'Slumdog Millionaire' actress Freida Pinto doesn't want to be known as "just a pretty face".
The Indian star is determined to remain grounded and become a versatile actress in the wake of the unexpected worldwide success of the award-winning movie.
Freida said: "I don't want to be known as just a pretty face. I loved Charlize Theron in 'Monster'. I want to play parts that are challenging and inspiring.
"'Slumdog Millionaire' is about destiny, and my personal journey through this film has made me realise the power of destiny.
"Planning doesn't hurt, but it's wonderful to know that sometimes life has bigger plans for you than you had for yourself."
Frieda - who admits she cried the first time she saw the film - added she is pleased her home city was accurately presented in
She said: "I can honestly say it communicates the pulse of this vibrant city. The way Mumbai doesn't try to hide its highs or its lows are a vital part of its character. The poor and rich live among each other, and its slums are as much part of it as the beautiful structures that adorn it."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Freida Pinto's Big Acting Plans
Rihanna photo prompts LAPD probe
Los Angeles Police Department officials on Friday were interviewing officers and scouring electronic records amid growing suspicion that someone inside the department leaked or sold to a celebrity website a photo of the singer Rihanna that depicted injuries to her face she suffered during an alleged assault by her boyfriend.
Police officials said it appears the photo is part of the LAPD's ongoing investigation of Chris Brown, the pop star who allegedly assaulted the singer in the early morning the day of the Grammy Awards two weeks ago.
"At this stage, it is reasonable to believe this is the type of photo taken in a police department domestic violence investigation," said Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger. "We are obligated to protect the victims of domestic violence. The investigation will determine who had access and who was present that day during the process. We will leave no stone unturned to identify who did this or to refute that this was a photo from the Police Department."
In similar comments Friday, Police Chief William J. Bratton said it would be "an embarrassment to this department" if an employee was responsible for the leak. He said any officer or department employee who is found to have leaked the photo will face discipline, including possible termination.
Despite intense, global interest spurred by breathless coverage in tabloids and entertainment publications, the LAPD has not named Rihanna -- whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty -- as the woman in the attack, citing state laws that protect the identity of assault victims.
The popular, no-holds-barred website TMZ.com, which has established itself as one of the Internet's leading purveyors of all things salacious and celebrity, posted the disturbing photo late Thursday evening. The close-up of the singer's face shows her with bruises and cuts on her forehead, lips and eyes.
Its appearance set off a frenzy of interest as countless media outlets linked readers to the photo and thousands of people posted comments to the TMZ site regarding the photo.
The LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are ever grappling with the challenge of keeping investigations involving celebrities confidential. The problem has grown only worse with the meteoric rise of celebrity gossip websites, which have joined traditional tabloids and paparazzi agencies in the cutthroat industry of airing stars' dirty laundry.
TMZ's coming out party came in summer 2006 when it obtained a leaked Sheriff's Department arrest report detailing the abusive, anti-Semitic rants of actor Mel Gibson after he was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving. The Sheriff's Department conducted an intensive investigation into the breach, though there has been no conclusion.
That incident prompted lawmakers to pass legislation last year that makes it a misdemeanor for peace officers or law enforcement employees to profit by leaking confidential reports or images. In pushing for the crackdown on for-profit leaks, now dubbed "Mel's Law," Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica) and Sheriff Lee Baca argued that information obtained during a criminal investigation could compromise the ability of detectives and prosecutors to make a case against a suspect.
But the push for that law did not stem the flow of sensational tidbits from law enforcement authorities to always-hungry websites and magazines. In 2007, an LAPD officer videotaped rapper The Game inside a holding cell at a South Los Angeles police station. The video ended up on TMZ, but officials said they could not determine whether the officer had been paid for it.
Although a photo showing Rihanna's injuries had been the Holy Grail among the tabloids, one paparazzi veteran estimated its value as being fairly moderate. Frank Griffin, a partner of the Bauer-Griffin photo agency that has sold some of the best-known tabloid images, said the picture was not offered to him and thought the seller would not make more than $25,000. The price, he said, would be limited because, without a legitimate contract from a known photographer, TMZ would not be able to prevent other sites from copying the photo and claiming it as their own.
"A picture of Rihanna kissing a new boyfriend is going to be worth a lot more," he said.
A TMZ spokeswoman declined to comment on how the photo was obtained, other than to say it was acquired legally.
Police officials on Friday refused to discuss details of their investigation.
The handling and access to photos of abused women has been a issue recently in the department. For years, officers typically attached photos from domestic violence cases to the hard-copy reports they wrote during their investigations. With the advent of digital technology, however, patrol officers now commonly carry department-issued cameras and use them to take images at the scene of alleged abuse cases. Those photos are downloaded to a central computer server in the department, so they can be retrieved later by detectives assigned to a case, according to an LAPD detective supervisor who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak about the case.
If the photo was leaked, the effect will depend on whether it came from one of the officers directly linked to the case, said defense attorney Dmitry Gorin, a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney.
"If I had a police officer involved [in the leak] then I would attack their credibility," Gorin said.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Pussycat Dolls Suffer For Success
Singer Kimberly Wyatt revealed the girls are forced to give up their favourite foods and exercise for hours to maintain their super-svelte figures.
She said: "The show is really tough on our bodies - we sacrifice everything. We have to take care of ourselves and we do that to the best of our ability.
"Epsom salts are very good for you, as are essential oils. I like a nice hot bubble bath to help my muscles relax."
Even their sexy stage costumes are punishing - they're often so tight the girls find it difficult to breathe.
Kimberly added: "There is certainly nothing comfortable about latex, but we are a performance group. Hopefully the costumes entertain our audience.
"Corsets are probably the hardest thing to perform in because you can hardly breathe."
The 27-year-old says the high-pressure environment and exhausting dance routines often lead to tension within the band."The relationships are amazing. But we are around each other a lot so communication can be tough. I don't take anything personally."
Angelina Jolie's 20m Oscars
The 'Changeling' star has reportedly visited several jewellers in New York to find dazzling gems to wear to the glitzy event on Sunday (22.02.09).
A source told America's OK! magazine: "She's been driving all of the high-end jewellers of New York crazy. She's looking for the impossible - a drop dead gorgeous $20 million diamond necklace to wear to the Oscars."
Angelina is nominated for Best Actress for her role in 'Changeling' but is particularly keen to look her best in case she runs into her love rival - partner Brad Pitt's ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, who is also set to attend.
The insider added: "Angelina really wants it to be a show-stopper and is making sure that she is the one everyone has their eyes on this Sunday - and not Jennifer Aniston." Meanwhile, racing driver Danica Patrick says she wants Angelina to play her in a movie of her life because Jennifer is "too old".
The 26-year-old sports star said: "I've always said Angelina Jolie would be great at playing me because she's an action star.
"I don't think it would be age appropriate for Jennifer to do it. She's older than me!"
Freida Pinto Dating Dog Co-star
According to actor Anil Kapoor, who also stars in the award-winning movie, Freida and Dev have been in a secret relationship.
He said: "I think this is the beginning of something exciting. They definitely make a great pair and look very good together."
Ex-model Freida split from her partner Rohan Antao last month - fuelling rumours she and 18-year-old Dev are romantically linked.
The pair play childhood sweethearts Jamal and Latika in Danny Boyle's hit movie about a young boy's journey from growing up in the slums of India to appearing on the TV quiz show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'.
Kapoor, 49, told radio DJ Ryan Seacrest he is convinced there is something going on between the couple, despite Freida denying they are romantically involved.
He said: "As a matter of fact, when I meet them I feel there is something happening. But she says, 'I have to look after him' and 'I have to babysit him' and that kind of stuff."
Earlier this week, it was reported 24-year-old Freida married Rohan in December 2007.A source said: "Freida and Rohan fell in love at college and were extremely close. They were great together. The marriage was an impulsive decision. They were deeply in love."Freida's agent in India, Meenakshi Gehani, said: "We do not want to comment. However, if she is married then whoever is claiming it should produce a marriage certificate."Rohan's relationship status on his Facebook page has been changed from "committed" to "single".
Rihanna Injuries Revealed
A graphic photograph apparently showing Rihanna with injuries from an alleged assault by Chris Brown has been leaked.
The picture is a close up of a young woman's face and shows cuts on her lips, bruises to her cheeks and forehead and a swollen nose. The victim's eyes are shut.
Los Angeles police - who are investigating allegations Chris beat Rihanna in his car earlier this month - have launched an internal inquiry about the leaked photos.
The police department said in a statement: "The unauthorised release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation. The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence."
The department called the leak a "serious misconduct" adding the person responsible could be fired.
Chris was charged with making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail following the incident.
It has been claimed the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has since requested the 19-year-old singer be investigated for a range of other felonies, including domestic violence, assault resulting in great bodily injury - reportedly based on allegations made by Rihanna - and attempted murder.
Rihanna has reportedly told police the pair began fighting in Chris' rented Lamborghini, resulting in Chris putting his hands around her neck and shouting: "I'm going to kill you."She is believed to have told officers he then began beating her, and choked her until she passed out.Chris has since released a statement saying he is "sorry and saddened over what transpired".
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Katy Perry Denies Benji 'bump'
Katy Perry has denied "bumping uglies" with Benji Madden.
The 'Hot n Cold' singer sparked rumours she was dating the Good Charlotte rocker when they were spotted enjoying a cosy evening in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day (14.02.09), but she insists they are just friends.
She wrote on her blog: "It's two pseudo famous people sitting next to each other... doesn't mean we were bumping uglies! You know I don't just do that with anyone!"
The 24-year-old singer - who recently joked she was going to remain celibate after splitting from Gym Class Heroes rocker Travis McCoy - explained she was celebrating the romantic day with a group of friends.
Admitting she only has time for her pet cat, she wrote: "I was there celebrating a really fun show and a boozy Valentine's Day with all my good friends. We were like a group of 25!
Benji is a nice young fellow, but my heart really belongs to kitty purry/markus molinari."
Katy, who is currently in Monte Carlo, jokes she travels so much she hopes to get a new boyfriend with the air miles she has clocked up.
She wrote: "I'm in Monte Carlo/Monaco, France right now. Oh shayth do I have frequent flyer milez for days... I wonder if you can cash in frequent flyer miles for a boyfriend rather than just dinners and gift certificates for starbucks? How many miles for brad pitt, pls (sic)?"
Mel B Sends Rihanna Support
Mel B has sent her support to Rihanna.
The former Spice Girls star - who struck up a friendship with the 'Umbrella' singer last year - was shocked to hear Rihanna had allegedly been attacked by boyfriend Chris Brown.
Mel said: "I was shocked when the news broke last week of my pal Rihanna allegedly being beaten up by Chris Brown. I heard Kanye West on the radio talking about it and I sent Rihanna a text to check if she was OK. I got to know her when she was working in the studio next door to me last year."
Mel also called for authorities to come down heavily on the 'Run It' singer.
She added to Britain's Closer magazine: "For this to happen to a superstar like her is eye-opening. If the rumours are true then Chris should be punished. No woman deserves to be treated like that - and I hope she knows there's tons of support for her."
Justin Timberlake's Biel Love Nest
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have moved into a New York apartment together.
The couple - who have been dating for two years - were spotted carrying clothes and bags into their new Manhattan apartment on Monday (16.02.09).
Justin's mother Lynn Harless confirmed: "The apartment is great. He's loving it!"
The move is the first time Justin and Jessica - who were seen looking at a $2.9 million duplex in the area last October - have officially lived together.
Justin recently showcased the newest collection from his William Rast clothing line at New York Fashion Week, and was incredibly worried about how the clothes would be received.
A source said: "Before the show, Justin seemed really nervous. He'd brought an entire posse with him, including his mom."
The 28-year-old star calmed his nerves by playing some of his own records in backstage DJ booth, but refused to drink any alcohol.
The source added: "He was only drinking water, while his mom and his friends were enjoying celebratory cocktails."
Lindsay, 22, and Sam, 31, cancelled their appearance at Hollywood's Passion nightclub the following evening, citing a sudden bout of flu.
Samantha said: "We really feel bad. I'm stuck in New York City with doctor's orders not to fly. Any reports otherwise are false and unfair."
Lindsay Lohan's Latest Ronson Row
Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson cancelled a Valentine's Day (14.02.09) appearance following a public argument.
The couple - who were spotted drinking at New York nightspot The Eldridge on Friday night (13.02.09) where Samantha was playing a DJ set for her sister Charlotte's fashion show - shocked guests by ending the evening with a public showdown.
A guest said: "Lindsay had been knocking back the cocktails and getting more and more worked up that Sam was ignoring her. The she flew into a rage right in front of everyone.
"She went red in the face and looked like she was going to explode. I thought they were going to come to blows."
Kate Moss Ready To Marry
Kate Moss is "desperate" to get married.
The supermodel - who was revealed at the weekend to be pregnant with lover Jamie Hince's baby - was determined to catch the bride's bouquet at her assistant's wedding, a tradition which signifies the catcher will be next to tie the knot.
A source said: "Kate seemed desperate to catch the bouquet and screamed when she did. She later said it was a 'sure sign'.
"It was Kate's personal assistant Sophie's wedding. Kate's daughter Lila Grace was a bridesmaid and as you can imagine, she looked absolutely gorgeous.
"The whole thing seemed to make Kate want a fairytale wedding of her own. It seems she has got that instinct to get married and settle down for the first time in her life."
It has been claimed Kate, 35, is due to give birth to her second child this summer.
A source said: "It's true. Kate is pregnant. She's overjoyed at the news. She's passed the 12-week stage so she's telling more people."
Kate - who has a six-year-old daughter, Lila Grace, with magazine publisher Jefferson Hack - has been dating The Kills guitarist Jamie since March 2008.The source said of Jamie, 39: "He's really excited at the prospect of becoming a dad. He already dotes on Lila Grace and is besotted with Kate."Kate and Jamie are closer now than ever. She's not going out as much as she used to but when she does he puts a protective arm round her."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sienna Miller At War With Women
The 27-year-old actress - who faced a backlash from her female fans after she began dating married actor Balthazar Getty - says other girls make her life tough.
She said: "I've been at war, without a doubt. I have really experienced the judgment of women in the past year. It's women who are holding us back. It's women who are judging. I find it sad. We say we want to be on an equal path, but men don't sit around bitching at each other. It's very competitive. There's no sisterhood."
The 'Factory Girl' star - who claims it is her oldest and closest friends who have kept her sane over the last year - also revealed the pressure to constantly look youthful and flawless keep her awake at night.
Sienna, who is reluctant to have plastic surgery, added: "Urgh, the pedestal thing stops me sleeping. Recently, I found myself thinking, 'I'm getting wrinkles. And things are wobbling, I should go to the gym.' Then I was like, 'F**k it!' Actually. It's not where the focus should be right now. Los Angeles is a nightmare for that. Young girls in Hollywood are having pre-emptive Botox. I say, let people be young and then be old. I can't wait to be seen as a woman."
Kate Moss Pregnant
The 35-year-old supermodel is three months pregnant with her second child - believed to be due in August.
A source said: "It's true. Kate is pregnant. She's overjoyed at the news. She's passed the 12-week stage so she's telling more people."
Kate - who has six-year-old daughter Lila Grace with magazine publisher Jefferson Hack - has been dating The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince since March 2008.
The source said of Jamie, 39: "He's really excited at the prospect of becoming a dad. He already dotes on Lila Grace and is besotted with Kate.
"Kate and Jamie are closer now than ever. She's not going out as much as she used to but when she does he puts a protective arm round her."
The couple, who were reportedly in a panic after Lila's nanny pulled out of a forthcoming family trip to South Africa, have decided to use the holiday to spend quality time with Kate's daughter.
A source said: "They have decided it will be low-key, not much partying, and they'll have a lot of family time with the three of them."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Alexa Chung's Granny Pants
Alexa Chung wears "greying fraying Grandma pants".
The British model-turned-presenter admires Lady GaGa because she is confident enough to go out in just her underwear, but doubts she will ever copy the US singer because of her less-than-flattering knicker collection.
She said: "The thing I most admire Lady GaGa for is the fact she rarely wears anything over her underwear. When she was in London, not a day went by when she wasn't pictured emerging in the dead of winter from a variety of clubs in nothing but fishnets and sunglasses. Amazing.
"I can't ever imagine ever wanting to go out in just my knickers, if only because the majority of them are greying fraying Grandma pants with the days of the week on them. Sexy."
Alexa - who is dating Arctic Monkeys star Alex Turner - admits she usually finds it a struggle whenever she tries to experiment with more flattering underwear.
She added: "You go into Agent Provocateur and the next thing you know someone called Janice is texting you she thinks this set is particularly minxy. And then you're struggling with stockings and suspenders because Dita Von Teese always makes them look easy to wear."
Kate Winslet's Leonardo Language
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio have their own "secret language".
The British actress has revealed the 'Revolutionary Road' co-stars developed a special lingo to help get them through challenging filming scenes.
She said: "When we filmed difficult scenes we developed our own secret language of our own. With our history we could do anything without feeling stupid."
The 33-year-old actress - who has remained close to Leonardo since they starred in the 1997 blockbuster 'Titanic' - insists she trusts the 34-year-old actor implicitly, and would even let him hurt her if it improved a scene.
She said: "I would even let Leo physically harm me if it meant making a scene better, and I know he feels the same way. If we didn't have this rare friendship, I don't think we would be able to show that chemistry on screen."
