Big B to support Special Olympics

Amitabh Bachchan will now be seen voicing his concerns about disabled children, all thanks to Akshay Kumar, brand ambassador of Special Olympics, who requested him to propagate the cause.

"Akshay was shooting in the film city next door and messaged me that he would wish to meet me. He propagates the cause of the Special Olympics and desired that I do a small TV byte that stated how we must never refer to disabled children in their disability and call them retarded," Big B wrote on his blog. "

Instead, they needed to be treated and handled with care and understanding, teaching them to stand on their own feet and not be the cause for any kind of contrived sympathy. Felt good doing that."

The Special Olympics provide year-round athletics training to kids as well as adults with intellectual disabilities.

Amitabh Bachchan back on KBC

Closing all the speculations as to who will host the forthcoming season of India’s most popular game show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, latest reports say that Bollywood megastar, Amitabh Bachchan has been finalized to host the fourth season of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati,’ a reality game show closely based on UK’s ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’

Buzz has it that the fourth season of the game show will commence by the end of 2010 on a new entertainment channel as a source from the TV industry said, “The show will now be aired on a different channel.”

By the way, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ marked Big B’s first appearance on Indian TV in year 2001. In 2005, the second season of ‘KBC’ was called ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati Dwitiya’, which carried almost double prize money - Rs 2 crore. However, with Big B falling ill, the second season came to an abrupt end in 2006. Although Big B announced that he would soon return to the show, it was Shah Rukh Khan who hosted it in 2007.

Talking to a news daily on why Big B is indispensable to ‘KBC’, a source said, “Both, Bachchan and Shah Rukh, respectively brought their distinct individuality on the table, but frankly speaking, Shah Rukh’s histrionics did not do go down well with the audience. There was a vast difference in the TRPs between the two seasons hosted by Bachchan and the third season hosted by Shah Rukh.”

“An official announcement will be made very soon,” the source added.

With Bollywood’s living legend Amitabh Bachchan as its host, ‘KBC’ saw unparallel success. Even cinema halls faced the burnt of ‘KBC’, as they reported a slump in the sale of tickets during night shows.

Amitabh Bachchan to read news on Times Now

After playing Auro from ‘Paa’ in a number of off-screen events, Amitabh Bachchan now assumes the role of media magnet Vijay Harshwardhan Mallik from his forthcoming movie ‘Rann’ and will appear on a TV channel to do a year-end news round-up.

"And we aren’t just talking about entertainment-related activities," said the film’s co-producer Sheetal Talwar who was present when Big B donned the garb of a news anchor holding forth on events of the year from the world on the news channel Times Now.

"And it was events from the world of global politics. Mr. Bachchan just took over the television space as though he had done news analysis all his life. It was an amazing experience”, said Talwar.

On Thursday night the megastar will reportedly be heard talking on roughly six global issues of 2009 - Indian national politics, terrorism, cricket, swine flu, recession and Obama on an hour-long segment.

This would be the first of several media-related activities that the Big B is scheduled to participate in before director Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Rann’ hits the screens Jan 29.

Apparently he intends to assume whatever character he plays in his forthcoming films and promote the film as the character rather than “Amitabh Bachchan”.

Big B felicitated at 11th Mumbai Film Festival

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was felicitated a Lifetime Achievement award for completing 40 years in the entertainment industry at the 11th Mumbai Film Festival. Receiving the award from Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Bachchan thanked the noted directors who recognised his talent and the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI) for giving him the award. "I am thankful to every director like Manmohan Desai and Yash Chopra who helped me pave my way to where I am today. I am also thankful to MAMI for this honour," said Big B. His oeuvre ranges from rib-tickling comedies to tearjerkers to subtle, nuanced performances in art-house films. It can be said without doubt that there is nothing in acting that Bachchan hasn’t tried. "I have given almost two-thirds of my life to the Indian film industry. I remember in 1968 I had appeared for a screen test whose result never came out. Then in 1969 director Khwaj Ahmad Abbas gave me a break in his film ‘Saat Hindustani’ and my journey started," added Bachchan.

Veteran Bollywood actor Dev Anand’s production house Navketan Films was felicitated for completing 60 years.

The prize distribution ceremony started with Mumbai Young Critics Jury Award, which was given to "Whisper With the Wind" directed by Sahram Alidi.

After a weeklong exposure to international cinema, 20 young critics viewed 27 movies from the two categories, International Competition and Above the Cut. After watching and re-watching the selected films, and with constant discussions, arguments and debates, "Whisper With the Wind" was finally selected.

In the category of Dimension Mumbai Competition, the Silver Gateway of India award was given to "Sagar Setu" directed by Chandni Arora and Archana Phadke.

Silver Gateway of India for the Second Best Film in Dimensions Mumbai-Short Film Competition was given to "Mumbai Lego" directed by Sahil Shah.

Bollywood director Yash Chopra and lyricist Prasoon Joshi awarded the Golden Gateway of India award to the director of "Dominic Murphy".

Danish actress Paprika Steen won the Silver Gateway of India award for the best actress for her performance in the film "Applause".

Greek director Theo Angelopoulos won the International Lifetime Achievement award. His film "The Dust of Time" closed the fest.

The audience choice award went to Amit Rai’s "Road to Sangam".

Kangana Ranaut grabs role opposite Amitabh Bachchan

Kangana Ranaut, who walked away with the much-eyed Best Supporting Actress trophy at the IIFA awards this year, has now signed a film with ace actor Amitabh Bachchan.

She might not have been able to win over critics, who still perceive her as plain lucky, but Kangana seems to have made an impression where it matters. The stunner has been finalised to play an integral part with Bachchan in a film produced by Pritish Nandy and directed by Pritish’s son Kushan.

The film has been titled ‘Actor’, and has Bachchan in the lead role and is touted to be thriller. The actress will play a significant role in unveiling the mystery towards the climax of the film.

Kangana loved the role and has given her nod. She will play a smart journalist in the film.

Though, this is the very first time that the actress will be sharing screen space with the Amitabh, the two seemed to have built quite a rapport at the IIFA awards, where Kangana was seen bonding well with the entire Bachchan clan.

Oz University supports Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan’s rejection of the honour to be bestowed upon him by the Queensland University has been met with much understanding by the education circuit of Australia.

An Australian University, in its statement, has said that it understands Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s decision to turn down the honorary doctorate in protest of recent attacks on Indian students in Australia.

Bachchan was to receive the honorary doctorate from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in July for his contribution to entertainment.

Meanwhile, Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice-Chancellor of QUT, said that he completely understands why the “towering figure in Bollywood” turned down the doctorate. “The acts against Indian students in Australia is incredibly unfortunate and to be deplored and the sensitivities back home in India are well understood, therefore we understand entirely the reasons,” he said. Coaldrake added by saying, “The offer will still be on table for the 66-year-old Bollywood legend. We hope that another day might come and there will be another opportunity for the award.”

Bachchan was also supposed to visit Brisbane in July to be at the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF), where a retrospective of his films is scheduled to be screened on the occasion, but the status of his visit is not confirmed as yet.

Search for Tabu and Amitabh Bachchan

Its very common to hear stories about Bollywood actresses trying out their age desperately but not often would one come across someone who believes in doing the exact opposite. The critically acclaimed Tabu has gone ahead and done what others couldn’t even think of doing for the actress has refused to look younger than her age for the flashback scenes in- The Legend of Kunal.

Tabu who is playing the character of Tishyarakshitra, emperor Ashoka’s wife in the film, has refused to be shown younger for certain scenes and the hunt for a young Tabu is on. The character of Ashoka is played by Amitabh Bachchan.

Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the director of ‘The Legend of Kunal’ confirmed the news and said, “Tabu refused his idea by saying “Take a younger artiste to play my character’s young portion” and opted out.”

Now, Dwivedi is apparently hunting for actors who resemble the Big B and Tabu but are half their age.

Richard Gere in Teen Patti along with Amitabh Bachchan

Sharing the screen with the one who is a legend, veteran, iconic and a big star is like to win the race for this time around. Hollywood's favourite lover boy of the late 80's and early 90's is all set to share screen space in his first Bollywood film this year alongside Amitabh Bachchan.

Teen Patti's last schedule goes under way in London from next week with Big B and Richard Gere.

What's surprising is that he has seen Shilpa Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Lal Baadshah after Shetty won the coveted crown of the Celebrity Big Brother.

Richard Gere will be the next big Hollywood star to watch out for in B-town.

Aishwarya Rai displeased with Amitabh Bachchan

Everything was fine in the Bachchan family but there has been rumors that Aishwarya Rai is miffed with dear ‘Pa’ Amitabh Bachchan over her upcoming flick- Robot which has become quite a woe for the Bachchan Bahu. The reason for her displeasure is that it was Amitabh who had persuaded her for the movie but now the movie seems to have become a thing of trouble for Ash. The movie has been delayed too much and as a result Aishwarya is unable to look for new projects till she has to finish off with "Robot". There is also news of disagreements between Ash and Shankar on the last minute changes in the script, make-up and clothes.

All these occurrences have angered Aishwarya and have made her to think that she shouldn't have considered Big B’s obligation and instead made her own choice.

Aamir Khan refuses getting waxed at Madame Tussauds

Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently. This phrase perfectly suits the perfectionist Aamir Khan. He is known for his totally different approach from the current league of bollywood actors.

Aamir proved so recently when he turned down the offer to get waxed at the Madame Tussauds wax museum. Madame Tussauds had approached Aamir as they wanted to add another Bollywood bigwig to their existing collection of actors. Some of the big names of bollywood who have already been waxed are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan etc.

It is believed that Aamir declined the offer by saying that he wasn’t interested. He added that he leaves behind things that don’t interest him, as he has so many things to do. He wants people to see him through his films and nothing else.

Indeed a Genius!!!

Aamir Khan unveils Big Bs Bachchanalia

Amitabh Bachchan to attend Clinton Global Initiative

The annual meeting of Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) is to be held in Hong Kong next month and the Former US president Bill Clinton has been trying to convince Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan to attend the function.

“Bill Clinton writes in to ask me to join their global conference for the betterment of the world in Hong Kong,” Amitabh has posted in one of his recent blog entries.

The latest update on the same from Amitabh has been that Clinton called him up 'to request' him to come for the event.

The veteran actor has mentioned about the CGI more than once on his blog. In one of the posts, he wrote: 'I need to prepare also for the CGI - Clinton Global Initiative. Global warming, solar energy, lighting villages….'

The CGI was established in 2005 by Clinton to bring together global leaders from various backgrounds to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Amitabh Bachchan admitted to hospital on B’day

It’s not a Happy Birthday for Big B. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 66 today, has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital here after he complained of abdominal pain, hospital sources said. Bachchan was earlier taken to Nanavati Hospital, where X-rays of his stomach and chest were taken.

He then proceeded to Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra. He has been admitted under Jayant Barve, who is also his family doctor.

It is reported that Big B was shooting for 'Teen Patti' till yesterday, where he complained of abdominal cramps.

Katrina Kaif landed Yash Chopra project

Without doubt Katrina Kaif is the actress of the moment who has delivered six back to back hits. Now this most wanted actress has landed her self a project by Yash Chopra.

Katrina Kaif was the unlikely leading lady when she arrived the shores of Mumbai with her Brit accent and commanding height that over shot most actors. But how she turned her fortunes is remarkable.

The stunning beauty earned name and fame within a shot span of time with hits like ‘Apne’, ‘Namastey London’, ‘Partner’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Race’ and ‘Singh is Kinng’. Her personal life also took a positive turn having bonded with a top actor like Salman Khan.

The latest fortune in her kitty is a movie by Yash Chopra who returns to directing after four years. It also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles.

Aishwarya Rai in Live Earth Concert

Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan are among the Bollywood stars who will participate in the Live Earth Concert to be hosted in India this December.

This is the first time that the Live Earth Concert is coming to India. India will host Live Earth Concert on December 7th in Mumbai.

The concert is aimed at raising money for Solar Energy Technology. It will feature musicians as well as other entertainers.

The participant line up has not been decided but Jon Bon Jovi has said that he will participate. Apart from Aishwarya Rai and Big B, Shekhar Kapur is also set to attend.

Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall. Along with Al Gore, he organized a series of concerts on seven continents over 24 hours on July 7 last year.

Abhishek Bachchan to make TV debut

Abhishek Bachchan is all set to make his TV debut. It will be a show to revisit the Bachchan’s Unforgettable Tour and evoke memorable moments from that tour. Abhishek Bachchan will be hosting the first of three episodes of an exclusive chat show titled The Big B’s Den .

In the following two episodes, Amitabh Bachchan will be seen interviewing the other members of his world tour. He will discuss their first hand experiences, unforgettable moments, success-runs among other topics. The show will be aired on NDTV Imagine Friday at 10 p.m.

The Bachchan’s “Unforgettable Tour” started in Toronto July 18 and finished in London Aug 24. The tour saw performances by Big B, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai in addition to other Bollywood stars including Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh and composer duo Vishal-Shekhar. There were some guest stars like Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty and Madhuri Dixit, who performed in Toronto, Britain and the US, respectively.

Produced by Wizcraft Television, the show will present intimate conversation of Big B with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, composer duo Vishal-Shekhar, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty and Madhuri Dixit.

The Last Lear - Amitabh Bachchan performs his best

The film The Last Lear has travelled to some A-list film festivals across the world, where it has won rave reviews. Amitabh Bachchan's performance as Harry in the film has been unanimously praised by all and sundry. He has been showered with lavish praise like "his most nuanced performance" and "he offers a master class in acting". After ruling our hearts for decades, Amitabh Bachchan has stepped out to wow the world! Knowing the powerhouse of talent that he is, we are sure that these cannot be exaggerated compliments.

It is a proud moment for India as Indian films have begun getting recognized in the international world circuit. The excitement levels for The Last Lear have been high ever since the promos hit the theatres. Bachchan's long, flowing hair and rich, baritone voice has stood out amongst the other films. Preity has also been talking animatedly about her look in the film.

Knowing Amitabh Bachchan's illustrious filmography, there cannot be a bigger excitement for all his fans than the fact that this will be one of his best performances ever. The film releases today.

Amitabh Bachchan plays son Abhishek's grandfather

Amitabh Bachchan is known to sign on unusual roles and the latest is that Big B will play his son Abhishek's grandad in Rakeysh Mehra's forthcoming film 'Dilli 6'.

Mehra's semi-autobiographical film has Abhishek playing the male lead while Sonam Kapoor will play the female lead in the film. Mehra has also roped in Amitabh to play a specially written cameo.

Confirming the news, Amitabh says: 'I play Abhishek's grandfather in Dilli 6.' The film already has veteran actress Waheeda Rehman and one of the Big B's incentives for stepping into the picture so late is to share screen space with his favourite actress.

Amitabh has earlier worked with Mehra in “Aks”. Mehra also has plans to cast Amitabh in his next film titled “Paanch Kaurav”.

'Paanch Kaurav' will be Rakeysh Mehra’s third film with Amitabh Bachchan.

This way Shreya Saran became a hot property- willing to work with Amitabh Bachchan

After the grand success of Sivaji- The Boss, Shreya Saran has found a new status as a hot and sensational property and this has made the Southern star confident today. “Sivaji was Rajni’s film, but being a great man, he let me shine in it. Working with him, I learned to set myself a benchmark. Though I often ask myself - where now from here,” the actress admits. Where now, is for Bollywood to tell the talented Southern star.

Riding on Sivaji’s success, she’s bagged several projects, including some from Hollywood. In Bollywood, besides her debut film Awarapan, Shriya’s in Sangeeth Sivan’s Ek. “Films were incidental. I call it an arranged marriage. I fell in love with films after I got into the business. I was grooming to be a Kathak dancer when I landed in a music video. That’s how it began,” she says. On the Hollywood front, Shriya has wrapped up Ashok Amritraj’s The Other End of the Line opposite Canadian actor Jesse Metcalfe. And how has Deepa Mehta’s What’s Cooking to look forward to.

Now that she is in Bollywood, Shreya’s big ambition is to star opposite Amitabh Bachchan. She revealed, “I met him as a fan when I was about 11 and took his autograph. He was shooting in Udaipur for Khuda Gawah. Recently, I met him at an award function in Bangkok and told him that. He was amused. I told Mr Bachchan, ‘I want to work with you.’ And he replied, “I’m looking forward to it”.

Amitabh Bachchan voted as the Sexiest Asian Vegetarian

He has a secret to his good looks and health even at the age of 60. Inspite of reaching his second childhood, Amitabh Bachchan is undoubtedly the sexiest man. And People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) agree with this completely.

PETA conducted a survey, according to which Amitabh Bachchan was voted as the sexiest vegetarian male in the whole of Asia. Among other Asian contenders in the running, besides Amitabh, Madhavan was the only Indian contender. Among the Asian female contenders Bollywood actresses like Hema Malini, Kareena Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry and Vidya Balan were considered. However, it was Hong Kong's singer-actress Faye Wong who was voted as Asia's sexiest vegetarian female.