t return. When the crew members go on to find him they find his dead body. Petrified, they all try to run out the jungle but their car meets with an accident. Now trapped in the unknown terrain as they try to find their way out more crew members start dying under mysterious circumstances.

With hardly any known faces amongst his cast members, Ramu manages to hold your attention to some extent by his gimmicky shot taking and effective use of background music. Agreed in a thriller with a short running time of under two hours there is less time for character development but what about the screenplay Sir? Also, the placing of the annoying item song in the opening credit titles serves no purpose. Most of the actors too are a huge let down in the sense that they simply end up grating on your nerves and in fact you feel relieved that they have been bumped off

Agyaat through its promos and Ramu’s interviews appeared to be his ode to films like Predator, Blair Witch Project etc but in reality it appears an insult to them. At the end by literally keeping the mysterious killer ‘Agyaat’ (unknown) he seems to have already made a preparation for a sequel.

Telugu star Nitin Reddy making his Bollywood debut is earnest. Priyanka Kothari shows a bit of improvement in her acting. Gautam Rode fits the part. Amongst the rest cast, none really impress.

Agyaat is a disappointment. Enter this jungle at your own risk. Then don’t complain we didn’t warn you

Interview With Deepika Padukone:
Shahrukh Khan
, Ranbir Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan - Deepika Padukone is pretty much working with the best in the business across diverse age groups. With too much happening in her life in too little time, Deepika is already staring at her fourth release in less than two years since she made her much hyped debut with Om Shanti Om. On the eve of the film's mega release, Deepika talks to us about her years gone by in Bollywood, Imtiaz's narrative approach, her songs, styling and the generation leap that the film takes.

From Om Shanti Om to Bachna Ae Haseeno to Chandni Chowk To China and now Love Aaj Kal - There is a visible transformation in you, right Deepika?


Yes, I have indeed opened up a lot during last two years. Of course experience does set in and you tend to become a lot more confident with every film you do. However, one can't forget that one of the major contributors to the entire transformation process is the script of Love Aaj Kal. The character too plays a major role in the way you come across on screen.

Add to that the 'Imtiaz factor'....?

Yes, I was coming to that. The entire combination as I stated earlier can never be complete until and unless the director at the helm of affairs ensures that all of it comes in just the right proportion. He is one director who really brings out your real potential. Credit it to him that I am so 'khulla' today!

So are we looking at an out and out light hearted entertainer in Love Aaj Kal? Or are there some serious dramatic elements embellished in the narrative as well?

Yes, there are some serious elements as well. They do not become too heavy though. There are pensive moments but not 'bhaari-bharkam' enough to make you feel cheated since everyone is expecting Love Aaj Kal to be a fun outing. At the heart of it, Love Aaj Kal is a complete entertainer that will certainly leave you smiling as you exit the theaters. Love Aaj Kal is a complete entertainer that will certainly leave you smiling.

Well, Pritam, Imtiaz and Saif have promised that with 'Aahun Aahun' which comes in the end credits roll!
'Aahun Aahun' is a riot for sure (laughs). But then you must not forget 'Dooriyan' as well which is the only sad number in the film. It has been amazingly picturised and gives an altogether different dimension to the film as it carries the story forward. My personal favorite though is 'Chor Bazaari'.

Talking about 'Chor Bazaari', you seem to have gone through a complete costume makeover for Love Aaj Kal.

Credit it to Anahita Shroff Adajania, my costume designer, and Imtiaz. They came with an entirely fresh take on costumes and styling. They complimented each other and brought in Indian as well as Western sensibilities. Both were very sure about they wanted from me and the costumes I wear. My character also goes through a gradual transition from the first half into the second half so the overall styling did help to bring out that aspect as well. Anahita and I have been working together since my modeling days and she is very well aware about my body structure and what suits me most. That really helped.

Coming to the film's narrative, since the film moves across two generations, was it a little tedious to shoot for the film?

Of what I know about the narration that Imtiaz has adopted for the film, you will never feel the jerk in it even though the story moves back and forth in time. It is pretty seamless actually and all scenes blend in well with the spirit of the movie. In any case Imtiaz is not someone who believes in bringing in unnecessary technical jargon and he has in fact kept it all quite simple. Once you see the film, you will realize it for yourself!

You will never feel the jerk in the film even though the story moves back and forth in time

Since the film also tells the story of Rishi Kapoor, do you also have any scenes with him?
I have just one scene with him!

So all in the family?
(Giggles away)

Despite negative reviews and some malicious campaign against the film, Kambakkht Ishq has turned out to be a box office success. It may not have gone ahead and re-written records as was the case with Singh Is Kinng or Welcome but the fact remains that Akshay Kumar has managed to get his audiences back. While he is already looking forward to the release of De Dana Dhan, Blue and Action Replay, he is currently busy with a non-stop two month shooting schedule for Sajid Khan's Housefull.

Buzz up!
Talking to us from London, where he is currently stationed, Akshay Kumar talks about how he is comfortable working in multiple films and why, in spite of bringing in huge moolah into the industry during last five years, he still finds the entire Number 1 game quite amusing.


Your strength seems to be the fact that you complete your films in quick time, hence doing 3-4 films a year. That in some very good ways is a very good preposition for your producers as well, right? This way they can release their film in quick time, isn't it?
Yes! I am quite fine working on multiple films a year since most of them are shot in a start to finish schedule. We all work very fast on my films. And that way, I get to take a holiday every six months with my family as well! So, it all works out quite well in the end.

For how long do you wish to continue operating in the same mode? Don't you feel like taking a breather somewhere?
I can run faster than anyone else on the treadmill. Where is the time for a breather?

One look at your filmography over last five years and it is crystal clear that you have brought in maximum money inflow. Isn't that a testimony to the fact that a couple of flops here and there haven't quite impacted your box office stand?
The collections are out there for all to see. I have always believed in letting box-office to speak .When figures talk, what's the point of anyone else talking? Rest is just noise.

From Mujhse Shaadi Karogi to Bhagam Bhag to Welcome to Singh Is Kinng to your recent release Kambakkht Ishq, your films have netted as astonishing sum close to Rs. 600 crores just from India. Were you aware about such huge numbers? Now that's HUGE by any standards.
Thanks for the compliment. My producers are aware of all these numbers and that's why they repeat me film after film. That's hope for me!

In the same period, Shahrukh, Aamir, Salman and Hrithik have brought in far lesser money. Any comments?
Please don't create a controversy here .We are all here to work, I am not running a race.

Akshay, you have been shying away from the battle for top position. However, isn't #1 actor, the one who delivers consistently, brings in maximum moolah at the box office, is termed reliable and has a following in India as well as overseas? In that sense, don't you actually fit in the bill?
That's for you guys to decide. I am just doing my work. I shy away from the number game. Numbers are for calendar not for superstars. When I read about, who is Number One and Number Two, it amuses me. I feel like, we are still in school and anxiously waiting for our report cards. Haven't we grown up since then?

But industry is all about the Numbers game, isn't it?
Come on guys; don't make it sound like we are in a class room. If some want to fall prey to it, it's their problem. I firmly believe that I still have a long way to go. It's very lovely at the top and honestly I don't want to be lonely, I am happy the way I am. I am number one for my family and fans and that's enough.

Nisha oops Priyanka Kothari is back with yet another RGV film. Yes, the actress has comeback to her original name. Ram Gopal Verma’s favorite girl who eventually took the place of Urmila Matondkar does not bat an eyelid when questioned about her suspicious special inclination towards RGV camp.

In this interview, she along with fondness for RGV talks about her forthcoming film Agyaat, which is slated to release this week on Friday Aug 7.


You have made a sort of gang with Ramu…why this special inclination?Why don’t you venture in other banners?
I think that question goes to the banners you are talking about. I am quite flexible working under other banners. But none of them except Mahesh Bhatt has ever made their mind to cast me in any of the films
. As far as RGV is concerned, we share a very good rapport, and I have high regards for him. The best part about him as a director is he realizes the talent, and is very encouraging to actors he is working with.

Let’s come to Agyaat, tell us who Agyaat is, in the film? Shed some light on the storyline?
Agyaat (laughs) is nothing but sound effects in the film. The bottom line of the story is- we are scared of something till it does not appear before us. We are terrified throughout the film and discover there was nothing to get scared of in the end. It’s all in our mind. So, it is dense scary jungle and sound effects which eventually turns out to be Agyaat.

Do you believe in supernatural powers…have you ever experienced something of this sort in real-life?
(Smiles) I have not, but have heard tales about ghosts from my folks who have had a real-time experience. Honestly, while shooting for the film I have realized as I said earlier, that it’s nothing but a mind game. However, if we go by the tales from my folk’s mouth I would love to encounter one.

Why this sudden decision to comeback to your original name?
Priyanka has been my official name since birth. My dad never liked the idea of me changing my name to Nisha, but never expressed it. He somehow expressed his feeling and I decided to get back to my original name.

Where do you see your career graph moving with your forthcoming films, since last two films have not really shown up well?
(Smiles) Hopefully good but honestly, I believe in the famous shlokha ‘Karma Kar Fal Ki Iksha Mat Rakh’. I am very passionate about my work and I deliver to the best of my capabilities. I personally feel confident about my capabilities and will continue to do good work. Success and failure is secondary thing.

You were heard of getting married to a businessman. Is it true?
(Laughs) Well, that’s the biggest gossip I have ever heard about me. Marriage definitely is not on cards.

Coming back to Agyaat; how was the experience of shooting in dense jungles…any particular incident which brings shiver down your spine?
While commencing the shoot for the climax of the film in the jungles of Kerala, we experienced something very uncanny. As soon as I entered the jungle, I broke my ankle which was followed by broken leg of one of the crew members. Soon after that, one of the camerapersons got an electric shock with the result camera was in the river water nearby, and then the most intimidating thing which I have ever witnessed- my co-actor’s hand

Heidi Montag’s Playboy issue will hit newsstands soon and we have a sneak peek at some of her pictures here along with video!
heidi montag 1 2

Heidi Montag posed for Playboy and the Hills princess has posted a picture of herself holding the cover.

You can check out the picture here, but it looks like Heidi stood true to her word and didn’t pose nude. She graces the cover in a white bikini, all covered in mud of course. And I’m not saying she doesn’t rock a bikini, but we have seen tons of photos of Heidi in a bikini.

Though Heidi says she will be featured on two Playboy covers, there is no real nudity. So for all of you hoping to see Heidi Montag nude, think again. You will just have to get by with those bikini pics! Or her Stuff magazine, or Maxim photos.

A source says, “There is nudity. It’s tasteful – she had a lot of fun with it.” And her husband, Spencer Pratt definitely approves. Duh! He probably set it all up!

Heidi is featured in the September issue of Playboy and it hits newsstands here. What are your thoughts on the cover? We will have the rest of the pictures as soon as they hit the net!