Jason Statham sells Hollywood home for USD 9.2 million

Los Angeles: Actor Jason Statham and his girlfriend Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have sold their Hollywood Hills home for USD 9.2 million just weeks after putting it on the market.


Jason Statham. Pic/Santa Banta 

The 48-year-old star and the 28-year-old model bought the estate, which sits on half an acre above Runyon Canyon Park, from actor Ben Stiller for a reported USD 7.325 million in 2011, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The house also boasts eight bathrooms, two dining rooms and a cinema.

Huntington-Whiteley said that she and Statham are thinking about starting a family together, but aren't sure where to raise their children.

"Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that. I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure," she said.

Source: MID-DAY

Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez heading for divorce?

Los Angeles: 'X-Men' actress Halle Berry is reportedly planning to finalize divorce with husband Olivier Martinez.

Halle Berry. Pic/ Santa Banta

The 48-year-old "Monster's Ball" star sparked the rumours after she was spotted without her wedding ring when stepping out in Los Angeles with her son Maceo during the weekend, reported Aceshowbiz.

"It seems Halle and Olivier have finally hit the end of the road. They've weathered a lot of ups and downs in their relationship - but recently, Olivier has been completely MIA!" a family friend said.

The 49-year-old, French actor's scandalous temper is allegedly the reason for the rift between the couple.

"Halle is telling pals she worries that Olivier's runaway temper could put her kids at risk. They've just been delaying the inevitable split," the insider said.

Source: MID-DAY

Taylor Swift meets her godson

Los Angeles: Singer Taylor Swift met her godson and best friend Jaime King's newborn baby for the first time.


Taylor Swift. Pic/Santa Banta 

The "Bad blood" hitmaker had her first cuddles with King's two-week-old son Leo Thames on Tuesday and then she took to Instagram to post pictures of the moment, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The smitten godmother can be seen gazing lovingly at Leo whilst King looked on and smiled.

She captioned the photograph: "Meeting my boy."

Her friend also shared the same image and wrote: "My loves meet. Baby boy Leo Thames and his God Mother = Bliss. (sic)"

Swift, 25, then shared a photograph of the baby's hands curled around her finger. Referencing the lyrics to her song "Never grow up", she wrote: "Your little hand's wrapped around my finger and it's so quiet in the world tonight."

Source: MID-DAY

Patralekha to star in Vikram Bhatt's next film 'Love Games'?

Vikram Bhatt puts 'Murder 4' on the backburner, works out a 'twisted and sexy' script for his next film

Directors Vikram Bhatt has decided to put his next film in the 'Murder' franchise on hold as his mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, felt it was not feasible post the debacle of his last venture, 'Mr X'. He now plans to begin shooting for another film with a fresh story as well as star cast.

Patralekha will star in Vikram Bhatt’s next

A source says, "Vikram had another script in hand and after discussing it with the Bhatts, got a nod. The film will go on floors on August 9 in Cape Town. He has decided to call it 'Love Games', a title that he had reserved for 'Murder 4'. It will star Patralekha, Tara Alisha Berry and mark the debut of model Gaurav Arora, who is rumoured to be dating Kriti Sanon."

Confirming the development, Bhatt says, "That narrative was going to be for 'Murder 4', which seemed tired, worn out and fatigued at the moment. So, Vikram pulled out another script from the enormous work he has been doing all this while, which is a captivating story of the times we live in. The film shows the physical passion and also connects to the heart so it touches lust and peaks of love. The shooting will start in Cape Town."

Stating that the casting couldn’t have been better, he adds: "Vikram, after the humiliating defeat of 'Mr X', has got a new DNA. I see a new beginning for him," adds Bhatt.

While Patralekha says she is looking forward to the shoot, Vikram says, "I am excited because it's something I have never done. (It is) Twisted and sexy."

MID-DAY

Rani Mukerji: I'm enjoying being married and doing nothing

Rani Mukerji, who exchanged vows with Yash Raj Films (YRF) head honcho Aditya Chopra earlier this year, says she is currently enjoying "being married and doing nothing".

Rani Mukerji

In an interview to Vogue India August 2015 issue, Rani has spoken about life post marriage, her choice of films and her future plans.

Asked if she sees herself producing or directing a film in the future, the actress, who has completed two decades in Bollywood, said: "There's nothing stopping me. Adi (Aditya Chopra) would never say no. But I see the way my husband works. He's the most hard working person in his studio and the last one to leave at night. I wouldn't want to risk his or his company's name by doing something juvenile.

"For now, I'm enjoying being married and doing nothing."

As for five years from now, she wants to see herself doing some "kickass films" and having "lovely babies beside me as I go to the set".

Rani, who has delivered powerful performances in films like 'No One Killed Jessica' and 'Mardaani', credits three men, including her husband, for spotting her talent in her initial days.

"Yes, he (Aditya Chopra) did, and so did Shah Rukh (Khan). Aamir (Khan) recommended me to Mukesh Bhatt and Vikram Bhatt for 'Ghulam' (released in 1998). These three men have been integral to my career," said the actress.

She also recalled the time when filmmaker Karan Johar asked her to lose weight before 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.

"Karan is so hyper. If you see that scene today, where's the weight? I was actually happy that I didn't look like everyone else. Today, people think about it far more than we used to," said the actress, whose film choices have changed as she feels that "it's embarrassing for a 37-year-old to do the roles she did in her twenties."

"I'm not delusional. I'm conscious of what the audience wants to see me in," she stressed.

MID-DAY

These Bollywood actors reunited on-screen after a hiatus

As Ajay Devgn and Tabu share screen space in 'Drishyam' after over a decade and half, we turn the spotlight on other actors who reunited on the big screen after a gap of several years...

While fresh or unusual casting creates a lot of buzz and curiosity, reunion of actors are equally looked forward to, especially if it comes after a long interlude. As 'Drishyam' hits the silver screen today, movie buffs will get to see Ajay Devgn and Tabu sharing screen space after 16 years — they were last seen together in 'Thakshak' (1999). This film, however, will have sparks flying between the duo as Tabu plays a cop and Ajay, a common man, who inadvertently lands in a precarious situation and tries hard to outdo her.

Ajay Devgn (left) and Tabu at a promotional event in Delhi. Pic/Yogen Shah

Speaking about their reunion, the actress has admitted that she didn't have to think twice before giving her nod to the project as she believes Ajay is her "trump card". On the other hand, Ajay reportedly said: "Working with Tabu in 'Drishyam' was no different from working with her in the '90s. We are childhood friends, our real life equation helps us work in perfect tandem. Since we have been busy with our respective work, there wasn't much interaction before the film took off. But we started from where we had left off. That's the strength of every friendship."

hitlist takes a look at other actors who reconnected after a hiatus...

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol

The last time: 'My Name Is Khan' (2010)
After the break: 'Dilwale' (upcoming)
Lowdown: The on-screen power couple of the '90s have teamed up for the Rohit Shetty film, which is currently being shot in Bulgaria. The pair has delivered several blockbusters like 'Baazigar', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Karan Arjun', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. It is said that Rohit got close buddy Ajay Devgn to cajole wife Kajol to do the film. And with SRK already on board, the actress apparently didn't need much motivation to say yes, although there were reports that she demanded Rs 5 crore to sign on the dotted line. With this pairing, Dilwale is arguably the most anticipated film of 2016.

Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia

The last time: 'Leela' (2002)
After the break: 'Dabangg' (2010)
Lowdown: They had co-starred in quite a few films like 'Insaaf' (1987), 'Aakhri Adalat' (1988), 'Batwara' (1989) and 'Khoon Ka Karz' (1991). Almost over a decade later, they united for 'Leela' in which Kapadia played a professor and married to Khanna, a renowned poet. The film, however, failed to work at the box-office. Eight years later, they came together for the Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha-starrer which was a superhit.

Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah

The last time: 'Black and White' (2008)
After the break: 'Dil Dhadakne Do' (2015)
Lowdown: These two veterans garnered much appreciation as the Mehra couple in the recent Zoya Akhtar ensemble movie. They not only brought a sting to their interactions as expected from a husband and a wife in a loveless marriage, but seemed perfectly cast as the parents of Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh. Even though they were working together after a gap of seven years, Shefali felt her co-star hadn't changed at all. "He is as dedicated and committed as he was before," she had been quoted as saying.

Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta
The last time: 'Salaam Namaste' (2005)
After the break: 'Happy Ending' (2014)
Lowdown: The dimpled actress did a cameo in the Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK film as one of Saif's many ex-girlfriends. An excited Preity even tweeted pictures of them together on the sets, saying: "Cannot believe That the first time we shot together was 16 years ago ! Unbelievable." The first time that they were paired opposite each other was for 'Kya Kehna' (2000) and the last was 'Salaam Namaste' — call it sheer coincidence, but both the films had Saif impregnating Preity by accident. On their latest collaboration, Saif had said, "She is a dear friend. She was at my wedding with Kareena (Kapoor). She even took me to the hospital once, when I fell off a bike and nearly killed myself! We go way back. I am very happy to have acted with her again. We have a screen history that helps the role and it's very cool of her to do a special part for us in the film."

Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapoor

The last time: 'Finding Fanny' (2014)
After the break: 'Maqbool' (2003)
Lowdown: The two maverick actors, who happen to be brothers-in-law, are apparently wary of being cast together (Naseer's wife Ratna Pathak and Pankaj's wife Supriya Pathak are sisters). They did star in the Vishal Bhardwaj film, but had no scenes together. According to buzz, Naseer and Pankaj had a fallout over a film long time ago and since then, they avoid each other. However, the put the rumours to rest by starring in Homi Adajania's film last year. In fact, Naseer helped Pankaj overcome water phobia during the shoot. The duo has done quite a few films in the past together, which includes 'Mandi', 'Khamosh', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', 'Jalwa' and 'Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho'.

MID-DAY

Tigmanshu Dhulia to make a biopic on Army hero?

Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia is planning a film on 1971 war hero and India's first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw

Looks like Tigmanshu Dhulia cannot have enough of biopics. After 'Paan Singh Tomar' (2012), he wanted to make a film on tragedy queen Meena Kumari, but since it is being opposed by the late actress' family, the filmmaker has apparently decided on the cinematic adaptation of another icon. According to sources, it is Sam Manekshaw, the country's first Field Marshal, who is hailed as the architect of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

Sam Manekshaw (right) and (left) Tigmanshu Dhulia

A source says, "Tigmanshu has wrapped up Yaara with Shruti Haasan and Vidyut Jammwal and started working on his next project, which is a biopic on Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five star rank of Field Marshal. His military career spanned four decades and five wars, beginning with service in the British Indian Army in World War 2."

Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1934 and became the Chief of Staff in 1969. As the possibility of the Indo-Pak war loomed, he resisted great political pressure to attack the Pakistani forces prematurely. Senior politicians wanted to sack Manekshaw and go to war at once, but he warned the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that if they had their way, the country could be humiliated, its troops, artillery and equipment come to a standstill, bogged down in the monsoon mud. Gandhi followed his advice and the rest is history. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 94.

A source close to Tigmanshu says: "Tigmanshu is working on the script and is busy with the post-production of Yaara."

Tigmanshu, on the other hand, denies the buzz, saying: "I am not doing any film on Manekshaw."

MID-DAY

David Oscar Now Musician

After performing comedy for 15 years on both stage and TV, Ghanaian Comedian, David Oscar is now nurturing his love for music.

He calls this realising his dreams. To David Oscar, he believes getting his message across to his audience can be conveyed better through music.

He was on our showbiz segment with Mike Eghan, a veteran television personality and onetime host of GBC'S Entertainment Programme, ''The Mike Eghan Show.''

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA, Roland Affail Monney has appealed to corporate bodies to support the GJA Awards in order to motivate journalists.

He said this will go a long way to ensure that journalists do more to advance the cause of Ghana in all endeavours.

Mr.Monney said this when three institution, Chocho Industries, Action Aid and Inter- Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization, ICCD made some donations towards the next GJA Awards in Accra.

Deborah Vanessa

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."

Deborah Vanessa

"We assume others show love the same way we do - and if they don't, we worry it's not there." 

Chris Brown Says He’s Tired Of Worshipping The Devil…And God Spoke To Him

I will still do ‘collabo’ with secular musicians - Lady Prempeh

Gospel singer Lady Prempeh has defended her usual collaboration with colleague secular musicians.

In an interview with Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kasapa FM’s Saturday afternoon entertainment talk show E-Voice, Prempeh said recording with a secular musician is part of the bigger music trade, and should not be criticized.

“Collaborating with others doesn’t make us do one thing everyday but it brings a difference. I will keep doing the collaboration with the secular musicians to bring a change in the music industry.”

Prempeh has recorded with the likes of Asem, Edem, and Okyeame Kwame, all seen as mainstream secular acts.

Eno & Micflammez Set To Released ''THE BEST'' Audio + New Video

Ghana Student Arts And Fashion Week

Selebobo – Miracle Girl (Prod. By Selebobo)

Triple MG star Selebobo releases this new one titled “Miracle Girl”. The producer/singer celebrates a milestone in his life and this is a song he gives out to his fans. Great potential of becoming a hit tune.

Okyeame Kwame Set To Take Versatility To South Africa

 Having staged several performances in Ghana including the famous versatile show and OK Striped, the Mr. Versatile man, Okyeame Kwame is set to treat his South African fans to good and quality Ghanaian music.

Okyeame Kwame will be performing at the Magnolia Dell Park, Pretoria on October 4 as main artiste at the 2015 GhanaFest. GhanaFEST is an annual event that showcases the diverse and rich Ghanaian culture to the South African public in an effort to bringing Ghanaians together, network and to have business interests in South Africa. Mavis Anim, an originator of the event hinted that Okyeame Kwame is preferred for this year’s program because he is a decent and an illustrious son of the soil. He is also expected to interact with the South African media as well as the crowd.

Sarkodie, Wizkid, Davido & Others Helping Bridge Gap With International Collaborations

The internet today serves many functions to us the modern day users. One thing a lot of people get the opportunity to use the internet for is communication and this is mostly through the social media. The gap of having the access to music as well is bridged as people have the access to download music for free, buy them online or even stream them as well.

Many genres of music are available to the masses and when you come to Africa, HipHop and afrobeats has become the mostly popular trend of today. As we cross borders to other continents we get the opportunity to listen to other products from America, Europe and Asia. With over 1 billion population, there is always a hungry need for something new.

A few artistes have broken out of their comfort zone and brought to us collaborations which is making us feel closer to some of the international acts we love to listen to. Some of these artistes are Sarkodie from Ghana , Wizkid and Davido from Nigeria. Their songs have made waves all over social media and this has helped draw awareness of the talents we have in Africa.

TESANO BAPTIST CHURCH ACCRA GHANA AS PART OF THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS PRESENT CHORAL MUSIC CONCERT WITH GEORGE MENSAH ESSILFIE AN ICONIC GHANAIAN COMPOSER BASE IN THE USA ON 
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH 2015 AT TESANO BAPTIST CHURCH ACCRA 

TIME 3:30 PM  RATE: GH20.

PERFORMING CHOIRS: 

TESANO BAPTIST CHOIR, HARMONIOUS CHORALE, WESLEYAN SYMPHONIC CHOIR, WINNEBA YOUTH CHOIR,  ACCRA YOUTH CHOIR AND AFRICAN YOUTH CHOIR.

http://wesleyansymphonicchoir.blogspot.com/

MzVee – Abofra ft Efya

LYNXX ENTERTAINMENT act MzVee finally releases her much anticipated single dubed ABOFRA which features songstress EFYA.

 

Edem’s Subscribers To Watch “Girlfriend” Video Before Release

Fans of Edem who have subscribed to his YouTube would be privileged to watch the full version of “Girlfriend” before official release onJuly 31st. The “Girlfriend” video would be the 9th song video shot for 9 different songs on a singular album – “Books & Rhymes”.

“I want to give subscribers the opportunity to watch the video on the 30th before the official release on 31st”, Edem said. It is very easy to subscribe so those who haven’t done that yet can kindly visit www.youtube.com/iamEdem, he added.

The video which featured Raquel was produced by VRMG and directed by Nana Kofi Asihene (NKACC) with concept by Edem and concept development by NKACC.

Edem believes “music should be a way to impact positively in the lives of people and that believe is cogent in every song and accompanying video”.

“The One” video which he featured Sway got the attention of the whole world and even won him VGMA music video of the year among many awards.

Edem also believes in Education and has a unique way of doing things. He released six songs already, namely:  “January”, “February”, “March”, “April,” “May”, “June” and all the songs are enjoying massive airplay in and outside the country.

'Mzee Ojwang' funeral: Kenyans mourn father of family comedy

Benson Wanjau was on the TV screens across East Africa for many years

Kenyans have held a funeral for comic star Benson Wanjau, known to many by the name of his popular TV character "Mzee Ojwang".

He died of pneumonia at hospital earlier in July aged 78 years old.

Despite acting for more than 50 years, he could not afford to pay his medical bills and a social media campaign by fans was organised to raise the money.

Hundreds of film colleagues gathered at a stadium in the capital, Nairobi, for the funeral, also paid for by fans.

Earlier they viewed his body at the national theatre and he has now been buried in a public cemetery.

The BBC's Abninoor Maalim in Nairobi says Mr Wanjau was regarded as Kenya's father of family comedy.

His TV series Vitimbi, popular in the 1980s and 1990s across East Africa, would take on social issues such as wife beating and drunkenness.

Despite his fame, Benson Wanjau died in poverty

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said the comedian "taught without sounding preachy, informed without boring anyone, and entertained without becoming trivial".

"Family television will not be the same without the promise of 'Mzee Ojwang' regaling the nation with his antics," he added.

Although Mr Wanjau had been out of the limelight for some time, his portrayal of "Mzee Ojwang" was well remembered by Kenyans, our correspondent says.

The character was an uneducated authoritarian type, who was constantly suspicious of his family and employees.

Kenyans took to the streets to remember their "father of family comedy"

Mr Wanjau's contract with the state broadcaster, KBC, was terminated in July 2014 after 40 year, in unclear circumstances, and angry fans allege the station mistreated him.

Kenyan actress Lucy Wangoi, who acted alongside him since they were both in their twenties, is urging politicians to put in regulations to protect actors.

"The only way the government can repay Mzee Ojwang as he rests is to establish policies that govern the film industry and invest in improving the lives of the artists," she told the BBC.