*Los Angeles:* "Modern Family" star Rico Rodriguez's father, Roy Rodriguez, has died at the age of 52.The actor took to Instagram to share a sweet picture with his late father, who passed away suddenly on March 12, and called Roy, 52, "a super hero".
"This has been the toughest week of my life. My Dad was the most kind hearted, loving, hard working, determined, and funny man I have ever known. He was like a super hero, he had the ability to get the best out of you day in and day out. I'm gonna miss your hugs.
"I'm gonna miss your advice. I'm gonna miss your smile, and I'm gonna miss your laugh. I know you're looking down at us right now giving us the green light to move forward. I miss you Daddy. I'll love you forever - Your youngest (sic)."
Rico's co-star Sofia Vergara replied to his post with a message saying: "I love you."
Rico's actress sister Raini, 23, also took to Instagram to remember their father.
She wrote, "You have officially been gone one week daddy and while it has been really difficult, we are all still standing tall and I know it's because you are sending us strength and guidance all the way from heaven. My daddy was the greatest man in my life.
"His work ethic and sense of humor were two of his greatest characteristics, both of which he shared with me. He has taught me so many life lessons and inspired me constantly to follow my dreams. I know you will continue to shine down on me, momma, Rico, Ray, Poppi and baby and we will be ok! I promise to make you proud daddy. I will love and miss you forever. - Your one and only baby girl (sic)."
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*Los Angeles:* Actress Scarlett Johansson says she agreed to star in sci-fi crime drama film "The Ghost in the Shell" after consulting her therapist.
"I'd had my daughter a couple of months before and it just seemed like an enormous undertaking. But something about it was enigmatic and I sat on it and discussed it in therapy. It was on my mind," Johansson told Event magazine.
The actress has faced a backlash for her casting as the iconic character, and though she says she cares about people's opinions, she believes anyone could have played the part because her character The Major is "identity-less", reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Asked if she cares what people think, she said: "Well, of course. But this question is answered in the film. I'm playing a person that is completely identity-less. She is a human brain in a synthetic robot body."
The "Avengers" actress said she doesn't mind being given tight costumes in her action roles as it's just the same for men.
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Sohail Khan has revealed that brother-in-law Aayush Sharma has been receiving several offers for his Bollywood debut.
Responding to questions on when the Khan-daan will launch him in Hindi films, the actor-producer told PTI, "He [Aayush] is getting a lot of good offers. So, he doesn't need us. He will not come in films until he is ready. He might get somebody bigger (than us) for his debut."
Aayush married the actor-producer's younger sister, Arpita, in November 2015. The couple was blessed with a baby boy, Ahil, in March last year.
He has been learning the ropes of acting by accompanying Salman to the set of some of his films, including Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Bajrangi Bhaijaan (both 2015) and Sultan (2016). "It's too early for Aayush [to do films]. Now, he has just started training," Sohail added.
According to certain reports in the past, Salman was planning to introduce Aayush as an actor in the remake of Telugu blockbuster Pellichoopulu. He was then rumoured to be doing a film with Kabir Khan. However, nothing has worked out so far.
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Bollywood actress Dia Mirza says she believes in the concept of sustainable fashion and feels emphasis needs to be laid on reuse and recycle of products as a matter of respect towards nature.
Swedish fashion retail giant H&M, along with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) hosted a preview to introduce the new Conscious Exclusive collection of the brand at the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) where Dia was invited as the special guest.
The event also highlighted the brand's efforts towards sustainable fashion and its ongoing initiative which urges customers to join in the movement for a circular fashion future.
Talking about her love for sustainable fashion, Dia told IANS: "I am huge champion of nature and this line of H&M reflects my personal ethos... I think it's important to pay attention on how one can reuse and recycle for sustainable fashion."
Dia was seen wearing a sheer, feminine tulle gown, created with 100 per cent recycled polyester from the H&M Conscious collection.
The actress says that even when she is away from cameras, she prefers to opt for clothes that are sustainable.
"The only thing I am concerned about is being comfortable, and if I am dressed appropriately for the occasion, I take great pride in that. My stylist is always looking out for putting me in clothes that are sustainable, so we celebrate fabrics and also opt for designers who choose to make clothes from hand woven and organic materials.
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Raees actress Mahira Khan took to social media to share a picture with Humsafar co-star Fawad Khan (second from left), and the Ho Mann Jahaan team.
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He shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in last year's gritty drama "Pink" and Angad Bedi says he is craving to work with the megastar again in another project.
The courtroom drama, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and produced by Shoojit Sircar, also starred Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang and Piyush Mishra.
The film received wide acclaim for handling the issue of crime against women, besides earning accolades for its cast.
"Life post 'Pink has been great. I have no complaint. I have worked very hard to be where I am. I hope God gives me enough power to carry forward. My childhood dream was to work
with Mr Bachchan and 'Pink' fulfilled that. I want to do another film with him. Hopefully that also happens," Angad told PTI.
"I want to work with Shoojit again. The character he gave me to play was very difficult and not my personality but he had faith in me that I could pull it off."
Angad will be next seen in a web-series "Powerplay" alongside Richa Chadha.
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*Mumbai:* Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, who believes the digital view of a film is the future, says the style and treatment of visual storytelling will change with time, keeping the medium in mind.
Motwane, known for directing movies like "Udaan", "Lootera" and "Trapped", told IANS here: "Digital is the future when it comes to watching films. People find it very convenient to watch a film on a laptop or mobile phone.
"Therefore, as a visual storyteller, we also have to think about frames according to the medium. We might have to focus on the character and close-ups rather than long shots, for example. Having said that, I personally prefer the experience of watching film on a big screen." While the audience is becoming mature enough to celebrate independent cinema in India, it is not translating at the box office.
Analysing the reason behind the situation, Motwane said: "The good thing about multiplexes is that audiences have a choice to watch from a blockbuster and indie film. However, the ticket prices are high... So while competing with a big budget film, an independent film will always suffer.
"An indie film will die out of a theatre in one week. Perhaps, that's why word-of-mouth works as best publicity tool for indie cinema. So, we need more theatres."
He may be a believer in the power of the digital medium, but Motwane says the reach of a film and its business are two different factors. "A film reaches its audience also from a digital platform, but as a filmmaker, when I am releasing a film theatrically, I want people to come to theatre to watch the film," he said.
Having made his debut as a film director with "Udaan", the story of a young small town boy in 2010, it is interesting to notice how his third film "Trapped" also revolves around the survival story of a young man stuck in an apartment of a high-rise.
Asked if he likes single character-driven stories, Motwane said: "I think I always like these kind of stories revolving around one character in different situations. As a creative person, it gives me a challenge to keep the audience engaged in the story." Actor Rajkummar Rao, who plays the central character in "Trapped", went through tough preparation for his role.
Asked if he is a tough task master as a director, Motwane said: "No, nothing like that. He had to lose weight according to the demand of the situation of the story. Therefore, when I narrated it to Rajkummar, he knew it from the beginning that it is going to be a tough one.
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Praising women for their sixth sense, Akshay Kumar says they are best spies in the world and all husbands would agree with him.
The 49-year-old actor, who will be seen in a cameo in the upcoming spy action film, "Naam Shabana" with Taapsee Pannu in the lead, says women are blessed with this extra capability.
"According to international agencies like the CIA or Mossad, women are the best spies in the world. You can even ask any husband and no, this is not a joke, it is a fact.
"We men are very good with gadgets. But women have an inbuilt antenna in them. Taapsee has it too. I don't know how they do it but they find out things in a snap. It is the best kept secret," Akshay told reporters here.
The "Jolly LLB 2" actor quips that this movie also sends a message to husbands to "not pick up fights with them as they get to know everything".
Akshay will reprise his role as Ajay Singh Rajput in the Shivam Nair film, which is the spin-off of the 2015 film "Baby".
The actor says Shabana was picked up for the spin-off because out of all the "Baby" characters, her background story was the most interesting.
The actor says this is a one-of-a-kind film because for the first time the audiences will get to know the making of a spy.
"Till today whatever spy films have been made in India, the making of a a spy has not been shown. We always show them as if they were born-spies. 'Naam Shabana' is all about that," says Akshay, who is also a co-producer of the movie.
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Stand-up comic Sunil Grover has made up his mind to quit The Kapil Sharma Show following an alleged mid-air fight with Kapil recently, sources close to him said. Sunil, who is the mainstay of the comedy skit and talk show, plays several characters including Dr Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Devi. Sources say he will hold a discussion with the producers before taking the step.
The show's producer, incidentally, happens to be Kapil's company, even as it currently airs on television channel, Sony. A source says, "Sunil is numbed by the way Kapil assaulted him during a flight from Melbourne, where they did a stage show. He was merely trying to calm down Kapil, who was drunk and hurling abuses at another team member, Chandan (Prabhakar)."
Kapil allegedly also took a swipe at a comedy show that Sunil had launched after parting ways with him after their first fall-out in 2014. "A female passenger asked Kapil to keep quiet, so Sunil told him, 'Paaji tussi gaali mat do'. But, he got provoked and started abusing him. Sunil also got angry and stood up, but the other members stopped him. He then walked to the economy class where Kapil chased and hit him," adds the source.
Kapil even hurled abuses at colleagues Ali Asgar aka Naani and Kiku Sharda aka Bumper Lottery, calling them "per day artistes" or daily wage earners, the source claims. He even threatened to end their acts on his show. While Ali was not available for comment, Kiku denied any such abuse meted out to him. He labelled Kapil "a sweet guy", but refused to comment on Sunil's episode.
Meanwhile, industry insiders feel Kapil was expecting the alleged incident to be reported and decided to divert attention by posting a photo of his 'girlfriend' Ginni Chatrath on social media. "Will not say she is my better half; she completes me. Love u Ginni. Please welcome her. I love her so much (sic)," read his tweet.*Also read...*
*Sunil Grover to quit 'The Kapil Sharma Show' after mid-air fight with Kapil?*
*Too big for their boots: Celebs paying price of their vanity*
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Manoj Bajpayee says while a director can have a set genre, actors should not be biased towards a specific type of movie. The 47-year-old actor, who will be seen playing a pivotal role in the upcoming spy action film 'Naam Shabana', says actors should constantly look for good roles and good scripts, irrespective of the genre.
"A director may work within the confines of a genre, but actors don't have a genre set. They are looking for good scripts and they go wherever they find one. That's what I do as well. I'm not biased towards any particular type of film, story or genre.
"But actors should not be biased towards their favourite genre. I am always looking for something exciting, entertaining and challenging. Sometimes it comes from Neeraj Pandey (scriptwriter for 'Naam Shabana'), sometimes it comes in the form of a Hansal Mehta ('Aligarh') too and sometimes it is from Anurag Kashyap ('Gangs of Wasseypur')," says Manoj.
Talking about his character in "Naam Shabana", the actor says, "This man has a gruesome past. He was a jawan and has seen many deaths, cold-blooded murders, including fellow agents."
Manoj says it was a difficult role for him as Neeraj wanted him to say his lines without showing any emotion. "As my character is stone-cold and a matter-of-fact man, he makes no relations with agents under his training. It was difficult for me to do because there were so many lines and keeping them completely devoid of emotion was tough.
This was our writer Neeraj Pandey's strict instruction that his tone should not be modulated at all," says Manoj. The actor says "Naam Shabana" is a very important film for him and it is special as it based on real-time research and concrete investigation.
Talking about the film, which is a spin-off of to the 2015 film "Baby", protagonist Taapsee Pannu says she does not relate with her character but thanks to the film, she can now defend herself without any fear.
"Preparing both physically and mentally for this role made me so strong that I could actually go on doing action sequences for more than 12 hours a day. I can now defend myself any time. The actress says "Baby" was a real opportunity for her.
"For me, it was a huge role. I did not treat it like a cameo. I would like to thank Neeraj Sir to give it to me when even 'Pink' had not happened."
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Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh says he never faced step-motherly treatment in Bollywood. Diljit, who is a name to reckon with in Punjabi cinema, made a successful Bollywood debut last year with "Udta Punjab" and is now gearing up for the release of his second Hindi film "Phillauri".
The actor-singer says everyone in the film industry treats him with respect and he has had a wonderful experience so far. "I have never faced it (discrimination) nor has anybody tried to do bad to me. Whoever I met, they greeted me with respect and love. I never felt any camp system here," Diljit told PTI.
Asked what he thinks about the camp system in Bollywood, he says, "Yes, when you make films you can have your 'team'. One team is making a film like this, another will make a different film."
Besides Diljit, "Udta Punjab" also featured another male actor, Shahid Kapoor. "Phillauri" also features another male lead - "Life of Pi" actor Suraj Sharma.
Diljit says he doesn't ponder over the number of actors featuring in a film with him and rather looks for a good story. "I have no such wish, to be honest. I want to do movies with great stories. The content should be strong. I have no problem if there are several actors with me. The number of artistes can vary but the content should be good. I have no such desire (to be solo)," he says.
"I look at the story and see what I have got to do in the film. Sometimes the story is great, set up is good but there isn't much for you to do. I don't want to do that."
While he was paired opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan in his Bollywood debut, in "Phillauri", slated to hit the screens on March 24, he will be seen opposite Anushka Sharma.
"They both are huge artistes and extremely dedicated to their work. I have seen Kareena ma'am work really hard for her role. Same goes for Anushka ma'am. Another plus point for her is that she is the producer as well," he says.
"It's a big achievement to come from a non-filmy background, do good films and set up her own production house. On the sets I never felt she was also the producer. But still she prepared for her role really well."
Diljit has no plans to slow down on Punjabi films. "No. I do Punjabi films every year. I'll start one in June and there is another which will release soon. It's not difficult to manage both Hindi and Punjabi film industry.
There are 365 days, and movies get made in two months. For a director it is tough because he has to be with the film from the start to finish," he says.
Having worked in both Hindi and Punjabi films, Diljit feels there is hardly any difference between the two industries.
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*Dharamsala:* Actress Pankhuri Awasthy, who will next be seen playing a rape victim in upcoming TV show "Kya Kasoor Hai Amla Ka?", says she gathered the courage to slap a man who touched her inappropriately. She is proud that she stood up against harassment.
"Mumbai is one of the safest cities in India, if I tell by my experience. I have stayed in Delhi, Chandigarh, Noida, and Bengaluru, and have visited other cities also. I won't say cities are safe for women," Pankhuri said on the set of "Kya Kasoor Hai Amla Ka?" here on Saturday.
"When I was in Delhi, I used to travel to college by Metro and so many instances have happened with me. That time (in college), you're so young and you don't realise half of the things that are happening to you."
"Cities are not safe for girls. If you think you can go out at night, you can't do so without being scared," she added.
However, now she feels happy about raising her voice against harassment.
"Earlier, I didn't have courage to stand up against it. Now I do stand up. Recently, I was in Bengaluru with my friends and I was wearing a skirt. There was this guy who came and he had the courage to touch my thighs. I slapped him then and there itself," she said.
"I stop there and say out a few bad words when somebody tries to tease me. I can't keep quiet now. I am proud of myself for doing that," she added.
"Kya Kasoor Hai Amla Ka?", an Indian adaptation of popular Turkish TV show "Fatmagul", deals with complex emotions and tackles the sensitive subject of violation of the innocence of a woman.
"For the preparation of my role, I met a psychologist and a practising psychiatrist to understand what goes on in the minds of these girls who have been raped. They told us that what's the uncommon thing here is that most of these girls are married to the guy who raped them," Pankhuri said.
She feels that such type of forced relations are "uncomfortable" for women.
"We were given proper acting workshops. While shooting here in Dharamsala, most of the things came naturally to us. We were even made to learn the dialect of Himachal Pradesh.
"Personally, for me, playing this character was very non-dramatic. When you do a historical or a mythological show, the grandeur of the set and the jewellery add a lot of feel. But in this character, there is nothing," added the actress, who has previously appeared in shows like "Razia Sultan" and "Suryaputra Karn".
Pankhuri said that she wants to get publicity through her roles with substance, and not just with looks.
"I want to be known for my acting and not good looks -- a perception that many have about actors on TV," she said.
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*New Delhi:* Model-actress Nora Fatehi says actor Angad Bedi is her best friend, contrary to rumours that the two are dating each other.
"Angad is my best friend and we understand each other well," Nora told IANS on the sidelines of fourth day of the Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017 where she was walked the ramp for designer Pawan Sachdev along with Angad.
When IANS asked Angad about their link-up reports, he quickly reacted: "I don't want to comment on that."
Sachdev showcased a line titled 'Treg', which emphasised on simple aesthetics.
Angad and Nora seemed very excited before making their ramp appearance.
"The feeling is beautiful. I am working for such a good man and the kind of outfit he made for me is a fusion with colours that are black and white. It's great to be back here in Delhi and the city holds important place in my heart," Angad said.
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*New Delhi:* Meera Chopra will soon be making her foreign debut through a yet-untitled Canadian fantasy series. The actress says her cousin sister Priyanka Chopra, who enjoys international acclaim thanks to her hit American show "Quantico", has been a huge inspiration for her.
"Priyanka has always been instrumental in my career. She always supports me and I look up to her and get inspired. I'm not following her... I cannot! But she is a huge inspiration," Meera told IANS through an email.
Giving details about her role, Meera said: "I will be playing the role of an astrologer. My role significantly helps in shaping up the life of the lead pair. The contract has been signed with Canada's privately-owned network CTV network. The co-stars and the director are still being decided upon." Meera says she got the role after a long process.
"Starting from November to January, I auditioned multiple times where I had to send various video clips. I got the confirmation only a few days back," said the actress, who will start shooting for the series by July-end. After working in the southern film industry, Meera made her Bollywood debut with "1920 London" last year. She asserts that she is not focusing on making a career in Hollywood as of now.
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Actor Vivek Oberoi took a local train after 15 years to launch his affordable housing project Karrm Brahmaand here.
He says his dream to provide affordable quality homes to the common man has been fulfilled with the project, a township situated alongside a beach. The project offers over 5,000 homes for people with limited means.
"I'm glad the dream of Karrm Infrastructure to provide affordable quality homes to the common man has been fulfilled," Vivek said in a statement.
The actor travelled in the second class of the suburban train on Saturday to Kelve Road, along with media persons for the launch.
Vivek last travelled by a local train 15 years ago for the 2002 film "Saathiya".
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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has mourned the death of his daughter-in-law and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai.
"Death has but one end... And words cannot define it," Amitabh tweeted on Saturday night.
The 74-year-old thespian also greived about the loss on his blog. He wrote: "Glimpses of reactions in the mind, of the lost one, of those that shall reflect on the lost one and suddenly then in the midst of sorrow and grief among the grieved and grieving."
"That walk to the ultimate destination and the reality... Embracing the tragedy, the discussions on its transport, its rituals, its formalities... The custom, the tradition, the visitors with the sadness and the embrace of consolation, the last rites, the carriage, the placement, the cremation... What to say what to put out where to put to... All laden with grief and departure," he added.*Krishnaraj Rai and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan*
Krishnaraj Rai was under intensive care at the Lilavati Hospital here and passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. Aishwarya's spokesperson confirmed the news about his demise to IANS.
According to Lt. Gen. V. Ravishankar, who was treating Krishnaraj Rai at Lilavati Hospital, Rai had lymphoma. He was in hospital for over a month. He is survived by his wife Brindya Rai, son Aditya and daughter Aishwarya.*Amitabh Bachchan at the hospital. Pic/Yogen Shah*
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*New Delhi:* Sunny Leone says she wishes it was true that she would perform at Canadian pop star Justin Bieber's debut gig in Mumbai in May, but for now, she is only excited about attending the gala night. There were reports about Sunny joining the "Sorry" hitmaker's debut concert in India as a performer.
Asked if it is true, Sunny told IANS over e-mail from Mumbai: "Damn, I wish it was true. I know they have a bunch of names but who will perform... I have no idea. I'm just excited I'm going! So excited!" For now, Sonakshi Sinha is confirmed as one of the celebrity performers at Bieber's Purpose Tour gig in India. The concert will be held in May.
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Reality star Kendall Jenner had jewellery worth $200,000 stolen from her home. Jenner is currently terrified to go back home and has shifted back with her family for the time being. A source informed, "Kendall feels violated, sad, angry and is struggling to deal with it ."
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Angelina Jolie and her six children are back in the US after their week long trip to London and Cambodia. Brad Pitt has never stayed away from his kids and this time apart was extremely difficult for the actor and he is glad it’s over. A source informed, "Brad is anxious to meet and reunite with his children."
Angelina and the kids — Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Shiloh, 10, Zahara, 12, Vivienne, 8, and Knox, 8 — touched down in Los Angeles on Saturday. The source added, "Brad misses his kids dearly and is relieved they are finally coming home; they’re back after a wild international tour and vacation. This is the longest Brad has been apart from his children since his split with Angelina, and every day away from his kids has been difficult. Brad is excited, anxious and can’t wait to see all the kids again."
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Actor Mel Gibson has been working with a charity that helps Holocaust survivors.
The Hacksaw Ridge director, who made headlines back in 2006 for going on a drunken anti-semitic rant, is helping Holocaust survivors in eight countries.
Zane Buzby helps the forgotten victims of World War II with her charity Survivor Mitzvah Project.
She said, "Mel Gibson is helping Holocaust survivors in eight countries, it’s remarkable. I have a great respect for people who turn their lives around, and I think that everyone makes mistakes in life. The real proof of what kind of human being you are is what you do with that mistake. He’s educated himself. His actions speak very loudly... and his actions have helped a lot of people." Reported by Mid-Day 5 hours ago.