The filmmaker Sanjay Gupta Friday confirmed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will portray the female lead in his forthcoming movie Jazbaa.
"Yes guys it's true. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play the dynamic female lead in my action/thriller 'Jazbaa'," Gupta posted on Twitter, putting to rest rumours about her presence in the film. Aishwarya's official spokesperson confirmed the news. Known for directing entertainers like Kaante and Shootout at Lokhandwala, Gupta is perhaps collaborating with the actress for the first time. Bachchan is currently attending to her commitment as a brand ambassador for the cosmetics brand L'Oreal Paris at Cannes. She was due to make an appearance at the 67th Cannes International Film Festival gala on Friday, but she was unable to reach in time due to an air-traffic controllers' strike in France. She will now make an appearance on May 20. On the big screen, Aishwarya was last seen in Guzaarish in 2010. – IANS
Metal band singer gets six years for murder plot
The lead singer of the band As I Lay Dying has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to kill his wife. The 33-year-old Timothy Lambesis was sentenced Friday in San Diego County. He had pleaded guilty to soliciting murder. Authorities say Lambesis hired an undercover sheriff’s detective to kill Meggan Lambesis last year. The singer said she had restricted his visits with their children after a separation, and he also was angry that his wife would get a large share of his income in a divorce settlement. His attorney said Lambesis acted out of character and the behaviour was sparked by steroid use. As I Lay Dying was formed in San Diego in 2000. The metal band was nominated for a Grammy in 2008. – AP
Mel Gibson’s domestic violence conviction vacated
A Los Angeles court has vacated Mel Gibson’s misdemeanour domestic violence battery conviction in a case filed after a highly publicised fight with his ex-girlfriend. The dismissal was finalised last week by Superior Court Judge Deborah Brazil, and her order was released on Friday.
Gibson pleaded no contest in 2011 to one count of misdemeanour spousal battery of his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. He was sentenced to three years of probation, domestic violence counselling and two days of community service. The Oscar-winning director completed the terms of his sentence within a year. He was accused of striking Grigorieva during a fight in January 2010, although she did not report the incident to authorities until months later. By then, the pair was locked in a custody battle over their infant daughter. – AP
Companies sue over possible Jackson hologram
The owners of technology used to create holograms are asking a federal judge to block the use of their techniques in any effort to project a Michael Jackson hologram at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards. Hologram USA Inc. and Musion Das Hologram Ltd. sued Jackson's estate and producers of the awards show on Thursday in a Nevada federal court in an attempt to block any appearance of a Jackson hologram at Sunday's ceremony. Producers have not confirmed that a Jackson hologram will appear at the show, but they have promised a history-making performance by Jackson. Representatives of Jackson's estate and show producers dick clerk productions did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The Jackson segment during last Sunday's show in Las Vegas will be used to promote the singer's latest posthumous album, Xscape. – AP
