Why Was Jean-Claude Van Damme Deemed Expendable for 'The Expendables'?

Why Was Jean-Claude Van Damme Deemed Expendable for 'The Expendables'?

by Mike Ryan · August 13, 2010
Yahoo.com

In "The Expendables," Sylvester Stallone's latest guns-blazing return to the multiplex, the actor/director assembled a dream team of action stars to assist him with the very important work of blowing up everything in sight. Most notably, he recruited onetime big-screen rivals like Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dolph Lundgren for his latest cinematic mission. An impressive collective of talent, to be sure, but the all-star roster of shoot-'em-up heroes has at least one glaring omission: Jean-Claude Van Damme. Whither the "Muscles from Brussels," star of "Hard Target," "Timecop," and "Universal Solider"?

Van Damme, it turns out, did get a call from Stallone to join his team of Expendables, but he wasn't thrilled with the pitch. He told TotalFilm, "Stallone gave me a part in his next movie. [He] said, 'You're gonna make lots of money.' I don't want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character. He was unable to tell what it's going to be." So Van Damme, showing admirable dedication to the purity of his craft, passed.

In a 2009 press conference, Van Damme recounted pretty much the same story, adding that he'd advised Stallone that, instead of doing "The Expendables," Stallone should make a movie where Sly plays a "tough priest." According to Van Damme, Stallone found this "insulting." If nothing else, Van Damme does do a pretty nifty Stallone impression.

At this year's Comic-Con, Stallone addressed the casting offers, including two other high-profile no-shows that were not meant to be. His take differs slightly: "I talked to Van Damme. I talked to [Steven] Segal. I even talked to Chuck Norris." He then added, "But there are certain considerations, like insanity."

In fairness to Van Damme, the actor does seem to have a somewhat more introspective take on his career of late. In 2008, he starred in the independent film "JCVD," playing a fictionalized version of himself: an out-of-work action star who finds himself at a bank while it's being robbed. Of course, Van Damme's newfound introspection doesn't explain why he starred in 2009's "Universal Soldier: Regeneration."

"The Expendables," opening this weekend, tells the story of a group of mercenaries who attempt to overthrow the government of a small South American island. In addition to the aforementioned line-up of Stallone, Willis, Schwarzenegger, and Lundgren, Jet Li, Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, and Jason Statham join in on the mayhem.

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Dhoni’s honeymoon destination is Sri Lanka

Dhoni’s honeymoon destination is Sri Lanka

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s new wife Sakshi will be travelling with Dhoni to Sri Lanka, where Team India will be playing the Test series against Sri Lanka from July 18.
Contrary to reports of a New Zealand honeymoon, Col Alhawat confirms that the two will be leaving for Sri Lanka instead, “No, they are not going to New Zealand. They will be leaving for Sri Lanka together.”

The Indian team will also be leaving for Sri Lanka today from Chennai. Dhoni’s wedding reception, it is said, will be organised in a grand manner only after the team’s return from Sri Lanka.

According to sources, “A grand wedding reception will take place in Mumbai at the ITC Maurya Sheraton Hotel which will include a guestlist of 300 people. The guestlist will include people from the corporate world, Bollywood and, of course, the cricketing world.

- (Times of India)

http://www.dailymirror.lk

Inimitable Jothipala , The Greatest Singer in Sri Lankan History

Inimitable Jothipala

by Walter Wijenayake
www.island.lk

Melodious voice of Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala took most of our youth into a dream world for he held a record of singing the most number of love songs and love duets. At the time of his untimely death on July 7, 1987 at the age of 51 years, he was the uncrowned playback maestro of the Sinhala screen.

He was born to the family of H.R. James and Ahaliyagoda H. K. Podinona Perera on Feb. 121936 at Katawalamulla. He was the oldest in a family of five and was a product of St. Lawrence’s College, Maradana and St. John’s College, Dematagoda.

He had neither pursued music as a subject in his school career nor since his completion of studies. He had the habit of spending his time at tea kiosks or community centres listening to the radio in enjoying the other vocalists as he did not possess a radio set at home. However, his passion for music swept him into the real track.

This idol of the common man spoke all three languages, Sinhala, English and Tamil and was born with a sharp tongue for music. He had an advantage over many other playback singers in that he had a stable voice and proper Sinhala diction and more importantly a voice suitable as a playback singer. However, he became an essential part of commercial formula films as the playback voice for matinee idols.

Artistes, film stars etc., may come and go but barely a handful of them remain immortalized in the hearts and minds of the people. Although 23 years have elapsed since his demise, his songs are still among the most demanded numbers in the hearts and minds of the people of this country. He is an artiste never to be forgotten.

To my knowledge, he was first aligned with Wasantha Sandanayake and G. S. B. Rani Perera at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and began his career as a vocalist, singing duets. He presented a song ‘Siriyame Sara’ to the film ‘Surathalee’ of Cyril P. Abeyratne of which music was directed by T. R. Pana. He rendered his voice to all classes of actors ranging from Eddie Jayamanne, Ananda Jayaratne, Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaratunge, Ravindra Randeniya, Sanath Gunathilaka, to the younger generation of actors, such as, Damith Fonseka and Lal Weerasinghe.

In the film ‘Sandesaya’ of the doyen of Sri Lankan cinema, Lester James Peiris, he sang the popular number ‘Puruthugeesikaraya Ratawal Allanna Suraya’ with Sydney Atygalle and some others, to the tunes composed by the reputed musician Sunil Santha and lyrics written by veteran lyricist Arisen Ahubudu.

Since then he shot up to the highly competitive field of playback singing through sacrifice, dedication, humility and patience. He sang ‘Man ava, hira bath kala lakap oken ringala’ to the film ‘Sri 296’. He reigned in the Sinhala film industry as a playback singer for two decades from 1965 to 1987.

He successfully completed the 150th one man show, ‘Jothi Rathriya’, which coincided with his birth anniversary just before his demise. He also performed in Singapore, Malaysia, England - London, the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Italy - Rome. The great musician who sang last with Latha Walpola and enriched the cinema world, also won several awards in recognition of his singing talents.

He was interested in being a singer and not an actor. However, he acted in a number of films and contributed 330 songs to films. The last film in which he included a song was ‘Supiri Balawatha’ which was released in 2007.

Once, the celebrated Indian singer Mohamed Rafi said that Jothipala should have been born in India, as Sri Lanka was too small a country, to enable him to be rocketed into the international sphere.

He had performed in 242 concerts, the Jothipala Fan Club named ‘Jothi Mithuru Samajaya’. This series was launched in 1971. He married Winter - a nurse by profession. They had four children. In the last days of his life, he had uttered, ‘I will not live long. I won’t feel sorry for an early death’. Further he had said, ‘Sing my songs depicting the virtues of love and romance.’

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Here are some songs that Jothipala has sang ....

By : Priyantha De Silva

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Salaman' Says "We are ready ; Not afraid to any one

Salaman' Says "We are ready ; Not afraid to any one for what we do is right ! in Sri Lanka

Bollywood actor Salman Khan is seen here addressing the media in Colombo today. Khan said he was not worried about repercussions back in India regarding the shooting of his new movie in Sri Lanka. Pics by Manoj Rathnayake

Milton Mallawarchchi - Official Fan Page launched..

Milton Mallawarachchi
Birth name	Milton Mallawarachchi
Born	April 7, 1945
Origin	Sri Lanka
Died	March 10, 1998
Genres	Playback singing, Sri Lankan music
Occupations	Musician
Years active	1969 – 1998

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I've created the official fan page for the greatest Musician Milton Mallawarchchi. The Golden voice in Sri Lanka. Now this page control 5 administrators around the world. Here is the promotion Youtube video for the fan page and It's your duty to share this video with others. And also, invite all the people for the Facebook fan page and tell them only to just click on "like" tab to be a fan , on the Youtube page.
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To be a Fan
http://www.facebook.com/milton.mallawarachchi

Iraj detained and harassed in Chennai

Iraj detained and harassed in Chennai

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 13:19

www.dailymirror.lk
By Jamila Najmuddin

June 23-2010: Popular Sri Lankan singer and music producer Iraj Weeraratne says he was unfairly detained at the Chennai Airport for over six hours, Wednesday, and later released without an apology by the Indian immigration officials

Speaking to Daily Mirror online from Chennai Iraj said that he had landed in Chennai to receive the ‘Best Song of the Year Award’ for one of his songs which he had produced with Vijay Anthony and also attend the music launch of an upcoming South Indian movie in which he had composed and produced a song.

However he said as soon as he landed at the Chennai Airport at 4 this morning, the Immigration officer on duty had checked his passport and questioned him whether he was a Sinhalese or Tamil.

After stating he was a Sinhalese, Iraj said that the Immigration officer had raised his voice and asked him what he was doing in their country and had scolded him in front of the other passengers present causing an embarrassing situation.

“He first asked me whether I was a Sinhalese or Tamil. When I told him I was a Sinhalese, he asked me why I had come to their country. He did not allow me to talk and just kept scolding me,” Iraj said.

While the scolding continued, Iraj had questioned the officer as to why he could not come to Chennai when he held a valid Indian visa to which the officer immediately summoned all the other Immigration officers present and falsely accused Iraj of arguing with him and scolding him.

He was then immediately taken into a room by the officer and detained for over six hours without an explanation. The officer had also told him that he would lodge a police complaint against Iraj.

“While in the room, the officer just kept shouting at me and hitting the tables. He did not allow me to speak. Other officers were also present. He also told me he would lodge a police complain against me saying that I had shouted at him. He told me I could not come into his country and do what I wanted as I had to follow their rules as it was their land. This all started because I told him I was a Sinhalese,” Iraj said.

Iraj who has traveled to Chennai several times before, said that this was the first time such an incident had occurred and will lodge a complaint with the relevant authorities upon his return to Colombo. (Daily Mirror online)

iifa awards 2010 in Sri Lanka at Colombo - Winners and Video

3 Idiots big winner at IIFA Awards 2010
Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2010 (EST)
3 Idiots was the big winner at IIFA Awards 2010 in Colombo on June 6, with 8 trophies including coveted Best Film and Best Director.

Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Govinda perform at IIFA 2010 Awards show. Photo Credit: Sawf News

June 06, 2010, (Sawf News) - 3 Idiots was the big winner at IIFA Awards 2010 in Colombo on June 5, with 8 trophies including coveted Best Film and Best Director.

The event was hosted by Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani.

Amitabh Bachchan was named Best Actor for his much acclaimed role in Paa, while the Best Actress Award was a tie between Kareena Kapoor (3 Idiots) and Vidya Balan (Paa).

Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Govinda perform at IIFA 2010 Awards show. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Sharman Joshi won the Award for Performance in a Supporting role - Male for his role in 3 Idiots, while Divya Dutta won the Award for Performance in a Supporting role - Female for Delhi 6.

Zeenat Aman was honored for her Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema and J. Om Prakash for his Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema. Shatrugan Sinha presented Zeenat her award and Hrithik Roshan honored his grandfather J. Om Prakash.

Hrithik Roshan performs at IIFA 2010 Awards show. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Govinda presented Sanjay Dutt the Award for Performance in a Comic role for All the Best, while Prem Chopra presented Boman Irani with the Award for Performance in a Negative role for 3 Idiots.

The Green Globe Crusader of the Year presented an Award to Vivek Oberoi for his contribution towards the environment, while Anil Kapoor was presented with the Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Indian in International Cinema.

Vivek Oberoi performs at IIFA 2010 Awards show. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Jacqueline Fernandez and Mahie Gill were presented with the Star TV debut of the year (Female) Award, while Jackie Bhagnani and Omi Vaidya won the Star TV debut of the year (Male) Award.

The glamorous Awards night saw performances from some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry. A performance by Jacqueline Fernandez opened the show, while Salman Khan gave a stylish performance dancing from the famed IIFA Green Carpet.

Hrithik Roshan danced on stage for the first time following his knee injury three years ago; he even sang during the unforgettable performance.

Saif Ali Khan performs at IIFA 2010 Awards show. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Others who performed included Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Govinda and Vivek Oberoi.

The winners for the Micromax IIFA Awards 2010 are:

IIFA
2010 Winners
* Best Film: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 3 Idiots
* Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male): Amitabh Bachchan, Paa
* Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female): Kareena Kapoor, 3 Idiots
and Vidya Balan, Paa
* Best Direction: Rajkumar Hirani, 3 Idiots
* Best Performance in a Comic Role: Sanjay Dutt, All The Best
* Best Performance in a Negative Role: Boman Irani, 3 Idiots
* Best Supporting Actor: Sharman Joshi, 3 Idiots
* Best Supporting Actress: Divya Dutta, Delhi 6
* Best Male Debut: Omi Vaidya, 3 Idiots and Jackie Bhagnani, Kal Kissne
Dekha
* Best Female Debut: Jacqueline Fernandez, Aladin and Mahie Gill, Dev D
* Best Female Playback Singer: Kavita Seth - Ek Tara, Wake Up Sid
* Best Male Playback Singer: Shaan - Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh, 3 Idiots
* Best Music: Pritam, Love Aaj Kal
* Best Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire, 3 Idiots
* Best Story: Abhijat Joshi, Raj Kumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3
Idiots
* Habitat For Humanity Ambassadorship: Salman Khan
* IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Male): J. Om Prakash
* IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Female): Zeenat Aman
* Outstanding Achievement by an Indian Internationally: Anil Kapoor
* IIFA Green Global Award: Vivek Oberoi

http://www.sawfnews.com/

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I've made this video for your pleasure. All these pictures are from 2010 iifa awards in Sri Lanka at Colombo. Most of them from the Fashion Show that all the bollywood actors and actresses have been participated except a few.

budu Bethi Gee _wesak 2010

I've created and uploaded some videos for the wesak 2010. These are some of them.

01. Yashodhara_Sithe nagena kalakireema kumariya




02. Paramitha Bala pujitha Poojitha


03. Nivan Ditu Himi _Victor Rathnayake _MAHA KARUNAWENN


04. Wesak Kekulu Athu Aga Inda


05. Danno budun ge Sri dharmas Kanda




06. Suwade Mata Seethala Sulanga pawa


07. Adawan Wu Denethinn Galana_Meth Muditha Karuna Dhara

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To Watch our other videos visit
http://www.youtube.com/rkpdesilva or
http://www.youtube.com/rkpdesilva7 or
http://www.youtube.com/rkpdesilva1

Kandy Perahera song _Uththama Muni Dalada Video

This is one of the creations I've made for the Wesak 2010. This video represents the Kandy Perahera . sing by, Amith Walpola,Suneth Walpola,Dhammika Walpola, and Latha Walpola. Originally sang by Dharmadasa Walpola. I thank all the original videos owners and ITN Sri Lanka. Enjoy ...

Wesak Thorana video (Wesak Pandol) Matara Hittatiya in Sri Lanka 2010 May

Wesak Pandol means "Wesak Thorana" is one of popular and most expenditure creation for the Wesak, the full moon poya day in May of any year. Wesak is celebrated the birth, enlightenment and death (Attain Nibbana) of Lord Buddha.

People also give "Dansal" in these days.Means, people collect money some times more than 100 000 rupees and give Food freely for poor people and for the visitors who are coming to watch wesak decorations in those areas.

When we speak about the "Thorana", for one district , only a one to five Thorana's. People will gather to watch them passing hundreds of miles to remind the great achievement of Lord Buddha. Wesak "Thorana" represents some stories of Lord Buddha in arts, with thousands of lighting bulbs according to a pattern. Then people must see them in the nights. Not in Day time. If not they will not see the colors and tricks.Most Thorana's are height in more than a coconut tree and spends a lot of money to build up only for around 3-6 days.
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These are some photos and images of Matara Hittatiya 2010 Thorana (Sri Lanka)..




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Here is the video of Thorana , in Hittatiya East , Matara in 2010 may.

A new Sri Lanka - AlJazeera English News Sri Lanka's president speaks..

A new Sri Lanka - AlJazeera English News

In his first international interview since the end of the conflict, 101 East speaks with Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's president, about the future of Sri Lanka.
This was broadcast-ed 27th of May 2010.

Ranjith Yasaratne,The new Mayor in Matara

Matara, Deputy Mayor Ranjith Yasaratne has been appointed as the Mayor of Matara.
Ranjith Yasaratne, who was first elected to the Matara Municipal Council in 2004 , became the city’s opposition leader at that time. in 2006 Mr.Ranjith Yasaratne was able to become the Deputy Mayor in Matara.In his time , Matara Municipal Council became the best local body in the Southern Province in 2005,2006 and 2007 and the third best in the island last year.
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Matara,Mayor Ranjith Yasaratne
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People in Matara believe he has the right vision in every subjects in politics and also with very powerful voice at expressions,still young in age, has a long way to go in politics to the top positions.He treats everyone as equal without party politics, because of that everyone loves him and wishes for his success at the top position in the city.He has proved that obtaining the 2nd largest preferential votes by the people at the last election.

The new Mayor Ranjith Yasaratne has three daughters named Rameesha,Radeesha and Wasana ,he lives as a simple man ,always helping to the people in the city ,winning the hearts of the people. We heard that he has denied the luxury vehicle that has been used by the late Mayor,without obtaining them. That's him, why people love him and vote him.That's why people need him in the future too. He is an example to many of other politicians.

We ,Star Lanka Online , wish for The new Mayor Ranjith Yasaratne,best of luck and to be successful in every aspect and to fulfill the Matara people's dreams.Also we are very proud of him because all of his children are connected as students with our institute, TFGE, The Future Global Educational Center.