Indians loved Elizabeth Taylor, the woman who inspired!

Her posters made people freeze in their tracks. Her movies were seen again and again. But Elizabeth Taylor will be remembered by Indians as much as a woman who lived life on her own terms as an actress of striking beauty and talent.

Be it her many marriages, her phenomenal jewel collection or her zest for life, she was the original Hollywood diva.

With the film legend passing away in Los Angeles at the age of 79 Wednesday, many Indians in showbiz and fashion recall being smitten by her arched dark eyebrows, piercing green eyes and oomph factor in the early 1960s.

"For me, she defined cinema and cinematic beauty. When I was a kid, people used to be very attracted to English films. We used to be in awe of her looks. I remember stopping for a glance at her poster," filmmaker Rohan Sippy told IANS. "Her presence will certainly be missed a lot."

Her portrayal of a promiscuous woman in "Butterfield 8" (1960) and an alcoholic woman trapped in a vicious marriage in "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf" (1966) won her Oscars.

But perhaps her most famous role in India remained "Cleopatra" in 1961 - on the sets of which she met and fell in love with Richard Burton. Taylor was married eight times, including the two marriages to Burton.

"It was with a sense of awe that I watched 'Cleopatra' because it opened up a whole new world for me, particularly on gender issues. At that time in India, a woman's place was generally regarded as at home even though my own mother had a full time job," said journalist V. Romesh Kumar who saw "Cleopatra" at the age of 11.

"The fact that a woman could be a queen and a powerful one at that, able to exercise her own judgement was quite a revelation - and Taylor portrayed this forcefully."

Her wide eyes and iconic eyelashes captivated many men.

"We have always perceived her as a rare personality... a lady who thinks from the heart more than the brain, and you can see it in her decisions, including personal and social," Jai of designer duo Parvesh-Jai told IANS.

"Like getting married again and again... falling in love again and again, ditching or getting ditched, but nothing could stop her. She was a person who did what she felt was right," he added.

Jai believes people will miss her high buns and long cigarette smoking photos in black and white. At times, her love life overshadowed her work as an actress, although it reinforced her stardom and celebrity status.

Her style statement is still an inspiration for fashion designers.

"I loved her bold and individualistic style statement. Her death indeed comes as a shock. The loss will be irreparable to the world of art and cinema. She was truly someone who owned the room once she walked into one! Truly an inspiration for us," said designer Nida Mahmood.

Designer Arpan Vohra added: "It's really sad to bid goodbye to one of the most iconic glamorous beauties in Hollywood who in every way, be it with the movies or her personal life, made people talk about her.

"Her unmatched style statement of wearing jewels, and it is believed she had one of the world's best collections, hardly comes as a surprise because she used to flaunt them at all occasions," he said.

After reigning in Hollywood industry for over two decades, major movie roles started to dry up in the 1980s, although she later appeared as a guest star on "The Simpsons" and several TV movies.

In her later years it was her charity work for AIDS with the establishment of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and her friendship with late popstar Michael Jackson that kept her in the news.

She also launched lucrative perfume and jewellery lines, pioneering merchandising efforts by Hollywood stars.

Her life was also marred by health problems, many of which were attributed to a horsefall she suffered while filming "National Velvet". She also famously battled addictions to alcohol and drugs.

For the young southern actor Rana Daggubati, who is making his Bollywood debut with "Dum Maro Dum", her screen persona was very strong.

"Elizabeth Taylor was one of those actresses who had a very powerful hold on people here in India. Not only on-screen but her off-screen persona was really strong too. I have followed quite a lot of films of her as cinema watching has been an important thing which I have been following since my childhood."

Shyamalan to direct Will Smith, Jaden in next

Mumbai, April 6 -- Hollywood director M Night Shyamalan, has roped in Will Smith and his son Jaden for his new sci-fi film and says it was his dream to work together with the father-son duo.

"The chance to make a scary, science-fiction film starring Jaden and Will is my dream project," contactmusic.com quoted Shyamalan, who is of Indian origin, as saying.

The film is set 1,000 years into the future, where Jaden plays a boy who must find his way around an abandoned planet after his spaceship has crashed. Will plays his estranged father. Will and Shyamalan will also be producing the film. The father-son duo previously starred in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006).

Oprah Winfrey honoured at Daytime Emmy Awards

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has been honoured with the Crystal Pillar Award at the Daytime Emmy Awards in Las Vegas.

Winfrey received the award in recognition of the way she has changed the face of daytime television.

She recently ended her programme "The Oprah Winfrey Show" after 25 years.

American singer Gladys Knight, entrepreneur Celine Dion and actress Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to the 57-year-old.

"For the past 25 years, the world has been lucky to call you a friend. I will miss you and I love you," said Ellen in a video message.

Winfey could not attend the ceremony and accepted the award in a video message, reports contactmusic.com.

"We are sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for honouring our show, we thank you for 25 years. This show has served as a platform to enlighten and entertain our millions of viewers ... it has been a phenomenon that none of us could have imagined in our wildest dreams. None of this would have been possible without the support of the best team in television. Thank you!" she said.

Monroe's 'subway' dress sold for $4.6 mn

The pleated ivory dress that blew around Marilyn Monroe in an iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch sold for $4.6 million at a weekend auction of Hollywood costumes - far exceeding its estimate. The so-called "subway" dress is perhaps the most recognizable in movie history. In Billy Wilder's 1955 movie, a passing train sent a draft through a grate as Monroe giddily stood above it proclaiming, "Isn't it delicious?"

The William Travilla design was estimated to sell for between $1 million and $2 million, the crown jewel at a 12-hour auction of nearly 600 costumes and pieces of memorabilia being sold by actress Debbie Reynolds in Beverly Hills on Saturday.

Monroe's red-sequined dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes went for $1.2 million. Its pre-sale estimate was $200,000 to $300,000. Audrey Hepburn's Ascot dress from My Fair Lady, carrying the same estimate, sold for $3.7 million.

The collection featured costumes worn by other Hollywood stars, from Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor to Madonna and Mike Myers.

Reynolds, 79, began amassing the impressive collection when she was a young actress under contract at MGM.

When the studio auctioned off everything except its real estate in 1970, she turned a pastime into what she called an "obsession."

But her dream of displaying her beloved costumes in a museum was dashed when a Tennessee project went bankrupt in 2006, and she was forced to sell them to pay back creditors.

"Now everyone has the opportunity to own them," Reynolds said.

Other costumes sold by auction house Profiles in History included:
- Judy Garland's blue cotton dress used in test shots for The Wizard of Oz, $910,000 (estimate: $60,000-$80,000)
- Kelly's rose crepe outfit from To Catch a Thief, $450,000 (estimate: $30,000-$50,000);
- Marlon Brando's elaborate coronation costume from Napoleon Bonaparte, $60,000 (estimate: $60,000-$80,000);
- Claude Rains' ivory military suit from Casablanca, $55,000 (estimate: $12,000-$15,000);
- Taylor's brown period dress from Raintree County, $10,000 (estimate: $10,000-$15,000);
- Madonna's black evening gown and shoes from Evita, $22,500 (estimate: $4,000-$6,000);
- Myers' swinging '60s blood-orange outfit from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, $11,000 (estimate: $6,000-$8,000).

James Bond back in India after 28 years

indian Bond fans might get a chance to catch a glimpse of Daniel Craig who will shoot in the outskirts of Mumbai for his next 007 movie soon. 1983 film Octopussy was the only James Bond film shot in India.

The action movie will be shot in Big ND Studio located in Karjat in a three-week spell, reportedly.

Oscar Award winning director Sam Mendes and production designer Terry Bamber had visited India some time this April for a recce, reported Mid Day.

"The Hollywood movie would start off with an explosive chase scene set in South Mumbai. In the ND Studio, South Mumbai setting of the main road with shops, bylanes and the main traffic signal will be expanded to include the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Crawford Market, too," a source told the tabloid.

This is Daniel Craig's third outing as James Bond.

Britney's show the best, say Hilton, Kardashian

Singer Britney Spears wowed Hollywood celebrities including Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian with her Femme Fatale stage show in Los Angeles.

At her do in Los Angeles, several famous faces were present to see the singer's most adventurous gig.

Hilton was accompanied by her sister Nicky and mother Kathy, while socialite Kardashian took a group of friends, reports contactmusic.com.

"BritneySpears show was amazing! She looked and sounded beautiful! Great concert!" Nicky Hilton posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Kardashian wrote: "Seriously u guys, tonight britneyspears just had the best concert ever! She killed it in LA! Proud of u doll ;-) must see concert! (sic)"

Drew Barrymore to direct music video

Drew Barrymore is set to turn music video director for American rock band Best Coast's new video.

"I met Drew Barrymore after a show in L.A. and we ended up talking about how we could work together. So she's going to direct a video and Miranda Cosgrove, Chloe Moretz and (comic) Donald Glover are all going to be in it. It's got a very cool concept, which Drew came up with," dailystar.co.uk quoted Best Coast's frontwoman Bethany Cosentino as saying.

The video will feature "Kick-Ass" actress Chole Moretz and "iCarly" sensation Miranda Cosgrove.

JLo to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez will soon have a star with her name on it on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her musical career, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the entity that grants that honour, announced Tuesday.

Lopez is scheduled to be one of the artists to be honoured with a star on the walkway in 2012, although those selected to receive stars have five years to set the dates for their star placement ceremonies.

Besides Lopez, Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar is also on the list of those selected to receive a Walk of Fame star, just like his father, actor and singer Antonio Aguilar, dubbed "El Charro de Mexico", did in 2000.

"The committee has selected a fabulous slate of stars to add sparkle and luster to the Hollywood Walk of Fame over the next year, as well as to generate a once-in-a-lifetime Hollywood experience for many of the visitors who stop by when their favorite personalities are having their stars placed," John Pavlik, chair of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Selection Committee, said in a press release.

Among those on the list of honourees for 2012 are Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet, Matt Groening, Mariska Hargitay, Walter Koenig, Adam West and Boyz II Men, and Richard Burton and Barry White are scheduled to receive posthumous stars.

Shakira hails Barcelona soccer club as model of teamwork

Colombian songstress Shakira said here Tuesday that she wants a world that emulates the teamwork of the title-winning F.C. Barcelona soccer club to "win the match against discrimination".

"I would like a world that functions like a team, just like Barca does. In this way, we will be able to win the match against discrimination," she said at a press conference while her boyfriend, Barcelona star Gerard pique, looked on from the first row of seats.

Shakira made mention of the Spanish soccer club again when she recalled that some of the hundreds of Israeli and Arab children who Tuesday welcomed her to a bilingual school in Jerusalem were wearing Barcelona jerseys.

"This visit is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of how to raise our children," the superstar said.

Shakira is participating in the inaugural session of a forum of conferences sponsored by Israeli President Shimon Peres and entitled "Facing the 2011 of tomorrow", an initiative that - among other things - provides a forum for discussing strategies to guarantee protection and education for children.

The Peres foundation has signed cooperation accords with the F.C. Barcelona Foundation and Shakira's Pies Descalzos Foundation designed to promote education and training of children in areas such as sports.

On Tuesday, Shakira was received with great celebration by hundreds of children who sang her hit "Waka-Waka" at an event organized by UNICEF in the schoolyard.

The singer mingled with the children and embraced and greeted all those that she could, after which she sat among them in the first row of seats to watch the show they put on for her.

Schwarzenegger pays for child support to Shriver

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is said to be paying a significant amount to estranged wife Maria Shriver in child support though neither of them has filed for divorce yet.

The 63-year-old actor has agreed to give financial assistance to Shriver for their younger children Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13, reports RadarOnline. They also have daughters Katherine, 21, and Christina, 19,

"(Arnold is paying) a significant amount of child support. Arnold is also paying for his sons, Patrick and Christopher's private school bills," said a source.

"Even though Maria is a Kennedy, and has inherited a great deal of money from her parent's estate since their deaths, she is taking the child support. Under California law, she is entitled to the child support, once either one of them files for divorce," the source said.

"Maria and Arnold's lawyers have been working on a divorce settlement but in the meantime Arnold is willingly paying the money to Maria," the source added.

Shriver and Schwarzenegger announced separation shortly before it was revealed that he had fathered a child with their former housekeeper.

Insiders claim Shiver has enlisted the help of forensic accountants to get an accurate view of her estranged spouse's assets in order to ensure their divorce is fair.

"Maria wants to get a fair divorce settlement, and move on with her life. She has already begun to do so," the source said.

Warren Beatty makes comeback after 13 years

(IANS) Actor Warren Beatty is planning a comeback in direction after 13 years with a comedy for Paramount Pictures.

Paramount Pictures recently announced that Beatty will direct and star in an untitled comedy for the studio. The film is said to be based on an original script Beatty has written and will go into production by the end of this year, reports imdb.com.

The 74-year-old made his directing debut with the 1978 movie "Heaven Can Wait". In 1982, he won the best director Oscar for his political drama "Reds" and scored a box office hit with his comic-book adaptation "Dick Tracy" in 1990.

The unnamed comedy will be Beatty's first outing as a director after "Bulworth" in 1998.

Beyonce Knowles goes topless!

Beyonce Knowles surely knows how to grab eye balls! The singer has unveiled a set of raunchy pictures ahead of the launch of her new album 4. She is seen with her legs spread wide open while balancing herself on two ropes and her long blonde hair covering her modesty.

In two of the pictures, t
he 29-year-old is topless save for two furry and her long hair covering her assets. In another picture, she is seen striking a seductive pose while dressed in a corset, Daily Mail reported.

BeyonceBeyonce unveiled the sexy pictures on her official website.

She will launch more photos on June 26.

India has a special place in my heart: Hilary Swank

(IANS) Oscar winner Hilary Swank got a thunderous applause when she greeted spectators at the IIFA awards ceremony here with a "Namaste" and said India held a special place in her heart.

The Hollywood actress was the most unexpected celebrity at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony here.

The American, who accompanied "Slumdog Millionaire" actor Anil Kapoor to present the best actor award to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, said: "Namaste Toronto! Namaste India! Namaste world!"

"India has a very special place in my heart. Bollywood has been bringing two worlds together. It really makes us believe in the IIFA philosophy of 'One People. One World.' IIFA truly rocks," she added.

Swank, who looked simple yet stunning in a deep pink and long gown, presented the award to Shah Rukh for his performance in Karan Johar's "My Name Is Khan".

The Badshah of Bollywood, as Shah Rukh is known, appreciated the actress for her heartwarming "Namaste".

"It feels great to be presented an award by two of the molst respected actors in the world - 'Slumdog Millionaire' Anil Kapoor, and of course, Hilary Swank," Shah Rukh told the audience at the Roger's Centre here.

To Swank, SRK said: "I love the way you say 'Namaste'... it will be a fond memory."

Before the awards function kickstarted, Swank also had a brief brush with the media at the green carpet.

"I love all kinds of cinema and from all the countries. I think Bollywood films are a lot of fun and passionate. I'm excited to be at IIFA," she said.

It's India first for Tintin, Bond

Tintin will hit the big screen in India six weeks before he makes his entry in the US. In a bid to capitalise on the Indian fan base, the makers of the Hollywood flick, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, have decided to release the film here earlier, even if it means risking global piracy.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 3D film releases across 400 screens in India on November 11, while it is slated for a Christmas release in the US. "Tintin is widely popular in India and we get a clear week then as there are no other big releases at the time. Mr Spielberg was willing to give us the date, but, at the same time, we'll have to take utmost care to avoid piracy," says Kercy Daruwala, MD, Sony Pictures India.

It's not just Tintin who is keen on India, even the upcoming Mission Impossible flick is likely to get here before it opens to the rest of the world. "Asia is a very special market for Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol as it has Anil Kapoor and it's been shot in Dubai, so the makers are considering an Indian release well before the world release," says an industry source.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon will also premiere in India 12 hours before its global release. "India is a huge market for the franchise and we will try exploring it further," says Vikram Malhotra, COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures. The next James Bond flick, venture, is also expected to release here in 2012 a week before it does, elsewhere. Experts say that ever since the success of Avatar, Hollywood studios have recognised India as a big market. "It is a gold mine for them, they've even started releasing blockbusters in regional languages on the same day," he says.

"We're encouraging all our studios to invest in India with co-productions, whether it's films or TV. In fact, we are aiming at occupying 30% of the market here by 2012," says Michael Ellis, MD of Motion Pictures Association (Asia-Pacific). Multiplexes and fans are thrilled. "Twilight released in India after a year! It was terrible. Glad the tables have turned," says Ira Singhal, 22.

Indian girl spends night with Quentin Tarantino, tells all!

Everyone knows that Quentin Tarantino is a foot fetishist; after all he drank champagne from Uma Thurman's 6-inch heels. That was a couple of years back. Now, an email written by a young lady is ripping Tarantino's foot fetishist image apart and in the most ruthless way.

The mail written by a girl named Beejoli was sent to her 15 friends narrating an infamous yet true story about one of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers - Tarantino.

Beejoli, who puts on a goofy façade in the mail, went out partying with her friends and met Quentin Tarantino. Incidentally, QT not only poured her a drink, he also publicly made out with her.

She wrote, "At this point, QT puts an arm around me and I'm acutely aware that Quentin Tarantino has an arm around me. As are my four friends, who are all looking at me as if I have grown a second head. To be fair, I am easily the most uncool out of all my friends so the fact that anyone even mildly famous wants to speak to me is pretty shocking. He's chatting with my friends and I like it's no big deal, I am pretending like this happens every night of my life, and out of nowhere he leans in for the makeout. Yes. True story."

TarantinoSo what about this incident manages to rip his image apart? The juice of the story lies in the rather descriptive pictures she paints rather eloquently in her mail.

Quentin invites Beejoli to his place and she willingly hops in the car. After another make out session in his SUV, the two hit a photo-booth for some clicks and evidence for the young lady that she spent time with QT.

"I spot a photo booth and immediately realize that we must take photos, if for nothing else, proof that this story even happened. We get a few good photo strips, which I immediately buried at the bottom of my purse lest he take them from me, and go on talking about film."

Post the photo session, Beejoli claims that they hit his bar with vengeance and the sexual tension between the two reaches a whole new level. At this point, she is reminded of the fact that she wasn't even wearing sexy panties!

She wrote: "The make-out continues for a while longer, and I'm really getting nervous about where the night may lead, kicking myself over not pretending to be more drunk and "passing out", and wishing he'd turn the damn lights off so that he won't notice that I'm wearing Hanes Her Way underwear the size of Canada."

Moving on, in her word Quentin's sex appeal fizzled out the moment she saw his penis. Beejoli wrote: "We make out some more, there's a little below the belt action that I try to avoid, as QT has the most unattractive penis I have ever seen (short. fat. nub-like).

Predictably yet funnily, Quentin Tarantino asked her if he could jerk off while sucking her toe! A shocked Beejoli then goes on to describe the "weirdest" ten minutes of her life. She wrote: "And thus began the weirdest ten minutes of my life - having my feet made out with by an Oscar winning filmmaker while he pleasured himself. No bodily secretions were ejected anywhere near me or my feet, and just as I hoped, we went to bed right after."

In the morning, the author of this mail was dropped back home by Quentin himself.

"Most insane experience of my life, and without a doubt, probably the best story I will ever get to tell."

This story is heavily one sided primarily because QT never blogged or e-mailed anyone about this incident.

Barrymore in talks to produce 'The Heist Society'

Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore is in talks to produce a film based on the book "The Heist Society" along with Warner Bros.

"Heist Society," published last year by Hyperion books, revolves around a teenage girl balancing school and her family's criminal activities.

In the novel, the story is triggered by powerful mobster being robbed of his priceless art collection -- with the girl's father as the main suspect -- and the protagonist responding by assembling a crew to steal it back, reports variety.com.

Barrymore has previously produced films like "How to Be Single" and "He's Just Not That into You"

Harry Potter fever hits city!

It's a bittersweet time for Harry Potter fans around the world. On one hand, the last of the Harry Potter film series that has gripped audiences for the last decade is about to hit theatres, and on the other, this marks the end of the magical journey.

But there is a reason to rejoice. A city multiplex is screening all the seven Harry Potter films back-to-back to rejuvenate memories and prepare fans for the grand finale on July 15 in India.

Not just that, Harry Potter fanatics can even watch both the parts of the last film, The Deathly Hallows, back-to-back on July 13. "Harry Potter is one of the biggest franchises, which is why Warner Bros gave us exclusive permission to organise this fest in India," says Shalu Sabharwal, vice president, sale and marketing, PVR Cinemas.

The festival will be on in Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai, and the shows have been scheduled in the evening. "We have not compromised on the timings and have given them prime slots between 7 pm and 7.45 pm in Mumbai," adds Sabharwal. "We have already got a lot of enquiries because this is the last chance for all those people who have missed any film to watch it on the big screen."

The screenings started on Thursday and will culminate with the finale marathon on July 13. The series includes Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 and 2 (2010 and 2011).

Though season passes for the entire festival did not work out as a favourable option, those interested can buy tickets for all the screenings, including the finale, in advance. The festival is on at PVR Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel.

Schwarzenegger may pay 250 mn pounds to ex-wife?

Arnold Schwarzenegger might have to pay 250 million pounds to his estranged wife Maria Shriver after their divorce.

Shriver would be entitled to half his estimated 465 million pounds fortune under ­state law, but the "Terminator" star is said to be ­considering a bigger pay-out to settle the case.

"Arnold realises he is to blame for the collapse of his marriage," mirror.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

"Maria was a loving wife and mother and he doesn't think any amount of money can minimise what he has put her through. He wants to do the right thing, go above and beyond what is required by law," the source added.

Arnold Schwarzenegger might have to pay 250 million pounds to his estranged wife Maria Shriver after their divorce.

Shriver would be entitled to half his estimated 465 million pounds fortune under ­state law, but the "Terminator" star is said to be ­considering a bigger pay-out to settle the case.

"Arnold realises he is to blame for the collapse of his marriage," mirror.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

"Maria was a loving wife and mother and he doesn't think any amount of money can minimise what he has put her through. He wants to do the right thing, go above and beyond what is required by law," the source added.

Freedom at 40 for Aniston

Actress Jennifer Aniston feels she has more freedom at the age of 40 as she no longer cares what people think of her.

The 42-year-old actress admits she worried more about how she would be judged in her twenties, but now has more freedom to enjoy herself, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think getting older means you get more comfortable in your body and in your skin and who you are and you have more of a 'I don't care' attitude," said Aniston.

"Now, I think there's just more of a freedom and a comfort and none of it really matters as long as you're enjoying yourself and having a really good time. You're so careful and controlled in your twenties and you're just more aware of your every move," she added.

Shriver to move near Schwarzenegger

Maria Shriver is set to buy a $10 million home near estranged husband Arnold Schwarzenegger because she wants the pair to have an amicable relationship for the sake of their children.

The 55-year-old writer has split from the "Terminator" star earlier this year after it was revealed he fathered a boy named Joseph with his family's housekeeper Mildred Baena 13 years ago while they were still married, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Shriver has four children, Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13, with the former Californian governor and is looking to purchase the luxurious property in Los Angeles district Brentwood, which is just down the road from her former marital home.

"Arnold realises he is to blame for the collapse of his marriage. Maria was a loving wife and mother, and he doesn't think that any amount can minimize what he has put her through. He wants to do the right thing, and go above and beyond what is required of him under the law," said a source.

Harrison Ford turns cowboy for next!

Best known for iconic roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford will be now seen as a cowboy in his next venture, Cowboys and Aliens. He will play a colonel who rules the town with an iron fist. Ford will share screen space with Daniel Craig for the first time.

The latter too will play a cowboy in the film, a far cry from the suave Bond act that he is best known for. The film is set in 1873 Arizona, where a loner named Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) awakens with no memory of his past and a mysterious shackle around his wrist. He enters the town of Absolution where he learns that he is a notorious criminal wanted by many people including Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford).

But Absolution soon faces an even greater threat when alien spaceships attack the town. While his shackle holds the key to defeating the aliens, Lonergan must ally with Dolarhyde and other former enemies to make a stand against them.

Pottermania, one last time!

With the last of the Harry Potter films set to hit Indian screens tomorrow, Pottermania has hit fever pitch in the Capital. Sentiments run high as desi fans of author JK Rowling's fiction series prepare to say their final goodbyes.

"It's kind of bittersweet, since this will be the last film. I've been a huge fan. The character has been an intricate part of our generation's culture recall," says actor Minissha Lamba. "I think all Potter fans feel the same. Extreme excitement and sadness at the same time that it will all be over," adds actor Sophie Choudry.

Meanwhile, businesses are making the most of the 'end'. From costumes to theme party props, cakes and books, Potter is creating a big bang on his way out. "There have been huge sales of merchandise inspired by the films, especially robes and glasses. Over the last two weeks, we've had numerous orders for Potter parties," says Aditya Kapur of Delhi-based party supplies store, Party Hunterz. "Potter cakes are a hit," says Hemant Kumar of The Cake Express.

Cinemas stand sold out even before the movie opens. "It's no surprise that tickets are, pun intended, flying out of the windows," says Shalu Sabharwal of PVR Cinemas, which has been running previous films in the series. A spokesperson for Bahrisons bookstore in Khan Market says, "Since the past two weeks, everyone wants a Potter book!"

I want my dad to be proud of me: Gaga

Pop star Lady Gaga says her father Joseph Germanotta is one of the biggest inspirations for her music and she wants him to be proud of her work.

"As much as I want the world to be happy, at the end of the day I just want my dad to be proud of me," femalefirst.co.uk quoted her as saying.

The 25-year-old also revealed that her family's reaction towards her success and fame was confusing -- at times.

In an interview on Japanese TV talk show "Tetsuko no Heya", she said: "They were sometimes worried, sometimes confused. But with all things, with all adversity, it takes time.

"I was very patient with them and they were very patient with me. Now the most wonderful thing about my family is that we are rock solid," she said.

Harry Portter: Why should we move on?

With the last of the Harry Potter films set to hit Indian screens tomorrow, Pottermania has hit fever pitch in the Capital. Sentiments run high as desi fans of author JK Rowling's fiction series prepare to say their final goodbyes. "It's kind of bittersweet, since this will be the last film. I've been a huge fan. The character has been an intricate part of our generation's culture recall," says actor Minissha Lamba. "I think all Potter fans feel the same. Extreme excitement and sadness at the same time that it will all be over," adds actor Sophie Choudry.

Meanwhile, businesses are making the most of the 'end'. From costumes to theme party props, cakes and books, Potter is creating a big bang on his way out. "There have been huge sales of merchandise inspired by the films, especially robes and glasses. Over the last two weeks, we've had numerous orders for Potter parties," says Adihere have been huge sales of merchandise inspired by the films, especially robes and glasses.

Over the last two weeks, we've had numerous orders for Potter parties," says Adihere have been huge sales of merchandise inspired by the films, especially robes and glasses. Over the last two weeks, we've had numerous orders for Potter parties," says Aditya Kapur of Delhi-based party supplies store, Pahere have been huge sales of merchandise inspired by the films, especially robes and glasses. Over the last two weeks, we've had numerous orders for Potter parties," says Adirty Hunterz. "Potter cakes are a hit," says Hemant Kumar of The Cake Express. Cinemas stand sold out even before the movie opens. "It's no suror Potter parties," says Adirty Hunterz. "Potter cakes are a hit," says Hemant Kumar of The Cake Express.

Cinemas stand sold out even before the movie opens. "It's no suror Potter parties," says Adirty Hunterz. "Potter cakes are a hit," says Hemant Kumar of The Cake Express. Cinemas stand sold out even before the movie opens. "It's no surprise that tickets are, pun intended, flying out of the windows," says Shalu Sabharwal of PVR Cinemas, which has been running previous films in the seri.

Justin Bieber now has 11 mn Twitter followers

Teen pop sensation Justin Bieber has crossed 11 million followers on micro-blogging site Twitter. He took to his page to thank his loyal "Beliebers".

"WHAAAATTTT?!??! 11MillionBeliebers! I LOVE YOU ALL!! THANK YOU ... tonight was already a fun great night and now it is even better. THANK U THANK U THANK U (sic)" Bieber posted on Twitter.

The 17-year-old singer is the second most popular celebrity on Twitter. Lady Gaga enjoys the first position with over 11.5 million people reading her tweets, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Other well-known faces in the top 10 include US President Barack Obama, socialite Kim Kardashian and singer Britney Spears.

Tom Hanks: 'Who doesn't know Bollywood'

Tom Hanks says that he wants to act in Bollywood, if given an opportunity.

"Who doesn't know about the Indian film industry nowadays? I know many actors but can't really pronounce their names well," he says. "If I get an opportunity to venture into such a project, I will seriously think about it. I want to experience the uniqueness of foreign movies," he adds .

The 55-year-old Oscar winner actor says he had a great time directing and acting in his last movie, Larry Crowne with co-star Julia Roberts. As to how it was working with her, Hanks says, "After Julia agreed to act in my movie, I was the boss. Hence I got to say, 'You don't wear this dress, you wear that dress.' But Julia can still be intimidating," he adds.

Father of four, Hanks says, "I want my kids to laugh every day, and if they're not doing it themselves, I'll try to make them do it. In some ways, I think that I'm an idiot who's never there when they need me, but other times, I can ask them the right questions and cut through a lot of their nonsense ."

Critics report: Harry Potter is pure magic on screen

A harassed, unsure young boy stumbles into his 'real' identity through a magic portal on a station. The boy grows up, makes friends, falls in love, but he is no ordinary little British boy. He is Harry Potter.

Millions of fans living a fantasy through the life of this boy wizard, bid a sometimes tearful, sometimes hysterical farewell to Harry and the gang as the final film hits theatres.

Harry potter, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasly are not children anymore, much like the actors who played the lead characters. The world grew up with these three as they went from vulnerable, awkward kids to full-fledged wizards. This time it's war. The search for the last Horcrux reaches a whirlwind climax.

The mature, reasoned performances by the three has been critically acclaimed. The film gets a serious, grown-up tone from the very beginning thanks to their acting prowess.

"The performances by all the actors are, as always, worth acknowledging. There is a visible maturity in the acts of the leading trio, Radcliffe in particular, as you notice a Harry Potter shorn of the histrionics of previous installments. Alan Rickman has given us yet another unforgettable performance as Professor Severus Snape," says Pankit Narang for Apunkachoice.

David Yates gets to the point in this film. The film is a satisfying grey throughout, keeping with tone of the story.

But Voldemort is the most overwhelming of all characters. An NDTV Movies reviews says, "This is such great screen villainy it makes you regret there wasn’t more of Voldemort all along and more too of his incarnations as another gifted boy wizard, Tom Riddle. "

The film, great as it were, is unable to shrug off the limitations of movies adapted from books. The NDTV Movies review continues, "The books, fat with detail and detours into the past, gave J K Rowling loads of room to play. With only two or so hours of story time, the movies have been forced to sacrifice swaths of her material, and while the scripts have been largely models of adaptation... the emphasis on action (and interminable games of quidditch) was also a concession to the action-imperative of the modern blockbuster."

Nevertheless, the last Harry Potter film can safely be said to be the best. So Rowling and Yates, with help from screenplay writer Steve Kloves, did in fact save the best for the last.

"It’s a perfect farewell to the wizard boy, a film that leaves you thoroughly entertained but with a niggle of wistful sadness that you just witnessed the swansong of the character that sprinkled a bit of magic in your bitingly real world," concludes Pankit.

Harry Potter breaks US midnight box office record

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the final movie of the popular boy wizard, has set a new US box office record after raking in $43.5 million dollars from midnight screenings alone.

The movie was released across the US Friday midnight. Warner Bros. studio bosses were also bracing for a big showing this weekend. According to industry insiders' prediction, the new Potter film could also surpass the US opening weekend record of $158 million.

Since 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the Harry Potter movies have earned more than $6 billion in global revenue.

Harry Potter franchise crosses $7 bn mark

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 has had a record breaking run in the first week - the eight and the last instalment of the boy wizard story has already earned $640.2 million and with that, the franchise has crossed the $7 billion mark worldwide.

The film earned $214.9 million at the US box office and $425.3 million at international ticket windows.

"It is an extraordinary privilege for everyone at Warner Bros to share in this piece of cinema history. We are extremely grateful to the Harry Potter fans who have remained loyal to the movies for more than a decade," deadline.com quoted Jeff Robinov, president, Warner Bros Pictures Group, as saying.

Authored by JK Rowling, the first Harry Potter book came out in 1997 and became a rage, and four years later its movie version starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson hit the screens. The movie was equally successful.

"We also want to congratulate the amazing roster of actors and filmmakers, whose artistry and talent is evident in every frame of every film. But special thanks must go to the woman whose incomparable imagination literally changed the world, Rowling," Robinov added.

Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution of Warner Bros. Pictures, said: "Becoming a $7 billion-plus franchise is a stunning achievement, which is shared by everybody involved in any or all of the Harry Potter films.

"On the domestic side, the studio is also thrilled to have reached the billion dollar benchmark for an unprecedented eleventh year in a row. We thank everyone at Warner Bros whose hard work and dedication have contributed so much to our success.

Brad Pitt: 'Never seen a country like India'

the Mumbai shoot for Mighty Heart (2007) isn't a memory they cherish given the controversy that surrounded it, but buzz is that Brad Pitt and partner Angelina Jolie are planning another visit to India, a quiet three-day trip to Rajasthan soon. The Hollywood superstar, however, doesn't confirm or deny the speculation. All he says is, "I've never seen a country like India; it was an extraordinary trip. And we absolutely loved Deepavali, the Indian festival of lights."

Pitt's new movie, The Tree of Life opens in India on Friday. Rave reviews and the Palme d'Or at Cannes make the film a strong contender for the Oscars next year. Having put his money into it, how confident is the 47-year-old, of the film's commercial prospects in India? "The Tree of Life has an universal viewpoint - the theme of creation and the mysteries of religion. It'll be interesting to see how it fares in India," says Pitt, who stepped in as Mr O'Brian after the sudden death of Heath Ledger, who was to act in the film.

Another role that's keeping him busy is that of a dad. "Today, everything I do, I look at in the context of what my kids are going to see and feel. They know me as a dad, but I hope that some day they will think of me as a damn good actor too," he says, adding, "Angie and I do everything we can to carve some semblance of normalcy for our children and recreate moments that were special for us when we were growing up. It's not unusual for them to be covered in paint and they enjoy mud fights too," he says.