Abhishek Bachchan, a name synonymous with Bollywood royalty, has carved his own distinct path in the Indian film industry. From his lineage to his own filmography, here's a look at the life and career of this versatile actor.
Born into Bollywood Stardom
Born in 1976, Abhishek Bachchan comes from a legendary cinematic family. His father, Amitabh Bachchan, is one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema history, and his mother, Jaya Bachchan, is a respected actress. Despite this legacy, Abhishek has always strived to create his own identity in Bollywood.
Early Days: Finding His Footing
Abhishek Bachchan's acting career began in 2000 with the film "Refugee." While the movie did well commercially, the initial years of his career saw a mix of successes and failures. He persevered, showcasing his talent in diverse roles, from the intense portrayal of a conflicted youth in "Yuva" (2004) to the comedic charm in "Bunty Aur Babli" (2005).
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success
Abhishek Bachchan's dedication paid off. He earned critical acclaim for his performances in films like "Sarkar" (2005), "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006), and "Guru" (2007), receiving three consecutive Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
He also achieved commercial success with films like the action franchise "Dhoom" (2004-2013) and comedies like "Dostana" (2008) and "Bol Bachchan" (2012). His production venture, the critically acclaimed "Paa" (2009), even earned him a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Beyond Acting: A Multifaceted Talent
Abhishek Bachchan is not just an actor. He is a successful entrepreneur, co-owning the Pro Kabaddi League team Jaipur Pink Panthers. He's also a dedicated family man, married to actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan since 2007.
New Delhi: Actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon pose for photos during the promotion of their upcoming film 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in New Delhi on Thursday, Feb 01, 2024. (Photo: IANS/Anupam Gautam)
1st February 2024
Mumbai, February 1 (IANS) Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, has said that cinema should present stories that people in real life might not experience.
The actor said that the subject of his film might be something that hasn’t yet happened in real life but that, he confidently said, will connect with the audience.
New Delhi: Actress Kriti Sanon poses for photos during the promotion of her upcoming film 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in New Delhi on Thursday, Feb 01, 2024. (Photo: IANS/Anupam Gautam)
‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, which also stars Kriti Sanon, follows the story of a computer engineer, played by Shahid, who falls in love with a humanoid robot, played by Kriti.
Talking to the media on Thursday, Shahid said, “When ‘Mr. India’ was released, nobody in the audience thought of something like that but it did well, it’s one of our iconic films. We didn’t ask the makers that ‘this is not possible in real life, so we should not attempt telling a story like this’. One of the earlier blockbusters of Arnold Schwarzenegger is ‘Terminator’, the audience connected with it and that’s how it became a franchise. He also played a futuristic robot in the film.”
New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) Animal abuse has reached a crescendo, with many cases remaining unreported. Ardent animal lovers such as John Abraham, Sunny Leone, and Jacqueliene Fernandez have voiced their opinions and called for "stricter laws" to safeguard the four-legged friends.
From February to May, numerous cases of animal abuse have been reported, including running over animals, throwing them from great heights, starving, beating, and using them for entertainment.
The most recent case was reported from a society in Greater Noida, where a stray dog was thrown from the 15th floor of a residential tower. The remains were found outside the building by a resident on May 11.
Bollywood star John Abraham, who is a doting dad to his fur babies, Sia and Bailey, stated that the surge in “cruelty to animals deeply wounds our collective conscience.”
“It’s a stark reminder of the urgency to take action. Let’s unite in vigilance, reporting every instance of animal abuse and supporting grassroots organisations at the forefront of the fight for animal rights,” John told IANS.
Stricter laws must be implemented for the perpetrator, he said.
“Governments must not falter; they must implement stringent penalties to deter perpetrators and invest in comprehensive educational programmes to foster empathy and reverence for all life forms, and we all must do what we can to safeguard our community animals,” he said.
In India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, outlines punishments for animal cruelty, including penalties such as a maximum fine of Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the IPC prescribes stronger punishments), according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). However, enforcement of these laws varies, as many cases go unreported.
Actress Sunny Leone said that the alarming rise in animal abuse cases is an affront to shared humanity.
“The government holds the key – it must enforce strict laws that leave no room for impunity. As individuals, we can each play our part by reporting any acts of cruelty to the police,” she told IANS.
Empathy should be taught to children at an early age.
“Children should be taught to be kind to animals to help them grow into adults who will be kind to everyone. Together, we can build a world where every animal is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” she said.
Jacqueliene Fernandez told IANS: “We, as individuals, have a great deal of power to create change by using our voices to stand up for animals by opening our doors to animals in need. The government must also prioritise animal protection by introducing legislation to safeguard animals and ensuring its robust enforcement to build a future where all members of our society, whatever the species, is able to live in peace."
Actress Raveena Tandon, who is vocal about animal rights, told IANS that, as a society, we must not turn a blind eye when animals are suffering at human hands.
“We must be vigilant neighbours, keeping a watchful eye and speaking out against any form of abuse. By reporting acts of cruelty, we send a clear message: animal abuse will not be tolerated,” she told IANS.
Raveena added: “Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting others, including humans, so it’s imperative for the safety of all of society – humans and other animals alike – that perpetrators are caught and punished to the greatest extent of the law.”
On how to minimise abuse, Sachin Bangera from PETA India, said: “We collaborate closely with local enforcement agencies, offering rewards, registering first information reports, and mobilising our activist network to identify and apprehend those who hurt or neglect animals.”
NBC’s “The Voice” had just announced that Legend would join as a judge. He would go on to reportedly earn US$14 million per season by his third year on the show. Meanwhile, all of the participants on “The Voice,” save for the winner, earned $0 for their time, apart from a housing and food stipend – much like those congressional interns.
The fall 2023 TV lineup will be saturated with low-cost reality TV shows like “The Voice”; for networks, it’s an end-around to the ongoing TV writersand actors strikes.
Whether it’s “The Voice,” “House Hunters,” “American Chopper” or “The Bachelorette,” reality shows thrive thanks to a simple business model: They pay millions of dollars for big-name celebrities to serve as judges, coaches and hosts, while participants work for free or for paltry pay under the guise of chasing their dreams or gaining exposure.
These participants are the unpaid interns of the entertainment industry, even though it’s their stories, personalities and talent that draw the viewers.
The book was about the exploitative nature of record contracts. But during my research, I kept running into singers who had either auditioned for or participated in “The Voice.”
On “The Voice,” singers compete on teams headed by a celebrity coach. Following a blind audition and various elimination rounds, the live broadcasts begin with four teams of five members apiece. These 20 contestants spend months working in Los Angeles and are provided with only their room and board. Each week, at least one player is eliminated. At the end of each season, the winner receives $100,000 and a record contract.
While some viewers might see reality shows like “The Voice” as launching pads for music careers, many of the musicians I spoke with were disheartened by their experiences on the show.Contestants audition for ‘The Voice’ ahead of its 24th season.
Unlike “American Idol,” where a number of winners, from Kelly Clarkson to Jordan Sparks, have made it big, no winners of “The Voice” have become stars. The closest person to “making it” from “The Voice” is the controversial country singer Morgan Wallen, who was infamously dropped by his label and country radio following the emergence of a video of him using a racial slur. And Wallen didn’t even win “The Voice”; in fact, he barely made it past the blind audition.
Former contestants repeatedly told me that the television exposure did little to help their careers.
Prior to joining the show, many of the musicians were trying to scratch out a living through touring or performing. They put their developing careers on pause to chase their dreams.
However, the show’s contracts have stipulated that contestants cannot perform, sell their name, image and likeness, or record new music while on “The Voice.” (The Conversation reached out to NBC to see if this remains the case for the current season, but did not receive a comment.)
This leaves the 20 finalists with no means to sell their music, even as they spend up to eight months competing. When the show’s losers return to performing, many of them have little new material to promote. By the time they drop a new single or album and announce a tour, some of them told me that they had lost a good portion of their following.
There is one group of people who receive meaningful exposure from these shows: the coaches and judges. Several singers, such as Gwen Stefani and Pharell Williams, have used “The Voice” to jolt their stagnating music careers. While earning millions as coaches and judges, these stars even use the show to promote their music – something the contestants themselves are barred from doing.
Paying these contestants is feasible. If Legend earned $13 million instead of $14 million, that spare million dollars could be dispersed to half of the contestants at $100,000 apiece – an amount that’s currently only reserved for the winner of the show. Cut the salaries of all four coaches by $1 million apiece, and it would free up enough money to pay all 20 contestants $200,000 each.
A gold mine for networks
“The Voice” is far from the only reality show to take advantage of the genre’s low overhead costs.
Viewers might not realize just how profitable these shows are.
Take “House Hunters.” The show follows a prospective homebuyer as they tour three homes. Homebuyers featured on the show have noted that they earn only$500 for their work, and the episodes take three to five days and about 30 hours to film. The show’s producers don’t pay the realtors to be on it.
The low pay for people on reality TV shows matches the low budget for these shows. A former participant wrote that episodes of “House Hunters” cost around $50,000 to film. Prime-time sitcoms, by comparison, have a $1.5 million to $3 million per episode budget.
Sidestepping the unions
That massive budget gap between reality TV and sitcoms is not simply due to an absence of star actors.
Many scripted television shows are based in Los Angeles, where camera crews, stunt doubles, costume artisans, makeup artists and hair stylists are unionized. But shows like “House Hunters,” which are filmed across the country, will recruit crews from right-to-work states. These are states where employees cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. For these reasons, unions have far less power in these states than they do in places traditionally associated with film and entertainment, such as California and New York.
That’s one reason why TV production started moving to Atlanta – what’s been dubbed the “Hollywood of the South” – where shows like “The Walking Dead” and “Stranger Things” have been filmed.
But in my research, I also learned that Knoxville, Tennessee, has become a reality TV mecca. Like Georgia, Tennessee is also a right-to-work state. In Knoxville, many working musicians join the city’s low-paying entertainment apparatus by taking gigs working on TV and film production crews in between shows and tours.
At a time when TV writers and actors are on strike, it is important to understand that the entertainment industry will try to exploit labor for profit whenever it can.
Reality TV is a way to undercut the leverage of striking workers, whether it’s through their lack of unionized actors, or their use of nonunionized production crews.
With actors and writers on strike, many networks and streaming services are featuring reality TV-heavy fall lineups. David McNew/Getty Image
Contestants, casts and crew members are starting to catch on. Many reality TV participants have said that they feel like strike scabs, and Bethenny Frankel of “Real Housewives” is reportedly trying to organize her fellow reality performers.
Preying off contestants who are desperate for exposure, reality TV might just be the next labor battle in the entertainment industry.
As John Legend put it, “Unpaid internships make it so only kids with means and privilege get the valuable experience.”
Reality TV does the same to aspiring actors, musicians and celebrities.
Mumbai: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan who was recently tested positive for coronavirus has been released from hospital after recovering from the virus, the actor said on Sunday.
“I have tested CoVid- have been discharged. I am back home in solitary quarantine. The grace of the Almighty, blessings of Ma Babuji, prayers & duas of near & dear & friends fans EF .. and the excellent care and nursing at Nanavati made it possible for me to see this day,” Bachchan wrote on his Twitter account.
However, his son Abhishek Bachchan, who has tested positive for COVID-19 is still receiving treatment in Nanavati hospital in Mumbai. Source: https://timesofoman.com/
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 12 (ANI): Actor Jaya Bachchan and her daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with daughter, Aradhya, tested negative for COVID-19, confirmed BMC Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Sunday.
The COVID-19 tests for Aishwarya, Jaya and other family members were conducted after veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, tested positive for the disease yesterday.
Pednekar further informed that the health of both father and son was currently stable.
The 'Don' actor is reported to be in a "stable" condition with "mild symptoms" after testing positive for coronavirus on Saturday.
Amitabh has been admitted in the isolation unit at Mumbai's Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital. The actor has confirmed that he will keep updating via Twitter.
His son, actor Abhishek Bachchan also tested positive for COVID-19 last night, according to separate tweets by the two.
The 77-year-old actor also requested those, who have been in "close proximity" to him in the last 10 days to get tested for the deadly virus.
Abhishek too tweeted, shortly afterwards, about the news and urged all to stay calm and not panic. (ANI) Courtesy: http://www.businessworld.in/
Mumbai, Jul 17 (IANS): In his latest tweet, Amitabh Bachchan has expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their blessings, love and prayers.
He mentioned how he has been receiving good wishes and prayers on "all possible social media", adding that hospital "protocol" was "restrictive", so he couldn't say more.
"T 3596 - I receive all your blessings and love and prayers for our well being .. on sms, on whatsapp, on insta on Blog .. and all possible social media .. my gratitude has no bounds .. Hospital protocol is restrictive, i cannot say more .. Love," tweeted @SrBachchan.
Big B ended his tweet with emojis of folded hands and the heart sign.
Also on the tweet numbered T 3596, Big B posted a picture of deities, along with the Sanskrit chant: "Tvameva mata cha pita tvameva; tvameva bandhush cha sakha tvameva; tvameva vidya dravinam tvameva; tvameva sarvam mama dev dev (you are my mother and you are my father; you are my friend and you are my companion; you are knowledge and you are wealth; O lord you are everything to me)."
Big B and son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, tested Covid-19 positive and were hospitalised last Saturday. A day later, Abhishek's wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and daughter Aaradhya also tested positive and were hospitalised.
Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya Bachchan on Friday were shifted to a city hospital, almost a week after they were tested positive for Covid-19.
Aishwarya, 46, and eight-year-old Aaradhya were diagnosed with coronavirus on Sunday, a day after the actor's father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and husband Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for the Covid-19.
The mother-daughter duo was self-quarantining at home till now. "Both Aishwarya and Aaradhya were admitted to Nananvati hospital today. They are fine," hospital source told PTI.
Aishwarya needed medical attention, another insider said.
Since his diagnosis, Amitabh has been regularly updating his admires about his health on social media.
In happy times, in times of illness, you our near and dear, our well wishers, our fans have ever given us unstinting love , affection care and prayer .. we express our bountiful gracious gratitude to you all .. in these circumstances hospital protocol, restrictive, the screen icon tweeted on Friday evening.
According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), coronavirus cases in Mumbai rose to 98,979 with 1,228 new patients being reported on Friday.
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar and his wife Saira Banu along with Bollywood actress Saysha at his residence in Mumbai . (Photo: PTI)
The actor was to receive it at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 8, 2015 but he could not due to his ill health Describing legendary actor Dilip Kumar as a “precious gem,” Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, presented him the Padma Vibhushan award at the thespian’s residence in suburban Bandra for his contribution to the Hindi cinema spanning over six decades. The 93-year-old veteran, who shot to fame with Naya Daur, Jugnu, Andaz and Devdas, was presented a medal, certificate and shawl by Mr Singh in the presence of the actor’s 71-year-old wife Saira Banu. Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mr Kumar’s family members and close friends were also present during the small ceremony. Mr
Kumar, in a black suit, could barely open his eyes and was helped by Ms Bano when the national honour was conferred on him. On receiving the award, he expressed his happiness and got emotional at the recognition, Ms Banu told this newspaper. The veteran actor has given sterling performances in over 60 Hindi films. He was to receive the award at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 8, 2015 in New Delhi, but he could not attend the ceremony due to his ill health. “Dilip Kumar has created such a niche for himself over the last 40-50 years, that almost every artiste regards him as a role model. He is a ‘precious gem’ of not just the cinema world but entire India,” the home minister said. He was speaking after presenting the Padma Vibhushan award. Ms Banu expressed pleasure over the honour on behalf of the veteran actor. “It has been a momentous occasion for the family and we are happy that India’s home minister Rajnath Singh, came to Mumbai to present the award,” she said. Born as Muhammad Yousuf Khan in Peshawar (Pakistan), Mr Kumar made his debut as an actor in the film Jwar Bhata produced by Bombay Talkies in 1944. He starred in films of a variety of genres such as the swashbuckling Aan (1952), the comical Azaad (1955), the historical Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and the socially conscious Ganga Jamuna (1961).‘ Source: The Asian Age
Pune: Incarcerated Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, whose five-year sentence for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts was confirmed by the Supreme Court in March 2013, will be freed from prison by March 7, 2016, official sources said here on Tuesday. The sources indicated that barring last-minute glitches, Sanjay would be released by March 7 after completing the remaining 42-month period of his sentence. Dutt was acquitted of terror charges under the TADA, but found guilty of possessing illegal arms, acquired ostensibly to protect his family during the communal conflagration that engulfed Mumbai after the demolition of the Babri Mosque on December 6, 1992. Following the apex court orders, his bail was cancelled and he was ordered to surrender within four weeks, which he complied with on May 16, 2013 and was lodged in Arthur Road Central Jail. A week later, he was shifted to the Yeravada Central Jail, Pune, where he has been lodged since then and has earned the reputation of being a well-behaved inmate. Of the five-year sentence, the actor had already served 18 months as an undertrial and was required to undergo another 42 months, which is now on the verge of completing. In between serving time, Dutt was granted either parole or furlough on various grounds, attracting a lot of criticism from various quarters, while some prominent personalities demanded his release from jail. Source: ummid.com, Image
Pamela Anderson during a meeting with Sergey Ivanov in Kremlin, Moscow. Picture: Alexey Druzhinin, Ria Novosti
By Olga Gertcyk: Hollywood celebrity plans a trip with sons to discover what lies between Moscow and Vladivostok. Feted in the Kremlin this week, the actress and model had a rare female Amur leopard named after her. Head of the presidential administration, Sergey Ivanov, presented a certificate and a photographic portrait of the big cat - previously known as Leo 38F - to her. Pamela the leopard is currently in the Land of the Leopard National Park, near Russia's border with China. This big cat has a habit of posing for wildlife camera traps in the park, like her keeper who has featured on Playboy's cover a record 14 times since 1989. 'She is rather posing for cameras instead of ignoring them,' said TASS about the leopard. Ivanov told her about the major conservation progress in keeping alive these Siberian leopards in the wild.' A few years ago, when we focused on their preservation, they really were on the edge of extinction, there were only 30-40 of them left. Now we have 80,' he said. It is the rarest big cat on the planet.
Pamela Anderson and Pamela the leopard. Pictures: Alexey Druzhinin, Ria Novosti and The Land of the Leopard Nature Reserve
Anderson said she wanted to explore Russia further, after two trips in less than half a year, both dedicated to the preservation of wild animals. Indicating she planned to cross Siberia by train, she said: 'I don't know anything about the middle of Russia. I've been to Vladivostok, I've been to Moscow, St. Petersburg. But what's in the middle?' She said: 'So I think I am going to take my kids on a train maybe and go through the whole of Russia.' Later she said she would use a train or plane 'whatever it takes'. 'I have seen some photographs, and I have seen some beautiful places,' she explained, meeting the media. Americans 'have no idea how beautiful' Russia is, she added. 'I would like to know it [Russia], I want to see it,' she said. The 48-year-old Canadian born celebrity met Ivanov and Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Sergey Donskoi. In July, the actress sent a letter to President Putin asking him to block the passage of the Winter Bay cargo vessel through the Northern Sea Route. The vessel was reportedly carrying more than 1,700 tons of whale meat from Iceland to Japan. Later Anderson asked for a meeting with Putin to discuss environmental issues with him. So far she has not met the president. Pamela Anderson claims to have Russian origins on her mother's side. Her great grandmother was Russian, according to her, and she reportedly emigrated from Russia to the Netherlands and then to Canada. Source: http://siberiantimes.com/'
Age Correspondent | Mumbai, Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan, who is on a promotional spree of his next film ‘Dilwale’, recently lent his support to the victims of the Chennai floods. The Bollywood Badshah has donated a whopping amount of Rs 1 crore to the chief minister’s public relief fund on behalf of Red Chillies Entertainment and team ‘Dilwale’. Shah Rukh had personally issued a letter towards the relief fund dated on December 5th 2015. The actor, who starred in the 100cr blockbuster film ‘Chennai Express’, even took to his official Twitter account to express his concern towards the people of Chennai. Directed by Rohit Shetty, ‘Dilwale’ is staled to release on December 18th and stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in leading roles. Source: http://www.asianage.com/
Superstar Rajinikanth has extended a helping hand for the victims of Chennai floods. He has donated 10 Crore rupees to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund. According to an official statement, the donation was made through Sri Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust, owned by Rajinikanth. Actor Dhanush, who is married to Rajinikanth's daughter Aishwaryaa, also donated Rs 5 lakhs. Source: Video,
As she turns 40, Sushmita Sen remains an enduring icon, and a favourite for aspiring beauty queens to look up to.
It was in the summer of 1994, when the USA was the cynosure for all, as it hosted the FIFA World Cup, for the first time. Amidst all the football mania, came the news, that a tall 18-year-old Bengali girl, by the name of Sushmita Sen, had won the Miss Universe contest, in Manila, after having won the Femina Miss India title. An Indian girl winning the Miss Universe contest for the first time was definitely a terrific achievement. It was her crowning glory, and the rest as the adage goes is history. Sushmita’s stunning win was an inspiration for other beauty queen aspirants. Soon after her win, India witnessed a sudden rise in beauty pageant winners; the green-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai won the Miss World contest, followed by the likes of Diana Hayden (Miss World 1997), Yukta Mookhey (Miss World 1999), Lara Dutta (Miss Universe 2000), and Priyanka Chopra (Miss World 2000). As for Sen, immediately post her phenomenal win, a career in Bollywood beckoned this leggy star. She debuted on the big screen, in 1996, with the film Dastak. Although the film did not create ripples at the Box office, but Sushmita had made her presence felt. However, it was in the year 1999, in David Dhawan’s Biwi No 1, when she got a chance to act opposite Salman Khan, that Sen got noticed; she made the audience dance to the foot tapping number, Chunari Chunari. Sen’s height gave her impressive screen presence, which added to her beauty, and attractive personality. Her role in the film won her the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award. Post Biwi No 1, a lull in her film career followed, with a series of films not faring too well. A sizzling cameo song appearance in Fiza, with the popular Mehboob Mere somewhat kept her in the reckoning. But, then came the year 2004, when her career got a much-needed lease on life, with Farah Khan’s directorial venture, Main Hoon Na, opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a blockbuster at the box office, and still remains Sushmita Sen’s biggest hit. Playing the role of a chemistry teacher, Sushmita did full justice to her character. The 5 feet 7 inches tall, leggy lady, with her svelte figure, had the nation swooning with her sensuous dance moves in the chartbuster, Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha, along with co-star SRK. The chemistry between the duo was crackling. No wonder then, that the success of the film was inevitable. The box-office success of Main Hoon Na meant lucrative endorsement offers for the stars of the film, and offers followed for Sushmita as well. Watch giant Tag Heuer decided to take her on as their brand ambassador, the event for which was held in Jaipur. When I got an invite from Tag Heuer to be a part of the press delegation for the said event, I was thrilled. Having heard a lot about Sushmita, I was keen to see how she was in person, and the chance to see King Khan up-close doubled my excitement to go to Jaipur; the experience was thrilling to say the least. That she has an affable persona, and is extremely articulate as well as candid on several issues, was there for everyone to see. One of her candid comments, as I recall, was regarding her height. Sen was asked whether she thought that being a taller than average female was an obstacle to succeeding in Bollywood. She answered by saying, “When I joined the film industry, people cited out my height and said it could be a drawback for me, but I have managed to prove them wrong. In fact its great to be tall!” She candidly went on to state that she is happy to do her own work, rather than be in the rat race for the number one spot. Main Hoon Na’s smashing success was soon followed by Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya,opposite Salman Khan, in 2005. Post MPKK, Sushmita’s films did not create ripples, and a slew of releases there after hardly did anything to keep her in the race. As her career in Bollywood was not steady, Sushmita Sen decided to dazzle on the ramp at various fashion events. She carved out a niche for herself on the catwalk, with her remarkable gait, and poise. While she might not be hot property on the box office, but on the ramp she is alluring. On the personal front, however, a lot has been written about Sushmita’s love life, which has always been under constant scrutiny by the media. But the lady remains unfazed and exudes a confidence to lead life on her own terms. Not many stars would have the guts to adopt two children, and be a single mother, with such aplomb, as Sushmita Sen. She is the proud mother to two beautiful and intelligent girls, Renee and Alisah. Bollywood’s reigning superstar, former Miss World and Bollywood actressPriyanka Chopra considers Sush as one of her favourites. This is what the ‘Exotic’ singer had to say when Sushmita complimented her recently for her role in the ABC series Quantico, “Thank u so much @thesushmitasen uve been my fave since u won miss universe at 18!! I remember ur cut out on my wall.[sic]” As she turns 40, Sushmita Sen remains an enduring icon, and a favourite for aspiring beauty queens to look up to. So what if Sushmita did not have a blazing run at the box office, she has an everlasting charisma that makes her a beauty queen with brains. Source: Article, Image
London, May 2: The wait for Prince William's second baby was finally over as his wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, on Saturday gave birth to a baby girl. The baby was "safely delivered" at 8:34 am local time (0734 GMT), Kensington Palace said in a statement. The father, Duke of Cambridge, was present at the birth of his daughter, who weighs 8 pounds 3 ounces (3.7 kg). The palace added that the mother and baby are "doing well". The new baby is fourth-in-line to the throne, behind her grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and brother Prince George. The Duchess of Cambridge was earlier on Saturday admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, where her first baby Prince George was also
A Royal bulletin, announcing that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William's wife, has given birth to a baby girl, the Princess of Cambridge, stands on an easel on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London on May 2, 2015. AFP
born in July 2013, with early stages of labour. Kensington Palace had made the announcement in the early hours of Saturday that the Duchess was driven to the hospital alongside her husband and later said the labour is "progressing as normally". Kate was being looked after by consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston. He was joined in the delivery room by Alan Farthing, the Queen's surgeon-gynaecologist. There will be a traditional custom of placing a paper announcement outside Buckingham Palace of the new princess soon. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who will be hoping for a baby bounce in the May 7 General Election which
usually favours the ruling party, said: "One of the privileges of my job is you get to see them (Prince William and Kate) up front and they are a wonderful couple, they are loving parents. With the rest of the nation I'll be wishing them well today, hoping for a healthy and happy outcome." The world's media began rushing to the media pen outside the hospital as the news of the labour was announced. Unlike at the time of Prince George's birth, the world's press have been stopped from camping outside. Fans of the royal family have also been gathering near the hospital with flags and banners in recent days with some sleeping in the rough in sleeping bags. Royal protection officers, who carry concealed weapons at all times, were stationed at the Lindo Wing in anticipation of Queen Elizabeth II's newest great grandchild. — PTI, Source: Article, Image: flickr.com
Actress Anushka Sharma visited with beau Virat Kohli’s family in New Delhi, ahead of the wedding of cricketer Suresh Raina.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are in the capital to attend the wedding of Suresh Raina on April 3. Raina is set to marry his fiancée Priyanka Chowdhary at Hotel Leela Palace in Delhi. Ahead of the wedding, Anushka visited Virat’s family home in Meera Bagh. The house was reportedly fortified with heavy security for Anushka. The couple was also spotted dining at a posh hotel in Delhi (second photo from top). On their way they even obliged fans with a few autographs. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were recently targeted for India’s loss in the semi-final game against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Anushka was unfairly blamed by disgruntled fans for Virat’s poor performance on the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But the couple put up a brave front when they arrived in Mumbai holding each other’s hands. Love makes them strong. Source: ApunKaChoice.com
Britain's Prince William has warned two photographers against trailing his baby son George during walks in London parks with his nanny, saying their behaviour amounted to 'harassment'. Lawyers acting for William, second-in-line to the throne, and his pregnant wife Kate, have written to the freelance photographers asking them to stop following George, William's office said. It came after an incident in a central London park last week when one individual was spotted near George and his nanny. "They are obviously concerned," a spokesman for the royal couple said. He added the men had "over a period of time established a pattern of behaviour that we think amounts to harassment of Prince George and of his nanny". "It's more the fundamental weirdness of two grown men following a 14-month-old baby around London that we're concerned about," the spokesman added. The issue of harassment by the paparazzi is particularly sensitive for William whose mother Princess Diana was killed with her lover Dodi al-Fayed in Paris in 1997 when her limousine crashed into the wall of a tunnel as they tried to flee a posse of chasing photographers. He has been determined to protect his family from the press. George was born to a global media frenzy in July last year but has spent most of his life since then out of the spotlight, with only a handful of public appearances. "They want Prince George to lead as ordinary a life as possible as a child and he obviously can't do that if people are going to parks where children play and taking pictures of him," the spokesman said. He said they believed some pictures of George had appeared in European publications but not in Britain, where the press has exercised greater restraint since Diana's death. However, the royals complained about harassment of Kate before the couple married in 2011. A year after their wedding, European magazines printed topless pictures of Kate taken while she was on holiday in France. Source: Hindustan Times, Image: flickr.com
Amitabh Bachchan posted message on his twitter account congratulating ISO scientist on the success of the Mars Mission 'Mangalyaan', Today. Today, the 'Mangalyaan' successfully placed in the orbit of Mars, this is the first attempt and India got success in this. Indian become first country in the world to accomplish the Mars Mission in first attempt and this is the big success for the Indian scientist at ISO. Amitabh Bachchan posted "T 1623 - #Mangalyaan ... Our scientists have achieved what others could not .. Badhai, Pyaar, Sneh, Abhinandan, aur Jai jai kaar !! MOM !!" on their account. Another post on the Amitabh Bachchan Twitter account says" T 1623 -#Mangalyaan , India's Mars mission .. Mars is Mangal, Tuesday .. and what timing and planning to have achieved it on a Tuesday !!!"
About Mars Mission: The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) also know as 'Mangalyaan' (Hindi for "Mars-craft"), is the project of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the Mars Planet. The 'Mangalyaan' was sent to Mars on 5 November 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Today (24 September 2014 ) it is successfully placed into orbit of Mars. This success is important for India as India become first country in the world to place the spacecraft in first attempt to the Mars orbit. Through this mission India demonstrated the technological capability tot he world. This type of mission requires high level of technology and which requires design, planning, management, and operations. Source: Article
Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Rahul Bose felt "massive" nostalgia while shooting for a new project at RK studio here. "Filming in RK studio after 14 years. Massively nostalgic. Shot 'Everybody Says I'm Fine' on the main studio floor here. Memories flooding back," Rahul posted on Twitter. The actor did not mention the title of the film that he is shooting for. Just last month, he was battling the heat in Kolkata for a shoot.
Rana to take a break
Actor Rana Daggubati, who has completed a schedule of S.S. Rajamouli's "Baahubali", will take a break for "a couple of months".
"And end of the schedule for 'Baahubali'. Off for a couple of months before I join the project again. Starting another film mid-June, details shortly," he tweeted.
"Baahubali" is a Telugu period drama.
'Mirza Sahibaan' needed fresh talent: Mehra
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has hardly worked with newcomers, but in "Mirza Sahibaan" he has cast two fresh faces and said it is the script's demand.
The film will mark the Bollywood debut of Harshvardhan Kapoor, son of actor Anil Kapoor, and Saiyami Kher, niece of talented actress Tanvi Azmi and granddaughter of yesteryear's leading lady Usha Kiran.
Mehra told IANS: "It was the need of our script to cast fresh talent and new actors".
Meanwhile, his last directorial "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" has been on a winning spree. It won not just the National Award for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, but also won multiple honours at the recently held International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. Source: News Track India, Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Country singer Adley Stump, a former contestant on NBC’s hit reality show ‘The Voice,’ performs at an Air Force base in Washington state. 
With actors and writers on strike, many networks and streaming services are featuring reality TV-heavy fall lineups. 
