Federer eyes return to top in 2011 after ATP win

LONDON: Roger Federer believes his ATP World Tour Finals triumph against Rafael Nadal will provide him with the perfect springboard to return to the top in 2011.

Although Federer is publicly adamant he has nothing to be disappointed about over the last 12 months, privately he will feel a nagging sense of regret at the loss of the world number one ranking to Nadal, who also took the French Open and Wimbledon titles from the Swiss star.

That was what made the 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Nadal in the final at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday so significant for the world number two.

In Federer’s mind, his record-equalling fifth title in the prestigious end-of-year event was secondary to the message the win sent to Nadal and his other rivals at the top of the rankings.

“I’m happy I made my ninth final this season. I’ve won five titles, won a slam. That obviously

Ghulam Ishaque Khan’s 4th death anniversary today

Staff Report

KARACHI: Today marks the 4th death anniversary of Ghulam Ishaque Khan. He was the seventh President of Pakistan (from August 17, 1988 until July 18, 1993). As the president of the country, he dismissed the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif over charges of corruptions. He died on October 27, 2006.

Khan was born on January 20, 1915 in a small village in the suburbs of Bannu District located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa . He attended Peshawar University where he received his double B.S. in chemistry and Botany, followed by his M.S. in nuclear chemistry.

Despite of his educational field, Khan joined the civil service and became a career bureaucrat. He was appointed to the prestigious Civil Service of Pakistan after independence in 1947.

His son-in-law is senior politician Anwar Saifullah Khan. A grand-daughter of his is married to

Anu Malik gets prestigious Asha Bhosle Award

Anu Malik needs no introduction, when it comes to music. October 21st saw yet another feather in his cap in the form of the prestigious Asha Bhosle Award that was given to him by the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Natya Parishad (ABMNP).

For starters, ABMNP, which was established in August 1996 to provide stage to upcoming artists and nurture their talent, held this gala event in Pimpri. Readers may recollect that, while the first Asha Bhosle award was presented to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar at the hands of the late Ramakrishna More, Minister for Cultural activities, the second was given to Khayyam, followed by music director Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri and Pyarelal in the subsequent years.

Peepli Live to be India’s official entry at Oscars

Aamir Khan has done it again. His latest release Peepli Live has been selected as 2010′s India’s official entry to the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film category. After Lagaan, this is the second time that an Aamir Khan Production’s film has been selected to compete at the prestigious Academy Awards. However, now it remains to be seen whether Peepli Live will get short listed by the Academy to compete at the Oscars.

Peepli Live is the story of Natha, a poor farmer from Peepli village who is about to lose his plot of land due to an unpaid government loan. A quick fix to the problem is the very same government’s program that aids the families of indebted farmers who have committed suicide. As a means of survival, Natha can choose to die. However, Political bigwigs, high-ranking bureaucrats, local henchmen and the ever-zealous media descend upon sleepy Peepli to stake their claim of this situation.

Peepli Live is written and directed by Anusha Rizvi.

Live Chat: Priyadarshan on August 27 at 1430 hrs IST

He is one of the most prolific filmmakers of our country whose films have even been awarded the prestigious National award. He is none other than Priyadarshan, director of films such as Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Virasat, Gardish, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and De Dana Dan.

Priyadarshan is now ready with his latest flick titled Aakrosh and starring Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu in lead roles. Bollywood Hungama gives you an opportunity to have a live video chat with the man himself- Priyadarshan on Friday, August 27, at 1430 hrs IST. Don’t miss!

Live Chat: Vikramaditya Motwane on July 22 at 1430 hrs IST

Each year there is a new breed of filmmakers who impress us with their sheer ability to narrate a story convincingly. Vikramaditya Motwane, director of this week’s critically acclaimed film Udaan, is yet another addition to the list of young and talented filmmakers.

Vikramaditya’s very first film Udaan managed to make it to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival which is indeed a commendable and rare feat. As Udaan continues to garner appreciation from one and all, we give you a chance to have a live video chat with the man behind this magical film- Vikramaditya Motwane. All you need to do is log on to Bollywood Hungama on Wednesday, July 22, at 1430 hrs IST and keep your questions for Vikramaditya ready. Enjoy!

Wishing Katrina Kaif a very happy Birthday

They say that there is no question in this world that is without an answer. But, we tell you that there indeed is a certain question that even Gods fail to answer! And the question is that ‘Where on Earth did the Lord Almighty get the patience and the right amount of perfection when He made Katrina Kaif, the phenomenon who celebrates her birthday today!’

For starters, Katrina is the very same lady, who was born to a Kashmiri Muslim father and a British Christian mother. Katrina, before her graduation from the prestigious Harvard University, got a life changing opportunity to say Cheese to the glam world. Lucky we! And the rest they say is history. The year gone by has seen Katrina rising high and higher. Right from the films that she does till her brand endorsements, she is superhit by all means.

You too can be a superhit fan, by simply posting your wishes for Katrina below:

rima fakih swimsuit

rima fakih swimsuit
LAS VEGAS —A 24 year old brunette was finally proclaimed and hailed as the new Miss USA 2010 during the coronation night of the prestigious pageant.

Rima Fakih of Dearborn, Mich., won the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip after swimsuit, evening- gown and interview competitions.

Born in New York, Fakih, 24, was raised in Dearborn with her parents and her younger brother, Rami. She plans to start law school after her stint as 2010 Miss USA.

Fakih said she hopes that her position will help break some of the negative stereotypes about Arab-Americans. She wants to “show the world that there are Arabs who are beautiful, not only in looks but also on the inside. There are Arabs that are caring, that are good people, and who love the country they live in.”

Lebanese immigrant Rima Fakih says it was a certain look from Donald Trump that tipped her off that she had won the 2010 Miss USA title. The 24-year-old Miss Michigan beat out 50 other women to take the title Sunday night, despite nearly stumbling in her evening gown. She told reporters later that she believed she had won after glancing at pageant owner Trump as she awaited the results with the first runner-up, Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra to launch book division documenting screenplays of classics

In the West, it’s quite common to get hold of books featuring the screenplays of some of the really popular films. However, closer home, the trend of releasing the official screenplay of a film in the form of a book is not too common.

Late last year, Vidhu Vinod Chopra launched the book ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai- The Original Screenplay’ which featured the complete screenplay of the cult classic. Now the maverick filmmaker plans to continue this tradition even further and plans to release books of not just films made under his banner but also of timeless classics like Mother India, Pyaasa, Kagaz Ke Phool etc. These books will not just feature the original screenplay of the film but also sections such as deleted scenes, casting process and everything else that went into the making of the film. The books will be released through a new division created under Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner.

The first film to be catalogued in this form will be Chopra’s blockbuster 3 Idiots. When contacted, Vidhu Vinod Chopra confirmed the news saying, “Yes, I wish to catalogue the screenplays of classics.”

One will have to wait and watch if other filmmakers also follow suit in documenting the screenplays of their films in the form of a book.

Sophie Choudry chosen as brand ambassador for Madame’ range of clothing

Sophie Choudry is someone who is not just hot, but someone who can enthrall the audiences with her mesmerizing acting skills. If that wasn’t enough, then, this lady is also known for melodious voice who has recently also released her music album.

And now, Sophie has been chosen as the brand ambassador of the prestigious range of Madame’ clothing brand. She is currently doing a photo shoot for the same. Tweets Sophie, “On my way 2 shoot my 1st campaign for the clothin brand I endorse #Madame. Excited!”

Atta’ girl, Sophie! Way to go…

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