Prince Charles laments end of Harry Potter

Britain's Prince Charles Monday (July 11) lamented the end of the Harry Potter books and movies when he met a group of school children, a media report said.

The Prince of Wales said the end to J.K. Rowling's series of books on the boy wizard's adventures was "awful", the Daily Mirror reported.

The eighth and final film adaptation Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 released last week.

Charles was in Salcombe, Devon, accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, when he made the comment to children from a primary school.

Sue Warne, a school teacher, said: "He (Charles) asked them whether they liked reading, whether they liked Harry Potter and whether they had read the books and seen the films."

"He said how awful it was that there were no more Harry Potter books to come."

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William kissed Kate on both cheeks, crowds roared

The royal couple were certainly seen on their first visit here, the pictures of their outfits incessantly analyzed as their images played on a constant loop on television. Prince William was occasionally even heard.

"As this is my last opportunity before we leave this afternoon, I would just say, on behalf of us both, how grateful we are to be welcomed so warmly in the Golden State and City of Angels," Prince William told a screaming crowd that gathered on Sunday at Sony Studios for a job fair for veterans.

Still, this was hardly a trip for hordes of commoners -- only a few caught even a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the flesh.

At the couple's arrival here on Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Anne Gust, presented them with a red, white and blue bouquet and an iPad2 loaded with Golden State images and songs, including I Left My Heart in San Francisco and Tom Petty's California.

A few minutes and thousands of photographs later, they were whisked away in a black Range Rover. By the time they arrived at the Beverly Hilton for an event focusing on technology in the United Kingdom, the lobby crowd had grown to a couple of hundred. But they missed any chance to properly stare at the guests of honor, who were escorted in through a different entrance.

Security throughout the weekend was carefully choreographed -- with street and sidewalk closings blocking the perimeter for each event. Even the public restrooms at the Beverly Hills appearance were cleared a half-hour before the couple arrived. On Saturday morning, the pair took in sweeping views of Southern California as they traveled by helicopter north to Carpinteria for a charity polo match.

Fans paid $400 for a chance to watch Prince William play polo -- $4,000 to join the couple for lunch.

Erica Stanislawski, 16, who said her father was a longtime member of the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, said that her interest was strictly about polo. "Polo is a great game," she began.

Her friend Lauren Lantry, 16, interrupted. "I'm excited to see famous people!" she said. "The prince is really cute. And she's the real deal and super-pretty."

The crowd dressed for the occasion: men in Nantucket red pants and seersucker and women in elaborate hats.

The Duchess of Cambridge was more understated in a floral print sundress, no hat and a pair of light brown heels.

The prince drew cheers every time he got near the ball, but squandered several early chances to score. But he scored four of his winning team's last five goals.

Onlookers rushed onto the field in excitement, but they eventually obeyed calls to return to the stands. And they screamed as the prince kissed his wife on both cheeks after the match.

The royal couple mingled with celebrities at an event for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts on Saturday night. Sunday was reserved for less fancy events, starting with a visit to a Skid Row arts center for children.

Their last stop before heading home was the job fair in Culver City, where Prince William delivered a two-minute speech, his most extensive public remarks of the visit.

"Catherine and I both have friends back in Britain who could benefit from a brilliant initiative like this," he said to the crowd of veterans, who held up hundreds of cellphones to snap pictures.

The couple spent a few minutes speaking to the Fraijos, a three-generation military family.

"They weren't what I'd expect from television, just so warm and cordial," said Steve Fraijo, who served in the Marines for more than 20 years.

When his mother, Sandra Ann Fraijo, mentioned she was from Kirkcaldy, in Scotland, Prince William responded eagerly: "They have the best fish and chips there!" And when her 13-year-old granddaughter showed off her British accent, she said the Duchess told her, "You do that even better than me!"

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Is Kate Too Thin?

It would be safe to say the former Kate Middleton has never known a fat day in her life. She cut an especially slender figure in her Alexander McQueen wedding dress in April. But, with pictures of the new Duchess of Cambridge's perma-shrinking frame canoeing in Canada, should we worry that she is too thin?

Royal insiders, as quoted by eonline.com, maintain there's no cause for alarm. They say the Duchess is not heading towards a weight problem, unlike Princess Di did, because William would not put up with it, for one. For another, rushing across North America from boat races to the BAFTA gala just doesn't leave a lot of time for hearty meals.

Given the raised eyebrows, though, might we soon see a photo-op in which Duchess Catherine chows down on a burger or two, just to keep the naysayers at bay?

Meanwhile, she leaves a charmed America in the wake of her superslim figure as she jets back to royal duties at home.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20110179796&keyword=hollywood&subcatg=MOVIESWORLD&nid=118443&cp

Owais to play MF Husain!

With his documentary Letters To My Son About My Father on his father M.F Husain in the post-production stage, Owais claims he hasn't made the documentary with the intention of fulfilling any expectations but his own.

"My father didn't approve it. He kept saying, 'What is the documentary format that you've adopted to tell my story? Who'll watch it?' Why don't you make a feature film on me?' To him a documentary was one of those Films Division things."

Now that his father is no more, adhering to his late father's wishes, Owais will make a feature film on the iconic artist and rumour is that Owais himself might play his father.

A source said, "It would only be justified if Owais plays his father in his feature film. Only he can justify the character. Being a son he knows his father and seen his life rather too closely. So there are fair chances that he will end up playing MF Husaain in his film."

Recollecting a childhood memory when he really played his father, Owais said, "There is footage of me playing my father. It happened in 1986 when my father took me to his home-town Indore to revisit his past.

He made me dress up like him in his younger days and shot me on a video in his ancestral home, the streets of Indore and his school. Of course now my father's school in Indore is no more. But the footage of me playing my father remains somewhere. I must retrieve it and take a look at it. But I do believe I'm a terrible actor."

But Husain Saab did see his son's documentary on him. Recalling the moment, Owais says softly, "My documentary on my father was invited to the Doha-Tribeca film festival last year.

On my request he flew down from London to Doha to watch the 12-minute cut that I had prepared. I think he liked what he saw."

'Bipasha Basu's dating Shahid Kapoor'

Bipasha Basu is glowing these days. Her good friends have been talking about the new mystery man in her life for weeks now, but the dusky actress has so far only admitted to dating "someone new", refusing to reveal his identity. The secret is out now. TOI has learnt that the screen siren has been dating Shahid Kapoor!

Says a source, "For over a month now, Bipasha has been talking about a very sweet guy in her life. She's been telling friends that he's an eligible young man and has been showering her with gifts and some much-needed attention. She's been gushing to her friends about how "sweet and affectionate" he is. Bips maintains that while they are not serious yet, he's been wooing her persistently and she's basking in the warmth of his adoration."

Considering they've never worked together, everyone's wondering how the two met. Apparently they were introduced by Shahid's trainer, Abbas. Shahid is as much of a fitness junkie as Bipasha — that was a common bonding subject the first time they met. "Obviously they are only just getting to know each other, so Bips doesn't want to jinx it by talking openly about Shahid," says the source.

Both Bipasha and Shahid have recently split from their long-time partners ( John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra, respectively) and don't want their budding romance to come under the spotlight. A couple of weeks ago, however, Shahid was spotted with hickeys on his neck during a shoot and people on the unit pulled his leg about it. He refused to comment on the mystery lady who 'marked' him, but was later spotted out and about with Bips. Adds the source, "On Saturday night, Shahid hosted a small party at his newly-renovated Andheri home. There were about 20 guests, and Bipasha was also present. Shahid had invited only a handful of his close friends, including Siddharth Anand, Karan Johar, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Ayesha Takia and husband Farhan Azmi, Ahmed Khan, so her presence there raised quite a few eyebrows."

When asked, Bipasha claims she hardly knows Shahid. His spokesperson on the other hand says, "They are friends, just as he is friends with other people in the industry. The news of them dating is untrue." Ho hum!

Sohail Khan in Dabangg 2?

Buzz is that the third Khan sibling might join Salman and Arbaaz Khan in Dabangg sequel.

While Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan were seen together in Dabangg , chances are that the third Khan sibling might make his presence felt in the Dabangg sequel. While Arbaaz Khan, who produced Dabangg has already taken charge of the sequel as a director, there is buzz that the youngest Khan sibling has expressed his desire to be a part of the sequel as well.

It is a known fact that Salman Khan has been a big support to the career of both his brothers – Arbaaz and Sohail Khan. Sohail has often tagged along big brother Salman Khan in films like Veer, Heroes, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, God Tussi Great Ho and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya . Arbaaz had done that earlier in Garv and now with Dabangg . This time seems like it will be a complete family reunion if the trio come together in Dabangg 2 . And knowing how the success of Dabangg helped Arbaaz Khan resurrect his career, Dabangg 2 might additionally help Sohail Khan as well.

While Sohail Khan had directed Salman and Arbaaz in films like Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and Hello Brother early in his career, if all goes well, Arbaaz will direct Salman and Sohail (along with himself, of course) in Dabangg 2 . However before that Salman has to work on Sohail Khan's Sher Khan .

Nevertheless, what the purported remake of Amar Akbar Anthony (that never took off) could not do, perhaps the sequel of Dabangg 2 would do.

Salman should do Magadheera remake: Kajal

Kajal Aggarwal believes all her Telugu films have fabulous remake value and Salman Khan is the best choice for Magadheera's Hindi remake.

Kajal Aggarwal is an addition to the growing list of actresses, who are born and brought up in Mumbai, but have made a successful career in South Indian cinema. She will be seen opposite Ajay Devgn in the upcoming action flick Singham . In an exclusive conversation with Gaurav Malani , she speaks about both, Bollywood and South cinema and how she wants all of her Telugu films to be remade in Hindi.

Wasn't (Ash-Vivek starrer) Kyun Ho Gaya Na your debut film!
I did Kyun Ho Gaya Na when I was in the ninth grade! I was still a kid then. So I would consider Singham as my Hindi debut. At that time acting was never on my mind and education was a priority. I wanted to pursue MBA but I strongly believe in destiny, which I guess, had different plans for me.

After Telugu films, was Bollywood the next obvious step?
I never strategized my career as such. I never planned that I wanted to start in Hindi films after working in a certain number of Telugu films. I am lucky that things have been naturally falling into place so far.

Were Singham makers particularly looking for a South actress for this Tamil remake?
Not really! Rohit Shetty wanted a fresh face for the film but also with an acting background to her. They did not have time to teach anybody. When they saw my film Magadheera , which is a huge hit in South, they felt that I was perfect for the part in Singham .

Considering it's a male-dominated action flick, how much scope do you have?
There is also a sweet romantic story attached to Singham . Though I have a short role in Singham , it is an important part. I do not believe that the screen-space allotted to a character would define their acting ability. And I personally believe that even if the role is short, the impact that the character makes in that time is more important.

Ajay Devgn is known to be a prank-master. Did you fall prey of his jokes?
Ajay is a wonderful actor and pulled a prank on me on the first day itself. I was asked to scream for a scene and later I realized the camera wasn't rolling at all. But I think it was a nice way to break the ice.

What is that one thing you learnt from Ajay Devgn?
The ability to get into the character once the scene rolls and cut-off from it when the director says cut. The ease with which he does that is remarkable.

Which is a better film – the Hindi or the Tamil Singham ?
It is unfair to say that any version is better than the other. But I do think there have been changes made in the Hindi version which would suit the Hindi audience sensibilities. While the female lead (Anushka Shetty) in the original was a Tamil character, we have changed her into a Goan Maharashtrian in Hindi.

How comfortable were you with the Hindi language?
I am born and brought up in Mumbai, so Hindi and Marathi come very easily to me.

In that case how comfortable were you with Telugu language when you started in South?
Initially I had to work very hard over the language but now, after 4 years of experience, I am quite fluent with it. I am still learning Tamil though.

Would you want any of your South films to be remade in Bollywood?
All my films have fabulous remake value but I don't have a say in this. It's more of a director's call. But if you ask me, I would want all my South films to be remade in Hindi.

If Magadheera was to be remade in Hindi, which Bollywood hero can pull off the character?
The male lead in Magadheera has a lot of heroism in terms of his attitude and body language. Many Bollywood actors have the potential to play the lead in Magadheera . Choosing one is difficult but I guess Salman would suit the role best.

Post Singham what would be your focus – Hindi or Telugu cinema?
I would want to strike a balance. While my loyalties remain in South cinema, since I started out there, I would want to work in Hindi films as well.

Main Karu Toh Character Dheela Hai: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, who declared that his film Delhi Belly is strictly for adults and not for kids, is surprised why he has been questioned about the content of the film. The actor was recently grilled about the language and content of DB at a chat show.

He explained that though he understands his fans don't expect a bold film like this from him, he is an entertainer and loved the script so decided to make it. "I understand that after films like Tare Zameen Par my fans did not expect me to come up with a bold film like DB. But I feel I am an entertainer and I loved the script of DB and thought today's generation will relate to it."

Aamir used lines of Salman's popular song Character Dheela from Ready to explain his situation. He said there are so many bold films being made these days thus there's nothing to get shocked about.

"I don't understand this! It's like Main karu toh saala character dheela hai... I made a special promo to inform my fans that it's an adult film. And it's really hard for a producer to say that publicly as he knows, he is going to miss out half of his audience by that."

Imran Khan, who was also present on the show, defended his uncle and said, "There are several action films which showcase brutal killings and in Delhi Belly, there's just abusive language. If that's allowed then I wonder what is more harmful," he concluded.

 

John Abraham dating a banker!

There's a new girl in John Abraham's life, and her name is Priya Marwah. A banker by profession, she has been friends with the actor for some time now. After John's eight-year relationship with Bipasha Basu ended recently, the duo became close.

She was even seen visiting John on the sets of Shristi Arya's untitled project and then Housefull 2 in London, ostensibly to spend time with the busy actor.

A source close to the actor reveals, "He's definitely spending a lot of time with Priya. They met through a common friend who happens to be Priya's best friend. They hit it off instantly and decided to keep in touch."

John and Priya have been spotted going out for cozy dinners to a five-star SoBo hotel, leading one to believe that they've been driving all the way from the suburbs to avoid running into common acquaintances and the paparazzi. If that was the case, however, she wouldn't have visited him while he was shooting in London. Everyone knows that the quickest way to out a celebrity relationship is to be seen on a film set. A source adds, "When Priya visited him in UK, they went out quite a bit. They were spotted at Trafalgar Square and a couple of pubs."
BT has learnt that Priya comes from a conservative family that doesn't approve of her dating an actor. While it's too early to say whether or not Priya is for keeps, John is definitely not denying his interest to his friends. "He's making the most of his single status, but when asked about his affair with Priya, he prefers to keep mum."

Aarakshan: Trailer

Don't Be Afraid of The Dark: Trailer

The Debt: Trailer

Force: Trailer

Celeb Watch Bollywood films are so surreal: Lady Gaga

HT City - Congratulations on the success of your new album ‘Born this Way’. BTW connects with people regardless of their religion, background, gender or sexual orientation. What does 'Born this Way' personally mean to you? Lady Gaga - Born this Way is about being yourself and loving who you are. Being proud and celebrating your individuality. Through writing this album what I discovered is that through our differences is what we are united, and that we are the same. For many years I was asked ‘why’ and so many questions about my artistic choices. About why I was a performance artist and also a pop commercial artist. When I arrived upon writing BTW is that I lived half way between reality and fantasy at all times and that’s my destiny. I was destined to follow my artistic visions. I was Born this Way. 

HT City - Born this Way has broken many records and has had chart topping releases. Are you currently working on new single to be released from Born this Way or have you started working on a new album?

Lady Gaga - Well, I am always writing music whether or not it will make my next album, we will find out. But right now I am planning my next music video at the Haus of Gaga. It is going to be spectacular! 

HT City- You recently tweeted saying Born This Way Ball is to tour in India. What made you decide to come to India and which parts are you most keen to visit?

Lady Gaga - Yes. The BTW Ball will tour in India next year.

HT City- Great! That will make all your Indian fans very happy…

Lady Gaga - It will make me so happy. I have wanted to come to India for so long and I was so disappointed that I couldn’t come at the end of this promotional trip because I have to get back to America to shoot this next video. I am actually coming to India this October as well. And I will do shows and performances.

HT City- What made you decide to come here?

Lady Gaga - Well, why not? India is a beautiful-beautiful country and I actually find that a lot of my philosophies about art are mirrored in the Hindu religion. The idea of reincarnation. I believe in reincarnation in this life. To be reborn in your true living days and not just after death. I am quite fascinated with India and I love my Indian fans. I hear from them all the time on twitter so I am excited to come and visit and perform.

HT City- Which place are you most keen to visit in India?

Lady Gaga - Everywhere. As many places I can go really.

HT City- Any Indian films you have watched and liked?

Lady Gaga - I have seen a few Bollywood films and I love how theatrical they are and that’s my favourite part that they are so surreal and full of fantasy.

HT City- Would you be able to name any one for our readers?

Lady Gaga - I couldn’t name any one in particular, I like so many…

HT City- Any favourite Bollywood actors?

Lady Gaga - Again I have so many actors and actresses that I love in India and I couldn’t just name one. I am just looking forward to getting to know them better...

HT City- If a Bollywood producer approaches you to do a song and dance number for a film, would you be interested in that?

Lady Gaga - Yes, ofcourse.

HT City- Growing up in NYC, were you able to sample Indian food? Indian food you love to eat?

Lady Gaga - I love Indian food. I love all sorts of curries and anything exotic and spicy. I am not very picky as an eater. I am excited to come to India and sample some really authentic Indian food.

HT City- You had once said Deepak Chopra is the most influential person in your life. Are there any other Indians who influence you and your work?

Lady Gaga - Umm… there are quite a few actually. I became friends with Deepak Chopra and he is so wonderful and so inspirational and I was able to get through so much in my career because of his teachings and his friendship.

HT City - Anyone else who inspires you or influences you(Indian)?

He would be the most main one.

HT City-  I read Freddie Mercury has been a great inspiration to you as well..

Lady Gaga - Well Freddie Mercury obviously had a huge huge huge impact on my life and my career. He is an absolutely legendary artist as well as a performer. My name ‘Gaga’ was inspired by the Queen song ‘Radio Gaga’. And actually Brian May(guitarist) from Queen, he played on my recent album BTW on the song ‘You and I’.

HT City- Any other Indian you are influenced from?

Lady Gaga - I am also influenced by Bikram. I do Bikram Yoga very hard core.

HT City-  There are may facets to your persona - style icon, songwriter, producer, activist, singer... which one do you personally relate to the most?

Lady Gaga - They are all equally important. They are all part of who I am. I cannot exist one without the other.

HT City- You have collaborated with Desihits.com to make Desi remixes of Born This Way. What part did you love about the remix and would like to incorporate in your music again?

Lady Gaga - Yes. You know it was such a wonderful experience to be able to translate the works I have done for the album through the ears and the hearts of these Indian producers. They are so talented. I was truly truly moved by all of the music that they made and their interpretations of the song were really genius. And it would be nice to come to India and meet them and talk more about the music in the future.

HT City- Any particular Indian instrument that you would like to use in your music?

Lady Gaga - I have always been a big fan of the Sitar.

HT City- We are very excited to have you visit and perform in India. Hope you will be travelling with the entire Haus of Gaga and perform in some Indian inspired fashion. (Her fashion director) Nicola Formichetti has been incorporating Indian touches to your look lately, will we see more of that?

Lady Gaga - Nicola is wonderful and I am excited to wear some Indian fashion. I can’t wait to get there.

I’m glad that Saif and Kareena are in love -- Soha

Actress Soha Ali Khan, sister of Saif Ali Khan and daughter of the yesteryear’s Bollywood queen Sharmila Tagore, recently in an interview with the TOI, got candid about her career, brother and his lady love Bebo.

Contrary to the scuttlebutts which had it that Saifeena’s relationship is on rocks, Soha told the tabloid that Saif and Kareena are happy together and she is glad that the star couple is head over heels in love with one another.

Talking about her brother and his sweetheart, Soha said, "I am glad that Saif and Kareena are in love and happy together. But when they choose to get married, is up to them. Their marriage is not going to affect my career in any way." 

I am hungry for more, says Soha
Soha, who has worked in a number of films till date, hasn’t yet achieved that stardom, which her mother and brother have bagged for themselves.

The actress played prominent roles in films like ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’, ‘Dil Kabaddi’, ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ and ‘Tum Miley’. Though these films didn’t fare well at the box-office, they did fetch Soha critical acclaim for her acting skills.

When asked if she was content with her career in the industry, Soha said, "I don't know if anyone is ever happy with his/her career. If you are ambitious, then nothing is ever good enough. I'm happy in a way, but there is a lot more to achieve, and I am hungry for more.”

I don't have any plans for life—Soha
Soha Ali Khan, who is alleged to be dating actor Kunal Khemu, articulates that she has not planned anything for her future.

On question about her marriage, the babelicious babe stated that he has no plans to walk down the aisle at present.

"I have no marriage plans yet. In fact, I don't have any plans for life," revealed Soha.

Currently, Soha is busy with her future ventures ‘Soundtrack’, ‘Chemistry’ and Deepa Mehta's ‘Winds of Change’.

In ‘Soundtrack’ Soha plays the character of a deaf woman, whereas in ‘Chemistry’ she portrays a tomboy.

Talking about her imminent movies, Soha said, "In Soundtrack, I play a woman who is hearing impaired. My teachers from the Helen Keller Institute made sure that I got the sign and body language of a hearing impaired person right. It took time, but we finally did it.

“In Chemistry I play a tomboy whose ego has taken a beating after being dumped by her boyfriend. She is full of herself, is mad, has red hair, and wears bizarre clothes. She is not worried about anything.”

Celebrating the million mark by watching Bambi with daughter—SRK

The latest buzz surrounding the Baadshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan is that the superstar has amassed over one million followers on the micro-blogging site Twitter, in just one and a half year of joining it.

And in order to celebrate this achievement, Shahrukh is reportedly watching Bambi with his little angel Suhana.

Showing his gratitude for his fans and sharing his joy with them on Twitter, SRK tweeted, “Celebrating the million mark by watching Bambi with my daughter. Feeling the warmth...thanx all. Love u.”

However, Shahrukh is not the first celeb to have crossed the one million mark on Twitter, as the B-town desi girl Priyanka Chopra had achieved this honor much before him.

Among the other biggies who have crossed the one million mark on Twitter include politician Sashi Tharoor and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Shahrukh’s holiday in Denhag, Holland
As per the tabloid reports, Shahrukh Khan recently visited Denhag in Holland and had a great time there.

Speaking about his experience at Denhag, the ‘Ra.One’ superhero posted, “Too much fun in denhag. lovely people. i just want to kow..do u get a chicken hangover. had chicken sandwich in the airline lounge...chicken curry back stage...chicken tikka for dinner. will i wake up with an eggache??? Coffee on the terrace in Denhag, saw beauty around me early morning. Felt nice.. Bak to london today.”