Ben Affleck, who is currently in the middle of divorce proceedings with Jennifer Garner, is all praise for his wife. Speaking on the red carpet at the New York premiere of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Affleck called her an amazing mother. "Jen is a superhero mom. She is an amazing mother and I'm really lucky to have her as a partner to co-parent these kids with. We try our best, we put them first and that's what we do," he told E! News reporter Catt Sadler. "You know, I just marvel at my mother who did a great job of raising my brother and I. Parenting is hard work but it's so rewarding and I certainly do my best." – The National staff
Zootopia rules the box office with $600m haul
Disney's Zootopia has maintained its reign at the top of the North American box office, with takings of nearly US$600 million (Dh2.2 billion) worldwide after three weeks. The animation, voiced by Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin, stole the thunder from Allegiant, the third film from The Divergent Series, which was predicted to be the most popular film of the week. Leonardo DiCaprio's The Revenant finished second on the international box-office chart this weekend, nearing $500m in worldwide box office takings. - AP
Bruce Springsteen pens tardy note for young fan
A 9-year-old rock fan up late at a Bruce Springsteen concert had a note for his teacher if he was late for class the next day – and it was signed by The Boss himself. Fourth-grader Xabi Glovsky and his dad, Scott, attended the sold-out show in Los Angeles on Tuesday and they caught Springsteen’s eye with a homemade sign that said: “Bruce, I will be late to school tomorrow. Please sign my note.” After the show, Springsteen invited the pair backstage where they posed for photos. And Bruce scribbled a note for the boy’s teacher. The note read: “Dear Ms. Jackson, Xabi has been out very late rocking & rolling. Please excuse him if he is tardy.” Springsteen posted the photos and the note on his website. Scott Glovsky told his hometown newspaper the note came in handy because Xabi woke up at about 10.45 the next morning “with a big smile on his face”. The father is a diehard fan who has attended dozens of Springsteen concerts in the last three decades. – AP
Taylor Swift plays private gig for Reese Witherspoon
Pop star Taylor Swift gave a private concert at Reese Witherspoon’s 40th birthday party over the weekend. Witherspoon took to Snapchat to post an image of herself and her mother with a disco ball in the background. Other guests included Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, Courteney Cox, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves, Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban. – The National staff
Neha Dhupia and kiehls in tie-up for schools
Actress Neha Dhupia has teamed up with beauty brand Kiehl's and the Teach for India foundation to educate underprivileged children. All proceeds from the sale of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream will go to Teach for India, which helps impoverished schools. The Bollywood star, who is set to star in MTV's forthcoming show MTV Roadies X4, said: "I think the fact that you are a public face makes a very big difference. More importantly, people try to listen and I think as a brand you leverage yourself to the things you believe in. And education is something I believe in." – IANS
Third instalment planned for Tanu Weds Manu
Actor Deepak Dobriyal says talks are underway for the third instalment of the popular Tanu Weds Manu franchise. Dobriyal, who portrays the main lead's best friend in the two films, was at the Times Of India Film Awards in Dubai on Friday, where he bagged Best Actor in a Comic Role award for Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the sequel. Asked if there were any plans for a third film, Dobriyal said: "People are demanding for the third part. Yes, it will happen." Directed by Anand L Rai, the first two movies featured actors R Madhavan and Kangana Ranaut in the main roles. – IANS
