"I picked it because I loved it," said Mara of the Riccardo Tisci custom-made gown made of mixed laces and multilayered chiffon. Stone's gown had a high-neck bow, a trend on the designer runways right now, and Chastain's black strapless gown designed by McQueen creative director Sarah Burton was embroidered with gold bullion and metallic thread.

Some seasoned style stars stepped up their game, too, including Michelle Williams in a burnt-orange Louis Vuitton covered with delicate details, Jennifer Lopez in a crystal-covered Zuhair Murad, Cameron Diaz in a strapless sand-colored Gucci and Penelope Cruz in a feminine, off-the-shoulder, smoky-blue Armani Prive. Angelina Jolie did her simple, sexy thing in a black strapless gown with a high slit by Atelier Versace.

Gwyneth Paltrow went sleek and chic in a white Tom Ford that had a matching slim cape, and Stacy Keibler was statuesque in gold lame Marchesa. "Stacy's dress was chosen straight off the Fall '12 runway.

The fabric has real gold metal woven into it, which gives it an almost liquid feel," described Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman, herself an Oscars attendee in Marchesa on the arm of husband Harvey Weinstein. "I was at fashion week, saw it on the runway and was like, 'I need to have that,'" Keibler said.

Paltrow, who has done the Oscars as a pink princess and Goth rebel in past years, made the best-dressed lists of InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein and Louise Roe, Glamour magazine's editor-at-large. "Gwyneth had the unexpected dress, and I find that very appealing," Rubenstein said.

"Absolute knockouts were the simplest," said Roe, co-host of ABC's live coverage. "I died for Gwyneth in Tom Ford with its elegant cape, Emma Stone in fuchsia halter-neck Valli and chunky-crystal Vuitton clutch.

Shailene Woodley was a home run in Valentino and Jessica Chastain in classic gold McQueen. Wow.

" Roe was pleased to see Woodley in her modern, fashion-forward gown. "She's Hollywood's new hot thing, and this dress finally lived up to our expectations: chic, simple, elegant, I loved it.

" Rubenstein said he liked that there wasn't a cookie-cutter look; there wasn't one way to describe this red carpet. "One thing I did love is that it was a night not about one shape -- not just the clothing, but the women.

" His "wowza movie-star moment" belonged to Lopez. "Jennifer Lopez did exactly what you want Jennifer Lopez to do," he said.

(Later, during the telecast, Lopez looked close to a wardrobe malfunction with her plunging V neck.) Viola Davis' emerald-green, corset-style gown by Vera Wang had a little beading on the bustline and a chiffon pleated skirt.

She matched her earrings to the jewel tone of the gown, which seemed a popular trend. Melissa McCarthy also did it, pairing her rose Marina Rinaldi with crystal neckline and waistband with 10-carat diamond earrings decorated with pink diamonds by Chopard and a pink tourmaline cocktail ring.

Her high-school pal, shoe designer Brian Atwood, made her glittery shoes. "He put a beautiful inscription on the bottom of the shoes, which made me cry and almost ruined all my makeup.

" Penelope Ann Miller also wore the rose color. She worked with Badgley Mischka to create her slightly retro halter gown made of rose gold sequins and chiffon.

Meryl Streep doesn't always do it up for awards shows but she did this time in a gold dress by Lanvin that she paired with antique gold pendant earrings and a 19th-century diamond cluster ring by Fred Leighton. Glenn Close did a modern mix of a menswear-style jacket over a feminine corset dress by Zac Posen.

Posen also had a big celebrity get with Miss Piggy: She wore a gold V-neck gown with a Fred Leighton 55-carat diamond necklace and 10-carat diamond headband. Rose Byrne in shimmery black Vivienne Westwood, Kristen Wiig in a delicate champagne J.

Mendel and Tina Fey in a regal indigo gown by Carolina Herrera with a trend-right peplum and black velvet waistband also elevated their fashion credibility -- and likely their star wattage -- with their appearances. Fey was another fan of the matching earrings: Hers were almost 48 carats of blue sapphires from Bulgari.

Octavia Spencer continued to work with Tadashi Shoji on her awards-show wardrobe, this time in a hand-beaded, draped ivory gown with cap sleeves. Milla Jovovich, best known as a model, channeled a screen siren in a one-shoulder, white-beaded Elie Saab gown.

"I wanted something very clean, structured, like a statement piece without being overpowered," she said. Berenice Bejo chose a mint-green, fully embroidered gown by Saab.

Her makeup artist Julie Hewett said they purposely created a fresh, unfussy look to complement the dress because it was an unusual color. "We decided to go very simple and not complete," said Hewett, a Dior artist.

"I kept her skin very fresh: not powdered, very clean, very natural." Hewett saw the influence of the 1920s and '30s on the red carpet and thought it could be a nod to The Artist, for which Bejo was nominated.

"Old Hollywood never goes away, it never goes out of fashion, but 'The Artist' brought it back for a generation that didn't know about Hollywood at that time," Hewett said. "It's how we want our stars to look.

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Sarabjit, who strayed into Pakistan from his village and taken prisoner by the Pakistani government after being convicted for terrorism, has been in the Lahore prison for the last 21 years. Murad has decided to reach out to the parliaments of both the nations - India and Pakistan, and free Sarabjit.

"We all know about Sarabjit's tragic case. He has been at the Lahore prison for 21 years now.

Even if he has done anything wrong, as the Pakistani government claims, his punishment has far exceeded the misdeed. It's time we woke and asked for Sarabjit's return to India," said Murad.

Raza's 'Sarabjit Bachao Andolan' was prompted by a visit to Amritsar last week. "I was at the Harminder Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar on Saturday .

Sarabjit's family saw me on television and sought me out through a friend in Amritsar. I met his family, his wife, his daughter Poonam," the actor explained.

Explaining his plan of action, he added, "I have formulated several levels of protest in my 'Sarabjit Bachao Andolan'. The first level is to get the active participation of the entire Punjab entertainment industry.

I am also formulating and framing letters to the Indian Prime Minister and President. Letters to the Pakistan's Prime Minister and President are being sent through the Pakistani embassy, as too our memorandum of protest through the Ministry of External Affairs.

" Ironically, Raza Murad has no plans of including his colleagues from Bollywood in his 'Sarabjit Bachao Abdolan' "It's pointless," says Raza. "In my 41 years of experience in our film industry I've noticed that people make a lot of promises in the evening which they promptly forget in the morning.

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The veteran actor has become very choosy about his appearance on screen. Our sources reveal, ?The promos of the same are already on television.

It?s a great honor for us too for having him to play a strong historical character in the show Meera.? Elaborating on his character our source adds, ?He will be essaying the role of Rana Sangha who wants Meera to become their daughter-in-law.

There will be a high emotional drama, as the little girl is confused of whom to choose.? Our history tells us the whole story.

The tale goes as? Rana Sangha, the powerful King of Mewar, approached Rao Duda for Meera?s hand in marriage to his son Bhojraj (also known as Rana Kumbha or Kumbha Rana). Bhojraj wanted to marry Meera for her pious nature and divine intent.

Rao Duda agreed to the union. However, Meera could not bear the thought of marrying a human being when her heart was filled with thoughts of every nature, all about her Krishna.

But unable to go against her beloved grandfather?s Rao Duda?s word, she finally consented to the marriage. Isn?t this interesting to watch the epic as it unfolds the truth of the history on television? (less)

Raza has now decided to launch a 'Sarbajit Bachao' campaign all the way to the Indian and Pakistan parliaments. For this, he will rope in the help of all the Punjabis in the entertainment industry.

"We all know about Sarabjit's tragic case. He has languished in a Lahore prison for 21 years now.

Even if he has done anything wrong, as the Pakistani government claims, his punishment has far exceeded the misdeed. It's time we woke up in one voice to ask for Sarabjit to be returned to India," said Raza.

The campaign was prompted by a visit to Amritsar last week. "I was at the Harminder Sahib in Amritsar on Saturday.

Sarabjit's family saw me on television and sought me out through a friend in Amritsar..

.It's one thing to read about someone's plight.

But to see Sarabit's family's distress first-hand was a heartrending experience, and one that I cannot bring myself to put aside and move on with life. The suffering that Sarabjit's wife Sukhprit Kaur and his two daughters have undergone shook me to the core.

"Sarabjit's daughter Poonam told me that she once went across border with food for her father in prison. But it took three days for her to get permission to visit her father in jail.

The food was spoilt by then. I was devastated by the daughter's grief.

If as an actor I am not able to use my voice for this cause, then I am afraid my life is not worth much," he said. Raza has a definite plan.

"I have formulated several levels of protest..

. the first is to get an active participation of the entire Punjab entertainment industry.

I'm also framing letters to the Indian prime minister and the president. Letters to the Pakistan's prime minister and president are being sent through the Pakistani embassy, as too our memorandum of protest through the Ministry of External Affairs.

" A candlelight protest is being planned by Raza at the India-Pakistan border. "I don't know what made Sarabjit's family reach out to me.

But they have placed their trust in me to get him back..

. Maybe they're over-estimating my influence.

But I am going to make a do-or-die effort for Sarabjit's release. I want my voice to be heard from the governments on both sides of the border.

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..

A former Mr World, Rajiv Singh is Diana Hayden's ex-boyfriend and featured in the Shilpa Shetty-starrer Khamoshh. Sanobar Kabir tied the knot with Rajiv Singh last week.

The singer-actress had an elaborate wedding according to both Muslim and Hindu rites.??The Beri ke Ber girl's best buddy Rukhsar was by her side throughout.

Sanobar's director brother Faruq had made a special film with all her childhood pictures. Spotted at the reception were Sanjay Khan, Zayed Khan, Raza Murad (he's Sanobar's uncle) and Rajiv Rai (his wife Sonam is Sanobar's cousin), Sharman Joshi among others.

Pssst..

. A former Mr World, Rajiv Singh is Diana Hayden's ex-boyfriend and featured in the Shilpa Shetty-starrer Khamoshh.

Sanobar Kabir tied the knot with Rajiv Singh last week. The singer-actress had an elaborate wedding according to both Muslim and Hindu rites.

??The Beri ke Ber girl's best buddy Rukhsar was by her side throughout. Sanobar's director brother Faruq had made a special film with all her childhood pictures.

Spotted at the reception were Sanjay Khan, Zayed Khan, Raza Murad (he's Sanobar's uncle) and Rajiv Rai (his wife Sonam is Sanobar's cousin), Sharman Joshi among others.Pssst.

..

A former Mr World, Rajiv Singh is Diana Hayden's ex-boyfriend and featured in the Shilpa Shetty-starrer Khamoshh (less)

'ALLAH KE BANDE will highlight kids being used for armed conflicts and separatist movements,' Faruque informs me. Faruque is in the midst of finalizing the shooting dates of the film, but is simultaneously also working on its music.

Singer Kailash Kher's band will be recording the title track shortly. Incidentally, Kailash became a sensation overnight with the 'Allah Ke Bande' track from the Arshad Warsi starrer WAISA BHI HOTA HAI.

Faruque is yesteryear actor Murad's grandson, Raza Murad's nephew, costume designer Sabiha's son and singer ' actress Sanober's brother. He has done film-making and screen writing diploma from New York Film Academy, besides assisting names like Aziz Mirza and Santosh Sivan.

Faruque had also directed a short film with Ajay Devgan on the 26/7 floods in Mumbai (less)

Very few know Joginder was a trained pilot and has even worked with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before he turned to acting. Joginder was admitted to the Arogyanidhi Hospital at Juhu on June 1.

He was suffering from kidney and liver problems. Joginder had acted in more than 100 films.

Some of his prominent films included Elan-E-Jung , Mard, Tiranga, Hukumat and Agnikaal . He had produced and directed 30 films.

Among the films produced by him are Bindiya Aur Bandook, Do Chattane, Fauji and Yari Zindabad . He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Actor Raza Murad and Kishore Bhanushali were present at his funeral held in Juhu. Actor-filmmaker-producer Joginder, who is still remembered for his title role in Ranga Khush , died at a hospital in Mumbai today after a brief illness.

He was 65. Very few know Joginder was a trained pilot and has even worked with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before he turned to acting.

Joginder was admitted to the Arogyanidhi Hospital at Juhu on June 1. He was suffering from kidney and liver problems.

Joginder had acted in more than 100 films. Some of his prominent films included Elan-E-Jung , Mard, Tiranga, Hukumat and Agnikaal .

He had produced and directed 30 films. Among the films produced by him are Bindiya Aur Bandook, Do Chattane, Fauji and Yari Zindabad .

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Actor Raza Murad and Kishore Bhanushali were present at his funeral held in Juhu (less)

Actor Raza Murad, who is the chairperson of the joint dispute settlement committee, CINTAA, has come out openly in favour of Anupam. "In my 25 years with CINTAA, we've never received any complaint against Anupam Kher," he said.

"He is one of our most professional actors. Why didn't the makers of this film ( Gandhi To Hitler ) approach us earlier? Why didn't they complain when Anupam backed out?" he added.

With regard to the issue of the signing amount, Murad says, "There's generally a mutual understanding between the actor and producer on this matter. In this case, too, maybe there was an understanding that the signing amount would be adjusted for whatever preparation Anupam had undertaken for the role.

How else can you explain why the producers didn't ask him to return the money when he backed out?" He makes it clear that using artistes' names negatively to promote a film would not be tolerated. "It's a small industry; there are no permanent friends or enemies here.

We don't approve of this kind of character assassination of an artiste just for publicity. We're here to protect our artistes, but if they are in the wrong we won't hesitate pulling them up," he says.

Unlike Murad, who seems to be backing Kher's decision not to return the signing amount, others in the industry think such behaviour by stars is unfair. Maybe it's time for some strict guidelines on this issue given that it has been coming up time and again, creating rifts within the industry.

The industry seems divided on the issue of whether actors should return or keep the signing amount given to them in good faith by filmmakers once they opt of their movies for whatever reason. Rakesh Roshan: Yes.

But if the actor has blocked dates and the project is dropped a month before schedule as a result of which the actor's dates go to waste, then the producer and actor would have to settle the matter according to the terms of the agreement. Subhash Ghai: Ethically, yes.

If he or she has not spent a reasonable amount of time on the project development, he should not swallow up the money that rightfully belongs to the producer. Vikram Bhatt: Most definitely.

The entertainment industry has followed a simple rule: If an actor or a technician has been hired by a producer for a project which for some reason is called off, then the actor or technician has the excuse of being morally within his right not to return the signing amount. But if an actor or technician walks out of a project, then he/she must return the money immediately.

Sanjay Gupta: Most certainly! A signing amount is a token payment made in good faith where both parties agree to work together. If it doesn't materialise, then the artiste is liable to return the advance money.

Sheetal Talwar: Yes. The monies are legally under a work-for-pay contract.

If the workdays are not utilised, the payment should be returned. And I think most responsible actors do so.

Pritish Nandy: If a project doesn't happen, the actor must most definitely return the signing amount. No question about it.

Madhu Mantena: It's basically a questions of ethics involving two people, the producer and the actor. I wouldn't want to spoil my relations with any actor by asking back for a token amount of money.

But yes, technically if a project doesn't take off the signing amount should be returned. Vipul Shah: No actor ever returns any money.

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'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter (less)

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter After a disastrous debut in 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh (pictured) will soon be seen in a film titled 'The Murderer'. The movie is produced by Aftab Pictures (P) Ltd.

'The Murderer' is said to be a musical thriller with a nail-biting finish. Mimoh has a full-fledged performance oriented role in the film.

He plays a successful pop singer (Rocky) who is very popular with girls; all wanting to befriend him. Monalisa is his co-performer and is silently in love with him.

Unaware of her feelings, Rocky treats her as his best friend. There is one more girl, played by newcomer Simran, who is also in love with him.

But Rocky is in love with a third girl (Madhu). The complicated situation gets even more complex when one of the girls commits suicide.

'The Murderer' stars Mimoh, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, Milind Gunaji, Vishwajit Pradhan, Shanti Priya, Sheela Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. The film, directed by veteran Raj N.

C. Sippy, will have a worldwide release on May 29.

For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter (less)