That's the genesis of their debut album Samhitha brought to you by Times Music. But as they say, neither their coming together nor the samhitha or the bringing together of two distinct classical styles of carnatic and western music, would have been possible without the expertise of their guru Sangeetacharya Dr Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam, a classical musician, musicologist and composer of high repute.
So, what's their kind of fusion? It is a classical cohesion of elements as disparate as varnams, kritis and tillanas of carnatic music and western orchestration. And contrary to the popular belief that classical music has a limited appeal due to its complexity, this bold experimentation is both contemplative and energetic. The group in one breath claims it has caught the imagination of music lovers across tastes and age groups. And as Avinash the lyricist of the group puts it, "Our classical fusion tracks are entertaining to all classes of audience but particularly to young people."
And to put all doubt and cynicism to rest, all the eight members of the band are well grounded in both light and classical styles of music. And young as they are, they already have the distinction of releasing a private album or as Pranavi reels off, "Deepu, Harshika,Chaitanya and I have done solo and duets for many Tollywood films like Happy Days, Yamadonga, Sri Ramadasu, Notebook and Vinayakadu." No mean feat this!
The group has come together with the express purpose of showcasing local talent and to change the present trend in Tollywood of what they call "outsourcing talent" from other states. "We would like Tollywood to draw on local talent and would also like to take our music to the world stage, says Raghuram.
And if the overwhelming response to the concert and the presence of music stalwarts like MM Keervani, Koti and Dr Yella Venkateswara Rao is anything to go by, this may not be so distant a dream!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Vivek honoured with Padmashree
14 persons from Tamil Nadu including top Tamil comedian Vivek, have been conferred with the Padmashree award this year by the Government of India.
Vivek said it was a "true honour" to get the Padmashree
A visibly happy Vivek said: "I think this is a recognition of my attempts to include social messages in my comedy tracks in various films. I have touched on various issues in different films - the subject of environment pollution, global warming, dowry harassment, female infanticide, unemployment, conservation of energy etc."
He dedicated the award to his parents, mentor and guru director K.Balachandar and all his fans who made him famous. Vivek also had a word of praise for his role model the legendary comedian N.S Krishnan.
Vivek said it was a "true honour" to get the Padmashree
A visibly happy Vivek said: "I think this is a recognition of my attempts to include social messages in my comedy tracks in various films. I have touched on various issues in different films - the subject of environment pollution, global warming, dowry harassment, female infanticide, unemployment, conservation of energy etc."
He dedicated the award to his parents, mentor and guru director K.Balachandar and all his fans who made him famous. Vivek also had a word of praise for his role model the legendary comedian N.S Krishnan.
Harman bowls over Amrita Rao
Hunky Hurman S Baweja and gorgeous Amrita Rao proved that all interviews given around ‘release’ time need not be boring, insipid and well ... purely ‘promotional’. In an interview with ZOOM, where the Victory stars were sautéed in humour and then grilled by film expert Omar Qureshi, the duo actually took it all on the chin and then proceeded to a witty slugfest that will have every viewer glued...
Hurman : I didn’t know Amrita played games. Too late.
Amrita : All games were the sole preserve of Hurman in the movie and all the interaction with cricketers was solely his privilege. I’m very jealous!
Hurman : I’m sure you didn’t want to face Brett Lee at 140, trust me. Unless you like ‘fast guys’!
Amrita : I could’ve just been there, looking at Brett Lee. And I’d have been bowled over!
Hurman : I think she prefers the slower Murali. Maybe she likes being bowled around the legs!
Amrita : I didn’t know that most of Hurman’s female fan
following called him ‘Hormone’ Baweja. I always call him ‘Baweja fry’! There was a rumour that he sent me roses everyday... Where are the roses Hurman?
Hurman : I think they said yellow roses. Now why yellow? I mean if you are really talking ‘link-up’, keep them red!
Amrita : I always loved cricket. One fine day, I woke up to Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup fever...
Hurman : Ooooh! You ‘WOKE UP’ to Sachin. Please clarify ...
Source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Harman_bowls_over_Amrita_Rao/articleshow/4047176.cms
Hurman : I didn’t know Amrita played games. Too late.
Amrita : All games were the sole preserve of Hurman in the movie and all the interaction with cricketers was solely his privilege. I’m very jealous!
Hurman : I’m sure you didn’t want to face Brett Lee at 140, trust me. Unless you like ‘fast guys’!
Amrita : I could’ve just been there, looking at Brett Lee. And I’d have been bowled over!
Hurman : I think she prefers the slower Murali. Maybe she likes being bowled around the legs!
Amrita : I didn’t know that most of Hurman’s female fan
following called him ‘Hormone’ Baweja. I always call him ‘Baweja fry’! There was a rumour that he sent me roses everyday... Where are the roses Hurman?
Hurman : I think they said yellow roses. Now why yellow? I mean if you are really talking ‘link-up’, keep them red!
Amrita : I always loved cricket. One fine day, I woke up to Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup fever...
Hurman : Ooooh! You ‘WOKE UP’ to Sachin. Please clarify ...
Source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Harman_bowls_over_Amrita_Rao/articleshow/4047176.cms
Karthik, the new father in Kollywood!
Introduced by Bharathiraja in Alaigal Oivadhillai, actor Karthik, the son of veteran actor the late Muthuraman, dominated the Tamil cinema as its only popular 'romantic young hero', till the arrival of Vijay and Ajith. In fact his films like Harichandra even competed with films of Viay, Prashanth and Ajith in the late nineties.
However due to his personal reasons, he faded out of the scene and even tried to establish a career in politics, but it was in vain.
However, Karthik is back to do what he knows the best. Karthik seems to have decided to follow the footsteps of his fellow actor Prabhu, who had almost started his career along with him.
Nowadays, Prabhu is the most wanted actor in a father role in Kollywood and his hands are full with some big films with handsome salary. Now Karthik has also decided to join this father club and announced the same recently.
Karthik, who is currently playing an important role in Mani Ratnam's Ravana (Karthik had got a big break in Mani's blockbuster Mouna Ragam in the early 80's!), will appear as Jayam Ravi's dad in a yet-to-be-titled film which is expected to begin in April.
However due to his personal reasons, he faded out of the scene and even tried to establish a career in politics, but it was in vain.
However, Karthik is back to do what he knows the best. Karthik seems to have decided to follow the footsteps of his fellow actor Prabhu, who had almost started his career along with him.
Nowadays, Prabhu is the most wanted actor in a father role in Kollywood and his hands are full with some big films with handsome salary. Now Karthik has also decided to join this father club and announced the same recently.
Karthik, who is currently playing an important role in Mani Ratnam's Ravana (Karthik had got a big break in Mani's blockbuster Mouna Ragam in the early 80's!), will appear as Jayam Ravi's dad in a yet-to-be-titled film which is expected to begin in April.
Hollywood papers struggle; L.A. paper loses local news section
Variety and the Hollywood Reporter have always been big competitors in covering Hollywood -- and in seeking lucrative Hollywood advertising. But they have both been hit hard by the economy. Reuters reports:
Winking headlines like Daily Variety's "Katz-and-Mouse Game Over," describing the rift between Jeffrey Katzenberg and then-CEO of Walt Disney Co. Michael Eisner, speak volumes to Hollywood insiders. But [USC professor Jonathan] Taplin, among others, said the papers are rapidly becoming outmoded as readers go to blogs that provide an edgier version of film and TV news. MovieCityNews editor [David] Poland said he expects The Hollywood Reporter will become a Web-only news outlet, and Daily Variety will cut back to publishing twice weekly. Both have long histories, and can raise revenue online from their archives.
Of course, L.A.'s big daily is having it's own financial woes. And L.A. Observed reports that the publisher of The Times has come up with a controversial plan: Killing the "California" section of the paper. The move would allow later deadlines for the "Calendar" section, which now goes to press in the early afternoon. Kevin Roderick reports that top Times editors are bracing for the angry reader calls.
Winking headlines like Daily Variety's "Katz-and-Mouse Game Over," describing the rift between Jeffrey Katzenberg and then-CEO of Walt Disney Co. Michael Eisner, speak volumes to Hollywood insiders. But [USC professor Jonathan] Taplin, among others, said the papers are rapidly becoming outmoded as readers go to blogs that provide an edgier version of film and TV news. MovieCityNews editor [David] Poland said he expects The Hollywood Reporter will become a Web-only news outlet, and Daily Variety will cut back to publishing twice weekly. Both have long histories, and can raise revenue online from their archives.
Of course, L.A.'s big daily is having it's own financial woes. And L.A. Observed reports that the publisher of The Times has come up with a controversial plan: Killing the "California" section of the paper. The move would allow later deadlines for the "Calendar" section, which now goes to press in the early afternoon. Kevin Roderick reports that top Times editors are bracing for the angry reader calls.
Phil Stacey Blog: Last stops on the audition road
As we enter the last night of auditions, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of a few faces we will see for weeks to come. That being said, remember that there is always an underdog story. The early front-runner NEVER wins. After my audition for Season 6, nobody could have predicted that I would be in the Top 6. Most critics were surprised to see me in the Top 24! But I showed the judges something during Hollywood week that I was unable to while under the pressure of auditions.
Many commentators seem upset by the “ringers” they have seen. Many auditioning this year have had careers before. One was even recognized by Kara.... But remember, ultimately it is America that will choose the winner, not the judges. All of the contestants have dreamed of a career in music their whole lives. Whether they have “almost” had it or not, none of them have actually had it. They are on equal playing fields. So with that in mind, let us begin with New York City and Puerto Rico.
The first audition is Adeola, and I can tell as soon as she starts comparing herself to Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige that she is not to be taken seriously. Simon shows his softer side by calling her boss to ask her to give Adeola her job back, which she lost in order to audition. Guess what, Simon, we like you being insensitive. Please lose this softer side before Hollywood starts. Especially since I’m no longer the one on the receiving end....
Next up is Jorge Nunez. I have been waiting for someone with a classic sound to show up on this show. He sails through to Hollywood, and I hope to see him again down the road.
Jessica Baier is next and sings a good rendition of “I Surrender” by Celine Dion. Simon and Randy agree that she is bad, but my wife and I thought she was pretty good. Did we hear something different than they did? Come on.... She is so much better than many people who will be in Hollywood. On behalf of the judges, I am sorry, Jessica.
Melinda Camile is next. She seems like a very sweet person and shows herself likable right from the get-go. She wants to uplift humanity. The obsession with nudity here is a little disturbing, but we can already tell she can sing before she begins the first note of “I Feel Good” as sung by Michael Buble. The judges send her through to Hollywood, and I’m sure we will see much more of her in the future, no pun intended....
Next is Jackie Tohn. She has an interesting voice. Not my favorite of the season, but I’m curious to see what the judges think. Her second song is better than her first. My guess is right, and the judges like her. She’s interesting, so I’m sure that even as I write, fan clubs are being made in her name on American Idol blogs all across the net.
During this commercial break, I should apologize to all Utah folks for accidentally writing Salt Lake City was in Nevada yesterday. Please have patience with me as I am typing fast and thinking faster. I may have also spelled some names wrong. But the most I can hope is that my point gets across.
Okay, back from the break. We immediately see a collection of poor auditions and crazy people that participated just to get on television. It ends with Joel who claims to be the human iPod and puts a cardboard cutout of an MP3 player in front of him. I’m glad that Simon is acknowledging how pointless these gimmicky bad auditions have become.
I was wrong. It actually ends with Norman Gentle who sings “And I Am Telling You.” He is kind of funny, but I am ready for the real competition to start. I don’t know how in the world it happens, but Norman is sent through to Hollywood.
We then see a series of great auditions, and I wonder why we didn’t get to see more of these folks. I guess we will later.
Nicole Laraway starts the next group of auditions on a rough note and is followed by a few other bad auditions.
Then Monique Garcia Torres shows up and uses her kid brother to schmooze the judges. It works and Simon sends her through to the next round after both Randy and Kara give her a "no."
The second to last audition of the night is Alexis Cohen who auditioned last season as a crazy rocker chick. She now seems like a sweet, innocent "you woman" who is at peace with herself. The judges vote "no" on her and like last year, she flips Simon the bird and moves on.
Patricia Lewis Roman is the last audition of the season. Simon tells her it was a bad audition and gives her an extra 30 seconds to change their minds. After singing her second selection in Spanish, Randy says "yes," but Paula says "no." We are left in suspense until Patricia comes running out of the room with her golden ticket.
If this season is anything like mine, the semi-finalists are sitting in a hotel room together in Los Angeles tonight, singing songs to one another and talking about how excited they are for the live performances to start. I am as excited for them as they are for themselves.
Hollywood week starts airing next week. Until then, be safe....
Source : http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/01/phil-stacey-b-6.html
Many commentators seem upset by the “ringers” they have seen. Many auditioning this year have had careers before. One was even recognized by Kara.... But remember, ultimately it is America that will choose the winner, not the judges. All of the contestants have dreamed of a career in music their whole lives. Whether they have “almost” had it or not, none of them have actually had it. They are on equal playing fields. So with that in mind, let us begin with New York City and Puerto Rico.
The first audition is Adeola, and I can tell as soon as she starts comparing herself to Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige that she is not to be taken seriously. Simon shows his softer side by calling her boss to ask her to give Adeola her job back, which she lost in order to audition. Guess what, Simon, we like you being insensitive. Please lose this softer side before Hollywood starts. Especially since I’m no longer the one on the receiving end....
Next up is Jorge Nunez. I have been waiting for someone with a classic sound to show up on this show. He sails through to Hollywood, and I hope to see him again down the road.
Jessica Baier is next and sings a good rendition of “I Surrender” by Celine Dion. Simon and Randy agree that she is bad, but my wife and I thought she was pretty good. Did we hear something different than they did? Come on.... She is so much better than many people who will be in Hollywood. On behalf of the judges, I am sorry, Jessica.
Melinda Camile is next. She seems like a very sweet person and shows herself likable right from the get-go. She wants to uplift humanity. The obsession with nudity here is a little disturbing, but we can already tell she can sing before she begins the first note of “I Feel Good” as sung by Michael Buble. The judges send her through to Hollywood, and I’m sure we will see much more of her in the future, no pun intended....
Next is Jackie Tohn. She has an interesting voice. Not my favorite of the season, but I’m curious to see what the judges think. Her second song is better than her first. My guess is right, and the judges like her. She’s interesting, so I’m sure that even as I write, fan clubs are being made in her name on American Idol blogs all across the net.
During this commercial break, I should apologize to all Utah folks for accidentally writing Salt Lake City was in Nevada yesterday. Please have patience with me as I am typing fast and thinking faster. I may have also spelled some names wrong. But the most I can hope is that my point gets across.
Okay, back from the break. We immediately see a collection of poor auditions and crazy people that participated just to get on television. It ends with Joel who claims to be the human iPod and puts a cardboard cutout of an MP3 player in front of him. I’m glad that Simon is acknowledging how pointless these gimmicky bad auditions have become.
I was wrong. It actually ends with Norman Gentle who sings “And I Am Telling You.” He is kind of funny, but I am ready for the real competition to start. I don’t know how in the world it happens, but Norman is sent through to Hollywood.
We then see a series of great auditions, and I wonder why we didn’t get to see more of these folks. I guess we will later.
Nicole Laraway starts the next group of auditions on a rough note and is followed by a few other bad auditions.
Then Monique Garcia Torres shows up and uses her kid brother to schmooze the judges. It works and Simon sends her through to the next round after both Randy and Kara give her a "no."
The second to last audition of the night is Alexis Cohen who auditioned last season as a crazy rocker chick. She now seems like a sweet, innocent "you woman" who is at peace with herself. The judges vote "no" on her and like last year, she flips Simon the bird and moves on.
Patricia Lewis Roman is the last audition of the season. Simon tells her it was a bad audition and gives her an extra 30 seconds to change their minds. After singing her second selection in Spanish, Randy says "yes," but Paula says "no." We are left in suspense until Patricia comes running out of the room with her golden ticket.
If this season is anything like mine, the semi-finalists are sitting in a hotel room together in Los Angeles tonight, singing songs to one another and talking about how excited they are for the live performances to start. I am as excited for them as they are for themselves.
Hollywood week starts airing next week. Until then, be safe....
Source : http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/01/phil-stacey-b-6.html
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hollywood and weddings make such a nice couple
Movie-makers are mad about weddings.
Be they dramas, romantic comedies or satires, we're all invited to multiple marital celebrations every year at the cinema.
And 2009's crop starts Friday, when best friends duke it out for the perfect wedding in "Bride Wars," a new comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.
If you enter the word "wedding" into the Internet Movie Database's search engine ( tulsaworld.com/imdb ), 89 subcategories will immediately pop up. Among them are: canceled wedding (217 titles), wedding dress (111 titles), royal wedding (42 titles) and wedding cake (42 titles).
Below is a sampling of a few wedding films that stand out, in good times and in bad.
Worst wedding bust-up
In 2008’s “Made of Honor,” Patrick Dempsey’s last-minute effort to stop the nuptials of his best friend, Michelle Monaghan, are easy to anticipate and eye-roll worthy.
Best runaway bride
Claudette Colbert in 1934’s “It Happened One Night.” Spoiled heiress meets ambitious newspaper man (Clark Gable) after ditching her new, wealthy husband.
Worst wedding movie line
Julia Roberts in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997): “I’ve got exactly four days to break up a wedding, steal the bride’s fella and I haven’t one clue how to do it.” Obvious, much?
Best jilted groom
Adam Sandler in “The Wedding Singer” (1998). It’s hard not to feel sorry for Sandler’s ironic fate after getting dumped by his fiancée. Drew Barrymore is his perfect remedy
Best wedding villains
At the beginning of “Wedding Crashers” (2005), Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson tie for tops in this category. They’re rude, crude and they’ll do anything to get what they want from desperate wedding guests. And we love it.
Be they dramas, romantic comedies or satires, we're all invited to multiple marital celebrations every year at the cinema.
And 2009's crop starts Friday, when best friends duke it out for the perfect wedding in "Bride Wars," a new comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.
If you enter the word "wedding" into the Internet Movie Database's search engine ( tulsaworld.com/imdb ), 89 subcategories will immediately pop up. Among them are: canceled wedding (217 titles), wedding dress (111 titles), royal wedding (42 titles) and wedding cake (42 titles).
Below is a sampling of a few wedding films that stand out, in good times and in bad.
Worst wedding bust-up
In 2008’s “Made of Honor,” Patrick Dempsey’s last-minute effort to stop the nuptials of his best friend, Michelle Monaghan, are easy to anticipate and eye-roll worthy.
Best runaway bride
Claudette Colbert in 1934’s “It Happened One Night.” Spoiled heiress meets ambitious newspaper man (Clark Gable) after ditching her new, wealthy husband.
Worst wedding movie line
Julia Roberts in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997): “I’ve got exactly four days to break up a wedding, steal the bride’s fella and I haven’t one clue how to do it.” Obvious, much?
Best jilted groom
Adam Sandler in “The Wedding Singer” (1998). It’s hard not to feel sorry for Sandler’s ironic fate after getting dumped by his fiancée. Drew Barrymore is his perfect remedy
Best wedding villains
At the beginning of “Wedding Crashers” (2005), Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson tie for tops in this category. They’re rude, crude and they’ll do anything to get what they want from desperate wedding guests. And we love it.
Pitt puts an end to the feud
Is it ever going to end? Brad Pitt verbally strikes back in the latest edition of W on the tabloid bickering that began at the end of last year, when his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston implied that his new partner, Angelina Jolie, stole him away while the two were filming "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." "What people don't understand is that we filmed for a year. We were still filming after Jen and I split up," Pitt says to W. "Even then, it doesn't mean that there was some kind of dastardly affair. There wasn't.
I'm very proud of the way that it was handled. It was respectful." Pitt also talked about his current relationship with ex Aniston, who has been romantically linked to music man and international player John Mayer. "Listen, man, Jen is a sweetheart. I think she got dragged into that one, and then there's a second round to all that Angie versus Jen. It's so created. We still check in with each other. She was a big part of my life, and me hers."
I'm very proud of the way that it was handled. It was respectful." Pitt also talked about his current relationship with ex Aniston, who has been romantically linked to music man and international player John Mayer. "Listen, man, Jen is a sweetheart. I think she got dragged into that one, and then there's a second round to all that Angie versus Jen. It's so created. We still check in with each other. She was a big part of my life, and me hers."
'Dark Knight' wins big at People's Choice
Holy, People's Choice Awards, Batman! "The Dark Knight" soared away with every trophy it was nominated for last night at the 35th annual fan-favorite CBS ceremony, The Associated Press reports.
The caped crusader flick won five awards, including favorite cast, superhero, action movie and on-screen matchup for Christian Bale's Batman and Heath Ledger's Joker.
Ellen DeGeneres and "Dancing with the Stars" were early winners, winning for favorite talk show host and favorite competition/reality show, respectively.
"I wish I could share this with you," DeGeneres told the audience while clutching her trophy.
Other winners selected by Internet voters in categories spanning movies, television and music included Chris Brown as favorite male singer and "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood as favorite female singer, star under 35 and for country song for "Last Name."
The fan-favorite CBS ceremony was hosted by Queen Latifah and returned to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for its typical star-studded live-show format, following last year's writer's strike-friendly, pretaped program.
Awards selected by Internet balloting were presented in more than 40 categories, including scene-stealing guest star, which went to Robin Williams for his guest-starring role on "Law & Order: SVU," rock song, which Kid Rock won for his song, "All Summer Long," and leading lady, which went to Kate Hudson.
The caped crusader flick won five awards, including favorite cast, superhero, action movie and on-screen matchup for Christian Bale's Batman and Heath Ledger's Joker.
Ellen DeGeneres and "Dancing with the Stars" were early winners, winning for favorite talk show host and favorite competition/reality show, respectively.
"I wish I could share this with you," DeGeneres told the audience while clutching her trophy.
Other winners selected by Internet voters in categories spanning movies, television and music included Chris Brown as favorite male singer and "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood as favorite female singer, star under 35 and for country song for "Last Name."
The fan-favorite CBS ceremony was hosted by Queen Latifah and returned to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for its typical star-studded live-show format, following last year's writer's strike-friendly, pretaped program.
Awards selected by Internet balloting were presented in more than 40 categories, including scene-stealing guest star, which went to Robin Williams for his guest-starring role on "Law & Order: SVU," rock song, which Kid Rock won for his song, "All Summer Long," and leading lady, which went to Kate Hudson.
Actress Alyssa Milano to wed Hollywood agent
Alyssa Milano is engaged to marry a Hollywood agent. Publicists for Milano said Tuesday that the actress accepted a marriage proposal on Dec. 18 from David Bugliari, an agent at Creative Artists Agency. The two have been dating for over a year. No wedding date has been set.
The 36-year-old "Who's the Boss?" star most recently has appeared in a recurring role on "My Name is Earl." Her other TV credits include "Charmed" and "Melrose Place."
The 36-year-old "Who's the Boss?" star most recently has appeared in a recurring role on "My Name is Earl." Her other TV credits include "Charmed" and "Melrose Place."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
At 30, Bipasha Basu looking for serious roles
She came into the limelight with her coffee bean complexion in Ajnabee and was called a scorcher for her skin show in Jism. But Bollywood beauty Bipasha Basu, who turns 30 on Wednesday, has now moved on from being just a sex icon and is signing on mature roles.
Voted the Sexiest Asian woman in 2007 by the British weekly newspaper Eastern Eye, the starlet of films like Rudraksh, No Entry, Omkara and Dhoom 2 is taking steps towards signing on for serious roles.
"If I don't like what's being offered, I won't sign anything (any more)," Bipasha had earlier said.
Her stint with arthouse movie started with Prakash Jha's 2005 political drama Apaharan. He presented her in a deglamourised role, but it was Ajay Devgan who had an author-backed role.
Bipasha's first meatier role was in Madhur Bhandarkar's critically acclaimed 2006 film Corporate. She proved her mettle and both critics and audiences applauded her performance. She was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actress award.
Last year she did Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film Shob Charitro Kalponik and is currently doing Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's Pankh and Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa.
Despite churning out fewer hits and more misses, the actress, who entered filmdom in 2001, constantly hogged the limelight, thanks to her oomph factor.
Her long-awaited share of fame came in 2008 with hits like Race and Bachna Ae Haseeno. She is now breaking from convention and taking on new challenges.
For Lamhaa, Bipasha is all set to change the dynamics of physical appearances of a Kashmiri girl.
"When you think of a Kashmiri girl in our movies, what comes to mind is a fair-skinned, light-eyed girl. But I want to disprove that myth. The pre-conceived notions have to be overcome," said Bipasha.
Voted the Sexiest Asian woman in 2007 by the British weekly newspaper Eastern Eye, the starlet of films like Rudraksh, No Entry, Omkara and Dhoom 2 is taking steps towards signing on for serious roles.
"If I don't like what's being offered, I won't sign anything (any more)," Bipasha had earlier said.
Her stint with arthouse movie started with Prakash Jha's 2005 political drama Apaharan. He presented her in a deglamourised role, but it was Ajay Devgan who had an author-backed role.
Bipasha's first meatier role was in Madhur Bhandarkar's critically acclaimed 2006 film Corporate. She proved her mettle and both critics and audiences applauded her performance. She was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actress award.
Last year she did Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film Shob Charitro Kalponik and is currently doing Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's Pankh and Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa.
Despite churning out fewer hits and more misses, the actress, who entered filmdom in 2001, constantly hogged the limelight, thanks to her oomph factor.
Her long-awaited share of fame came in 2008 with hits like Race and Bachna Ae Haseeno. She is now breaking from convention and taking on new challenges.
For Lamhaa, Bipasha is all set to change the dynamics of physical appearances of a Kashmiri girl.
"When you think of a Kashmiri girl in our movies, what comes to mind is a fair-skinned, light-eyed girl. But I want to disprove that myth. The pre-conceived notions have to be overcome," said Bipasha.
Younger sisters fail to blossom in Bollywood
They had a launch pad in their elder sisters who are stars in Bollywood. But actresses like Amrita Arora, Shamita Shetty and Tanisha Mukherjee have failed to come out of the glittering shadow of their siblings despite seeking to carve out their own destiny.
Although they claim to have avoided sibling rivalry, comparisons have been inevitable.
Ever since Amrita stepped into Bollywood in 2002 with Kitne Door Kitne Paas opposite Fardeen Khan, parallels have been drawn with her elder sibling Malaika Arora Khan. And every time, she has fallen short of matching the latter in terms of sensuality, looks, physique, dancing ability as well as her overall on screen persona.
But Amrita says this has not affected their relationship.
"I am extremely close to Malaika and the bond we share is unexplainable. We depend on each other and feel happy for each other's success. I just can't do without her. We are always there to help and motivate each other. Like success, we share our failures as well," she has often said.
Ditto is the case for Shamita, whose sister Shilpa Shetty's popularity skyrocketed after she won the British reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2007.
Though Shamita made her debut with a role in Aditya Chopra's big-budget film Mohabbatein in 2000, she has failed to deliver a single hit in her career spanning seven years. However, her acting skills were noticed when she essayed the role of a police officer in Zeher opposite Emraan Hashmi.
Lookwise and fitness-wise also, Shilpa's sharp features, slender frame, slim waist and overall attitude have always overshadowed Shamita. Shilpa and Shamita had once shared screen space in Deepak Tijori's thriller Fareb, but they did not play sisters in it.
"Though I'd love to be my sister's sister on screen, I think it would be slightly awkward to play real-life roles. It's far more challenging to come together and play against one another as rivals in love, as we did in Fareb," Shilpa had said.
Although they claim to have avoided sibling rivalry, comparisons have been inevitable.
Ever since Amrita stepped into Bollywood in 2002 with Kitne Door Kitne Paas opposite Fardeen Khan, parallels have been drawn with her elder sibling Malaika Arora Khan. And every time, she has fallen short of matching the latter in terms of sensuality, looks, physique, dancing ability as well as her overall on screen persona.
But Amrita says this has not affected their relationship.
"I am extremely close to Malaika and the bond we share is unexplainable. We depend on each other and feel happy for each other's success. I just can't do without her. We are always there to help and motivate each other. Like success, we share our failures as well," she has often said.
Ditto is the case for Shamita, whose sister Shilpa Shetty's popularity skyrocketed after she won the British reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2007.
Though Shamita made her debut with a role in Aditya Chopra's big-budget film Mohabbatein in 2000, she has failed to deliver a single hit in her career spanning seven years. However, her acting skills were noticed when she essayed the role of a police officer in Zeher opposite Emraan Hashmi.
Lookwise and fitness-wise also, Shilpa's sharp features, slender frame, slim waist and overall attitude have always overshadowed Shamita. Shilpa and Shamita had once shared screen space in Deepak Tijori's thriller Fareb, but they did not play sisters in it.
"Though I'd love to be my sister's sister on screen, I think it would be slightly awkward to play real-life roles. It's far more challenging to come together and play against one another as rivals in love, as we did in Fareb," Shilpa had said.
Aamir Khan's found a new match
Aamir Khan says it was his mental match with director AR Murugadoss that has created the magic in Ghajini which has translated into a roaring box office success.
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
Aamir Khan's found a new match
Aamir Khan says it was his mental match with director AR Murugadoss that has created the magic in Ghajini which has translated into a roaring box office success.
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
Winslet hated kissing co-star Leonardo Di Caprio
Actress Kate Winslet has revealed that she hated kissing co-star Leonardo Di Caprio in their latest movie Revolutionary Road.
Winslet's husband, director Sam Mendes, brought her and Di Caprio back together on the big screen in Revolutionary Road after they were last paired in the blockbuster romantic film Titanic, the Daily Mail reported.
Winslet had to get intimate with Di Caprio as they play a married couple in the film. But the actress was most uncomfortable because the intimate scenes were being coordinated by her husband, who did not seem to be affected at all.
"It was more that neither Sam nor Leo seemed the slightest bit bothered," she said. "I was like, 'Is it just me who feels a bit weird about this? You know. My friend. My husband'.
"But it was just me. There is this amazing still that was taken on set of Leo and me kissing, and Sam is in the background...You can see this look of absolute intensity on his face and I knew that all he was thinking about at that moment was the frame of the shot," Winslet told Elle magazine.
Winslet said she and Leo have a special chemistry onscreen because they have stayed close since the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. "Leo's friendship is a major thing in my life. It's a big relationship. We met when we were very young and did this incredible film (Titanic) which changed both our lives, but the best thing to come out of it was this friendship."
Winslet's husband, director Sam Mendes, brought her and Di Caprio back together on the big screen in Revolutionary Road after they were last paired in the blockbuster romantic film Titanic, the Daily Mail reported.
Winslet had to get intimate with Di Caprio as they play a married couple in the film. But the actress was most uncomfortable because the intimate scenes were being coordinated by her husband, who did not seem to be affected at all.
"It was more that neither Sam nor Leo seemed the slightest bit bothered," she said. "I was like, 'Is it just me who feels a bit weird about this? You know. My friend. My husband'.
"But it was just me. There is this amazing still that was taken on set of Leo and me kissing, and Sam is in the background...You can see this look of absolute intensity on his face and I knew that all he was thinking about at that moment was the frame of the shot," Winslet told Elle magazine.
Winslet said she and Leo have a special chemistry onscreen because they have stayed close since the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. "Leo's friendship is a major thing in my life. It's a big relationship. We met when we were very young and did this incredible film (Titanic) which changed both our lives, but the best thing to come out of it was this friendship."
Gyllenhaal, Witherspoon share kiss in public
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal and his Oscar winning girlfriend Reese Witherspoon shared a kiss at a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
According to contactmusic.com, the kiss was a bit long and lingering. It was caught by cameras and showed on the jumbotron screen which hangs above the court.
The kiss was shown at a time out when fans are traditionally encouraged to kiss each other on camera.
Witherspoon looked embarrassed when she realised that the kiss was caught on tape and that everyone had seen it.
According to contactmusic.com, the kiss was a bit long and lingering. It was caught by cameras and showed on the jumbotron screen which hangs above the court.
The kiss was shown at a time out when fans are traditionally encouraged to kiss each other on camera.
Witherspoon looked embarrassed when she realised that the kiss was caught on tape and that everyone had seen it.
Lindsay Lohan slams Ronson split rumours
Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has lashed out at reporters who insist that she has split from her DJ girlfriend Samantha Ronson.
Speculations were rife suggesting that Lohan, 22, broke up with her lesbian lover, Ronson, 31, after a fierce fight on Monday, reports contactmusic.com.
The reports followed a series of rows between the pair in recent weeks, with some gossip sites stating the star was looking to set up home with her little sister Ali in Los Angeles.
But Lohan has slammed the rumours, insisting she is sick of having to tell friends to ignore stories about her love-life.
"Rumors. (A) little piece of true information is we did not break up! Get your stories straight please. It's really annoying to have all of your friends emailing you saying, I saw, I read, etc… It's not true," an exasperated Lohan posted on her MySpace blog on Tuesday.
Speculations were rife suggesting that Lohan, 22, broke up with her lesbian lover, Ronson, 31, after a fierce fight on Monday, reports contactmusic.com.
The reports followed a series of rows between the pair in recent weeks, with some gossip sites stating the star was looking to set up home with her little sister Ali in Los Angeles.
But Lohan has slammed the rumours, insisting she is sick of having to tell friends to ignore stories about her love-life.
"Rumors. (A) little piece of true information is we did not break up! Get your stories straight please. It's really annoying to have all of your friends emailing you saying, I saw, I read, etc… It's not true," an exasperated Lohan posted on her MySpace blog on Tuesday.
AR Rahman turns 43
AR Rahman turned 43 on Tuesday, as television and FM channels played special programmes to mark the day but the music maestro said the celebrations were low key due to Muharram.
Speaking at the South India launch of a mobile phone, Rahman said the day was usual for him and there were not much celebrations as the Muslims mourn during the month of Muharram.
Rahman is an inspiration for many. For instance, acclaimed singer Sukhwinder Singh gives the credit of his success to the composer.
“Rahman has been a catalyst in my success because when everyone turned me down and ridiculed my song Thaiyan thaiyan, he was the only one to believe in me. With a few changes in lyrics, he gave me my first big success in the form of Chaiyyan chaiyyan," Sukhwinder said.
With 11 Filmfare Awards to his credit, Rahman has achieved the status of legend in the lives of upcoming singers who dream to work with the composer, at least once.
“Rahman can easily be termed as the living legend in Bollywood. He is one of the few people who made Indian music popular internationally. It will be a dream come true if I get an opportunity to work with him,” said Abhijeet Sawant, who won the first season of musical reality show Indian Idol.
Said Harshit Saxena, runner-up of Amul Star Voice of India: “Rahman always does an excellent job. Everybody has a dream to work with him, and being a great fan of his, I possess the same.”
The musician got his first big break in Mani Ratnam's Roja and later Rahman composed for many films in the south. The film was dubbed in Hindi and the songs like Dil hai chota sa, came as a whiff of fresh air for music lovers who wanted more from this musical genius.
Winner of numerous prestigious awards, Rahman has recently been nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for his score in Slumdog Millionaire.
So what is in Rahman's music that clicks so well with audiences the world over?
“Rahman's music spells magic. We actually wait for his albums. You can see his soul, hard work and dedication in his songs. He never compromises with his style, which is so distinct,” shared Prajakta Shukre, a finalist of Indian Idol 1, who is currently singing for regional films.
Abhijeet Sawant added: “Rahman has never gone with formula music and is on a different level altogether. A calm and soft individual, he has a very different vision. His music is never dictated by popular demand. He always experiments and that is what people like about him.”
With his upcoming projects Delhi-6 and Blue, Rahman's fans will have no dearth of good music to hear and hum.
Speaking at the South India launch of a mobile phone, Rahman said the day was usual for him and there were not much celebrations as the Muslims mourn during the month of Muharram.
Rahman is an inspiration for many. For instance, acclaimed singer Sukhwinder Singh gives the credit of his success to the composer.
“Rahman has been a catalyst in my success because when everyone turned me down and ridiculed my song Thaiyan thaiyan, he was the only one to believe in me. With a few changes in lyrics, he gave me my first big success in the form of Chaiyyan chaiyyan," Sukhwinder said.
With 11 Filmfare Awards to his credit, Rahman has achieved the status of legend in the lives of upcoming singers who dream to work with the composer, at least once.
“Rahman can easily be termed as the living legend in Bollywood. He is one of the few people who made Indian music popular internationally. It will be a dream come true if I get an opportunity to work with him,” said Abhijeet Sawant, who won the first season of musical reality show Indian Idol.
Said Harshit Saxena, runner-up of Amul Star Voice of India: “Rahman always does an excellent job. Everybody has a dream to work with him, and being a great fan of his, I possess the same.”
The musician got his first big break in Mani Ratnam's Roja and later Rahman composed for many films in the south. The film was dubbed in Hindi and the songs like Dil hai chota sa, came as a whiff of fresh air for music lovers who wanted more from this musical genius.
Winner of numerous prestigious awards, Rahman has recently been nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for his score in Slumdog Millionaire.
So what is in Rahman's music that clicks so well with audiences the world over?
“Rahman's music spells magic. We actually wait for his albums. You can see his soul, hard work and dedication in his songs. He never compromises with his style, which is so distinct,” shared Prajakta Shukre, a finalist of Indian Idol 1, who is currently singing for regional films.
Abhijeet Sawant added: “Rahman has never gone with formula music and is on a different level altogether. A calm and soft individual, he has a very different vision. His music is never dictated by popular demand. He always experiments and that is what people like about him.”
With his upcoming projects Delhi-6 and Blue, Rahman's fans will have no dearth of good music to hear and hum.
Toyota Camry, a ring of body-guards, Asin is quite a force
South Indian actress Asin Thottumkal is doing something which no other Bollywood actress has done before! This svelte beauty travels with a convoy of no less than four cars whenever she’s out doing promotional campaigns or public appearances.
Asin’s convoy includes two cars which have Kerala number plates, including her personal vehicle — a Toyota Camry. There are two other Mumbai cars which insiders say carry bodyguards.
Asin confirms the news saying, “Calling it a convoy would be an overstatement. But yes, I have a car in which I travel with my dad who also manages me. In another car I have my hair dresser, make-up man and other assistants. They go with me wherever I go.
I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, so I like them being around and overseeing things for me.” As for the other two cars spotted? “I think you saw some other cars when I was travelling for Ghajini’s promotions…I didn’t get them,” says Asin.
When we probed for more information, a source told us, “This (convoy) has been with her since she was in Mumbai. She is a big star down South and she always has her personal assistants with her. But the hiring of bodyguards is most probably from the production front. She doesn’t know the city too well. Ghajini has brought her into the spotlight and she’s become quite a buzzword here. Maybe the film-makers are worried about her security.”
Asin’s convoy includes two cars which have Kerala number plates, including her personal vehicle — a Toyota Camry. There are two other Mumbai cars which insiders say carry bodyguards.
Asin confirms the news saying, “Calling it a convoy would be an overstatement. But yes, I have a car in which I travel with my dad who also manages me. In another car I have my hair dresser, make-up man and other assistants. They go with me wherever I go.
I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, so I like them being around and overseeing things for me.” As for the other two cars spotted? “I think you saw some other cars when I was travelling for Ghajini’s promotions…I didn’t get them,” says Asin.
When we probed for more information, a source told us, “This (convoy) has been with her since she was in Mumbai. She is a big star down South and she always has her personal assistants with her. But the hiring of bodyguards is most probably from the production front. She doesn’t know the city too well. Ghajini has brought her into the spotlight and she’s become quite a buzzword here. Maybe the film-makers are worried about her security.”
Batman makes producers' shortlist
Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight is among the films up for best picture at the Producers Guild of America awards.
As its nominations often mirror the Oscar line-up, its inclusion could boost its chances of being up for the same prize at the Academy Awards.
Brad Pitt's fantasy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Sean Penn biopic Milk and Slumdog Millionaire are also up for the guild's top prize.
Wall-E, Bolt and Kung Fu Panda are all up for best animated feature.
Last year's best picture winner, the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men, went on to win top prize at the Academy Awards.
The PGA is not always a reliable indicator, however, having recognised Little Miss Sunshine the previous year ahead of Oscar victor The Departed.
Documentary
Man on Wire, about the Frenchman who wire-walked between the Twin Towers in New York, is one of three films up for the best documentary prize.
The Producers Guild also awards television productions, with Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage and the US version of The Office all recognised in the TV comedy category.
Damages, Dexter and Lost are up for the TV drama prize, as are Boston Legal and Mad Men.
Winners will be announced in Los Angeles on 24 January, two days after the Oscar nominations are announced.
The Hollywood awards season continues this weekend with the Golden Globes, one of the key events in the run-up to the Oscars on 22 February.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Directors Guild of America (DGA) will announce their award nominations later this week
As its nominations often mirror the Oscar line-up, its inclusion could boost its chances of being up for the same prize at the Academy Awards.
Brad Pitt's fantasy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Sean Penn biopic Milk and Slumdog Millionaire are also up for the guild's top prize.
Wall-E, Bolt and Kung Fu Panda are all up for best animated feature.
Last year's best picture winner, the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men, went on to win top prize at the Academy Awards.
The PGA is not always a reliable indicator, however, having recognised Little Miss Sunshine the previous year ahead of Oscar victor The Departed.
Documentary
Man on Wire, about the Frenchman who wire-walked between the Twin Towers in New York, is one of three films up for the best documentary prize.
The Producers Guild also awards television productions, with Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage and the US version of The Office all recognised in the TV comedy category.
Damages, Dexter and Lost are up for the TV drama prize, as are Boston Legal and Mad Men.
Winners will be announced in Los Angeles on 24 January, two days after the Oscar nominations are announced.
The Hollywood awards season continues this weekend with the Golden Globes, one of the key events in the run-up to the Oscars on 22 February.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Directors Guild of America (DGA) will announce their award nominations later this week
BBC Sound of 2009: The pundits
More than 130 influential and impartial UK-based music critics and broadcasters were canvassed to find the best new acts for the BBC Sound of 2009 list. They were:
Mark Adams - Box TV head of music (4Music, The Box, Kiss, Smash Hits, Magic, Q, Kerrang!)
Sean Adams - Drowned in Sound editor-in-chief
Edward Adoo - NME, BBC Asian Network
Henry Barnes - Guardian.co.uk
Mark Beaumont - NME
Joanne Bell - BFBS head of music
Sarah Boden - Observer Music Monthly
Clint Boon - Xfm Manchester DJ
Helen Bownass - More magazine
Paul Brannigan - Kerrang! magazine editor
Lauren Brennan - BBC Radio 1 music scheduler
Lucio Buffone - Capital FM and Hit 40 UK DJ
Jim Butler - Observer Music Monthly, Big Issue
Tim Chipping - HM-PJ music editor (Holy Moly, Popjustice, 4Music)
Stuart Clarke - Music Week magazine talent editor
Richard Clayton - Financial Times, Sunday Times
Greg Cochrane - BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat music reporter
Hattie Collins - RWD magazine editor, i-D music editor, The Guardian, Big Issue
Scott Colothan - Gigwise.com editor
Matt Cook - MTV UK director of talent and music
Andy Cowan - Hip-Hop Connection magazine editor
Will Cozens - Kiss DJ
James Curran - Absolute Radio head of music
Robery D'Ovidio - Heat Radio station manger
Rob Da Bank - BBC Radio 1 DJ, Bestival festival organiser
Kim Dawson - Daily Star Playlist editor
Nick Decosemo - Mixmag editor
Antonio Dellamura - Pyro Radio station manager
Niall Doherty - The Fly magazine editor
Andi Durrant - Galaxy Radio DJ
John Earls - Teletext, News of the World
Ben East - Metro
Rick Edwards - T4 & Xfm presenter
Matilda Egere-Cooper - Independent
George Ergatoudis - BBC Radio 1 head of music
Chantelle Fiddy - Thelondonpaper, Mixmag, i-D, Tank, RWD magazines
Mark Findlay - Capital FM and Hit Music Network head of music
Paul Flynn - Grazia, i-D, Pop, Attitude magazines
James Foley - Record of the Day magazine music editor
Harriet Gibsone - The Fly magazine Ones To Watch editor
Ben Gilbert - Yahoo! Music UK
Sam Grape - Thatgrapejuice.net blog
Phoebe Greenwood - Times music editor
Gareth Grundy - Observer Music Monthly deputy editor
Hanna Hanra - The Pix, i-D, Sunday Times Style
Nigel Harding - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Simon Harper - Clash magazine editor
Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Gary Harrison - Gaydar Radio head of music
Todd Hart - Dalston Oxfam Shop and Der Fresh Creamy blogger
Jaimie Hodgson - NME new music editor
Alison Howe - BBC Later... With Jools Holland producer
Ludovic Hunter Tilney - Financial Times
Lara Hutcheson - Top of the Pops magazine acting editor
Allan Jones - Uncut magazine editor
Tim Jonze - Guardian.co.uk music editor
Anna Karatziva - MTV UK label director, talent and music
Nik Keene - Contactmusic.com editor
John Kennedy - Xfm DJ
Jordan Kensington - Invincible magazine editor-in-chief
Ted Kessler - Q magazine reviews editor
Talia Kraines - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio producer, Londonist music editor, Popstarz DJ
Ras Kwame - BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 DJ
George Lamb - BBC 6 Music DJ
Stuart Last - BBC Radio 1 Jo Whiley producer
Paul Lester - Guardian new bands editor
Luke Lewis - NME.com
Caspar Llewellyn Smith - Observer Music Monthly editor
Geoff Lloyd - Absolute Radio DJ
Janice Long - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Alexia Loundras - The Independent
Laura Lukanz - BBC 1Xtra music manager
Dorian Lynskey - Guardian
Ben Machell - Times
Paul MacInnes - Guardian.co.uk entertainment editor
Paul Mack - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio acting station manager
Gavin Martin - Daily Mirror
Nadine McBay - Metro music editor
John McConnell - Prancehall.com, Guardian.co.uk, The Sun, Vice, NME, Fader
Neil McCormick - Daily Telegraph
Craig McLean - Daily Telegraph, Times, Independent on Sunday, Observer Music Monthly
Conor McNicholas - NME editor
Malik Meer - Guardian Guide editor
Toya Melvina - Toya's World blog
Alexander Milas - Metal Hammer magazine editor
Alex Miller - Vice magazine
Mistajam - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Iain Moffat - Rock Sound, Attitude, The Fly magazines
David Mogendorff - MTV UK talent and music
John Mulvey - Uncut magazine deputy editor, The Times
Jon Myer - BBC 6 Music music manager
Nick Neads - T4 head of music (Channel 4)
Tim Noakes - Dazed & Confused magazine music editor
David O'Coy - Fused magazine editor
Chloe Pearson - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Chris Price - MTV UK head of music programming
Mark Radcliffe - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Becky Reed - Clickmusic.com editor
Paul Rees - Q magazine editor
Marc Riley - BBC 6 Music DJ
John Robinson - Guardian Guide, Uncut magazine
Peter Robinson - Popjustice.com editor
Tom Robinson - BBC 6 Music DJ
Jude Rogers - Guardian, Word, New Statesman, Mercury Prize judge
Joanna Russell - Absolute Radio DJ
Chris Salmon - Guardian
Paul Scaife - Record of the Day editor in chief
Rachel Seagrave - BBC 6 Music scheduler
Victoria Segal - Times
DJ Semtex - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Paul Sexton - Sunday Times Culture, Financial Times, Billboard, Sunday Express
Eddie Shaw - Lincs FM group head of music
Adam Sherwin - The Times People editor
Jeff Smith - BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music head of music
Mike Smith - Nothing But Green Lights blog
David Smyth - London Evening Standard
Huw Stephens - BBC Radio 1 DJ
Paul Stokes - NME news editor
Tom Stroud - The Local Radio Company head of music
Stuart Stubbs - Loud & Quiet magazine editor
Caroline Sullivan - Guardian
Mark Sutherland - Billboard magazine global bureau chief
Jacqui Swift - The Sun's Something For The Weekend
Ashley Tanton - Likesounds.com editor
Darren Taylor - Rock Sound magazine editor
Graeme Thomson - Observer Music Monthly, Word magazines
Adrian Thrills - Daily Mail
Terry Underhill - Guardian Media Group head of music
Tim Vernon - Absolute Radio music producer
Lisa Verrico - Times
Mike Walsh - Xfm head of music
Andy Welch - Press Association music editor
Ben Wolford - Hit Music Network music scheduler
Jonas Woost - Last FM head of music
Mark Adams - Box TV head of music (4Music, The Box, Kiss, Smash Hits, Magic, Q, Kerrang!)
Sean Adams - Drowned in Sound editor-in-chief
Edward Adoo - NME, BBC Asian Network
Henry Barnes - Guardian.co.uk
Mark Beaumont - NME
Joanne Bell - BFBS head of music
Sarah Boden - Observer Music Monthly
Clint Boon - Xfm Manchester DJ
Helen Bownass - More magazine
Paul Brannigan - Kerrang! magazine editor
Lauren Brennan - BBC Radio 1 music scheduler
Lucio Buffone - Capital FM and Hit 40 UK DJ
Jim Butler - Observer Music Monthly, Big Issue
Tim Chipping - HM-PJ music editor (Holy Moly, Popjustice, 4Music)
Stuart Clarke - Music Week magazine talent editor
Richard Clayton - Financial Times, Sunday Times
Greg Cochrane - BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat music reporter
Hattie Collins - RWD magazine editor, i-D music editor, The Guardian, Big Issue
Scott Colothan - Gigwise.com editor
Matt Cook - MTV UK director of talent and music
Andy Cowan - Hip-Hop Connection magazine editor
Will Cozens - Kiss DJ
James Curran - Absolute Radio head of music
Robery D'Ovidio - Heat Radio station manger
Rob Da Bank - BBC Radio 1 DJ, Bestival festival organiser
Kim Dawson - Daily Star Playlist editor
Nick Decosemo - Mixmag editor
Antonio Dellamura - Pyro Radio station manager
Niall Doherty - The Fly magazine editor
Andi Durrant - Galaxy Radio DJ
John Earls - Teletext, News of the World
Ben East - Metro
Rick Edwards - T4 & Xfm presenter
Matilda Egere-Cooper - Independent
George Ergatoudis - BBC Radio 1 head of music
Chantelle Fiddy - Thelondonpaper, Mixmag, i-D, Tank, RWD magazines
Mark Findlay - Capital FM and Hit Music Network head of music
Paul Flynn - Grazia, i-D, Pop, Attitude magazines
James Foley - Record of the Day magazine music editor
Harriet Gibsone - The Fly magazine Ones To Watch editor
Ben Gilbert - Yahoo! Music UK
Sam Grape - Thatgrapejuice.net blog
Phoebe Greenwood - Times music editor
Gareth Grundy - Observer Music Monthly deputy editor
Hanna Hanra - The Pix, i-D, Sunday Times Style
Nigel Harding - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Simon Harper - Clash magazine editor
Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Gary Harrison - Gaydar Radio head of music
Todd Hart - Dalston Oxfam Shop and Der Fresh Creamy blogger
Jaimie Hodgson - NME new music editor
Alison Howe - BBC Later... With Jools Holland producer
Ludovic Hunter Tilney - Financial Times
Lara Hutcheson - Top of the Pops magazine acting editor
Allan Jones - Uncut magazine editor
Tim Jonze - Guardian.co.uk music editor
Anna Karatziva - MTV UK label director, talent and music
Nik Keene - Contactmusic.com editor
John Kennedy - Xfm DJ
Jordan Kensington - Invincible magazine editor-in-chief
Ted Kessler - Q magazine reviews editor
Talia Kraines - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio producer, Londonist music editor, Popstarz DJ
Ras Kwame - BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 DJ
George Lamb - BBC 6 Music DJ
Stuart Last - BBC Radio 1 Jo Whiley producer
Paul Lester - Guardian new bands editor
Luke Lewis - NME.com
Caspar Llewellyn Smith - Observer Music Monthly editor
Geoff Lloyd - Absolute Radio DJ
Janice Long - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Alexia Loundras - The Independent
Laura Lukanz - BBC 1Xtra music manager
Dorian Lynskey - Guardian
Ben Machell - Times
Paul MacInnes - Guardian.co.uk entertainment editor
Paul Mack - The Hits and Smash Hits Radio acting station manager
Gavin Martin - Daily Mirror
Nadine McBay - Metro music editor
John McConnell - Prancehall.com, Guardian.co.uk, The Sun, Vice, NME, Fader
Neil McCormick - Daily Telegraph
Craig McLean - Daily Telegraph, Times, Independent on Sunday, Observer Music Monthly
Conor McNicholas - NME editor
Malik Meer - Guardian Guide editor
Toya Melvina - Toya's World blog
Alexander Milas - Metal Hammer magazine editor
Alex Miller - Vice magazine
Mistajam - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Iain Moffat - Rock Sound, Attitude, The Fly magazines
David Mogendorff - MTV UK talent and music
John Mulvey - Uncut magazine deputy editor, The Times
Jon Myer - BBC 6 Music music manager
Nick Neads - T4 head of music (Channel 4)
Tim Noakes - Dazed & Confused magazine music editor
David O'Coy - Fused magazine editor
Chloe Pearson - BBC Radio 1 music producer
Chris Price - MTV UK head of music programming
Mark Radcliffe - BBC Radio 2 DJ
Becky Reed - Clickmusic.com editor
Paul Rees - Q magazine editor
Marc Riley - BBC 6 Music DJ
John Robinson - Guardian Guide, Uncut magazine
Peter Robinson - Popjustice.com editor
Tom Robinson - BBC 6 Music DJ
Jude Rogers - Guardian, Word, New Statesman, Mercury Prize judge
Joanna Russell - Absolute Radio DJ
Chris Salmon - Guardian
Paul Scaife - Record of the Day editor in chief
Rachel Seagrave - BBC 6 Music scheduler
Victoria Segal - Times
DJ Semtex - BBC 1Xtra DJ
Paul Sexton - Sunday Times Culture, Financial Times, Billboard, Sunday Express
Eddie Shaw - Lincs FM group head of music
Adam Sherwin - The Times People editor
Jeff Smith - BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music head of music
Mike Smith - Nothing But Green Lights blog
David Smyth - London Evening Standard
Huw Stephens - BBC Radio 1 DJ
Paul Stokes - NME news editor
Tom Stroud - The Local Radio Company head of music
Stuart Stubbs - Loud & Quiet magazine editor
Caroline Sullivan - Guardian
Mark Sutherland - Billboard magazine global bureau chief
Jacqui Swift - The Sun's Something For The Weekend
Ashley Tanton - Likesounds.com editor
Darren Taylor - Rock Sound magazine editor
Graeme Thomson - Observer Music Monthly, Word magazines
Adrian Thrills - Daily Mail
Terry Underhill - Guardian Media Group head of music
Tim Vernon - Absolute Radio music producer
Lisa Verrico - Times
Mike Walsh - Xfm head of music
Andy Welch - Press Association music editor
Ben Wolford - Hit Music Network music scheduler
Jonas Woost - Last FM head of music
BBC Sound of 2009: Empire of the Sun
Australian fantasy pop duo Empire of the Sun have come fourth on the BBC's Sound of 2009 list, which features the best bands and singers to watch in the next 12 months.
One act from the top five is being unveiled every day this week, counting down to Friday, when the number one will be revealed.
Empire of the Sun are on a spiritual mission.
Dressed as extras from a psychedelic Star Wars, the duo are on an epic journey to seek out ancient cultures across the globe, searching for inner enlightenment while creating a musical dynasty that will last for ever.
It seems like a tall order. But the ambitious, enigmatic and utterly egotastic Empire of the Sun are dead set on their task.
So their debut album, the story it tells and the places it takes them is "a walk to finding the inner being", singer Luke Steele says. "It's kind of like a spiritual road movie.
"We went to Shanghai and met the emperors, and we went to Mexico and met the Aztecs, and now we're going to Iceland.
"It's now or never and we have to push the limit. There's no holding back and there's nothing to lose. We really want to make something otherworldly and special."
Steele, who also fronts indie group The Sleepy Jackson, has teamed up with Nick Littlemore of electronic outfit Pnau, who is friends with Sir Elton John, has worked with The Killers and been in a band with Ladyhawke.
Together, the pair's 1980s-influenced soft pop synthesisers and blissed-out space beats have already taken them into the Australian top 10.
The music is coupled with a striking image of two colourful, cosmic crusaders that has been inspired by movie characters and rosily-remembered childhood idols.
"We are superheroes. We are Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore," proclaims the singer.
In the video for their first single, Walking on a Dream, the pair are seen in front of the Shanghai skyline striking overblown, dramatic poses.
Steele grandly waves huge feathers and a big red stick while wearing white face paint, a bright blue oriental frock coat, gold ceremonial neckwear and a tall ornamental crown that looks like it might have been a rather nice lampshade in a former life.
"We've done the band thing, which is great, but we wanted it to be a lot more epic and theatrical," he declares.
"We want to start something a bit bigger than what bands have been for the past 20 years. We want to bring entertainment and colour and positivity and melody back into it."
The album, also called Walking on a Dream, was made over two years between other projects. "I was only ever in town for a night in Sydney, where the studio was, so it was all quite spontaneous," Steele says.
"I'm really good at writing top lines and coming up with chord progressions and production." Littlemore is all of the above plus is "amazing in terms of writing words", the singer says. "He's quite romantic with his words. He's like a beat poet."
The group borrowed their name from a 1984 JG Ballard novel, which was adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1987.
"We wanted something quite epic," Steele says, citing the history of Chinese emperors and the importance of the sun to the Aztecs.
"And obviously Jesus Christ is the son of God and everything," he adds, slightly inexplicably.
"We were looking for a name and we saw that and it just seemed so fitting."
Steele has become so immersed in the band's mythology that he has even named his daughter, born in October, Sunny Tiger. (The band also have a song called Tiger By Your Side and tigers feature in their graphics.)
The singer now wants to blow the minds of young fans in the same way that pop stars did when he was growing up in the 1980s.
"We're so visual," he says. "We want to make something that as a child you see and you just love because it's so colourful and it's got imagination.
"Music is magic, and with imagination combined it can be completely epic. We've been both on the road doing shows for the last 10 years and we wanted something that's higher - visually, mentally, physically, a bigger level, a bigger vision that can last for ever."
One act from the top five is being unveiled every day this week, counting down to Friday, when the number one will be revealed.
Empire of the Sun are on a spiritual mission.
Dressed as extras from a psychedelic Star Wars, the duo are on an epic journey to seek out ancient cultures across the globe, searching for inner enlightenment while creating a musical dynasty that will last for ever.
It seems like a tall order. But the ambitious, enigmatic and utterly egotastic Empire of the Sun are dead set on their task.
So their debut album, the story it tells and the places it takes them is "a walk to finding the inner being", singer Luke Steele says. "It's kind of like a spiritual road movie.
"We went to Shanghai and met the emperors, and we went to Mexico and met the Aztecs, and now we're going to Iceland.
"It's now or never and we have to push the limit. There's no holding back and there's nothing to lose. We really want to make something otherworldly and special."
Steele, who also fronts indie group The Sleepy Jackson, has teamed up with Nick Littlemore of electronic outfit Pnau, who is friends with Sir Elton John, has worked with The Killers and been in a band with Ladyhawke.
Together, the pair's 1980s-influenced soft pop synthesisers and blissed-out space beats have already taken them into the Australian top 10.
The music is coupled with a striking image of two colourful, cosmic crusaders that has been inspired by movie characters and rosily-remembered childhood idols.
"We are superheroes. We are Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore," proclaims the singer.
In the video for their first single, Walking on a Dream, the pair are seen in front of the Shanghai skyline striking overblown, dramatic poses.
Steele grandly waves huge feathers and a big red stick while wearing white face paint, a bright blue oriental frock coat, gold ceremonial neckwear and a tall ornamental crown that looks like it might have been a rather nice lampshade in a former life.
"We've done the band thing, which is great, but we wanted it to be a lot more epic and theatrical," he declares.
"We want to start something a bit bigger than what bands have been for the past 20 years. We want to bring entertainment and colour and positivity and melody back into it."
The album, also called Walking on a Dream, was made over two years between other projects. "I was only ever in town for a night in Sydney, where the studio was, so it was all quite spontaneous," Steele says.
"I'm really good at writing top lines and coming up with chord progressions and production." Littlemore is all of the above plus is "amazing in terms of writing words", the singer says. "He's quite romantic with his words. He's like a beat poet."
The group borrowed their name from a 1984 JG Ballard novel, which was adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1987.
"We wanted something quite epic," Steele says, citing the history of Chinese emperors and the importance of the sun to the Aztecs.
"And obviously Jesus Christ is the son of God and everything," he adds, slightly inexplicably.
"We were looking for a name and we saw that and it just seemed so fitting."
Steele has become so immersed in the band's mythology that he has even named his daughter, born in October, Sunny Tiger. (The band also have a song called Tiger By Your Side and tigers feature in their graphics.)
The singer now wants to blow the minds of young fans in the same way that pop stars did when he was growing up in the 1980s.
"We're so visual," he says. "We want to make something that as a child you see and you just love because it's so colourful and it's got imagination.
"Music is magic, and with imagination combined it can be completely epic. We've been both on the road doing shows for the last 10 years and we wanted something that's higher - visually, mentally, physically, a bigger level, a bigger vision that can last for ever."
Marley still box office top dog
Canine comedy Marley and Me has topped the US box office chart for a second consecutive week, pushing its overall takings past the $100m (£68.9m) mark.
The movie, about a puppy acquired by newlyweds, made $24.1m (£16.6m) on its second weekend of release, according to box office tracker Media by Numbers.
Adam Sandler's latest comedy Bedtime Stories came second, making $20.3m (£14m) between Friday and Sunday.
Brad Pitt's film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was in third place.
The epic fantasy, which is up for five prizes at this weekend's Golden Globe awards, made $18.4m (£12.7m) on its second weekend in North American cinemas.
Tom Cruise's wartime thriller Valkyrie and Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man stayed in fourth and fifth place respectively.
According to Media by Numbers, US and Canada takings totalled $9.63 billion (£6.66bn) in 2008 - just down on 2007's record tally of $9.68 billion (£6.69bn).
"The movie industry is totally holding its own in the face of the recession," said its president, Paul Dergarabedian.
With no new films out on widespread release in the US last weekend, those who could see World War II saga Defiance - released on Friday in just two cinemas - went in their droves.
The film, which stars Daniel Craig as a Jewish freedom fighter who takes arms against the Nazis in Eastern Europe, took an impressive $121,000 (£83,400) from its two locations.
The movie, about a puppy acquired by newlyweds, made $24.1m (£16.6m) on its second weekend of release, according to box office tracker Media by Numbers.
Adam Sandler's latest comedy Bedtime Stories came second, making $20.3m (£14m) between Friday and Sunday.
Brad Pitt's film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was in third place.
The epic fantasy, which is up for five prizes at this weekend's Golden Globe awards, made $18.4m (£12.7m) on its second weekend in North American cinemas.
Tom Cruise's wartime thriller Valkyrie and Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man stayed in fourth and fifth place respectively.
According to Media by Numbers, US and Canada takings totalled $9.63 billion (£6.66bn) in 2008 - just down on 2007's record tally of $9.68 billion (£6.69bn).
"The movie industry is totally holding its own in the face of the recession," said its president, Paul Dergarabedian.
With no new films out on widespread release in the US last weekend, those who could see World War II saga Defiance - released on Friday in just two cinemas - went in their droves.
The film, which stars Daniel Craig as a Jewish freedom fighter who takes arms against the Nazis in Eastern Europe, took an impressive $121,000 (£83,400) from its two locations.
Sound of 2009 countdown kicks off
The first act from the BBC's Sound of 2009 list has been revealed, with electro-pop duo La Roux at number five.
The list is intended to highlight the best new music talent for the new year.
It is based on tips from 134 leading UK tastemakers, who named their favourite three new acts. A longlist of 15 artists was published last month.
One act from the top five will now be revealed every day this week, until the number one is announced on Friday. Last year, Adele and Duffy topped the list.
The Sound of 2008 top five also included The Ting Tings, Glasvegas and Foals.
The list is intended to highlight the best new music talent for the new year.
It is based on tips from 134 leading UK tastemakers, who named their favourite three new acts. A longlist of 15 artists was published last month.
One act from the top five will now be revealed every day this week, until the number one is announced on Friday. Last year, Adele and Duffy topped the list.
The Sound of 2008 top five also included The Ting Tings, Glasvegas and Foals.
Wrestler Rourke hits red carpet
US actor Mickey Rourke took to the red carpet in London on Monday night to promote his latest film, The Wrestler.
The 52-year-old stars as has-been professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is reluctant to throw in the towel.
The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Rourke is also tipped to be nominated for an Oscar for his role.
The Wrestler will be released in cinemas across the UK on 16 January.
Rourke gave up acting for more than a decade to take up boxing.
But speaking in London's West End, he said he had to forget his fighting background for the role in the The Wrestler.
"It got in the way because wrestlers don't move like fighters, and fighters don't move like wrestlers - it was really more like I had to get my mindset out of that," he said.
"In boxing, you move very gracefully. These guys move very hulkingly and you can read their punches."
'Emotional scenes'
Rourke struggled to get Hollywood roles following his acting absence, but came back into the limelight with a part in Sin City in 2005.
"I had 15 years to think about what I was going to do when I got a part I could sink my teeth into. So you just step up to the plate, or you go get a job," he said.
There had been reported rumours about a clash between Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei, who did not attend the premiere.
Rourke said working with her was "an experience", and added: "The more heavy emotional scenes were with the very young and talented Evan Rachel Wood.
"They were the hardest to do, it was all about a father and a daughter.
"He was more concerned with being on the road and wearing his tights than he was with bringing up his daughter."
The 52-year-old stars as has-been professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is reluctant to throw in the towel.
The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Rourke is also tipped to be nominated for an Oscar for his role.
The Wrestler will be released in cinemas across the UK on 16 January.
Rourke gave up acting for more than a decade to take up boxing.
But speaking in London's West End, he said he had to forget his fighting background for the role in the The Wrestler.
"It got in the way because wrestlers don't move like fighters, and fighters don't move like wrestlers - it was really more like I had to get my mindset out of that," he said.
"In boxing, you move very gracefully. These guys move very hulkingly and you can read their punches."
'Emotional scenes'
Rourke struggled to get Hollywood roles following his acting absence, but came back into the limelight with a part in Sin City in 2005.
"I had 15 years to think about what I was going to do when I got a part I could sink my teeth into. So you just step up to the plate, or you go get a job," he said.
There had been reported rumours about a clash between Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei, who did not attend the premiere.
Rourke said working with her was "an experience", and added: "The more heavy emotional scenes were with the very young and talented Evan Rachel Wood.
"They were the hardest to do, it was all about a father and a daughter.
"He was more concerned with being on the road and wearing his tights than he was with bringing up his daughter."
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