Mahira Khan returns to Indian screens with 'Shehr-e-Zaat'

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who won many hearts through her role as Khirad Hussain in popular TV show 'Humsafar', is returning to Indian screen with her upcoming drama show 'Shehr-e-Zaat'.

Mahira Khan

Mahira will be seen playing the role of Falak, who is an only child to affluent parents. She is an egoist who has always been the center of attention and has never been deprived of anything in life. During her growing up years, Falak never comes across religious brightness and divinity and is highly influenced by her mother who built her subsistence according to the worldly life.

A student of fine arts, Falak makes a sculpture of the man of her dreams and falls head over heels in love when she finds the breathing manifestation of it in Salman Ansar (played by Mikaal Zulfiqar).

Aired in Pakistan in 2012, the show has been directed by Sarmad Khoosat. It also stars Samina Peerzada, Mohib Mirza, Hina Khawaja Bayat and Mikaal Zulfikar.

'Shehr-e-Zaat' will be aired on Zindagi channel. A premiere date is yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, Mahira will make her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Raees'.

Anupam Kher: Celebs shouldn't be disturbed in personal life

The social network has become the perfect platform for stars to connect with their fans. However, veteran actor Anupam Kher believes that celebrities have their own personal life behind social media and they shouldn't be disturbed in it.

Anupam Kher. Pic/IANS
“Today you cannot stay away from social media...people can judge you by your Twitter, Facebook and various social media accounts. But behind that, celebrities off screen lives are as personal as anybody else. So they should not be disturbed there,” Anupam, who is heading back to television with the second season of talk show “The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”, told IANS.
The 60-year-old has interviewed stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Mahesh Bhatt in the previous season of the show. He says that celebrities are very comfortable sharing their personal lives with him.
“Celebrities know me for the last 30 years. I’m genuinely interested in their lives. That's why celebrities are very comfortable in sharing their personal life with me as they know I’ll not ask them any question which will make them uncomfortable," Anupam said.
“I’m not only a chat show host in 'Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai', I’m also their friend. I’m also sometimes an unqualified psychiatrist. Just like the audience, I’m also keen to know what makes these celebrities stronger and passionate about their work because I personally have gone through that state,” he added.
Asked what all viewers can expect this time from the show, he said: “It’s a better season than the last one. The inspirational stories of the guests are unbelievable. From Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpai to Gulzar sahab and Anil Kapoor, they all have amazing stories to tell of their past. These stories not only entertain you, but also inspire you.
“It’s a show that I can do whole of my life because we have so many people in this country who can become such inspirational tools and what today’s youth and audience need is one show on television, which sort of inspire them and also entertain them."
Married to actress and BJP MP Kirron Kher, Anupam, who belongs to a non-filmy background, came into limelight with his role in 1984 film “Saaransh” and went on to star in films like “Ram Lakhan”, “Daddy” and “1942: A Love Story”. Amongst his international credits include “Bend It Like Beckham”, “Bride and Prejudice” and “Silver Linings Playbook”.
So what's the “Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai” moment of his life?
“I’ve plenty of them. If a small town boy from Shimla, whose father used to earn Rs.90 per month can host a host like this than anything can happen. I couldn’t speak English till I reached Mumbai, and today I've given lectures at Kellogg School of Management, Oxford University and IIM. I'm happy with my career as many in the world don't get a chance to do what they want to.”
The second season of “The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”, which will be aired on Colors starting August 2, will also feature celebrities like Kajol, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Rishi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Sonu Nigam, Tabu, Manoj Bajpai, Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani, Sania Mirza and Suresh Raina.

Rati Pandey: Wasn't approached for 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'

Actress Rati Pandey has denied news of her making an entry in the TV show 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'.

Rati Pandey

"I suddenly read the news as it is all over websites and televisions. I don’t know what is going on. I was not approached for any role in 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'," Rati told IANS.

It was earlier reported that the actress, known for TV shows like 'Miley Jab Hum Tum' and 'Hitler Didi', will enter the Star Plus show as new love interest of the male lead Sooraj Rathi (played by Anas Rashid).

The show is all set to get into fast forward mode with a three-month leap, where Sandhya (Deepika Singh) has been kidnapped by a terrorist group and Sooraj has become unstable, his mother Bhabho (Neelu Vaghela) believes that a new girl in his life will resolve the issue.

Riteish Deshmukh, Pulkit Samrat to appear on 'The Voice India'

'Bangistan' actors Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat will be seen promoting their forthcoming satire film in singing reality show 'The Voice India'.

Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat

Riteish and Pulkit will visit the &TV show's set on Friday, said a source from the set.

They will be seen singing songs with the four coaches Himesh Reshammiya, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan and Mika Singh.

"The duo will be shooting for the episode tomorrow (Friday) with the coaches and the contestants of 'The Voice India'. They will come on the show with a special mission. The episode will have millions of fun and amusing elements which will take the audience on the roller coaster ride," said the source.

Directed by Karan Anshuman, 'Bangistan', which will release on July 31, is produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

TV actresses who can catch a big Bollywood break

In a first-of-its-kind move, Yash Raj Films has handpicked a TV actress as its next heroine. We look at other small screen sirens who can become Bollywood's next new thing...

In the last few years, Yash Raj Films has consistently launched several new faces in its projects and apparently, in a first-of-its-kind development, it has signed on a television actor. Sources suggest Shivshakti Sachdev, who became popular for her role in TV show 'Sabki Laadli Bebo' (2009-11), has hit the jackpot. An insider says, “She auditioned for an upcoming YRF film and is likely to play the lead. Her big launch will be announced soon. She is expected to be cast opposite a known actor. Yash Raj has launched many fresh faced beauties under its banner, but not a television actress until now.”

Shivshakti Sachdev rose to fame for her role in 'Sabki Laadli Bebo', which was aired between 2009 and 2011
The actress has featured in quite a few shows and commercials and is currently part of 'Diya Baati Aur Hum'. Another source  says, “Shivshakti did audition for them, but  she is yet to get a confirmation about the  deal. She is currently busy with her television commitments.” The young actress and spokesperson for YRF remained unavailable for comment.
hitlist takes a look at some young television actresses who have it all to become Bollywood’s next new thing...
Radhika Madan
Claim to fame: 'Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi'

Heroine material: This Delhi girl used to work as a dance instructor before Ekta Kapoor offered her the protagonist’s role in the still-running show, which recently completed a year. When it was initially aired, Radhika became a household name and was much appreciated for her sizzling chemistry with co-star Shakti Arora. The actress is presently flaunting her dancing skills in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Who knows if Ekta, popular for introducing fresh faces, will cast her in one of her films?
Rachana Parulkar
Claim to fame: 'Maharana Pratap'

Heroine material: The dusky actress has been working in the television industry for more than five years now and has proved her acting chops too. She has been trained in two forms of classical dance — Bharatnatyam and Kathak. Rachana’s pairing with Ashish Chowdhry as well as her overall performance was appreciated. We won’t be surprised if she makes it to the silver screen sooner rather than later.
Pranali Ghoghare
Claim to fame: 'Mere Rang Mein Rang Ne Waali'

Heroine material: This Mumbai girl made a dream debut on the small screen when she bagged one of the lead roles in the Rajshri Productions’ show. Her sweet and simple image instantly clicked with the audience. The actress is adamant on completing her studies before taking up other offers. However, with this big break, it seems that day is not too far when she will be seen in a Rajshri film.
Smriti Khanna
Claim to fame: 'Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi'

Heroine material: This model-turned-actress arrived in the city of dreams from Noida four years ago with dreams of becoming an actor. She is a jewellery designer by profession and has done few shows. Her Punjabi film, Jatt Airways, was a hit for. In her show too, she has managed to play two contrasting characters and become popular in a short span of time. Her experience in a regional film will help qualify her for the big screen.
Hiba Nawab
Claim to fame: 'Tere Sheher Mein'

Heroine material: This teenage actress wanted to be a lawyer at one point of time. However, a few modeling assignments later, she landed herself acting offers. She has done quite a few shows besides being featured in a couple of films. She is often compared to Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt for her looks and talent. Guess Bollywood will be the next stop for her?
Paridhi Sharma
Claim to fame: 'Jodha Akhar'

Heroine material: This Ekta Kapoor discovery hails from Indore and was employed in the corporate sector after completing MBA. She had a tough time convincing her parents to allow her realise her dreams of becoming an actress. She started with theatre and landed a few roles in TV serials, but it was the character of Jodha in the epic drama that put her under the spotlight. Her looks and acting skills will help her gain entry into Bollywood if she decides to do films some day.

Matt LeBlanc birthday special: Top 10 Joey Tribbiani quotes

We remember him as the cute, clumsy, funny and flirtatious Joey Tribbiani from the popular American sitcom 'Friends'. As Matt LeBlanc turns 48 today, we celebrate his birthday by listing top 10 Joey Tribbiani quotes from the series. Read on and laugh out loud!

1. "Joey doesn't share food!"

2. "I'm curvy and I like it!"

3. "The fridge broke, so I had to eat everything."

4. "Occupation..? Dinosaurs."

5. "You don't own a TV? What's all your furniture pointed at?"

6. "This is all just a moo point. Yeah, it's like a cow's opinion. It just doesn't matter. It's moo."

7. "It's not what you said, it's the way you said it."

8. "I don't like it when people take food off my plate, okay?"

9. "But it hurts my Joey's apple."

And the classic pick-up line...
10. "How you doin'?"
(All pics/YouTube)
Did we miss out on any of your favourite Joey Tribbiani quotes? Let us know in the comments below.

Leonardo DiCaprio raises USD 40 million at charity gala

London: Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has raked in USD 40 million for his charity at his second annual auction gala in France.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Pic/Santa Banta

The 40-year-old "Inception" star invited his celebrity friends, including singer Elton John, Michelle Rodriguez and Orlando Bloom, to help raise funds for the Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation, his environmental conservation organisation, reported Contactmusic.

"Tonight's event is about supporting LDFs efforts to protect key species like the tiger, rhino, shark, and mountain gorilla by working with governments to conserve the jungles, coral reefs and forests they call home," he said at the event.

The star then opened the lucrative live auction, which was overseen by Swiss auctioneer Simon de Pury and included a host of luxury items donated by the actor.

DiCaprio pledged a number of personal lots including rare pieces by iconic artist Andy Warhol and British graffiti star Banksy, and a Rolex watch.

John, who performed at the event with John Legend, offered two personal concerts, which raised USD three million each.

The "Rocket Man" hitmaker took to Instagram to share a photograph with Legend, writing, "Such a honour (sic) to share the stage with the incredibly talented John Legend.

And a joy to raise money to help save our planet for the Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation."

I want my 20-year-old body: Eva Longoria

Los Angeles: Actress Eva Longoria says she'd give anything to have the figure she had when she was 20.

Eva Longoria. Pic/Santa Banta

"Let me tell you, I love my forties - I want my twenty-year-old body - but I love my forties When you get older you appreciate every moment. I know I love my forties way more than my twenties, I'm just appreciating every moment more. You're just kind of excited to be alive... I made it!," Longoria said.

The former "Desperate Housewives" star also said that her "secret to looking good" is to be in love, femalefirst.co.uk.

"I'm truly in love, mostly... every moment we get to spend together is a blessing.

People want a secret to looking good, but there isn't one. I'm in love, that has a lot to do with it. I take good care of myself, it's no secret, I eat a healthy diet and I exercise," Longoria told Daily Mail Australia.

Madonna compares herself to Picasso

Los Angeles: Singer Madonna has compared herself to painter Picasso, saying she sees similarities between herself and the late artist.

Madonna. Pic/Santa Banta

"I like to compare myself to other kinds of artists like Picasso. He kept painting and painting until the day he died. Why? Because I guess he felt inspired to do so. Life inspired him, so he had to keep expressing himself, and that's how I feel," Madonna said.

The "Vogue" hitmaker continued to say that she doesn't think her creative streak will ever fade because she always wants to inspire others, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I don't think there's a time, a date, an expiration date for being creative. I think you go until you don't have any more to say," she said.

Kylie Jenner shocks fans with more swollen lips

Los Angeles: Reality TV star Kylie Jenner, who earlier admitted of having temporary lip fillers to plump up her lips, has apparently gone too far as they look more swollen than before in new videos.


Kylie Jenner. Pic/Santa Banta
The 17-year-old hilariously attempted to show how wide her mouth could be in a bunch of videos she posted. Kylie pouted her lips then opened her mouth as wide as possible. In another video, she put her fingers to her pouted lips. Her lips look significantly bigger than usual, reports aceshowbiz.com.
The videos provoked fans who didn't take much time to reply over the posts.
One of her fans, @trendy.xox called her to stop having lip fillers. She commented on one of the videos: "Dang she need to stop with them lip injections , it's not cute and when does she ever listen to R&B music?"
Another fan @lindaloveee_ also commented on her lips saying: "Seriously she must be really insecure that she thinks to be pretty is to have her lips be soo hugeeeee." Similarly user @sammiyorkUh wrote, "her lips look like they are going to pop."
Kylie admitted to having lip filler in an episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" in May.

Katy Perry brands Taylor Swift a hypocrite?

Los Angeles: Singer Katy Perry believes Taylor Swift "unmeasurably capitalises on the take down of a woman."

Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Pics/Santa Banta

The "Dark Horse" hitmaker waded into a war of words between her long-time rival and rapper Nicki Minaj over the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) nominations and in a thinly-veiled attack suggested Swift, 25, is a hypocrite, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The 30-year-old shared her thoughts on the dispute on micro-blogging site Twitter on Wednesday, writing: "Finding it ironic to parade the pit women against other women argument about as one unmeasurably capitalises on the take down of a woman..." Shortly afterwards, Minaj, 32, favourited the tweet.

Perry later added: "The real travesty is where is the shine for #BBHMMVideo when VMA eligibility period was 7/7/14-7/1/15 & that gem dropped 7/1... @MTV (sic)".

The brunette beauty and Swift have been embroiled in a feud, which is believed to have inspired the latter's latest track "Bad blood," for some time.

The spat between Swift and Minaj erupted on after the hip hop star bemoaned being nominated for just three VMAs, with her "Anaconda" video being overlooked for the top prize, Video of the Year.

"When the 'other' girls drop a video that breaks records and impacts culture they get that nomination," she tweeted.

"If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year.

"I'm not always confident. Just tired. Black women influence pop culture so much but are rarely rewarded for it (sic)," she further added.

But Swift - who received nine nominations in total - felt the tweets were aimed at her and hit back saying she has loved and supported Minaj.

"I've done nothing but love & support you. It's unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot."

Minaj then accused Swift of missing the point of her argument, but the duo eventually reconciled their differences.

Jimmy Akingbola joins 'Arrow' season four as DC villain

Los Angeles: British actor Jimmy Akingbola has nabbed a recurring role on the fourth season of the supernatural-drama 'Arrow'.

Arrow. Pic/Santa Banta

Akingbola, best knows as Antoine Malick on the BBC medical drama 'Holby City', will play the role of DC Comics villain Baron Blitzkrieg, said The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor will appear on the series as a revamped version of Blitzkrieg, trying to recruit Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) for his terror group Shadowspire.

Blitzkrieg will appear in the show's prominent flashback scenes.

In the comics, the character is the leader of the nefarious group Shadowspire.

Akingbola joins the cast of Neal McDonough as Damien Darhk, Alexander Calvert as the for-hire criminal Anarky and Echo Kellum as DC superhero Mister Terrific on the show.

The series is based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, a costumed crime-fighter created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp. "Arrow" season four is scheduled to air on October 7.

Zack Snyder's son to play Robin in 'Batman v Superman'?

Los Angeles: Director Zack Synder's son, Eli, will reportedly play Robin in the upcoming movie 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'.

Superman vs Batman. Pics/Santa Banta

It has been already confirmed that Robin will make an appearance in the film as the Comic-Con trailer shows Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) looking at a Robin suit with the words "HAHAHAHA Joke's On You, Batman!" written on it.

Eli will possibly play the young version of Robin in a flashback scene with Jared Leto's The Joker. According to the source, Eli possesses the physical qualification to play Robin. He is 6'0" and weighs 174 pounds.

He's also actively involved in football club in his high school. It is not clear which Robin Eli will play, but people assume that he will portray Jason Todd, the second Robin in the comics.

If the rumour is true, Snyder will be the third actor to play Robin on the big screen following Burt Ward in "Batman: The Movie" and Chris O'Donnell in "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin".

Eli was previously seen in some of his father's films. He played young Leonidas in "300" and young Rorschach in "Watchmen".

"Batman v Superman" features an epic battle between two mighty heroes, Superman and Batman (Affleck), in which other DC's superheroes team up to resolve the conflict. The highly-anticipated movie will arrive in US theatres on March 25, 2016.

Green Lantern won't feature on 'Arrow'

Los Angeles: Green Lantern will not be a part of TV series 'Arrow' anytime soon.
The DC series has teased comic fans with references to Ferris Airlines - which originated in Green Lantern - but there are no plans for a live-action appearance from the Emerald Crusader, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Warner Bros and DC Comics announced a Green Lantern Corps movie at this year's Comic-Con, which may have put paid to the character featuring on 'Arrow'.
"They announced the Green Lantern Corps movie, and I'd be surprised if it didn't include Hal Jordan," said Marc Guggenheim, executive producer on "Arrow" and co-writer on the 2011 "Green Lantern" movie.
"It would be great... But I doubt it very much."

Snapped! Priyanka Chopra dines with 'Quantico' co-stars

Priyanka Chopra, who is currently in Montreal shooting for her American TV show 'Quantico', enjoyed a dinner outing with her co-stars.

The actress re-tweeted pictures shared by her co-stars and if they are anything to go by, Priyanka Chopra sure is having fun! Check out the photos below:

Picture courtesy: Keli Lee's Twitter account @kcslee

Picture courtesy: Keli Lee's Twitter account @kcslee

Picture courtesy: Keli Lee's Twitter account @kcslee

10 Gorgeous Celebrities with Blue Eyes

Hollywood is the place of beauty and glamour. Celebrities are beautiful by their appearance as well as by performance. Eyes play an important role in beautifying. People who have blue eyes are much more attractive than others. Here is a list of 10 Hollywood actresses who have blue eyes.

#1 Alexandra Anna Daddario

Alexandra Anna Daddario is an American model and actress. She played various TV serials when he began her career. This lady has beautiful blue eyes which make her gorgeous and attractive.

#2 Kimberly Alexis Bledel

Alexis is an American producer, actress and model. She is best known for her role in comedy drama" Gilmore Girls". Her beautiful skin with blue eyes make her more gorgeous.

 

#3 Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is an American singer and actress. Her blue eyes and brown hair are the most noticing things.

 

#4 Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is an American producer and actress. Her eyes are not so big, but they are surely attractive, fresh and expressive.

 

#5 Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is an American producer and actress. Many people say that, her eyes are not blue. But as we see, she has very beautiful and gorgeous blue eyes. Her blue eyes make her appearance much attractive.

 

#6 Amanda Peet

Amanda Peet is an American actress and she also appeared in stage shows. This actress has got big blue eyes which are much expressive than her words.

 

#7 Ashley Victoria Benson

Ashley Victoria Benson is an American fashion model and actress. She is also very popular for her beautiful blue eyes.

 

#8 Karen McDougal

Karen McDougal is an actress and glamour model. Her beautiful crystal blue eyes make her more charming and attractive.

 

#9 Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller is an English Actress, fashion designer and model. She is also a beauty with blond hair and blue eyes.

 

#10 Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is an American actress who appeared first in TV shows. Her blue eyes and blond hair are beyond description. She is much more attractive only because her beautiful blue eyes.

 

'Mr. Holmes' - Movie Review

'Mr. Holmes'

U; Crime, Drama, Mystery

Director: Bill Condon

Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Milo Parker, Hiroyuki Sanada

Rating: 

With the BBC series 'Sherlock' and Guy Ritchie's 'Sherlock Holmes' movies already permeating the pop culture with full force at the moment, it becomes difficult to accept yet another version of the beloved character playing out in theaters. It also becomes tough to accept that Bill Condon, the guy who made the last two 'Twilight' movies is directing this film. Fortunately, 'Mr Holmes' is a surprising little entry and a pleasant diversion in the musty stock of Hollywood.

Watch the trailer of 'Mr. Holmes'

'Mr Holmes' is based on Mitch Cullin's book 'A Slight Trick of the Mind' and, in a fun turn, isn't set in Baker Street, but in the time span of Sherlock's extreme old age of 93 where he struggles to recollect the details of a very important case. In the film Holmes returns to his rural home after a jaunt to a post World War Japan. He lives with his housekeeper (Laura Linney) and her son (Milo Parker) and enjoys the simpler comforts of life, like beekeeping. Internally he's sort of conflicted, drifting from an old case where he followed a woman whose children were prematurely killed, and his life in Japan. The real case in the movie is Holmes' own existential angst that drives him forward at times and sets him back at others.

The thing with 'Mr Holmes' is that it is a film for everyone. Anyone who's ever read a Sherlock Holmes novel will find a ton of Easter eggs to appreciate, and the tone and texture of the film is very much like reading an undiscovered Sherlock novel after being a fan for many years. Right from the opening frame you're swiftly transported to Holmes world, and the film wants you to travel there, and help him solve the case. The boy in the film, therefore, becomes a parable for the audience.

Casting Ian McKellen in the role of Holmes was a stroke of genius – he's got the twinkling wit and simmering inner darkness pat, and you barely believe this was the same guy who played Gandalf and Magneto. Both Ian McKellen and the director Bill Condon are clearly in love with the legacy of the author Arthur Conan Doyle, and their dedication and passion to bring something fresh to the table is apparent. Sometimes, the case isn't the point, but the man in charge of the case is, and as a character drama 'Mr Holmes succeeds as one of the best of the year.

'Jurassic World' sequel to release on June 22, 2018

Los Angeles: Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will return to star in the sequel of 'Jurassic World', which is lined up to release on June 22, 2018, Universal Studios has announced.

A still from 'Jurassic World'. Pic/Santa Banta

Colin Trevorrow, who directed the fourth instalment, is not expected to return to the director's chair.

“Jurassic World”, which released in June, has become the third highest grosser of the world after James Cameron's “Avatar” and “Titanic”.

Steven Spielberg will return to executive produce and Frank Marshall to produce the film.

Taylor Swift apologises to Nicki Minaj for VMAs Twitter spat

Los Angeles: Pop star Taylor Swift has apologised to Nicki Minaj following the war of words that took place between them over Twitter, claiming that she "misspoke" after thinking she was being "called out".

Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Pic/ Santa Banta

The spat, which began with Minaj's suggestion that her 'Anaconda' video missed out on a Video Music Award nomination because the music industry celebrates "women with very slim bodies", soon escalated when Taylor Swift assumed these tweets were geared towards her.

"I thought I was being called out. I missed the point, I misunderstood, then misspoke. I'm sorry, Nicki. @NICKIMINAJ," Taylor Swift, 25, posted on Twitter.

Nicki Minaj, 32, rapidly accepted Swift's apology, tweeting, "That means so much Taylor, thank you."

In response to a fan who tweeted that he was glad the pair had made up, Minaj said, "I've always loved her. Everyone makes mistakes. She gained so much more respect from me. Let's move on."

It rift was also picked up by Katy Perry and former CNN host Piers Morgan, both of whom shared their own opinions on the topic.

Angelina Jolie to direct movie about Cambodia

Los Angeles: Hollywood star Angelina Jolie Pitt is going to direct a movie for Netflix based memoir from Cambodian author and human-rights activist Loung Ung about surviving the deadly Khmer Rouge regime.

Angelina Jolie. Pic/AFP

Titled 'First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers', Angelina Jolie, 40, will direct and produce the Netflix project from a script she co-adapted with Ung, reported Variety. Cambodian director and producer Rithy Panh, director of Oscar-nominated foreign-language film 'The Missing Picture', is also one of the producers.

"I was deeply affected by Loung's book. It deepened forever my understanding of how children experience war and are affected by the emotional memory of it. And it helped me draw closer still to the people of Cambodia, my son's homeland. "It is a dream come true to be able to adapt this book for the screen, and I'm honoured to work alongside Loung and filmmaker Rithy Panh," Angelina Jolie said.

'In the Land of Blood and Honey' director and Ung first met over a decade ago when she read Ung's memoir. They became close friends and later adapted the screenplay together. "Angelina and I met in 2001 in Cambodia, and immediately, I trusted Angelina's heart. Through the years, we have become close friends, and my admiration for Angelina as a woman, a mother, a filmmaker and a humanitarian has only grown. It is with great Honor that I entrust my family's story to Angelina to adapt into a film," Ung said.

The writer was 5 years old when the Khmer Rouge regime assumed power over Cambodia in 1975 and began a four-year reign of terror and genocide in which nearly 2 million Cambodians died. She survived and went to write 'First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers', which was first published in 2000. The film will be made available to members of the streaming service in late 2016 and will be submitted to major international festivals.

'Maleficent' star's Cambodian-born son, Maddox, will also be involved in the production of the film.

Ridley Scott to direct 'The Cartel', Leonardo DiCaprio might star

Los Angeles: Filmmaker Ridley Scott will team up with 20th Century Fox to develop a film adaptation of Don Winslow's novel 'Don Winslow' that carries strong similarities to the true story of escaped drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is eyed for a role in the film.
Fox won an auction for the screen rights to 'The Cartel'. The deal also includes the movie rights to Winslow's previous novel, 'The Power of the Dog', but it is not clear whether the studio will turn these two books into one movie or will make it into a movie franchise, reports deadline.com.
'The Cartel' centers on Art Keller and Adan Berrera, two former friends whose paths diverged when one went to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency and the other joined the Sonora drug cartel.
Leonardo DiCaprio is in negotiations to play Keller, the young Drug Enforcement Administration agent. If the rumour is true, 'The Cartel' will be DiCaprio's first time to collaborate with Scott in a film since 'Body of Lies', which released in 2008. There is no official release date just yet, but 'The Cartel' is expected to hit the screens in 2016.

'Ant-Man' - Movie Review

'Ant-Man'

U/A; Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Director: Peyton Reed

Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll

Rating: 

'Ant-Man' poster. Pic/Santa Banta

A superhero needs to be big and strong, he needs to be a gigantic force of nature with incredible abilities to bring down the tyrannical powers of this universe and restore peace and order. He also needs to be angsty and brooding all the time because of his damaged past. He also needs to have a heroine who is kind of disconnected with him because she doesn't fully understand what his goal as a superhero is. Those are the standard definitions of a superhero film that we have come to accept and love. But it's 2015 and audiences have grown tired of seeing the same shtick being thrown at the wall and applauding at whatever sticks. Enter 'Ant Man' – a superhero movie unlike any other.

Directed by Peyton Reed, after taking over from Edgar Wright who left after creative differences with Marvel, 'Ant Man' is the kind of movie audiences had been waiting for a long time. When things get bigger and bigger in the Marvel universe, as the population of superheroes and supervillains rise, the only way to go ahead is by being smaller. In 'Ant Man' the superhero shrinks to the size of an ant at his own will, and executes his missions. The concept is certainly cooky, and the Marvel team were smart enough to understand the inherent silliness of this. So the real stroke of genius is that 'Ant Man' is a comedy, and quite self-aware a lot of times.

There are a lot of unlikely things in 'Ant Man' – starting with the central character. The hero in the film is originally a bad guy, who is later turned into an unlikely hero. The guy playing the hero is Paul Rudd, who is mostly known for being Phoebe's boyfriend in 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' and for his parts in comedies. Casting him was actually perfect because his comic timing feels like a breath of fresh air in the increasingly serious tone of recent superhero movies. Yes, there is a bit of schmaltz, but it's directed so well by Reed the drama adds to the story than detract from it.

The real draw of 'Ant Man', however, are the incredible special effects which take use of the hero's shrinking abilities. Every shrinking sequence is entertaining as hell, and the final battle with the villain, instead of destroying another city takes place inside the bedroom of a little girl, and it's executed with humour. There's little to complain about the film, aside from the 3D – so if you're in the mood for a good time at the cinema make sure you see the film in 2D only.

'Aisa Yeh Jahaan' - Movie Review

'Aisa Yeh Jahaan'

U/A; Drama

Director: Biswajeet Bora

Cast: Palash Sen, Ira Dubey, Prisha Dabbas, Kymsleen Kholie
Rating:

The makers describe it as India's first carbon neutral feature film. As the filming process ends up messing up places, the makers decided to plant hundreds of trees as compensation to qualify for the tag. Though it supports the 'save the environment' cause, it is also about Assam, which proves to be a visual delight. The message is clear — go plant trees, as many as you can, but at the end of this movie, you will want to plan a trip to Assam and buy those colourful, handwoven Mekhela chador, the local sari-like garb.

The characterisation is relatable, but at times the film appears to be a documentary

Doctor-turned-musician-turned-actor Palash Sen (remember his track 'Dhoom' and film 'Filhaal' over a decade ago?) is back on the scene after a hiatus. He plays an Assamese man who relocates from his village to Mumbai to be part of the rat race and pay EMIs. Accosted with heaps of blue plastic bags, mounds of filth and a concrete jungle, he misses his idyllic surroundings back home. But his ambitious wife (Ira Dubey) wants to lead the high life and earn big bucks to achieve her dream.

It's a story that any Mumbaikar can relate to. A couple which has moved here from elsewhere in the country trying to make both ends meet. Palash looks convincing and has not let his acting chops turn rusty.

Ira does a funny take, but it is the Assamese girl Kymsleen Kholie, who delivers a natural performance as their househelp. Yashpal Sharma is refreshing as a village bumpkin, a departure from the usual negative roles he essays. The characterisation is relatable, but at times the film appears to be a documentary. It drags on even as the comic touches to Ira's character is aimed at garnering chuckles to avoid the preachy mode.

Apart from the green cause, the film takes on the concerns of the people of the North East, parents pushing their tots into the glamour world and language barriers. Prisha, the angelic kid who plays Palash-Ira's child, knows more Hindi than Assamese, she wonders what her dad will give her every time she calls him Deta (father in Assamese), which translates as 'to give' in Hindi.

This film has been made with heart, but desperately tries to weave in the commercial elements when you have model Carol Gracias suddenly pop up in an item number. With two big guns ('Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Baahubali') still firing at the box office and another Cannes-acclaimed film, 'Masaan', trying to make an impact, this week, this go-green call seems as tough as the zero garbage mission.