Edward and Bella beat Bond at BO

The Twilight teen movie vampires sucked more money out of theaters over the weekend, leading James Bond, Brad Pitt and the rest of box office pack with $17.4 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales and scoring its third weekly win.

   Pitt's new movie, the small-budget gangster film Killing Them Softly, bombed with film goers who planned it with a rare F grade on average in polls. The movie landed in seventh place with $7 million in ticket sales at domestic theaters.
   The result were much brighter for Breaking Dawn - Part 2, the fifth and final film in the Twilight vampire and werewolf saga, which has earned $254.6 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters since its smash debut on Nov. 16.
   Skyfall starring Daniel Craig as superspy 007 grabbed $17 million and held on to second place, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters. Steven Spielberg's historical drama Lincoln, featuring a critically acclaimed performance by Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th U.S. president, ket the No.3 slot with $13.5 million.

   A week ago, Breaking Dawn - Part 2 and Skyfall helped push the five day Thanksgiving weekend to a box office record. The success of the two films, plus upcoming releases such as fantasy prequel The Hobbit and musical Les Miserables, are likely to power 2012 ticket sales to an all-time high, according to industry forecasts.
   In the No. 4 slot, family movie Rise Of the Guardians captured $13.5 million. The Dreamworks Animation films has taken in $48.9 million since its Thanksgiving weekend debut, one of the slowest starts for a movie from the studio behind Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
   Guardians features the voice of Chris Pine and Alec Baldwin as the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and other childhood favourites who save the world. 
   Rounding out the top five, survival story Life of Pi earned $12 million and fifth place. The critically praised film from director Ang Lee is based on a book about a boy stranded on a boat with an adult Bengal tiger. Its two week domestic total reached $48.4 million. 

Posh and David eye their own Becking-Ham Palace

Posh and Becks are poised to buy a new home in Britain - and this time they really can call it Beckingham Palace, a leading newspaper revealed.
    Victoria, 38, has viewed a townhouse in the exclusive Ham Common area of Richmond, Surrey, and is believed to be close to making an offer.

    The ex-Spice Girl was spotted touring nearby £6,000-a-term Harrodian School with her three boys after falling in love with the upmarket location where family homes cost at least £6,000-a-term Harrodian School with her three boys after falling in love with the upmarket location where family homes cost at least £2 million.
    High-profile neighbours include The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and politician Zac Goldsmith.
    The Beckham' move after five years in America could mean Victoria and David, 37, rubbing shoulders with society's elite at Ham Polo Club. They could find themselves cheering princes William, 30, and Harry, 28, who are regulars on the playing field.
    Sons Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10, Cruz, seven, and eventually 16-month-old daughter Harper could even have private lessons.
    Victoria's search comes as former England star David announced his departure from LA Galaxy for one final football challenge in Europe.
     The couple still have the original Beckingham Palace, and £18 million mansion in Hertfordshire.

Zeta-Jones's heeling touch

Catherine Zeta-Jones and singer Bonnie Tyler have helped pull in $6,400 (£4,000) to boost an ongoing search for a girl who vanished in Wales.

    The Mask of Zorro star donated a pair of gold high heels to be autioned off for the April's Fund campaign, which was started to help find five-year-old schoolgirl April Jones.
    The autographed sandals pulled in $656 (£410) when they went under the hammer in Jones' hometown of Machynlleth, Powys on November 30.
    Tyler also pitched in by handling over a diamante-studded denim jacket.
    Karen Evans, one of the charity auction organisers, says, "It was great to get everybody together in the town fo rthe evening.
    "We are very pleased with how it all went. We raised plenty of money for April's Fund - and that was what it was all about". 

A curious case of 'connecting doors'

Anil's over-the-top demands to attend an award function cost him the invite
From One two ka four to 24, Anil Kapoor has come a long way. And so, we learnt has his 'requirements'. It all began with an invitation that Anil Kapoor received to attend an awards ceremony in Dubai. Busy with his new regime to play a special agent for the Indian adaptation of American TV series 24, the actor turned down the invite. Perseverant, the sponsors came back with an ace- an award for Anil, hoping this would solve everything. Sadly, luring a Bollywood actor, who has international appeal, wasn't that easy. Along with a confirmation of him attending the do, Anil sent a lists of 'requirements'. "We were told that Anil would need two first class tickets in a good airline to fly in and fly out of Dubai. We were also told that he will need a presidential suite to stay in," said a staff member of the sponsoring company.

     The actor's next demand left the organisers flummoxed. According to the source, Anil asked for rooms for his assistants on the same floor of his suite - rooms that must be interconnected to his. "We were told that the rooms must have connecting doors. Also they asked for three security guards. And smaller requests for luxury cars and more," the source added.
     Needless to say, Anil was becoming a bit too heavy on the sponsor's pocket. And they decided to drop him from the show. "We wrote back saying as much as we would love to have him on board, we will not be able to afford him. He couldn't attend the awards function ultimately," said the source.

     The event was successful and the show compeered by Karisma Kapoor, who interestingly came with no strings attached.

'Not ready to get married yet'

Soha Ali Khan douses rumours of a 2013 wedding and says that even her mum thinks she has a long way to go before tying the knot

Now that her brother Saif is married, the spotlight has shifted to Soha Ali Khan. Especially since she has been in a relationship with Kunal Khemu for over two years now. In fact, it was rumoured that the actress may tie the knot in 2013. However, when we spoke to Soha, she admitted of not being 'mentally prepared' for marriage. And even told us that her mother, Sharmila Tagore feels the same way.

    "Everybody loves to marry of Bollywood celebrities. I have been facing this question a lot lately. Though I don't feel it's a pressure, but yes the media loves to ask me about my wedding," said Soha. And her answer remains the same. Soha told us that she is not going to get married now or in the 'immediate future'.
    "There are no plans to get married as of now. I am young, I have a long way to go and I feel that I am not mentally responsible enough to get married," she said. In fact, there has been no talk regarding her marriage at homw.
    "I am good with him (Kunal) but I don't think it is time to tie the knot yet. I have signed a lot of films and that is going to keep me very busy till the end of next year. I don't think getting married is a priority for me right now. if you ask me, I am more concerned about my first out-and-out comedy role where I am playing a cop with Arshad Warsi in a film called Joe Bhi Karva Lo. We start shooting soon in India and Sri Lanka," she added.
     As for her brother's production Go Goa Gone starring boyfriend Kunal, Soha told us that the shooting is 'almost over'. "After a couple of days, the film will wrap up. But I don't know when it will release. Getting a proper release date is like winning a lottery in this industry," she sighed.

Azad unites Aamir's past and present

On the occasion of the baby's first birthday, the actor's former wife was as much part of the celebration as Kiran and his other family members

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao brought in their son Azad's first birthday on December 1 with a big bash. The party held at Imran Khan's bungalow in Bandra, was attneded by the entire Khan parivaar including Aamir's ex-wife Reena Dutta. Dr Firuza Parikh, who played an important role in Azad's birth also attended the do.

    A source from the party told Mirror, "The original plan was to celebrate Azad's birthday at Aamir's sister Nuzhat's bungalow. They had also thought of inviting their friends from Bollywood. But later, they decided to have a small party with close family instead."

    Grandma Zeenat, aunt Nuzhat, step sister Ira and step brother Junaid came to wish the little one. A few close relatives and friends of the Khan family joined in a well. "It was a typical kiddie bash that began at 4.30 pm and went on till around 8 pm. The room was decorated with a lot of balloons. In keeping with the kiddie spirit, return gifts were also distributed. A quiet family dinner was held afterwards," added the source.
     Incidentally, the main point of discussion at the party was Aamir's latest film Talaash. "Later, talk drifted towards Junaid and his role as Rajkumar Hirani's assistant in Peekay," the source told us.

Ajay wants to earn his stripes

The actor will shoot with a Bengal Tiger for Himmatwala. But will use a body double for the riskier 'action' scenes

In August this year, when the launched his film Himmatwala Sajid Khan released a poster of Ajay Devgn who had evidently 'belled' the big cat. There was plenty of speculation at that time about the computer-generated poster and the film, which would see Sajid graduate from monkeys, crocodiles and other reptiles to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

    Well, tigers do seem  to be the flavour of the season. And after Salman Khan declared that for Sher Khan he wants a tiger that can give Richard Parker (of life of Pi fame) a run for his stripes, Ajay and Sajid have decided to tackle the big cat head on. According to sources, Sajid and Ajay are flying to a farm in Mauritius that specialises in animals trained for the big screen. Apparently, it is for a pivotal scene in the film that is inspired by Amitabh Bachchan's hand-to-paw combat in Mr Natwarlal. Interestingly, the stunt director of that memorable scene was Ajay's father Veeru Devgn.
    A friend of Sajid told Mirror, "Sajid's films are incomplete without animals. The tiger is an intrinsic part of his Himmatwala. If Ajay has to rescue the tiger, he has to fight one. The sequence will be shot in Mauritius over seven days under sonstant supervision by stunt co-ordinators and experts.

    Unlike in India, in Mauritius, filming of animals is allowed."
    However, Mirror has learnt that while Ajay will shoot a few scenes with the tiger, there will be stunt double for the riskier close-up sequences.
    A source close to Ajay said, "Sajid wanted to use computer graphics and special effects but it was Ajay who insisted on shooting at least a few secens with the tiger. He likes to push the envelope and he had a long chat with Sajid in Hyderabad about this."
    In a text message, Sajid confirmed the news: "Yes, I am leaving for Mauritius tomorrow where Ajay will shoot with the tiger."

SALMAN DROPS THE P-BOMB

Declares in Dubai that he is Priyanka's favourite co-star these days and even calls up a friend to finalise a film with her

A month after this newspaper published exclusive pictures as proof of Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra's new camaraderie, the stars more or less made it official in Dubai.

    PeeCee and Salman were slated to perform at a concert in the historic district of Bur Dubai last night and have been staying in the same hotel. And that is where their bonhomie became all too evident.
    It started with a press conference that the two stars attended. Both Salman and PeeCee were seen doodling on a piece of paper towards the end of the conference. While Salman faces, PeeCee was doodling just to humour him.
    On a more serious note, the two carried their warm vibes backstage where they met a select media group. In his inimitable style Salman declared: "I didn't choose Priyanka or the others to perform with me. They (pointing to PeeCee and Zarine Khan, Sophie Choudry) chose me," he said, adding, "I am Priyanka's favourite co-star of late."
    As for PeeCee, she grabbed the opportunity to reaffirm her friendship with Salman: "Yup!" she said grinning widely and later showered praises on her new 'friend.'
    As was being speculated, Salman may have just designed a film for Priyanka. According to sources in Dubai, the actors were ensconced in Salman's suite all afternoon with Sohail Khan and PeeCee's manager. "There was a series of meeting. And they did not emerge till late for their rehearsals," added the source travelling with the stars. Buzz is, they were discussing a forthcoming Sallu starrer. And as a final seal of approval, Salman, says our source, made a long conference call to a 'friend' in Mumbai. He ended the conversation with "Chal abhi woh picture banata hain."
    Except the 'friend' to reveal himself very soon.

Help Mr India tackle Magambo for Rs 1500

Manmohan Shetty takes us through his dream project, a Bollywood theme park on the Expressway

Three years in the making, Manmohan Shetty's most ambitious project is finally taking space. Spread over 300 acres on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Bollywood theme park is budgeted at a whopping Rs 1600 crore.
    Sitting at his plush Andheri office along with his daughters Pooja and Aarti, Shetty told Mirror, "Building the aprk is like making 200 films together. But thankfully, my dream is finally coming true. I was toying with the idea for six-seven years. And it has been a roller-coaster ride. It took over a year-and-half to convince the banks about my vision." Reportedly, Shetty is paying the remaining sum as equity.
    Five minutes from the Khopoli Railway Station, we spotted several workers busy creating the park on Khopoli-Pali road. When asked about the main attractions of this new park, Shetty said there would be five.
1) MR INDIA RIDE: The characters of the 1987 blockbuster - Mr India and Seema take you on a ride. Along with them, you fight Mogambo to save the world. The famous villain is holding a few kids as hostage as well. And of course, there would be Calendar. "What's more Anil (Kapoor) and Sridevi have dubbed for the ride," revealed Shetty.
2) SOARING OVER INDIA: A flying experience, in this you can get an aerial view of the country. "Special effects will do the trick," Shetty told us.
3) WRATH OF GOD: Agni, Vayu and Jal came together. 160 people experience free fall as the platform gives way. Buildings fall around you. "There's bound to be scream," Pooja (Shetty's daughter) sounds confident.
4) SALIMGARH: Monstrous activities happen inside the fort. Characters pop out of walls as you sit in a cart. "It's a 4D interaction," explained Aarti (Shetty's younger daughter).
5) ALIBABA AUR 40 CHOR: You are travelling through ancient Middle East on a cart shooting at thieves. "The cart moves so fast, it's hard to focus," Shetty told us.
    Priced at Rs 1500 a stub, the entry ticket may appear expensive. "This isn't a multiplex that a family nas to visit four times a month. One needs around two days to see the park properly. And we will have a hotel inside the premises. And we will have a hitel inside the premises. There will be five-six theme based restaurants as well," Pooja justified.

Not Ranbir's screen parents

Rishi and Neetu Kapoor play Haryani cops in Besharam

Rumour had it that apart from Ranbir Kapoor headlining Abhinav Kashyap's next Besharam, his parents too would play definitive roles in the film.

    And while Mirror can tell you it is true both Rishi and Neetu Kapoor have been roped in the filmmaker, the latest development is that contrary to popular perception they won't be seen as Ranbir's parents in the film. Rather, they will portray Haryanvi cops. Neetu will be the loud, aggressive one while Rishi will be her soft-spoken counterpart.
    According to a source close to the film, Abhinav thought of casting Neetu only later after he was sure the role was meaty enough to offer her. "Recently, he narrated the script to hre and she was game to be part of the film. Ranbir is very excited since this will be the first time he will share screen space with his mother. whom he is extremely close to," the source said. Apparently, Abhinav had always wanted to make a film with Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor. Getting Neetu on board proved to be the icing on the cake.
    While Ranbir will start shooting anytime now, his parents will join him later.
   

Shaad film waits for Ram Leela

While he hasn't directed a film since Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom (2007), Shaad Ali will have to wait some more before he starts his next project Kill Dill starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

    Reason being both actors are currently busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela and Shaad, who is a huge fan of Bhansali's work and who wants to cast both Ranveer and Deepika in his film, has no qualms about waiting for Ram Leela to get over before he starts work on his next.
    A source close to the film said, "Having decided on his pal Ranveer for the film, Shaad thought he would start his film by January 2013 by sharing Ranveer's dates with Bhansali. But now Shaad also wants his other pal Deepika in the film. That means both artistes have to be free of their commitment to Bhansali's Ram Leela before plunging into Shaad's Kill Dill."
    Apparently, Shaad rang up Bhansali to discuss dates issue and it was mutually agreed Shaad would wait for Ram Leela to get over.
    "It's not just about dates, Ranveer also needs to look different for Shaad's film. In Ram Leela, he spots a moustache and beard. In Kill Dill, he needs to be clean-shaven," the source added.