British singer-songwriter Charlie XCX will be voicing the character Willow in the forthcoming Angry Birds movie, according to Entertainment Weekly. The film, based on the popular game franchise is produced by John Cohen, who announced on social media that the singer will be the latest addition to the cast. The movie, set for release later this year follows the story of Red, voiced by Jason Sudeikis, who lives on an island of birds and gets angry easily. – The National
Stars perform at tribute to David Bowie
Debbie Harry and former REM frontman Michael Stipe were just two performers who took part in a David Bowie commemoration concert on Thursday. Harry paid tribute to Bowie with Starman, Stipe performed a melodic version of Ashes to Ashes with Karen Elson while American singer Bettye LaVette sang It Ain’t Easy. Cyndi Lauper opened the event with Suffragette City while The Flaming Lips’ singer Wayne Coyne performed Life on Mars? dressed in a suit adorned with lights while sitting on the shoulders of a Star Wars Chewbacca figure. The event was held at Carnegie Hall in New York City and proceeds went towards raising money for music education for underprivileged children. – Reuters
Cowell to replace stern on US talent show
Simon Cowell will return to America to take Howard Stern’s place on the panel of America’s Got Talent. Cowell, the co-creator of America’s Got Talent and the creator of the global Got Talent franchise, revealed that he was offered a spot on the panel five years ago, but he wasn’t available, according to Variety magazine. However, after watching the show, he realised he did in fact want to sit on the panel but had to wait for the right moment to come up. “It was worth the wait to come back to this,” Cowell said on Friday during a promotional event for the show at NBC’s annual Summer Press Tour. “When I came down to watch the show being filmed, I was sitting in the audience thinking: ‘They are very good, this panel.’ I was kind of hoping one of them would hurt themselves so I could go: ‘I’m here!’ because it really looks so much fun, this show,” Cowell joked, recalling a time when he watched Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B and the AGT crew at a show at Radio City Music Hall. – The National
Salman Khan shares pic of his new nephew
Salman Khan, who became an uncle again by welcoming his half-sister Arpita Khan Sharma’s first son, named Ahil on Wednesday, shared a photograph of himself with the newborn on Twitter. In the image, it is clear that Khan has gained weight, which is all part of his new role as a wrestler in his next film Sultan. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, “Sultan” is slated for release on July 8. - IANS
Kung Fu Yoga filming moves to Jodhpur
From Jaipur, it is on to Jodhpur for the cast and crew of Indo-Chinese film, Kung Fu Yoga. On April 2, Jackie Chan was seen shooting a temple scene with Sonu Sood and Disha Patani at Mandore Garden. Choreographer Farah Khan and Geeta Kapoor have also flown in to the city to choreograph a Bollywood-style dance number for the film. Chan will be shooting with about 50 dancers on April 3 and 4, which will be the last leg of the crew's Indian schedule. The crew also threw a pre-birthday party for Chan, who will turn 62 on April 7. And on April 5, Sonu Sood will be unveiling a wax statue of the 61-year-old action superstar at the Nahargarh Fort Museum in Jaipur - Sonali Kokra
Dilwale gets worst film of the year at the Golden Kela Awards
Shak Rukh Khan's movie Dilwale won worst film of the year at the 8th Golden Kela Awards held over the weekend. The awards (translated as the Golden Banana Awards) recognise the worst in Hindi cinema much like the Razzies do in Hollywood. Dilwale won the worst film title over Bombay Velvet, Shaandaar, Tevar and Singh is Bliing. Sonam Kapoor won the title of worst actress for her role in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. That movie also won Sooraj Barjatya the award for worst director. The worst actor award went to Sooraj Pancholi, even though he won best debut actor at other award ceremonies. For the most irritating song of the year, voters opted for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo's title track, which was a hit online. For a complete list of awards, visit www.goldenkela.com - The National