6th consecutive win for Nobuhiro Tajima on Pikes Peak

Two days before his 61st birthday, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima was once again crowned King of the Mountain. His winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the sixth consecutive year on June 26 was no surprise, but his time was. He completed the 12.42-mile course in 9:51.278, becoming the first person to conquer Pikes Peak in less than 10 minutes.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/07/how-the-monster-beat-the-mountain/

'Bejawada Rowdylu' resumes Shoot

After lot of hullabaloo, the shooting of 'Bejawada Rowdylu' produced by Ram Gopal Varma and directed by Vivek with Naga Chaitanya in the lead role resumed in Vijayawada on Sunday.

Right from the day of announcement of the title, the film evoked lots of criticism and many people's organisations and political parties made an appeal to RGV to consider change of title as it maligns the name of the historical city Vijayawada. But the producer refused to oblige any of those appeals.

Some people had even moved court and the unit had to stop the shooting one day in advance in the first schedule.

The unit had erected a huge Durga idol in Isukadibba area of Vijayawada and somehow, RGV had got permission to resume shooting from the police and the shooting is continuing from Sunday.

Superhero in 'Joker'? Truth or not!

Over last few months ever since the announcement of 'Joker', it was being said that the film takes audience into a world hitherto unseen with aliens and other out-of-the-real-world elements. In fact there were similarities that were also drawn with Batman flick 'The Dark Knight', a superhero film, where Heath Ledger had played the role of 'Joker'. However as it has turned out, this is far from being true with the makers totally denying the presence of any superhero element whatsoever.

"These are all plain speculations. The plot of 'Joker' has nothing to do with superheroes", says Shirish Kunder, the film's director, "Someone out there may have just said something in jest but no one ever went on records claiming it to be a superhero film. Yes, there are fantasy elements involved but Akshay Kumar is not playing a superhero by any imagination. In fact he plays a scientist who returns from America to his native village."

With varied versions being heard at different points in time, one wonders whether it is a strategy adopted by the makers to keep the audience guessing right till the film's release. Well, all one can do is continue to speculate as the film is still far away from release and would arrive only next year.

Katrina is hotter than Malaika

Katrina Kaif and Malaika Arora Khan are most enviable item bombs who can set the screen on fire at any given instant of time. They have roared with most popular item number songs in 2010 fighting for top position as the Hottest Item Girls of 2010. It is true that they made many top heroines eye on item songs which give instantaneous money for fewer efforts.

Songs don’t just need lyrics to create a stir. The latka and jhatkas with bump n grinds have become intrinsic to success to top the charts. One of the popular news papers has conducted a survey with 3.43 Lakh voters where majority was clearly for Katrina taking over Malaika.

So, the Hottest Item Number of 2010 is ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ from ‘Tees Maar Khan’ followed by second position for ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ for Malaika in ‘Dabangg’ and then Jacqueline Fernandez for ‘Aapka Kya Hoga’ from ‘Housefull.’

Vimala Raman in Billa 2

The newest addition to the cast of Billa 2 is Vimala Raman. Huma Qureshi, a mumbai – based super model has already been signed up as the heroine. Vimala Raman will be another female lead and word is that her role is a good one. This actress was last seen in Raman Thediya Seethai and after that devoted her time to Malayalam and Telugu films.

This is her big comeback in Tamil and she is thankful that she has got a part opposite a huge star like Ajith. Vimala Raman is keeping her fingers crossed because after this she will surely receive many more offers.

Meera Chopra to Arrested for Murder

The Haryana police have rushed to Dehli to arrest actress Meera Chopra alias Meera Chopra for murdering Ruchi (28). The actress is said to have an illicit relationship with Sumeet Puttan, husband of the deceased Ruchi.

Ruchi was found hanging at her residence in Gurgoan but police suspect that she could have been murdered and hanged. Her husband is said to be the main suspect. Ruchi’s sister Shefali accused Meera Chopra of being the main cause for her sister’s death. She said that Meera Chopra had an illicit relationship with Sumeet which had Ruchi in deep depression. Ruchi was also subjected to severe torture by Sumeet, alleged Shefali.

Meera Chopra had acted in a number of Tamil films including Anbe Aaruyire, which starred SJ Suryah.

Ram Charan on Dasari Again?

Earlier, we had seen Ram Charan contradicting Dasari Narayana Rao's statement that heroines are not attending the awards presenting functions. That led to a big controversy.

And now, Ram Charan made fresh comments on the micro-blogging site twitter. Though he did not mention any name, it seems that he had once again targeted Dasari

He tweeted: "so called grt directors 1s are confined to only speeches and lectures on stage nowadays.its sad they cant move anyting but their mouth."

Salman not interested in Kamal's Michael Madana Kama Rajan

Earlier, there were reports that Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar are fighting for the remake rights of Kamal Haasan's comedy entertainer Michael Madana Kama Rajan (MMKR). In Michael Madana Kama Rajan, which redefined the comedy genre in Tamil cinema, Kamal Haasan played four different roles: Michael, Madan, Kama and Rajan. The film narrated a series of interesting events in the life of quadruplets separated just after birth. The movie was directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao; Kamal had also written and produced it.

It was said that film maker Farah Khan (of Om Shanti Om fame) was keen to remake the film with Salman Khan, while director Priyadarshan wanted to rope in Akshay Kumar for the same film. But Farah Khan has now denied these reports; she also confirmed that her next film, with Salman Khan in lead, will be an original script.

So what about the Priyan-Akshay duo! Let's wait and watch!

Prabhu Deva to be Granted Divorce on July 7

Finally, it was D-day for Prabhu Deva, as he was sanctioned divorce with his wife of 15 years Latha aka Ramlath today (July 2) at the family court in Chennai.

Remember that a joint affidavit, signed by the couple, was submitted in the family court on Dec 29, 2010.

The final settlement, was fixed for hearing after six months (on June 30) but both the parties failed to appear on the said date and the Magistrate has posted the case to July 10th, 2011.

But like a filmi-twist, Prabhu and Latha suddenly appeared before the magistrate today and was sanctioned divorce.

This high drama at the Family court grounds has brought to an end a rather complicated court battle.

Sources close to Prabhu say that it was to avoid media glare and publicity that he failed to appear on June 30 and instead opt for today.

But contrary to what Prabhu thought, the news of Prabhu and Latha appearing in court was out by noon and a huge contingent of reporters from newspapers and channels were waiting outside to hear the verdict. Prabhu was seen calm and composed but refused to speak to the media.

The magistrate posted the case to July 7 and said that the judgment on the divorce will be pronounced then.

Now the question on everybody’s lips is- "When is Prabhu Deva getting married to Nayanthara?"

Hrithik Roshan as an Emotional Judge on Just Dance

Actor Hrithik Roshan, who will soon be seen judging the dance reality show Just Dance on Star Plus says that he is very emotional as a judge. The 'God of dance', as described by the show, will be seen auditioning the HR level of Just Dance in the next few days.

Hrithik was asked about his judging skills by Mid Day. The actor, whose film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara will hit the theatres on July 15, revealed, “The first time I had to eliminate, there were these two girls and I had to ask them to go. I went and hugged them and I felt so emotional when I saw them crying that then I asked the organisers if we can give them another chance. They asked me to shut up. (Laughing) So I am not really sure how good I am as a judge.”

Hrithik, currently is torn between the shoots of the show Just Dance and his on-going film Agneepath remake.

Preity Zinta turns Producer

It’s been a growing trend ever since actress Sushmita Sen launched her own production company followed by Lara Dutta, Dia Mirza, Ameesha Patel and now Preity Zinta too joins the brigade as she is set to produce her first film, Ishkq In Paris.

The actress, who was last seen in Heroes [2008], is off late associated with her IPL franchise Kings Eleven Punjab. Her film with Shiney Ahuja is put on hold. Preity is currently holidaying and announced her first production on twitter by saying that, “Ok Guys ! Here it is..... The movie I am going to produce is called "Ishkq In Paris " & I am SUUUPEERR excited about it !!!! Ting :-) !!!”.

The movie will be directed Prem Soni of Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna [2009] fame. Interestingly Preity has done an item number in Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna. “Thanku all 4 all ur good wishes! Am looking forward 2 some fireworks in Paris this summer. Mother India producing it with me ;-) so Ting!”, concluded the bubbly actress.

Wishing Preity to have a successful stint at film production too.

Chiranjeevi Quits Acting

Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi has called it quits as an actor. Millions of his fans have been awaiting his 150th movie venture, supposed to be produced by his actor-son Ram Charan Teja.

The actor-turned-politician came up with the announcement on Tuesday, when he replied to a spectator who wanted to know about the proposed 150th film, at the launch of a Telugu movie channel.

The mega star said "Since I am busy with politics, it would not be appropriate for me to don the grease paint again. My son Charan is there to fill the gap."

Answering to another quetion, whether he would don the role of a politician or chief minister in his future film, he claimed that people of Andhra Pradesh were longing to see him as chief minister in real life rather than in reel life. "Why in cinema? People feel I can become the chief minister in real life itself," he retorted.

The megastar had earlier announced in December last that he would don the grease paint once again for his 150th film to be produced by his actor-son Ram Charan Teja.

Reacting to the news, Ram Charan Teja tweeted: "Like many other I was shocked to hear dad decided not to act any more and dedicate his life to serving people...not able to sleep over this."

Meera Jasmine to Quit Acting?

The talented Kollywood beauty Meera Jasmine has a fair share of following..

Right now, Meera is busy only with Mambattiyan, wherein she has paired up with the handsome hero, Prashant. Sources say that the pretty girl has not signed any film. However there is no proper evidence for Meeera not accepting any new projects. But buzz is the same from Mollywood as well.

Lets wait and see till the time Meera breaks her silence!!

Actress Kavya's Marriage Annulled

Popular Malayalam film actress Kavya Madhavan's marriage with Nischal Chandra was officially annulled Monday by the Ernakulam family court.

They had officially decided to separate in October last year and filed a joint divorce petition at the court.

The settlement came after several rounds of talks. It was agreed that the actress will withdraw her petition against Chandra and his family under the Domestic Violence Act.

According to George Sebastian, a Kerala Congress leader who mediated in the talks, both parties appeared in the court on May 24 to finalise the proceedings.

Kavya, a leading actress, and Chandra, a computer engineer, were married in February 2009.

Born in Nileshwaram in Kasaragod district, the actress entered the industry as a child artist in 1991. She then acted with leading stars like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jayaram and Dilip.

Her popular films include Meesha Madhavan, Madhamabhi, Classmates and Ananthabhadram.

Single Bipasha Basu enjoys male attention

It's been nine months since their break-up and former lovers Bipasha Basu and John Abraham may have put up a front of being cordial and in touch - even endorsing a hair colour brand during that time - but the truth is that they aren't on talking terms with each other.

According to an insider, "Bipasha gave nine years of her life to the relationship, even putting her career on hold whenever John needed her. She felt that everyone else was giving her so much love and respect, except John.

That's when she decided to end the relationship. Naturally, when their relationship ended, she chooses not to keep in touch with him. She made up her mind to move on and cut herself away from her past..."

The source also adds that Bips doesn't want to be in love just for the heck of it. "She was 22 when she fell in love with John. Now she's single for the first time in years and is enjoying the lack of baggage that comes with a relationship.

Bips is enjoying the male attention coming her way, and is being linked to quite a few eligible men. However, she has no plans to be in a committed relationship for some time now. Work is the only thing she's focusing on."

When asked if she's in touch with John post their separation, Bipasha says, "I choose not to be in touch with him; I am happier this way."

What about her alleged closeness to Hollywood heartthrob Josh Hartnett, who is starring with her in the upcoming film Singularity?

"Josh is wonderful, but in another country, so it's impractical! Right now, I don't think I have the energy to be in a relationship. Josh and I are very fond of each other and try to keep in touch, but I am not romantically attached to anyone currently. There is more to life than just men. I am doing a romantic comedy with R Madhavan soon. It's a mad film and I'm really looking forward to it. It's only work for me for now." Bipasha said.

Anushka Sharma detained at Airport for 8 Hours

Anushka Sharma’s return to Mumbai from IIFA in Toronto has been nightmarish. Around 2 pm on Monday, she was detained at Mumbai airport when upon routine check-up, the assistant commissioner of the custom department found undeclared jewellery and expensive watches in her luggage.

The actress was reportedly ushered aside for detailed questioning, even though sources close to her maintained that she was held up for mere completion of some paperwork.

The officials found diamond and gold jewellery and branded watches from Anushka’s baggage. According to a custom official, Anushka defended herself by saying that she had taken the jewellery and fashion accessories from India and therefore bringing them back to the country excludes her from paying duties. But the custom department claims that Anushka did not declare the jewellery before leaving the country.

Reports say that the actress has been booked under Sections 75, 111 L, M and D of the Customs Act for non-declaration of goods and evasion of duty. Anushka has reportedly handed over to the custom department the jewellery bills and a letter from a watch company to defend her case. The custom department is still verifying the veracity of the documents.

Meanwhile, the actress has been allowed to go home. But if it is found that she bought the jewellery abroad and was bringing it to India, she may have to pay a duty of 36.05 percent of the jewellery’s total worth. Worse still, she may have to shell out a hefty redemption fee to take the confiscated jewellery back.

Karthi pairs up with Anushka Shetty

Karthi’s next film after Saguni is with director Suraaj. Anushka, who was supposed to do Siruthai with Karthi, will be paired opposite groom-to-be Karthi with director Suraaj, who gave hits like Padikathavan and Maapillai.

This untitled movie is going to be a complete entertainer as it will have masala, action and romance. The director felt Karthi to be the right fit for the role and waited for him to complete Saguni. Anushka who couldn’t do the Tamil version of her Telugu movie Vikramarkudu is happy to work with Karthi. Anushka was paired opposite Surya in Singam and the movie was a hit. Let’s see if Anushka is lucky for Karthi too.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is pregnant

The beautiful Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai and her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan are expecting their first baby. This news was first revealed by dadaji Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his microblogging site “I am going to become a grandfather.. Aishwarya expecting.. So happy and thrilled!!!”

A former Miss World Aishwarya, 37, has been married to actor Abhishek Bachchan for more than four years. Aishwarya’s media manager also confirmed the pregnancy but did not give more details.

Asin not a Bollywood Material?

Asin Thottumkal was one of the top actresses in Tamil film industry before deciding to head for Hindi films. She got the chance to enter Bollywood through Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini in 2008, and it gave her the break she had been dreaming of, but she has done only two films since then. This has made many think if she is not a Bollywood material or too choosy while accepting film offers.

Many might have thought Asin would go far in Bollywood after the stupendous success of her debut film, Ghajini, but she managed to grab only London Dreams, which failed at the box office. She has done only three films in over three years, which is very less for an actress of her looks and talent. Her latest film, Ready, with Salman Khan, has done exceptionally well at the box office but we haven’t heard of her signing any big film.

Sources said that she has only one film at the moment, and that is Housefull 2, a sequel to the hit film Housefull, where she has to share the screen space with Akshay Kumar, Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan. Rumours were doing the rounds that she would do Vishal Bharadwaj's Two States with Shahrukh Khan, but it is not sure if it will take off following Shahrukh’s indifferent attitude towards the film.

It was reported that Asin refused to wear a bikini in Housefull 2, forcing the makers to look for an alternative. But the fact is – actress who have no qualms showing skin on screens have better prospect in the film industry. So, it looks like her choosy attitude while selecting films and her refusal to do glamorous roles have worked against her.

Well, she has to look for variety, including glamorous and bold films, if she wants to survive in Bollywood!

Rajinikanth getting discharged today?

Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth is reportedly getting discharged from the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore today, June 14. According to the hospital sources, the Kollywood star has responded very well to the treatment and he no longer needs dialysis. So he is being released from the hospital.

After getting discharged, Rajinikanth is going to spend a few weeks in Singapore. So he is moving into an upmarket apartment that his family has taken for their further stay in the city. He will take complete rest for a period of convalescence in the city. Meanwhile, he will visit the hospital for regular checkups.

However, the ill-health of Rajinikanth has delayed the shooting of his next movie Rana, which features Deepika Padukone and Sonu Sood in the leads. Now, director KS Ravikumar is busy finalizing other cast of the movie. Sources say that Rajini will be ready for its shooting by the end of this month.