GRAPE VINE

Tom Cruise 
Resolves $50 Million Defamation Lawsuit 

Tom Cruise has resolved a $50 million lawsuit against Bauer Media Group over a story in Life & Style that he had "abandoned" his 6-year-old daughter, Suri."Tom doesn't go around suing people," said his attorney Bert Fields at the time. "He's not a litigious guy. But when these sleaze peddlers try to make money with lies about his relationship with his child, you bet he's going to sue."In October, 2012, after hearing about his supposed abandonment, the actor decided to take action.The parties stipulated to the dismissal of the lawsuit in a California federal court last week. Terms of any settlement weren't revealed beyond that each side will bear its own legal costs.The attorneys involved in the dispute weren't available immediately to comment. The resolution puts an end to a high-profile drama that began after Cruise's divorce from Katie Holmes and the subsequent tabloid frenzy over the details.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 
The Supermom of Aaradhya Bachchan  

Whether she likes it or not, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always been in the limelight and now her little daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan too is always the centre of attention. The adorable little girl was spotted at the newly launched play zone for kids 'Hop n Bop' in Mumbai along with her doting mother, grandfather Krishnaraj Rai, grand mom Vrinda Rai and a few other relatives. Aaradhya looked cute, dressed in a blue jeans and white top with a beautiful pink coloured sweater. Aishwarya was spotted chilling out and having a chat with a friend. Though dad Abhishek Bachchan was not part of this 'outing', he is extremely attached to Aaradhya as well. Recently, when Abhishek was asked whether there is anything specific that he wants to teach his daughter, Abhishek replied, "No yaar. Her mother is superb at it. There is no room for me to do anything. She is a supermom."

Madhuri Dixit looks powerful 
and fearless in Gulaab Gang poster

The first poster of "Gulaab Gang" is out. Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit can be seen in the 'Kaali' avatar of goddess Durga. The fiery combination of red and yellow colours in the background adds to the curiosity about her role in the film. In the movie, helmed by Soumik Sen, Madhuri, who has often played a demure girl-next-door in Bollywood films, takes on the role of a woman who leads a group of women vigilantes to fight against injustice in the Bundelkhand region. "It's a very powerful character," the dancing diva had earlier said of her role, which also required her to shoot some daredevil action scenes. The film's first look seems to justify it. Sen took to Twitter to get a feedback on the poster, and wrote: "'Gulaab Gang'. The first poster. Hope you like it." The movie, produced by Anubhav Sinha and presented by Sahara Movie Studios, releases globally March 7, 2014. It also features Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill and Tannishtha Chatterjee in key roles.

Bieber 
Fast 7 Casting Hoax

While fans have been quick to share their thoughts on how the Fast and Furious franchise should move forward following Paul Walker's death, social media went into meltdown when a rumor emerged that Justin Bieber was set to take Walker's place! But, it's okay, calm down – this was just a hoax! Luckily, that's all there is to the rumour, and Bieber won't be going anywhere near the franchise. The story came about thanks to a video made by Hollywood Life that mashed up the trailer for Fast & Furious 6 with one of Bieber's music videos. The video was made a few months ago after Ludacris claimed he would try and get the Canadian singer a part in Fast 7. Following the tragic death of Paul Walker less than a month ago, production on Fast & Furious 7 has been suspended while the studio decides how to move forward with the movie and what to do with Walker's character in the franchise, Brian O'Connor. We doubt anyone would have been prepared for the storm that would have descended upon the digital world if the rumor about Justin Bieber replacing Paul Walker on Fast & Furious 7 had been true.

REZWANA CHOWDHURY BONNA
Caught in the season of mother-in-laws

If you've been reading the past issues of Star Showbiz, then you already know that Shampa Reza recently became a mother-in-law. This time another one of our revered and respected celebrities is joining her rank. Prominent Rabindra Sangeet singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna's only daughter got married on the 25th of this month. Scanning through her recent pictures, it is hard to imagine her as a 'Shashuri'. She is considered as one of the most respected Rabindra Sangeet singers of our time. She is also the mother of a daughter and a son. Well! Time does fly fast. We congratulate Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna and her family at this time of celebrations.

Katrina prays for the success of Dhoom 3

Katrina Kaif offered her prayers last week at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer. Kaif offered floral tributes and sought blessings for the success of her upcoming film Dhoom 3, which has hit the theatres on Dec 20. Apart from Kaif, the film also stars Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra. “She visited the dargah to seek blessings for the success of her upcoming movie Dhoom 3, a Khadim (priest), who accompanied her in the tomb for Ziyarat, said. The 30-year-old actor has been visiting Ajmer Sharif regularly before the release of her films. Kaif first visited the dargah for her film Namaste London in 2007.

RAF turns into Drama Director!

Ra    fiqul Islam, known as RAF the photographer, has recently ventured into the world of television dramas. He is a popular glamour photographer and he has also worked on some Bangla music videos in the past. Now, he is in the process of directing a full fiction special drama for television which will hopefully be aired on Valentine's Day 2014. He also developed the story for the drama himself. Titled 'Outing', the drama features Agnila and Niloy in lead roles.

Bindu Just not getting a break!

Afsana Ara Bindu came to the limelight when she became the 1st runner up of Lux Channel-I Superstar in 2006. Then, in 2009, Bindu was the leading female character in Jaago; a film that didn't do too well in the box office. Bindu is on the big screen again with the reigning king of Dhaka movies, Shakib Khan, in a romance set during 1971 liberation war, “Eito Prem”. Directed by Sohel Arman, the movie features a star-studded soundtrack, and was supposed to hit the cinema halls with a lot of promise. We are expecting Bindu to be another actress vying for the top actress in town. That spot is still up for grabs and there is no short of actresses who would love to seize the opportunity. The industry is not smiling at her at the moment. Pairing with a proven actor like Shakib Khan, we expected the movie to be released this year. But, for some reason, its release is stuck somewhere in the pipeline. When will “Eito Prem” see the light of day, and Bindu get a break?