Abhishek Bachchan setting the record straight on marriage troubles

For a long time now, rumours mills have been abuzz about trouble in Aishwarya andAbhishek Bachchan's paradise.

Abhishek Bachchan with wife Aishwarya Rai

However, in an interview to a daily, the actor put all rumours to rest.

He said, "I know what the truth is and I know how far to take the media seriously. I am not going to allow a third party to dictate to me and Aishwarya how we should lead our lives. She knows how much I love her and I know how much she loves me. If you are going to misinterpret something for your own convenience, then go ahead. I am a public figure after all. And I cannot make the media happy all the time. My marriage and my life are not going to be dictated by what the media says. So, it's really not an issue for

Will the tongues stop wagging now?

midday.

Rihanna sued over cancelled concert

 R&B star Rihanna is being sued for allegedly bailing on a scheduled concert in Nigeria.

Rihanna. Pic/Santa Banta

A man named Chris Ubosi claims he paid the star USD 160,000 for a 2013 concert that was eventually scrapped, reported TMZ.

Ubosi says in the suit that he signed a deal with two people claiming to be reps for Rihanna, Roc Nation and the label's boss Jay-Z.

He agreed to pay her USD 425,000 for a 65-minute gig that was supposed to take place in May that year. He had made three payments totaling USD 160,000 before Rihanna's team asked him to postpone the show.

Ubosi was willing to delay it only if Rihanna announced a new date on her social media. Rihanna never complied and the show was eventually canceled. She never returned the money and now Ubosi's suing her in attempt to get his money back.

Sources close to Rihanna, however, say that she never made such a deal with Ubosi.

MIDDAY.

Did Karan Johar recommend Fawad Khan for hosting award show?

Apparently, the filmmaker lobbied for the actor to co-host an upcoming award show with him Looks like Fawad Khan and Karan Johar are the new BFFs in town. For, not only are they rumoured to be collaborating on more projects together after 'Kapoor & Sons' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', but also, the actor recently bagged the opportunity to co-host an award ceremony because of the filmmaker.

Karan Johar and Fawad Khan

Says a source close to the organisers, “Initially, the organisers had thought of approaching a number of A-list stars for co-hosting the ceremony with Karan. However, when they discussed it with filmmaker, he recommended Fawad.

Adds the source,“ Karan has been working us for many years and we share a good rapport with him. So when he suggested that Fawad co-host the gala, we were more than happy to get him on board as he is a popular star both in India and overseas. He is the perfect fit.”

Karan and Fawad’s spokespersons remained unavailable for comment.

Recently, Karan even planned a special dinner for Fawad as he could not attend the director’s birthday bash in London.

Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Grinch' film pushed to 2018

 The release of British actor Benedict Cumberbatch's upcoming film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" has been pushed from 2017 to 2018.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures have rescheduled the film from November 10, 2017 to November 9, 2018, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The film is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss's 1957 children picture book about a misanthropic green creature who hates Christmas and tries to keep the residents of Whoville from enjoying it.

Cumberbatch will voice the title character, while Kaitlyn Maher will voice Cindy Lou, who thinks the Christmas spirit in Whoville is lost.

The film will be directed by Pete Candeland and Yarrow Cheney, based on a screenplay by Michael LeSieur. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri will serve as the producer alongside Janet Healy and Scott Mosier. Audrey Geisel will executive produce with Chris Renaud.

MIDDAY.

Alia Bhatt denies signing 'Aashiqui 3' with Sidharth Malhotra

Even though Mukesh Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra have confirmed that Alia has been cast in 'Aashiqui 3', the actress herself says she has not signed the film as yet

Ever since 'Aashiqui 3' was announced last year, there were speculations surrounding the casting of the lead pair. Several names such as Hrithik Roshan, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut did the rounds. However, Sidharth Malhotra put all rumours to rest last month after he confirmed that Alia Bhatt and he are part of the project. In fact, even Mukesh Bhatt had gone on record to say that the two have been roped in and fit the bill. He had said, "Yes, it is true. We have signed Sidharth and Alia for the film. They completely fit the role. When we make films we look for the perfect casting. They both fit the bill."

Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt. Pic/Sameer Markande

Therefore, it came as a surprise when the actress denied having signed 'Aashiqui 3' at a recent media interaction. When quizzed about her upcoming film with rumoured boyfriend, she says, "It's true that both Sidharth and I have shown interest in the project but it (the film) is in the scripting stage at the moment. And whether I am part of the flick or not I will only be able to reveal when I sign the film."

There is curiosity around her debut with the home banner and we wonder if her decision to be part of the project is pending because of her changing equation with Sidharth Malhotra.

MIDDAY.

Elizabeth Banks, Reese Witherspoon honoured at Women of Year Awards

"Spider-Man" star Elizabeth Banks, Gemma Arterton, Reese Witherspoon and pop group Little Mix are among those, who picked up prizes at the 2016 Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

Elizabeth Banks and Reese Witherspoon. Pic/Santa Banta

"Pitch Perfect" director Banks scooped the Filmmaker of the Year gong at the ceremony held here, and used her acceptance speech to pay tribute to her mother, reported Female First.

"I want to thank my mom, because she worked too. And it can be done," she said.

Little Mix, which comprises Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall, was presented with the Musical Act of the Year award by DJ Greg James.

Arterton won Cointreau's Theatre Actress of the Year award for her starring role in "Nell Gwynn" on the West End stage while Reese was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year prize.

Other winners at the 13th annual Glamour Women of the Year awards included Rose Byrne for Comedy Actress of the Year, Donatella Versace for Fashion Designer of the Year and Naomie Harris for Film Actress of the Year.

"War & Peace" actor James Norton won Man of the Year while Jennifer Saunders received an award for Outstanding Contribution and Sigourney Weaver took home the Icon Award.

Other stars, who attended the bash, included Kourtney Kardashian, Freida Pinto and Jenna Coleman.

MIDDAY.

Priyanka Chopra, Sarah Michelle Gellar in awe of each other

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and Hollywood actress Sarah Michelle Gellar seem to have formed a mutual admiration club.

Priyanka Chopra and Sarah Michelle Gellar. 

In an interview the 33-year-old 'Quantico' actress said that during her school days in the USA she used to look up to Gellar as Buffy from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

"When I was in high school in America, I didn't see anyone, who looked like me hardly ever. I just thought that was normal because you don't know any better. So I used to idolise so many other people, like Sarah Michelle Gellar on 'Buffy.'

"But when I went back to India at age 17 and started travelling for work, that was when I slowly realised that we don't all look like one person," Priyanka said.

Gellar, 39, who was touched by the praise, took to Twitter to thank the "Baywatch" actress.

"@priyankachopra I love watching you (and all that you represent) so you can imagine how honoured I was at the mention," she wrote.

Priyanka replied back to the "Cruel Intentions" star thanking her for helping her overcome tough times.

"Thank you for the kind words @SarahMGellar Buffy got me through some rough years in high school. Much love. @latimes," she tweeted.

MIDDAY.

Nina Dobrev 'heartbroken' over Austin Stowell-Emma Stone romance

 Actress Nina Dobrev is reportedly "heartbroken" over her former boyfriend Austin Stowell and Emma Stone's romance.

Nina Dobrev.

According to entertainment website Celeb Dirty Laundry, "The Vampire Diaries" star was upset when she heard the rumour that her ex-boyfriend dated his "Battle of the Sexes" co-star, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The site also claimed that Dobrev's "unbearable heartbreak" caused her to plan a return to "The Vampire Diaries" to "hide the pain".

Stowell and Dobrev called it quits earlier this year after seven months of dating. They broke up reportedly due to their conflicting schedules. Though they are no longer a couple, they are reportedly on good terms with each other.

MIDDAY.

Calvin Harris 'struggled' with Taylor Swift's 'regimented' life

Scottish DJ Calvin Harris reportedly "struggled" with his former girlfriend Taylor Swift's "regimented" life and the pressure of dating one of the world's biggest pop stars.

Taylor Swift. 

Harris recently called time on his 15-month romance with Swift and insiders admit the "Summer" hitmaker struggled with the relationship, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"Taylor is an empire in her own right and, as such, her life is very controlled," a source told Britain's Grazia magazine.

"At the end of the day, Calvin is still a smalltown boy from Dumfries (Scotland) and I think he struggled with living in such regimented conditions where his every move was speculated on," the insider added.

Harris, who cancelled a number of shows last month after being involved in a car accident, was said to feel increasingly "suffocated" by Swift's attention, while she often felt "pushed away" by him.

"There were a few times when Taylor wanted Calvin's support and he bailed but she would dismiss her doubts and tell herself it was because he was always so career-focussed," the source said.

"Then, after his crash, she dropped everything to be with him and was ready to prove her commitment," added the insider.

Amitabh Bachchan: Digitise old films as soon as possible

Having worked both in celluloid and digital medium, megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday advocated preserving films for posterity by digitising them.

Amitabh Bachchan

"We have forgotten and lost the word 'film'. There is no film, no celluloid. That's a huge change. Film was a very expensive commodity in my time so if there were retakes it was a huge pressure for us as well as for the producers.

"Now with digital, there is the freedom to take long shots. It gives you the liberty to shoot for several minutes at a time," Bachchan told media here when asked on the changes in cinema.

He was here to promote the upcoming Hindi thriller film "Te3N".

Batting for preservation of film footage, Big B said digital medium is beneficial as it will "restore all our past work".

"I think they should be transferred to digital as soon as possible," he observed.

Further, shooting in digital format gives the freedom to work with natural light, he said.

"We are used to working with lights, in digital you don't have to be conscious," he added.

Justin Bieber re-follows Selena Gomez on Instagram

London: Pop star Justin Bieber has followed his former girlfriend Selena Gomez on Instagram for the first time since they split in November 2014.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. 

Several fans of the former couple, who call themselves Jelena believers, pointed out that on June 5 the "Sorry" hitmaker had hit the follow button on the 23-year-old pop beauty's page showing he is still interested in what she is up to, reported Female First.

It is the first social media interaction concerning the ex-lovers since Bieber, 22 who had an on-and-off relationship with Gomez from 2011 to 2014.

MIDDAY.

Nick Cannon Won't Let Mariah Carey Marry Again? He Refuses to Sign Divorce Papers

The 'America's Got Talent' host reportedly still loves the mother of his twin children and doesn't want her to marry her billionaire fiance James Packer. 
Mariah Carey will not be able to marry her fiance James Packer whenever she wants. Despite having split from Nick Cannon since August 2014, the two are not legally divorced yet. To make matter worse, Nick reportedly won't sign the divorce papers, though she has asked him to sign off for almost a year.

According to TMZ, the "America's Got Talent" host still loves Mariah and doesn't want to officially let her go, although he wanted out of the marriage. For an unknown reason, he also doesn't want Mariah to marry her billionaire fiance.

Mariah, of course, is not happy about this. The "Infinity" hitmaker, who has 5-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe from her marriage to Nick, is reportedly frustrated as "she wants out ... and now."

The R&B diva, who got engaged to Australian businessman James Packer in January this year, recently addressed rumors about her wedding plans. "We want prenup. We want prenup. Look, everybody's valuable," she told "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen when asked if there would be a prenup.

She, however, denied reports claiming that she wanted a circus-themed wedding. "No, that really made me mad. These people really want to tell me I want endangered animals at my wedding?" she responded. "I mean, I have several dogs."

Someone Hacks Kylie Jenner's Twitter, Posts Lewd Messages to Justin Bieber

The reality TV star seemingly confirms the existence of her sex tape with Tyga as she responds to the hacking in a couple of Snapchat videos.

Kylie Jenner is the latest celebrity to have their Twitter account hacked. The reality TV star fell victim to the same person who targeted Katy Perry's Twitter last week, but she didn't seem to be too concerned with the fact that the hacker posted some offensive tweets under her name on Sunday night, June 5.

The hacker shared a bunch of nonsensical and vulgar tweets and even tagged Justin Bieber in one of them. "I want ur c**k @justinbieber," read some of the tweets, "I love being so famous with no talent... Suck my scottis c**k."

The hacker also mentioned Kylie's alleged sex tape with her ex-boyfriend Tyga, writing, "So when's the shoot? @pornhub. Well my sex tape with tyga was trash." In another bizarre post, the hacker said, "Miss u both @taylorswift13 @katyperry."

After the hacker's done posting random tweets, Kylie had those posts deleted and responded to the hacking onSnapchat. Looking completely okay as she talked to the camera while munching a pretzel in a video, she told her fans, "So my Twitter was hacked, and I don't really care, I'm just letting him have fun."





She went on addressing her rumored sex tape, which she said would never see the light of day. "Everyone's like, 'Leak the sex tape.' Guys, your never gonna see a sex tape from me. It's not going to happen," she added, hinting that the said tape does exist.

CEO of Megalectrics scammed over Jay Z, Rihanna Concert in Nigeria

The negative drive about Nigerians and internet scam often referred to as 419 seemed to have died down until yesterday when TMZ made a publication that suggests a Nigerian businessman had been scammed.

According to Chris Ubosi and his company, Megalectrics, who are suing RiRi over a 2013 concert that never happened, Ubosi says he struck a deal with 2 people who claimed to rep Rihanna, as well as her label Roc Nation and Jay Z. Rihanna would get $425,000 to play for 65 minutes.

The show was supposed to go down in May — and Ubosi says he made 3 payments, totaling $160k … but then her camp asked to postpone the show. Ubosi says he agreed, but only IF Rihanna posted the new date on social media.

In the suit, he says that never happened so Megalectrics pulled the plug, and demanded its money back. Since Ubosi didn’t get the cash, he’s suing Rihanna, Jay Z and Roc Nation for the dough.

Sources close to Rihanna tell us her management knew nothing about the gig and the singer never collected a dime. Her people believe Ubosi is a victim of a scam.

However, a rep for Roc Nation tells TMZ … “Rihanna, Roc Nation nor anyone associated personally or professionally with either party was in contact with this person. Unfortunately this person was scammed. Rihanna nor Roc Nation collected any money for this event.”

Scammed right? Like how can a Nigerian be scammed?

dayzentertainmen.

Monica Bellucci to guest star in 'Mozart in the Jungle'

Actress Monica Bellucci is all set make a guest appearance in the third season of 'Mozart in the Jungle'.

Monica Bellucci

The 51-year-old Italian actress will play the role of Alessandra, an iconic opera singer who will become the next collaborator of Rodrigo, the New York Symphony Orchestra conductor played by Gael Garcia Bernal, reported Variety.

Season three will see the musicians take their talents on tour to Europe.

"Alessandra is as famous for her passionate performances as she is for her erratic life off the stage. After years away from the spotlight, she enlists Rodrigo to conduct her grand return performance," an Amazon statement said.

The show is based on the critically acclaimed memoir "Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs & Classical Music" by Blair Tindall.

midday.

Elizabeth Banks no longer directing 'Pitch Perfect 3'

Actress-turned-filmmaker Elizabeth Banks has reportedly stepped down from directing the forthcoming "Pitch Perfect" sequel.

Elizabeth Banks

The star made her directorial debut with "Pitch Perfect 2" last year and in October 2015 she signed on to reprise her role behind the camera for the next installment.

However, the project has since suffered a setback as Elizabeth is no longer attached to take charge of "Pitch Perfect 3", according to TheWrap.

A reason for her departure has yet to be revealed, but "The Hunger Games" star has a busy few months ahead of her as she is due to direct the big screen adaptation of Victoria Aveyard's young adult novel "Red Queen" and the planned reboot of "Charlie's Angels."

Elizabeth will stay on as a producer of "Pitch Perfect 3."

A replacement director has yet to be named. The news emerges days after studio bosses at Universal pushed back the movie's scheduled release from July, 2017 to December, 2017.

The new "Pitch Perfect" sequel will feature the return of leading ladies Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow, with Kay Cannon returning to write the script.

Bollywood singer Benny Dayal ties the knot with girlfriend Catherine Thangam

It was a hush-hush wedding affair for "Badtameez Dil" hitmaker Benny Dayal. The singer has tied the knot with model-actress girlfriend Catherine Thangam.

Bollywood composer and his close friend Vishal Dadlani took to Twitter to share the news and also posted an image of himself with the newly married couple.

Dadlani posted: “You guys are beautiful, Benny Dayal and Catherine Thangam! Much love and joy, always!”

In the image, the duo can be seen beaming with happiness with garlands around their necks. Benny is wearing a white kurta, Catherine is seen in a pastel coloured sari, and Dadlani in a black T-shirt and jeans.

The image also gives a sneak-peak into the marriage decor with splash of pastel yellow hued drapes.

Benny retweeted Dadlani's post.

According to an online portal, Benny met Catherine through a common friend. The couple followed the Hindu and Christian rituals in the marriage on Sunday.

Catherine, who is based in New York, has performed on several prestigious stages for a variety of artists and events in the New York City and New Jersey Area. She has trained in classical Indian dance since the age of eleven.

She had a cameo role in the 2014 online short “100: The Tribute,” a film paying homage to the past 100 years of Hindi cinema, and also worked as a dancer in the 2012 crossover feature “English Vinglish”.

There are also reports that reception will be held in Kerala soon.

Singers Mika Singh and Salim Merchant also took to the micro-blogging website to wish the couple.

"Congrats bro. Benny Dayal and dear Catherine Thangam wishing you both a happy married life," Singh posted.

Merchant also shared "Best wishes and lots of love to the newly married couple Benny Dayal and dear Catherine".

Benny has lent his musical touch to films like "Thalaivaa", "Delhi-6", "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", "Cocktail", "2 States", "Hasee Toh Phasee" and "Bang Bang!".

midday

Studio apologises for 'offensive' 'X-Men: Apocalypse' billboard

Marketing bosses behind the new "X-Men: Apocalypse" movie have apologised for an "insensitive" billboard which depicts Oscar Isaac's titular villain strangling Jennifer Lawrence's mutant Mystique.

The chokehold image was posted around a number of major US cities to promote the 20th Century Fox blockbuster, but the violent snapshot drew heavy criticism for appearing to promote violence against women.

Actress Rose MCGowan was among those who took issue with the advertisement and made her feelings known online, and now studio officials at Fox have accepted they were in the wrong for approving such a picture, reported The Wrap.

"In our enthusiasm to show the villainy of the character Apocalypse we didn't immediately recognize the upsetting connotation of this image in print form," read the statement.

"Once we realized how insensitive it was, we quickly took steps to remove those materials. We apologize for our actions and would never condone violence against women."

Rose has yet to respond to the studio chiefs' comments.

She initially voiced her disapproval in a message on The Hollywood Reporter's Facebook page.

"There is a major problem when the men and women at 20th Century Fox think casual violence against women is the way to market a film," she wrote.

"There is no context in the ad, just a woman getting strangled. The fact that no one flagged this is offensive and frankly, stupid. The geniuses behind this, and I use that term lightly, need to to take a long hard look at the mirror and see how they are contributing to society."

midday.

Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift 'supporting' each other post their breakups

Supermodel Gigi Hadid and singer Taylor Swift have reportedly been relying on each other for support following their recent breakups.

After news of Swift's break-up with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris emerged, it was reported that Hadid and former One Direction singer Zayn Malik have also called it quits.

"Gigi and Taylor are actually confiding in each other as best friends during this time. They can really relate," a source told eonline.com.

Hadid, 21, and Malik, 23, ended their seven-month romance, although friends believe it is likely that they will reconcile.

The pair have reportedly been on and off recently and had a fight at Hadid's birthday party in Los Angeles in April.