Janet Jackson gives birth to baby boy
Pop star Janet Jackson has given birth to her first child, a boy, at the age of 50. “Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana are thrilled to welcome their new son Eissa Al Mana into the world,” the singer’s representative said in a statement, “Janet had a stress-free healthy delivery and is resting comfortably.” Jackson and Qatari businessman Al Mana married in 2012, and the singer in April postponed her Unbreakable world tour so they could focus on starting a family. Jackson, the fiercely private youngest child of the famed Jackson singing clan, has not given any details of the pregnancy or where the baby was born. — Reuters
Pregnancy rumours surround George and Amal Clooney
Hollywood movie star George Clooney and his wife, international rights lawyer Amal Clooney, are expecting twins later this year, according to Lebanon's Daily Star. The babies are due in March, a family friend close to the couple told the publication, adding that the Clooney's had already begun preparing for the births. Rumours have continued to swirl around Clooney, 55, and Amal, 38, regarding whether they are having a baby or getting divorced. News agencies have, in recent years, allegedly that George doesn't want children and that Amal's busy schedule keeps them apart. Neither party has confirmed or denied the recent pregnancy speculation. — IANS
TV stage director Jeffrey Hayden dies at 90
Jeffrey Hayden, who directed early live television plays with stars including James Dean, has died. He was 90. Hayden directed early network TV colour specials Lady in the Dark and The Chocolate Soldier as well as Philco Television Playhouse live dramas with stars including Walter Matthau and Paul Newman. His extensive series credits included The Andy Griffith Show, Leave it to Beaver, 77 Sunset Strip, Cagney and Lacey and Magnum, P.I. Hayden, a New York native and graduate of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, was active in civil rights movements of the 1950s and '60s, according to his biography. — AP
McDonald’s film set for January release
A film based on Ray Kroc, founder of the global fast food chain McDonald’s, will be released on January 20. Dubbed The Founder, American actor Michael Keaton will portray Kroc in the film. The movie has been directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert Siegel. “The Founder tells the real life story of Kroc, who transformed McDonald’s from a San Bernardino hamburger stand into a global empire with over 35,000 locations around the world,” read a statement from distributors, PVR Pictures. The film also features Laura Dern as Kroc’s wife. — IANS
Vin Diesel to visit India this month
Hollywood star Vin Diesel will visit India next week to promote the forthcoming film xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Indian actress Deepika Padukone, who features in the movie, confirmed his visit with a tweet in Hindi. "Vin, India is waiting for you with bated breath. Will meet you soon on January 12 and January 13. Lots of love from us," the 30-year-old tweeted. The movie, the third instalment in the xXx series was released in Indian on January 4, ahead of a global roll-out. The movie marks Padukone's first foray into Hollywood. — IANS
Arjun Rampal incurs mystery injury
Actor Arjun Rampal has said he's soldiering on despite a recent eye injury. "Now I know how a one-eyed pirate sees the world. A minor eye injury. Nothing as serious as it looks. Hugely disorienting. See you soon," Rampal posted on Instagram along with a photograph of his bandaged eye. The 44-year-old actor most recently appeared on screen last year in the Indian thriller Kahaani 2. He will next be seen in Daddy, based on the life of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli. The film is helmed by respected screenwriter and director Ashim Ahluwalia. — IANS
Akshay Kumar excited about mystery project
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who has been cast as the lead a co-production by Karan Johar and Salman Khan, hopes that the project will be a resounding success. In an announcement shrouded in mystery, Khan confirmed the new endeavour to fans via social media this week. “Coming together for a film produced by friends, @BeingSalmanKhan and @karanjohar, starring me! Out in 2018,” Kumar wrote on Twitter. “I am very excited to be a part of the film, and I’m hoping that a very good film is going to be made,” he added to the media. “Supremely excited to co-produce with Salman Khan on a film starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Anurag Singh. Releasing 2018,” Johar tweeted. — IANS
