Tim Roth and Gérard Depardieu have agreed to star in a film about Fifa’s president Sepp Blatter. The project, being made by a French production company, is due to be released next year to coincide with the World Cup finals in Brazil and Fifa’s 110th anniversary. Roth, a 52-year-old Englishman, will play Blatter, a 77-year-old Swiss, while Depardieu will play the former Fifa president Jules Rimet, who was among Fifa’s founding fathers. Speaking on a video on Fifa’s website, Blatter said he was pleased to be portrayed by the British actor on screen. Filming will take place in France, Brazil and Azerbaijan.
Kangna Ranaut to perform classical mujra in Rajjo
The actress Kangna Ranaut will perform a classical mujra (courtesan's dance) in her forthcoming film Rajjo, reported the Press Trust of India. Ranaut, who will play the role of a nautch (dancing) girl, underwent rigorous training in kathak, an Indian classical dance style. The mujra dates back to the Mughal period and has featured prominently in a number of Bollywood movies, including 2006's Umrao Jaan and 2002's Devdas. — The National staff
Ahmed Soultan vies for MTV EMA
Ahmed Soultan has been voted the Best Middle East Act at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards, having received the most online votes from fans. He will now go head-to-head against fellow winners from across Africa and India for the chance to be one of 10 finalists to reach the last round of the Worldwide Act category. The MTV EMA will be held on November 11 in Amsterdam. Fans can vote on www.mtvema.com. — The National staff
Theft at Devgn and Kajol’s apartment
Burglars broke into and escaped with 17 gold bangles from the Bollywood couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol's Mumbai residence. Police said yesterday that the theft took place on October 22. On October 16, the actress Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra also reported a burglary at their Mumbai residence. — IANS
Julianne Hough sorry for blackface costume
The 25-year-old actress Julianne Hough has apologised for dressing up in blackface at a Halloween party in Hollywood on Friday. Hough dressed up as Crazy Eyes, a character played by Uzo Aduba in the TV series Orange Is the New Black. She covered her face in dark make-up and wore an orange jumpsuit. Responding to criticism on social media, Hough tweeted: "I am a huge fan of the show Orange Is the New Black, actress Uzo Aduba and the character she has created. It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way. I realise my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologise." – IANS
