Sharmila Tagore is a part of Cannes Film Festival jury

Bollywood Legend, Sharmila Tagore has been declared the ninth and final member of the jury at Cannes film festival, which is to be held this month.

Sharmila is just the fourth Indian to be on the panel of judges, after acclaimed author Arundhati Roy and actresses Aishwarya Rai and Nandita Das over the recent years.

This year’s festival, beginning May 13, will have the jury headed by star French actress Isabelle Huppert, with three other actresses on the panel- Asia Argento from Italy, also a director and screenwriter, Shi Qi from China`s Taiwan and Robin Wright Penn from the United States.

Sharmila Tagore, who has won several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards throughout her career has surely made India proud once again.

Akshay-Kareena walk with Sylvester Stallone at Cannes

Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor are all set to walk the red carpet with Sylvester Stallone at the Cannes Film Festival starting May 13. The Hollywood action star makes a guest appearance.

Stallone has been making inquiries about the release of the film. When informed of producer Sajid Nadiadwala's Cannes plan, he agreed as he is said to be extremely fond of both Akshaya and Kareena.

Brandon Routh and Denise Richards also make guest appearances in the movie, which is expected to hit the screens soon.

Cannes Film Festival & Aish - An Old Bond

While Aishwarya Rai understands the constant need for people to check out her clothes and accessories at important events, what the star actor can't fathom is why her clothes at the Cannes Film Festival become more important than what she does.

'I don't even want to think about what people thought of my clothes earlier and what they think of it now. To me how I conduct myself at Cannes and how people react to me are far more important than what I wear,' Aishwarya, who has been attending the prestigious film fest since 2002.

'Cannes has always been a marvellous and memorable experience. This time was no different. It's never about the wardrobe for me. I don't focus on that at all,' added the actress who went there for the first time with 'Devdas'. She reminisces about each year she has attended the Cannes fest, saying: 'That was the year of 'Devdas'. That experience remains embedded in my mind. It wasn't just about how much they liked me in a sari or walking the red carpet. It was more memorable for the standing ovation that we got after the screening of 'Devdas'. What an ovation! It was a very special experience.

'Next I was in Cannes as a jury member and that's where sections of the media formed their own jury and began to assess my dress. After that I was there to inaugurate the festival and thereafter each year as the brand ambassador for L'Oreal.'

What made Aishwarya's visit to Cannes special this year was the fact that the entire Bachchan family was there. 'Also,' she added happily. 'It was always flash visits to Cannes. This time I was actually there for four days. Otherwise, I've always been there in the middle of things. I spent two full days with the family. We're all so happy when we're together.

'In an interview there I was asked if our visit to Cannes was a delayed anniversary celebration. I was like... noooooo!' Apart from attending events and obliging shutterbugs, the actress managed to entertain herself by catching up with a couple of movies.

'I caught three and a half movies including the opening film 'Blindness' and the new 'Indiana Jones' film. And I could only catch the latter half of 'Kung Fu Panda' because I had to do some press interviews during the second half.

'I've to catch the rest of the film; it was so entertaining. And I also saw the new Woody Allen film 'Vicky Christina Barcelona'. And, yes, I met Woody Allen. He's wonderful.' Speaking on her stunning sartorial grace on the red carpet, Aishwarya said: 'I guess I had more time to prepare.'
She smiles at the memory of bonding with Eva Longoria of 'Desperate Housewives'. 'We bonded so well at Cannes no one would believe we had just met. Actually Eva, Rachida Brakni, who did the original French version of 'Chaos', which I was supposed to do and who's now been taken on as L'Oreal's brand ambassador - all of us got married recently. So all three of us had something in common.'

She refers to meeting French actor Jean Reno as another memorable moment at Cannes.
'Jean Reno came up to me and said he had heard good things about my film 'Pink Panther'. These legendary actors are so hassle-free. They don't think twice about approaching you with a smile and kind words. That stays with you. So much less taxing than making an effort to avoid people,' she said.

On the home front, her fans are eagerly waiting to see her with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in 'Sarkar Raj', which is releasing June 6.

Preity looking Stunning at Cannes Film Festival

After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Preity Zinta seems to have become a regular at the Cannes Film Festival.

Wearing a slinky blue gown with an eye-popping emerald necklace adorning her graceful neck, Preity made a pretty picture as she attended the Chopard and Feretti Photocall at the Palais des Festivals on Wednesday.

She looked ravishing & really appealing in her dress & the new hair style of her's.

We get to see another side of Preity, and we must say she looks good coming as well as going!

Cannes Film Festival-Day 2

Despite hopes that the business would pick up on Day 2, it remained as sluggish as Day 1, compared to the market in the years gone by. There was a pervasive wave of disappointment among the exhibitors in the Riviera and Palais about business being slack. That said, many market attendees were hopeful of the weekend!

Variety did a special spotlight on the Indian film industry titled "Beyond Bollywood" emphasising on Indian cinema spreading its wings internationally. The feature additionally had a special tribute to Mukta Arts turning 30 and Whistling woods.

Screen International ran a special feature on the hot films from different countries being showcased at the market. From Asia, among a number of Chinese and Taiwanese product, Jodhaa Akbar(UTV), Taare Zameen Par (UTV) , Tahaan (iDream), Road, Movie (Studio 18) and Little Zizou (Studio 18)were the five selected.

Preity Zinta made a quick appearance at the Chopard Beach Party (Preity is the brand ambassador of Chopard). Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the screening of Blindness, the opening film of the festival, presumably courtesy of L'Oreal.

Lets See whats in Store for day-3

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL-DAY 1

A lot is happening on the world cinema and Hollywood front at Cannes 2008, but a few quick pointers on what Day 1 held for the Indian film community specifically:

The market was largely sluggish but many expect the second day to witness a pick-up in the business.

• Santosh Sivan's Tahan featuring Rahul Bose and Rahul Khanna among others, and Jag Mundhra's Shoot On Sight with Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri were screened at the market.
• The big boys exhibiting this year are UTV, Eros, Indian Films-Studio 18, and new player, Reliance ADAG. Shemaroo is around as well promoting their animation feature, Ghatothkach.
• Eros' front-running products on display include Sunday, Sarkar Raj, U Me Aur Hum, Bhoothnath and Om Shanti Om, among others, while UTV's Cannes advertising stresses on Taare Zameen Par, Race and Jodhaa Akbar. Indian Films-Studio 18 are promoting Jab We Met, Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, Kidnap and Golmaal Returns, to name a few.
• From the teaser poster of Singh Is Kinng presently doing the rounds on the net (featuring a clean-shaven turbaned Akshay Kumar), Indian Films-Studio 18 unveiled an attractive creative of the Vipul Shah-produced film, featuring a bearded macho-looking Akshay holding Katrina, clad in a dazzling skin-hugging orange gown.
• Dev Anand's 1960's classic Guide is set to glow at the Festival's Classic section, and the legend is likely to visit the palm-lined town of South France to celebrate the occasion
• From the Asian markets, India and China, in this order, have the largest presence at Cannes 2008. India and China are followed by Japan and Korea.

Preity leaves for Cannes Film Festival

Preity left for the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday morning at a time when she's neck-deep in IPL affairs. “Can't help it, yaar," she phoned and groaned groggily from Frankfurt airport. "It's been two years now that I've been the brand ambassador for Chopard and it requires me to be at Cannes every year, come what May… pun intended."

Understandably, she's exhausted. "But I'm also exhilarated," she's quick to add. "IPL has been a learning experience," remarked Preity.

IPL has evoked mixed response from the audience. In fact some people believe IPL to be confusing cricket. "Not at all," denies Preity vehemently. "Considering the fact that players of different age groups and varied nationalities are interacting on one platform, it's quite an eye-opener. Also, it's only here that the younger players get the golden opportunity to learn the ropes from senior and international players."

Ask about team player Bret Lee singing for Preity and she makes a disgusted noise. "This isn't even worth talking about. The man is married and has a kid. Besides, Bret sings for everyone on the team. He's always fooling around, singing and always up to some masti. All cricketers make an effort to keep the team spirit going. So there's nothing great about it."

Talking about team spirit, it is not a hidden fact that Preity has taken to her IPL town, Mohali in a big way. "People there are so warm and friendly that Ness and I have begun to care for the town," Preity justifies. "While other IPL team owners have got developed cities, we're the only ones who were given an upcoming town. We're proud to be part of that growth. Mohali is an air-force base so only army planes land there. However, thanks to IPL, there's already a talk of an international airport and several luxury hotels in the offing."

Preity has several events lined up in Cannes, but no movies. "I would have liked to bring my film Har Pal here, but it isn't ready as yet. If Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear is screened, I'll go for it. But Chopard events are sure to keep me on my toes for the next three days. I've a red carpet event, a dinner, followed by a picnic. I will return to Mumbai on May 17 and immediately head for my IPL commitments."

Preity is also excited about accompanying the Bachchans in The Unforgettable Tour. "The Bachchans are my buddies. I'm joining them on their world tour in July and am really looking forward to it. I've been on a world tour with them earlier and had a ball. So I'm looking forward to this one as well," she concludes

Abhi-Ash attend the 'Kung Fu Panda' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during at Cannes

The 61st Cannes International Film Festival opens on Wednesday and though no Indian film has made it to its competition category, a few Indian stars will be present for the festival and even fewer Indian films will be screened in the festival's non-competition section.

While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, now a regular at Cannes, will be present as the brand ambassador for L'Oreal, her arm candy husband Abhishek Bachchan is also expected to be there to promote his upcoming film Dilli 6, which will be showcased during the festival.

The film's director, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and its leading lady Sonam Kapoor are also expected to attend its screening.

But the only official Indian screening is of filmmaker Vijay Anand's Guide that will be screened in the non-competitive classics section at the festival and the film's star and producer Dev Anand will introduce the film whose restored print will be used for this special screening.

Animation meets mythology in Ghatotkach, a film by National Award winning filmmaker, S Srinivasa Rao which will be screened on May 17 in the Palais C section.

Apart from Aishwarya, Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor, Preity Zinta will be adding to the desi star power at Cannes but as brand ambassador for Chopard, once again.

But there will be plenty of action as far as show business is concerned with Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment reportedly all set to announce around 10 Hollywood co-productions with stars such as Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

Movies to Watch Out At Cannes Film Festival-2008

The Cannes Film Festival kicks off this May, and 23 films are competing for the Grand Prize, the Palme D'or.

Here's a look at some of the films that really seem worth waiting for, even though the more obscure entries are likely to throw up something very special indeed.

1. Adoration, by Atom Egoyan

Critically toasted director Egoyan hasn't made a feature length film for some time, and this movie about an Irish terrorist and his pregnant girlfriend comes to the festival riding a tidal wave of buzz.

Starring Scott Speedman and Rachel Blanchard, this drama might just be worth the wait.

2. Che, by Steven Soderbergh

While competing at Cannes as one single four-hour motion picture, this biopic is actually a two-parter -- The Argentine, focussing on the Cuban revolution, and Guerilla, about the post-revolution period, starting with Che's trip to the UN in 1964 right upto his death.

Knowing Soderbergh's skill for economy, four hours would be heavily packed indeed.

Also, the cast is stunning. Benicio Del Toro plays Che, with Franka Potente, Julia Ormond and the superb Catalina Sandino Moreno all starring.

3. Changeling, by Clint Eastwood

America's most prolific cowboy is at it again, and with this thriller Eastwood goes back to the real life Wineville Chicken Murders of the 1920s.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as a mother whose son is kidnapped and eventually returned -- after which she's convinced the child isn't her own.

LAPD corruption and the local stigma only form part of Jolie's woes as she struggles -- aided by John Malkovich -- to make her case.

4. La Mujer Sin Cabeza, by Lucrecia Martel

A critical part of the New Argentina Cinema movement that kickstarted in 1998, Martel showed promise with her very first feature in 2001, La Cienaga (The Swamp), which swept the festival circuit convincingly.

Her second feature, La Nina Santa (The Holy Girl) was in competition at Cannes in 2004, and received very favourably indeed.

This time she's up for the big prize again for this film -- translated as The Woman Who Lost Her Head -- and has a very good chance indeed.

5. Linha De Passe, by Walter Salles

While Salles became an international icon with his 2004 sensation The Motorcycle Diaries, he was already one of the world's finest directors with films like Terra Estrangeira (Foreign Land), Central Do Brasil (Central Station) and Abril Despedecado (Behind The Sun) cementing his reputation long before Diaries came along.

After a Hollywood stint with horror adaptation Dark Water, he's back doing what he does best. And we're waiting.

In the picture: Brazilian director and co-producer Walter Salles (L) and director Sandra Kogut during a photocall in Cannes last year.

Cannes Film Festival 2008-Bigger Than Ever Before

It's that time of the year when films make their annual pilgrimage to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals.

The 61st Cannes Film Festival will see major Hollywood productions like Indiana Jones And The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and The Changeling, as well as Indian stars like Cannes regular Aishwarya Rai, husband Abhishek Bachchan and A R Rahman.

Read on, as we bring you the daily action from France.

Abhi-Ash to be seen in Cannes Film Festival

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been a regular at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002, the year her film, Devdas, was screened at the festival.

This year too, Ash, who is the brand ambassador for L'Oreal, will arrive in Cannes on May 25. She will be accompanied by husband Abhishek Bachchan, whose upcoming film Dilli 6 will be showcased at the festival. Dilli 6 actress Sonam Kapoor and director Rakeysh Omprakash will also attend.

Ash and Abhishek made their first appearance together at the festival last year, when their film, Guru, was screened at Cannes.

After the festival, Abhishek and Ash will head to the US to complete the shoot of his latest film, Dostana, co-starring John Abraham.

The Bachchans have a lot planned this year. After their film, Sarkar Raj in June, the stars will be off for their world tour in July.