Pakistani athletes shine in Athens Special Olympics.

The glorifying performance of Pakistani athletes continues in Athens Special Olympics.

Most successful athlete Adeel Ameer have won gold medals in 100 metre sprint after winning the gold in long jump, 100×4 race and rally race events.

Rahimullah won the silver medal in 1,500 metre race.

Misbah Tariq named silver medal in 200 metre sprint.

Abdul Nasir and Zulfiqar Ali won gold medals in Bocce double game.

Losing to India in the final of basket ball event, Pakistan have to content with the silver medal.

Akshay Kumar signed up as brand ambassador of Eveready?

One need not give any introduction about the Macho Man of the tinsel town. The very word ‘Khiladi’ very aptly describes the man with the golden touch: Akshay Kumar!

We all know that the USP of this man lies in his ability to connect with the audience. And it is this ability that has made him not just the silver screen’s darling, but also the darling of the FMCG sector! News Trends’s ever reliable sources inform that this dude has now been signed as the brand ambassador of Eveready batteries. Readers may note the fact that, prior to this man, it was none other than Big B who was endorsing the said brand.

The official announcement regarding Akshay’s appointment as the new face of the brand is awaited.

Tera Kya Hoga Johny release postponed again

It’s been a while since we saw Neil Nitin Mukesh on the silver screen and the same sentiment goes out for Soha Ali Khan. It now seems that we’ll have to wait a little more as their upcoming film Tera Kya Hoga Johny is indefinitely delayed.

Though the statements issued for the reason are “market conditions” the truth is definitely much more than just that. Major distributors have backed out at the last moment following a spat between the film’s producers over pending payments. Though the film was to release on 31st December, now the film is postponed indefinitely.

Karan Arora, a UK based businessman has filed a criminal and civil case against the film’s producer Manu Kamaran, as the cheques issued by him bounced. Arora was supposed to receive Rs.1.25 crore a month before the release of the film.

One would think, that the release date would be finalised once the payment issues are resolved but apparently distributors are not keen to release the film even if the financial matters are sorted out; reason being the film’s leakage on the internet. Manu Kumaran who was positive about sorting the payment issues by New Year and releasing the film is quite under confident about the support of the distributors, not only that he also feels that Neil Nitin Mukesh didn’t do his bit to market the film well like other actors do. Neil on his end feels that he has done his bit with the interviews he gave and with the film having an ensemble cast; it’s unfair to blame him solely.

With so many issues revolving around the film, one does wonder, Tera Kya Hoga Johny?

National games: Army, Railways win gold medal

Pakistan Railways Ghulam Sakins won gold medal and Mah Noor representing Pak Army won Silver medal while Aleena from Sindh succeeded to win bronze medal in the 400 meter freestyle swimming held at Islamabad Sports Complex. Kiran, who was representing Pakistan Army, Khadija Khalid from Wapda at the National Games, won respectively gold, silver medals in the 50 meter backstroke and breaststroke.

Live Chat: Ranveer Singh (Band Baaja Baaraat) on Dec 17 at 1500 hrs IST

The year 2010 saw a host of newcomers make their debut on the silver screen but if there’s one name who has managed to stand out its Ranveer Singh, the young lad who debuted in Yash Raj Films’ latest release Band Baaja Baaraat.

Ever since the film released last Friday, the buzz on this newcomer has been extremely positive with a lot of people calling him the ‘Next Big Thing’ in Bollywood. As Ranveer enjoys each and every bit of adulation coming his way, we at Bollywood Hungama give you a chance to have a Live Video Chat with the man of the moment – Ranveer Singh – on Friday, December 17, at 1500 hrs IST. Don’t miss!

Dev Anand joins Twitter

MUMBAI: After Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor, Asha Bhosale and Lata Mangeshkar, its Dev Anand who”s now available on a micro blogging site.

Sticking to his tradition of moving ahead with times and keeping himself abreast with the latest, the veteran actor has become the senior most Bollywood actor to have joined a micro blogging site. We hope Dilip Kumar is listening!

Dev Sahab”s fans couldn”t be happier! The legendary actor who reigned the Hindi cinema for decades as a romantic hero and then as a visionary director and producer is planning to share his passion for filmmaking and life with his fans through the site.

After thanking ”Amit” (Amitabh Bachchan) for a warm welcome, Dev Sahab revealed, “This sudden tweeting is for my well wishers to know that release of my latest film “CHARGESHEET” is planned for early next year – To quickly follow an outstandingly colorized cinemascope version of my double role “HUM DONO” Rangeen releasing on Jan 28th 2010. Watch the guy you”ve enjoyed in all eras of this country, Dev Anand of 1961 in CHARGESHEET celebrating 61st year of Navketan.”

Dilip Kumar”s coloured ”Naya Daur” was loved by his fans so the coloured remake of Hum Dono is bound to please Dev Anand fans.

Being his ardent fans ourselves we couldn”t stop ourselves from asking Dev sahab which happens to be his favourite Dev Anand romantic song? To which he reverted, “Phoolon Ke Rang se from Prem Pujari”.

Dev Anand”s Publicist since the past 15 years and former senior journalist Peter Martis revealed, “Dev Anand is one actor who can achieve anything in life. I have not seen an actor as passionate about life and cinema as him. Few days back he learnt all he wanted to know about emails and faxes! Age is just a number from him. I have known him for the past 40 years now! He is one man who moves with the times and knows that the only thing that remains constant is ”change”. I am glad he is on Twitter now!

We welcome you Dev Sahab and are sure you will rule the virtual world with your charm, just the way you have ruled the silver screen for so long.

12th Digicon6 Awards: China’s ‘See Through’ wins big, India gets regional grand

Tokyo: TBS DigiCon6 announced the winners for 12th TBS DigiCon6 Awards in a grand ceremony held at Marunouchi Building Hall on November 19, 2010. The event

was indeed a historic one for Asian Animation industry where creativity and effort got recognition and appreciation at the centre stage.

Attended by the who’s who of the Asian animation industry, the Golden Digicon6 Award was won by China’s official entry See Through, made by Jokelate.

India’s Wilson Periera made by National Institute of Design’s young turk Dhaneesh Jameson, won Asian Regional Grand Prize.

China’s representative Yang Yu, who was present at the ceremony on behalf of Jokelate, commented, “I am sure this award means a lot to the creative effort

put together by Jokelate and he would be very excited to know about his victory. This award is not going to be an end to his work and efforts but will be a

motivation for him to work further in his life.”

This year TBS DigiCon6 received over 2,000 entries from Japan and other Asian
regions such as China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines,
Taiwan and Thailand. TBS DigiCon6 Asia jury selected the awards winners for six
categories and announced them at the ceremony. TBS DigiCon6 Japan jury selected the awards winners for nine categories and announced them, too.

An elated Dhaneesh added, “I really feel proud and honored to have won this prize and to represent the country. The film was well received at Digicon6 than

any other festivals that I have been till now. I got the biggest compliment for my film from the well known Korean director Kwak Jae-yong and I was

speechless when he said he personally got my film subtitled in Korean and watched it over 5 times!”

TBS DigiCon6 was organized in 2000 by Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc, one of major television stations, to discover and support new talent. It has been

inviting digital contents creators, both professionals and amateurs, to submit their original works in the competition, and it is widely recognized for its

achievement.

Complete list of 12th TBS DigiCon6 Awards winners:

12th TBS DigiCon6 Awards Winners
Golden DigiCon6 Award – See Through – Jokelate CHINA
Silver DigiCon6 Award – Googuri Googuri – Yoshiko Misumi JAPAN
Bronze DigiCon6 Award – Kung Fu Bunny 3 – Counterattack- Li Zhiyong CHINA

Encouragement Awards:
Fumiko’s Confession – Hiroyasu Ishida JAPAN
Temple Rider – Radio Television Hong Kong / Simage Animation & Media Ltd. HONG KONG
CONTAINED – Henry Zhuang & Harry Zhuang SINGAPORE

12th TBS DigiCon6 JAPAN Regional Awards Winners
Grand Prize – Fumiko’s Confession – Hiroyasu Ishida JAPAN

Outstanding Performance Awards:
The Light of Life – Daihei Shibata JAPAN
Googuri Googuri – Yoshiko Misumi JAPAN

Encouragement Awards:
UTOPIAN – TOKUNAGA MARIKO JAPAN
Dreamer – Naohisa Ikuta JAPAN
SUNRISE Award – Rainy Holiday – Kaneko Osamu JAPAN
Adobe Systems Award – ab-rah KOHEI YOSHINO JAPAN
Hewlett-Packard & ATI Award – Amagoi Suzuki Ippei JAPAN
Mitsubishi Estate Award – Travel of Art – YU MASHIMO JAPAN
BS-TBS Award – Sepia Clock – Gaku Kinoshita JAPAN
Hole Makino Atsushi JAPAN

Prize for Effort:
Hole – Makino Atsushi JAPAN
Tokyo Teleport – Takeda Yuta JAPAN
a song like a fish – Taijin Takeuchi JAPAN
A GUM BOY – Masaki Okuda JAPAN
flesh color – masahiko Adachi JAPAN

Asian Regional Awards Grand Prizes
CHINA: Kung Fu Bunny 3 – Counterattack – Li Zhiyong
HONGKONG: Temple Rider – Radio Television Hong Kong / Simage Animation & Media Ltd.
INDIA: WILSON PERIERA – Dhaneesh Jameson
KOREA: Tom N Jerry – CHOI JIN SUNG
MALAYSIA: Bo Boi Boy – ANIMONSTA STUDIOS SDN. BHD.
PHILIPPINES: Mutya – Nelson “Blog” A. Caliguia, Jr.
SINGAPORE: Calypso Agency – Jose Andres Velasco
TAIWAN: CREATION – Hsuan-Ying Lu
THAILAND: Impassable – NATTAPORN YIAMCHAWEE

Manoj Kumar & Oliver Stone honoured at 12th Mumbai Film Festival

Click above for more stills

The eight day gala affair at the 12th Mumbai film Festival concluded last night with Fardeen Khan and Raima Sen hosting the event at Chandan Cinema.

The Indian Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Manoj Kumar and International Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Oliver Stone. After receiving the award Manoj Kumar said, “Oliver Stone was Oliver Stone until he came to India, after landing here, he became a precious gem and priceless stone.” In turn Oliver thanked Mumbai, the Festival and Manoj Kumar for his kind words and said, “India has great culture, you make great movies and I am honoured to accept this award.”

The Golden Gateway Award for the best film in the international competition category was presented to Turkish film Majority directed by Seren Yuce. The award was presented by director Girish Kasarvalli and Festival jury member Samira Makhmalbaf.

The Silver Gateway Award Jury Grand Prize film in the international competition category was presented to the Danish film “R” directed by Michael Noer & Tobias Lindholm

The Silver Gateway Award for Best Director was presented to Anocha Suwichakornpong for her film from Thailand Mundane History. Anocha was the only female director competing in the International Competition Category.

The Silver Gateway Award For Best Actor was presented to Bartu Kucukcaglayan for his performance in the film Majority. The Silver Gateway Award For Best Actress was presented to Marie Helene Bellavance for her performance in Canadian film Vital Signs.

The Jury award For Technical Excellence was presented to a Greek film Black Field directed by Vardis Marinakis.

The Audience Choice Silver Gateway Award was presented to Spanish film Biutiful directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

In the Dimensions Mumbai section, The Best Film Award was won by Mumbaikar Ganesh directed by Collin D’cunha. The runner up position was shared by two films Tee directed by Avinash Medhe and Mera Ghar directed by Abhay Kumar. Mumbai Retina directed by Narayan Vijay Thakur won the special mention award. Dimensions Mumbai was juried by Dev Benegal, Vishaka Dutta, Ashim Ahluwalia, Brahmanand Singh and Manish Acharya.

The Harmony Celebrate Age was presented to Mama Gogo directed by Fridrik Por Fridriksson and the runner up prize was given to Forget Me Not directed by Katia Grivot.

The Mumbai Young Critics Silver Gateway Award was given to Octubre co- directed by Daniel Vega & Diego Vega.

The closing ceremony witnessed great participation from the film industry with the likes of Yash Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Sudhir Mishra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Arunoday Singh, Satish Kaushik, Prem Chopra, Hrishita Bhatt, Rituparno Sengupta, Rajshree Ojha, and Aamir Bashir.

The ceremony was followed by the screening of RED starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Mary Louise Parker and John Malkovich and directed by Robert Schwentke.

Leander Paes paired opposite Ameesha Patel in Rajdhani Express

If fashion models can become actors and even cricketers can give it a try, then why should tennis stars keep a distance from Bollywood fame and glory?

Well, soon to be seen on the silver screen is Leander Paes who’s now planning to give acting a try. Yes, he totally swooned the women with his backhand and brilliant smashes on the court and now, he would romance Ameesha Patel on screen. The film titled Rajdhani Express that would mark Paes’s entry into films is to be directed by Ashok Kohli. Paes was being offered films for the past 15 years but it’s only now that he has relented.

Just like his game, Paes obviously wants to give this film his very best shot and therefore has enrolled himself in Anupam Kher’s acting academy for a three month long course.

Everyone is tight lipped about this project and what is known is that Paes would be playing a common man in a faced – paced plot. Well, that kind of pressure is something he can handle.

Dev Benegal in short film judges panel at Mumbai film fest

Dev Benegal of English August fame has been roped in to judge the entries in the short film section of the 12th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF), starting Oct 21.

Aimed at the youth (of Mumbai) under 25, the new section called Dimensions Mumbai includes films on the maximum city by aspiring directors. Besides Benegal, it will also be judged by Bishaka Dutta, Brahmanand S. Singh, Ashim Ahluwalia and Manish Acharya.

Organised by the Mumbai-based writer-editor-director; Datta is a journalist; Singh is
known for making a National Award-winning documentary on legendary composer R.D. Burman called Pancham Unmixed: Muje Chalte Jana Hai; Ahluwalia is a screenwriter-filmmaker with credits like John & Jane and upcoming Hindi film Miss Lovely; and Acharya is known for his comedy Loins of Punjab Presents.

The five experts will select top 20 films from the received entries that will be screened at the gala. Apart from short fiction, the competition is also open to documentary and animation films.

The winner and the runner-up in the Dimensions Mumbai section will receive Silver Gateway trophies and cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 50,000, respectively.

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