Shah Rukh’s detention has Bollywood shocked, disgusted

New Delhi, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s two-hour detention at Newark airport in the US over his surname had members of the Indian film industry fuming. Karan Johar was “shocked”, actress Priyanka said it was “downright disgraceful” and filmmaker Kabir Khan termed it “harassment”.

The 43-year-old actor was detained while he was on his way to Chicago to attend an event related to India’s Independence Day and was freed only after Indian diplomats intervened.

Here’s what King Khan’s friends and colleagues had to say:

Karan Johar: I am shocked and upset…feeling terrible for Shah Rukh.

Priyanka Chopra: Shocking, disturbing and downright disgraceful. It’s such behaviour that fuels hatred and racism. Shah Rukh Khan is a world figure for god’s sake. Get real!

Kabir Khan: When I heard this news, I was so surprised…it has almost become a routine. If you have a Muslim name you are bound to be questioned. It happened with me thrice in the US. I was stopped by immigration officials for three to five hours… they don’t care whether you are a celebrity or whoever.

But when it comes to Shah Rukh, it doesn’t take more than 20 seconds to figure out who he is�any search engine (on the Internet) will give more information on him than Hollywood stars Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt and despite that if it took them two hours to figure out, then its harassment.

Post 9/11 it is prejudice to have a person’s name and religion checked and it is very discouraging as well.

Pritish Nandy: This is the problem with law enforcers worldwide…Truly obnoxious. Cops don’t want to recognise anybody. They love to show their power and authority, especially in the US.

Kunal Kohli: It’s really disgusting. Even if they had done a Google search on their mobiles, they would have seen who he is. What were they checking for two hours on their super computers? To detain him for two hours is ridiculous, disgusting and an insult to us Indians.

Arindam Chaudhari: Shah Rukh has just finished his film “My Name Is Khan” in which his character tries to prove to the Americans that he is not a terrorist. I’m sure he never thought it would happen in real life too…What a shame! It’s shocking and shameful because I am sure Shah Rukh would have had to explain who he is.

It’s Shah Rukh so it’s become big news. But there many who constantly go through this everyday. It’s really sad.

Eesha Koppikhar: I am not sure of the exact events but if he was detained just because he is a Muslim with Khan as a last name, it is very wrong.

Bollywood icon SRK detained in US, send fans into a tizzy

New York/New Delhi, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was detained and questioned by immigration officials at a US airport for more than two hours on arrival to take part in a function to mark India’s Independence Day, sending his fans into a tizzy.

But hours after being detained at the Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey Friday, Khan participated at an event advertised as a “Dinner with Shah Rukh Khan” at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino.

Though he jokingly referred to the incident during his performance, SRK spoke out strongly against his treatment at the airport after the event, saying “it was not a good feeling” when the security officials took him to a separate room for questioning.

“I appreciated my independence a million times more today, I wish I was in India on Independence Day,” said Khan who was on way to Chicago to take part in an Independence Day event.

In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Vishnu Prakash said India had taken up the issue with the US embassy.

“The matter was taken up with the US embassy,” Prakash said.

In a statement, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer said: “We are trying to ascertain the facts of the case – to understand what took place.”

Shah Rukh was a “global icon” and “he is a very welcome guest in the United States. Many Americans love his films,” the envoy added.

The Indian consulate in New York said by the time they were informed about the incident and contacted the superstar, Khan said the incident was already over.

“I was taken to a room for questioning. They said my name kept popping up on the computer,” Khan was quoted as saying. Immigration officers wanted to know why Khan was visiting the US. after his name appeared on a computer screen at a counter.

“Khan is a Muslim name, and I think the name is common on their checklist,” the actor said. “I was waiting for my bags. I thought it was nice of them to take me to another room, but that was apparently a second check. I had my papers in order.”

“I was really hassled at the airport because of my name being Khan…The couple of hours of interrogation wanting to know if I know anyone in America while all around people were vouching for me from India and Pakistan (sic),” the Bollywood superstar said in a statement.

“Only these guys just would not let me through. Finally they allowed me to make a call, which I did and the Indian Consulate helped me through.”

“It was absolutely uncalled for I think, me having just finished working there for more than a month…just a couple of weeks ago. They said I have a common name which is causing the delay…checked my bags…I felt angry and humiliated,” Khan said.

He said after about an hour, he asked the officials if he could make a call. “They said it was not allowed from here but they could make an exception. I called a friend who contacted an Indian embassy official who came and vouched for me,” Khan said.

“I am assuming this country is paranoid with a certain section of religion in the world. This has happened to me before. This is not the first time.”

Khan’s latest film “My Name is Khan” produced by Khan and director Karan Johar is set against the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and examines their impact on an Indian Muslim living in the US.

The film, shot largely in the US, is near completion and US-based Fox Star Studios has secured the global distribution rights for a deal which industry insiders estimate to be about 20 million dollars.

Shah Rukh detained in US airport – over ‘Khan’ name

New York/New Delhi, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was Saturday questioned for two hours at the Newark airport in the US over his surname and was freed only after Indian diplomats intervened.

The Indian government and entertainment industry reacted furiously after the 43-year-old actor, named by Newsweek last year as one of the world’s 50 most powerful men, revealed how he was detained and stopped from even using his mobile telephone.

Speaking to CNN-IBN channel on telephone from the US, Shah Rukh appeared to shrug off the embarrassing episode saying he had suffered similar treatment previously too.

The incident happened as the hugely popular actor, whose fans number millions in India and abroad, was on his way to Chicago to attend an event related to India’s Independence Day.

Other Bollywood stars like Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan too are set to attend the function.

“They checked me because I was an Asian,” the actor said. “They wanted to know why I came to the US and where I am staying.”

Shah Rukh’s manager Niloufer Qureshi earlier told IANS over telephone from Mumbai: “He was detained because his surname is Khan. He was kept until officials from the Indian embassy intervened.”

Asked if he got into trouble because of his giveaway Muslim name, Shah Rukh, who is married to a Hindu, said: “Certain countries have issues with my name.” He quickly added: “I am very proud of my name.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni denounced Shah Rukh’s detention over religious grounds.

“I don’t think that this manner of detaining (in the name of religion) is justified. But in the US, several examples have surfaced where frisking takes place more than required,” she told reporters in New Delhi. “There should be a tit for tat response.”

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, a close friend of Shah Rukh, said in Mumbai: “I am shocked and upset. I am feeling terrible.”

Shah Rukh admitted that he became “greatly worried” as the American officials piled him with questions — mainly about his travel to the US.

The actor said a large number of Indians, including organisers of the Chicago event, were waiting outside at the airport to receive him. Indian diplomats came to his rescue when they heard about his plight.

He said it was ironic that the incident happened on the eve of Aug 15 — when freedom is celebrated by Indians.

“I personally feel it is over and done,” he said, sounding conciliatory. Asked if he felt like reacting in a similar way, he replied: “If they want I can frisk Angelina Jolie when she is here (India).”

Undoubtedly one of Bollywood’s biggest and most highly paid stars, Shah Rukh has acted in nearly 70 films in a career spanning 17 years.

Heidi's Playboy Shoot: Today's Celebrity News

Heidi Montag's Playboy cover is about to launch, but like all things "Pratt Pack," you get to hear about it before it's even a thing. Heidi and husband Spencer Pratt debuted her Playboy cover at the premiere of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. While we do not understand why they were invited and/or allowed to promote something unrelated, the publicity stunt definitely garnered Heidi's September cover a lot of attention. The cover features Heidi covered in mud with the Playboy bunny drawn on her stomach. For someone who we love to hate, it's weirdly sexy and worthy of a Google.

Victoria Beckham did not renew her contract with Emporio Armani for the fashion line's underwear campaign. Are you OK with that? We're definitely OK with that. And -- drum roll -- rumor has it that Megan Fox might be taking over. Did you hear that? That's the sound of angels crying.

After jungle, Varma and Priyanka head to beaches

After shooting in dense Sri Lankan jungles, Priyanka (Nisha) Kothari has convinced director Ram Gopal Varma to shoot the promotional videos of his latest “Agyaat” on safer and calmer locales like beaches.

Priyanka had a tough time shooting for “Agyaat” as Varma made her wear skimpy clothes. As a result, after the shoot in the jungle she would end up having bruises and scars across her arms, legs and abdomen as well as swellings.

Every evening after pack up, she would nurse her wounds. After they finished shooting, Priyanka promised herself that she would never go back to the jungle.

When Varma decided to shoot the two promotional songs with her in the jungle, she didn’t want to go back. She managed to convince him to shoot at a beach in Sri Lanka.

Varma gave in and shot the songs on the beach.

Aishwarya Rai to crack down on ‘false’ write ups about her

Mumbai, Upset over “fabricated” media stories about her private life, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has threatened legal action against those responsible, a statement issued by her publicist said Thursday.

“Certain sections of the press have been behaving in a callous manner and have been putting together articles or pieces without any semblance of truth and furthermore they have been attributing quotes to the actor which are baseless and false. Previously our client preferred to remain silent to let better sense prevail be it the news when she was married off to a tree or otherwise. This silence should not be misconstrued as a weakness,” the statement read.

The statement was issued to counter an article titled “Career more important than family” by a website where one of the quotes attributed to the actress read: “If I want to remain in the film industry then I need to stay fit”, that implied that she will not have children. The article also stated that her actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan was in agreement with her stand.

“She is one actress who never made any statements that her marriage can wait and she will focus on her career. When she did, she got her family’s blessings and got married in the middle of a film and has been a thorough professional even after her wedding,” the statement said.

“We must not forget that besides being a star in every right Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is about a daughter, a wife, and a daughter in law, a symbol of our tradition and she has always believed and practiced values that govern our society. Irresponsible statements about her private life will not be left to grow without a strong rebuttal,” it added.

The statement also warned of strict legal action against those behind such stories about the 35-year-old.

“This may be read and understood in no uncertain terms that hence forth we would be forced to take legal recourse in any such event of a piece or article appearing without any credibility or which is an absolute fabrication of one’s imagination… We must respect Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for her stand to remain silent on such baseless rumors but it would be wrong to use her name to further a personal cause or career,” it read.

Jessica Alba pregnant

Jessica Alba pregnant

Jessica Alba is pregnant.

The 26-year-old 'Fantastic Four' actress is expecting her first child with boyfriend Cash Warren in late spring next year.

Her representative Brad Cafarelli said: "I can confirm that Jessica and Cash are expecting a baby in late spring, early summer."

Jessica - who met Cash on the set of 'Fantastic Four' in 2004 where the 28-year-old was working as a director's assistant - is reportedly "thrilled" with the news, and can't wait to be a mother.

A source close to the Latina actress said: "Jessica was really jealous that all her friends were settling down and getting pregnant, so she is thrilled she has joined the club now.

"She feels like she is ready to be a mom, and knows she and Cash will make great parents."

The couple reportedly split earlier this year, but quickly rekindled their romance and have recently been indulging in public displays of affection.

After shopping for new mattresses on Saturday (08.12.07), the pair attended a basketball game in Los Angeles where they were more interesting in kissing and cuddling than watching the Los Angeles Lakers game.

Jessica recently said she was planning to take eight months off work, but didn't specify why.

She said: "I've worked the last two and a half years without stopping. This is the time to do it."

Alessandra Ambrosio Pictures

Why Is She Famous?

Alessandra Ambrosio has appeared in dozens of fashion campaigns, for the likes of GUESS, Revlon, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. In 2008, Alessandra signed on to replace Gisele Bundchen in Victoria's Secret's popular Angels campaign.

Sexiness

If Gisele Bundchen is the only Brazilian supermodel's name you know, it's high time you checked out Alessandra Ambrosio. She's been described as "the future of modeling" by Ms. Tyra Banks herself. Although we don't always agree with Tyra's c

hoices when our female companions force us to sit through episodes of America's Next Top Model, this time we thinks she's right. This long-legged goddess has received plenty of attention over the past two years after being ranked No. 36 and then No. 6 on AskMen.com's list of the Top 99 Most Desirable Women.

We love that Alessandra Ambrosia isn't just rail thin; she actually works for her body. “I work out with my Brazilian trainer, Leandro,” she explains. “He invented the Brazilian Butt Lift which is a mix of samba, capoeira and aerobics.” Here's to hoping the Brazilian Butt Lift makes its way to gyms across America very soon.

Success

What does it take to become a supermo

del? It helps to have a statuesque figure, fabulously long legs, sultry bedroom eyes, and impeccable genes. In short, it helps to look exactly like Alessandra Ambrosio. This Brazilian bombshell has appeared in high-profile campaigns for GUESS, Revlon, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and of course, Victoria’s Secret.

And in 2008, Alessandra Ambrosio signed on to replace the departing Gisele Bundchen in the lingerie company’s popular Angels campaign.

Quotes

"I have seven different jewels for my piercing. Every day I wear a different one according to the clothes I am wearing."
- Alessandra Ambrosio

Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper Dinner Date

Jennifer Aniston has found a new Brad!

The former Friends star was seen enjoying a cozy late-night dinner with Bradley Cooper, in a romantic New York restaurant on Thursday.

Jen and Brad, who starred together in He's Just Not That Into You, were spotted leaving Ristorante Il Cantinori after spending two hours in the Italian restaurant.

Rumors have been flying ever since the pair was seen getting close at the premiere of Jen's new movie ‘Management.'

Bradley denied the rumors earlier saying he found rumors linking him to Aniston "flattering."

He added that he's looking "for humor, great personality, intelligence, inner and outer beauty" in a woman. Oh, and the one must? "She has to like my dogs [Samson and Charlotte]. My dogs and I come in package."

That shouldn't be a problem for Aniston, a canine lover with two dogs of her own, Norman and Dolly.

What do you think? Do they seem like a match made in heaven?

MARIA To Wear Paloma Picasso Earrings

Tiffany & Co. today announced that Maria will wear Paloma Picasso earrings at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, June 22 - July 5 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.The partnership between Maria and Tiffany & Co. provides the tennis star with Tiffany earrings to wear at each of the four Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Called Tiffany for Maria Sharapova, the special group of earrings captures her natural grace and style and gives customers and fans access to the Tiffany jewelry preferred by the three-time Grand Slam winner.
The earrings selected for Wimbledon are a custom-made 18 karat gold drop design from Paloma's Zellige collection, based on centuries-old mosaic patterns that surround the fountain at Paloma Picasso's home in Morocco. "The inspiration for these earrings is so chic and original," Maria said. "Their distinctive beauty is a reflection of Paloma Picasso's talent for creating bold jewelry statements that are easy to wear, which makes them perfect for Wimbledon."

Carrie Prejean Stripped Of Miss California Title

Donald Trump and Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean attend a press conference at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 in New York City Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Carrie Prejean has been stripped of her Miss California title.

"The Miss California USA Organization, in conjunction with the Miss Universe Organization and with the blessing of its owner, Mr. Donald J. Trump, announced today the termination of Carrie Prejean as Miss California USA 2009, citing continued breach of contract issues," the Miss California Organization said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

The group kicked the controversial beauty queen from her post due to "contract violations including Ms. Prejean's unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization," the pageant's Executive Director, Keith Lewis, said in a statement.

Last month, Trump decided that Prejean would be allowed to keep her crown despite racy photos of the 22-year-old surfacing on the Internet. But Lewis claims that in the weeks that followed, the beauty queen did not step up to the plate.

"Since that time it has become abundantly clear that Carrie is unwilling to fulfill her obligations under our contract and work together," Lewis' statement continued.

Billy Bush broke the news to Prejean on Wednesday afternoon when he called her for Access Hollywood and "The Billy Bush Show."

"We've just found out from Keith Lewis, your executive director there, that it's official, they have put out a statement and you have been fired," Bush said.

"Well, that's the first that I know about that, Billy," Prejean said.

"Really?" he continued.

"Yeah. I was just talking to my lawyer and I just got a phone call from you and I've gotten some text messages saying 'Hey, is this really true?' and I said, 'True about what?' and they said, 'That you've been fired.' And I started to laugh because everyone's been cooperating and everyone's been getting along so well," she said. "This is the first that I've heard of it. This is funny to me. I have no idea what's going on."

Trump was also involved in Wednesday's dethroning, and leant his voice to her dismissal.

"I told Carrie she needed to get back to work and honor her contract with the Miss California USA Organization and I gave her the opportunity to do so," Trump said his statement. "Unfortunately it just doesn't look like it is going to happen and I offered Keith my full support in making this decision. Carrie is a beautiful young woman and I wish her well as she pursues other interests."

Miss Malibu Tami Farrell, who was the First Runner-Up, is now Miss California.

In addition to the semi-nude photo scandal, Prejean's reign as Miss California also created headlines at the Miss USA pageant in April after she answered a question from Perez Hilton regarding her stance on gay marriage. She said she believed marriage "should be between a man and a woman."

Shanna Moakler quit the Miss California Organization, where she had served as a co-executive director back in May after Trump let Prejean keep her crown. When asked last month by Access Hollywood's Billy Bush if she would return to the group if Prejean quit, Moakler said she would.

"Absolutely," she said. "In a heartbeat.... It's not [a] 'her or me'[situation]. It's you... have to, at some point, make her take responsibility."

And on Wednesday, not long after the news broke, Moakler issued a statement to Access over Prejean's firing.

"First and foremost, my faith has been restored in the Miss Universe Organization and with Donald Trump. I believed eventually what I intimately knew would come to fruition," Moakler said.

Will Adam Lambert's Rolling Stone Interview Hurt Or Help His Career?

So this week, Adam Lambert's salivatingly-awaited, serpentine-accessorized Rolling Stone cover issue comes out. And I mean that literally. Yes, it's in this RS interview that Adam comes out of his fabulously appointed, leather-pants-filled closet to announce what all the world already knew: That he is (gasp!) gay.

"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay," Adam correctly states, adding: "I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it." (As if there was ever ANYTHING about Adam Lambert's public persona that seemed shy or self-effacing!)

Yeah, yeah, I know--not so shocking. Not nearly as shocking as Lambert losing on Idol, really. It's not like Adam ever even slightly denied that he is homosexual. This is a guy who, on the most exciting Idol finale ever, not only performed in drag-queen-supplied Bob Mackie angel wings and platform Kiss boots from his "private collection," but also took on the Freddie Mercury role for the gay-rights Queen anthem "We Are The Champions," after all.

But Adam's sexuality was likely something he wasn't allowed to officially discuss before now (past gay Idol contestants like R.J. Helton, Jim Verrarros, and Danny Noriega have all publicly claimed that the show ordered them to keep mum regarding their sexual orientation--how very "don't ask, don't tell," huh?). Or frankly, his sexuality just wasn't something he felt was necessary to discuss within the context of the Idol competition.

As Adam says in his RS interview: "I was worried that [coming out] would be so sensationalized that it would overshadow what I was there to do, which was sing. I'm an entertainer, and who I am and what I do in my personal life is a separate thing."

However, media attention regarding Adam's personal life has only intensified since AmIdol wrapped up last month, from the jillion tabloid photos of him holding hands with reported boyfriend Drake Labry, to the jillion outcries from gay groups and, um, Perez Hilton demanding that he officially come out and shout, "I AM GAY!" through a glittery, rainbow-striped bullhorn. Such public pressure seems odd, since it's not like anyone ever insisted that Taylor Hicks or David Cook hold press conferences to state on the record: "Hey everybody, I dig women." Go figure.

But anyway, now that Adam has finally addressed all the speculation and the "pink elephant" in the room, in his characteristically flashy and flamboyant manner (just LOOK at that cover photo!), I sincerely hope everyone can just move on and remember what an amazing and unique talent he is. Hopefully, by the time Adam's debut album comes out later this year, the public focus will be back on the important stuff: you know, his music, his voice, his nail polish, his awesome hair, his guyliner, etc. Anything but his gayness.

If that turns out to be the case, and this Rolling Stone cover story--which hits newsstands only a few weeks after Adam's Idol season, as opposed to the six long years it took for Clay Aiken to come out on the cover of People--finally puts all the gay gossip to bed (so to speak), then this is a very shrewd career move. But I will admit that I'm worried it could be a career-killer. I had the same worries when that splashy Entertainment Weekly "Is He Gay?" cover story came out only a week or so before the Idol finale, fearing that it would ruin Adam's chances. I'm still not sure it didn't...

Yes, I know that almost immediately after Adam lost on Idol, the show's powers-that-be went into PC spin-control overdrive, emphatically asserting that his shocking second-place finish had simply come down to a matter of the public's musical taste, and that it had absolutely nothing to do with religion, sexuality, or politics. Except...it probably DID. Let's be real, now.

"It shouldn't matter. Except it does. It's really confusing," Adam tells Rolling Stone.

Okay, okay. I am sure there were several other reasons why Adam lost on American Idol. I do deeply want to believe that--as Ryan Seacrest also hoped out loud on Late Night With Conan O'Brien last Friday--the majority of Americans simply voted for the Idol contestant whose SINGING they liked best, not whose lifestyle they approved of most. But while it would be overly cynical to assume that Adam's rumored homosexuality (and by "rumored," I mean "completely assumed due to widely circulated, Bill O'Reilly-criticized photos of him smooching other pretty-boys in drag") was the main reason he didn't win, it would also be naive to assume that it wasn't a factor at all. Did the EW story, however well-intentioned (it was penned by openly gay, very respected journalist Mark Harris), make matters worse? I don't know.

I just hope this Rolling Stone article (in which Adam even controversially confesses a Kris Allen crush, saying, "He's the one guy I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty, and totally my type--except that he has a wife") helps more than it hurts. I don't want Adam to forever be known as just the "Gay Idol." He's so much more than that.

In the end, we'll just have to wait to tally Adam's album sales figures to see if this tell-all article was a turn-off to more conservative record-buyers, or if it indeed refocused the attention on Adam's music. Most successful openly gay celebrities--Elton John, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, George Michael, even Clay Aiken--have only come out well into their careers, after developing such strong fanbases that they could afford to lose a few fairweather fans put off by the news of their homosexuality. But Adam, possibly the bravest and boldest Idol contestant ever, faces a unique challenge by (as Kara DioGuardi recently worded it on The View) pretty much being out from the beginning.

I just hope unapologetic statements in Rolling Stone like "I've been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man" don't make it even harder for closed-minded people to accept Adam.

And although Adam insists in his Rolling Stone interview, "I'm trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader," I still hope that--as Adam so passionately sang during Idol finale week--a "Change Is Gonna Come" in this country, and that this article is a start.

Hot And Sexy Paris Hilton

Biography forParis Hilton More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

17 February 1981, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name

Paris Whitney Hilton

Nickname

Star
Princess

Height

5' 8" (1.73 m)

Mini Biography

Socialite Paris Hilton was born on February 17, 1981 in New York City into the Hilton family and, along with her three younger siblings, is heir-apparent to the vast Hilton hotel and real estate dynasty. Her childhood was spent in palatial dwellings in the priciest neighborhoods on both coasts and featured a brief flirtation with the educational system, including high schooling at the ultra-exclusive Dwight School, from which she dropped out and ultimately earned her high school GED.

Living the glitzy socialite life from a relatively early age, attending exclusive parties and being covered by the gossip press, Hilton apparently became hooked on obtaining celebrity status, which was perhaps furthered by the example of her mother, Kathy Hilton, who had a brief acting career herself, mostly on TV. Hilton began a remarkable and well-financed campaign to put herself in the public eye, on screen, on television and in music.


Hilton also has plans to become a player in the music business, has recorded an album and even started her own music label, Heiress Records, in order to release it.