Success is never final and failure can never be fatal: SRK

"Success stories are so boring", said Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan, who was here donning the quiz-master's hat and grilling management students at a quiz show.

Shah Rukh came, saw and conquered young students not with words of wisdom on success stories but talking about failure delivering pragmatic lessons.

"Success is never final and failure can never be fatal," said King Khan, giving some lessons of life at a business quiz show where he danced, cracked jokes, narrated anecdotes, threw some witty one-liners and quizzed management students.

"It is very boring to listen to success stories," said the superstar, who rose to stardom from starting off as television actor, at the show organised by business school Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) and 4Ps, a marketing magazine, last night.

"The strange thing about success is it cannot teach you anything," he said adding that despite being successful, he could ever teach his son and daughter how to achieve success in life. "I cannot pass them wisdom on success," he said.

His own parents who were from a middle class family, could not impart any lessons on success to him, he said, as he shared his memories with Bangalore, where his maternal grandparents stayed and where he practically spent his first five years of his life.

"Fear of failure will make you pragmatic, failure takes away fatalism and makes you discern between your true friends and fair feathered ones," he said.

Read more »

Race motive clear in some attacks, admits Oz FM

Under mounting pressure over attacks on Indians, Australia on Tuesday acknowledged that some of the recent violence against them had clearly been "racially motivated" and vowed to "punish the culprits with the full force of law".

Stating that the attacks had "considerably damaged" the nation's reputation, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told the Parliament that "if any of these attacks have been racist in nature - and it seems clear that some of them have - they will be punished with the full force of law".

Smith said the attacks which have included robberies and beatings are "inexcusable" and were being taken very seriously by the government.

The foreign minister intervened on the matter after the government came in for a sharp attack from the opposition which accused the Victorian government of failing to tackle the racist attacks on Indians.

Even Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that he was worried over the narration by his Asian-origin son-in-law of racisms in Australia. Rudd said that his government's efforts were aimed at improving safety of foreign students who worked late at night.

Leaders and officials in Australian had earlier down played racism as a motive for attacks on Indians which have triggered outrage in India. Smith's remarks came just ahead of Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh's visit to New Delhi to brief the government on the steps taken by Australia to prevent attacks on Indians. Singh is excepted to be in New Delhi this week.

Describing the attacks as "contemptible", Smith said these had cast a long shadow over relationship and ties with India and said these were an "affront to our values and are anathema to a view of modern Australia."

Giving an update on the issue, the minister said, "we need to accept that it has considerably damaged Australia's reputation in India and among the Indian people. Indeed, it has widely been noticed beyond India and South Asia."

Offering condolences to the families of Indians attacked in Australia, Smith told the lawmakers that repairing the damage to the country's image was an "essential priority."

The foreign minister assured that India "was in the front rank" of nations in Australia's international partnership and was fast emerging as nation's third biggest export market behind China and Japan.

The two way trade between the two countries was nearly 22 billion Australian dollars last year, registering a quantum jump of 55 per cent. And a number of Indian companies were showing great interest in investing in Australia not only in mineral resources but agriculture and IT.

Addressing the Indian nationals in his country, Smith said, "we will continue to do our utmost to ensure that the children, Indian parents have entrusted to our care, remain safe and go back home with first class education." According to local estimates, there are 450,000 Indians living in Australia out of which 120,000 are students.

Referring to these figures, Smith said the government had "zero-tolerance" for racism and pointed out that 45 people had so far been arrested for crime against Indians.

He said it was regrettable that many Indian students in Australia, in particular Melbourne, found themselves in a higher risk profile for crime because they work in late night shifts in occupations like taxi driving and live near high crime neighborhoods.

"While Australia is one of the world's most tolerant countries, and the safest, what we are promising is to make a whole-of-a-nation and whole-of-government to address their problems and minimise them."

Outlining the new security measures taken for the safety of the students, Smith said that the Prime Minister had established a special task force to deal with these attacks.

He also said that high-level consultative mechanism had been set up between the central and Victorian government and a 24-hour international student care service started in Victoria where half the Indian students in Australia studying.

mith informed that Prime Minister Rudd had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and he himself discussed it with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in person and by telephone.

Read more »

Chidambaram renews offer of talks with Naxals

After a meeting of four naxal-affected states, the Centre on Tuesday said it was ready to hold talks with the Maoists if they "halt" violence.

"My appeal to all the naxals on behalf of all the chief ministers who participated in the conference two days ago, on behalf of naxal affected states, if you abjure violence that is if you say a halt to violence, we are not asking you to do anything more, if you halt the violence we are prepared to talk to you on any matter," Home Minister P Chidambaram said.

He was talking to reporters after a meeting of chief minister of Naxal-affected states which was not attended by chief ministers of Bihar and Jharkhand Nitish Kumar and Shibu Soren respectively.

Kumar told reporters in Patna that he could not be away from Patna for long and today is the scheduled day for the state cabinet to meet. Soren, who had cited illness for not attending the meeting, had deputed his two deputy chief ministers.

Against the backdrop of reports that Kumar kept away at the instance of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chidambaram sought to play down his absence.

He said Kumar had told him in Delhi on Sunday that he had some prior commitment and that he may not be able to attend the Kolkata meeting. "His senior officials are here.

Either I can go to Patna or he can go to Delhi (to discuss Maoist issues). That is not an issue," Chidambaram said.

On the naxal issue, the Home Minister said the "condition" is Maoist should "halt" violence. “Unfortunately, past appeals have been spurned. Therefore, we are obliged to continue the operations as long as naxals indulge in violence. These operations will continue and I am confident that further progress will be made in next six months”, Chidambaram said. “We made it very clear that the purpose of these operations is not to kill anyone. They are our own people. We care for them, we care for their lives”, he said.

The meeting, convened by the Union Home Minister, to help states to coordinate their campaign against Naxals, began an hour behind schedule as Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik arrived late. The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

“Use of force alone will not solve the problem. We all agree on that. But in order to put an end to violence and re-establish civil administration, it is necessary to use force”, he said when asked about the Bihar Chief Minister's contention that the Maoist problem could not be solved by use of force. “The government must continue operations against Maoists in a careful, calibrated and controlled way if Maoists do not halt violence”, he said.

Soren sent his two deputy chief ministers Raghubar Das and Sudesh Mahto, while Bihar government was represented by its Home Secretary Amir Subhani and DGP Anand Shankar. The meeting reviewed at length the strategy adopted to deal with Maoists and coordination among neighbouring states as the Naxals often fled from one state to another after indulging in violence

“As long as the violence continues, the operation too will continue. I hope I will get back to you with some positive results in six months”, Chidamabaram told the four Maoist-hit states. He, however, said, “The purpose of the operation is not to kill anyone, but to re-establish civil administration and reclaim areas dominated by Maoists. “We are making progress, which is slow but steady and we will continue to make progress. It is not just like a cricket scoreboard where you will get results every over”, he said.

The progress of both intra and inter-state operations against Maoists was reviewed at the meeting “and it was found that states have made significant progress in intra-state operations”, he said. Three key naxalite leaders, including a politburo member and two zonal leaders, he said had been apprehended during anti-Maoist operations in south Bihar, UP and Orissa.

The discussions focussed on the offensives to be launched at the inter-state junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand and Bihar-Jharkhand as these areas were considered hotbed of Left wing extremists, official sources said. Developmental issues were also discussed at the meeting attended by CRPF chief Vikram Srivastav, Additional Secretary (Home) DRS Chowdhury, Additional Director (IB) P Mahendra, Joint Secretary (Home) Kashmir Singh and Security Advisor Brig D S Dadwal

Read more »

Govt refuses permission to Bt Brinja

Facing intense opposition from within and outside, government on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a genetically modified version of the vegetable that is said to be more resistant to pests.

Announcing a cautious approach of the government, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said there was ‘no clear consensus’ among the scientists and stake-holders on giving permission to Bt Brinjal and more studies needed to be conducted. “There is no over-riding urgency to introduce it... When the public sentiments have been negative, it is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary andn principle-based approach," he told a hurriedly-called press conference which was originally scheduled for Wednesday.

“I will not impose a decision till such time independent scientific studies establish safety of the product from long-term view of human health”, Ramesh said. He said it was a difficult decision to take but he had to balance many issues of science and society and producer and consumer.

Read more »

Iran continues to import fuel from RIL

Iran said it continues to import fuel from Reliance Industries, a statement that flies in the face of the claims by Mukesh Ambani firm that it had since last year stopped selling gasoline to the Islamic nation in an apparent bid to escape US sanctions.

"From our point of view, Reliance stopping gasoline exports to Iran is not correct," Iranian Ambassador to India Syed Mehdi Nabizadeh said in New Delhi.

Reliance till 2008 mostly sold gasoline (petrol) to Iran, and late last year sources close to the company claimed that it had since April 2009 completely stopped shipments from its twin refineries at Jamnagar in Gujarat to that country.

When contacted on Tuesday, Reliance spokesperson declined comments.

The US is seeking to restrict gasoline supplies from refiners to Iran over its suspected nuclear weapons programme.

Read more »

Fresh avalanche in Kashmir kills 2 army jawan, 14 rescued

Two security personnel and a civilian were killed and 10 others injured as snowfall and rains triggered fresh avalanches and landslides in Kashmir valley on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 20 in two days.

An avalanche buried an army post in a forward area in Tangdhar sector, 145 kms from here in Kupwara district, around 0345 hours trapping 14 jawans. Though all of them were taken out of snow, one died later, a defence spokesman said.

In a separate incident, due to heavy snowfall a tree fell on a barrack of 26th Battalion SF in Nowgam sector, also in Kupwara, leaving three personnel injured. They were shifted to district hospital, Baramulla where one of them identified as constable Aslam Din died, a police spokesman said.

The condition of two others - head constable Davinder Singh and constable Sajad Ali - was stated to be "serious".

Read more »

Sena activists vandalise Mumbai theatres; 46 sainiks held

Shiv Sena activists held for demonstrations outside theatres in eastern suburbs against Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film 'My Name is Khan', prompting the police to arrest 46 troublemakers.

At Mulund area, the glasses of Mehul cinema were broken after one of the protesters pelted stones, police said adding that several gathered outside Huma Cinema at Kanjurmarg and R-City Mall at Ghatkopar area, shouting slogans against Khan and the movie, scheduled to be released on February 12.

"We have arrested 46 Shiv Sena activists protesting outside the theatres. More arrests are likely," Additional Police Commissioner (East) Ritesh Kumar said.

The protesters threatened the theatre owners to stop the advance bookings or face the severe consequences. The Sena activists were booked for unlawful assembly, rioting and further probe was on, police said.

Ads by Google

The Sena had threatened to stall the screening of the film, protesting Khan's support for inclusion of Pakistani players in the upcoming IPL but party supremo Bal Thackeray later said that the film's release will not be disrupted.

Earlier today, Karan Johar, director and co-producer of film, met City Police Commissioner D Sivanandhan to discuss the security issues ahead of the movie's release.

Read more »

Cher says it's rough acting with younger co-stars

Legendary singer Cher has admitted that acting with much younger stars in her latest film 'Burlesque' was 'rough'.

The 63-year-old said that felt very insecure after working with singer Christina Aguilera, 29, actress Kristen Bell, 29, and dancer-singerJulianne Hough, 21.

"It's a hard job. You get up at 5am and try to look good. All these girls are a third my age. That is rough," the Daily Express quoted her as saying.

However, the veteran entertainer is full of praise for her young co-star Christina.

"I'm shocked but she's really good. The other day we were hamming it up so badly, so old, like vaudevillian. She was -keeping up! She was hot. Her game is good," she said.

Read more »

Heather Mills vows never to marry again

Sir Paul McCartney's former wife Heather Mills has pledged never to walk down the aisle again.

The 41-year-old star, who bagged 24.3 million pounds from the former Beatle in one Hollywood's most expensive divorce settlement, revealed she was done taking the vows.

"I don't really get nervous - unless I have got to meet potential mothers-in-law. In my whole life, that's always been my biggest fear. No, no more weddings, not for me. No," the Sun quoted her as saying.

The one-legged charity campaigner, who was recently voted off on Dancing On Ice, further spoke of plans to host a reality show of her own.

She said: "It would involve filming celebrities as they learn what life is like with a disability.

Read more »

Kutcher, Moore to send roses to human trafficking victims on V-Day

ctors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have decided to make this Valentine Day special for 270 human trafficking victims.

The Hollywood couple revealed they would be sending a rose to each of the victims on February 14.

"I struck up an agreement with the wife this year that we're not going to try to do something big for each other and instead the best way we can celebrate the day is to share our love with other people," the Daily Express quoted Kutcher as saying.

"There's an organisation in New York called GEMS that helps human trafficking victims. There are a bunch of these girls that have come off the streets and are now being housed by this organisation, so we're going to make all those girls our Valentines this year.

"I think there are 270 girls, so we're going to send them all flowers so they can know they can be loved by someone without them having to ask for anything in return," he added.

Read more »

Farhan Akhtar attracts big praise

Farhan Akhtar has reasons to be on cloud nine. After all, the director-turned actor, add singer in between, is making the right noise with his upcoming release KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK.

And praising the actor is none other than the director of the film Vijay Lalwani. The director feels that working with Farhan was added pleasure since he understands the language of the cinema quite fluently since he is not only an actor but a director too.

Speaking to Glamsham.Com, Lalwani adds, "Farhan's comprehension of what I wanted in KARTHIK CALLIN KARTHIK was brilliant. Farhan being a director himself made it easier for me to convey the essence of my narrative. He is simply superb with the language of cinema. It was a great pleasure having him in the film."

KATRHIK CALLING KARTHIK is already creating waves with its promos and chart busting music. Looks like the ROCK ON magic is here to stay

Read more »

Looking for lasting love? It's not all looks and laughs

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Singles looking for love put too much emphasis on looks and passion in trying to find their perfect match, according to research released ahead of Valentine's Day.

An analysis by online dating website eHarmony shows what people find attractive in a possible partner may not be the same qualities that will make the relationship successful, which is a lesson learned by those who have been married.

For example single women aged under 45 were 13 times more likely than married women under 45 to stress the importance of feeling passion and desire toward their partners.

Single women aged over 45 were nearly twice as likely to stress the importance of love, compared to their married peers who were more likely to cite companionship.

"We know what we are attracted to. It is very easy to see. But the challenges of finding someone attractive can cloud over what is very important across the long haul," said Gian Gonzaga, a senior director of research and development at the California-based company.

eHarmony compared the responses of 598,000 users registered on its website, some who had been previously married and some never married, about the qualities sought in a potential partner.

Never-married singles tended to put more emphasis on physical appearance, passion and personality in a partner, while formerly married singles focused on a person's beliefs, values, emotional intimacy and skills at resolving conflict, as well as sexual compatibility.

"The study showed that singles tend to focus on the emotional aspects of a relationship and don't focus as much on the skills and requirements that are necessary to make a long-term relationship stronger," said Gonzaga.

An accompanying survey of 2,020 adults in the United States by Opinion Research Corporation for eHarmony, which was founded in 2000 and is available in Canada, Australia and Britain, supported the findings, according to Gonzaga.

"It's great to be passionate about your partner but if you're not compatible, if youH don't share important underlying characteristics, you are going to bump into problems down the road," Gonzaga added.

Valentine's Day is among the busiest periods of the year for online dating sites, according to Greg Blatt, the CEO of the online dating website of Match.com, which operates in 24 countries and 15 languages.

"The need for love and companionship is always there but I think there are certain periods in the calendar where people who aren't in a relationship and want to be feel it especially profoundly," he said.

"It tends to be during the end of year holidays through Valentine's Day into the spring. That is when our membership surges the most."

Read more »

Whistling Woods associates with Government of Bermuda

Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia's largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts Institute promoted by Mukta Arts and Filmcity announced its association with the Government of Bermuda. The Premier of Bermuda visited the Whistling Woods International campus to sign a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Mr. Subhash Ghai, Founder and Chairman, Whistling Woods International.

As per the MoU, WWI and Mukta Arts Ltd. will recommend Bermuda to the Indian entertainment industry. The Government of Bermuda will also provide sponsorships to two students every year from Bermuda to study filmmaking at WWI.

When asked why he chose Whistling Woods International for this association, Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Tourism his Excellency Dr. the Hon. Ewart Frederick Brown said, "Whistling Woods International is considered as a gateway to Indian Cinema which is recognized globally and hence, I am here to encourage Indian film shoots to happen in Bermuda which will help us to promote tourism in Bermuda through Indian cinema".

Mr. Brown's political career has been a fulfilling one spanning over three decades. He was the first appointed Minister of Transport following the General Election of November 1998 when the PLP (Progressive Labour Party) swept to power.

Expressing his excitement on the occasion, Subhash Ghai, Chairman of Whistling Woods International said, "It is a great honour to have such personalities from all over the world visiting our institute. Whistling Woods International is now truly international with this association and with this we expect a lot of Bollywood shoots to happen in Bermuda".

"WWI is looking at expanding new horizons and this is the first step towards the long relation with the Government of Bermuda. We look forward to having students from Bermuda coming and experiencing the varied culture and techniques of filmmaking in India, thereby opening the minds of the young generation", said Mr. Ravi Gupta, Executive Director, Mukta Arts Ltd.

Read more »

Shahid and Deepika are love birds

After having faced failed relationships in their life, both Shahid Kapur and Deepika Padukone seem to be finding solace in each other's company now.

If the latest buzz is to be believed, Shahid Kapur and Deepika Padukone are currently dating each other. According to sources, the two were seen partying together recently and it's also known that Shahid is making frequent trips to Deepika's Bandra home these days.

After his break up with Kareena Kapoor, Shahid has been linked to many actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Vidya Balan. Now, Deepika is the latest and hottest of the lot in his life. Deepika's story is no different, after her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor; it seems she's also looking for a new companionship.

So, the secret has got bust. Let's hope the new love birds have a lasting affair of their life this time around.

Read more »

Aamir upset with DELHI BELLY director

Aamir Khan is upset with his director of the upcoming film DELHI BELLY. It seems that Aamir is not happy with the way the director of the film Abhinav Deo has shaped up the film so far. This has made Aamir give it the least time and the director is complaining that Aamir is neglecting the film.

According to some quarters, Aamir is not on the same frequency as far as his director of the film is concerned. This has resulted in complete lack of interest from Aamir's end. Though, DELHI BELLY is Aamir Khan's production, and as is well known that Aamir likes to take total charge of his home productions, he's not happy with Abhinav's approach to the project so far

Reportedly, Abhinav too is fed up of waiting for so long. Now, he's already moved on to focus on his next film CROOKED.

Let's hope DELHI BELLY crisis is sorted before this spat between the producer and the director takes any ugly turn.

Read more »

Katrina - From a rich heiress to an item girl in TMK

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network
After being in the industry for more than half a decade, a dozen odd hits behind her and finding herself firmly placed in the Top-3 bracket when it comes to the leading ladies at Bollywood, Katrina Kaif is doing the unthinkable. She is all set to play the role of an item girl in her next film with Akshay Kumar - TEES MAAR KHAN.

Confirms producer Shirish Kunder, who has also written the film, "Yes, Katrina is playing a wannabe item girl in TEES MAAR KHAN. Beyond that I can't reveal much about her character at this stage."

This is for the first time in her career that Katrina Kaif would be enacting the character of an item girl. She has played a supermodel (BOOM), a rich heiress (DE DANA DAN), a girl next door (AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI), a married woman with a kid (NEW YORK) or a scheming seductress (RACE) in her films before TEES MAAR KHAN but never before has she got into the shoes of an item girl.

In fact for the makers as well there was quite some deliberation around the leading lady for TEES MAAR KHAN before Katrina Kaif was signed on. Now that she is on board, one wonders whether her British background would be coming in handy and she would be playing one of those NRIs from Southall who wish to make it big in Bollywood.

"No no, nothing like that", vehemently denies Shirish, "There isn't any Southall connection to Katrina's character in the film. Instead she came in primarily due to her overall appearance which just fitted in perfectly with the requirement of the character. We were looking for somebody like her and ultimately settled for her only."

Though the likes of Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have played fashion models in the past, getting into the garb of an item girl isn't something that many have dared to do in the past. This is why for Katrina, it won't just be challenging but also seemingly a lot of fun as she would be the first amongst her contemporaries to take a step in this direction.

Read more »

Hugh Hefner 'sued for not selling sinking Playboy'

A Playboy shareholder has filed a lawsuit against Hugh Hefner for refusing to sell his company despite the adult entertainment business allegedly falling apart.

The shareholder has alleged that Hefner intentionally sabotaged two potential deals in the past six months to sell at a decent price, as he doesn't want to give up "the parade of busty blondes", TMZ reports.

An investment company, analysing Playboy, sent a note that stated: "we think the wildcard here is Hugh Hefner," reports News.com.au.

It added: "If you were Hugh Hefner, 81, would you give up the parade of busty blonds, the fancy mansion and the reality TV show for a payout? "Hefner has continued to live the good life and make sure everyone knows it. Hefner remains in the limelight, showing up at media events and at the Playboy mansion ... with his girlfriends by his side."

The suit concluded: "Today, the price of a Playboy magazine is far higher than the price of Playboy common stock."

The value of the stock has dropped from 36 dollars a share in 2006 to 3.14 dollars at present.

Read more »

In 'Mausam', Shahid will surprise all: Pankaj Kapoor

Seasoned actor Pankaj Kapoor is all set to make his directorial debut with 'Mausam' with son Shahid in the lead. The father is confident that Shahid's varied acting skills will surprise everyone.

'I know people would be curious to know what we're making together. That would be a big USP for me. Shahid has great potential. People have always seen him as a chocolate-box hero. But in 'Kaminey' we could see another side of him,' Pankaj told IANS.

'Shahid's USP are his dancing skills and fluent diction. For 'Mausam', I required an actor with range. I've a gut feeling my son is going to surprise not just the audience but also me,' he added.

Pankaj says that Shahid wanted to work him.

'The idea was to do something meaty and challenging. We should be starting in another two-three months. We're into pre-production. I've written a lot of scripts which I couldn't direct and could only star in. When Shahid became an actor, he expressed a desire to be directed by me, I thought it'd be wonderful to work with my own son.

'But I signed him only after I saw the potential in him. We've been working on the script for three years. Meanwhile, a really wonderful thing has happened. Shahid became a big star. I'm very proud of him as his father. And Shahid's stardom is a happy happening for 'Mausam'.'

The original plan was to only direct the film and let Shahid take the lead. But now giving in to pressure, Pankaj has decided to make an appearance in his directorial debut.

'It would be an Alfred Hitchcockian kind of fleeting appearance. But I'd largely like to concentrate on making the film and stay behind the camera,' he said.

The actor, who recently wowed the audiences with his performances in films like 'Maqbool', 'Dharm' and 'The Blue Umbrella', refuses to divulge details about his directorial debut.

'It's a love story and we don't want any of the details being picked up by other filmmakers. I plan to bring my own sensibilities together with Shahid's,' said Pankaj, who doesn't like being labelled an offbeat actor.

'It's rather sad that I've been dubbed an offbeat actor. But whenever given an opportunity I've done mainstream cinema. I've nothing against commercial cinema as long as the rendering of the story is sensible.

'I've learnt so much watching the commercial greats. I hope to use all that I've learnt from them into my own 'Mausam'. If the producers are spending crores on my film I better get it back for them.'

Incidentally, the title 'Mausam' may change.

'We'll try and find an alternative name. I know the association with the film by Gulzar saab called 'Mausam' is too strong. The format of that film was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's 'Wild Strawberries'. That 'Mausam' is far superior to what I'm trying to achieve in my first film as director.'

Read more »

Lions Gate, Weinsteins eye Disney's Miramax-sources

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp and the Weinstein brothers are among the potential buyers of Walt Disney Co's Miramax film unit, sources familiar with the situation said on Monday.

Independent studio Summit Entertainment, which is behind the popular "Twilight" franchise, could also be interested in Miramax, said the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Disney has put Miramax up for sale because its library of mostly small, independent films does not mesh with the media giant's plan to overhaul its movie operations, a source close to the company said.

Disney is focusing on its own movie brand, as well as films made by its Pixar division and the newly acquired Marvel, and a distribution deal with Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks studio.

A spokesman for Lions Gate was unavailable for comment, while Disney and Summit declined comment. But Lions Gate and Disney are expected to report quarterly earnings on Tuesday, and will likely be grilled by investors and analysts about any possible interest.

Disney is asking between $650 million to $800 million for Miramax, home to art-house fare like "Clerks" and "No Country for Old Men," said a source close to one potential bidder.

But a $500 million to $700 million price tag is seen to be more realistic, according to another source.

The potential sale of Miramax comes as the auction for another storied Hollywood studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, entered a second round of bidding.

While DVD sales have slumped and will likely hurt the price of any studio sale, the libraries of both MGM and Miramax still generate cash flow through licensing deals for television and other distribution channels.

The Weinstein Co confirmed its interest in Miramax, which Bob and Harvey Weinstein built 31 years ago and named after their parents Miriam and Max. The Weinsteins sold Miramax to Disney in 1993, but stayed on as co-chief executives until five years ago, when they left to form The Weinstein Co.

"We are keen to look at the company and we will see what happens in coming weeks," said David Glasser, operations executive for the independent Weinstein Co.

The Weinsteins have been approached by financial partners to help them purchase Miramax and are reviewing the company's assets, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The New York Post reported that Lions Gate could initially bid from $500 million to $600 million for Miramax. This would be five times the studio's roughly $100 million in annual cash flow and about twice its $300 million in revenue.

But a person familiar with Lions Gate, home to the popular "Saw" franchise, said the company was "price sensitive" and not as aggressive as the Post story suggested.

As for MGM, its lenders late last month agreed to extend a debt forbearance to March 31, which gives the studio more time to find a buyer or explore alternatives including continuing to operate as a stand-alone entity.

Initial bids, including from Time Warner Inc and Lions Gate, had come in below $2 billion, sources have said.

MGM has said it is conducting due diligence with select bidders and that "process is expected to run for the next several weeks." MGM is considering a prepackaged bankruptcy along with a sale, other sources familiar have said.

MGM is owned by a group, including private equity firms TPG, Providence Equity Partners, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners and Quadrangle Group, and media companies Sony Corp and Comcast Corp.

The studio has a library of more than 4,000 titles, including the James Bond and Pink Panther franchises.

Read more »

Sheen charged with assaulting wife; they hug in court

Actor Charlie Sheen was charged on Monday with assaulting and threatening his wife Brooke Mueller in a heated Christmas Day argument.

But the couple left the court in the Colorado ski resort of Aspen hugging each other, hoping the charges will be dropped, and apparently planning to reconcile.

Sheen, 44, was arrested in the ski resort of Aspen, Colorado on Dec. 25 after Mueller called police and told them he pulled a knife on her during an argument and threatened to have her killed. Sheen spent the day behind bars before being released on bail.

Sheen and Mueller, the actor's third wife, married in 2008 and have infant twin sons.

The star of the CBS hit comedy "Two and a Half Men," was charged with felony menacing, misdemeanour assault and criminal mischief. The menacing charge entails the alleged use of a deadly weapon in a threatening manner.

Sheen could face up to three years behind bars if convicted. He did not enter a plea and another hearing was set for March 15.

Judge James Boyd lifted a "no contact" portion of a restraining order that had barred Sheen from speaking to Mueller or having contact with her. Lawyers for both sides wanted the order lifted.

Mueller, 32, told police in December that Sheen held a knife to her throat and threatened to have her killed when she said she would divorce him and take their children.

At the time, Sheen denied brandishing the knife but admitted crumpling his wife's eyeglasses and said both of them had slapped each other's arms, according to court records.

Mueller embraced Sheen as the end of Monday's brief hearing and the pair left together.

"They hugged in the courtroom, they hugged downstairs and they are hugging in the car," Mueller's lawyer, Yale Galanter, told reporters after the hearing.

"It is Brooke's position that she would like the charges dismissed and this case to be over," he added.

Sheen's film credits include "Platoon" and "Wall Street" but he is best-known for his starring role as a womanizing bachelor on the CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men" -- which has remained one of the most popular shows on U.S. television despite the case.

His Christmas Day arrest is not the first time he has been accused of violence. He pleaded no contest to a 1997 battery charge on his then girlfriend, and his second wife, Denise Richards, obtained a restraining order against him in 2006

Read more »

FACTBOX - The drugs that caused Michael Jackson's death

Michael Jackson's personal doctor was charged on Monday with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death in June.

Dr. Conrad Murray was caring for Jackson at the rented Los Angeles home where he died on June 25 at age 50.

The Los Angeles coroner said in August that Jackson's death was caused mainly by two sedatives -- propofol and lorazepam. Other prescription medications were also found in his system.

Here are some facts about the drugs found in Jackson's body according to the coroner's report:

* Propofol, also known by the trade name Diprivan, is used to sedate patients on breathing machines or before procedures such as colonoscopies. Given properly, it does not render them unconscious but they usually cannot remember the procedure.

* The American Society of Anesthesiologists says propofol should "never be used outside of a controlled and monitored medical setting."

* Lorazepam, sold under the brand names Ativan and Temesta, is one of a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which include Valium. They are often used to allay anxiety when given as pills and can be administered intravenously before surgery to relax patients.

* Diazepam, the generic version of Valium, was also found in Jackson's blood.

* Midazolam is a sedative similar to propofol, used to make patients drowsy but not unconscious during procedures.

* Lidocaine, also known as Xylocaine, is a painkiller that can be injected to numb an area before surgery.

* Ephedrine is a stimulant and decongestant, similar to the ingredients in the over-the-counter pill Sudafed and also to the illegal "upper" methamphetamine. Many states now control over-the-counter distribution of drugs such as Sudafed that contain pseudoephedrine because it can be used to make illegal drugs.

Read more »

Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper for libel

Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are suing Britain's News of the World tabloid over allegations it published about their relationship, their London lawyers said on Monday.

In a story published on Jan. 24, the weekly newspaper reported that the couple planned imminently to separate and had agreed on how they would divide their assets and custody of their children.

Pitt, 46, and Jolie, 34, have six children and joint assets estimated by the News of the World at 205 million pounds ($319.4 million).

Schillings law firm described the allegations as "false" and has taken its case to the High Court in London.

Keith Schilling of Schillings said the News of the World failed to meet the couple's "reasonable demands" for a retraction of the story and apology "for these false and intrusive allegations which have now been widely republished by mainstream news outlets.

"We have advised them to bring proceedings which they have now done," he added in a statement.

Sorrell Trope of Trope and Trope, identified by some media reports as the Los Angeles divorce lawyer representing the couple, has confirmed to Schillings that the company had no involvement with Pitt and Jolie.

The movie stars, who are not married, appeared together in public at Sunday's Super Bowl professional football championship in the United States, smiling, laughing and being photographed.

Read more »

Michael Jackson's doctor charged in singer's death

The doctor hired to care for Michael Jackson was charged on Monday with killing the pop star after a lengthy investigation that found a lethal cocktail of drugs in the singer's system when he died last year.

Dr. Conrad Murray, who lives in Las Vegas, pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death that officials have ruled was due mainly to an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol, among several drugs.

Murray was heckled by Jackson fans chanting "murderer" as he entered a Los Angeles courthouse in a crisp grey suit and red tie. Once in court, he faced angry members of Jackson's family, including mother Katherine and brother Jermaine.

The doctor remained stoic during the proceeding and when addressed by the judge, spoke softly. He was admonished not to leave the country and not to give any patient an anesthetic. He posted bail of $75,000 and was allowed to leave.

To reach a guilty verdict for involuntary manslaughter -- meaning Murray killed Jackson but he did so without malice -- jurors must believe that whatever the doctor did to Jackson went beyond an accident and was criminally negligent.

Murray, 56, faces up to four years in prison if convicted. He is still allowed to practice medicine, although prosecutors filed a motion to revoke his license.

"This has been a nightmare for him for many different reasons. One of the reasons is he lost a friend" in Jackson, Murray's attorney Ed Chernoff told reporters outside the courthouse. He said Murray was headed home to Las Vegas.

Murray, a cardiologist, was hired in May 2009 to care for Jackson as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts aimed at reviving a career sidelined by the singer's 2005 trial and acquittal on charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy.

The singer was a member of Motown singing group the Jackson 5 and was a hugely successful solo artist, whose 1982 smash hit "Thriller" is still the world's best-selling album.

'BATTLE OF MEDICAL EXPERTS'

The doctor has been the focus of a police probe for months since the Los Angeles coroner's office ruled that Jackson's June 25 death was a homicide. Coroners said Jackson's death was caused by propofol and the sedative lorazepam. Painkillers, sedatives and a stimulant also were found in his body.

Murray has admitted giving the 50-year-old singer propofol to help him sleep, and authorities found bottles of the anesthetic in his doctor's bag and on the bedside table of Jackson's home, according to court records unsealed last year.

The doctor and his lawyers have insisted he did nothing wrong. Murray has told investigators he was not the first doctor to give Jackson propofol, according to court records.

Lawyers outside the case say a trial will involve each side lining up experts to bolster their arguments.

"It's clear this case will be a battle of medical experts," said noted New York defense attorney Joseph DiBenedetto.

Legal experts said the likely reason police took seven months to investigate was because prosecutors wanted to get the facts straight, but some suggested it hinted at a weak case.

Outside court, Katherine Jackson told celebrity magazine People that Murray is "a monster," and Brian Oxman, lawyer for father Joe Jackson, called the charge "a slap on the wrist."

(Additional reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte, Frances Kerry and Will Dunham)

Read more »

Bausch taps into menace of U.S. home life for new book

Following his award-winning war novel "Peace", author Richard Bausch is back writing short stories, fixing his gaze again on small-town American home life. Only now, there's more violence.

Bausch, who has written eight short story collections and 11 novels over a 30-year career, has long focused on the quiet troubles of domestic America, but he says his new book, set for release on Feb. 10, takes his work to menacing new heights.

In "Something Is Out There", a collection of 11 short stories, one tale follows a naive kid running from a small-time drug deal gone wrong. In another, a young man's crush on his older brother's wife ends in a drunken and bloody fight.

"As I was writing these stories, I became interested in forms of menace, of crimes and things that happen around them," Bausch, 64, told Reuters. "I remember thinking that this is an area I haven't really explored that much."

Unlike many of his characters, Bausch is humorous, relaxed, and has maintained a relatively calm life, he said.

"I don't think any of (my fiction) comes from experience. Most of it is just dreaming it up," he said. "Imagine a book about how happy we were and how wonderful it is. You wouldn't want to read it. It would be the dullest thing on earth."

A steady focus on American home life and relationships over the years has earned Bausch several literary awards.

The "Stories of Richard Bausch" released in 2003 won the prestigious PEN/Malamud Award for short fiction, joining a list of literary powerhouses including John Updike and Saul Bellow.

Two years ago he released his last novel, "Peace", an account of an American reconnaissance patrol in the Second World War based on his father's experience as a soldier. It gained him a new, larger audience outside North America.

In a review for "Peace", The Guardian newspaper described Bausch as "an extraordinary writer" who produces "taut, dark, funny, heartbreaking and mildly hypnotic prose." The novel won the 2009 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and may be made into a film, the author said.

Bausch, who was born in the military town of Fort Benning, Georgia, now lives and teaches in Memphis, Tennessee. His life might have worked out differently, he said, but bad grades kept him from joining a seminary when he was a teenager.

"I remember my mother telling me I hadn't got in and the relief washing over me," he said.

In his 20s, he spent a few years in the U.S. Air Force and dabbled in stand-up comedy. He did not get a story published until he was about 30 years-old because he just had not found his "sound," he said.

Now he works his way alongside some of the greats of post-war American literature, and has no plans to stop. He added he is always writing, either conjuring up new stories or returning to old unfinished ones.

"I just want to keep writing stories, long and short," he said.

(Editing By Christine Kearney and Bob Tourtellotte)

Read more »

'For Valentine, John filled the house with rose petals!': Bips

Pals routinely refer to her as a "gem of a person." And her romantic link with John Abraham has been well documented in assorted periodicals. Not surprisingly, Bipasha Basu, brand ambassador of Gili, was called upon to kickstart 'Season of Love,' the month long Feb celebration of jewellery in keeping with the Valentine spirit.

Gili launched a special collection called 'Love Knots', rings and pendants created from intertwining loops and strands of 18 k gold studded with diamonds. The love knot, representing a metaphor for two entities linked together, yet remaining distinct… much like Bips and J.Abby.

Delving into flashback mode, BB ferrets out a Valentine memory. "John is basically not a very romantic guy. But he did manage to surprise me once. He filled my entire house with rose petals! And I had to stay back the next day to clean it, coz' there were petals all over the place."

Read more »

"Up in the Air" lifts spirits of some unemployed

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When Andy Glantzman agreed to be filmed baring his soul about what it was like to lose his job, he didn't expect millions to see his confession.

But instead of winding up in a documentary as he expected, Glantzman and 21 other fired workers, found themselves with bit parts in the movie "Up in the Air" which last week earned six Oscar nominations, including best film and best director.

The film stars George Clooney as a corporate hatchet man who fires people for a living. It includes cuts of Glantzman and others talking about their real-life experiences.

A year later, many of the 22 recession victims shown in the film have new jobs. Their stories may offer hope to others.

"The movie gave me a reason to get out of the house and put a suit on and feel worthwhile instead of sitting around waiting for my next unemployment check," Glantzman said in an interview. "It all starts with raising your self esteem."

Glantzman was fired from a luxury car dealership in Detroit a few weeks before he spotted a newspaper ad asking for people who lost their jobs to send in a letter describing their loss. He was picked to reenact the experience and what he wished he had said to his old employer.

"I found that to be extremely therapeutic. I knew I certainly wasn't alone," he said. Four months later he had relocated Grand Rapids, Michigan and found a job in a charter schools company.

MOVIE MIRRORS REALITY

Others in the film said they also felt connected to workers across America who lost their jobs in recession.

"Everyone knows someone who is out of a job," said LaMorris Conner, who has found work as a restaurant manager. Strangers recognize him from the movie as the guy "who can't even take my kids to Chuck E. Cheese's."

The United States 8.4 million jobs since the start of the recession in December 2007, according to the U.S. Labor Department. A government report last week, showed unemployment fell slightly to a five-month low of 9.7 per cent, but the economy was still shedding jobs.

The amateur actors from "Up in the Air," said the movie allowed them to retain some self-respect after suffering one of life's most humiliating experiences.

"Not just part of your professional life is taken away, but also part of your personal life," said Kevin Pilla, who had just bought a new house and was supporting a wife and four children when he was fired from an electronics company.

Pilla, 39, who after 18 months of joblessness is now employed at a medical billing services company, added: "It's hard to rediscover yourself." But, he said, director Jason Reitman gave him an opportunity to do so.

Not all those who pop up in the film have found work, but some are still hopeful.

Marlene Gorkiewicz, who appears in the movie on the verge of tears, is still looking for work after fired last year after 27 years at a major airline.

(Editing by Alan Elsner and Bob Tourtellotte)

Read more »

Kat's Sweet Bhojpuri Error!

Three tutors.. and a celeb student. Bhojpuri superstars: Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan, together with Manoj Bajpai were saddled with the onus of getting Katrina Kaif to mouth a few lines in… Bhojpuri!!

Filmmaker Prakash Jha launched Morya channel, and cannily used the opportunity to spotlight his 'Raajneeti' stars: Arjun Rampal, Bajpai and Kaif. To add novelty, Jha requested Kaif to deliver a few lines in Bhojpuri to the milling crowds.

A source states, "She was willing to learn, but found it difficult and ultimately they decided that she should deliver just one line, as perfectly as possible."

The Kaif mouthed line: 'Ka haal ba Patna' ended up sounding like… ' Ka halwa Patna.' Sweet error, Kaif.

Read more »

Poet Booked!: Spouse Shaukat Limns Kaifi

If every man is a book unto himself… his spouse should be the one to read it. Shaukat Kaifi, wife of the late poet lyricist Kaifi Azmi, illumines the person behind the persona in 'Kaifi and I'.

Penned by Shaukat Kaifi, a redoubtable actress in her own right, the bio pic has been translated into English by Nasreen Rehman. 'Kaifi and I' (Zubaan Publication)

Launched by actress relative Tabu at a Mumbai event, a posse of celebs are slated to lend their support to this slice of nostalgia. Shabana Azmi and her husband Javed Akhtar together with children: Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, Alyque Padamsee, Boman Irani, Kabir Khan and Divya Dutta, among others.

Brings to mind, Shabana who has shown abiding admiration to her late father. "I am what I am because of my parents and my upbringing," she'd remarked in a media chat. "My father, in particular, opened my eyes to the world of art and culture, and shaped me as an individual."

Read more »

Name Game, Arshad Warsi Style

It's a title go round. Earlier christened 'Kaun Bola', Arshid Warsi's flick has been elevated to being called… 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost'. The name change was the brainchild of Warsi who wanted to make his production "more classy."

Discloses Warsi in a media chat, "The title 'Kaun Bola' was Mumbai 'tapori' language and besides the title did not really tell audiences what the movie is all about."

Regarding his character in the flick, Warsi states, "I play a photographer who can see ghosts but no one believes that I have such powers. The film has elements of romance, love, pain and anguish. Our movie has turned out to be really sweet and pretty to look at. It's closest to my heart since I have produced it too."

Warsi has more offerings in the pipeline. "I will produce another film by the end of this year," he declares. Perfectly in 'Circuit.'

Read more »

Star To 'TRP' Tsar': Abhishek

Yipppieeee!! It's official now. :)))))) Abhishek Bachchan is the new uber kool compere, the one commanding the highest TRPs. BINGO!

What's more commendable is that he's raced ahead of his super icon father Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. In just close to two weeks, Abhishek has emerged as the 'Tsar of Telly', managing to earn a debut TRP rating of 5.1, a feat corroborated by rating body TAM (Television Audience Measurement). Great 'Colors' of success.

"It's a great feeling," gushes Bachchan Jr in a newspaper chat. "I took up the show because it excited me and not because I wanted to surpass anyone. But I don't want to rejoice much because we have just started and we'd have to stand the test of time."

Incidentally, 'National Bingo Night' is a hot fave with spouse Aishwarya. "Ash loves the show," he reveals happily. "She's even played it, but unfortunately she didn't get it right." Better luck, Rai… ght Ash?

Read more »

Pete Doherty voted worst celebrity neighbour

London, Feb 8 (IANS) British rocker Pete Doherty has been voted the least desirable celebrity neighbour in a new online poll.

The Babyshambles frontman was last year accused of trashing his English country mansion, with pictures emerging of graffiti-scribbled walls and stray cats roaming the garbage-strewn floor.

His wild lifestyle has also landed him in trouble with the law on numerous occasions, and he was recently fined for heroin possession after taking drugs to a court hearing.

Contactmusic.com reports, Doherty's antics have now made him Britain's ultimate nightmare neighbour, according to the survey by Zoopla.co.uk.

The rocker took top place in the poll ahead of troubled singer Amy Winehouse and British glamour model Katie Price, who were voted second and third respectively.

Read more »

We are not ending our relationship: Jolie, Pitt

Putting break-up rumours to rest, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie put on a public display of affection at the Super Bowl American football final and have also issued a legal statement insisting they have no intention of ending their relationship.

Lawyers for the couple today said they are not about to split and would consider suing any media outlets that continue publishing the 'false allegations'.

Dailymail.co.uk reports that the legal move follows weeks of speculation about their five-year relationship, with reports suggesting they have signed legal papers over their about $320 million fortune and custody of their six children.

Jolie, 34, and Pitt, 46, have previously ignored growing rumours that all is not well in their relationship.

Their public denial comes just hours after the Hollywood couple brought their eldest son Maddox, 8, to watch the New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Sunday.

During the game, the couple were seen kissing, hugging and laughing together as they cheered on the Saints' dramatic victory which provided such an emotional moment for the city of New Orleans, devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

As they watched the game, the two gave photographers plenty to watch as they cuddled up for the cameras.

With Jolie dressed down in her signature black, the couple hoped to make a low-key entrance as they dashed through the stadium to take their seats for the big game.

It was the first time they'd been pictured together in over a month - after last being photographed out dining in New York on Jan 6.

Pitt and Jolie both attended the Directors Guild of America Awards over a week ago, but arrived separately and declined to be photographed together.

While not known for their huge interest in American football, Pitt and Jolie are big supporters of New Orleans and own a $3.5 million 1830s house in the historic Louisiana city.

Read more »