Madonna documentary to air

'If all you can do is live life in YOUR world in a way that shows you are responsible for the people around you, that's a course of action,' Madonna said. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK - MADONNA'S awakening to the crisis in Malawi - an impoverished African nation where one million children are orphaned by AIDS - had many consequences.

She adopted one of those orphans, her 3-year-old son David. She is building a school there.

And she has told Malawi's harrowing story in her documentary, I Am Because We Are. With an audience thus far limited to isolated theatre screenings, it will air for everyone in the Untied States with its TV premiere on Sundance Channel Monday (World Aids Day).

The feature-length film was written, produced and narrated by Madonna (directed by Nathan Rissman). It consults experts including President Bill Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

But the film's real power is its images, which are often dismaying but, here and there, reflect hope and a remarkable will to survive.

'I had many goals,' said Madonna during a phone conversation from her Manhattan home a few days ago. 'I did get to a point where I thought, 'I'm being overambitious, I'm trying to say too much, I'll never accomplish it.' But I feel proud of the fact that I did get to make all my points.'

Among her points: an insistence that any crisis comes with solutions, however hard-won and piecemeal.

The film offers its audience a menu of constructive responses.

'If all you can do is live life in YOUR world in a way that shows you are responsible for the people around you, that's a course of action,' Madonna said. 'People can be of service in large ways and small.'

The first wide exposure of I Am Because We Are may be coming at a propitious time, which befits the pop superstar who made it, with her knack for anticipating and identifying cultural trends.

On the eve of a new presidential administration, Americans seem set on a more idealistic path, however alarmed they may be by economic threats along the way.

'People really are going, 'Wow! I can no longer ignore what's going on around me.' There are changes in the air,' she said.

Madonna's busy schedule continues apace. But the artistic life that drives it 'is a world you create and you inhabit, to express yourself, and to inspire and reach out to other people', she explained. 'It's also a consolation, a place you go to to protect yourself.'

That's true now, in particular, during her highly public split with Guy Ritchie, her husband of eight years, which she described as 'not easy, I'm not going to lie'.

Though on a brief New York break from her concert tour, Madonna said the day's long to-do list called for this AP interview to be followed by interviews she would be conducting herself: with prospective head mistresses for the girls school she is building in Malawi.

'We're all going there together at the end of March,' she said, referring to David, 8-year-old son Rocco and 12-year-old daughter Lourdes.

'I'm very involved in a lot of things that are going on there,' she said, and as she makes return visits with her kids, she wants them to gather insights into the plight of the world's underprivileged. 'And David's always going to understand where he came from, and what his life could have been like.'

Meanwhile, she hopes her film can spread the message to millions more.

'It has an impact on the people who see it,' she declared. 'The more people, the bigger the impact.' -- AP

Madonna documentary to air

'If all you can do is live life in YOUR world in a way that shows you are responsible for the people around you, that's a course of action,' Madonna said. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK - MADONNA'S awakening to the crisis in Malawi - an impoverished African nation where one million children are orphaned by AIDS - had many consequences.

She adopted one of those orphans, her 3-year-old son David. She is building a school there.

And she has told Malawi's harrowing story in her documentary, I Am Because We Are. With an audience thus far limited to isolated theatre screenings, it will air for everyone in the Untied States with its TV premiere on Sundance Channel Monday (World Aids Day).

The feature-length film was written, produced and narrated by Madonna (directed by Nathan Rissman). It consults experts including President Bill Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

But the film's real power is its images, which are often dismaying but, here and there, reflect hope and a remarkable will to survive.

'I had many goals,' said Madonna during a phone conversation from her Manhattan home a few days ago. 'I did get to a point where I thought, 'I'm being overambitious, I'm trying to say too much, I'll never accomplish it.' But I feel proud of the fact that I did get to make all my points.'

Among her points: an insistence that any crisis comes with solutions, however hard-won and piecemeal.

The film offers its audience a menu of constructive responses.

'If all you can do is live life in YOUR world in a way that shows you are responsible for the people around you, that's a course of action,' Madonna said. 'People can be of service in large ways and small.'

The first wide exposure of I Am Because We Are may be coming at a propitious time, which befits the pop superstar who made it, with her knack for anticipating and identifying cultural trends.

On the eve of a new presidential administration, Americans seem set on a more idealistic path, however alarmed they may be by economic threats along the way.

'People really are going, 'Wow! I can no longer ignore what's going on around me.' There are changes in the air,' she said.

Madonna's busy schedule continues apace. But the artistic life that drives it 'is a world you create and you inhabit, to express yourself, and to inspire and reach out to other people', she explained. 'It's also a consolation, a place you go to to protect yourself.'

That's true now, in particular, during her highly public split with Guy Ritchie, her husband of eight years, which she described as 'not easy, I'm not going to lie'.

Though on a brief New York break from her concert tour, Madonna said the day's long to-do list called for this AP interview to be followed by interviews she would be conducting herself: with prospective head mistresses for the girls school she is building in Malawi.

'We're all going there together at the end of March,' she said, referring to David, 8-year-old son Rocco and 12-year-old daughter Lourdes.

'I'm very involved in a lot of things that are going on there,' she said, and as she makes return visits with her kids, she wants them to gather insights into the plight of the world's underprivileged. 'And David's always going to understand where he came from, and what his life could have been like.'

Meanwhile, she hopes her film can spread the message to millions more.

'It has an impact on the people who see it,' she declared. 'The more people, the bigger the impact.' -- AP

Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai to star in Pink Panther

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is to star alongside Hollywood actor Steve Martin in the upcoming sequel to the 2006 movie "The Pink Panther", a newspaper reported on Friday.


The Hindustan Times said the former Miss World will play a detective in the new film about the clumsy French policeman Inspector Clouseau, played by Martin. The sequel will also star Andy Garcia and John Cleese, it said.

"It is true that Aishwarya has signed the film," Hari Singh, Rai's business manager, was quoted as saying.

Singh said 33-year-old Rai was currently finishing Hindi films "Akbar-Jodha" and "Sarkar 2" and would start shooting for "The Pink Panther 2" from the beginning of September.

Based on the 1964 original starring Peter Sellers, "The Pink Panther" saw singer Beyonce Knowles star opposite Martin.

Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai to star in Pink Panther

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is to star alongside Hollywood actor Steve Martin in the upcoming sequel to the 2006 movie "The Pink Panther", a newspaper reported on Friday.


The Hindustan Times said the former Miss World will play a detective in the new film about the clumsy French policeman Inspector Clouseau, played by Martin. The sequel will also star Andy Garcia and John Cleese, it said.

"It is true that Aishwarya has signed the film," Hari Singh, Rai's business manager, was quoted as saying.

Singh said 33-year-old Rai was currently finishing Hindi films "Akbar-Jodha" and "Sarkar 2" and would start shooting for "The Pink Panther 2" from the beginning of September.

Based on the 1964 original starring Peter Sellers, "The Pink Panther" saw singer Beyonce Knowles star opposite Martin.

Dynas berhenti berlakon selama sembilan bulan?

NALURI keibuan sudah nampak dalam dirinya saat dia memulakan bicara. Dalam nada ceria, Wan Intan Edrinas Wan Mokhtar yang mesra disapa Dynas ini kedengaran cukup bersemangat tatkala menceritakan kandungannya yang kini sudah mencecah usia dua bulan.

Seperti mana wanita-wanita lain, model dan pelakon jelita ini tidak terkecuali berasa teruja menantikan kelahiran cahayamata yang pastinya bakal menjadi penyeri buat dirinya dan suami, Mohd Hafizy Mohd Hafiz.

Namun begitu, luah Dynas, penangan bayi sulungnya itu cukup 'kuat'. Setiap hari, dia akui mengalami keletihan yang melampau dan adakalanya sukar melakukan kerja-kerja berat.

Itu tidak dikira lagi alahan lain termasuklah morning sickness yang dialaminya hampir setiap hari.

Memikirkan keadaannya kini yang tidak mampu seaktif dulu, kata Dynas, dia ingin 'berehat' seketika dari bidang lakonan sehinggalah selamat melahirkan cahayamatanya itu nanti.

"Selepas tamat dengan pementasan Impak Maksima The Musical (IMTM) Sabtu lalu, saya kini lebih banyak berehat saja. Memang ada tawaran drama dari sebuah stesen televisyen swasta yang saya dapat, tetapi saya sendiri belum beri kata putus.

"Jika diikutkan hati, saya memang ingin 'break' sekejap dari bidang inikerana memikirkan keadaan saya sekarang yang selalu letih. Takut pula menjejaskan produksi.

"Memang saya berada dalam keadaan dilema juga kerana mereka memang benar-benar mahukan saya membintangi drama itu dan memberi jaminan ia tidak akan jejaskan kesihatan saya, tetapi saya pula rasa seperti tidak mampu.

"Ada juga saya bertanyakan kepada suami dan dia tidak pernah menghalang. Katanya, dia akan menyokong apa saja keputusan saya dan jika saya rasa saya mampu lakukan, dia pasti akan membenarkan," kata Dynas yang disahkan hamil sehari sebelum pementasan IMTM yang bermula 11 November lalu.

Ujar wanita berusia 25 tahun ini, dia bersyukur keadaannya sepanjang pementasan dijalankan tidak seteruk seperti sekarang.

"Alhamdulillah, tiada sebarang masalah ketika pementasan berlangsung. Setakat muntah-muntah saja. Selepas tamat pementasan barulah keadaan saya teruk sikit," tambah Dynas yang menerima banyak pujian terhadap tariannya di dalam teater muzikal itu.

Ditanya jantina baby pilihannya, kata Dynas, dia tidak kisah sama ada dikurniakan bayi lelaki atau pun perempuan asalkan sihat dan tidak mempunyai sebarang masalah.

"Saya tidak kisah perempuan atau pun lelaki. Saya anggap ini sebagai rezeki yang Allah berikan. Tapi, suami saya suka kalau anak pertama kami ialah lelaki.

"Tetapi tidak mengapalah. Yang penting, saya mahu bayi itu nanti sihat. Itu yang utama," katanya yang akui gembira menghitung hari untuk bergelar ibu.

Bercerita lanjut aktiviti yang bakal dilakukannya sementara berehat seketika dari bidang lakonan, kata pelakon yang pernah dinobatkan sebagai Pelakon TV Wanita Popular di Anugerah Bintang Popular awal tahun ini, dia akan terus aktif sebagai duta produk Safi dan Easy Pha-Max dan akan menjalankan program-program anjuran produk tersebut.

Selain itu, dia juga akan menguruskan butik pakaian Dna CelebritiStyle di Sri Hartamas, yang diuruskan bersama rakan artis, Awal Ashaari.

"Ini adalah projek bersama saya dan Awal. Sudah lama sebenarnya kami menjalankan bisnes ini, tetapi kebiasaannya ia dibuat secara online. Butik hanya dibuka jika ada pelanggan yang membuat temujanji.

"Butik ini menjual pakaian dan aksesori moden, sesuai untuk mereka yang berumur 35 tahun ke bawah. Sambutannya setakat ini juga memang cukup baik.

"Jadi, sementara saya tidak aktif di dalam bidang lakonan buat sementara waktu, bolehlah saya beri tumpuan yang lebih pada bisnes ini.

"Bagi yang berminat untuk membeli atau mengetahui lanjut tentang butik ini, boleh layari blog saya di www.dynasmokhtar.blogspot.com atau menerusi laman web facebook di atas nama 'Dna CelebrityStyle'," katanya.

Dynas berhenti berlakon selama sembilan bulan?

NALURI keibuan sudah nampak dalam dirinya saat dia memulakan bicara. Dalam nada ceria, Wan Intan Edrinas Wan Mokhtar yang mesra disapa Dynas ini kedengaran cukup bersemangat tatkala menceritakan kandungannya yang kini sudah mencecah usia dua bulan.

Seperti mana wanita-wanita lain, model dan pelakon jelita ini tidak terkecuali berasa teruja menantikan kelahiran cahayamata yang pastinya bakal menjadi penyeri buat dirinya dan suami, Mohd Hafizy Mohd Hafiz.

Namun begitu, luah Dynas, penangan bayi sulungnya itu cukup 'kuat'. Setiap hari, dia akui mengalami keletihan yang melampau dan adakalanya sukar melakukan kerja-kerja berat.

Itu tidak dikira lagi alahan lain termasuklah morning sickness yang dialaminya hampir setiap hari.

Memikirkan keadaannya kini yang tidak mampu seaktif dulu, kata Dynas, dia ingin 'berehat' seketika dari bidang lakonan sehinggalah selamat melahirkan cahayamatanya itu nanti.

"Selepas tamat dengan pementasan Impak Maksima The Musical (IMTM) Sabtu lalu, saya kini lebih banyak berehat saja. Memang ada tawaran drama dari sebuah stesen televisyen swasta yang saya dapat, tetapi saya sendiri belum beri kata putus.

"Jika diikutkan hati, saya memang ingin 'break' sekejap dari bidang inikerana memikirkan keadaan saya sekarang yang selalu letih. Takut pula menjejaskan produksi.

"Memang saya berada dalam keadaan dilema juga kerana mereka memang benar-benar mahukan saya membintangi drama itu dan memberi jaminan ia tidak akan jejaskan kesihatan saya, tetapi saya pula rasa seperti tidak mampu.

"Ada juga saya bertanyakan kepada suami dan dia tidak pernah menghalang. Katanya, dia akan menyokong apa saja keputusan saya dan jika saya rasa saya mampu lakukan, dia pasti akan membenarkan," kata Dynas yang disahkan hamil sehari sebelum pementasan IMTM yang bermula 11 November lalu.

Ujar wanita berusia 25 tahun ini, dia bersyukur keadaannya sepanjang pementasan dijalankan tidak seteruk seperti sekarang.

"Alhamdulillah, tiada sebarang masalah ketika pementasan berlangsung. Setakat muntah-muntah saja. Selepas tamat pementasan barulah keadaan saya teruk sikit," tambah Dynas yang menerima banyak pujian terhadap tariannya di dalam teater muzikal itu.

Ditanya jantina baby pilihannya, kata Dynas, dia tidak kisah sama ada dikurniakan bayi lelaki atau pun perempuan asalkan sihat dan tidak mempunyai sebarang masalah.

"Saya tidak kisah perempuan atau pun lelaki. Saya anggap ini sebagai rezeki yang Allah berikan. Tapi, suami saya suka kalau anak pertama kami ialah lelaki.

"Tetapi tidak mengapalah. Yang penting, saya mahu bayi itu nanti sihat. Itu yang utama," katanya yang akui gembira menghitung hari untuk bergelar ibu.

Bercerita lanjut aktiviti yang bakal dilakukannya sementara berehat seketika dari bidang lakonan, kata pelakon yang pernah dinobatkan sebagai Pelakon TV Wanita Popular di Anugerah Bintang Popular awal tahun ini, dia akan terus aktif sebagai duta produk Safi dan Easy Pha-Max dan akan menjalankan program-program anjuran produk tersebut.

Selain itu, dia juga akan menguruskan butik pakaian Dna CelebritiStyle di Sri Hartamas, yang diuruskan bersama rakan artis, Awal Ashaari.

"Ini adalah projek bersama saya dan Awal. Sudah lama sebenarnya kami menjalankan bisnes ini, tetapi kebiasaannya ia dibuat secara online. Butik hanya dibuka jika ada pelanggan yang membuat temujanji.

"Butik ini menjual pakaian dan aksesori moden, sesuai untuk mereka yang berumur 35 tahun ke bawah. Sambutannya setakat ini juga memang cukup baik.

"Jadi, sementara saya tidak aktif di dalam bidang lakonan buat sementara waktu, bolehlah saya beri tumpuan yang lebih pada bisnes ini.

"Bagi yang berminat untuk membeli atau mengetahui lanjut tentang butik ini, boleh layari blog saya di www.dynasmokhtar.blogspot.com atau menerusi laman web facebook di atas nama 'Dna CelebrityStyle'," katanya.

Babak ciuman lesbian buat Yana gelisah

Yana (kiri) bersama dua pelakon filem Histeria, Ainul Aishah (tengah) dan Scha

FILEM arus perdana pertama arahan James Lee, Histeria, sememangnya memberikan impak yang cukup besar buat salah seorang pelakon muda yang membintangi filem seram terbitan Tayangan Unggul itu, iaitu Norliana Samsudin atau lebih dikenali dengan nama komersialnya, Yana.

Bukan saja kali pertama diberi peluang memegang antara watak penting di dalam filem, malah adegan 'berani mati' yang membabitkan wataknya bersama seorang lagi pelakon filem tersebut, Scha juga membuatkan Yana resah menantikan reaksi penonton kelak.

Babak ciuman gadis lesbian bernama Zeta yang dilakonkan oleh Yana dengan karektor Alissa lakonan Scha itu dijangka akan 'memanaskan' panggung apabila filem ini mula ditayangkan di seluruh pawagam Malaysia bermula 18 Disember depan.

Apa yang pasti, babak itu telah pun diluluskan oleh Lembaga Penapisan Filem (LPF) dan lantaran itu, kata Yana, dia yakin adegan tersebut tidak perlu dijadikan satu isu apatah lagi LPF sendiri yang meluluskannya.

Cuma kebimbangan itu tetap lahir dalam diri pelakon dan pengarah muda berusia 24 tahun ini kerana risau dengan tanggapan penonton kelak yang mungkin akan mengaitkan dirinya turut mengamalkan gaya hidup songsang itu.

"Sebenarnya ketika ujibakat dulu, saya cuba untuk karektor bernama Kerek yang akhirnya dilakonkan oleh Norisnainy. Tetapi James Lee minta saya untuk turut mencuba watak Zeta dan tidak sangka pula karektor itu yang ditawarkan pada saya.

"Saya amat seronok dengan tawaran tersebut kerana ia lain dari yang lain. Dan menerusi skripnya, saya sedar Zeta adalah seorang lesbian. Tetapi di dalam skrip tersebut hanya menyebut ada adegan saya berpegangan tangan dengan Alisa, bukan ciuman.

"Babak bercium itu sebenarnya diwujudkan secara spontan ketika di lokasi. Tetapi saya harap penonton tidak mengaitkan watak itu dengan diri saya yang sebenar.

"Apa yang saya lakukan dalam filem itu hanya kerana untuk melengkapkan jalan cerita. Saya sanggup buat pun kerana merasakan ia relevan dengan perjalanan cerita itu," kata Yana tentang karektor 'panas' itu.

Menurut pengarah filem Selamat Pagi Cinta ini, pada awalnya dia dan Scha sangat kekok kerana menyangkakan itu hanya gurauan daripada pengarah.

"Tetapi nasib baik Scha juga 'sporting' dan adegan itu berjaya diselesaikan dalam dua 'take' saja. Apapun, babak itu bukannya dalam aksi ciuman yang mengghairahkan.

"Sebenarnya, kami hanya 'bersentuh' bibir...bukan benar-benar bercium dan babak itu pun hanya beberapa saat. Tetapi, apa yang boleh saya katakan, watak Zeta ini memang benar-benar mencabar emosi saya," tutur penuntut jurusan perfileman di Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) ini.

Histeria adalah sebuah kisah seram yang berlaku di salah sebuah kolej swasta. Tujuh orang pelajar nakal iaitu Alissa, Tini, Malini, Murni, Maryam, Jenny dan Kerek yang menamakan kumpulan mereka sebagai ‘Pink Flamingo’, berpura-pura terkena histeria, hingga terpaksa dipanggil bomoh untuk memulihkan mereka.

Namun tindakan mereka itu mengundang masalah lain apabila mereka dikenakan denda, membersihkan kawasan kolej selama seminggu ketika cuti semester. Mereka ditempatkan di satu dorm yang kelihatan menyeramkan.

Seorang pelajar baru, Zeta juga menyertai mereka. Sebelum Zeta diterima menjadi ahli Pink Flamingo, beliau perlu diuji, iaitu bermalam di sebuah makmal berhantu di mana tujuh pelajar ini turut cuba menakut-nakutkan Zeta.

Namun kejadian menakutkan benar-benar berlaku apabila pelbagai perkara misteri dialami oleh mereka semua. Keadaan bertambah celaru dan mengerikan apabila seorang demi seorang daripada mereka dibunuh kejam oleh satu lembaga yang berkeliaran di kawasan kolej tersebut.

Ada yang mati ditusuk gunting, ada pula digantung di tiang bendera, dicekik leher dan sebagainya. Dan yang terselamat hanyalah Murni namun dia dituduh menjadi pembunuh kepada mereka.

Selain Yana dan Scha, turut membintangi filem ini ialah Liyana Jasmay, Ainul Aishah, Norisnainy, Talya serta kemunculan istimewa pelakon-pelakon hebat seperti Vanidah Imran, Adlin Aman Ramlie, Adman Salleh, M.Rajoli, Namron dan Kaza.

Bercerita tentang perkembangan karier seninya ketika ini, kata Yana, selain terbabit dengan siri promosi filem Histeria, dia juga berkemungkinan akan kembali mengarah filem keduanya selepas Selamat PagiCinta, awal tahun depan.

"Insya-Allah, David Teo ada tawarkan saya untuk mengarah sebuah filem baru. Buat masa ini masih lagi di dalam perbincangan, jadi saya tidak mahu dedahkan dengan lanjut tentang projek ini.

"Saya juga masih lagi ingin lihat respon ramai terhadap filem sulung saya yang kini masih lagi ditayangkan di pawagam.

"Saya kurang pasti berapa jumlah kutipannya setakat ini, tetapi sewaktu empat hari ditayangkan di awal dulu, ia telah mengutip sebanyak RM500,000. Bagi saya, jumlah itu sudah cukup baik untuk permulaan," kata Yana yang akui semakin serasi dengan bidang pengarahan dan lakonan yang diceburinya.

Selamat Pagi Cinta telah dibintangi oleh bekas kekasihnya, Pierre Andre, Fazura, Sharifah Amani dan Que Haidar.

Babak ciuman lesbian buat Yana gelisah

Yana (kiri) bersama dua pelakon filem Histeria, Ainul Aishah (tengah) dan Scha

FILEM arus perdana pertama arahan James Lee, Histeria, sememangnya memberikan impak yang cukup besar buat salah seorang pelakon muda yang membintangi filem seram terbitan Tayangan Unggul itu, iaitu Norliana Samsudin atau lebih dikenali dengan nama komersialnya, Yana.

Bukan saja kali pertama diberi peluang memegang antara watak penting di dalam filem, malah adegan 'berani mati' yang membabitkan wataknya bersama seorang lagi pelakon filem tersebut, Scha juga membuatkan Yana resah menantikan reaksi penonton kelak.

Babak ciuman gadis lesbian bernama Zeta yang dilakonkan oleh Yana dengan karektor Alissa lakonan Scha itu dijangka akan 'memanaskan' panggung apabila filem ini mula ditayangkan di seluruh pawagam Malaysia bermula 18 Disember depan.

Apa yang pasti, babak itu telah pun diluluskan oleh Lembaga Penapisan Filem (LPF) dan lantaran itu, kata Yana, dia yakin adegan tersebut tidak perlu dijadikan satu isu apatah lagi LPF sendiri yang meluluskannya.

Cuma kebimbangan itu tetap lahir dalam diri pelakon dan pengarah muda berusia 24 tahun ini kerana risau dengan tanggapan penonton kelak yang mungkin akan mengaitkan dirinya turut mengamalkan gaya hidup songsang itu.

"Sebenarnya ketika ujibakat dulu, saya cuba untuk karektor bernama Kerek yang akhirnya dilakonkan oleh Norisnainy. Tetapi James Lee minta saya untuk turut mencuba watak Zeta dan tidak sangka pula karektor itu yang ditawarkan pada saya.

"Saya amat seronok dengan tawaran tersebut kerana ia lain dari yang lain. Dan menerusi skripnya, saya sedar Zeta adalah seorang lesbian. Tetapi di dalam skrip tersebut hanya menyebut ada adegan saya berpegangan tangan dengan Alisa, bukan ciuman.

"Babak bercium itu sebenarnya diwujudkan secara spontan ketika di lokasi. Tetapi saya harap penonton tidak mengaitkan watak itu dengan diri saya yang sebenar.

"Apa yang saya lakukan dalam filem itu hanya kerana untuk melengkapkan jalan cerita. Saya sanggup buat pun kerana merasakan ia relevan dengan perjalanan cerita itu," kata Yana tentang karektor 'panas' itu.

Menurut pengarah filem Selamat Pagi Cinta ini, pada awalnya dia dan Scha sangat kekok kerana menyangkakan itu hanya gurauan daripada pengarah.

"Tetapi nasib baik Scha juga 'sporting' dan adegan itu berjaya diselesaikan dalam dua 'take' saja. Apapun, babak itu bukannya dalam aksi ciuman yang mengghairahkan.

"Sebenarnya, kami hanya 'bersentuh' bibir...bukan benar-benar bercium dan babak itu pun hanya beberapa saat. Tetapi, apa yang boleh saya katakan, watak Zeta ini memang benar-benar mencabar emosi saya," tutur penuntut jurusan perfileman di Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) ini.

Histeria adalah sebuah kisah seram yang berlaku di salah sebuah kolej swasta. Tujuh orang pelajar nakal iaitu Alissa, Tini, Malini, Murni, Maryam, Jenny dan Kerek yang menamakan kumpulan mereka sebagai ‘Pink Flamingo’, berpura-pura terkena histeria, hingga terpaksa dipanggil bomoh untuk memulihkan mereka.

Namun tindakan mereka itu mengundang masalah lain apabila mereka dikenakan denda, membersihkan kawasan kolej selama seminggu ketika cuti semester. Mereka ditempatkan di satu dorm yang kelihatan menyeramkan.

Seorang pelajar baru, Zeta juga menyertai mereka. Sebelum Zeta diterima menjadi ahli Pink Flamingo, beliau perlu diuji, iaitu bermalam di sebuah makmal berhantu di mana tujuh pelajar ini turut cuba menakut-nakutkan Zeta.

Namun kejadian menakutkan benar-benar berlaku apabila pelbagai perkara misteri dialami oleh mereka semua. Keadaan bertambah celaru dan mengerikan apabila seorang demi seorang daripada mereka dibunuh kejam oleh satu lembaga yang berkeliaran di kawasan kolej tersebut.

Ada yang mati ditusuk gunting, ada pula digantung di tiang bendera, dicekik leher dan sebagainya. Dan yang terselamat hanyalah Murni namun dia dituduh menjadi pembunuh kepada mereka.

Selain Yana dan Scha, turut membintangi filem ini ialah Liyana Jasmay, Ainul Aishah, Norisnainy, Talya serta kemunculan istimewa pelakon-pelakon hebat seperti Vanidah Imran, Adlin Aman Ramlie, Adman Salleh, M.Rajoli, Namron dan Kaza.

Bercerita tentang perkembangan karier seninya ketika ini, kata Yana, selain terbabit dengan siri promosi filem Histeria, dia juga berkemungkinan akan kembali mengarah filem keduanya selepas Selamat PagiCinta, awal tahun depan.

"Insya-Allah, David Teo ada tawarkan saya untuk mengarah sebuah filem baru. Buat masa ini masih lagi di dalam perbincangan, jadi saya tidak mahu dedahkan dengan lanjut tentang projek ini.

"Saya juga masih lagi ingin lihat respon ramai terhadap filem sulung saya yang kini masih lagi ditayangkan di pawagam.

"Saya kurang pasti berapa jumlah kutipannya setakat ini, tetapi sewaktu empat hari ditayangkan di awal dulu, ia telah mengutip sebanyak RM500,000. Bagi saya, jumlah itu sudah cukup baik untuk permulaan," kata Yana yang akui semakin serasi dengan bidang pengarahan dan lakonan yang diceburinya.

Selamat Pagi Cinta telah dibintangi oleh bekas kekasihnya, Pierre Andre, Fazura, Sharifah Amani dan Que Haidar.

Populariti Mawi, Ekin mampu lariskan Diari Cinta 2009

ATAS dasar populariti dan kisah cinta penyanyi Asmawi Ani dan model Nora'shikin Rahmat yang bakal menaiki jinjang pelamin pada 20 Disember ini, penulis Syed Hassan Al Attas mempertaruhkan mereka sebagai ikon Diari Cinta 2009.

Buku berbentuk diari dan kalimat-kalimat cinta itu ditulis oleh Syed Hassan dan bakal dijual mulai awal Disember depan pada harga RM20.

Menurut pengarah Bina Minda Resources ini, buku tersebut mendapat pengaruh Sastera Arab dan Parsi.

Syed Hassan juga langsung menepis tanggapan yang menyamakan bukunya itu dengan karya penulis novel Ayat Ayat Cinta, Habiburrahman El Shirazy.

"Pada mulanya, saya hendak menulis buku tentang pengajaran cinta tetapi niat saya terhalang apabila komputer yang menyimpan semua tulisan saya sejak 2004 'break down' sebelum bulan puasa lalu.

"Tetapi, pada awal bulan puasa selepas itu, saya mendapat idea untuk menerbitkan diari ini.

"Diari Cinta ini merupakan sedikit usaha saya untuk mengingatkan para pencinta dengan mereka yang dicintai," cerita anak saudara penulis buku politik, Syed Hussein Al Attas ini ketika majlis pelancaran buku tersebut di Oakleaf Park, Bukit Antarabangsa di ibu kota semalam.

Syed Hassan juga menjangkakan buku yang bakal dijual di Malaysia dan Singapura ini bakal mendapat pasaran yang lebih meluas dengan bantuan Mawi dan Ekin.

Walaupun tiada kisah cinta Mawi dan Ekin dalam diari tersebut, Syed Hassan yakin buku yang mempunyai ketebalan hampir 500 muka surat itu mampu menarik golongan remaja untuk merah jambu dan mempunyai gambar wajah Mawi dan Ekin di kulit muka hadapannya itu mempunyai kalimat cinta dan perbahasan perjalanan cinta yang menarik.

Jelas Syed Hassan, kerjasama Mawi dan Ekin di dalam penerbitan buku tersebut juga dilaksanakan atas dasar bisnes di mana Mawi dan Ekin akan mendapat komisen daripada jualan buku tersebut.

Mawi tak rasa dieksploitasi

Dalam pada itu, Mawi dan Ekin tidak merasakan yang ramai pihak termasuk penerbit buku tersebut mengeksploitasi diri mereka untuk melariskan sesuatu produk.

"Saya tertarik untuk bekerjasama menerbitkan Diari Cinta apabila memikirkan ia merupakan suatu benda baru.

"Sebelum ini, orang banyak menceritakan gosip cinta saya dan tak pernah bercerita pasal erti cinta yang sebenarnya.

"Jadi, kami terus bersetuju apabila tercetusnya idea seperti ini yang kami baru tahu bulan lepas.

"Saya tak rasa diri dieksploitasi kerana menganggapnya sebagai suatu urusan bisnes," ujar Mawi.

Ekin pula menambah, dia tidak menyangka perkahwinan mereka mendapat perhatian sebesar ini dan menerima apa yang dilakukan dengan tangan terbuka.

Tukar diari dengan Ekin

Ketika di dalam majlis yang dilancarkan oleh bapa saudara Syed Hassan, Syed Hussein itu, dia menyarankan supaya setiap pasangan suami isteri supaya menukar diari mereka sebulan sekali.

Lantas, Mawi dan Ekin juga memasang niat untuk menukar diari mereka seminggu sekali selepas berkahwin.

Pasangan ini akan dinikahkan pada 20 Disember depan di Johor Bahru.

Dimaklumkan, penerbit Karangkraf ada menawar untuk membuat buku kisah cinta hingga perkahwinan Mawi dan Ekin namun menurut pasangan ini, hal tersebut masih lagi dalam perbincangan.

Populariti Mawi, Ekin mampu lariskan Diari Cinta 2009

ATAS dasar populariti dan kisah cinta penyanyi Asmawi Ani dan model Nora'shikin Rahmat yang bakal menaiki jinjang pelamin pada 20 Disember ini, penulis Syed Hassan Al Attas mempertaruhkan mereka sebagai ikon Diari Cinta 2009.

Buku berbentuk diari dan kalimat-kalimat cinta itu ditulis oleh Syed Hassan dan bakal dijual mulai awal Disember depan pada harga RM20.

Menurut pengarah Bina Minda Resources ini, buku tersebut mendapat pengaruh Sastera Arab dan Parsi.

Syed Hassan juga langsung menepis tanggapan yang menyamakan bukunya itu dengan karya penulis novel Ayat Ayat Cinta, Habiburrahman El Shirazy.

"Pada mulanya, saya hendak menulis buku tentang pengajaran cinta tetapi niat saya terhalang apabila komputer yang menyimpan semua tulisan saya sejak 2004 'break down' sebelum bulan puasa lalu.

"Tetapi, pada awal bulan puasa selepas itu, saya mendapat idea untuk menerbitkan diari ini.

"Diari Cinta ini merupakan sedikit usaha saya untuk mengingatkan para pencinta dengan mereka yang dicintai," cerita anak saudara penulis buku politik, Syed Hussein Al Attas ini ketika majlis pelancaran buku tersebut di Oakleaf Park, Bukit Antarabangsa di ibu kota semalam.

Syed Hassan juga menjangkakan buku yang bakal dijual di Malaysia dan Singapura ini bakal mendapat pasaran yang lebih meluas dengan bantuan Mawi dan Ekin.

Walaupun tiada kisah cinta Mawi dan Ekin dalam diari tersebut, Syed Hassan yakin buku yang mempunyai ketebalan hampir 500 muka surat itu mampu menarik golongan remaja untuk merah jambu dan mempunyai gambar wajah Mawi dan Ekin di kulit muka hadapannya itu mempunyai kalimat cinta dan perbahasan perjalanan cinta yang menarik.

Jelas Syed Hassan, kerjasama Mawi dan Ekin di dalam penerbitan buku tersebut juga dilaksanakan atas dasar bisnes di mana Mawi dan Ekin akan mendapat komisen daripada jualan buku tersebut.

Mawi tak rasa dieksploitasi

Dalam pada itu, Mawi dan Ekin tidak merasakan yang ramai pihak termasuk penerbit buku tersebut mengeksploitasi diri mereka untuk melariskan sesuatu produk.

"Saya tertarik untuk bekerjasama menerbitkan Diari Cinta apabila memikirkan ia merupakan suatu benda baru.

"Sebelum ini, orang banyak menceritakan gosip cinta saya dan tak pernah bercerita pasal erti cinta yang sebenarnya.

"Jadi, kami terus bersetuju apabila tercetusnya idea seperti ini yang kami baru tahu bulan lepas.

"Saya tak rasa diri dieksploitasi kerana menganggapnya sebagai suatu urusan bisnes," ujar Mawi.

Ekin pula menambah, dia tidak menyangka perkahwinan mereka mendapat perhatian sebesar ini dan menerima apa yang dilakukan dengan tangan terbuka.

Tukar diari dengan Ekin

Ketika di dalam majlis yang dilancarkan oleh bapa saudara Syed Hassan, Syed Hussein itu, dia menyarankan supaya setiap pasangan suami isteri supaya menukar diari mereka sebulan sekali.

Lantas, Mawi dan Ekin juga memasang niat untuk menukar diari mereka seminggu sekali selepas berkahwin.

Pasangan ini akan dinikahkan pada 20 Disember depan di Johor Bahru.

Dimaklumkan, penerbit Karangkraf ada menawar untuk membuat buku kisah cinta hingga perkahwinan Mawi dan Ekin namun menurut pasangan ini, hal tersebut masih lagi dalam perbincangan.

Recession fears hit Bollywood

Bollywood braces itself as Indian cinema-goers prefer to hold onto their cash and corporate backers look for guaranteed returns for their money. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

MUMBAI - BOLLYWOOD is tightening its belt in the face of the global economic downturn, as Indian cinema-goers prefer to hold onto their cash and corporate backers look for guaranteed returns for their money.

Producers and analysts say that although the Indian economy has been spared the worst effects of the banking collapse, negative sentiment and fear of contagion have still affected the US$2.1 billion (S$3.1 billion) film industry.

That means more financial scrutiny, particularly after two recent big movies - sci-fi fantasy 'Drona' (Saviour) and the thriller 'Kidnap' - bombed at the box office.

'Some corporates have suffered huge losses and are feeling the cash crunch,' said Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta in his magazine Film Information.

'Coupled with this is the recession abroad. That's why the practices of paying unjustified prices to stars and producers and of trading in films are likely to come to an end.' Big name players in Hollywood have been taking an increasing interest in Bollywood in recent years, with Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox and Disney all signing tie-ups with Indian studios.

Major Indian conglomerates have also tapped into the fast-expanding market, especially lucrative television rights, DVD and video sales and other marketing spin-offs.

But producers are having to think again if they believe funding for their projects will be unlimited and revenue from cinema ticket sales guaranteed, said Mr Nahta.

'Corporates have slowed down and are now going to be extra particular about the films and the heroes they back,' he added.

'Some corporates are reportedly going back on their contracts and relinquishing the rights of films they had acquired when the market was booming. After suffering heavy losses, it's time to become accountable.' Indranil Charkraborty, head of Mumbai Mantra, the film arm of conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra, said the current atmosphere in the industry was one of 'wait and watch'.

'The fresh funds that were coming into the film industry have stopped now.

They (companies) want to see the outcome of the films that they have invested in before going on with the new projects,' he said.

Film producer Mukesh Bhatt said the recession fears had been exacerbated by the inexperience of many companies that dived into the film industry with little knowledge of its workings.

'The recession is for those new entrant corporate companies in Bollywood who jacked up the prices of actors without understanding the business and spoiled the market,' said Bhatt, who runs Vishesh Films.

'Now many of their films have bombed so they are ducking for cover. They don't know where to go. All their future projects are in limbo.

'Every film has its own audiences and economics. These corporates didn't understand this simple business idea. Now the recession is hitting badly and they have no clue what to do,' he said. -- AFP

Recession fears hit Bollywood

Bollywood braces itself as Indian cinema-goers prefer to hold onto their cash and corporate backers look for guaranteed returns for their money. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

MUMBAI - BOLLYWOOD is tightening its belt in the face of the global economic downturn, as Indian cinema-goers prefer to hold onto their cash and corporate backers look for guaranteed returns for their money.

Producers and analysts say that although the Indian economy has been spared the worst effects of the banking collapse, negative sentiment and fear of contagion have still affected the US$2.1 billion (S$3.1 billion) film industry.

That means more financial scrutiny, particularly after two recent big movies - sci-fi fantasy 'Drona' (Saviour) and the thriller 'Kidnap' - bombed at the box office.

'Some corporates have suffered huge losses and are feeling the cash crunch,' said Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta in his magazine Film Information.

'Coupled with this is the recession abroad. That's why the practices of paying unjustified prices to stars and producers and of trading in films are likely to come to an end.' Big name players in Hollywood have been taking an increasing interest in Bollywood in recent years, with Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox and Disney all signing tie-ups with Indian studios.

Major Indian conglomerates have also tapped into the fast-expanding market, especially lucrative television rights, DVD and video sales and other marketing spin-offs.

But producers are having to think again if they believe funding for their projects will be unlimited and revenue from cinema ticket sales guaranteed, said Mr Nahta.

'Corporates have slowed down and are now going to be extra particular about the films and the heroes they back,' he added.

'Some corporates are reportedly going back on their contracts and relinquishing the rights of films they had acquired when the market was booming. After suffering heavy losses, it's time to become accountable.' Indranil Charkraborty, head of Mumbai Mantra, the film arm of conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra, said the current atmosphere in the industry was one of 'wait and watch'.

'The fresh funds that were coming into the film industry have stopped now.

They (companies) want to see the outcome of the films that they have invested in before going on with the new projects,' he said.

Film producer Mukesh Bhatt said the recession fears had been exacerbated by the inexperience of many companies that dived into the film industry with little knowledge of its workings.

'The recession is for those new entrant corporate companies in Bollywood who jacked up the prices of actors without understanding the business and spoiled the market,' said Bhatt, who runs Vishesh Films.

'Now many of their films have bombed so they are ducking for cover. They don't know where to go. All their future projects are in limbo.

'Every film has its own audiences and economics. These corporates didn't understand this simple business idea. Now the recession is hitting badly and they have no clue what to do,' he said. -- AFP

Sir Paul releases new album

McCartney too shows he still has the gift in this album, the 13 tracks of which were each written and recorded in one day, over the period of a year. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

PARIS - PAUL McCartney followed up this weekend's 40th anniversary of the mythical Beatles' White album with the release on Monday of Electric Arguments, a new album produced under the name The Fireman.

This is 66-year-old Sir Paul's third jointly-made album with Martin 'Youth' Glover, 47-year-old former bassist for Killing Joke and the producer behind Urban Hymns, the 1997 hit album by The Verve.

The duo released their first album, Strawberries Ocean Ships Forest, incognito in 1993, before the press revealed McCartney and Glover were behind the experimental project - which they followed up with Rushes in 1998.

Despite the use of unusual sound effects in Electric Arguments, the third album can no longer be described as 'experimental' as it draws on traditional song formats and sometimes features McCartney's vocals.

The result is pure McCartney - and, critics say, pretty good McCartney.

The opening track 'Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight' recalls 'Helter Skelter' - one of the most ambitious pieces on the White album - but in a slower version.

The album also underlines McCartney's talent for melodies, which he sweetly churns out in Two Magpies, Sing The Changes (in the style of his second group, the Wings), Sun is Shining or Dance 'til We're High.

Lifelong Passion blends George Harrison-style ragas from India and the synthetic pop of the seminal 1980s German group Kraftwerk.

After a lacklustre track, Is This Love?, the album moves forward to become truly experimental and incorporates electro-dance.

McCartney too shows he still has the gift in this album, the 13 tracks of which were each written and recorded in one day, over the period of a year.

His solo album Memory Almost Full (2007) had less good moments than this latest project, while Chaos And Creation in The Backyard (2005) is still listed as a McCartney classic.

But it is still as a Beatle that McCartney has created the most buzz.

Fans of the Fab Four last week learnt that a previously unreleased experimental track from 1967, Carnival of Light, could be made public.

The other living Beatle, Ringo Starr, as well as the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, still need to give the green light to the project.

McCartney and Starr also lived to witness another monumental event last weekend - Vatican praise for the legendary group that once fell out of favour with the Holy See.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano marked the anniversary of the White album with a laudatory article on the Beatles, whose frontman Lennon once famously the Fab Four 'more popular than Jesus'. -- AFP

Sir Paul releases new album

McCartney too shows he still has the gift in this album, the 13 tracks of which were each written and recorded in one day, over the period of a year. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

PARIS - PAUL McCartney followed up this weekend's 40th anniversary of the mythical Beatles' White album with the release on Monday of Electric Arguments, a new album produced under the name The Fireman.

This is 66-year-old Sir Paul's third jointly-made album with Martin 'Youth' Glover, 47-year-old former bassist for Killing Joke and the producer behind Urban Hymns, the 1997 hit album by The Verve.

The duo released their first album, Strawberries Ocean Ships Forest, incognito in 1993, before the press revealed McCartney and Glover were behind the experimental project - which they followed up with Rushes in 1998.

Despite the use of unusual sound effects in Electric Arguments, the third album can no longer be described as 'experimental' as it draws on traditional song formats and sometimes features McCartney's vocals.

The result is pure McCartney - and, critics say, pretty good McCartney.

The opening track 'Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight' recalls 'Helter Skelter' - one of the most ambitious pieces on the White album - but in a slower version.

The album also underlines McCartney's talent for melodies, which he sweetly churns out in Two Magpies, Sing The Changes (in the style of his second group, the Wings), Sun is Shining or Dance 'til We're High.

Lifelong Passion blends George Harrison-style ragas from India and the synthetic pop of the seminal 1980s German group Kraftwerk.

After a lacklustre track, Is This Love?, the album moves forward to become truly experimental and incorporates electro-dance.

McCartney too shows he still has the gift in this album, the 13 tracks of which were each written and recorded in one day, over the period of a year.

His solo album Memory Almost Full (2007) had less good moments than this latest project, while Chaos And Creation in The Backyard (2005) is still listed as a McCartney classic.

But it is still as a Beatle that McCartney has created the most buzz.

Fans of the Fab Four last week learnt that a previously unreleased experimental track from 1967, Carnival of Light, could be made public.

The other living Beatle, Ringo Starr, as well as the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, still need to give the green light to the project.

McCartney and Starr also lived to witness another monumental event last weekend - Vatican praise for the legendary group that once fell out of favour with the Holy See.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano marked the anniversary of the White album with a laudatory article on the Beatles, whose frontman Lennon once famously the Fab Four 'more popular than Jesus'. -- AFP

AMAs mix awards with action-packed performances

Paris Hilton, left, and T-Pain are seen at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. - AP pic

LOS ANGELES, Nov 24 — Musical lovebirds Rihanna and Chris Brown captured the first two trophies yesterday at the American Music Awards.

Rihanna won favourite female soul/R&B artist, and Brown won favourite male pop/rock artist. The two were seated together but left one another out of their thank-you speeches.

The show traditionally centres on its performances, though a pair of lacklustre medleys opened the programme at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channelled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channelled an earlier version of themselves during the evening’s first two performances, in which both acts sang their latest singles and greatest hits.

Pink brought a healthy dose of energy to the stage during her performance of “Sober”, which was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland.

Jimmy Kimmel returned for a fifth time as host of the three-hour show, broadcast live on ABC, poking fun at the celebrity-filled crowd during his opening monologue.

Recapping the year in music, he cracked: “Christina Aguilera had a baby ... Mariah Carey married one.”

Carey was among the evening’s other slated performers, along with Beyonce, Kanye West and the Jonas Brothers.

Miley Cyrus wasn’t just slated to sing, she was to celebrate her “Sweet 16” on the show. Coldplay and Leona Lewis were to make their American Music Award debuts, and Alicia Keys and Sarah McLachlan were to perform with yet-to-be-announced artists in genre-crossing mash-ups.

Annie Lennox was to receive the Award of Merit, an honour previously bestowed on Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra and James Brown, among others.

“I can look back now and see the body of work behind me, with Dave Stewart and the Eurythmics and my own solo work. I’m pleased with it,” she said before the show started. “And I want to carry on, so I suppose my longevity is a good thing for other women that are coming out. You don’t have to be 15 or 20. You can be in your fifties, man, and rock.”

There will be other awards, too, chosen by online voters in 21 categories. Keys leads nominees with five nods, including artist of the year and favourite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Coldplay and the Eagles have four nominations each, while Brown and Lil Wayne have three apiece. All are also contenders for artist of the year.

The roster of presenters is just as star-studded as the list of performers. Terrence Howard, Kate Walsh, Paris Hilton, T-Pain, Ashley Tisdale and Nick Lachey are set to help hand out trophies. — AP

AMAs mix awards with action-packed performances

Paris Hilton, left, and T-Pain are seen at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. - AP pic

LOS ANGELES, Nov 24 — Musical lovebirds Rihanna and Chris Brown captured the first two trophies yesterday at the American Music Awards.

Rihanna won favourite female soul/R&B artist, and Brown won favourite male pop/rock artist. The two were seated together but left one another out of their thank-you speeches.

The show traditionally centres on its performances, though a pair of lacklustre medleys opened the programme at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channelled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channelled an earlier version of themselves during the evening’s first two performances, in which both acts sang their latest singles and greatest hits.

Pink brought a healthy dose of energy to the stage during her performance of “Sober”, which was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland.

Jimmy Kimmel returned for a fifth time as host of the three-hour show, broadcast live on ABC, poking fun at the celebrity-filled crowd during his opening monologue.

Recapping the year in music, he cracked: “Christina Aguilera had a baby ... Mariah Carey married one.”

Carey was among the evening’s other slated performers, along with Beyonce, Kanye West and the Jonas Brothers.

Miley Cyrus wasn’t just slated to sing, she was to celebrate her “Sweet 16” on the show. Coldplay and Leona Lewis were to make their American Music Award debuts, and Alicia Keys and Sarah McLachlan were to perform with yet-to-be-announced artists in genre-crossing mash-ups.

Annie Lennox was to receive the Award of Merit, an honour previously bestowed on Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra and James Brown, among others.

“I can look back now and see the body of work behind me, with Dave Stewart and the Eurythmics and my own solo work. I’m pleased with it,” she said before the show started. “And I want to carry on, so I suppose my longevity is a good thing for other women that are coming out. You don’t have to be 15 or 20. You can be in your fifties, man, and rock.”

There will be other awards, too, chosen by online voters in 21 categories. Keys leads nominees with five nods, including artist of the year and favourite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Coldplay and the Eagles have four nominations each, while Brown and Lil Wayne have three apiece. All are also contenders for artist of the year.

The roster of presenters is just as star-studded as the list of performers. Terrence Howard, Kate Walsh, Paris Hilton, T-Pain, Ashley Tisdale and Nick Lachey are set to help hand out trophies. — AP

Vatican: Beatles music better than today’s songs

VATICAN CITY, Nov 24 — Vatican media are praising the Beatles' musical legacy and sounding philosophical about John Lennon's boast that the British band was more popular than Jesus.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano recalls that Lennon's comment outraged many when he made it in 1966.

But it says in its Saturday edition that the remark can be written off now as the bragging of a young man wrestling with unexpected success.

The newspaper as well as Vatican Radio last week noted the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' "White Album."

It said the album demonstrated how creative the Beatles were, compared with what it called the "standardised, stereotypical" songs being produced today. — AP

Vatican: Beatles music better than today’s songs

VATICAN CITY, Nov 24 — Vatican media are praising the Beatles' musical legacy and sounding philosophical about John Lennon's boast that the British band was more popular than Jesus.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano recalls that Lennon's comment outraged many when he made it in 1966.

But it says in its Saturday edition that the remark can be written off now as the bragging of a young man wrestling with unexpected success.

The newspaper as well as Vatican Radio last week noted the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' "White Album."

It said the album demonstrated how creative the Beatles were, compared with what it called the "standardised, stereotypical" songs being produced today. — AP

Jackson and sheikh settle lawsuit

LONDON, Nov 24 — Lawyers for Michael Jackson have reached a settlement with a Bahraini sheikh who says the singer owes him US$7 million (RM25 million) after breaching a signed contract, the pop star's spokeswoman said yesterday.

The out-of-court settlement means Jackson will not be giving evidence at London's High Court as scheduled today, Celena Aponte said.

Scores of journalists and fans had been expected to cram the courtroom for the appearance by the always-unpredictable King of Pop. Aponte said Jackson was informed of the deal as he was about to board a flight to London.

"As Mr Jackson was about to board his plane to London, he was advised by his legal team to postpone his travels since the parties had concluded a settlement in principle," Aponte said. "Therefore, he will not be attending court on Monday."

A representative for the sheik could not immediately be reached late yesterday.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa said he gave the singer millions and planned a series of collaborations following Jackson's acquittal on child molestation charges in June 2005. Al Khalifa, 33, invited Jackson to the small, oil-rich Gulf state to escape the media spotlight.

The sheikh, the second son of the king of Bahrain, said he believed he had formed "a close personal relationship" with the star, whom he referred to affectionately as "my brother."

Al Khalifa said he gave Jackson millions of dollars to help shore up his finances and subsidise Jackson's lifestyle in Bahrain — including more than US$300,000 for a "motivational guru." Al Khalifa, an amateur songwriter, says the pair even moved into the same palace to work on music together.

But Jackson dropped the project in 2006, leaving Bahrain and pulling out of the contract.

Jackson's lawyers have maintained the money was a gift and argued that the musician wasn't bound by the deal because the contract was signed on behalf of 2 Seas Records, a venture which never got off the ground.

The singer originally wanted to avoid coming to London to answer the lawsuit in person, seeking instead to give evidence by video link from the United States. His lawyer, Robert Englehart, had claimed that Jackson should be spared the trans-Atlantic trip due to an unspecified illness, but on Thursday the lawyer said the 50-year-old star had been cleared for travel.

The suit is being heard in London by mutual agreement.

Jackson's purported medical problems — and his sometimes bizarre demeanour — have been a regular feature of previous court appearances. His 2005 trial was punctuated by complaints of back problems, an apparent bout with the flu and visits to the hospital. At one point, the judge had to order the pajama-clad star into court from the emergency room.

His most notorious appearance came in 2002, when a wide-eyed Jackson testified in a California courtroom with what appeared to be a bandage hanging from his nose. — AP

Jackson and sheikh settle lawsuit

LONDON, Nov 24 — Lawyers for Michael Jackson have reached a settlement with a Bahraini sheikh who says the singer owes him US$7 million (RM25 million) after breaching a signed contract, the pop star's spokeswoman said yesterday.

The out-of-court settlement means Jackson will not be giving evidence at London's High Court as scheduled today, Celena Aponte said.

Scores of journalists and fans had been expected to cram the courtroom for the appearance by the always-unpredictable King of Pop. Aponte said Jackson was informed of the deal as he was about to board a flight to London.

"As Mr Jackson was about to board his plane to London, he was advised by his legal team to postpone his travels since the parties had concluded a settlement in principle," Aponte said. "Therefore, he will not be attending court on Monday."

A representative for the sheik could not immediately be reached late yesterday.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa said he gave the singer millions and planned a series of collaborations following Jackson's acquittal on child molestation charges in June 2005. Al Khalifa, 33, invited Jackson to the small, oil-rich Gulf state to escape the media spotlight.

The sheikh, the second son of the king of Bahrain, said he believed he had formed "a close personal relationship" with the star, whom he referred to affectionately as "my brother."

Al Khalifa said he gave Jackson millions of dollars to help shore up his finances and subsidise Jackson's lifestyle in Bahrain — including more than US$300,000 for a "motivational guru." Al Khalifa, an amateur songwriter, says the pair even moved into the same palace to work on music together.

But Jackson dropped the project in 2006, leaving Bahrain and pulling out of the contract.

Jackson's lawyers have maintained the money was a gift and argued that the musician wasn't bound by the deal because the contract was signed on behalf of 2 Seas Records, a venture which never got off the ground.

The singer originally wanted to avoid coming to London to answer the lawsuit in person, seeking instead to give evidence by video link from the United States. His lawyer, Robert Englehart, had claimed that Jackson should be spared the trans-Atlantic trip due to an unspecified illness, but on Thursday the lawyer said the 50-year-old star had been cleared for travel.

The suit is being heard in London by mutual agreement.

Jackson's purported medical problems — and his sometimes bizarre demeanour — have been a regular feature of previous court appearances. His 2005 trial was punctuated by complaints of back problems, an apparent bout with the flu and visits to the hospital. At one point, the judge had to order the pajama-clad star into court from the emergency room.

His most notorious appearance came in 2002, when a wide-eyed Jackson testified in a California courtroom with what appeared to be a bandage hanging from his nose. — AP

Paris Hilton breaks up with boyfriend

Madden and Hilton announce split. — AP pic

LOS ANGELES, Nov 20 — Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up. Hilton publicist Alanna McCarthy said yesterday that the two "remain very good friends." She wouldn't say more.

Hilton and Madden have been photographed wearing rings with each other's initials. The 27-year-old socialite also joined her boyfriend when he toured with his rock band, Good Charlotte.


The 29-year-old Madden plays guitar, and his identical twin brother, Joel, is the lead singer.

Joel Madden has a daughter with Nicole Richie, Hilton's longtime friend and reality-TV co-star. — AP

Paris Hilton breaks up with boyfriend

Madden and Hilton announce split. — AP pic

LOS ANGELES, Nov 20 — Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up. Hilton publicist Alanna McCarthy said yesterday that the two "remain very good friends." She wouldn't say more.

Hilton and Madden have been photographed wearing rings with each other's initials. The 27-year-old socialite also joined her boyfriend when he toured with his rock band, Good Charlotte.


The 29-year-old Madden plays guitar, and his identical twin brother, Joel, is the lead singer.

Joel Madden has a daughter with Nicole Richie, Hilton's longtime friend and reality-TV co-star. — AP

Rapper T.I. testifies in Ohio murder trial

CINCINNATI, Nov 22 — Rapper T.I. testified yesterday that he believes the bullets fired at his entourage during a wild vehicle chase two years ago were meant for him.

He took the witness stand in the trial of Hosea Thomas, 34, who is accused of firing the shot that killed Philant Johnson during a gun battle on Interstate 75.

"All of those rounds were fired for me, in my opinion," he said, adding that he later apologised to Johnson's mother when he called her with the news.

Testifying for the prosecution, T.I. described seeing Johnson, whom he called his best and oldest friend, after their van pulled over. He said Johnson was lying lifeless, blood running down his face from a shot into his left temple.

Johnson was an assistant to T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris.

T.I., 28, said he and Johnson had grown up together in Atlanta and their families were close friends.

The shooting occurred after a post-concert party at a club. T.I. said after his van drove away, he spotted another vehicle that seemed to be trying to move up alongside the van.

"Before I knew it, shots rang out," said T.I, acknowledging that someone returned fire from his van as he took cover. He didn't identify any shooters.

T.I. wasn't harmed, but three others were injured. T.I. testified that he received no response when he called out Johnson's name.

He said that after calling Johnson's mother, he talked to Johnson's young daughter, whom he said was 4 or 5 years old.

"I told her that he was gone to a better place and he won't be coming back. And I told her how much he loved her," he said.

T.I. spoke calmly and directly for a little over a half hour on the stand in a packed, small courtroom in the Hamilton County courthouse.

Prosecutors say Thomas' brother has identified him as the shooter. Padron Thomas was driving a Jeep that allegedly chased the vans used by T.I. and his entourage on May 3, 2006.

Hosea Thomas' attorney said Padron Thomas is testifying against his brother to earn a lesser sentence on federal charges.

T.I. has had his own legal problems. He was sentenced to one year in prison on federal weapons charges after his arrest in October 2007 before the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta for allegedly trying to buy automatic weapons. He is to start his sentence in March after completing 1,000 hours of community service. — AP

Rapper T.I. testifies in Ohio murder trial

CINCINNATI, Nov 22 — Rapper T.I. testified yesterday that he believes the bullets fired at his entourage during a wild vehicle chase two years ago were meant for him.

He took the witness stand in the trial of Hosea Thomas, 34, who is accused of firing the shot that killed Philant Johnson during a gun battle on Interstate 75.

"All of those rounds were fired for me, in my opinion," he said, adding that he later apologised to Johnson's mother when he called her with the news.

Testifying for the prosecution, T.I. described seeing Johnson, whom he called his best and oldest friend, after their van pulled over. He said Johnson was lying lifeless, blood running down his face from a shot into his left temple.

Johnson was an assistant to T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris.

T.I., 28, said he and Johnson had grown up together in Atlanta and their families were close friends.

The shooting occurred after a post-concert party at a club. T.I. said after his van drove away, he spotted another vehicle that seemed to be trying to move up alongside the van.

"Before I knew it, shots rang out," said T.I, acknowledging that someone returned fire from his van as he took cover. He didn't identify any shooters.

T.I. wasn't harmed, but three others were injured. T.I. testified that he received no response when he called out Johnson's name.

He said that after calling Johnson's mother, he talked to Johnson's young daughter, whom he said was 4 or 5 years old.

"I told her that he was gone to a better place and he won't be coming back. And I told her how much he loved her," he said.

T.I. spoke calmly and directly for a little over a half hour on the stand in a packed, small courtroom in the Hamilton County courthouse.

Prosecutors say Thomas' brother has identified him as the shooter. Padron Thomas was driving a Jeep that allegedly chased the vans used by T.I. and his entourage on May 3, 2006.

Hosea Thomas' attorney said Padron Thomas is testifying against his brother to earn a lesser sentence on federal charges.

T.I. has had his own legal problems. He was sentenced to one year in prison on federal weapons charges after his arrest in October 2007 before the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta for allegedly trying to buy automatic weapons. He is to start his sentence in March after completing 1,000 hours of community service. — AP

Paul Newman’s will includes wife, foundation

NEW YORK, Nov 22 — Paul Newman has left his assets to his wife, the Oscars to his foundation and the race cars to the highest bidder.

A will made public this week shows that Newman, who died in September, left his personal property, including real estate, to Joanne Woodward.

The 10-time Academy Award nominee, who won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, left those statues and other awards to the Newman's Own Foundation. Interest in Newman's Own and Salad King also went to the foundation, which will distribute all profits to charity.

The will also directed that his airplane and race cars be sold, with proceeds going to his estate.

Signed on April 11, Newman's will was filed in Connecticut and was first reported by radaronline.com. — AP

Paul Newman’s will includes wife, foundation

NEW YORK, Nov 22 — Paul Newman has left his assets to his wife, the Oscars to his foundation and the race cars to the highest bidder.

A will made public this week shows that Newman, who died in September, left his personal property, including real estate, to Joanne Woodward.

The 10-time Academy Award nominee, who won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, left those statues and other awards to the Newman's Own Foundation. Interest in Newman's Own and Salad King also went to the foundation, which will distribute all profits to charity.

The will also directed that his airplane and race cars be sold, with proceeds going to his estate.

Signed on April 11, Newman's will was filed in Connecticut and was first reported by radaronline.com. — AP

Kanye West’s new album to debut on MySpace Music

Kanye West's new CD is now on MySpace Music. - AP pic

NEW YORK, Nov 22 — Add Kanye West to the list of artists previewing their new CDs on MySpace Music.

The 31-year-old rapper's "808s & Heartbreak" doesn't come out until Monday, but fans have been able to hear the entire CD starting yesterday.

West is the latest act to debut a CD on MySpace before its official release. Guns 'N Roses, Paul McCartney and Beyonce have all done the same. The Killers will do so today with their CD, "Day & Age."

It has become a regular practice to offer some kind of live stream of new CDs in the days before their release on one website. — AP

Kanye West’s new album to debut on MySpace Music

Kanye West's new CD is now on MySpace Music. - AP pic

NEW YORK, Nov 22 — Add Kanye West to the list of artists previewing their new CDs on MySpace Music.

The 31-year-old rapper's "808s & Heartbreak" doesn't come out until Monday, but fans have been able to hear the entire CD starting yesterday.

West is the latest act to debut a CD on MySpace before its official release. Guns 'N Roses, Paul McCartney and Beyonce have all done the same. The Killers will do so today with their CD, "Day & Age."

It has become a regular practice to offer some kind of live stream of new CDs in the days before their release on one website. — AP

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz delivers baby boy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and her rock-star husband Pete Wentz have become parents for the first time, People magazine reported on Friday.

Simpson-Wentz, 24, delivered a boy, named Bronx Mowgli Wentz, on Thursday, and all are doing well, People quoted a spokesperson as saying.

The report did not specify a location, but rival tabloid In Touch Weekly reported earlier on Thursday that Simpson-Wentz was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The singer, the younger sister of tabloid magnet Jessica Simpson, has released three albums, and is famous for singing to a prerecorded track that malfunctioned on "Saturday Night Live" in 2004. She married Wentz this past May.

Wentz is the bass player and main lyricist for the pop-punk band Fall Out Boy, which topped the U.S. album chart in February 2007 with its most recent album, "Infinity on High."

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz delivers baby boy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and her rock-star husband Pete Wentz have become parents for the first time, People magazine reported on Friday.

Simpson-Wentz, 24, delivered a boy, named Bronx Mowgli Wentz, on Thursday, and all are doing well, People quoted a spokesperson as saying.

The report did not specify a location, but rival tabloid In Touch Weekly reported earlier on Thursday that Simpson-Wentz was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The singer, the younger sister of tabloid magnet Jessica Simpson, has released three albums, and is famous for singing to a prerecorded track that malfunctioned on "Saturday Night Live" in 2004. She married Wentz this past May.

Wentz is the bass player and main lyricist for the pop-punk band Fall Out Boy, which topped the U.S. album chart in February 2007 with its most recent album, "Infinity on High."