‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ First Aired 40 Years Ago Today

via press release:

Sunday, September 19th. One of the most popular sitcoms in television history was first aired on this day 40 years ago — “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Over seven seasons and 168 episodes, the series combined good writing and casting to examine Mary’s struggle to function as a producer in what was then the man’s world of television news. The cast included Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner and Ted Knight. In the final episode, everyone in the newsroom except inept anchorman Ted Baxter is fired. Now, 38 1/2 percent of producers and directors are women, as well as 45 percent of reporters and correspondents, and over half of editors.

Sources: Chase’s Calendar of Events 2010, p. 471

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 603

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

HBO Bet A Lot of Money on ‘Boardwalk Empire’ – How Will Its Premiere Rate?

It’s true that the ratings don’t matter for HBO like they matter for the networks that sell advertising But HBO will be looking at the ratings for Boardwalk Empire and so will all the media covering TV. And both HBO and the media will be looking at that much more than they did for True Blood for a very simple reason: HBO spent a lot of money on Boardwalk Empire. With a pilot that cost between $18 million and $30 million* depending on how you talk to and a marketing budget of $10 million, it was a pretty big bet for HBO.

*This includes the expense of creating the boardwalk set which will wind up being amortized across all the episodes.

Months before the premiere HBO was out championing that it had better success selling Boardwalk Empire out of the gate than any other show in its history. That may matter more for Boardwalk Empire than it’s likely to matter for NBC’s The Event. FlashForward had wide international distribution and at least initially rated very well abroad, but we saw how that worked out.

But HBO isn’t ABC, and Boardwalk Empire isn’t FlashForward and while we in the U.S. haven’t shown a lot of love recently for period pieces, even well done period pieces on HBO (think Deadwood and Rome), the international audiences seem to eat them up. The Pillars of the Earth, which aired on Starz over the summer just premiered to an average audience of over 5 million people in Spain.

Keep in mind that True Blood didn’t always take a big bite out of the ratings. Sure, now it routinely averages over 5 million viewers and around a 3.0 rating with adults 18-49 in each episodes premiere telecast, but when it premiered in September 2008, the initial telecast of the premiere scored just 1.44 million viewers and a 0.7 rating with adults 18-49 in live plus same day DVR viewing.

I could just be imagining it, but given the big production expense and the big marketing expense, there has got to be me more pressure on Boardwalk Empire to perform well out of the gate. I’m still waiting to be convinced that the good old U.S. of A. is ready to embrace a period piece. I personally am a fan of them – I loved Rome and am a big Mad Men fan, but I’m well aware that my personal viewing doesn’t always correlate to the broader viewing community!

I’m betting Boardwalk Empire does OK in its premiere telecast (and HBO will be sure to include all the additional telecasts and DVR viewing when they add it all up). I’ll guess 3.5 million and a 2.0 rating for the premiere. I won’t be surprised if it does even better.

But I also won’t be surprised if Boardwalk Empire is exactly the opposite of True Blood. True Blood’s premiere garnered its worst ratings of the entire series. Boardwalk Empire may see its best numbers in its premiere.

It’s ‘Glee’ Against the Music When Britney Spears Guest-Stars on Tuesday, September 28

via press release:

IT’S “GLEE” AGAINST THE MUSIC

WHEN BRITNEY SPEARS GUEST-STARS ON THE HIT SERIES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, ON FOX

New Directions performs Britney Spears’ most iconic and memorable songs, including “Toxic,” “…Baby One More Time” and “Me Against The Music,” and the pop princess herself makes a special cameo appearance on an all-new, sure-to-be-fan-favorite episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Sept. 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

“Working on GLEE was an amazing experience,” said Spears. “The cast is so talented, and I really had an incredible time working with Ryan Murphy.”

In the “Britney/Brittany” episode, MR. SCHUESTER (Matthew Morrison) insists that the glee club perform adult contemporary music at the school assembly, but the kids have other plans. As New Directions mounts its campaign to perform Britney Spears’ greatest hits, they learn that their own BRITTANY (Heather Morris) has a connection to the famous performer. Meanwhile, Will meets EMMA’s (Jayma Mays) new love interest, DR. CARL (John Stamos), who sparks a rivalry between the two men as they vie for her attention.

The sophomore season of GLEE, the biting musical comedy that has quickly become a pop-culture phenomenon, kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), with the “Audition” season premiere episode. After a tough loss at Regionals, the glee club is back as the underdogs of McKinley High. When the school is faced with even more budget cuts, Mr. Schuester pushes the kids to help recruit new members for the club. RACHEL (Lea Michele) and FINN (Cory Monteith) disagree on new recruits, including SAM EVANS (newcomer Chord Overstreet) and SUNSHINE CORAZON (international pop star Charice), and aren’t sure they will be able to come together in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, Sue meets her match when she goes head-to-head with COACH BEISTE (Dot Marie Jones), the new head of the football team.

GLEE is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk, Brennan and Dante Di Loreto serve as executive producers. Become a fan of GLEE on Facebook at facebook.com/glee and follow the series on Twitter at twitter.com/gleeonfox.

Tuesday Cable: ‘Pretty Little Liars‘ Goes Over 3 Million in Finale + Covert Affairs, Warehouse 13, Teen Mom & More

Pretty Little Liars was up nearly 500,000 viewers to 3.07 million for its summer finale. Teens loved it, but it was crushed like a bug in the target of women 18-34 by MTV’s Teen Mom. Teen Mom also had over 3.2 million viewers.

After bouncing back to a 1.3 rating with adults 18-49 last week, White Collar fell to a 1.1 rating. Covert Affairsdipped slightly too, dropping from 5.33 million viewers and a 1.7 rating with adults 18-49 to 5.17 million viewers and a 1.6 A18-49 rating.

Warehouse 13 was steady, with nearly identical ratings as last week.

Tuesday Cable Ratings: ‘Covert Affairs’ Finale; ‘Warehouse 13,’ ‘Teen Mom,’ ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ & More

The double episode season finale of Covert Affairs fell from last week’s 1.6 adults 18-49 rating to a 1.3 (9pm) and a 1.4 (10pm), but was effectively flat in average viewers at 10pm.

MTV’s Teen Mom was again Tuesday’s star ratings-wise but slipped from a 2.3 rating with adults 18-49 last week to a 2.1 rating this week. It was also big with women 18-34 with a 4.7 rating.

The second episode of Sons Of Anarchy fell from a 2.1 adults 18-49 rating to a 1.8 rating this week, but its still the odds on favorite to lead all scripted cable shows this week in that demo.

Warehouse 13 scored a 0.9 adults 18-49 rating, up from a 0.8 rating last week. The show’s second season finale is next week.

Jersey Shore Tops Summer Cable Ratings, Followed By Burn Notice, Royal Pains & Covert Affairs

Not surprising to those following our overnight or weekly top 25 cable TV ratings, but MTV’s Jersey Shore lead the overall summer cable adults 18-49, and by a wide margin over runners up USA’s Burn Notice, Royal Pains andCovert Affairs.

Looking at live viewing plus seven days of DVR playback (L7), the Nielsen Company says the MTV reality show earned a 3.19 rating among 18-49 viewers. USA’s “Burn Notice,” “Royal Pains” and “Covert Affairs” were in second, third place and fourth place, with 2.37, 2.33, and 2.25 ratings, respectively.

via MediaPost

Note that those are Live+7 day ratings including all DVR viewing that Nielsen measures, not the Live+Same Day ratings (which measure DVR viewing until 3am after the airdate) you see almost every where on a regular basis.

That MediaPost article also has more seasonal cable show ratings that we don’t normally see (unlike broadcast primetime, where we see seasonal ratings averages for every show).

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Bipasha Basu’s controversial Twitter pic which raised the child labour issue

Bipasha Basu joined in the social networking site, Twitter, late but it seems that she has put her foot in trouble. She was accused of promoting child labour when she posted a pic of hers showing two little girls tying her shoe laces. The pic read, “I need to learn to tie shoe laces ASAP! Embarrassed that I can`t! No patience grrrrr! Promise I am not spoilt! Will learn soon”.
The pic immediately sparked extreme reactions. A follower of her wrote, “Bipasha should be arrested for this act. Only then these film studios will not do any child labour”. Another one posted:, “Disgraceful Bips - cannot believe you are dumb enough to add this photo on Twitter!”
Bipasha immediately deleted the pic from her Twitter page and wrote: “Well, the people helping me in the pics are my friend and sister, who I help often with the same! So am sorry if it hurt anyone’s sentiments!”
She later added, “About the pic, the pair of boots were a different pair so my sis and my friend were helping me and I thought it looked damn funny n took d pic as a joke!…A pic put 4 fun gets picked up by people as `child labour` is absolutely unbelievable. Just so that all get it right: neither of the two are children!…Also `child labour` is a serious issue that can`t be used in such a light connotation,” she wrote in a number of tweets.
“I wish that the ones who created such a furore n reacted immensely, actually do something worthy against child labour,” she wrote.

Kashmeera Shah to stun everyone with her topless calendar

She may have not gone atop with her filmi career but bold and sexy item girl Kashmeera Shah knows how to grab attention. The Marathi mulgi who has quite a few films to her credit like “Yes boss”, “Pyaar to hona hi tha”, “Murder”, “Vaastav”, and “Aankhen” has also done many reality shows like “Big Boss”, “Nach Baliye 3?, “Kabhi kabhii pyaar kabhi kabhii yaar”, and “Dil jeetegi desi girl”.
Kashmeera this time goes a step further and reveals that she has done topless photo shoots for an exclusive calendar to be launched on March 2011 This calendar, produced by Third Rock Entertainment, has been named ‘Kashessential’.
Kashmeera admits that she likes shocking people and is certain that every man will have her calendar in his bathroom. “Every guy will have my topless calendar in his bathroom,” said Kashmeera.

Is Depeka annoyed with the first look of ‘Dum Maro Dum’?

Since the time the title track of Rohan Sippy’s Dum Maro Dum picturized on Deepika Padukone came into conception, it has constantly generated controversies. First it was Dev Anand who accused the makers of not having contacted him about the rights of the song from his 1970s blockbuster Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Then, the Goan Government accused the song of portraying Goa as a place associated with drugs and mafia.
Now, the latest accusation comes from the leading lady of the movie, Bipasha Basu, who is apparently annoyed because the makers of the film have chosen Deepika grooving to the song for the first look of the film instead of Bips. Reports also have it that when Bipasha learnt about the poster she was not very happy and called Rohan Sippy who explained his promotional strategy to her.
Rohan Sippy explained, “Deepika is doing a title song of the film. On the teaser poster you can hardly recognise Deepika. It’s brand Dum Maaro Dum and Bipasha is the female lead of the film. But I guess that’s what happens with guest numbers and with iconic songs.”
when asked. Bipasha denied any controversy of any sort and said, “I was the first one to tweet about the first look of DMD because I loved it and am super excited about our film. Deepika is a super dancer and has done total justice to our song. There are no controversies here.”
Meanwhile you check out the stills from the song……….

Hollywood Calling for Udita Goswami?

Seems that Hollywood has become the rescue door for our failed Bollywood actresses, who could not taste success here even with their hot and steamy skin shows. First, it was our bold and sexy Mallika Sherawat and now, it is Udita Gswami who has spent a long stay in Los Angeles and has returned only recently. During the two months she spent in the US she has made a lot of friends and acquaintances and she sees a good prospect of shifting base to Los Angeles to start her sagged acting career afresh.
Udita explains that she could not make it in Bollywood because she does not own very Indian looks and feels that she has better prospects in international arena. To kick start her career there, Udita reportedly met Danny Boyle, Gerard Butler and Danzel Washington and also attended the Oscar festivities where she met the likes of Natalie Portman and Gillian Jacobs.
Her efforts do not end here. She has hired a manager, publicist and a lawyer in the US. She has also penned a story and is turning it into a script and screenplay.
“It’s a women centric film. It’s about a girl. I’m really not sure when the film would go on the floors. If it doesn’t work in Bollywood, I am surely giving it to Hollywood,” Udita says.
Dear Udita, all we have to say is that all you need is a little brushing up on your acting skills…. Rest all will follow!!

Bipasha Basu: No Weak Characters for Me!

Bipasha Basu is convinced that her fans don’t accept her in the role of a weak female character. That is the reason that she outlined why her followers trashed her work in ‘Aakrosh’. In that film, she plays the submissive wife of a corrupt police inspector of the rural heartlands. The film bombed and now we have Bips playing a role that epitomizes the modern liberated woman that she is in real life. Her upcoming film ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ with Abhishek Bachchan has Bipasha playing the character of Zoey.
At a media function, Bipasha stated that Zoey was a cool and hip girl in Goa who wanted to be an airhostess. The character had all the spunk that she was looking for in her comeback film of sorts. The film itself is set against the backdrop of the drug mafia in Goa’s underbelly. The film has an ensemble cast that includes the current toast of Bollywood, Prateik Babbar. Bips, however, clarified that the makers of the film didn’t want to portray Goa as an expanded smuggler’s den. She feels that the vitality of Goa goes with the plot and the characters. That is why the director felt that Goa is where they will shoot.
As obvious, Bipasha Basu was all praise for director Rohan Sippy. Calling him a Goan at heart, Bips admitted that she bullied the director once in a while, though he always got the upper hand because he was very sure of his script and what he wanted from the actors. Insiders tell us that Bipasha is paired opposite Southern heartthrob Rana Daggubati. On the sides, let’s tell you an inside scoop. Bipasha’s famed friendship with Abhishek got dented when the Junior B passed an off-color comment about her beau John Abraham. Bips felt hurt because he cracked a joke too many. As it is, the relationship between her and John seems very strained. There are some definite cold vibes between Abhishek and Bipasha now. Poor AB, nothing is working for him!

Playboy cover girl, Candice Boucher, to step into Bollywood

Well, this is for the first time that a Playboy Covergirl will step into Bollywood. Talking about South African beauty, Candice Boucher, who appeared on the covers of ‘Playboy’ April 2010 issue, the girl will be making her debut as a sand artist in director Prashant Chadha’s ‘Aazaan’. Chadha had made his directorial debut with the Himesh Reshammiyaa-starrer ‘Aap Ka Surroor’
The film will have the South African bombshell paired opposite yet another debutant Sachiin Joshi. Sachiin may be yet to make his debut but he does have strong Bollywood connections.
‘Aazaan’ is an international espionage film about an informant who has to go undercover beyond enemy lines to save the nation from destruction by biological warfare.
“I never imagined myself in a Bollywood film but now I’m looking forward to its premiere. I love your country and I want to see a lot of India,” Candice said.
“While scripting the film, I felt that Candice would make the perfect mystery miss. Given that she’s a Playboy covergirl, the instant connect is, ‘She must be hot.’ She is but there’s also a certain vulnerability that makes her more appealing,” said Chadha, who is all praises for this hot body.

Deepika Padukone on two magazine covers for March 2011

Deepika Padukone is certainly the flavour of the season, given her sizzling item number in ‘Dum Maro Dum’ and also her alleged affair with Siddhartha Mallya. No wonder, she graces the covers of two fashion magazines this month. She flaunts her curves in pink hue on the covers of Vogue India March 2011.
She also graces the covers of Firdous Summer Magazine 2011. Her photoshoot for Firdous Textile Summer Carnival Magazine 2011 has her posed in different colors and fabric designs.
Check out Deepika Padukone in Firdous and Vogue……..

Sabyasachi wants Rani Mukherjee & Vidya Balan for his directorial venture

Having designed costumes for movies like Black (2005), Baabul (2006) , Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), Paa (2009), Raavan (2010) and Guzaarish (2010), apart from his line of clothing under his brand name, Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a name well-known in the tinsel town. Now, the designer has decided to step into some real action by stepping into the field of direction as he finishes with the script.
Mukherjee says, “I have completed my script with all the finishing touches. And I am very satisfied with the outcome. The only problem is that I have been too busy with my other fashion-related assignments to take up the film.
Whenever I decide to start filming, I will approach Vidya and Rani for the parts. And fortunately, I share very special equations with both of them. And I know I can always bank on their support. We understand each others’ sensibilities very well.”
Mukherjee is at present busy with quite a few fashion shows including the finale at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi. He says, “You can understand what my state of mind will be right now. I am running around trying to come up with impressive and different collections for both the fashion weeks.”

Preeti Desai gets intimate with Sendhil on-screen for ‘Shor- In the City’

Former Ms. Great Britain, Preeti Desai, who is also known as Abhay Deol’s girlfriend, is making her debut in Bollywood with Balaji’s forthcoming comedy, SHOR - IN THE CITY. Preeti is former Miss Britain and she has given an elaborate and intimate love-making scene with the American-Asian sensation, Sendhil Ramamurthy. Sendhil is known more for Heroes, Covert Affairs, and others and his steamy on-screen scenes with Dania Ramirez in the third season of Heroes had created stirs in Hollywood.
Though the festival cut of the flick has won numerous accolades at leading film festivals in New York, Pusan, and Dubai, but Preeti is worried about the hotness of the scene. The scene, which had been re-shot by the director for the lack of passion in it has now come out impressive and is likely to be retained in the final version of the film, which releases on April 28.
When contacted Tanuj Garg, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, says, “There is a romantic scene between the two in the film, which is very aesthetic and integral to the narrative.”
However when we asked about Desai’s request to tone down the intimate scene, Garg simply tells us, “Preeti is a through professional.”
Complete star cast of Shor in the City includes Tusshar Kapoor, Alok Chaturvedi, Sudhir Chowdhary, Pitabash Tripathy, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Nikhil Dwivedi, Radhika APte and Preeti Desai. Movie is directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna Dk who are also the producers of Shor in the City.

Rakhi Sawant dances to Mika Singh’s tunes

There is hardly any gossip column which did not go red when Mika Singh and Rakhi Sawant’s kiss controversy struck the limelight. Now, the two have buried their hatchet and Rakhi is doing an item song sung by Mika in her forthcoming flick ‘Qasam Se Qasam Se’. On a recent episode of her comedy show ‘Comedy Circus’, Rakhi Sawant hugged Mika Singh, who had come there as a celebrity judge and publicly declared that they are friends again.
The flick has Rakhi playing a teacher in the film named Delnaz Doodhwala who is born and brought up abroad. She is a sex education teacher in the film and the item song goes something like ‘ Bolne Mein Kya Jaata Hain’. the film is directed by debutante Ashfaque Makrani and will mark the debut of Azim & Faith. In the item song Azim and his gang is trying to grab Rakhi’s attention.

Bipasha Basu at the launch of Tommy Hilfiger Footwear

Post her Twitter controversy where Bipasha Basu sparked child labour issues when she posted the pic of two little girls tying her shoe lace, Bipasha Basu chose to stay away from public forums and events for quite sometime. However, after a long silence, ironically, she made an appearance for the launch of a footwear brand. She looked bright and vibrant in her floral printed dress at the launch of Tommy Hilfiger Footwear and that too sans her beau John Abraham.
It may be mentioned here that following the footsteps of stars like Big B and Shahrukh Khan who chose to stay from Twitter after some bitter controversies, Bips too has taken the same decision and has abandoned the site. Check out Bipasha looking her gorgeous self at the event………….

Vidya Balan to take legal action against her fake bikini picture

Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi Sinha have earlier been victims of the harassment caused when their morphed pictures went round internet. A few days back, Vidya Balan was shocked to see her morphed bikini clad picture on a website. Though, now it has been clear that the picture was morphed, Vidya has decided not to sit back. The concerned magazine (on whose cover she has apparently been morphed) has been contacted and they have clarified that they have nothing to do with it.
So, Vidya has decided to go ahead with a legal suit if the culprit (who’s behind creating the picture) is pin-pointed or a re-run of such an incident occurs. “She is not going to sit tight if such a thing happens again. We are exploring legal options to stop this malice against actresses of Bollywood,” her spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Vidya is busy these days with Milan Luthria’s ‘Dirty Picture’ which has Vidya playing a role that’s in sharp contrast to her own image. It is on the life of Silk Smitha, the voluptuous bombshell who rose to fame in the 1980s but died a lonely death after financial crisis, heartbreak, and dependency on alcohol.
“It gives me a chance to portray a real life character, Silk Smitha, a person I don’t really understand and that is an exciting thing for me as an actor. That is a challenge, to portray that person with whom you don’t identify at all,” Vidya said on the opening day of the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne.

Sonakshi Sinha is the new face of ‘Fem’

There is no denying the fact that Sonakshi Sinha is perhaps the most promising new face in Bollywood this year. No wonder, she has become the most sought after name in the endorsement world.
So, now we have the Cosmetic brand Fem Fairness Bleach appoint Sonakshi Sinha as the brand ambassador of their product, ‘Fem’, which has been recently acquired by Dabur India. It may be mentioned here that Sonakshi has also been appointed as the brand ambassador for beauty soap ‘Dyna’ replacing Katrina Kaif.
“As a consumer, I have been associated with Dabur for years now. So, it gives me great pleasure to be associated with a large beauty brand with a stature of Fem and be the face for the brand,” said Sonakshi.
In her filmi career, Sonakshi is busy these days with Shirish Kunder’s “Joker” along with Akshay Kumar, an untitled film with Kamal Haasan, Race-2 with Saif Ali Khan, Dabangg-2 and Kick with Salman Khan.

Bollywood stars at Lakme Fashion Week 2011

The most awaited event of the fashion world has already kick started. Talking about Lakme Fashion Week 2011, which is currently on in Mumbai until March 15, Bollywood was present with all its glamour and glitter. On the ramp was Geeta Basara displaying a creation designed by Chaitanya Rao on the first day of the Summer Resort 2011 Lakme Fashion Week. Riya Sen walked the ramp in white for designer Arpan Vohra. Tusshar Kapoor along with his co-star from the movie Shor In The City, Preeti Desai, walked the ramp for designer Sabbah Sharma. Also present for the event were stars Like Kareena Kapoor, Sameera Reddy, Amrita Arora and Sophie Choudhary. Check out some of the snap shots from the event…….

Shakira to shake for a music video with SRK

IPL tournament is at hand and SRK is leaving no stones unturned to revv up the spirit of his Kolkata Knight Riders which could not prove their might in the three IPL tournaments held so far. However, SRK is high in his spirits and to give a kick to the energy and spirits of the team, he has roped in Latino singer Shakira to feature alongside him in a music video for KKR. The song has been composed by Salim-Suleiman and rendered by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
SRK bonded with Shakira during FIFA World Cup in South Africa last year. SRK has also tied up with Hollywood film-maker Martin Scorsese for a movie that will also star Leonardo DiCaprio.
Well, what Saurabh Ganguly could not do for KKR, we hope that Shakira’s shake does it!!

Get ready for Ra One’s video game

When it comes to promoting his projects, Shahrukh Khan believes in taking a step further. He is leaving no stones unturned to create the curiosity for his forthcoming ambitious project ‘Ra.One’. A game, based on the Play station format, is being created in Los Angeles, which will have two main characters as Ra.One and G.one. This fight game will also have other fighters too.
The game has been conceptualized by SRK himself who is taking keen interest in the development of the video game. The game has something unique for every age group at home. It will be available at many outlets even before the film hits the theatres. Shah Rukh has also ensured that Arjun’s and his characters in the game will have not only the same look but also the same weapons, which their characters carry in the film. The flick seems to be a hit even before it hits the screen!!

Sonakshi Sinha has no problem with older co-stars

Sonakshi Sinha may just be 23, but is mature enough to take the challenge of playing the wife to Kamal Hassan who happens to be 33 years senior to her in Tamil-Telugu director Selvaraghavan’s film.
‘Yes, I’m playing Kamal Haasan’s wife in Selvaraghavan’s film. Why should that be a problem?
Once you are in front of the camera, your age should not matter. I never felt like a child while working with Salman Khan (who is 45) in ‘Dabangg’ and now with Akshay Kumar in ‘Joker’. I will be respectful but an equal on the sets with Mr. Kamal Haasan,’ explains the confident new comer.
‘In real life, age makes no difference in a marriage. On screen too your biological age is of no consequence. I’ve been acknowledged for being different from my female colleagues. Let me enjoy this difference,’ she adds further.
The actress has already started her preparations for the role. To begin with, she has asked the entire crew of Shirish Kunder’s ‘Joker’ in Chandigarh to stop treating her like a child. ‘I’m not letting them treat me with kid’s gloves. I’ve made it very clear that Akshay, Shirish, Farah Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Sanjay Mishra and the entire team are my friends. It’s the only way to work,’ she said.
She is not only taking help from her father to learn Tamil and Telugu, but also intends to watch Kamal Haasan’s film ‘Hey Rama’ where the actor was married to Vasundhara Das, at least 25 years his junior.

Priyanka Chopra has a handful of projects in her kitty

Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Saat Khoon Maaf’ could not get the cash registers ringing at the box office. However, her performance has been appreciated by all. Her next release would be ‘Don 2’ which still has months to go before it hits the screens, but the actress does not mind the waiting period and had taken a holiday abroad after the release of ‘Saat Khoon Maaf’ to give a break to her grueling schedules. It may be recalled here that in the year 2008 she had six mega releases all lined up one after another namely, Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku, Drona, Fashion, and Dostana.
“People do ask me that since there is such a wide gap between ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ and ‘Don 2′ (which would release on Christmas this year), is a long waiting period hovering in my mind? Well, the answer is ‘not at all’. It is okay because sometimes one full year gone by when you have absolutely no releases in a year. This way I am at least starting and ending a year with a film of mine,” smiles Priyanka.
“In any case as an actor you can’t really plan your releases. Sometimes it is too little, at times too much,” she adds.
At present, Priyanka is busy with the shoot of a couple of films, all of which are promising enough. “Shooting of ‘Agneepath’ (co-starring Hrithik Roshan) has already started. Soon I would be kick starting ‘Barfee’ (with Ranbir Kapoor) which would be followed by ‘Krrish 2′ (with Hrithik again) in September. That should be some exciting work for an entire year. Then I can sit back and see each of these films release one after another,” smiles Priyanka.

Yet another Hollywood project for Freida Pinto

First Woody Allen, then Julian Schnabel, closely followed by Tarsem Singh and now the 26 year old ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ star Freida Pinto is all set to play the tragic Tess in Michael Winterbottom’s contemporary Indian version of the Thomas Hardy classic ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’. The book itself has been adapted numerous times before, one of which was the 1979 Roman Polanski-directed film Tess starring Natassia Kinski
Freida will star alongside Riz Ahmed (Four Lions) in an Indian version of Thomas Hardy‘s novel, to be directed by Michael Winterbottom. The title is TRISHNA, about “a wealthy property developer who falls for the daughter of an auto rickshaw driver.”
This is the third time Winterbottom has gone for Hardy’s adaptations, the two previous ones being 1996?s Jude starring Kate Winslet, and then 2000?s The Claim. The movie starts its shoot in India in March. Winterbottom has already shot ‘A Mighty Heart’ in India.

Salman Khan seeking solace in Somy Ali’s arms?

Well, this is some news Pals!! Salman Khan’s fallout with Katrina Kaif is an old one by now. What is new is that Salman Khan finds a shoulder in his ex-girlfriend and small time actress Somy Ali.
Somy joined Salman during the last leg of the shoot of his forthcoming ‘Ready’ and the inside reports have it that the two spent quite a lot of time with each other. They not only went shopping together, but Salman was also seen acting very protective towards her. She did not come on the sets but he was with her all the time after the shoot.
The love birds stayed at the luxurious Hotel Landmark, while the rest of the crew stayed at Hotel Sukumvit, in Bangkok.
Salman and Somy had broken up long back but the two have always remained friends.  Whenever Salman goes to US, he makes it a point to meet her. It is also said that Salman gets very angry to hear anything against Somy. So, do we have Salman and Somy here as once love birds, then just friends and now love birds again??

Sunny Deol and Kangana Ranaut team up for the first time

Sunny Deol’s last delivery ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ was a moderate success in box-office and so was Kangana Ranaut’s recent release ‘Tanu Weds Manu’. Now, the two actors come together for the first time as the lead pair of T-series production ‘Happy New Year’ which has already commenced its shooting. The movie is being directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru and produced by Bhushan Kumar. Radhika and Vinay had directed Salman Khan’s ‘Lucky- No Time for Love’ which had bombed at the box-office.
Besides, south Indian actor Madhavan is also playing an important role in it. The film, which will be an out and out romantic one, will also be shot in Chicago.

First Look of Emraan and Jacqueline in ‘Murder 2′

Former beauty queen Jacqueline Fernandez who already won the label of Miss Sri Lanka Universe in 2006 made her debut in Bollywood with ‘Aladin’ in 2009. She could not make her presence felt with her debut but is now surely creating ripples with her boldness and uninhibited skin show in Mohit Suri’s ‘Murder 2’ where she made an entry replacing Mallika Sherawat. Reports suggest that the 25-year-old Sri Lankan beauty will be doing some very intimate scenes with Emraan in the film and will soon make us forget the sizzling Mallika in ‘Murder’. The thriller is being directed by Mahesh Bhatt and is set to hit the screens on July 8, 2011.
Check out the first look of the film and decide its hotness quotient for yourself……..

Hrithik, Katrina, Farhan and Abhay play Holi with tomatoes!!

Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif may not have celebrated Holi with colors this year, but the two definitely enjoyed the spirit of the festival, with a difference though. The two were in Spain shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Zindagi Mile Na Dobara’ and shot for an elaborate sequence based on the Tomatina Fesitval of Spain.
The scene was filmed in a town in Valencia, Spain. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly ordered 16 tons of tomatoes from neighbouring Portugal for the sequence and Hrithik and Katrina, along with co-stars Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol hurled ripened tomatoes at each other.
People from the town of Bunyol also took part in the shoot which took place on the actual time of the tomatina festival but since the shoot could not be completed in one day, this year Bunyol celebrated Tomatina for two days.
Check out the cast of ‘Zindagi Mile Na Dobara’ playing holi with tomatoes for the shoot of the film.

Veena Malik: ‘Marriage is like death’

It was only after her sleazy acts with her co-inmate Ashmit Patel in ‘Big Boss 4’ house, did Pakistani actress Veena Malik became a known name in India. So, now the Paksitani actress is planning to shift her base to Mumbai and with a preface to her plans, Veena has been seen at almost all the Bollywood parties and events.
Veena said, “Considering I`ve six homes in Pakistan, I think one in Mumbai is only fair. I need a big home, at least one extra room for my shoes and clothes.”
About her lover Ashmit, Veena says that though they are more than just friends, they are not ready for commitment as yet. Ashmit had also thrown a lavish birthday party for Veena. Veena has also met Ashmit’s parents and partied hard with his sister Ameesha Patel.
“It`s difficult to answer right now. Marriage is like death. You never know when it strikes. It`s really early to consider a life together. What exists between Ashmit and me is special. His is the most dialed number on my phone. In many ways, yes, I love him,” explains the sexy actress.
Going by the way, Bollywood actors fall in and out of love, how long the romance lasts between them, it is for us to wait and watch………….

Katrina Kaif looks gorgeous at STV launch

Gossip columns had been abuzz of late that Katrina Kaif would be shooting a dance number with her ex-flame Salman Khan in the upcoming film Joker which stars Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha. Being directed by Shirish Kunder, there were talks that Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan would be making a special appearance together in this flick. Both Kaif and Salman share a very close relationship with Farah Khan, Shirish’s wife. However, Katrina has refused to shoot any dance number with Sallu Bhai as both have parted ways now. Whether the two long time love birds will flock together once again in days to come, only time can tell. Meanwhile, you enjoy the still from Katrina Kaif looking gorgeous as ever at the launch of STV channel in Orissa.

Check out Mallika Sherawat as Jalebi Bai in ‘Double Dhamaal’

Last year, ‘Munni’ and ‘Sheila’ took the item numbers to a new height in Bollywood. As such it does not come as a surprise when every Bollywood beauty now wants to shake a leg on some raunchy number. Mallika Sherawat, who has already proved her excellence in item songs with ‘Maiya Maiya’ is all set to be seen sizzling in two item numbers shortly.
After the raunchy item song ‘Razia Gundo Mein Phas Gayi’ in the upcoming comedy ‘Thank You’, Mallika further dons on a ghaghra and skimpiest choli for a desi-themed item song in director Indra Kumar’s comedy film ‘Double Dhamaal’ in which she is also the leading lady.
The four day schedule of this song titled ‘Jalebi Bai’ was shot at Mehboob Studios, where a lavish set of a casino was created to give the song the right look and feel. The song has been choreographed by ace dance master Ganesh Acharya and music is by Anand Raj Anand. The movie is slated to hit theatres this June. Double Dhamaal stars Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Aashish Choudhary.

Shy Imran Khan gets seduced by sexy Soniya Mehra in a bathroom cubicle!!

Imran Khan was in a fix when he had to shoot a scene in which he was to be seduced by his co-star Soniya Mehra in a bathroom cubicle for Shakun Batra’s ‘Short Term Shaadi’. This was Imran’s first scene of its kind and it took some convincing and explanation from producer Karan Johar and director Batra to prepare him for the scene which was shot on sets.
In the film, Imran plays an obsessive-compulsive architect who wants everything in perfection. In this particular scene, Imran and Soniya’s character meet on a date and Soniya, wearing a short outfit, follows him to the men’s loo, even into the cubicle he is in. She pushes him against the wall, trying to undress him, licking and kissing him at the same time. However, the more she tries to get it on, the more he freaks out. Finally, he turns on the shower, aiming it at her. A drenched Soniya looks at him, stunned.
Thus, the scene which starts with a naughty mood takes a comical ending!!

Sonakshi Sinha is the new face for Provogue Women Wear

Sonakshi Sinha looked gorgeous and trendy in a pin stripe blue shirt and Grey shorts at the event to announce her as the new face of Provogue Women Wear, at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri, Mumbai on Tuesday. Her male counterpart is Hrithik Roshan.
Provogue has always chosen the most happening Bollywood stars as its brand ambassador right from such as Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Fardeen Khan, to Katrina Kaif and Esha Deol. In a recent interview Sonakshi said, “Having to represent a women’s wear brand where the male counterpart is a Hritik Roshan, especially at this point of my career is fantastic. I’m happy to be the Brand Ambassador of Provogue as I believe I can bring to the brand what they’re looking for – confidence, youth & spunk”.
Sonakshi looked young and vibrant with her button down dress shirt with full sleeves that she had folded to her elbows. The pleated short had folded cuffs. She accessorized with Grey print heels with rosette top, slim black leather belt with brass buckle, oversized hoop earrings, and Ray Ban aviator sunglasses. Check out Sonakshi Sinha as the style diva at the event……………….

Vidya Balan urges people to save environment at the ‘World Earth Hour’

Last year it was Abhishek Bachchan and this year, it is the Bollywood actress Vidya Balan who has been chosen as the brand ambassador of WWF’s ‘World Earth Hour 2011’.
This year the ‘World Earth Hour’ aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments, world-wide are taking to reduce their environmental impact and will be celebrated on 26th March, Saturday at 8.30 p.m.
“I am delighted to be part of Earth Hour and support the cause of climate change. WWF’s Earth Hour has created awareness on this important issue. It is inspiring to see how just by switching off lights for an hour we can support this cause,” said Vidya looking gorgeous in a multi-color suit for the event.

Fears for Victoria's Secret model: Candice Swanepoel's shocking weight loss at swimwear photoshoot Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371705/Fears-Candice-Swanepoel-Victorias-Secret-model-displays-alarming-weight-loss.html#ixzz1ICKlgK5G

Lingerie firm Victoria's Secret was once famous for choosing 'curvy' models to advertise their swimwear.
But when the firm unveiled their latest swimwear range onlookers were shocked when model Candice Swanepoel revealed her alarmingly thin figure.

The 22-year-old appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight as she modelled the lingerie line's new range of swimwear at The Mondrian hotel in Los Angeles.

Frightening: Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel shocked onlookers today as she revealed her alarmingly thin figure whilst modelling the lingerie line's new range of swimwear, alongside Alessadra Ambrosio, left, and Adriana Lima, right

Unrecognisable: Candice's appearance today, left, was a far cry from when she fronted the company's Valentine's Day campaign in matching red lingerie, which was released in January this year

Standing alongside models Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, she stood out from her fellow Angels with her pencil thin legs and concaved stomach. 
She also appeared noticeably slimmer around the jawline.
While Adriana and Alessandra looked slender in their black swimsuits, Candice looked almost emaciated next to the two girls.

What a change: the girls are a far cry from the models who once advertised the brand, including Heidi Klum

Odd one out: Standing alongside fellow Angels Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, she stood out with her pencil thin legs and concaved stomach

While 29-year-old Adriana, who gave birth eighteen months ago to her daughter Valentina, showed no sign of carrying any extra baby weight, she looked a much healthier weight than Candice.
Even Alessandra who is known for her slender frame looked larger next to the blonde South African.
Candice's appearance was a far-cry from when she fronted up the company's Valentine's Day campaign - which was released in January this year.

In a two-piece raspberry bra set, her sexy curves were clearly on display.

Healthier: The lingerie line has had a long-line of beauties that have endorsed a healthy model figure that boasts ample cleavage, fuller legs and backsides, including legendary supermodels, from left, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks

In her modelling card by agency IMG, her statistics are given as 33-23-34 and a US dress size 8 (UK size 12).
Candice is fast becoming one of the most popular Victoria's Secret models and had landed the cover of the Victoria's Secret Swim 2011 Catalogue.

Slim: Alessandra Ambrosio has also come under fire for being too thin

In recent years, the company has been criticised from shifting away from the curvy models that made the brand so famous in favour of super-slim girls.

The lingerie line has had a long-line of beauties who have endorsed a healthy model figure that boasts ample cleavage and fuller legs and backsides, unlike most fashion models.

Legendary supermodels Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks have all walked the catwalk for Victoria's Secret.

 

More...

• Red-faced Gisele Bundchen shows even supermodels have to work hard to stay in shape
• Nevermind Victoria what is Miranda's secret? Model Kerr joins fellow Angels showing off her amazing post-baby figure

The company have already come under fire after a 2010 shoot in St. Barts revealed a strikingly skinny Alessandra Ambrosio modelling the label's swimwear.

With her pelvic bones and ribs protruding just a year and half after having her baby Anja, she looked childlike next to two plus size models.
But Alessandra believes she is more on the  curvy side and even once told the Daily Mail: 'I'm very lucky to work for a brand that wants women to be healthy. You need to be able to fill out the bra and the panties, so yes, I'm a curvier girl.'
Victoria’s Secret has gone from strength to strength since launching in 1977.

Though the brand is not currently widely available throughout Britain, the lingerie masters have big plans in place for the first UK flagship store to open next year on London’s New Bond Street.