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Akshay Kumar, blazing a trail in Canada

Last updated on: December 18, 2009 16:58 IST

Image: Akshay Kumar
Photographs: CTC

Akshay Kumar's stint as an torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics was cut short by protests even as his fans lined the streets in Toronto to catch a glimpse of the star. The 42-year-old actor helped carry the Olympic flame into Toronto on Thursday but could not finish his 300-metre run, as protesters blocked the street to highlight the treatment of Native Indians by the Canadian government.

The protests caused a one-hour-delay and the officials had to divert the route.

Hundreds of policemen intervened to remove the agitators who kept shouting slogans of 'No Olympics', against the holding of the sports extravaganza on lands taken away from the original natives of Canada.

Akshay was one of the 14 torchbearers for the Winter Olympics which will be held in Vancouver between February 12-28 and his involvement was announced by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his two-day India visit.

Akshay Kumar, blazing a trail in Canada

Image: Ajay Virmani, Akshay Kumar and Andrrew Clark
Photographs: Ajit Jain

Akshay is seen here flanked by his close friend and President of Cargojet, Ajay Virmani, and Andrrew Clark, head of Canada Tourist Corporation, during a media briefing at Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

Akshay said he was honoured to have been chosen as a torch bearer, adding that Canada was like a 'second home to him.'

"I'm here because I love sports," he explained of his involvement, adding that he plans to be in Vancouver for the games and is hoping to be able to get some tickets to a hockey game or two.

Sound of Sophie

Image: Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Sophie Choudry
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Look who turned out to launch Sophie Choudry's new music album Sound of Sophie. None other than Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt!

 

Produced by Sophie, the album was recorded in London and features collaborations with Rishi Raj, Biddu, Bappa Lahiri and Gourov Dasgupta (of Aa Dekhen Zara fame).

Check out Sherlock

Image: Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and Robert Downey Jr
Photographs: Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters

Cast members Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and Robert Downey Jr attend the premiere of Sherlock Holmes in New York, after attending an elaborate premiere in London earlier this week.

 

Robert plays the famous detective while Jude Law plays his sidekick Dr Watson.

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