Who’s got the biggest fan club in Mumbai? SRK, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan? Nope, it’s the city itself, which is on the favourites list of not just India’s biggest celebrities but also the world’s most famous names — fromShakira to Madonna to Prince Charles...and they’re all saying Salaam Mumbai!
Shakira sizzles but even the Latino diva admitted that she'd found something in Mumbai that was way hotter than her. "Indian food is just too hot to handle," the Grammy award-winning singer told After Hours when she'd come down for a performance in Mumbai. "I know a lot of my fans from other cities are disappointed that I performed only in Mumbai, but I'm sure there will be a next time,"Shakira said.
Over the years, Mumbai has notched up so many international fans. Mick Jagger's daughter Jade loves to shop here, as does model Elizabeth Hurley; Angelia Jolie took back an experience of riding in a Mumbai local, in a second class compartment (Brad Pitt bought the tickets for them — Charni Road to Churchgate!) and Madonna came with her whole family in tow to get a first hand feel of the wondrous city within the city, described so beautifully by Australian writer Gregory David Roberts in Shantaram.
The soul of the city lies in its quaint Irani dhabas, the frantic fervour of its Ganapati festival, the earnest children practising cricket at Shivaji stadium, the enchanting curve of Marine Drive and the ubiquitous dabbawallas that make the city run like clockwork. It's not surprising that the dabbawallahs were topmost on Prince Charles' mind when he came to Mumbai and a meeting was arranged for him. "For more than a hundred years they have had an incredible record of success without using any modern technology at all - it is an extraordinary example of what can be done," he said. And that's just one of the wonders that make up our wonderful city....
Spotted again earlier today in the City of Lights, Shakira looks as though she’s taken well to the French capital as she chatted on her mobile phone while doing a little sightseeing. The “Hips Don’t Lie” songstress looked cute and casual in a purple v-neck sweater along with a pair of figure-flattering jeans and black platform heels.
Earlier this week, Shakira had a monumental meeting with former hostage/Columbian political figure Ingrid Betancourt and her son Lorenzo. And it sounds like they’re working together for a good cause.
Both women will be involved this weekend in a worldwide protest against the FARC (the abductors of Betancourt). Ingrid and Columbian pop singer Juanes will head a march in Paris whileShakira holds a concert on the Columbian border with Peru and Brazil.
Buffalo, New York-based band EVERY TIME I DIE is currently seeking a new label home. Speaking to the UK's Rock Sound magazine, the group's vocalist Keith Buckley revealed, "Our latest album was the last thing we had to deliver for Ferret so we are in limbo. We are talking to some labels right now, I think people will be very pleased to know that it looks like we will not be signing with a major. Some were interested but I don't think we even got down to discussing deals, I know I would have signed a Shakira-esque 100 million dollar 360 deal but it never seemed to come up in conversation."
EVERY TIME I DIE recently announced the addition of bassist Josh Newton (FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES, UNSANE, SHINER) to the group's ranks. EVERY TIME I DIE sold almost 14,000 copies of its new album, "The Big Dirty" (Ferret Music), in the United States in its first week of release last September to debut at position No. 41 on The Billboard 200 chart. "The Big Dirty" was produced by Steve Evetts and was described by the band as "the CD you would compile if asked to make a mix of the best EVERY TIME I DIE songs you haven't heard yet. Ten-plus tracks that tore from our filthy hands like the creature that jumped out of that dude's stomach in 'Alien'." To report any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, please send an e-mail to bmouth@bellatlantic.net with pertinent details. Anyone posting such material will be immediately and permanently banned. IP addresses are recorded to aid us in enforcing these conditions.
The Columbian superstar has signed a mammoth 10-year deal with Live Nation, reportedly worth $70-$100 million dollars. That's a lot of belly dancing lessons.
Shakira follows in the footsteps of Jay-Z and Madonna as major artists who have secured huge deals with the concert conglomerate, though Jay-Z snagged $150 million and Madonna scored $120 million.
Who’s got the biggest fan club in Mumbai? SRK, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan? Nope, it’s the city itself, which is on the favourites list of not just India’s biggest celebrities but also the world’s most famous names — fromShakira to Madonna to Prince Charles...and they’re all saying Salaam Mumbai!
