Jun 9, 2010

Benitez to become new Inter boss


Inter Milan announce that former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has agreed to become the Serie A club's new coach.


Portugal's Nani out of World Cup


Portugal winger Nani is ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an injury to his collar bone.


Federer eases to victory in Halle


Roger Federer eases into the Gerry Weber Open second round with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Jarkko Nieminen.


McLaren admit to errors in Turkey


McLaren admit to making errors in communicating to their drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at last month's Turkish Grand Prix.


No fears over Rooney - Ferdinand


Rio Ferdinand says his England and Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney will have no disciplinary issues in South Africa.


Fulham recruit Arsenal's Senderos


Fulham sign central defender Philippe Senderos from Arsenal on a three-year contract.


Experienced trio to exit Man City


Martin Petrov, Sylvinho and Benjani are to leave Manchester City this summer.


Lennon to be new Celtic manager


Celtic will announce on Wednesday that Neil Lennon is to be their next manager.


Murray comes through Queen's test


Andy Murray opens up the defence of his Aegon Championship title with a hard-fought 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 second-round win over Ivan Navarro at Queen's Club.


Aussie Barbarians 28-28 England


Wallaby wonder kid James O'Connor scores a superb hat-trick as the Australian Barbarians draw with England in the visitors' opening tour game.


S Africa recall Habana for France


Winger Bryan Habana is one of six changes as South Africa bolster their starting XV for the first Test against France on Saturday.


O'Gara gets nod for Irish opener


Ronan O'Gara is selected ahead of Jonathan Sexton at fly-half for Ireland's Test against New Zealand on Saturday.


Symonds fails on Surrey debut


Former Australia international Andrew Symonds fails on his debut as the Surrey are thrashed by 10 wickets by Gloucestershire at the Oval.


Rossi 'healing well' after crash


Valentino Rossi is "healing well" after breaking his leg in practice for the Italian MotoGP last Saturday.


Haye and Harrison camps in talks


David Haye's manager confirms he has spoken to Audley Harrison's camp about an all-British heavyweight showdown later this year.


Dia Mirza chosen as brand ambassador for Panasonic?


Dia MirzaBollywood stars these days are on a signing spree not just for films but also with brand endorsement deals. One such successful actress who has immensely been successful even as a brand ambassador as well as a model happens to be the doe-eyed beauty Dia Mirza. After having endorsed many a leading FMCG brands, this ex-Miss India has now been roped in as the brand ambassador of Panasonic, if the sources close to Bollywood Hungama are to be believed. They also added that it was Dia's pleasant screen presence alongwith her squeaky clean image that made the electronics major sign up the actress as their brand ambassador. Looks like, Dia too, like her fellow actors is trying to make hay while the sun is shining at its peak!


Ranbir Kapoor signed up as brand ambassador for Nissan cars


Ranbir KapoorRanbir Kapoor is one man who is definitely worth his salt and has all the reasons to be the Number One superstar of Bollywood today. Looking at his career graph, Ranbir seems to know only one route, that's to the top! Well, if his performance in Raajneeti was anything to go by, then, it can be safely stated that this star is here to stay. Ranbir is as hot a property in the ad world. After having endorsed FMCGs galore, it seems that the time is right for the young Kapoor to get into the fast zone, as he has now been signed up as the brand ambassador for Nissan (Nissan Micra, to be precise). Ranbir has apparently been paid a huge amount to be the face of the auto major. While speaking on the occasion, Ranbir Kapoor said, "It is an honour and privilege to be associated with Nissan, which is a leading global automotive brand. I have been a great admirer of Nissan cars during my days spent in Europe. Some of their cars like the GTR, 370Z, which has been introduced in India are all iconic products. I am happy to know that Nissan is very serious and commitment in their plans for India and they have an exciting range of products lined up beginning with the new Nissan Micra. The Micra is a class-defining product and I am particularly excited, as it has been designed for city driving. It boasts of many features that are first in its class. I am confident that this product will redefine mobility for many in India. I look forward to an exciting journey with them." Further the motoring giant Nissan, also announced the start of a multi-media campaign (print, digital, radio and TV) featuring Ranbir Kapoor starting June 10, 2010. Well from the looks like Ranbir is all set to create his own empire, brick by brick!


Puja Gupta and not Pooja Chopra in Faltu


Faltu
News of Pooja Chopra being part of Faltu hasn't gone down well with acclaimed producer Vashu Bhagnani who confirms that its Puja Gupta and not Pooja Chopra who will star in his film. Beauty pageant winner Pooja Chopra's name has been often linked to the project that producer Vashu Bhagnani plans to relaunch his son Jackky in, but news has it that the production team has never even met Pooja Chopra. Confirms a source "Pooja Chopra was never approached for Faltu. Puja Gupta will star in the film alongside Jackky Bhagnani. This must be a case of mistaken identity." Apart from Jackky Bhagnani and Puja Gupta, the film Faltu also stars Bollywood Box Office king Akshay Kumar in a pivotal role.


Anupam Kher to host Discover India


Anupam Kher
That the legendary actor Anupam Kher is someone who started his career at a young age in a rather unconventional way playing an old man in the award winning Saaransh, is now a thing of the past. In a career spanning for close to three decades, this man has risen from being a no one to being a 'No. One'. Just a few days back, he was in the news for being conferred the prestigious Sri Lankan Presidential Award for his immense contribution to the Indian cinema. The man is back again and how! This time round, he is on a mission... a mission to make the Gen-Next kids to know more and more about our country India, through his interactive quiz format show 'Discover India With Anupam Kher'. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Anupam says, "It's very important to mix entertainment with education, especially for the kids, who needs to know a lot about the richness of our country and my show 'Discover India' fulfils all of that and much more. It's going to be very, very interactive thing on a lot of platforms like mobile, internet and television, which will be on a later date. We already had a trail run of this quiz in various schools and the response has been truly phenomenal. The entire quizzing sessions will get fully activated within a month from now. And the best part of the whole thing is that I will not have to be physically present to conduct the quiz. I have already recorded my questions on a DVD. My team will go to the schools and record the responses (answers) on the spot. The same can be played on internet, mobile and normal phones." When we asked him about the transition from being a host in 'Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle' to 'Discover India with Anupam Kher', he says, "Say Na... was an innocently cute show about children, their parents and the relationship with each other. Whereas, 'Discover India' will make children feel proud of our country and its richness." "The whole thing has been conceptualized on a different level altogether. It will give every kid millions of reasons to smile and feel proud to be an Indian. If one has to look at present scenario, the situation is that all of us know who the singer is or the music composer is of a particular song, but the same cannot be said about our country. We still have a long way to go to know more about our motherland. And this show will definitely help everyone to truly 'Discover India' and it's rich and varied culture," Kher signs off.


Mani Shankar sets the record straight on 'Knock Out'


Knock OutDirector Mani Shankar and producer Sohail Maklai are ready with their new film KNOCK OUT, which stars Sanjay Dutt, Irrfan and Kangna Ranaut in key roles. The makers showcased a number of promos of this keenly-awaited film at IIFA in Colombo, which was well-received by all those who watched it. Initially, the film was supposed to hit the screens in August, but the makers have decided to bring the film on September 10, since another Sanju starrer, LAMHAA, is all set to arrive on July 16. And a two-month gap between two Sanju starrers is a step in the right direction. However, a number of films are slated for release on September 10, besides KNOCK OUT. These include DABANGG and AAKROSH. While on KNOCK OUT, the promos give an impression that the makers seem inspired by Hollywood film PHONE BOOTH, which has been a favourite of many a film-maker. "I wish to clarify that there's no similarity between PHONE BOOTH and KNOCK OUT. The only similarity is that the guy [Irrfan] is trapped in a phone booth, but the similarity starts and ends there. KNOCK OUT tells an entirely new story," Mani Shankar says. It's good to see Sanju enacting diamterically opposite roles in LAMHAA and KNOCK OUT. The actor, who has completed 30 years in showbiz, is playing his age in these two films and if the promos of these films are an indicator, 2010 could well prove to be the turning point in his career.


All's well between Nana and Prakash Jha


Nana Patekar, Prakash JhaOne constantly keeps reading about the blow hot and cold relationship between thick friends Prakash Jha and Nana Patekar. During the shooting of RAAJNEETI in Bhopal, Nana and Jha reportedly had a massive showdown. Very recently, prior to the release of RAAJNEETI, there was talk that Nana felt cheated [about his role in the film] and decided to give the cast-n-crew screening a miss. But is the on-off friendship a reality or a figment of the media's overactive imagination? On Friday, when RAAJNEETI opened to a thunderous response across the length and breadth of the country, an elated Nana couldn't control his emotions, when he spoke to this writer. "I never doubted Prakash's intentions while making the film. He deserves the credit for making it exactly the way he had envisioned it. I strongly feel that RAAJNEETI is not a film that would fetch a great start and fizzle out. This movie has long legs," Nana tells me. Surprisingly, Nana hasn't watched the film yet, at least till the day the film opened. "Main kahan apni filmein dekhta hoon? But I must admit, my cellphone has been ringing non-stop from Wednesday/Thursday onwards, after people watched the film in select screenings. Hamara kaam hain director ke aadesh ka paalan karna. If he expects a certain performance from you, you need to deliver, come what may. So whatever praise coming my way should be directed towards Prakash Jha. He's the real hero of RAAJNEETI," Nana states with utmost modesty.


Live Chat: Jahan Bloch on June 8 at 1500 hrs IST


Jahan BlochIn the year 1994, producer-director Mehul Kumar gave us the hard-hitting film Krantiveer starring Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia. The film went on to become a smash-hit at the B.O. and now 16 years later, Mehul Kumar is ready with the sequel titled Krantiveer-The Revolution. The film is extra special as it marks the debut of Mehul Kumar's daughter Jahan Bloch who plays the role of a fiery young journalist in the film. If the promos of the film are anything to go by, Jahan surely seems to be an actress to watch out for in the days to come. Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to participate in a live Video Chat with Jahan Bloch on Tuesday, Jun 8, at 1500 hrs IST. Don't miss!


Live Chat: Arjun Rampal on June 9 at 1500 Hrs IST


Arjun RampalIf there is a requirement for a tall, dark and handsome dude, then, there are millions and trillions of men out there. But if at all there is requirement for a tall, dark and handsome dude with an attitude, talents (oodles of them), then, there is just one, one and only one out there. He is none other than the guy whom we all know as Arjun Rampal. After having made his debut with the film Moksha, Arjun went onto become one of the most grandeur pillars of Bollywood. His journey to superstardom was not an overnight one. He has achieved this status step by step. These 'steps' include the likes of Aankhen , Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Don - The Chase Begins Again, Om Shanti Om, Rock On!! and the recently declared smash hit Raajneeti. Guys, here's your chance to chat live with the supercool man of Bollywood: Arjun Rampal, only on Bollywood Hungama Celeb Chat on June 9 at 1500 Hrs IST.


Torres confident, but urges caution


Spain's premier striker Fernando Torres believes his team has a great chance of reprising their Euro 2008 heroics at the World Cup.


Rugby: Barbarians 28-28 England


Unimpressive England escaped with a draw from their opening tour match against the Australian Barbarians after a late comeback.


Rugby: Attwood cited for stamp


England lock Dave Attwood has been cited over two alleged stamping incidents in the 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians.


Rugby: His country needs Kitchener


Worcester lock Graham Kitchener will make his England Saxons debut in Wednesday's Churchill Cup opener against Russia.


Rugby: Johnson warning for England


Martin Johnson warned England will be floored by Australia in Saturday's first Test if they cannot learn the lessons from the 28-28 draw with the Wallaby second-string.


Revamped matchplay back in 2011


Golf's Volvo World Match Play Championship will return next year with a bigger field, an earlier date, a change of format and more prize money.


Singh in but no place for Khan


There were, according to Thomas O'Toole Jnr, "many compelling reasons" why Vijay Singh was worthy of a special invitation to next week's US Open at Pebble Beach.


Schiavone targets more glory


Francesca Schiavone's biggest concern after conquering Roland Garros was where to find the best champagne bar to celebrate her unlikely success.


Boxing: Harrison drops world title hint


Audley Harrison claims negotiations are under way with David Haye and the Klitschko bros after giving up the European heavyweight belt to focus on securing a world title shot.


Boxing: Froch could fight in Canada


Carl Froch's Super Six tournament clash with Arthur Abraham could be held in Canada to appease the dethroned WBC super-middleweight champion.


Boxing: English pair assured of medals


Khalid Yafai and Iain Weaver both achieved wins which guaranteed them medals at the European Amateur Championships in Moscow.


Boxing: World title next for A-force


Audley Harrison will fight for a world title next after giving up his European heavyweight crown.


Boxing: "Khan will fight anyone"


Freddie Roach insists that Amir Khan is "ready for anyone" ahead of a proposed bout with Joel Casamayor on July 31.


Boxing: Groves lines up US debut


Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves will continue his steep learning curve by making his American debut in Las Vegas next month.


CPM changing stance eyeing local body polls: JDS





Bishops behind Kerala Cong (Joseph) merger with Mani group: T V Rajesh





Apex court questions Kerala on licensing of clinic





Will Kerala's snake boat make it to Thames river?





K N Babu bags Theruvath Raman Award