Kelly Clarkson Says Record Label Wanted to ‘Lindsay-ize’ Her

It wasn’t music to Kelly Clarkson’s ears when her record label, RCA, asked her to cover a Lindsay Lohan tune, she says.

“My label literally sent me a Lindsay Lohan track from her last album and wanted me to record it for my new album,” the American Idol winner, 25, tells MTV News.

“And while I like Lindsay Lohan, like I’m cool with her and I think she sings the song well … it’s already been on an album. I don’t care what pop star it is.”

Clarkson says she was offended by the suggestion. “They were just sending me stuff that was like almost insulting. I’m like, ‘You can’t even find new songs? You don’t want me to write my album but you’re sending me hand me downs?’ ” she tells MTV News. “I ended up writing the entire thing with the people that I write well with.”

Clarkson also tells MTV, “Obviously they’re a record label so they need to sell records. They want the formula writers and the formula producers that do everybody else’s stuff. … I just don’t like working with someone that gives you a song and is like, ‘Oh, I wrote this for you.’ But you find out that they’ve given it to every other artist and they turned it down, you know?”

Though completed in January, Clarkson’s new CD, My December, won’t hit stores until June 26, she recently announced on her MySpace.com blog.

After Clarkson won Idol in 2002, her 2003 debut album, Thankful, went platinum. In 2004, she released Breakaway, which also went multi-platinum and won her two Grammys.

Britney Spears Spends a Girls’ Night Out

Tuesday night into Wednesday morning was for girls only as far as Britney Spears was concerned: The singer went out on the town with two female pals for a long round of dinner and dancing.

First stop for Spears and her friends, Alli and Jessica: Dominick’s in West Hollywood, for a healthy meal of grilled rare Hawaiian blue fin tuna with lemon pesto and sugar snap peas. According to another diner, “Britney [was] in really good spirits. She was having a fun girls’ night out with her pals.”

Then the ladies when off to club Les Deux, where the trio – along with Spears’s bodyguard – arrived just after 11 p.m. and commandeered “the playpen,” in a secluded area of the hotspot.

“Britney was dancing like crazy and in a great mood,” an onlooker says. “She seemed like she was on top of the world and wanted everyone to see her.”

The partying continued, and Spears even hopped into the DJ booth at one point.

The star attraction and her gal pals stayed until well after closing, never even bothering to greet Ryan Phillippe (there having a low-key night with Flags of Our Fathers costar Jesse Bradford) or even Rumor Willis (who also stopped in).

Spears & co. finally made their way out into the parking lot by nearly 3 a.m.

Aside from dancing in clubs, Spears is scheduled to perform this weekend in Florida. According to a source, she is booked at the Orlando House of Blues on May 19 and Mansion in Miami on May 20.

The singer recently performed four shows at other House of Blues clubs in Southern California and Las Vegas.

On Wednesday, the singer thanked fans in a message on her Web site, saying that people’s “prayers have truly helped me.”

Jessica Simpson Says She’s ‘Very Happy’

The same day that news broke of her split from John Mayer, Jessica Simpson says she’s “very happy.”

Asked about the split at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, Simpson replied: “I am very happy, but I don’t really want to talk about my personal life tonight because it’s not what it’s about. But I am very happy. I will let you know that.”

The singer-actress officially announced her newest film project, Major Movie Star, at the festival Friday.

Simpson, wearing an off-the-shoulder sequined dress, arrived at the Budweiser Select yacht at 10:15 p.m. in Cannes to help promote her new role in the upcoming military caper, which starts shooting in July in Louisiana.

Earlier this month Simpson’s rep confirmed that the singer had signed on for the title role in the comedy, about a down-on-her-luck actress who enlists in the Marines.

Earlier Friday, sources close to both Simpson and Mayer confirmed that the couple had parted ways – but not necessarily for good.

“They have broken up,” a source said. “But they have broken up and gotten back together at least 10 times before.”

Another source said the pair have “been e-mailing and talking to each other” since Simpson arrived in Cannes on Wednesday.

Anna Nicole Smith's public diary

Anna Nicole Smith's private diary has been made public - revealing her most private thoughts on sex, men, motherhood and her mother.

Excerpts from the late Playboy Playmate's journal have been released detailing Anna Nicole's personal thoughts on her life from 1991 to 1992.

The star, who died of an accidental drug overdose aged 39 in February, had written - 'Don't Read!! Personall' - on the cover.

Much of Anna Nicole's diary focuses on her turbulent love life. She writes about a boyfriend, identified only by first name, who drinks and goes out too much.

Describing a row with her lover, Anna Nicole writes - in an entry littered with spelling and grammatical mistakes - that her boyfriend "came unglued. threw me out of his house and broke up with me it was awlful he hit me and my mother".

The diary also sheds light on the blonde's low self-esteem and careless attitude to her health and wellbeing.

On one occasion she draws a sad, crying face and writes, "I'm a very sad person".

Another entry reads: "my mom hates me so much. She is so jealous of me. ... I love my mom but I cant handle it anymore."

Anna Nicole also bared her soul after discovering she was pregnant, saying, "I'm so scared! How can this happen to me", adding that her partner "will hate me. he don't want kid. Can't do it!"

However, one source of joy in the sad tome was Anna Nicole's breast enlargement operation. Of the procedure she wrote: "I'm so excited I could scream. Ahhhhh I just feel so happy."

The excerpts come from a diary which is set to be sold by urauctions.com.

Another diary, written from 1992 to 1994, was sold to a German businessman who bid more than $500,000 in a recent auction. The candid notes contain details about Anna's relationship with elderly oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, whom she was married to for a year before he died in 1995.

Lindsay Lohan's Best feelings

Lindsay Lohan has spoken about her new lover Calum Best for the first time.

The 20-year-old actress, who spent the weekend in the Bahamas with the model, says she is happy with Calum and the getaway was just what she needed.

Lindsay said: "It was good. It was nice, it was fun. Calum is a nice guy."

While the couple have been virtually inseparable in recent weeks, Lindsay's friends are insisting the 'Mean Girls' star isn't serious about Calum.

A source told People magazine: "They were making out, but I wouldn't call it a relationship. More just hooking up."

Meanwhile, model Sara Kova claims Calum, 26, kissed her in Bahamas nightclub Aura last Friday (11.05.07) as Lindsay sat unaware close by.

Kova told the New York Daily News newspaper: "We'd exchanged looks. I was walking to the ladies' room when I passed him walking from the men's room. He gave me a smile. Then he put his hands on my hips and turned me toward the wall, like he was a cop who was about to frisk me. He held my hands so my butt would be pressed against his crotch.

"I turned to move away. Then he grabbed by jaw and planted a kiss. I giggled. OK, I might have been a little intoxicated, but I was also shocked. I didn't know this guy's name. The whole time, no words were spoken. Finally, I walked away. After I came out of the bathroom, I went back to the main room, and saw this same guy kissing Lindsay Lohan. She was kind of straddling him. I said to myself, 'What just happened here?' "

Calum - the son of the late soccer legend George Best - has developed a reputation for being a notorious womaniser.

He has previously dated Kimberly Stewart, Elizabeth Jagger, Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding and Patsy Kensit, the ex-wife of Oasis singer Liam Gallagher.

Olsen Twins Bond

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are set to be the first Bond girl twins.

The two sisters are in talks to appear in the next 007 adventure, tentatively titled 'Bond 22', starring Daniel Craig as the suave British spy.

In a bid to secure the 20-year-old sibling stars, producers are offering Mary-Kate and Ashley a clause in their contracts stating they will not have to strip off or shoot any sex scenes, according to online gossip columnist Janet Charlton.

If the twosome accept the offer they will reportedly play characters who help Bond with his mission.

Other beauties rumoured to be starring in the hotly anticipated film include Dutch actress Carice van Houten and Australian star Abbie Cornish, who recently appeared with Russell Crowe in 'A Good Year'.

'ER' actor Goran Visnjic is mooted to be playing a villain, while Dame Judi Dench and Giancarlo Giannini will reprise their roles as M and Rene Mathis respectively.

Shooting on the movie is due to start in 2008.

Britney Spears thanks fans

Britney Spears has thanked fans for their prayers and support.

The 'Toxic' singer, who entered rehab earlier this year for alleged alcohol addiction and post-natal depression, posted a new message and sexy photograph on her official website yesterday (16.05.07).

Britney, who is pictured wearing only a blonde wig and long white gloves, wrote: "I am so blessed that you care enough about me to be concerned and will continue to live in this brighter state with all of you by my side during this trying time."

The 25-year-old, who divorced Kevin Federline and shaved her head earlier this year, asked fans to continue to support and inspire her.

She added: "We are all the lights of the world and we all need to continually inspire others and look to the higher power. You are all in my prayers. Godspeed."

Britney is now working hard on her pop comeback.

She performed four surprise shows in House of Blues clubs across California earlier this month and has been perfecting dance routines at a North Hollywood studio.

Meanwhile, Britney has been seen partying in two Hollywood clubs in the past week, sparking concerns for her recovery.

Britney visited Teddy's nightclub last Thursday (10.05.07) where she and a big group of friends took over booths at the back of the club.

Security guards held up huge black curtains, allowing Britney to dance the night away in private, according to gossip website TMZ.com.

Last night (16.05.07), Britney partied in a VIP section at Les Deux nightclub until 2am.

Paparazzi boo Pamela Anderson at Cannes

American actress Pamela Anderson arrives for a party at the 60th International film festival in Cannes, southern France, on Friday, May 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

CANNES, France --Photographers at the Cannes Film Festival booed Pamela Anderson after she showed up late for a photo session Friday and only stuck around to pose for a few minutes

Anderson was in town to promote her new movie, "Blonde and Blonder." Earlier in the day, she had complained to AP Television News about the paparazzi, saying that Cannes was "a frenzy, it's crazy, it's silly."

"Even watching it on television this morning, seeing these people, it's like the actors are prodded through like cattle, `turn this way, turn that way,'" she said, adding that Cannes was nonetheless "quite glamorous."

The 39-year-old former "Baywatch" star had said previously that she would not attend Cannes, where her movie is screening on the sidelines of the official lineup, but later changed her mind.

"My kids come first even in my schedule," said Anderson, who has two young sons with former husband Tommy Lee. "When I schedule anything that I do, it's around their baseball games or their soccer matches or their ... everything."

In "Blonde and Blonder," Anderson co-stars with Denise Richards in what is being promoted as "Dumb & Dumber" meets "Legally Blonde."

Eva Longoria's wedding desperation

Eva Longoria's wedding plans have reportedly become a nightmare.

The 'Desperate Housewives' actress - who is set to marry basketball star Tony Parker on July 7 - keeps changing her mind about details for her big day, infuriating organisers.

A source said: "The wedding is still very much on, but Eva is creating a lot of work for everyone.

"She changed the flowers three times and her dress has been altered a couple of times.

"Then there's the guest list, which is constantly under revision. I think everyone involved will be glad when Eva finally ties the knot."

Earlier this month, the 32-year-old star flew to Paris to choose a church for the ceremony.

Eva visited the clerical staff at St. Germain L'Auxerrois - which is known as the 'Parish of Kings' because of its historic affiliation and its position next to the Louvre Museum.

Earlier this week, the actress dismissed reports she imposed a sex ban on San Antonio Spurs star Tony, 24, until their wedding night.

She said: "I did not say that!

"Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about how Tony is in the playoffs, so no sex. And I said, 'Well, good thing the playoffs go until the wedding.' Now everyone is talking about it.

"Yes we are still having sex. Confirmed."

Beyoncé Knowles’ perfume pride

Beyoncé Knowles is proud to be the only black woman with her own perfume.

The 25-year-old singer-and-actress feels she has led the way for many other African-American stars and is proud of her achievements.

Beyoncé told Cosmopolitan magazine: "I feel blessed that I’m the first black woman to do a lot of things - I have my own fragrance, for one.

"I’ve been in magazines that don’t usually have African-American women on the cover.

"I have all these endorsements and this worldwide success - it’s great to be recognised for more than my colour."

The former ‘Destiny’s Child’ singer revealed she looked up to singer Whitney Houston when she was a child - and was overcome with emotion when she met her for the first time.

She said: "I had pictures of Whitney Houston pinned up inside my wardrobe when I was a kid.

"I once queued for her autograph and remember getting home and crying with the emotion of it all."

Cameramen are horny creatures: Jessica Alba!

Sexy actress, Jessica Alba gets extremely uncomfortable when cameramen focus on areas which should not to be captured on tape.

The ‘Good Luck Chuck’ actress said that it can get really uneasy when camera lingers over awkward places.

“When you see the camera right here you’re like, ‘Uh, that’s my crotch.… I’m going to stand over here,’” Us Weekly quoted Alba, as telling GQ magazine.

“You know? Cameramen are just horny sometimes,” she added.

The actress also opened about how she felt when movie bosses forced her to scuba dive in a bikini, scrapping the original idea of a wet suit.

She added that if she had created a fuss over the change, she would have been called a diva, and that similar incidents will keep happening.

“…The people in charge decided to dumb it down. And all of a sudden, the wet suits went away…If I’d bitched about the change, I would’ve been called a diva. I can’t say it was the first time that ever happened. And I can’t say it’ll be the last,” she said.

Hot text messages spice up Carmen's Sex Life!

Former ‘Baywatch’ babe Carmen Electra like nothing better than to send, and receive, naughty text messages.

The actress, who is releasing a new book ‘How To Be Sexy’, says in it that she loves to indulge in a racy phone message conversation every now and then.

"I am a texter, I love to text. There is nothing wrong with getting a hot text," The Sun quoted her, as saying.

However, she does warn faithful fans that while they should definitely go ahead and express how they are feeling, they should also be ‘subtle’.

"I say go for it - but be subtle. Express how you are feeling but don't do anything too crazy," she writes.

Her most important piece of advice however, is that you should double check to see whether the message is being sent to the right person.

And despite the fact that she is considered one of the sexiest women in Hollywood, Carmen insists that even she has flaws. The only difference is that she doesn’t delve on them.

"There are problem areas. You look in the mirror and pick apart the things that you don't like about your body," she writes.

"But what I have tried to do is not obsess over what I don't like about myself," she added.

Jane Fonda is in Love again at 70 !

Three-times married veteran actress Jane Fonda has admitted that she is in love again.

The 69-year-old declined to name her current flame, but revealed that she met him during a book signing ceremony.

During an interview on ‘The Late Show With David Letterman’ on May 8, the Oscar winner divulged how she took television’s help to trace down her mystery suitor.

“I saw this man walking towards me as I was doing a book signing and I said, ‘Wow, you look like a movie star’. He gave me his card and I lost the card. So on your show, I said. ‘If you’re watching, call my office’ – and he did,” the Daily Express quoted Fonda, as telling Letterman.

“And I’m in love with him!” she added with a smile.

Fonda, who lives in Georgia, said that she and her new lover are always together when she visits him in New York and they “don’t spend a lot of time outside”.

Fonda also declared that older women were better off when it came to finding love.

“I’m going to be 70 in December and the older you get, good news women, it gets better,” she said.

Fonda was earlier married to late French film director Roger Vadim, American political activist Tom Hayden, and TV mogul Ted Turner.

Britney tops the list of Overexposed Celebs

Singer Britney Spears has topped the Forbes magazine’s list of the world's most overexposed celebrities.

The ‘Toxic’ star is joined by Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Howard Stern, whose claim to fame is his association with tragic model, Anna Nicole Smith.

E-poll conducted the survey on behalf of the magazine, and found that 72 pct of the US population considered Spears to be overexposed, and that the number has risen by 18pct in the past five years.

In 2002, 35 pct of respondents thought that the 25-year-old is talented and now only 25 pct think so.

E-Poll Chief Executive Gerry Philpott said that a celebrity is one, who epitomises popular culture.

"You're only a celebrity as long as you’re in the dialogue of popular culture," Sydney Morning Herald quoted Philpott, as telling Forbes.

He added that when celebrities don’t have work to speak for their popularity, they resort to exposure.

"And if you don't have your work, be it a movie or an album, to keep you in that dialogue, you are forced to rely on exposure," he added.

Kylie Minogue is tired and lonely

Australian pop star, Kylie Mingoue, may have found love in director, Alexander Dahm, but her friends say that the singer is lonely and worryingly near burn-out.

A source close to the singer said that when Kylie is away from the crowd, she seems to be a person, who is alone and tired.

"In her quiet moments, when she is away from the crowds and the cameras which follow her everywhere, we're seeing an altogether different Kylie these days. She is rather tired and rather lonely," the Daily Mail quoted the friend, as saying.

The source added that the singer is just good friends with Dahm, who is a married man, and that their relationship would have been different if he was single.

"And while she is genuinely just good friends with Alexander, there is no denying that she would feel entirely different if he was a single man," the friend said.

The confidante also said that although the 38-year-old wants to share her life with someone, she can’t bring herself to trust anyone after the way her former beau, actor Olivier Martinez treated her.

"The fact is that Kylie's desperate to find someone to share her life with, but after the way Olivier treated her she just can't bring herself to trust anyone," the source added.

The friend also said that Kylie is now concentrating on looking good, and ensuring that the ageing process doesn’t show.

"She hasn't really got anything else in her life, so she's obsessing about her image and making sure the ageing process doesn't catch up with her," the source said.

Paris Hilton named the Bad Girl of the Decade

It seems like it’s an unrelenting bad time for hotel heiress Paris Hilton, for days after a LA court sentenced her to 45 days in prison, she has been named the ‘Bad Girl of the Decade’ by Us Magazine.com.

The magazine claims no one has been naughtier than her, and has cited her panty-less car exit in 2002 and ill advised sex ban as substantial testimonials for the title.

The magazine also said that Hilton, who was found guilty of driving on a banned license, has ‘walked the line between obscenity’ and lawlessness for a long time now, reports Us Weekly.

Meanwhile, the socialite, who recently claimed that she is the most iconic blonde of the decade’ and compared herself to actress Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana, has started petitioning California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to keep her out of the slammer.

If Hilton fails to report to jail on June 5, she will have to face 90 days behind bars.

Pamela wants Scarlett to Strip !

If there’s one woman in the world that Pamela Anderson would love to see shed all her clothes, it would be Scarlett Johansson.

The former Baywatch babe is asking Johansson to strip off for famous men’s magazine Playboy.

Pammie, who has posed for the magazine a record 12 times, believes that the ‘Lost in Translation’ star has what it takes to be Hugh Hefner’s latest golden girl.

However, Anderson doesn’t quite believe that Johansson would be so open to the idea of posing for Playboy, for it might prove to be detrimental for her career.

"Scarlett Johansson would definitely be my No. 1 choice. But I doubt she would agree to do it," The Sun quoted her, as telling OK! magazine.

"On the other hand it's kind of cool to be on the cover of Playboy, but on the other hand, for many actresses, it's not at all," she revealed.

Keira Knightley in love with Sienna Miller!

Keira Knightley is ecstatic that Sienna Miller being her onscreen lover in her new movie.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star recently declared that she "wishes" she was the Factory Girl star.

Miller has substituted Lindsay Lohan in the part of Caitlin MacNamara, in the upcoming John Maybury movie The Best Time Of Our Lives.

And Knightley is eager to get closer to Miller and hopes that Jude Law's ex-flame will give her tips about being the perfect party guest.

"I wish I was Sienna Miller. I watch that girl and she's just fabulous. She talks to everyone and laughs and smiles and looks as if she is genuinely enjoying herself,” Contactmusic quoted Knightley, as saying.

"When I talk to her, I hope a bit of her party personality will rub off on me, but it never does. She could give master classes in being the most amazing party guest,” she added.

Avril goes Topless!

American pop star Avril Lavigne showed a completely different side of her by posing topless on the cover of Blender magazine.

In this month’s issue, the Canadian born singer is shown topless covered by the quote “Hell Yeah! I’m Hot”.

The cover shows the 22-year-old wearing only an open leather jacket, short skirt and fishnet stockings.

The magazine also has shots of Lavigne in different poses while smoking her cigar and drinking her whisky.

The ‘Complicated’ singer has also criticized competitor Britney Spears for using her looks and sexuality to sell music.

"I'm more about a performance, she's more about entertainment and sex, being a sex symbol and trying to look like she's having sex,” The Sun quoted her, as saying.

“I could be better than Britney but I won’t wear skanky clothes that show my booty, my belly or my boobs,” she added.

I've no problem with Rani: Vidya Balan

There's much speculation as to why Vidya Balan opted out of Pradeep Sarkar's new film Laga Chunri Main Daag. Apparently Vidya didn't want to do the second lead in a Rani Mukherjee starrer.

Vidya laughs off this allegation. "That is so untrue. Dada (Pardeep Sarkar) is like family to me. Not being in his film was inconceivable to me. I can't believe the film is being made without me even now when I'm actually not in his film. The ads and the feature film (Parineeta) that I've done with Dada is very precious to me."

She sighs and explains, "I actually can't believe I'm not doing Dada's film. There's no way I could've let this happen. But Dada wanted to complete the film within a certain period. My dates for that period were committed to Sajid Khan's Hey Baby a year back.

In Sajid's film my dates had to be co-ordinated with Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Kunal Kapoor. In Dada's film my dates had to be co-ordinated with Jayaji, Rani, Abhishek and Kunal. Both projects needed chunk dates. Not doing Dada's film wasn't an easy call to take.

When people say it's shocking to hear that I'm not in Dada's film do they realize how shocking it is for me? You can't believe how awful I felt to not be in Dada's film. Inshallah, I'll be in his next. They tell me they miss me there. To even talk about it makes me emotional."

As for tongues wagging about why she didn't do the project Vidya has only thing to say, "As long as Dada and I know the truth it doesn't matter. Gossip is a full-time vocation."

After Lage Raho Munnabhai, Vidya has almost completed yet another film with a high resolution social relevance.

She's excited about Raj Kumar Santoshi's Halla Bol. "Raj Kumar Santoshi's films have always had a very high level of social relevance. I'm so happy to be working with him."

Vidya is happy just being part of Halla Bol. "I was fully aware that it's the story of the male protagonist's journey from real to reel hero. It's Ajay Devgan's film. I'm the wife. However I'd like to say that the character is integral to the film.

Like I always say, the true barometer of a role is not its length but how much of a difference it makes to the plot. And if you take away my role from Halla Bol it makes a difference. I don't mind doing one scene as long as that scene makes an impact."

On the anvil is Anurradha Prasad's film to be directed by Sourabh Narang. Says Vidya. "Yes, but that was supposed to be in August 2005. But it's a lovely subject. And Sourabh Narang is someone I respect. I'd still love to do it."

Kangana is a baby in front of me!

The Shilpa-Gere kiss seems to have had unexpected ramifications. On Saturday a young couple Abhay Kumar and Preeti Payal kissed at a press conference to announce their video album of Bhojpuri songs entitled Honthwa Chusayee (lips will be smooched).

When press persons protested the female -half of the scandalous manoeuvre said, vulgarity was the order of the day.

But Shilpa is far from amused. She has been in touch with Richard Gere. "He feels awful. He's baffled. How can you hold someone responsible for something that he did without ulterior motives? He's a very good humanbeing. He meditates, he works for charity. He doesn't deserve to be hounded this way. "

Shilpa isn't amused by these controversies. "What upsets me is why FIRS and PILs are allowed to be filed for such frivolous issues. These (FIRs and PILs) are rolling out as though they're going out of style. It's terrible! In this country justice for the truly aggrieved is delayed because of these frivolous litigations."

She attributes these ceaseless criticisms to her non-aggressive nature. "People believe I'm sweet and pliable. I do allow myself to be pushed around for the fear of being considered a spoilsport.

But there are limits. Right now I don't want such silly controversies to take away from the release of Metro. I sincerely believe people would've been pleasantly surprised by my performance even if Big Brother hadn't happened."

She's all praise for her direcror Anurag Basu. "He's someone who doesn't glorify his work. But he has come up with a stunning work. Anurag is so driven in spite of going through a life-taking illness. We're both fighters. The more we're pulled down the more we fight back. And he's so open to suggestions and changes on the sets."

Shilpa sighs. "Anurag wrote the film while he was ill. I enjoyed working with the entire cast. I was the senior-most member of the cast. Kangana is like a baby in front of me. And Konkona plays my sister.

I play Shikha, an independent-woman who has given up her career to look after husband and mother. Then she realizes life is slipping by."

Shilpa laughs, "That's precisely what I don't want to happen with my life…Recognition as an actor was a bit hard to come by. But that was because of my glamour quotient.

But all said and done I wouldn't exchange my career and my life for anything. Today I can play a rock star or a housewife. And I can't allow corny controversies to dampen my spirits."

I hate men who bare their chest

Kangana Ranaut has made up her mind. "I'm going to get married at the age of 26. So I've a good six years to find Mr Right. He should be gentle and well-mannered. He should be real and not a mannequin.

He has to be a white-collar professional like a doctor or a lecturer with a steady income. He should be intelligent but not showily handsome. I don't like men who flaunt their sexuality and let their muscles hang out all over the place.

To me machismo is about you hide, not show. I prefer a guy in a formal suit, not in a sleeveless teeshirt. And I hate men who bare their chest at the drop of a hat. Applications are most welcome…."

She bursts into laughter. "My character in Metro finds happiness…finally. So far all my love stories on screen have ended in tragedy. And in all my films so far including Metro I've two men in my life. I'm first in love with one man, and then another man comes in my life. I hope I find at least one man to love me in real life."

Then her mood changes. Kangana is incensed. "I don't know who's spreading these rumours about me and KK in Metro. There's no torrid love scene. I wish there was. But there isn't. Why would I hide it?

I had love-making scenes in Gangster and WohLamhe and I admitted to them. So why should I hide a love scene if I had one in Metro. I'll happily make love to the camera if the script demands it. But I don't want people to go to the film with the wrong impression…I'm paired with both KK and Sharman Joshi.

I regret I don't have scenes with Shilpa and Irrfan. I truly admire Irrfan as an actor. But hey, KK is no less! I learnt so much from me. He taught me to bring out the nuances of my emotions. He'd explain things so patiently to me. He gave me a formula to do emotional scenes that I'll never forget."

She warms up as she talks of her bonding with Konkona. "We're best friends in the film. And I felt genuinely warm vibes with her. Thank God for that. Otherwise my discomfort would show on screen. If I have to do an emotional scene I start breaking things from early morning.

I can't do an emotional scene if I'm in a good mood. But Konkona just goes in front of the camera to give a perfect shot. I don't know what Konkona really thought of me. But I'd like to believe she likes me a lot."

Though her last film Shaka Laka Boom didn't work Kangana is unfazed. "Luckily most of my films have worked for me. And it doesn't matter how Metro works at the boxoffice. For me it already works as a story. The characters are part of the plot. All the performances support the screenplay and characters."

She pauses and then throws a challenge. "Do you know what makes Metro so special? Because I had so many talented co-stars to support me. Also I was very relaxed doing Metro. In Gangster and specially in WohLamhe I was playing such traumatized characters I was constantly breathless and hysterical. I went through these films with cramps in my stomach."

Kangana has just signed a new film. "I'm sorry to say I don't like the scripts that I hear every day. The minute I heard Samir Karnik's Roshan I wanted to do it."

She's all for Anurag Basu. "He has taught me everything about acting. He can get any emotion out of me. I want to do more films with him. He was planning another film with me about a girl's life-journey. But we got stuck with the climax."

'That's not me in bedroom scenes'

Tanushree Dutta has sent a letter to the producer of "Raqueeb" warning him to clarify the false statements he gave to the media about her to promote the film, which is releasing Friday.

Raj Kanwar told the media that Tanushree is playing a nymphomaniac in the movie. He also told some newspapers that she has done some bold bedroom and kissing scenes.

In the letter sent Tuesday, the actress has said: "I am deeply hurt to write to you that the misleading and absolutely false statements given by you in all leading newspapers are surely going to tarnish my image in the film industry.

"You are fully aware that I have not performed any such scenes for your film which can in any manner whatsoever be considered as a bold scene, a hot bedroom scene, or a kissing scene.

I therefore fail to understand, as to why are you giving such false statements and seeking to promote your film on the basis of such falsehood, " the letter stated.

"I am therefore forced to believe that you may have probably without my knowledge, shot some scenes with a body double or with look alike and on the basis of such scenes I feel that you may be trying to promote your film.

Do note that I am forced to think like this only because of the specific quotes given by you in the newspapers, " Tanushree added.

She has also said that in case Kanwar fails to give a clarification in the newspapers and arrange for a trial show, she will seek legal recourse.

The 'F' word that Raima Sen Loves

There's no telling what surprise the sensuous Sen Sisters will spring upon you next! Be it an impromptu trip off to a luxurious spa in Bangkok or being caught in a catfight between two co-actresses, the Sen sisters know how to create ripples with whatever they do…or better put, do something that's bound to create ripples!

Raima and Riya Sen recently took off to the Formula racing Championship at Malaysia; an experience that Raima says "was simply an unforgettable one! We have never been crazy about speeding up in cars but we wanted to savour the F-1 experience at least once.

This time, we got a chance to go to this championship and what's more, we got to see the race from the VIP stand, which made it all the more special.

It was superb to see all those dream-machines stand in a queue before the race begun and rev up to zip off in a spilt second!" reminisces Raima, who says that ever since she has come back from the F-1 experience, she cannot help but rev up her car in the similar fashion! "It's been like an adrenaline shot for me and Riya", she says.

Well, F-1 might be a very good adrenaline shot but Raima's got much more on her plate to keep her upbeat. For starters, the success of ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.’ has finally got her due acclaim as a mainstream actress.

"I have got a lot of praise for my role of a bohemian Bengali wife and specially so, for that paragliding scene which I did on my own" laughs Raima, adding that she has been getting a spate of similar offers after the film "but I'm not accepting any of those.

In fact, I'll be concentrating on only one film at a time now; at the moment, I'm focussed on Aparna Sen's ‘My Japanese Wife’, wherein I play a widow, who's also a maid. It has been fun learning to observe maidservants for this role.

I now know how to do excellent jhaadoo-pochhha (laughs) but I'm not allowed to divulge more than this about the film except that there is a Japanese actress called Chigaku Takaku in it.

I have not yet shot with her but I have got a lovely track in the film and will be soon leaving to shoot for it at Sunderbans" says Raima who is hopeful about walking the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week this winter.

Talking about ramp-appearances, one can't help but ask Raima about sis Riya coming in the line of fire for the risquély draped pallu during her appearance at the recently gone-by fashion week.

Raima fumes about it saying, "It is ridiculous! That was the designer's concept; what is Riya's fault if the designer wanted her to drape the pallu in that way?

We ware talking about the fashion week for God's sake, where there were so many much risquély dressed models; but come on, that's what the whole deal is all about. But just because it's Riya Sen, people will perk up and try to find faults in anything she does. We both have put that incident behind us" Raima says, closing the topic. - Reshma S Kulkarni

A unique year for India at Cannes

The curtains went up on the 60the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, in the resort town of Cannes, in the south of France.

Interestingly, this year the Cannes Film Festival or the le Festival de Cannes, as it is called in French; will be of particular significance to India.

As India too celebrates its 60th year of Independence this year, the Cannes Film Festival authorities have generously given India the honour of inaugurating the Tous les Cinémas du Monde programme at Cannes this time.

However, the catch is that the Tous les Cinémas du Monde section is an independent one and not a part of the festival’s official selection. To put it tersely, none of the films from India will be in the running for the coveted Palme d’Or award!

Nevertheless, there will be celebrations galore for India for being given the honour to inaugurate the Tous les Cinémas du Monde.

Apart from this special honour, on the positive side, there will be a red carpet walk for India on May 19. In fact, two full days have been allotted to “India focus" in the All Cinemas of the World category. Altogether seven Indian films will be screened at the festival during this period.

The films from India that would be screened at the Cannes this year includes, ‘Saira’ (Malayalam), ‘Missed Call’ (Hindi/English), ‘Guru’ (Hindi), ‘Dosar’ (Bengali), ‘Veyil’ (Tamil), ‘Dharm’ (Hindi) and ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ (Hindi).

While Rituparno Ghosh has direct the much acclaimed ‘Dosar’, which stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee. It is a cine-lovers’ favorite and portrays the nuances of a crumbling marriage.

This apart, the Indian celebration will see entertainment companies camping at Cannes taking 150 films (mainly for the market section) and 35 new projects.

Among these is Ashutosh Gowarikar’s eagerly awaited film ‘Jodha Akbar’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. However, unconfirmed sources say that the film might not eventually get a screening due to some technical hurdles.

Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai has made news and waves at the Cannes red carpet for almost four years in a row; this year beau Abhishek Bachchan kept her company. The actors were given a warm reception at the Cannes. The duo cut short their honeymoon in Venice to attend the glitterati.

A host of top stars from India, especially Bollywood, are also expected to be present at the Cannes this year. They include, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Vidhu Vinod Chopra who is all excited to take his ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ and ‘Eklavya’ to Cannes. Giving him company will be his ‘Eklavya’ the Big B.

However, all eyes will be on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘A Mighty Heart’ starring Angelina Jolie and Dan Futterman. The film is scheduled to open in the ‘Out of Competition’ category.

Co-produced by Brad Pitt, the film is based on the life of American journalist Daniel Pearl, who was slain by terrorists in Pakistan. The parts shot in India brought the unit flak, mainly owing to the conduct of the Bradelina bodyguards.

With its hands full, India would surely be looking forward to Cannes 2007 and beyond. - Chandan Das

Aftermath of Abhiash wedding

Contrary to the belief that the Bachchans have become unpopular among the Bollywwod folks after Abhishek Bachchan’s marriage to Aishwarya Rai, the family has now become the biggest camp in Bollywood!

According to many in the industry, Abhishek’s marriage to Ash as well as the Big B ignoring many friends and prominent personalities in Bollywood during the wedding had marginalized the family in the filmi circles.

They said that while the marriage had brought Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan closer, while not inviting prominent stars, including the likes of Rani Mukherjee and Hrithik Roshan, had left the Bachchan family with many adversaries.

It was also apprehended that the marriage would affect the careers of both Abhishek and Aishwarya and that no top lead actors would be willing to pair with the former Miss World. However, nothing sort of this has happened and instead now the Bachchan family has emerged as the biggest camp in Bollywood.

Just two years back, when Abhishek’s acting career was in tatters, and Jaya Bachchan was not doing films. It was only Amitabh Bachchan who was still going strong in his early sixties.

And then fortune swung in Abhishek’s favour after the release of Dhoom and Yuva.

While the former brought him box-office success, the latter showcased his acting talent. Guru followed soon and is now considered to be Abhishek’s biggest film released so far.

Today Abhishek has a string of successful movies under his belt and was even voted Asia’s Sexiest Man by a magazine last year. And with Amitabh Bachchan giving some of his best performances in the recent years.

Even Jaya Bachchan is returning to films with Rituparno Ghosh’s Sunglass and Yash Raj banner’s Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. As a result, the name of the Bachchan clan has been steadily on the rise.

If there was any void, that has now been filled with the inclusion of Aishwarya Rai into the Bachchan family. With all the four members of the Bachchan family now active in films, the quartet make the most powerful camp in Hindi film industry.

The popular sentiment among trade analysts is that the market value of the Bachchans has increased after Aishwarya’s marriage to Abhishek. But it is not one-way gain. Even Ash has benefited a great deal by becoming a part of the Bachchan household.

Today, filmmakers are hoping to cash in on the unique ensemble of the Bachchans. Ram Gopal Varma has already announced his Sarkar 2 with Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya. So has J P Dutta, who is planning to make ‘Aakhri Mughal’ with the trio.

Even Shah Rukh Khan ’s camp, including Farah Khan and Karan Johar, does not come close to the Bachchans.

While the Bachchan name is at an all time high, the Khans of Bollywood, on the other hand, seem to be uniting. Recently, SRK, Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan shot together for a song for SRK’s film Om Shanti Om. But there is still no other camp in Bollywood that comes close to giving competition to the Bachchans. - Chandan Das

SRK like you've never seen...

Although Shah Rukh has a tremendously busy schedule being a doting father he threw a big bash for all of Suhana's friends to celebrate her birthday.

All the kids were accompanied by their moms, and of course, Suhana being Shah Rukhs daughter had a unique guest list.

Mannat, this Sunday, saw Rayhaan Roshan accompanied by mom Susanne, Juhi Chawla with her kids, Jhanvi and Arjun, Meher Jessia-Rampal with her daughters Mahika and Myra, Raveena Tandon with daughter Rasha, Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Salman's Sister) with Ayaan and Alizeh, Farah Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani's wife with kids and Adhuna Akhtar with her daughter.

Suhana's birthday party was held a few days prior to her actual birthday (May 22).

The entire afternoon was planned by both ma and pa, Gauri and Shah Rukh on Mannat's terrace. Pa arranged for all the goodies his kids prefer.

Aaryan loves video games and so a video station was set-up for him, while Suhana is fond of soft toys. So, SRK arranged for teddies and bunnies (in suits) on his terrace to entertain the kids.

A huge bunny-shaped 5 kg chocolate cake was specially made by the chef of a suburban five-star hotel. The snacks included a huge platter of assorted starters carefully selected by Gauri and her favourite, reshmi kababs, were also on the menu.

The entire afternoon was spent happily with kids, moms and teddies. Of course, the father was the true entertainer. Like a good host, he took care of all the tiny tots. The return gifts were gift-wrapped by the parents themselves, adding a personal touch to the entire do.

US college offers study trip to Bollywood

Bollywood has made it to the classrooms of one of America's premium colleges with the Lakeland Community College announcing a study tour to India for its students to learn about the Hindi film industry.

Bollywood refers to the popular cinematic style in India, which produces over 800 films annually, the college said in a media release. Excursions are planned to Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. The 13-day trip will begin next year from Jan 1, the theindianstar.com reported.

The university in Ohio has charted the study plan and the activities will include daily film viewing, location visits, lectures by industry workers and experts, and time for touring.

For the two-week trip, the college will charge $2,500 per student. This includes airfare, accommodation, transportation between cities and some meals.

Big B has left SRK far behind

Be it a soldier, a flamboyant father or a 60 plus photographer in love with a teenager - Amitabh Bachchan comfortably slips into roles that are as different as chalk and cheese. And he dons a new avatar yet again in "Cheeni Kum", a comic love story.

Amitabh plays a 64-year-old arrogant, acerbic chef of London's top restaurant who falls in love and wants to marry a simple 34-year-old woman visiting London, played by Tabu.

Ad guru R. Balakrishnan, who makes his directorial debut with this film, says he scripted it with the one and only Big B and Tabu in mind.

"The idea came to me when I was shooting an ad film for Lifebuoy soap. I met Bachchan and told him about it. He liked it and after that I scripted the story. From the very first day I wanted to make this film with him and Tabu. I don't know what they are in their personal lives, but they were absolutely perfect to play the characters in my film," told Balakrishnan.

The director is not the only one who is in awe of the superstar. Despite the fact that his face is splashed everywhere, his fans across the country are eagerly waiting to see him in "Cheeni Kum".

"Just when you get tired of seeing Amitabh in yet another ad or film, he manages to bounce right back by experimenting with a new character or genre. And at his age too! I Am waiting to see 'Cheeni Kum'," said Ritika Ganguly, a college student.

Well-known film critic Anupama Chopra expressed the same sentiments saying: "It looks like a real fun film. I would love to see Big B with Tabu."

Earlier, Ram Gopal Varma made a film on a similar subject titled "Nishabd" - which shows a man falling for a girl as old as his daughter - with Amitabh in the lead. But audiences rejected the film.

This may not be the case with "Cheeni Kum" though as the Amitabh-Tabu pairing looks exciting.

"I would love to see 'Cheeni Kum' because I love the way Amitabh woos Tabu, who is eons younger to him. He does it very convincingly and does not look out of place and his scenes with Paresh Rawal (shown in the promos) look hilarious," said Anupama, who works with a publishing house.

"Amitabh's new look ponytail doesn't look bad either!" she adds.

Balakrishnan believes the audiences never reject a subject. "They reject the film in totality. It's all about communication. You have to have every shot in place to build a proper communication with your audience," he said.

At the same time, he denies any similarity between "Nishabd" and "Cheeni Kum".

"I really liked Ram Gopal Varma's film. I cant' comment on why it didn't work. But there is no similarity between the two films. Mine is out and out comedy."

The current lot of young directors are vying with each other to cast the Big B in their films. They are scripting stories for him. In fact, he seems to have left younger stars like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan far behind in this race.

"He is a terrific actor. His talent has withstood time. And it's a dream to direct him. I can imagine all these new directors, who grew up with his films, dying to direct him," said film critic Chopra.

Commenting on the Big B craze, Balakrishnan said: "He is a star actor that the country has ever seen before. He is much more than an actor. Even if he comes on screen and just stands there without saying a single word, people would like to see him like that again and again," said.

The actor has quite a few interesting releases lined up, including Shaad Ali's "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".

Tanushree afraid of exposing

Many of us might have come across crazy people who leave their home to achieve dreams.

Just like Bunty aur Bubbly, since her childhood our former Miss India-turned- Bollywood actress Tanushre Dutta too had a dream to become an actress, but the most interesting part is that she comes from a very conservative family where she was not even allowed to wear a skirt!

So how come she has grown into such a bold actress over time? Here goes the story.

When she asked her parents to let her come to Mumbai, her parents laid a condition before her saying that that she will have to top in exams. Being good at studies, Tanushree came first in her exams and then moved to Pune for further studies.

There she silently and secretly began modeling. She tried her best to conceal this from her parents, but as luck would have had it, her parents came to know about it.

Nevertheless, Tanushree some how managed to convince her parents and won the Miss India pageant. Later, when she did Aashiq Banaya Aapne, where she had few bold scenes, with ultra revealing clothes on in the whole movie, her parents refused to talk to her for about four months!

Undaunted, Tanushree continued with her acting and now when her parents have come down to stay with her in Mumbai, she has started feeling that her freedom is being curbed! As they have started putting restrictions on Tanushree’s late nights and other issues, she began to feel uncomfortable.

But now the lass is trying to be a good girl by listening to her parents as she has achieved what she wanted to be, disclosed a close source.

So now we know the reason behind Tanushree denying any bold scenes in Raj Kanwar’s Raqueeb. But is Tanushree afraid of her parents now? Don’t you think that it does not matter any more as she has already established the image of a bold actress by agreeing to do revealing scenes in her previous films. Anyways, hope that she becomes a good girl at last!

Vivek hates smoking but did!

Everyone knows that Vivek Oberoi doesn’t like to smoke, either in personal life or on screen. But, finally director Apoorva Lakhiya has convinced Vivek to smoke on screen for their upcoming release "Shootout At Lokhandwala".

Vivek, who plays the gangster Maya Dolas in the film, was initially quite apprehensive about doing smoking scenes because he hates smoking. However, he obliged Apoorva keeping in view the requirement of the script and the character, which is based on the life of a real gangster.

Being an anti-smoking ambassador, Vivek was initially hesitating to do smoking scenes on screen but he has taken this chance for the role. He is actively involved with a number of NGOs and has been working for them.

Everybody on the sets was aware of his anti-smoking nature and nobody has ever found him taking one cigarettes during the break. Though Vivek has done smoking scenes in this film, he does not endorse smoking, as he hates smoking.

Good boy, Vivek!

Kajol-SRK together again?

If all goes as per schedule, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will feature in Karan Johar's next film that follows the travails of an Indian couple post 9/11.

Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan first starred together in the romantic family drama ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, a film that was so successful it continues to run uninterrupted till date in a theater in Bombay! Their last film together ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam’, produced and directed by Karan Johar, was a huge success too.

Kajol is currently working on ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ in which she is paired opposite her husband Ajay Devgan, who is also the director. In addition she has signed up for Raj Kumar Santoshi's ‘Ramayan’.

According to an industry source, the dusky 31-year-old found it hard to turn down Karan Johar with whom she enjoys an excellent professional rapport. Besides, Kajol feels, while taking on more work may keep her away from her daughter Nysa it will allow her to spend more time with her husband Ajay Devgan.

Interestingly, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam’ featured Amitabh Bachchan, another close friend of Karan Johar besides Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan. However, in view of a simmering professional rivalry between Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan it is moot if he or any of the Bachchans will feature in the new film.

T-Series launches Shekhar Suman as singer

T-Series have given Shekhar Suman the ideal launching pad for his first-ever music album. After having carried out various roles of actor, compere, TV show host and judge with panache, Shekhar has decided to try his hand at singing. His new album, titled KUCH KHWAAB AISE, has music by Aadesh Srivastava and lyrics by Shyam Raj. It features the hot Brazilian and Kingfisher model Bruna.

The choreography of the music video has been done by Rajiv Goswami and is edited by Bunty. This T-Series presentation is due for release on 30th May.

Sophie Chowdhary replaces Mandira in Alibaug

Sophie, so good ! Overnight, veejay Sophie Chowdhary replaced Mandira Bedi in Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug. Reasons given include date hassles due to Mandira's cricket commitments.

"It was almost overnight," Sophie chuckles. "I landed from abroad in the morning. And by evening the role was mine."

Sophie's trying to make a movie career for herself. Last year she was a part Pyar Ke Side Effects. "This year there are more movies. I'll be seen in Anant Mahadevan's Agar, Vikram Bhatt's Speed and of course Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug. I've known Gupta for many years now. He has watched me grow in my career through the various things that I've done. I remember how excited he was about Alibaug from last year when he first thought of making it. I flew in from abroad last week. The same evening I was doing a role in Alibaug. Kismat ki baat hai. I play a character called Nisha, a very strong independent woman …quite the way the way I am in real life. Being a veejay and singer I can bring a lot of camera-friendliness to my character."

Laughs Sophie, "The character in Alibaug is so much like me it isn't funny. And I've to tell you I'm the youngest actor in Alibaug."

Sunil Shetty to make a film on 7/11 blasts

Sunil Shetty’s Popcorn Entertainment is a film based on the 7/11 blasts on Mumbai trains. The film is titled Little Godfather and Shetty says that it is his tribute to Mumbai’s Western Railways which helps people commute for earning their livelihood.

Sunil Shetty has recently auditioned around 25 star kids for this film. He has finalized five kids till now and eight kids will be taken in all.

The storyline of the film is based on a bunch of commuters traveling in first class compartment and how people help each other when the blasts happen. The film will go on floors in June and will be shot across Mumbai including Western and Central railway stations. The film will be directed by Joel.

NEW PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN FILM GETS PREMIERE

The third film in the hugely-successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has received its premiere in Los Angeles.

Stars Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom were present at the At World's End gala event, held at Disneyland in a nod to its theme park ride origins.

The first two films in the series took more than $1 billion (£500 million) at the global box office, with At World's End expected to break the recent opening weekend record set by Spider-Man 3 when it goes on worldwide release on May 24th.

Depp reprises his role as Jack Sparrow in Disney's latest film, with the pirate captain finding himself in a spot of bother at the end of its precursor, subtitled Dead Man's Chest.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who Depp based his Oscar-nominated portrayal on, makes a cameo appearance in At World's End as Sparrow's father.

A host of British actors also reprise their roles in the third movie, including Bill Nighy, Kevin McNally, Tom Hollander, Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce and Naomie Harris.

Martial arts action hero Chow Yun-Fat makes his debut in the series as Captain Sao Feng.

LONGORIA'S ON AND OFF SCREEN BABY PLEA

Actress EVA LONGORIA is desperate to become a mother - both on and off the screen. The Desperate Housewives star - who plays Gabrielle Solis in the hit U.S. TV show - can't wait to settle down and start a family of her own. And when the sexy Latina gets pregnant in real life, she's determined that her character also experiences the joys of motherhood. She says, "I don't want to be pregnant on the show until I'm pregnant in real life. "When I get married and get pregnant then hopefully it will be written in. So, I'm looking forward to having a family and doing that." The bride-to-be is set to marry fiance Tony Parker in July (07).

No more nude scenes for Knightley

British actress Keira Knightley has decided to stop disrobing herself for movies because she believes fans will get tired of seeing her naked.

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star says she has no hang ups about stripping for movies but is concerned that constant skin show on screen may become unappealing to some viewers.

'I don't mind stripping off. I have certain tools. One of them is my body. But people will insist I keep my clothes on soon,' she was quoted as saying by contactmusic.com.

Hilton's jail term cut to about 23 days

Paris Hilton will serve about half of her 45-day jail sentence and will be separated from the general inmate population, authorities said Wednesday.

The hotel heiress will spend about 23 days in a "special needs housing unit" at the Century Regional Detention Center in suburban Lynwood, Los Angeles County sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

Her sentence was shortened after jail officials gave her credit for good behavior, Whitmore said. Officials considered several factors in calculating the credit, including that she appeared for her latest court date, he said.

Hilton will stay in a unit that contains 12 two-person cells reserved for police officers, public officials, celebrities and other high-profile inmates, he said.

Like everyone else in the 2,200-inmate facility, Hilton will get at least an hour outside her cell each day to shower, watch television, participate in outdoor recreation or talk on the telephone, he said.

The 26-year-old socialite was sentenced to jail this month for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case. A judge ordered her to report to jail by June 5.

A call to her lawyer, DUI specialist Richard Hutton, was not immediately returned. Her publicist, Elliot Mintz, declined to comment.

Longoria signs up with Tiffany for wedding gifts

Actress Eva Longoria, who will wed basketball player Tony Parker in France July 7, seems to have expensive tastes as her wedding gifts list is registered at Tiffany & Co. in New York.

The 'Desperate Housewives' star is asking for platinum and silver gifts from the luxury jewellers, reports contactmusic.com. Her gift list includes platinum band dinnerware for 12 and a sterling silver scalloped bowl - at a whopping $1,500.

Friends who don't want to pay that kind of money for a gift can always pick up Tiffany sterling silver cocktail sticks for just over $100.

Lohan won't be charged with theft

Lindsay Lohan won't be charged with theft because prosecutors can't confirm she walked off with someone's clothes.

The district attorney's office declined to file felony grand theft charges on May 9 because of insufficient evidence, spokeswoman Jane Robison said Thursday.

An e-mail to a representative for Lohan seeking comment was not immediately returned.

A woman claimed that Lohan walked away with a shirt and other clothing after visiting her apartment while she was away for a few days.

The rejection notice said a housesitter had invited Lohan over and told authorities that she had given Lohan some clothing.

However, a plaid shirt that Lohan supposedly was wearing didn't match photos of a shirt that the alleged victim said was missing.

'The bottom line is that Lohan can't be shown to have been seen either taking or to have been later in possession of missing items and items she can be shown to have possessed were with (the housesitter's) permission,' Deputy District Attorney Greg Somes wrote in the rejection notice.

Trisha inspired by Chiru's social service

Generally, birthdays are celebrated amidst relatives, friends and well-wishers. But only a few people celebrate their birthdays by undertaking social service activities. One among them is Trisha. Trisha celebrated her birthday, with some cancer-afflicted children in Chennai. She is undertaking several social service activities, through Trisha Foundation, launched by her fans. She participated in the blood donation camp organized by her fans on the occasion. Over 200 fans of Trisha donated blood at the camp. Trisha says, 'My fans founded Trisha Foundation on the occasion of my birthday. I should encourage them and extend my cooperation to such activities.'

'We are issuing certificates to those who took part in the blood donation camp. My co-artiste Chiranjeevi has taken up several activities like blood donation and eye donation. I am inspired at his social service attitude and have decided to launch such projects on my own. We are also trying to provide free education to poor children through the foundation. The benefit would be extended to everyone without disparities like caste or religion. We are also planning to start orphanages and women's hostels for orphans. The foundation would help set up self-employment programmes for destitute women. The foundation would stand as a bridge between these destitute women and corporate firms. We launched the foundation in Chennai and would soon extend its services in Andhra also.'

Simran in Telefilms!

Simran is making an entry back into Kollywood, this time in films and telefilms. Director Samudhrakani, an associate of Ace director K. Balachander, has signed Simran for his telefilm which has a woman-centric theme where Simran plays the lead. She portrays the role of an activist who fights for injustices committed against women. The shoot is steadily progressing in New Delhi and is expected to hit the screens by this month end.

Kalaimamani Award for Simbu and Trisha

Close on the heels of many film awards, the Tamil Nadu State Government has announced the Kalaimamani awards on Thursday for 2006-2007.

These awards are announced by the Eyal Isai Nataka Manram. Simbu, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Vishal, Navya Nair, Kanja Karupu, cinematographer Paneerselvam and 60 more famous film personalities have been honoured with the award.

Awards would be distributed by the Chief Minister, Sri M. Karunanidhi.

The list also includes music director Vidyasagar and lyricists Pa Vijay, Kabilan, Na Muthukumar. Playback singers like Thippu, Madhu Balakrishnan and Bombay Jayashree, writer Balamurugan are also in this honours list

Nana Patekar to don directorial robes in a Tamil film

Bollywood actors' tendency to have an occasional stint in South continues unabated. The latest to hop on to the southern bandwagon is none other than the temperamental Nana Patekar .

Nana has the reputation of being a difficult actor to work with, but veteran Tamil director Bharathiraja does not seem to have had any major problems working with Patekar. Yes, Patekar is playing the protagonist in a film being directed by Bharathiraja, known for his rural-centric themes.

The movie, titled ‘Bommalattam’, is almost complete and is likely to see the light of the day soon. In the flick, Nana plays a film director who runs into problems both in his reel and real life. He seems to have done a good job of it considering the praise Bharathiraja has lavished on the veteran actor.

Nana's earlier attempt to essay a role in the Vikram -starrer Bheema came a cropper for reasons unknown. Hopefully, this time around, Patekar will strike a responsive chord with Tamil film fans.

Simran to produce her own movie

Number one Kollywood heroine of yesteryears, Simran, is changing track. That is the latest tiding from Tamil film world.

It has been learnt that Simran, who took a four -year break after her marriage, has decided to produce a film.

The film, in which Simran herself will play the female lead, has Bharath as hero, according to Kollywood buzz.

Currently, Simran is acting in a Malayalam film, titled Heartbeats. The shooting of the film is taking place in Trissur in Kerala.

It seems Simran wants to firm up her hold, again, in Tamil cinema like in the past. And what better way to do that than producing her own film?

Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Tamil film fans will continue to adore Simran the way they used to in yesteryears.

The cup of joy brims over for Navya Nair!

Malayalam actress Navya Nair is literally beavering away in her reel life.

For one thing, Navya has started getting new offers on home turn.

Besides, her latest Tamil film, ‘Mayakkannadi’, in the company of Cheran , is doing well at the box office. It also touched off rumours that she is having an affair with the director-cum-hero. But Navya has not allowed to affect her composure or focus.

The latest tiding is that her Kannada debut film is about to go on the floor, too. The film, titled ‘Kaja’ will have young Darshan as the hero.

The cup of joy has brimmed over with Navya bagging the Amritha Award for the best actress.

Release of a Rajnikant movie is always a mega occasion

The whole of Kollywood is agog with excitement as the magnum opus of Tamil cinema's numero uno Sivaji is set for seeing the light of the day on May 17.

Such is the hype and hoopla surrounding the flick that fans have already started preparing for watching their hero on the Big Screen.

The combination of three giants – Rajnikant, director Shankar and music director A R Rahman – is bound to come up with a sure-fire winner, according to trade circles. The songs of ‘Sivaji’ are already a rage among the Tamil masses.

'Sivaji' is the only film scheduled to be released in the month of May.

Other films which were earlier set to release in May have put off the date dreading a showdown with Rajni film.

Kamal Haasan , for instance, has already postponed the release of his magnum opus, Dasavatharam by two three months.

So have actors Ajit and Vikram whose flicks, Kireedam and Bheema are complete. But a clash with a Rajni film is the last thing they want.

So, there is no question of their films being released in May either. Such is the awe in which Rajni is held in Tamil film world.

Irrfan Khan at Cannes with Angelina Jolie

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan will walk the red carpet with Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

The 60th Cannes Fest begins on May 16. And Irrfan Khan is headed to the mega event for the premiere of Michael Winterbottom’s movie 'A Mighty Heart' , starring Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman and Irrfan. The three stars will walk the red carpet together at Cannes on May 19, the day of the movie’s premiere. Reports have it that Irrfan will be wearing an outfit by DKNY or Gucci for the big event.

‘A Mighty Heart’ will be screened in the official section of the festival. While Irrfan’s other movie Metro will be showcased in marketing section.

A month after the Cannes Fest, Irrfan will be flying to the US for the American premiere of the movie in Los Angeles and New York in June.

‘A Mighty Heart’ is based on a book by Marianne Pearl about her search for her husband Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street reporter who was abducted and slain by terrorists in Pakistan. Irrfan Khan plays a Pakistani agent in the film. Major portions of the film were shot in Pune (India) last year.

'Raaz 2' with Emraan Hashmi

Sequels and remakes are in! Bollywood is slowly waking up to this new trend thanks to the super-success of sequels and remakes in the recent past. Joining the bandwagon are the Bhatts [Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt], who are planning to start Raaz 2, the sequel to the immensely successful Raaz.

While Vikram Bhatt had directed the original, Raaz 2 will be directed by Mohit Suri, who has directed Zeher, Kalyug, and Woh Lamhe and has completed Awarapan for the Bhatts. Well, here’s the latest on Raaz 2. Emraan Hashmi has been confirmed for the principal role in the sequel. “So far, only Emraan has been signed. We will be casting one more guy and two girls,” Mohit informs me.


Will the actors of the original film [Dino Morea, Bipasha Basu] star in the sequel? “We haven’t spoken to them yet. Actually, we’ll take a call once we’re through with the script. The idea has been okayed, liked and approved. The next step is to work on the screenplay,” Mohit adds. Raaz 2 will roll after Awarapan.

Main Madhuri nahin ban sakti

Konkona Sen Sharma was hardly afraid to share screen space with Madhuri Dixit because she knew she could hold her own, but when the actress heard that she had to dance with the nimble-footed Madhuri Dixit in 'Aaja Nachle,' she nearly ran away from the sets.

One has to be totally crazy to even attempt to match dance steps with Madhuri, says Konkona. Vaibhavi Merchant choreographed steps for Konkana which "thankfully didn’t make her look foolish in front of Madhuri." The film itself required Madhuri to dance much better than the rest of the cast.

Konkona is currently basking in the good reviews for 'Metro.' Says Konkona, "I just loved meeting Anurag Basu for the narrations. He kept getting all the characters' names confused. It was hilarious but I liked his honesty, passion…and maturity."

Talking about the reactions she received after the release of 'Metro,' she says, "People are so pleased to see my chemistry with Irrfan in the film. He is a good actor. Irrfan also has a guest appearance in Aaja Nachle."

Kareena Kapoor in SRK movie?

Kareena Kapoor may star opposite her favourite hero Shah Rukh Khan in her favourite director Karan Johar ’s next production.

The film is reported to be set in set in New York and is an 'unusual' love story and will be directed by Siddharth Malhotra who's presently writing the screenplay of the film.

Malhotra has previously assisted Johar in Kal Ho Na Ho . Johar has approved the script and Malhotra is writing it out now. The rest of the cast would be finalised in a month's time. All know that Kareena has been very keen on working with her favourite director (Johar) for a long time, after a period of fallout.

Be it interviews or brief appearances on television, Kareena has been vocal about her aspirations. Her last appearance in a Dharma Production film was for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham .

Kareena has been in talks with Johar for sometime for various projects. But nothing has really materialised. Johar, however, refuses to spell the name of her leading lady. When quizzed about Kareena, he says she hasn’t been confirmed yet. the film though is a one-guy-one-gal romantic film."

Kareena is yet to sign on the dotted line, but she has been more or less finalised for the role says a source.

Supreme Court allows Shilpa Shetty to go abroad

The Supreme Court allowed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty to go abroad, staying a look out notice issued against her for the controversial on-stage pecks Hollywood star Richard Gere planted on her cheek during a public show here.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan paved the way for Shilpa's visits abroad by staying the look out notice, linked to the arrest warrant issued against Hollywood actor Richard Gere.

In her application to the court Shilpa said that on a private complaint over Gere's pecks to her cheek during an AIDS awareness campaign in the capital last month, a Mundwar court near Alwar in Rajasthan on April 20 had ordered investigation into the episode.

Shilpa's counsel told the bench that while the Mundwar court had also barred Gere from leaving the country, another court in Jaipur April 26 had issued arrest warrant against him.

And these two legal actions against Gere had also resulted into issuance of a look out notice against Shilpa, impeding Shilpa's free movement, the counsel added.

As Shilpa's counsel mentioned the matter before the bench, which also had Justice B.P. Singh and Justice G.P. Mathur on it, stayed the notice issued against her and granted her permission to go abroad.

Ironically, the actress had to approach the court for suspension of the notice against her despite the apex court staying all criminal proceedings against her in various courts over the Gere kiss episode merely three days back.

Bips plays a Pakistani girl in Goal

After Preity Zinta and Kareena Kapoor, it is Bipasha Basu's turn to play a Pakistani girl in new film Goal in which the Bengali beauty also gets to share screen space with real-life beau John Abraham after a long time.

"What makes it special is the fact that John and I are coming together after three years. The last film we did together was Madhoshi. After that I was determined to do only a good film with him," Bipasha said.

"Also, in Goal I play a Pakistani girl. I wanted to make sure that whenever we come together again our chemistry mustn't be a repeat of Jism. In Goal our chemistry is completely different."

She has played a Muslim girl before but not a girl from the other side of the border. "This is my first role as a Pakistani. But I've played a Muslim girl in Ishq Hai Tumse. I got to play a very sweet girl in that.

"I've never played anything like this. Though the focus of the plot is the game of football, I do have a substantial role to play. I'm excited about Goal not only because it's got John in it, but also because my character stands out."

Phenol maker to sue Metro team!

Amongst the rave reviews Metro is generating, here comes a completely opposite reaction from one of its audiences. The person in question is the owner of a floor cleaning product Klinol which was featured in the film and he is suing Metro over the fact that the scene has already resulted in cancellation of orders due to misrepresentation.

The scene in question has Kangana Ranaut attempting suicide by picking up a bottle of KLINOL which has been zoomed in the scene where the bottle, brand Klinol & the label is clearly magnified and it has made managing director Kamlesh Khubchandani seething over it.

He says, "I was getting constant calls from friends and relatives and at first I thought it was a mere coincidence. But when I saw the film, I could not believe it. It is a clear case of maligning my product with the camera zooming onto the label. It is unethical as they didn't take my permission before doing this. I am filing a case against them."

Khubchandani adds that they have raised a question mark over the credibility of my product which has been around since the last 30 years and is a household name. I am afraid that this being a popular film, it might result in jeopardizing my sales".

Aamir Khan starts shooting for 'Ghajini' remake

After completing his children’s film ‘Taare Zameen Pe’, Aamir Khan has begun shooting for the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Ghajini.

The Hindi remake is called Kajri and is being directed by A R Murugadass, who directed the Tamil original. The mahurat of ‘Kajri’ was held in Mumbai a few days back. At the mahurat Tamil filmstar Surya (hero of ‘Ghajini’) was present along with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi who struck the clapper for the opening shot.

Director AR Murugadoss canned the shot while producer Allu Aravind looked on.‘Kajri’ has south Indian actress Asin playing the lead opposite Aamir. Asin was also the heroine of ‘Ghajini’. The role of Aamir’s heroine in ‘Kajri’ was previously offered to Ayesha Takia who declined the offer for the reasons better known to herself.

The movie will also have a second female lead who is yet to be finalized.

John aims for global fame with Goal

Bollywood actor John Abraham is all set to enhance his global appeal with his next release, Vivek Agnihotri's Goal, which is being aggressively promoted at the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

"I have been at the Toronto Film Festival two years running - first with Water in 2005, then with Kabul Express last year - and now here I am in Cannes as well. It is really great to have your films pushed so methodically on the world stage," says Abraham, who has acquired quite an international fan following in the past two years.

Goal, produced by UTV Motion Pictures, co-stars Bipasha Basu, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani and was shot entirely in Britain. In it, Abraham plays Sunny Bhasin, a UK-born Indian who plays for a Southall football club.

Abraham agrees it is difficult for a Bollywood actor to keep doing films that are off the beaten track, but is quick to add that resistance to such a strategy within the industry is weakening appreciably.

"A new approach to film-making has taken roots in the Mumbai industry," he says. "How else do you explain an actor with a name and face like mine being so openly accepted these days?

"I do the kind of films that I believe in," he says. "Some people in the industry might feel that I am sailing against the tide and will have to pay for it. They were sceptical about my ability to pull off the role in Water. I am now also doing Deepa Mehta's next film, Exclusion, with Amitabh Bachchan." He believes the gap between commercial and non- mainstream cinema is bound to get narrower by the year.

"So-called small films today come out with 150 prints while a Yash Chopra film releases with 1,000 prints. But a day will come when you will see 400 prints of off-beat films being released against 800 prints of a Yashraj film. The industry is changing," Abraham says.

Referring to Goal, he says: "It's a commercially oriented film but completely realistic. It addresses issues like racism, cultural assimilation and social assertion in a way that is bound to have international appeal. It's about the journey of a man who travels from playing for a British club to turning out for a South Asian team to assert his identity - it's a story of inspiration, glory and victory."

Abraham, supposedly, performed every single soccer stunt in Goal himself, from transferring the ball from his feet to under his neck to attempting difficult bicycle kicks. "I have done with football here what I did with bikes in Dhoom. Every single move in the film is authentic. Of course, it took me lots of hard practice."

Beefed up India Pavilion opens in Cannes

If ever evidence was needed that cinema has become a crucial part of India's "diplomatic armoury", it is provided by the country's large pavilion at the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

The India Pavilion, double the size it was last year, has been designed as a hub for the concerted promotion of the country's films on the French Riviera all through the duration of the event.

Inaugurating the seafront pavilion this afternoon, Indias ambassador to France Ranjan Mathai said: "I am delighted to have India represented in such a huge way in Cannes."

"The Indian economy is booming and, therefore, worldwide interest in our films has grown rapidly. Cinema has indeed become an important part of our diplomatic armoury."

The India Pavilion occupies 150 square metres in the film festival's International Village and represents over 150 films made and promoted by more than 80 companies. Last year, the pavilion had only 75 square meters of space.

More than 20 Indian exhibitors, under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have set up booths in the Palais. India, as a partner country, is promoting 35 new films in the Cannes Film Market this year.