Fashion ‘n’ Family

After a photo shoot and shopping trip in Paris, Penelope Cruz has now found herself situated in Barcelona for the filming of Woody Allen’s upcoming film, co-starring Scarlett Johansson.

The actress recently sat down with Style magazine for an interview, but was tight-lipped about her latest role – instead opting to talk about her upcoming fashion line and close-knit family.

Penelope spoke of how she has recently entered into a business venture with her sister, Monica, a dancer and television actress. The sisters designed a collection for the Spain-based fashion chain Mango, which includes a mix of red-carpet-inspired evening wear, jeans, knits and daywear based on their own fashion preferences.

Speaking of the new clothing endeavor (which is slated for a September 16 launch), Cruz said, “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. We just had to find the right people to do it with. We’ve always loved clothes – we used to hide in the bathroom with fashion magazines and say, ‘I want that one.’ We’d get a pencil and mark the pictures, and show how we’d transform them at home.”

As evidenced by her close working relationship with her sister, Penelope also spoke of the importance of keeping her family at the top of her list of priorities.

“My family are the best thing I have, and I spend a lot of time with them. We are very strict about that, about not letting anything interfere with having time for the family. We are always here for each other, all of us. We know that we can count on the rest, so we always find the time.”

Now, Penelope is not only spending time with her family, but she’s found a way to make money while doing so!

Actress Shilpa Shetty is finalising the nitty-gritty’s of her Broadway musical which will be along the lines of ‘Moulin Rouge’ and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s ‘ Bombay Dreams’.

“Her role requires lots of dancing and acting, which is something she loves doing anyway,” remarked her spokesperson Dale Bhagwagar in an interview to BBC News.

“From the last couple of months, Shilpa’s basic aim is to showcase Bollywood and Indian culture in the West,” he added. “Even for the musical, her costumes will be designed by popular Indian designer Neeta Lulla and will represent the ethics and culture of India.”

Bhagwagar further informed in the interview that renowned Indian choreographer Ganesh Hegde would set the steps for the musical, while Shilpa would focus on her performance, leaving the singing to professionals.

Starting with shows in the UK for the first three months, the musical could travel to other parts of the world including the US and Australia.

“After ‘Big Brother’, Shilpa was constantly under media glare with all her moves being marked. She was looking at expanding her horizons by going to another level. This musical gives her a chance to do something she’s always wanted to,” added Bhagwagar.

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Alicia Keys Third J Album

Alicia Keys has penciled in an Oct. 23 release date for her third J Records album, “As I Am.” Songwriter Linda Perry chipped in with three songs, including “The Thing About Love,” which Keys premiered on Saturday at the Live Earth concert in East Rutherford, N.J.

Sporting a more rock- and funk-edged vibe to her usual grooves, “As I Am” also finds Keys working with Mark Batson, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers and Harold Lilly Jr. Guests include John Mayer and Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius.

Keys characterizes her brainstorming with Perry as “not quite the same old thing. My roots are soul, hip-hop and jazz. She’s rock but soulful as well.” Adding that their pairing transcends any perceived barriers, she says with a laugh, “Together we’re talking worldwide domination.”