Priyanka Chopra's pre-wedding celebrations begin

Priyanka Chopra's friends and family hosted a bridal shower for the Bollywood actress ahead of her wedding with pop singer Nick Jonas here.

Held on Sunday night, Priyanka looked ravishing in an ivory Marchesa dress paired with nude coloured stilettos and a Tiffany & Co. choker. She was seen standing next to silver coloured balloons which read: "Bride".

The photograph was shared by Mimi Cuttrell, who styled Priyanka for the bridal shower and captioned it: "The bride... The brighter version for everyone. "Priyanka Chopra... (Sorry I was too excited when I posted the first picture).

The actress, 36 shared a photograph of herself on her Instagram stories while getting her hair and make-up for the celebration.

She captioned it: "My girls are in town! Any reason to party. Pre-wedding celebrations."

Priyanka and Nick are reportedly getting married at Rajasthan's Mehrangarh Fort in December.

The two got engaged in August in a traditional Roka ceremony at her residence in Mumbai.

'Love Sonia', hate Sonia's journey (Movie Review)

Film: "Love Sonia Movie Review"; Starring: Mrunal Thakur, Riya Sisodiya, Richa Chadha, Freida Pinto, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpai, Rajkummar Rao; Director: Tabrez Noorani; Rating:** (2 stars)

This well-intended melodrama about human trafficking and child prostitution has its heart in the right place. Sadly, the social perversity that ought to have galvanised the director into action, seem to finally drag the film down to the very level where the sub-human culture of the flesh trade exists.

There is something fundamentally amiss in a film where a posse of capable actors get together to create a messy tribute to the Bleeding Heart's Club. The narrative seems to be a diehard fan of its own righteousness. Often times, the sexual violence is repugnant not for being excessively graphic (which it is), but because the sadism seems to be disturbingly gratuitous, leading us into believing that in some cases, cinema about sexual violence gets so close to its subject that it loses its dispassion and ends up celebrating rather than abnegating the violence.

"Love Sonia" means well. No doubt about that. Regrettably, so does the guy who randomly shoots down innocent people in a pub as what he thinks to be the solution to ethnic inundation.

At times, the language of violence used in this film is as violent as the situation that it (the language) is meant to condemn. The problem is not so much director Tabrez Noorani's amateurish borderline-hysterical responses to the flesh trade. The bigger problem is the film's inability to differentiate between condemning and unintentionally celebrating sexual violence.

I have seen at least two films in recent times which bled its wailing heart into lives of prostitutes. Nagesh Kukunoor's "Laxmi" was so gruesome it made you flinch. While Jeffrey Brown's "Sold" was so dainty about the raw world of brothel abuse that it ended up looking like a Disney film posing as an Anurag Kashyap shocker.

"Love Sonia" is neither graphic enough to shake us nor sweet enough to qualify as conscientious fluff. It is caught in the middle between brutal and beautiful achieving neither extremity in spite of some terrific camera work by the Polish Lukaz Bielan who seems to understand the need to create an equilibrium between passion and perversity better than the director.

Noorani flounders at crucial moments letting down the victim-protagonists in the film in a similar way that destiny has chosen to do. The story of two sisters in an Indian village, one of whom Preeti (Riya Sisodia) is sold off to ease her debt-ridden farmer-father's (Adil Hussain) burden. (more)

Priyanka, Nick step out for brunch date in LA

Actress Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas stepped out for a brunch date here the first time after a trip to Mumbai, India, where they celebrated their engagement.

The couple enjoyed a brunch date at noted celebrity hangout Nobu in Malibu on Sunday. The "Quantico" star wore high-waist jeans with a black shirt tucked in while her fiance wore a blue shirt and brown pants, reports Entertainment News, Celebrity News, Celebrity Gossip | E! News.

Priyanka and Nick, along with their families and close friends, had gathered in Mumbai for pre-wedding festivities, including a traditional 'roka' ceremony, on August 18.

Nick left for the US with his family a day later, while Priyanka went back to shooting her new Hindi film "The Sky Is Pink".

Just last week, the former Jonas Brothers member released a song with Robin Schulz called "Right Now" and may or may not have some hidden messages to his bride-to-be.

"And I swear, the next time that I hold you/ I won't let you go nowhere/ You'll never be alone, I'll never let you go," Jonas sings.

Article source : BS

'Diva' Kareena Kapoor Khan dazzles the ramp on LFW grand finale

The grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 couldn't get any grander as Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan unleashed her inner diva for ace designer Monisha Jaising's latest collection "Shades Of A Diva".

Kareena, who is the brand ambassador of cosmetic brand Lakme Absolute, dazzled the ramp in a holographic coloured off shoulder gown for Jaising's line, which saw a gamut of fabulous ensembles ranging from thigh high slit gowns, short dresses, cocktail dresses, sarees and jumpsuits.

The grand finale started with a bewitching performance by the famous Canada-based live entertainment company Cirque du Soliel, who gave fashion lovers a sneak-peak of their show "Bazzar" on the runway on Sunday evening adding even more grandeur to the show.

The performance saw dancers, acro-duo, skater-duo, hula-hoop specialist and cube manipulators, who set the stage for a power-packed finale with sequences from their show. Jamie Lavoie, who is designed the costumes for the artistes for the sneak-peak.

The evening also saw the launch of Kareena's first ever make-up line titled "Kareena Kapoor Khan by Lakme Absolute".

Talking about the evolution from being a brand ambassador to a co-creator with the brand, Kareena told IANS here: "It has been great as we have been associated for almost eight years so it has been a long collaboration and make-up is something every actor wears so coming together to do a make-up tie up, I think the timing has been just perfect."

Describing make-up as a woman's "best friend", the actress said that she feels honoured to launch her maiden range.

Jaising, whose collection comprised hues like pinks, blues, blacks, moss green, saw a heavy use of embellishments, glitter and sparkle.

Talking about her "stunning" showstopper, Jaising said: "When you get a diva like her that I have to dress then obviously I am going to be inspired." (more)

Cute Taimur celebrates Raksha Bandhan with sisters : Pics

Taimur Ali khan Raksha Bandhan Photos

Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with gusto by Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Kartik Aryan on Sunday.

While megastar Amitabh Bachchan reached out to his 'extended family' to share a message urging people to celebrate love, respect, peace and harmony, a string of other celebrities took to social media to share some of their memorable moments with their siblings. Photographs and messages from the film stars were splashed across Instagram and Twitter.

Priyanka, who recently got engaged to American singer Nick Jonas, posted a photograph with her brother Siddharth, and wrote: "I've got an army of brothers, and this one (Siddharth) happens to be the leader of the pack (by default). Happy Raksha Bandhan!

"It's one of my favourite festivals where the sister ties a sacred thread around the brother's wrist for protection, symbolic of the beautiful bond between siblings. I can't imagine life without having my brothers in my corner... Love you guys!"

Kartik was in Gwalior for the festival, which celebrates the brother-sister bond. He was nostalgic.

"Really miss our bachpan (childhood). Celebrated Raksha Bandhan after such a long time with my sister and my family and in my city. Love you Kittu a lot. You are the apple of our eye. And we are so proud of you," the "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" actor wrote and posted a set of happy family pictures.

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari also shared some photographs with her brothers, and wrote: "From being my props in pictures to always having my back... Thank you broskis! Happy Raksha Bandhan. P.S. I will continue to bully you for as long as I live!"

Deepika's Rakhi message was for her younger sister Anisha, whom she lovingly calls 'Smallie'. The "Padmaavat" star shared their childhood picture, and wrote: "Like always... I promise to love you, protect you and bug you... forever! I love you Smallie."

Sonam Kapoor shared a special photograph with her army of brothers, and wrote: "To my brothers, a very very happy Rakhee... I'm so thankful to have all of you in my life... Love you all a lot! And sorry I'm not there today to tie you rakhi... Your favourite sister, Sonam." (more)

Salman Khan not worried about Baahubali 2 box office record

Baahubali: The Conclusion has so far collected over Rs 1,500 crore across the world

SS Rajamouli's "Baahubali: The Conclusion" may be setting the box office on fire but superstar Salman Khan said he doesn't get worried about the business of a film as he thinks every movie has its own destiny.

"Baahubali: The Beginning" released on July 10, 2015, a week before Salman's "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

"Baahubali: The Conclusion", which hit theatres on April 28, has so far collected over Rs 1,500 crore across the world.

"After 'Baahubali: The Beginning', we came up with "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". Now after 'Baahubali: The Conclusion', we are coming up with 'Tubelight'. There is a lot of pressure on the CEO of Salman Khan Films. I don't get worried so much. It is a phenomenal success and it is amazing.

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"I have not seen the film but I will watch it. But it doesn't matter (box office records) as I think every film has its own destiny. Lets see what the destiny of 'Tubelight' is and how much it earns," Salman told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Tubelight".

The "Dabangg" star on a lighter note further said, "They (referring to Rajamouli doing one film in four years) do one film in four years, I do two films in a year and the average is that much."

Salman's brother, actor Sohail Khan, who also stars in "Tubelight", said it's good if a movie sets a record at the box office.

"It's lovely when a film does well commercially as it sets a yardstick (for other films). It's nice that 'Baahubali...' did well," Sohail said.

During the launch, Salman seemed emotional while talking about his other co-star, legendary actor Om Puri. (more)

Brad Pitt in Mumbai to attend War Machine screening, meets Shah Rukh Khan

The 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is in India to promote his latest film, the Netflix satire "War Machine".

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will be moderating a special chat session here with Pitt, in which the two actors will discuss the project.

In the movie, the 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan.

Directed by David Michod, of "Animal Kingdom" fame, the Netflix Original film is inspired by the book "The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan" by late journalist Michael Hastings.

An investment in the range of $60 million also makes it Netflix's biggest-budget feature to date.

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Surprise! Brad Pitt in India to promote 'War Machine'

Pitt's character is loosely based on General Stanley A McChrystal, a retired United States Army general best-known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

His last assignment was as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander, US Forces Afghanistan.

Hastings's blistering profile on McChrystal led to his firing by Obama.

Pitt's company Plan B is also one of the producers of the film.

The first big-budget Hollywood movie on Netflix will be released on May 26.

Deepika Padukone & Aishwarya rai makes Cannes red carpet debut

All eyes were on Deepika Padukone with bated breath to see how she would turn up on her first red carpet appearance as a brand ambassador for Loreal at Cannes

she finally put her fashionable foot forward, she made sure to look like a million bucks.

Dressed in a dainty wine coloured net ensemble, designed by Marchesa Notte. She looked bold and classy as she strutted down the coveted red carpet.

See more pics click here

Bollywood's smiling mom Reema Lagoo passes away in Mumbai

Lagoo, who had played on screen mother to Salman and Shah Rukh, died of a cardiac arrest, she was 59

Actress Reema Lagoo, best known for playing the modern-day Bollywood mother in films such as "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" and "Kal Ho Na Ho", passed away at a hospital here today. She was 59.

Lagoo, who came to represent the antithesis of the mournful white sari-clad mother of Hindi cinema through her roles, died of a cardiac arrest in the early hours of the morning at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

She was admitted to the hospital late last night after she complained of chest pain, the hospital's Executive Director Ram Narain told PTI.

She is survived by her daughter Mrunmayee, who is also a theatre and film actress as well as a theatre director.

From Amitabh to Aamir, Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood mourns Reema Lagoo's sudden demise

Lagoo's son-in-law Vinay Waikul told PTI, "She was complaining of chest pain so we took her to the hospital at around 1 AM. She passed away due to a heart attack around 3.15 AM.

"She was perfectly fine and had no health issues... So it is really shocking for all of us that she is no more with us."

Tributes poured in as the news of her sudden death spread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Lagoo as a versatile actor who left a big impact in the film and TV world. "Her demise is saddening. My deepest condolences," he tweeted.

Born in Mumbai, Lagoo's acting career spanned almost four decades. She started her career with Marathi theatre.

She was just 30 when she came to the limelight as Juhi Chawla's mother in Mansoor Khan's hit film "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak". Read more

In 2 weeks, Hindi version of Baahubali 2 beats lifetime earnings of Dangal

It was released in over 6,500 screens across India, and in 9,000 plus screens worldwide

In just 14 days since its release, the Hindi dubbed version of filmmaker SS Rajamouli magnum opus 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' has crossed the domestic lifetime collection of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's sports drama film 'Dangal'.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who has presented the Hindi version of 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion', on Friday shared on Twitter that the film has minted Rs 390.25 crore, surpassing the lifetime business of 'Dangal', which collected Rs 387.38 crore domestically. 'Dangal' had earlier this year became Bollywood's highest grosser in the country.

Alongside an image revealing the Hindi collection of the film in India, Karan tweeted: "The reigning film. 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion'."

Also Read : Rajamouli reveals Prabhas refused Rs 18 cr worth endorsements for Baahubali

The film, featuring Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah in the lead, released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam in over 6,500 screens across India, and in 9,000 plus screens worldwide.

The Hindi version of 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' has now become the highest grossing film in Bollywood and is eyeing the Rs 400 crore club, said trade expert Taran Adarsh.

"Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a one-horse race. Collects Rs 390.25 crore in two weeks... All set to start a new club for Hindi films: Rs 400 crore club," Adarsh posted on Twitter on Friday.

The worldwide box office collection of "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" has already surpassed the Rs 1,000 crore mark. This is the first time that an Indian film has managed to rake in that much money.

Rs 325 cr in 3 days: Baahubali 2 is now the highest opening Indian film

In coming days, the movie is set to break even more records with its business still holding steady

It released to perhaps the most hype seen by an Indian movie in a long time, and it did not disappoint. S S Rajmouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion opened with Rs 121 crore collection (previous/early estimates were Rs 125 crore) and continued its good run at the cinemas over the weekend, netting Rs 320-325 crore over the first three days of release.

At Rs 320-325 crore, Baahubali 2 is now the highest opening Indian film, beating Bollywood blockbusters and its predecessor Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) by a huge margin. The highest opening weekend collection by a Bollywood film so far is by Sultan (2016) at Rs 180 crore. However, the movie was released mid-week and hence enjoyed a five-day opening weekend. If one were to consider the Fri-Sun opening weekend period, Baahublali 2 has left Sultan far behind as estimates peg the opening weekend collection for the Hindi dub version only at Rs 128 crore (net after tax).

In the coming days, the movie is set to break even more records. Already the most widely distributed Indian film ever at 6,500 screens, the film's business seemed to be holding steady on Monday, leading trade pundits to estimate a 30 per cent or less drop in collection on the first day of the week. The fact that Monday, May 1 was a holiday for many office and educational institutions on account of Labour Day and/or Maharashtra Day (in that state) will also work in the favour of the magnum opus.

As things stand, Baahubali 2 is no doubt the most successful Indian movie ever. It is already the highest grossing Hindi dub version of a regional film and by the looks of it, is ready to pull a Jungle Book, by being in the top three movies of the year for the Bollywood genre (Hindi language). Last year, Disney's Jungle Book made a whopping Rs 190 crore at the box office, becoming the most successful Hollywood film to release in India, and also the third highest collector of the year. Read more

Veteran Bollywood star Vinod Khanna dies at 70

He worked in more than 100 films

Vinod Khanna , the yesteryears Bollywood superstar, died at the age of 70 on Thursday. He was battling cancer.

He worked in more than 100 films.

He was an active politician, and a sitting Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Vinod Khanna was born on 6 October, 1946.

He is survived by his wife Kavita Khanna, sons Rahul, Akshaye and Sakshi, and daughter Shraddha Khanna. Before marrying Kavita, Vinod Khanna was married to Getanjali but they later got divorced.

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His polupar movies include Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Gaddaar (1973 film), Jail Yatra, Imitihaan, Inkaar, Kuchhe Dhaage, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rajput, Qurbani, Kudrat, Dayavan, Kaarnama,Suryaa: An Awakening and Jurm.

Vinod Khanna received the Filmfare award in the best supporting actor category for Haath Ki Safaai, and in 1999 he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and again in 2007 he won a lifetime achievement award at the Zee Cine Awards.

In late 2016 and early 2017, news about his detoriating health started coming in, this kept him away from a public eye. In his last days he was surrounded by all his children and wife Kavita.

'Baahubali: The Conclusion' could be the game changer in Indian cinema

Movie is likely to hit 7,000 screens in India, but must do well in all versions to be a game changer

As the countdown to April 28 begins, the audience is gearing up for the release of ' Baahubali 2 : The Conclusion' in its quest to find out 'Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali', a question that surprised the audience -- and also became a major marketing hook line later -— at the end of the first part, 'Baahubali: The Beginning'.

'Baahubali: The Beginning', released on July 10, 2015, was a highly successful film at the box office. The first movie in the series was released in over 4,000 screens, grossing over Rs 600 crore worldwide. The film was a success in all the languages of its release -- Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam -— which is a rare feat. The movie was shot in Telugu and Tamil, and dubbed in Hindi and Malayalam. The second part is also being released in all these languages.

Both parts of the heavily VFX-driven fictional war film have been made at a combined production cost of about Rs 450 crore, the highest ever in India.

After the huge success of the first part, advance bookings of the concluding sequel have been very strong, and analysts expect it to create new box office records like never before.

Asked whether the film could be a game changer looking at its unprecedented hype, film trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai said, "It has the potential to be a game changer, but content is the ultimate thing. However, the way it's being promoted and looking at the advance bookings and expectations, it is definitely a game changer."(more)

'Baahubali' fame singer L V Revanth wins Indian Idol 9

Revanth has lent his voice for around 200 songs in southern films

Hyderabad-based L V Revanth — a popular name in the southern entertainment industry — overcame the language barrier to emerge the winner of popular singing reality show "Indian Idol 9" on Sunday in a musical finale filled with various melodious as well as humourous motifs.

Revanth, who has lent his voice for around 200 songs in southern films including "Baahubali: The Beginning", became known for his soulful voice right from the start when he auditioned for the show. Despite not knowing Hindi, he sang Bollywood songs effortlessly throughout the season and defeated Hyderabad-based P V N S Rohit and Punjab's Khuda Baksh in the finale to clinch the "Indian Idol" trophy along with a contract with Universal Music and Rs 25 lakh.

"Right now I am on cloud nine. I am very happy for winning the show. I would say that my life has just began right now. It's not easy to win that title being a south Indian singer. I saw this show as a big opportunity. The four-month journey in this show has completely changed my life," Revanth told IANS.

Ace choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, renowned singer Sonu Nigam and music composer Annu Malik, who kick-started the "Indian Idol" journey as judges in the first two editions, returned on the panel for the ninth season of the Sony Entertainment Television show, which was hosted by Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathi. (more)

Before Bahubali 2, makers to release Bahubali 1 again

Rana Daggubati and Prabhas are overwhelmed with the response to the trailer of Bahubali 2

Director S S Rajamouli wants the audiences to revisit the world of "Bahubali" before the release of " Bahubali 2 : The Conclusion".

Rajamouli today said they are planning to show the first part a week before the second edition hits theatres on April 28.

"We are planning to release part one maybe one or two weeks before the release of part two in southern states so people can get back into the narrative," Rajamouli said at the trailer launch of the Hindi version here.

Both Rana Daggubati and Prabhas are overwhelmed with the response to the trailer.

"The fans are happy with it. It's overwhelming to be a part of the film," Rana said.

The Tamil version of the trailer had leaked online hours before its official release and the makers called it "technical glitch".

"This particular thing is neither due to leakage or piracy, it is due to some technical glitch on Facebook. The video which was to be on private mode went on public mode. But fans are happy that we came early. All is well that ends well," Rajamouli said.

"Baahubali: The Beginning" is one of the highest grossing Indian films, which reportedly earned Rs 650 crore at the box office.

Karan Johar, who is presenting the Hindi version of the film, joked that presenters made all the money.

"The presenters make money, the one who put their hard work, blood, sweat and tears don't make money always. But the equity the film has made is beyond monetary," he added.

Watch the trailer here.

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Akshay Kumar donates Rs 1 cr to kin of CRPF bravehearts, Rajnath lauds move

He transferred Rs 9 lakh each in the bank accounts on Thursday

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh commended Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar for his generosity, after the star donated Rs nine lakh each to the families of the 12 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who were killed during an encounter with the Naxalites on March 11 in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district.

Officials said, soon after the incident, the actor approached the Union Home Ministry with a request to obtain the bank account numbers of the family members of the jawans who were killed in the March 11 ambush as he wanted to make a monetary donation to them.

They said the Ministry, accepting Kumar's request, directed the CRPF to share the bonafide bank account numbers of the families of the slain personnel.

Also Read : Before Bahubali 2, makers to release Bahubali 1 again

Kumar, they said, transferred Rs 9 lakh each in the bank accounts yesterday.

"Kumar's gesture exhibits his patriotism and devotion towards the country in general and CRPF in particular," the paramilitary force said in a statement.

12 personnel were killed in a deadly ambush in Chhattisgarh's worst Naxal-hit district of Sukma on March 11 when they were out on a patrol.

The deceased CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-inspectors H B Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, head constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P R Minde and constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar. Read more