Cinta Mawi & Ekin Diuji
Oleh NIEZAM ABDULLAH
Lokasi REBAK ISLAND RESORT, LANGKAWI (Terima kasih Warren Fernandez)
Salah satu adegan di mana Ekin merajuk selepas mengetahui kecurangan Mawi.
Selama ini tatkala ditanya mengenai kisah cintanya, Mawi cuba mengelak untuk menghuraikan dengan lebih lanjut. Jawapan selamat yang selalunya diberikan Mawi, cukuplah peminat di luar sana mengetahui dia dan Ikin merupakan pasangan kekasih dan sedang merancang untuk membina gerbang bahagia bernama perkahwinan.
Bagaimanapun ketika mengikuti penggambaran klip videonya di Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, Kedah pada 20 Julai lalu, kisah itu tidak lagi menjadi rahsia.
“Entahlah, malam ni saya terbuka untuk menceritakan segala-galanya,” kata Mawi kepada saya dan seorang lagi teman wartawan, Farihad ketika kami berborak panjang di coffee house resort itu.
Berbicara sehingga mencecah pukul 2 pagi, banyak perkara yang diluahkan Juara Akademi Fantasia musim ke-3 ini mengenai susah payahnya bergelar seorang artis yang dikenali.
Sambil ditemani hembusan bayu laut dan renyai hujan, kata Mawi sekarang semangatnya sudah kuat untuk menempuh segala macam dugaan.
Tak seperti ketika mula-mula menjadi artis, dia pernah menangis saban malam kerana tidak dapat menerima pelbagai ujian hidup yang dihadapinya ketika itu. Lebih dahsyat lagi apabila putusnya hubungan dia dengan Ina Naim, ia merupakan kemuncak kepada segala ujian hidupnya.
Tetapi hari ini selepas segala macam susah payah yang dilalui itu, Mawi atau nama sebenarnya Asmawi Ani, 27, sudah boleh tersenyum tatkala mengimbas semula bagaimana susah hidupnya dahulu.
“Susah atau senang, perkahwinan saya dengan Ekin nanti mesti jadi juga. Tak sanggup lagi jadi isu macam dulu,” kata Mawi mengimbas kisah cinta lamanya.
Saat ditanya detik pertemuannya dengan gadis bernama Nora’asikin Rahmat, 29, perkenalan mereka bermula di restoran Bora Ombak, Ampang dalam satu majlis anjuran syarikat rakaman Maestro Records tidak lama dulu.
Ketika itu Ekin hadir bersama seorang teman artis yang juga meminati Mawi. Ketika itulah mereka bertukar nombor telefon dan saling mengenali dengan lebih mendalam.
Daripada seorang sahabat, akhirnya hubungan itu menjadi semakin erat sehinggalah pada Mac lalu Mawi tidak lagi menafikan gosip percintaan mereka. Tetapi selama menjalinkan hubungan yang erat, bohonglah dalam sesebuah hubungan itu tidak ada pasang surutnya.
Begitu juga kisah cinta Mawi dengan Ekin apabila terlalu ramai orang di luar sana yang dengki dan cemburukan hubungan mereka itu.
Jelas Mawi kadang kala fikiran dia terganggu dengan macam-macam cakap orang mengenai Ekin. Malah Mawi juga turut mendengar pelbagai cerita buruk Ekin yang dilemparkan.
Kononnya Ekin itu dan ini. Hendak mempercayai atau tidak ia sama banyak. Dan Ekin pun turut mengalami peristiwa yang sama apabila ada orang yang kerjanya ‘mencucuk’ dengan melemparkan cerita palsu mengenai keburukan Mawi semata-mata untuk melihat hubungan mereka putus.
Ia kadang-kala memberi tekanan yang amat sangat tetapi Mawi percaya kesabaran adalah perkara penting dalam sesebuah hubungan itu.
Hal-hal itu tidak banyak tetapi sedikit turut membuatkan mereka bertelagah sehingga kadang-kala bagaikan sukar untuk meneruskan percintaan yang dimeterai dengan perasaan sayang itu.
“Fikiran saya memang kusut apabila orang jumpa saya dan cerita fasal buruk Ekin. Begitu juga apabila orang jumpa Ekin cerita pasal buruk saya.
“Saya tahu bukan mudah untuk kami menjalinkan hubungan kerana ada orang dengki melihat kami bahagia. Saya juga tahu ramai orang di luar sana yang nak tengok saya dan Ekin putus dan tak jadi kahwin tapi saya sabar dengan cakap-cakap orang dan tak cepat melatah.
“Saya paling bimbang seandainya percintaan kami separuh jalan. Sebab itulah segala masalah yang ditimbulkan oleh orang yang tak senang dengan hubungan kami, cuba kami selesaikan dengan baik. Alhamdulillah, segalanya dapat diatasi. Itulah pengorbanan besar percintaan saya ini,” katanya.
Bukan sekadar cakap dan kata nista orang, lebih daripada itu Ekin dituduh kononnya sudah menyihir atau membomohkan Mawi semata-mata untuk mendapatkan penyanyi itu. Malah keluarga Mawi juga turut dihujani dengan panggilan telefon bercerita perkara yang sama.
Mawi berkata dia menyedari dan kecewa dengan semua cakap-cakap itu tetapi hanya satu permintaan Mawi agar peminat menerima keputusannya untuk mendirikan rumah tangga dengan Ekin.
Malah Mawi percaya dalam hubungannya dengan Ekin, tidak ada siapa yang membomohkan sesiapa sebaliknya perasaan sayang itu hadir kerana masing-masing ikhlas terhadap sesuatu perhubungan.
Dan hati Mawi lebih terbuka apabila pada suatu malam Ekin menghubunginya lalu menyuarakan hasrat untuk memakai tudung selepas mendapat petunjuk melalui mimpi.
“Pada malam dia bermimpi itu, Ekin menangis lalu dia menghubungi saya meminta pandangan untuk memakai tudung.
“Dah benda yang baik, saya kata pada dia, teruskanlah dengan niat itu,” tambah Mawi yang akan mempertahankan apa juga dugaan hubungan mereka.
Tidak menafikan segala gosip selama ini, ujar Mawi memang dalam perancangan dia dan Ekin akan diijabkabulkan pada bulan Disember nanti.
Biarpun sebelum ini ada pihak yang mengandaikan kononnya pada 21 Disember akan datang tetapi seperti yang dijanji, selepas Hari Raya Aidilfitri nanti satu pengumuman rasmi akan dibuat supaya ia adil kepada semua pihak.
Janji Mawi, dia tidak akan menipu atau mahu menyembunyikan sesuatu yang baik seandainya apa yang dirancang itu sudah tiba masanya.
“Insya-Allah, jika semua yang dirancang berjalan lancar, lepas raya nanti saya akan buat pengumuman rasmi,” ujarnya.
Tidak romantik
Mungkin ramai yang nak tahu bagaimanakah Mawi dan Ekin menyusuri perasaan cinta masing-masing? Percaya atau tidak selama saling kenal mengenali, tidak ada saat makan malam berdua-duaan ataupun candle light dinner bersama.
Tidak ada nostalgia manis yang boleh dijadikan kenangan sebaliknya setiap kali bertemu, mereka hanya berjumpa di kedai mamak. Itulah ‘romantiknya’ hubungan Ekin dan Mawi. Jauh sekali di hotel atau restoran mewah.
Malah akui Mawi dia percaya sebagai perempuan mungkin Ekin mahukan lebih daripada itu tetapi apakan daya, dia bukan jenis yang romantik.
Dan cuma ada satu rahsia yang membuatkan Ekin menitiskan air mata apabila menerima sesuatu kejutan daripada Mawi. Bagaimanapun Mawi mahu merahsiakan perkara itu. Malu katanya.
“Ekin selalu juga komen saya tak romantik. Nak buat macam mana dah saya macam ni. Tapi yang penting dia mengetahui yang saya memang sayang pada dia,” ujar Mawi.
Pada hari ini raut wajah Mawi kelihatan begitu ceria kerana melalui bahagia detik percintaannya. Ini kerana Mawi benar-benar bertemu dengan wanita yang mempunyai ciri-ciri wanita yang diidamkan selama ini.
“Saya memilih Ekin sebagai bakal isteri kerana dia mengambil berat, ikhlas dan juga ‘satu kepala’ dengan saya,” katanya yang membayangkan majlis kahwinnya nanti mungkin akan diadakan di sebuah padang.
Ekin dalam klip video Mawi
Jauh nun di Langkawi, tiba-tiba dua pegawai perhubungan awam Maestro Records iaitu Wan dan Man memberi pandangan mengenai wanita yang sesuai untuk diambil sebagai model klip video lagu Mawi itu.
Kisah dalam klip video untuk lagu Satu Dalam Seribu dan Tercipta Untukku itu mengenai percintaan seorang lelaki yang menduakan kekasihnya.
Dek kerana jodoh, lelaki tersebut akhirnya memilih untuk kembali kepada wanita yang ditinggalkan selama ini. Ketika persoalan itu diaju, jawapan yang mudah ialah memanggil Ekin sebagai modelnya.
Bersetuju dengan pandangan itu, pengarah klip video berkenaan Saifulizzam Mohd. Lizah turut menyambut baik cadangan yang dikemukakan.
Bimbang disalah tafsir tetapi apa yang penting adegan dalam klip video tersebut tidak menuntut mereka untuk membuat aksi lebih dari berpegangan tangan.
Mawi pula tentunya bimbang penyertaan Ekin memberi tafsiran negatif tetapi dia percaya peminat hari ini tidak akan membuat andaian yang salah.
“Saya rasa tak salah dengan penglibatan Ekin kerana dia juga tidak ada aktiviti lain ketika ini. Lebih baik kita panggil dia daripada bayar orang lain untuk menjadi model,” kata Mawi.
Atas persetujuan itu, akhirnya Ekin yang kebetulan berada di Johor Bahru diminta datang ke Langkawi pada saat-saat akhir bagi menjayakan klip video berkenaan.
Kata Mawi, ketika dia menghubungi kekasihnya untuk menceritakan hasrat tersebut, Ekin agak terkejut untuk menyertai projek terbaru Maestro Records itu.
Tetapi atas dasar sayang serta professional, Ekin menerima pelawaan tersebut dan berjaya melakonkan watak seperti yang diinginkan pengarah dengan sebaik mungkin.
Bagaimanapun Mawi menolak dengan penglibatan Ekin wanita itu akan dikata cuba menumpang popularitinya.
“Kalau nak kira masa saya berduet dengan Jamal Abdilah dan M. Nasir, ada juga yang bercakap soal nak tumpang populariti.
“Tapi dalam hal ini, saya tak rasa siapa perlu tumpang siapa. Yang penting saya lakukan apa yang pengarah mahukan,” kata Mawi.
Tentu sahaja peminat Mawi tidak sabar untuk menyaksikan klip-klip video tersebut kerana ia menggambarkan seolah-olah ada kena mengena dengan percintaan Mawi.
Malah kata Saifulizzam, dia cuba membawa tema sedih dan gembira apabila menimbulkan mood perpisahan menerusi klip video Satu Dalam Seribu manakala untuk lagu Tercipta Untukku menyaksikan kedua pasangan tersebut menjalinkan semula ikatan cinta.
“Saya cuba mengenengahkan elemen emosi serta membawa watak-watak drama dalam klip video ini yang akan dapat memperlihatkan raut wajah sedih dan suka antara Mawi dan Ekin,” katanya.
Utusan Malaysia
Search On For The Next Prabhu Deva
Search on for the next Prabhu Deva
He ia said to be India’s answer to Michael Jackson, and for the first time ever, actor-choreographer-director Prabhu Deva will be taking part in a reality show titled Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhudeva.
When contacted, the extremely humble Prabhu Deva said it was an honour to be part of a show that is named after him, adding that he is overwhelmed by the response the show has generated. Does winning a show like this help in making dance a career? “It all depends on the individual. It is by no means easy but one has to be determined and keep trying. The participants should be aware of the competition, their own abilities and market themselves well. It is not about resting on one’s laurels and taking it easy by just expecting work to come one’s way.”
Prabhu Deva added that the large age group – 16 to 35 and the inclusion of both sexes will make the competition but more exciting.
Passion for the craft is a crucial ingredient said the dancing sensation. Recalling an incident in Mumbai he says: “Once we had stopped at a traffic signal. There was a man with only one arm and a leg. The moment he spotted me in the car, he gave me a broad smile and broke into a dance. It was so touching.”
As many as 23 participants have qualified from the first level of auditions held in Trichy. More than 500 people participated in the event which was judged by choreographers Sridhar and Gautham. Coimbatore, Madurai and Chennai are the other places where auditions will be held. “We do not want to curb people’s enthusiasm so everyone who thinks he can dance is welcome. The rewards are attractive – a prize money of Rs ten lakhs and an international tour is hard to resist. Above all, one can realise their dancing talents,” says Prabhu Deva.
The show will be telecasted on Thursday and Friday from August 14 on Vijay TV. “This is the reality show that solely focusses solely on dancing skills,” says Pradeep Millroy Peter, head of programming. “Prabhu Deva’s presence has given a huge fillip to the show and there is a huge craze among the viewers for him. Chennai has the maximum number of dance schools so we have several talented youngsters who are using this platform to showcase their skills. Prabhu Deva will also help the contestants by giving them tips are suggestions.”
Star Voice of India 2 has more appeal
By A.L. Chougule
Within two weeks of the launch of Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge on Zee, Star Plus has begun the second season of its talent hunt show Star Voice of India (SVOI). With as many as 24 contestants from as many states, the second season has a bigger format and a larger appeal.
The pan-India representation is aimed at bringing in viewers from different regions and states as participants will make the show look like a kaleidoscope of different colours, traditions and singing styles.
A bi-weekly weekend property, the show will run for 23 weeks. Out of the 24 contestants, 12 will be eliminated in three weeks and subsequently the remaining contestants will compete for the SVOI title.
While well-known playback singer Shaan continues to be the show’s anchor, the jury for the second season comprises Ismail Darbar, Monty Sharma and Sukhwinder Singh.
According to Star’s senior creative director Anupama Mandloi, the sequel aims to showcase the biggest singing talent from India. “After the success of the first season, we promise to offer a combination of great singing talent and entertainment to our viewers with the show’s second season,” she adds.
Star had planned to hold auditions at 24 centres all over the country but because of uncertain political situation in certain regions and states, auditions were done only at 15 centres. Wide representation will ensure that the best talent wins. Also, in the run up to the finale, the show will create strong regional and state-level loyalty, thus generating interest and viewership.
Cyrus Sahukar, the funny man who has always had the audience in splits, will now be seen hosting a game show, Hole in the Wall. The programme, inspired by the Japanese format, is an innovative game show that will see six contestants – three each in two teams – gearing up to squeeze fast approaching walls. The walls will have holes in them – holes that will be of different shapes and sizes. The trick will be to squeeze through the holes in the walls, failing which the contestants will be thrown in a pool. “This is a very exciting and refreshing game show. The contestants will have to display a quick presence of mind and flexibility as they manoeuvre themselves past the hole,” says Cyrus. “The format has been hugely popular in Japan, UK, Russia, Indonesia and many other parts of the world. I am sure in India also people will love the game.” Even though reality television has been in India for sometime now, it’s mainly the drama packed dancing and singing shows that have got the audience hooked. But game shows are yet to take off in the country. But Cyrus is hopeful that all this will change with this show. “The concept is fresh and the programme is high on energy. The best thing about this show is that though there is drama, there is no tears,” he says adding, ” Every single contestants will have fun as it is a stupidly funny game. There is no elimination, no harsh words from judges, no vote-outs. The worst thing that can happen if you fail to perform your task is that you will be thrown in the water.” Few days in to the shoot, there have already been many memorable moments to cherish. “There have been many funny moments. A 45-year-old man tried to squeeze through the hole but he could only manage partially; thus half of his body was dangling outside. Then an aunty got stuck in the hole and we had to push her out. Many wives beat up their husband for losing and I enjoy that a lot,” laughs Cyrus. But despite the fun, it is not bereft of the emotional part. “Yes, contestants do get emotional when they win. There are many mothers who participate for their children and they get very emotional when they win,” says Cyrus. This show will see contestants from different walks of life participating. They have already shot few episodes which included one on struggling actors versus housewives and another featuring professional body builders pitted against overweight people. “And interestingly, the overweight people won!” says Cyrus. Personally, Cyrus feels that hosting this show has been one of the best experience of his life. “This was such a break. There was not one unhappy contestant. Even though I have done many comic shows before, this has been really exhilarating and I am having a ball.” The show will be aired on Pogo channel from this monday and will be telecast on weekdays from 6 pm.
Star Voice of India (VOI) and Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma are back once again. While the former has Shaan anchoring the show with Sukhwinder Singh, Ismail Darbar, the latter has Aadesh Shrivastav, Preetam, Himmesh Reshamaiah with Asha Bhosle as Maha Guru. Bhonsle truly proved that she is the Maha Guru when she firmly ticked off an irritating Himesh for promoting a contestant. When Himmesh kept requesting his colleagues to promise that they would sign the contestant for a song Asha bluntly asked him, “Why don’t you do so?” A sheepish Himmesh kept quiet after that. Music director Ismail Darbar is another personality who is known for his histrionics. He took a dig at Zee by announcing that VOI is only for Indians and that’s why he chose to judge the show. Zee TV invites singers from other countries and therefore the dig. While it’s really too early to comment on the talent potential, the quality of singers has not been great so far. But off course, what one can look forward to is plenty of melodrama as contestants bare their soul in order to boost their popularity quotient. Interestingly, both the shows are aired on Friday/Saturday at 10 pm. It remains to be seen which show gets more popular. Akshay Kumar’s much-talked about desi version of Fear Factor, Khatron Ke Khiladi, was finally aired on the newly launched channel Colors. However, this show is not for the faint hearted or the queasy sort. If you can’t bear the idea of spiders crawling over the contestant’s faces or someone dipping their head in a jar full of tiny snakes, then do avoid watching the show. It does make you wonder the desperate measures some people resort to in order to get their 15 minutes of fame. In this case though, given the fact that the contestants comprise models and TV stars, it sure must be the money. Or does Akshay’s magic have anything to do with these girls not just making an appearance but willing to resort to any dare devilry in order to please the star. But for avid action watchers, this show is racy and gripping. Salman’s Dus Ka Dum saw his faithful buddies David Dhawan and Govinda make an appearance in order to boost TRPs. In fact the much talked about SRK-Salman brawl on Katrina’s birthday bash at Olive in Mumbai stemmed from the fact that SRK had apparently refused to make an appearance on Sallu’s show and Sallu being Sallu had to fight it out on his girlfriend’s birthday. Now we don’t know how long this fight will last but the filmi TV channels analysing and re-analying reasons behind the big fight, there’s never a dull day on the small screen.
Katrina is not a happy woman these days. The pretty lady is irked by Zayed Khan, who is her co-star in Yuvraj. Zayed, known for his pranks and jokes, made life miserable for Kats during the shooting of their movie. It’s not unknown that Zayed likes to create a lively atmosphere on the sets. He keeps joking and chatting with them to build a rapport. But when he tried to break the ice with Katrina, she turned into a glacier and snubbed Zayed into a hasty retreat. But he wasn’t going to give up. According to unit members, he started playing pranks on Katrina from the next day on and was all out to pull her legs on the sets. The more she tried to be serious, the more notorious he became and this got on to her nerves. He would imitate her actions, mock her while she tried to get into her character before the scene and in short, make life hell. “It was all in good humour,” according to our source on the sets. What had Katrina fuming all the more was that even Salman Khan didn’t mind Zayed’s pranks and rather shared the actor’s sense of humour. Kats however, couldn’t see what was so funny. Wedding bells ring for Urmila? After years of saying no to matrimony, Urmila Matondkar seems to all ready to tie the knot. grapevine has it that she has met a finance consultant in the US on her last trip there and found in him the guy she was always looking for. The NRI in question happens to be a Mumbai-born Maharashtrian, now settled in the US. Rumours are that Urmila’s family has even visited his house in Mumbai and are happy with their daughter’s choice. Even though the actress and her family are keeping mum about the whole issue, her fans are eagerly waiting to hear this piece of good news from the actress herself.
Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans are mass consumers of honey and decides to sue the human race for stealing bees’ honey. It’s as if Barry were being reborn. The movie sticks, with thrilling precision, to a bee’s eye view, as Barry rises out of Central Park and buzzes down a midtown block. The images have a spangly clarity – they make New York look new again – yet there’s funky bug-world fragility to it all, as when Barry catches a flash of himself in a car mirror or, later, gets plastered onto a windshield, along with other mashed victims. (Chris Rock, as a lowly mosquito, makes each line zing.) Bee Movie is about how Barry saves the world, and without giving more away, let me just say that the film is nutty, ecological, funny, and moving, all at the same time. It scores points by avoiding the hard sell and letting the humor grow out of the situations. Bee movie Director: Stiphon Hickner, Simon J Smith Cast: Jerry Sienfileld, Rene Zewlleger Run Time: 90 mts.
Kavithalaya Krishnan, known for his comic roles, will soon be seen in a new avatar. He will play the role of great Tamil poet Bharatiyar in the comedy serial Comedy.Com on Jaya TV. Kavithalaya Krishnan said he was privileged to play Bharathiyar in a serial produced under Kavithalaya banner and directed by his mentor K Balachander. “K Balachander sir is very fond of poet Bharathiyar and his teachings are invariably incorporated in most of his films. I was thrilled to be selected from the few he had short listed for the role. Despite being a comic track there will be an undercurrent of seriousness in the character,” says Krishnan. The story line revolves around the teachings of the great poet Bharathiyar depicted in a lighter vein besides the original comedy element. “It was good to play the character. I did a lot of homework and read extensively to make it look as authentic as possible,” he says. Ramya plays a customs officer The much-hyped serial Kalasam, in which Ramya Krishna plays a dual role is finally on air. Produced by Kutti Padmini, the serial is based on Sangarsh that was aired on DD-National network in the late 80s. While Kutti Padmini herself played the role of a customs officer, Amala and Heera Rajagopal played the roles of innocent victims. “The script is based on a true story. My daughter Keerthana is the producer of the serial. I am helping her with the necessary inputs,” says Padmini. Ramya will be playing the twin roles of a customs officer and an innocent girl. Raadan goes back to tearjerkers
Looks like Radhika learnt her lessons the hard way. After the debacle of her mythological serial Thiruvilayadal, the talented actress-producer has gone back to her tried and tested formula of daily soaps. The latest from her production house Raadan is Senthoora Poove, a daily soap that revolves around the trials and tribulations of four sisters from a middle class family. It is based on the award-winning novel Malligaikal Niram Maaruvthilai. According to reliable sources, Raadan has also decided to abruptly end Thiruvilayadal and telecast Senthoora Poove, in the prime time slot. Raj wants comic roles Rajkant, the popular small screen hopes to do comedy for a change. “My serious face and the characters I have played with negative shades have given the impression that I can only do such roles.ῠ I am looking forward to some fun roles,” he says. Rajkant has recently signed for Bhuvaneswari. “I played a 65-year-old character in Nambikkai. I am also happy with the recognition I got in Mettioli, but as an artiste I don’t want to confine myself only to negative roles,” he says. Is anybody listening? ῠ
Ali Asgar is doing something he’s never done before. After his serious role in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and his participation in Sony’s Comedy Circus, he is now shaking a leg on Star One’s Zara Nachke Dikha. The self-professed A.K. Hangal, Ali says that being the oldest competitor doesn’t intimidate him at all. “I am a good performer. I can do comedy, action and dance. I know how to entertain,” he says. Zara Nachke Dikha is a completely new concept on the dance reality TV front, the simple reason being that it pitted boys against girls. The teams consist of actors from the television industry, who will be judged by Chunky Pandey and Malaika Arora Khan. The novel part is that there will be no eliminations. Ali is very confident about his team and that stems from the fact that he has been enjoying it so far. “I’m enjoying the whole thing. I have eight friends here, some of them have participated in Nach Baliye. They will tell me if I’m going wrong,” he says. And in the spirit of competition, he says that there is no best team at this point. “It’s not that they (girls) are better or we are better. One mistake can make or break you. It all depends on the performance at that time. Ultimately we are all good friends and the only pressure is because it is ‘boys versus girls’,” he says. Tulsi fails to rework magic with own shows
While Kyunki, which catapulted Smriti Irani to stardom, still continues to rake in decent ratings, her own shows as a producer haven’t been successful enough on TRP charts. Virrudh was appreciated quite a lot but got dismal ratings. As a result, the show was taken off air. Same is the case with her second production Mere Apne, which had yesteryear star Vinod Khanna in the lead. The show hasn’t done well and is set to go off air. While Smriti continues to be a popular star, success eludes her as producer. But despite her shows not doing well, Smriti manages to produce one show a year. Will her new show Waaris, which starts on Zee next week break the jinx? Only time can tell. Ramayan in top 50 list Ramayan, which catapulted NDTV Imagine to the no. 3 slot in prime time not only continues to be the channel driver but has also entered the list of top 50 shows on GE channels. The Wednesday episode of week 24, 2008 (July 6 to 12), rated 3.2 TVR and occupied the 42nd spot. NDTV Imagine now has five spots in the top 100 shows on GECs with Jasuben Jayantilal Joshi Ki Joint Family also taking its place in the top 100 shows. The success of the channel continues with a renewed growth in GRPs. Ramayan is not only recognised as the catalyst for the revival of mythological serials but its dubbed versions are creating waves in the south across the Sun Network on Sun TV in Tamil Nadu, Gemini TV in Andhra Pradesh and Surya TV in Kerala. Since its launch in January, the show has been watched by 88 million viewers. This duo has comical responses for current affairs Senthil and Ganesh of Aahaa FM believe that a conversation peppered with comedy keeps listeners hooked to the radio. The duo hosts Chinna Maapillai and Periya Maapillai daily from 10 am to 12 noon. “We along with two other RJs Rohini and Rajamani discuss current affairs in a light-hearted manner. Our conversation revolves around current issues and more be it politics, films, crime, or the recent fuel hike and power cuts in Chennai,” they say. Ganesh and Senthil are known for their witty one-liners on various issues. “We play melodious songs in between our discussions. The second half of the programme is Vettimandram in which we discuss current affairs again, but in a tongue- in-cheek style. The response is great and we often get some super ideas from listeners which we try and incorporate in our show.” says the duo. Recreating the night MGR got shot
Come July 28, the first ever serial on matinee idol and former chief minister MGR will hit the small screen in the 8.30 pm slot on Makkal TV. Titled 1967 January 12, it will surely bring back memories of the black day in Tamil Nadu when actor M R Radha shot at his screen rival MGR. The director of the serial Kavitha Bharathi said that not many know that Radha shot at himself twice after pumping one bullet on MGR. They were both operated the same night. “My friend Thirumavel gave me a wealth of information, and with such valuable inputs I could have easily written a book. Finding a look-alike of MGR was not a problem but I needed the expertise of a stage actor like Palani Siva to bring the mood.ῠ For Radha, I settled the dapper actor Madurai Kalaimani,” he said. The serial is planned for a thirty-episode run. Bharathi said that the serial would unravel many points that are of great interest to the younger generation. “Due to political pressure the matter was hushed up when it happened, but my narrative will focus only on what actually happened, how and when. There will be no political overtones. It will also clear the air and rumours that the two were bitter enemies. The truth is that MGR and Radha were good friends but they disagreed vehemently on some issue that day. Radha went berserk and pulled the trigger,” he said. Friends are like family for Teri Hatcher
What can fans expect this season? Well, I just love this season in general. All the characters have great things to deal with. As for Susan, people really wanted to see Mike (James Denton) and Susan together. Last season saw Susan and Mike getting married. Where do they go from here? This season is a kind of jumping-off place for them. It’ll be interesting to see how they go through it for the second time. What I like about Susan is that she has good intentions at heart. Some characters are very selfish. As a mother, do you share Susan’s parenting skills? I am not Susan. I don’t really compare my parenting skills in any way with her. But what I do like about Susan is that she’s a people-pleaser. She’s in a situation now where she’s trying to please her daughter and they’re trying to please her husband and she doesn’t realise that she’s creating a big mess because she’s trying to make everybody happy.ῠ Your book, Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies on Life is being turned into a TV series. Can we expect some details about your life being played out? Let’s be clear about one thing. It is not about my life. There is a character in it that is a single mum, but she’s a writer living in Columbus, Ohio. It deals with the feelings of guilt career women face. You have a say in the casting? Yes, as I’m the executive producer. Susan has a great group of friends. Do you have a strong support network? Absolutely. Since I’m the only child, friends become family to me.
For those who remember Satya, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and Dum, the thread that brings these films together is the music. And the man behind it is Sandeep Chowta, the Ghana-born, Nigeria raised and Chennai-based musician, who is making waves not just by composing music, but also with music videos and a short film. He was in the capital for a brief recording stint. In an interview he spoke on making music, the changing music scene in Bollywood and more. In most of the films (Satya, Dum, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya), your compositions are quite unlike the run-of-the-mill potboilers in Bollywood. How did you determine the music for that? Well, that’s the director’s call. He’s the one who decides what theme the music should be set to. Most of Ram Gopal Varma’s films have explored the darker aspects of life. So the music had to be somewhat on the same lines, although not entirely. Yes, you also need to break the monotony if there’s too much of emotion. The other thing is, in Bollywood, there’s a hierarchy you have to follow to determine what kind of music the film has. It has to be approved first by the director, then the producer, and now I think even some actors are trying to throw in their two cents. So you have all these factors working for or against you. You draw your musical style from a smattering of genres. Which one is the closest to your heart? I follow, play and love jazz. But that’s strictly a personal thing and if you’re about to ask me whether I incorporate it in the music I make for films, no. You were planning on collaborating with FatBoy Slim. Will it be a experimental exercise, a meeting of jazz and African Rhythms with electronica? This was a long time ago when I was in London. Yes, we discussed some projects and had plans of collaborating. But somehow it never took a concrete shape. What do you think about the transition of music in Bollywood, from playback singing to OST-like scores? Yes, playback singing days are over. I think it all started with Himesh Reshammiya, when suddenly the nation was obsessed about this nasal-singing chap with a cap. You don’t get to see lip-synced songs in any movie, it’s become more like a background score, not unlike Hollywood. Don’t you think it’s easier to be a musician in Mumbai, owing to Bollywood as a potential buyer? What should bands in Delhi do to make it big? Of course, which producer or director would want to fly back and forth to Delhi to use a band’s songs for a film? Even for the music composers, it doesn’t work like that. When you have a baby, you tend to be always around it. You can’t do long distance projects because of feasibility issues. And making it big can be a very ambiguous term. Do you mean the money they make, or the success that comes when your work is recognised by the audience? If it’s money, I think there’s a market for every genre, every musician. You just have to keep at it and not worry about the outcome. You’ve donned many hats as a music video director, short filmmaker and music composer. How do you find time for all that? Whatever I’ve done is just an extension of music. Santosh, the choreographer once told me that if ever I was doing something for a long stretch, it pays to take a break and do something totally unrelated to it. So I thought of making a music video and a short film. I’ve found that this re-approach works wonders in boosting your creativity.
Javed Ali may not a very well-known name in the music industry, but his songs Ek din teri bahoon mein from the movie Naqaab, Nagada nagada from Jab We Met and Kehne ko jashne bahara hai from Jodhaa Akbar speak highly of his talent. Javed who has made a niche in Bollywood with his amazing songs was in the capital recently to perform at the Kamani Auditorium. Talking about his journey as a singer, he said, “I used to sing since the time I was a kid. My father is my mentor. Observing my keen interest in music, my parents enrolled me in a professional singing course. Later, my hard work and love for music made me who I am today.” And, how did his first interaction with Bollywood happen? “Kalyanji (of composers, Kalyan-Anand duo) noticed my singing a few years back and took me to Mumbai. My first song was for the movie Beti No.1,” said Javed. Though Javed has sung for many movies, it is only recently that he got recognition. So, how does he feel about it? “I always wanted to be slow and steady. With every song, I tried to improve my performance. Though fame came to me a bit late, I never had a paucity of assignments,” he said. And does he have a godfather in the industry? “Many people have appreciated my singing and I respect many of them, but whatever I’m today is because of my talent. I try to give my own touch to every song I sing. I don’t have any godfather in the industry,” he said. Moreover, Javed thinks he is lucky that he has a different voice. “It’s an advantage for me that my voice is different, at least after listening to my songs, people can distinguish between me and the other singers,” he said. The trend of choosing singers from reality shows fascinates Javed. “I think it’s a good trend. At least, it gives a chance to talented people to show what they are best at. Moreover, no matter how well a person sings, it takes a lot of time to become a playback singer, and get recognition at the same time. Most of the time, one remains confined to stage shows only. Reality shows on TV give an individual ample opportunities to prove himself, and also a chance to show their talent in front of a huge audience,” said Javed. Following the recent trend, when singers are indulging in composing and vice versa, has he ever thought of composing music? “No. And I even don’t intend to give it a try. Singing is my first love and I want to stick to it. I want to concentrate fully on my singing so that I can give my 100 per cent to each and every song,” he concluded.
Give me homemade food any day! It is the best. I love my mother’s sambar and rasam with some rice. You cannot call me a foodie because I rarely experiment with food. I am a vegetarian but when I lived in the US, I ate non-vegetarian food with my friends. However, I have switched back to being a vegetarian again except for eggs, which I love. Mutta (egg) dosa is a favourite dish. I don’t mind having it for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I am generally not a fussy eater and will eat anything that is nutritious and tasty. I hate pavaka (bitter gourd) because it is too bitter and I cannot take it in any form. I also dislike sushi because it is raw and has a bad smell. I am very health conscious and therefore careful about what goes into my mouth. I can proudly say that my looks and physique for the last 10 years have remained unchanged. That is because I believe in watching the quantity of food I eat and I keep off oily food. I love American food. An ideal breakfast would be a cheese omelette, with mashed potatoes, French fries, muffins and orange juice. Not everything together of course! Sometimes my erratic work schedules plays havoc with my eating. I have had to skip breakfast altogether which is not good. Keeping to specific timings is difficult because of the nature of our work. Since I stay alone, I often eat out. I mostly go to two places, Green Park and Saravana Bhavan. I like the rice and Kara Kozhumbu there; it is so good, that I don’t have anything else with it. At Saravana Bhavan, I like the traditional meals and Rava Kesar. Sometimes I also go to Cappuccino in Park Sheraton and Murugan Idli. Pizzas at Nibbles are a great hit
If you are looking for a lip smacking, economical Nibbles is your best bet! This must-try foodie halt is located opposite Stella Maris and behind Gangotree. As this place is easy on one’s pocket, it is a hot favourite among the college goers. One can get a mouthwatering cold sandwich at Rs.18ῠ and a yummy non-oily burger at just Rs.20. Pizzas are very popular. The special thing about this place is that it offers a unique variety of dishes like a pizza cup or a bread cheese, which is a bun filled of cheese, onion and chilies, having a truly home-made taste. And then there is a place called Shirdi Quick Bites, although this is a small place but this is just one of those places where the taste beats the ambience. One can dig into mouth-watering aalo- gobi and many more varieties of parathas anywhere around Rs 20- Rs 30 along with asli Punjabi lassi giving you the true taste of Punjab. One also gets full-fledge meals in the afternoon which comprises a mix of both south Indian and north Indian cuisine about Rs. 40. I also frequent Coffee World in Alwarpet, which is one brilliant place for coffee freaks, pastries and patties to die for!
Clothes for plus size women is a business these days. I have come across many women who are still not aware of stores which are overflowing with designs that have been cut on a larger bias. These stores have dedicated some space for the plus size. They carry clothes with flattery cuts and variations be it salwar kameez with rich work or comfortable kurtis. Now the women with generous proportions have a hitherto unimagined range of choice. You can now pick up from a never-before range of western clothing. The best thing to do is to build your plus- sized wardrobe with care. Here are few tips on how to go about it: Go For Good Quality Basics: The usual rules apply. You need well cut trousers, skirts and jackets in solid colours, with a few white shirts, and they all need to be of absolutely the best quality. Go Undercover: Sometimes the underpinnings can make or break how you look. As a big girl you need all the heavy-duty support you can get, so pay for inners that give you the support you need. Accessorise: Perfect accessories add a lot of beauty to the outfit. Do it your way, don’t let anyone tell you that big girls can’t wear delicate accents. If you like them, you wear them. Likewise if you like big signature pieces then just flaunt them with your lets-get-noticed attitude. Don’t go too big: Don’t wear tent- like outfits. Keep in mind that most plus- sized women have one area larger than the other, if the rest of the garment fits well, most stores will be able to fix the too-tight bust or too fitted hips issue by opening that area out for you. A few stores which are boon for the plus sized: * Gia at Westside has mixed bag of offerings, it’s range of trousers are a must buy. * All counters at Pantaloons stores also has a wide range to choose from. ῠ * For people who prefer designer tag we have the designer Tina Vincent’s store on Khader Nawaz Khan road is the place to visit. They specialise for the plus sized women. The store has wide range of tunics, skirts, trousers shirts to suit your style and pocket. *ῠSo the new fashion funda should be to be stylish at any size. Buy well-fitting clothes, accessorise well and carry yourself with confidence. Must have Aishwarya, actress and daughter of renowned actress Lakshmi, one of the most well dressed plus-sized women in the city. She shares few tips when it comes to shopping for plus sized women. *ῠ Your wardrobe should include the basics like trousers in solid colors, jeans and well-fitted tops. *ῠ If you are heavy on top and have a lighter bottom invest in a-line or mermaid cut skirt. *ῠ Don’t ever wear clothes with horizontal lines as they make you look broader. On the other hand, vertical and asymmetrical lines actually make you look slim. *ῠ Wear heels only if you are totally comfortable. I prefer wedges because they provide complete support. *ῠ If you are showing legs don’t wear top with a plunging neck line and vice-versa. So, basically don’t reveal too much skin. *ῠ Naidu hall and Marks & Spencer’s have good inners for plus sized women. The skin coloured t-shirt bra from M&S is best suited for any outfit right from a T-shirt to a saree blouse. Deccan Chronicle
Telly talk
Menanti Rezeki Bergelar Haji
Oleh HARYATI KARIM
BERITA pemergiannya ke tanah suci Mekah untuk menunaikan umrah kali ke dua telah tersebar dengan luasnya. Pengacara popular kesayangan ramai itu meluangkan masa hampir dua minggu untuk menjadi tetamu di Mekah dan Madinah dan baru saja pulang.
Dan baru-baru ini seorang rakan yang terserempak dengan Aznil Nawawi bersama pengurusnya di bangunan Tabung Haji.
Apakah benar khabar yang menyapa ditelinga, Aznil bakal mengerjakan haji penghujung tahun ini? Itulah khabar yang sampai, bagaimanapun diminta mengulas mengenai perkara itu, Aznil memulangkan semuanya kepada keadaan.
Dengan tenang Aznil tidak menafikan dia ada berurusan dengan Tabung Haji baru-baru ini bagi menguruskan perkara seterusnya kerana dia memang sudah memasang niat untuk mengerjakan haji selepas menunaikan umrah.
RAKAMAN kenangan Aznil ketika menggerjakan umrah buat kali kedua pada Julai lalu.
Tidak mahu dianggap riak, Aznil hanya mengatakan cita-cita untuk menunaikan haji sudah lama tersemat di hatinya. Namun kerana namanya masih belum disenaraikan untuk menunaikan haji penghujung tahun ini, dia menggunakan masa terluang itu untuk menunaikan umrah buat kali kedua.
“Saya harap nama saya naiklah tahun ini untuk bersama rombongan lain menunaikan haji. Niat saya untuk tunaikan haji sudah lama dan Alhamdulillah rezeki pun sudah ada. Jadi saya sangat berharap dapat menunaikan rukun Islam ke lima itu.
“Cuma sekarang tunggu saja untuk nama saya disahkan. Saya harap dapat pergi secepat mungkin, kalau saya pergi saya akan pergi sendirian,” ujarnya yang tidak mahu mengulas panjang tentang perkara berkenaan. Mungkin tidak mahu disalah tafsirkan, Aznil senang merencana masa depannya sendiri dan membiarkan segalanya sebagai agenda peribadi.
Bercakap tentang masa depan, jika dia sudah bergelar seorang haji mungkinkah dia berhenti daripada industri hiburan dan melakukan pekerjaan yang lain pula.
Menjawab kepada kenyataan itu, Aznil mengatakan dia akan terus setia berada dalam industri hiburan tempatan memandangkan itulah cintanya yang berjaya menjadikannya seperti Aznil yang dikenali khalayak hari ini.
“Industri hiburan yang memberi saya makan dan ia merupakan sumber rezeki saya dan membuatkan saya mampu untuk menjejakkan kaki ke tanah suci.
“Malah, inilah bakat yang Allah kurniakan pada saya. Jadi selagi diizinkan oleh Allah, saya tidak akan berhenti atau bertukar pada kerja yang lain,” ucapnya jujur.
Selepas menunaikan umrah buat kali kedua, pastinya dia merasakan perubahan yang berlaku dalam dirinya, dan Aznil dengan ringkas mengatakan kini dia merasakan dirinya lebih tenang dan rasa lebih dekat dengan Allah.
“Saya berhasrat untuk menjadi insan yang rapat Allah. Perubahan yang lain biarlah antara saya dan Allah saja yang tahu, tidak perlulah untuk saya menceritakan semuanya kepada orang lain,” balasnya minta dimengertikan.
SEMOGA impian Aznil bergelar haji di penghujung tahun ini menjadi kenyataan.
Tambahnya lagi sepanjang 5 hari berada di Mekah dan selebihnya di Madinah dia hanya di temani oleh seorang mutawif persendirian.
“Syukur sebab semuanya berjalan lancar, pengalaman menunaikan umrah dulu banyak membantu saya kali ini dan apabila berada di sana suasananya sukar untuk diungkapkan dengan kata-kata.
“Apa yang saya harapkan, dengan pemergian saya ke sana akan membuka pintu hati dan memberi inspirasi kepada orang lain untuk ke sana,” ucapnya penuh yakin.
Katanya lagi, sepanjang berada di sana, dia lebih banyak melakukan umrah pada waktu malam memandang cuaca pada siang hari begitu panas dan ada kalanya mencecah 48 darjah celsius.
KETENANGAN dan kebahagiaan diraih ketika mengerjakan umrah di Tanah Suci Mekah.
Selain itu, Aznil juga mengatakan dirinya cukup bertuah kerana sepanjang berada di sana, dia langsung tidak teringatkan kerja yang melambak ditinggalkan di Malaysia.
“Waktu itu, saya hanya fikirkan ibadat dan rasanya saya lebih tenang kerana perjalanan kali kedua ini lebih mudah.
“Ketika di sana waktu subuhnya begitu cepat, selepas solat Isyak, saya terus menunaikan umrah. Kemudian balik ke bilik sebentar dan terus solat Subuh pula,” ceritanya lagi tentang pengalamannya.
Kenangan bersama si comel
Berbicara mengenai pengalaman manisnya ketika mengerjakan umrah pada awal Julai lalu, Aznil pada mula ketawa sambil berkata kanak-kanak di sana sungguh comel.
“Apa yang seronoknya, kanak-kanak di sana comel-comel sangat. Mereka datang dari pelbagai negara. Rasanya mereka tidak pun tengok Tom Tom Bak, tetapi mungkin saya aura saya dekat dengan kanak-kanak (ketawa) mereka boleh jadi suka dengan saya.
“Ada yang datang duduk di pangkuan saya, ada yang tiba-tiba datang dan cubit pipi saya, macam-macam lagi. Saya tidak kisah kerana kita tahu kanak-kanak adalah rezeki dan saya rasa seronok bertemu dengan mereka,” kata Aznil lagi.
AURA si comel, Aznil memang menjadi kesayangan kanak-kanak walau di mana saja dia berada.
Bertemu peminat
Sudah menjadi lumrah, kalau selebriti terkenal pergi kemana sekali pun mereka akan disapa orang ramai, begitu juga halnya dengan Aznil.
Semasa menunaikan umrah, dia telah bertemu dengan rakyat Malaysia di sana dan suasana sedikit berbeza ketika bertemu peminat di Malaysia.
“Iyalah, peminat yang jumpa saya di sana cakap, Malaysia punyalah besar tetapi jumpa saya di Mekah. Saya faham, mestilah mereka seronok.
“Malah, ada yang menganggap itu hadiah Allah kerana bertemu saya. Sebagai manusia, itu yang membuatkan saya terharu sebab mereka minat serta hormat.
“Cuma kalau di Malaysia mereka akan berkejar untuk dapatkan tanda tangan, tetapi di sana suasananya lebih tenang kerana kami semuanya sama di sisi Allah dan datang ke sana dengan tujuan yang sama iaitu untuk beribadah,” terang Aznil lagi.
Sekembalinya dari Tanah Suci kepulangannya disambut dengan gembira oleh rakan serta peminatnya.
Kata Aznil, ada rakan serta peminat yang mendoakan pemergiannya ke sana, malah ada juga yang mengirim doa dan bersyukur kalau doa yang dipinta di makbulkan Allah.
Kini, dia kembali sibuk menjalankan aktiviti seni dan kerjayanya seperti biasa, dan yang pasti menurutnya semangat untuk dia kembali bekerja tidak pernah berkurangan malah semakin berganda terhadap rezeki yang diberikan kepadanya.
Kosmo
Sindrom Artis Jual Foto Anak
JESSICA ALBA menjual gambar anaknya dengan nilai RM4.9 juta.
SINDROM baru ini mula melanda Hollywood apabila artis-artis bersaing untuk melahirkan anak tahun ini. Rentetan itu, mereka ditawarkan harga yang tinggi untuk menjual gambar-gambar anak mereka secara eksklusif kepada pihak media.
Ada yang kemaruk ‘menjual’ gambar-gambar anak tetapi ada juga yang menolak. Malah trend ‘menjual’ gambar ini juga telah menimbulkan perasaan marah Christina Aguilera kerana gambar anak sulungnya, Max Liron Bratman hanya dijual pada harga AS$1.5 juta (RM4.9 juta).
Aguilera terpukul kerana harga yang diraihnya jauh lebih rendah berbanding harga gambar anak kembar Jennifer Lopez yang berjaya dijual pada harga AS$6 juta (RM23 juta).
Namun, mengatasi Aguilera dan Lopez ialah foto anak kembar Angelina Jolie, Knox Leon dan Vivienne Marcheline yang dikhabarkan menerima tawaran sebanyak £10 juta (RM64.6 juta).
SHILOH diperdagangkan oleh ibubapa mereka dengan nilai RM13.3 juta.
Selain Christina Aguilera dan Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie juga telah menjual gambar anaknya, Harlow Winter Kate yang dilahirkan pada 11 Januari lalu dengan harga AS$1 juta (RM3.24 juta).
Minggu ini mari kita lihat senarai harga yang ditawarkan buat anak-anak selebriti Hollywood, dan yang pasti harga gambar anak kembar Angelina Jolie dan Brad Pitt akan berada di tangga teratas buat satu jangka masa panjang.
Majalah People telah menawarkan sebanyak AS$4.1 juta (RM 13.3 juta) untuk mendapatkan hak tersebut dan majalah Hello! pula sebanyak AS$3.5 juta (RM11.3 juta).
Tawaran tersebut mencatat sejarah tersendiri kerana gambar Shiloh merupakan paling mahal ketika itu. Namun, rekod itu kini diatasi oleh dua adik kembarnya, Knox Leon dan Vivienne Marcheline yang dilahirkan pada 12 Julai lalu di Nice, Perancis.
Dikhabarkan Angelina sedang berbincang dengan beberapa majalah terkemuka untuk menjual gambar eksklusif pertama anak kembarnya dengan anggaran harga £10 juta (RM64.6 juta).
Walaupun ada majalah yang menawarkan £5.5 juta (RM35.5 juta) untuk sesi fotografi khas, jurucakap pasangan ini, Max Clifford berpendapat harganya boleh meningkat lagi.
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY dan Camila Alves beri hak eksklusif kepada majalah OK!.
“Saya rasa gambar-gambar tersebut boleh mencecah £10 juta (RM64.6 juta). Ini akan menjadi tawaran paling mahal setakat ini.”
Menurut laporan, nama kedua-dua bayi kembar itu merupakan inspirasi daripada nama keluarga Angelina dan Brad.
Knox dinamakan atas nama datuk Brad, Hal Knox Hillhouse dan juga berkongsi huruf akhir yang sama dengan dua orang anak angkatnya, Maddox Chivan, 6, dan Pax Thien, 4.
Manakala nama tengah Vivienne adalah penghormatan kepada nama ibu Angelina, Marcheline Bertrand yang meninggal tahun lalu. Pasangan ini juga mempunyai seorang lagi anak angkat perempuan, Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt.
Selain daripada gambar anak kandungnya yang menjadi rebutan, gambar anak angkat terbaru Angelina dan Brad, Pax juga pernah menjadi perhatian ramai.
Dilaporkan Angelina menerima lebih AS$2 juta (RM6.5 juta) daripada penjualan foto anak angkatnya ini daripada majalah People.
Namun, gambar Angelina bermesra dengan anak angkat barunya dari sebuah rumah kebajikan di Vietnam kemudian muncul di muka depan majalah Hello.
Pemenang Oscar ini bersama suaminya yang dikurniakan anak pertama, Sunday Rose pada 7 Julai lalu ditawarkan oleh pelbagai majalah tetapi mereka telah menolak kesemuanya.
Menurut satu sumber, “Nicole dan Keith berpendapat adalah tidak munasabah untuk menyiarkan foto anak mereka secara eksklusif. Mereka masih berfikir bagaimana untuk mengendalikan perkara ini termasuk bila mereka hendak menerbitkan gambar anak mereka itu.”
Namun, pasangan ini dikatakan sedang dalam perancangan untuk menerbitkan gambar ini secara percuma.
KEITH dan Nicole memilih untuk tidak menjual gambar anak sulung mereka, Sunday Rose kepada mana-mana media.
“Mereka sedar ramai orang awam terutamanya peminat ingin melihat wajah anak mereka dan berterima kasih atas keprihatinan mereka. Namun,
Nicole dan Keith sedang menikmati masa bersama anak sulung mereka,” tambah sumber tersebut.
Aktres Fantastic Four ini yang melahirkan anak sulungnya dengan suami, Cash Warren pada 7 Jun lalu telah menjual gambar anaknya kepada majalah OK!.
“Pada mulanya Jessica tidak bercadang untuk menjual gambar anaknya tetapi mengalah apabila menerima pelbagai tawaran.
“Dia kemudian membuat keputusan untuk menjual dengan harga AS$1.5 juta (RM4.9 juta) untuk menjadi sesi fotografi khas Honor dan juga sesi penggambaran lain hujung tahun ini,” kata satu sumber.
Pasangan ini juga tidak ketinggalan menandatangani perjanjian dengan majalah OK! seperti pasangan Hollywood yang lain.
Perjanjian bernilai AS$3 juta (RM9.8 juta) itu termasuk gambar eksklusif anak mereka yang dilahirkan di Los Angeles serta gambar bayi mereka menyambut Krismas pertama bersama keluarganya.
“Bukan itu sahaja, perjanjian itu juga merangkumi hak cipta gambar perkahwinan Matthew dan Camila jika mereka berdua membuat keputusan untuk berkahwin,” kata satu sumber.
Anak kembar mereka yang dilahirkan pada 22 Februari lalu di Long Island, New York diberikan nama Emme Marbiel Muniz dan Maximilian (Max) David Muniz.
JENNIFER LOPEZ memilih majalah People untuk ‘menjual’ wajah anak kembarnya.
Selain menyiarkan gambar-gambar mereka sebanyak 12 muka surat, Jennifer dan Marc turut berkongsi pengalaman genting semasa melahirkan anak dan juga saat-saat bahagia selepas menyambut kedatangan dua cahaya baru dalam hidup mereka.
“Pada masa itu, jumlah AS$6 juta (RM23 juta) adalah tawaran paling tinggi. Namun, bayaran ini akan dibayar bersama oleh majalah OK! dan akan dicetak untuk edisi antarabangsa,” kata jurucakap majalah OK!.
Tidak berhenti begitu sahaja, Jennifer juga ‘menjual’ anaknya kepada stesen televisyen, TLC untuk sebuah program realiti yang turut disertainya.
Penyanyi dan aktres ini akan menjadi penerbit, pengasas dan pelakon dalam siri yang memberi fokus kepada karier seni, perniagaan fesyen serta mengenai bayi kembarnya.
“Saya tidak sabar untuk berkongsi kegembiraan mengenai perjalanan hidup saya bersama peminat saya,” kata Jennifer.
Bagaimanapun, tarikh tayangan program ini belum diketahui.
Kosmo
Man Faces 90 More Money Laundering Charges
Lee Ee Teong faces the possibility of more money laundering charges in Kuala Lumpur next week.
GEORGE TOWN: An accountant already facing 71 charges of money-laundering claimed trial in the Sessions Court here yesterday to another 90 counts of doing so to the tune of more than RM19 million.
Lee Ee Teong, 46, of Jalan Nirvana, was charged with transferring RM19,124,744 into various accounts between March 1, 2002, and Dec 24, 2005, at several banks here.
He was charged under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, which carries a maximum RM5 million fine, a five years’ maximum jail or both upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Hazril Harun told the court that Lee faced the possibility of more of such charges in Kuala Lumpur next week.
Hazril offered bail of RM10,000 bail on each of the 90 charges.
Datuk V. Sithambaram, who represented Lee, told Sessions Court judge Hadhariah Syed Ismail that his client would be charged in Kuala Lumpur soon with a related offence.
He said he would be making a joint application for bail when his client is charged.
Hadhariah then asked Lee how much bail he would be able to pay, to which Lee replied: “RM50,000.”
She then set bail at RM100,000 on all 90 charges in one surety.
She fixed Aug 4 for mention of the case pending a decision on who will be handling the case and where the joint trial will be held.
Lee was charged in Johor Baru on July 10 with money laundering involving RM13.67 million.
He was charged under the same act with transferring RM13,677,820 obtained from money-laundering activities into Kong Lily’s account at Citibank here between March 2003 and April 2005.
New Straits Times