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January 5, 2008
By Michael Janusonis
Richard Gere will be filming a movie in Bristol and Woonsocket later this month.
Richard Gere is scheduled to begin shooting the film Hachiko: A Dog’s Story on locations in Bristol and
Woonsocket beginning Jan. 21.
Producer Bill Johnson said over the phone that the film, inspired by the true story of a faithful dog who became
a national hero in Japan, will shoot here through February. The film crew will then return in the spring “because
the story takes place over a number of years and we need to shoot the different seasons.”
and did so for the next 10 years. Eventually, the new station master even set up a room for the dog to sleep in.
story was printed in Tokyo’s largest newspaper. In 1934 a bronze statue of his likeness was erected at the
Several articles were written about Hachiko’s faithfulness and in 1932 he gained national attention when his
Shibuya station, with Hachiko himself present for the unveiling.
story was printed in Tokyo’s largest newspaper. In 1934 a bronze statue of his likeness was erected at the
Shibuya station, with Hachiko himself present for the unveiling.
Johnson, reached by phone, said that “our film is about loyalty and friendship and dogs show that.”
The house Gere’s character lives in with his wife, played by Academy Award-nominated actress Joan Allen, will
be in Bristol. But when he walks to the railroad station to catch his train, he will be in Woonsocket, some 30
miles away.
Although passenger trains no longer stop in Woonsocket, Jeffrey Polucha, director of economic development
for Woonsocket, said the film company has worked with the Providence & Worcester Railroad, which runs
freight trains through Woonsocket, to provide old passenger cars. Polucha said he has been meeting with
location scout Colin Walsh for about three months working out arrangements for filming. “They’ve rented
warehouse space and are building sets,” Polucha said. “They have an office across from City Hall.”
master to a bus stop every day and waited for him in the evening, continued to do so after the man’s death.
master to a bus stop every day and waited for him in the evening, continued to do so after the man’s death.
Hachiko originally had been scheduled to begin shooting in Rhode Island last October, but shortly before filming
was to begin, the director was replaced by Lasse Hallstrom who was nominated for best director Academy
Awards in 1987 for My Life as a Dog and in 1999 for the New England-filmed The Cider House Rules.
Hallstrom’s other credits include Chocolat and the cult hit What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Stephen Lindsey wrote
the screenplay; this is his first-produced script.
Three Akitas will play Hachiko in the film, said Johnson, adding that they have been in training for nine months.
He expects them to arrive with their trainers from California next week.
Johnson said Rhode Island was chosen as a location because of “a combination of the look and for the tax
credits.” (Rhode Island allows movie and TV companies that spend at least $300,000 in the state a 25-percent
tax credit for every dollar spent here on food, lodging, equipment, rentals and salaries. Those credits can then be
sold by the producers to wealthy taxpayers looking to reduce their Rhode Island personal-income taxes.)
“Actually,” Johnson added, “we’re looking to bring other films here in the future.”
Hachiko is being financed by his independent Inferno production company. Johnson said a distribution deal is
already in place with Sony Pictures.
It marks another slot in Inferno’s full production slate. The company currently is in post-production on a
remake of the 1939 George Cukor classic The Women, with a cast that includes “Annette Bening, Meg Ryan,
Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Eva Mendes and Bette Midler.” It’s due in theaters later this year. Even sooner
will be the multi-storyline drama The Air I Breathe, whose cast includes Forest Whitaker, Brendan Fraser, Andy
Garcia and Emile Hirsch. For a Mother’s Day release is Smother, a comedy about a smothering mother starring
Diane Keaton, Liv Tyler and Dax Shepard.
For Hachiko, the cast and crew will stay in Providence, the midway point between Bristol and Woonsocket.
By Michael Janusonis
Richard Gere will be filming a movie in Bristol and Woonsocket later this month.
Richard Gere is scheduled to begin shooting the film Hachiko: A Dog’s Story on locations in Bristol and
Woonsocket beginning Jan. 21.
Producer Bill Johnson said over the phone that the film, inspired by the true story of a faithful dog who became
a national hero in Japan, will shoot here through February. The film crew will then return in the spring “because
the story takes place over a number of years and we need to shoot the different seasons.”
and did so for the next 10 years. Eventually, the new station master even set up a room for the dog to sleep in.
story was printed in Tokyo’s largest newspaper. In 1934 a bronze statue of his likeness was erected at the
Several articles were written about Hachiko’s faithfulness and in 1932 he gained national attention when his
Shibuya station, with Hachiko himself present for the unveiling.
story was printed in Tokyo’s largest newspaper. In 1934 a bronze statue of his likeness was erected at the
Shibuya station, with Hachiko himself present for the unveiling.
Johnson, reached by phone, said that “our film is about loyalty and friendship and dogs show that.”
The house Gere’s character lives in with his wife, played by Academy Award-nominated actress Joan Allen, will
be in Bristol. But when he walks to the railroad station to catch his train, he will be in Woonsocket, some 30
miles away.
Although passenger trains no longer stop in Woonsocket, Jeffrey Polucha, director of economic development
for Woonsocket, said the film company has worked with the Providence & Worcester Railroad, which runs
freight trains through Woonsocket, to provide old passenger cars. Polucha said he has been meeting with
location scout Colin Walsh for about three months working out arrangements for filming. “They’ve rented
warehouse space and are building sets,” Polucha said. “They have an office across from City Hall.”
master to a bus stop every day and waited for him in the evening, continued to do so after the man’s death.
master to a bus stop every day and waited for him in the evening, continued to do so after the man’s death.
Hachiko originally had been scheduled to begin shooting in Rhode Island last October, but shortly before filming
was to begin, the director was replaced by Lasse Hallstrom who was nominated for best director Academy
Awards in 1987 for My Life as a Dog and in 1999 for the New England-filmed The Cider House Rules.
Hallstrom’s other credits include Chocolat and the cult hit What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Stephen Lindsey wrote
the screenplay; this is his first-produced script.
Three Akitas will play Hachiko in the film, said Johnson, adding that they have been in training for nine months.
He expects them to arrive with their trainers from California next week.
Johnson said Rhode Island was chosen as a location because of “a combination of the look and for the tax
credits.” (Rhode Island allows movie and TV companies that spend at least $300,000 in the state a 25-percent
tax credit for every dollar spent here on food, lodging, equipment, rentals and salaries. Those credits can then be
sold by the producers to wealthy taxpayers looking to reduce their Rhode Island personal-income taxes.)
“Actually,” Johnson added, “we’re looking to bring other films here in the future.”
Hachiko is being financed by his independent Inferno production company. Johnson said a distribution deal is
already in place with Sony Pictures.
It marks another slot in Inferno’s full production slate. The company currently is in post-production on a
remake of the 1939 George Cukor classic The Women, with a cast that includes “Annette Bening, Meg Ryan,
Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Eva Mendes and Bette Midler.” It’s due in theaters later this year. Even sooner
will be the multi-storyline drama The Air I Breathe, whose cast includes Forest Whitaker, Brendan Fraser, Andy
Garcia and Emile Hirsch. For a Mother’s Day release is Smother, a comedy about a smothering mother starring
Diane Keaton, Liv Tyler and Dax Shepard.
For Hachiko, the cast and crew will stay in Providence, the midway point between Bristol and Woonsocket.
January 7, 2008
HARBOUR Island in the Bahamas was the post-holiday destination of Drew Barrymore, her boyfriend, "I'm a
Mac" guy Justin Long, Cameron Diaz, Richard Gere...
HARBOUR Island in the Bahamas was the post-holiday destination of Drew Barrymore, her boyfriend, "I'm a
Mac" guy Justin Long, Cameron Diaz, Richard Gere...
January 10, 2008
Washington Post
followed Obama's strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire
followed Obama's strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire
New York Times
...The actor Richard Gere and Curtis Martin, a former running back for the New York Jets, were also among
the fund-raiser’s guests.
Washington Post
followed Obama's strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire
followed Obama's strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire
New York Times
...The actor Richard Gere and Curtis Martin, a former running back for the New York Jets, were also among
the fund-raiser’s guests.
January 13, 2008
Pound Ridge, N.Y., resident and actor Richard Gere was seen Thursday with dog in tow at the site of his
new restaurant/lodge, the Bedford Post Inn (formerly Hoppfield's) on Route 123 in Bedford, N.Y., where
work is under way.
Pound Ridge, N.Y., resident and actor Richard Gere was seen Thursday with dog in tow at the site of his
new restaurant/lodge, the Bedford Post Inn (formerly Hoppfield's) on Route 123 in Bedford, N.Y., where
work is under way.
Actor Richard Gere to appear at Statehouse
January 16, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Actor Richard Gere will make an appearance at Rhode Island's Statehouse.
State officials say the star of such movies as "Pretty Woman" and "An Officer and a Gentleman" will soon be
filming a new movie in the Ocean State called "Hachiko: A Dog Story."
Gere is scheduled to appear Wednesday afternoon at a Statehouse ceremony marking the new film, which is
about a professor who adopts a dog.
The movie will also feature actress Joan Allen, who appeared in "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "The Bourne
Supremacy."
January 16, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Actor Richard Gere will make an appearance at Rhode Island's Statehouse.
State officials say the star of such movies as "Pretty Woman" and "An Officer and a Gentleman" will soon be
filming a new movie in the Ocean State called "Hachiko: A Dog Story."
Gere is scheduled to appear Wednesday afternoon at a Statehouse ceremony marking the new film, which is
about a professor who adopts a dog.
The movie will also feature actress Joan Allen, who appeared in "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "The Bourne
Supremacy."
Plea to dodge kiss cuffs
January 24, 2008
Richard Gere has urged the Supreme Court to stay non-bailable arrest warrants against him in the obscenity
cases over the Shilpa Shetty kiss so that he can visit India unhindered for charity work.
Jodhpur and Alwar courts in Rajasthan would not allow him to carry on with the work of the Gere
The first court had issued the warrant while the second had restrained him from leaving India.
The apex court had stayed the proceedings in these cases on Shilpa’s pleas, but the warrants against Gere
are still out.
“The applicant (Gere), unfortunately, finds himself being victimised and harassed through motivated
complaints filed by the respondents, all of whom are lawyers by profession,” the petition said.
The Gere Foundation has started the Heroes Project in India to fight AIDS. It was during one of the
foundation’s events in Delhi last April — aimed at raising awareness about the disease among truck drivers
— that Gere kicked up a storm when he kissed Shilpa, spoofing a scene from his movie Shall We Dance.
Three complaints, two in Rajasthan and one in Ghaziabad, were filed against him, charging him with
obscenity in public.
The actor, who is likely to visit India in March in connection with the activities of the foundation, has
argued in the petition that while complaints were filed and summons issued, no case of obscenity had been
made out.
Gere has claimed, like Shilpa had done earlier, that the media played up the incident and that he had no hand
in its telecast.
The Rajasthan courts did not follow due procedure established by law in issuing these warrants against him,
the 59-year-old said.
“These non-bailable warrants, the applicant (Gere) apprehends, may be executed when he arrives in India,”
the petition said.
Gere said the complaints against him were a “complete abuse of the process of law”. He said he was being
“harassed and victimised” by those seeking to “use such form of litigation as a means of fulfilling their own
agendas of gaining public and media attention”.
“Such complaints were detrimental to the financial and emotional interests of the applicant (Gere) and were
causing great damage to him,” the petition said.
Gere has also sought exemption from court appearances in these cases.
January 24, 2008
Richard Gere has urged the Supreme Court to stay non-bailable arrest warrants against him in the obscenity
cases over the Shilpa Shetty kiss so that he can visit India unhindered for charity work.
Jodhpur and Alwar courts in Rajasthan would not allow him to carry on with the work of the Gere
The first court had issued the warrant while the second had restrained him from leaving India.
The apex court had stayed the proceedings in these cases on Shilpa’s pleas, but the warrants against Gere
are still out.
“The applicant (Gere), unfortunately, finds himself being victimised and harassed through motivated
complaints filed by the respondents, all of whom are lawyers by profession,” the petition said.
The Gere Foundation has started the Heroes Project in India to fight AIDS. It was during one of the
foundation’s events in Delhi last April — aimed at raising awareness about the disease among truck drivers
— that Gere kicked up a storm when he kissed Shilpa, spoofing a scene from his movie Shall We Dance.
Three complaints, two in Rajasthan and one in Ghaziabad, were filed against him, charging him with
obscenity in public.
The actor, who is likely to visit India in March in connection with the activities of the foundation, has
argued in the petition that while complaints were filed and summons issued, no case of obscenity had been
made out.
Gere has claimed, like Shilpa had done earlier, that the media played up the incident and that he had no hand
in its telecast.
The Rajasthan courts did not follow due procedure established by law in issuing these warrants against him,
the 59-year-old said.
“These non-bailable warrants, the applicant (Gere) apprehends, may be executed when he arrives in India,”
the petition said.
Gere said the complaints against him were a “complete abuse of the process of law”. He said he was being
“harassed and victimised” by those seeking to “use such form of litigation as a means of fulfilling their own
agendas of gaining public and media attention”.
“Such complaints were detrimental to the financial and emotional interests of the applicant (Gere) and were
causing great damage to him,” the petition said.
Gere has also sought exemption from court appearances in these cases.
Hearing next month on Richard Gere application to stay arrest warrant
January 24, 2008
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear in February an application filed by Richard Gere, anti-HIV/AIDS
campaigner and head of the Gere Foundation, seeking a stay of the arrest warrant issued by two Rajasthan
courts in connection with the April 15, 2007 kissing incident involving him and Bollywood actor Shilpa
Shetty.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justices R.V. Raveendran and J.M. Panchal posted
the application for hearing on a mention made by counsel for Mr. Gere.
On May 15, 2007 the apex court, on a petition by Ms. Shetty seeking transfer of all cases to Mumbai, stayed
further proceedings against her.
served summons in the two cases.
Mr. Gere also sought a stay on the execution of the warrants until the matter was disposed of.
January 24, 2008
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear in February an application filed by Richard Gere, anti-HIV/AIDS
campaigner and head of the Gere Foundation, seeking a stay of the arrest warrant issued by two Rajasthan
courts in connection with the April 15, 2007 kissing incident involving him and Bollywood actor Shilpa
Shetty.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justices R.V. Raveendran and J.M. Panchal posted
the application for hearing on a mention made by counsel for Mr. Gere.
On May 15, 2007 the apex court, on a petition by Ms. Shetty seeking transfer of all cases to Mumbai, stayed
further proceedings against her.
served summons in the two cases.
Mr. Gere also sought a stay on the execution of the warrants until the matter was disposed of.
Richard Gere approaches SC for relief in kissing row
24 Jan 2008,
NEW DELHI: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere on Thursday approached the
Supreme Court seeking a stay on an arrest warrant issued against him by a Jaipur court in a complaint over
his and actress Shilpa Shetty's cheek-kiss during a charity show.
Gere also sought a stay on the order of a Mundawar court in Rajasthan which directed him not to leave the
country in a similar case.
The matter was mentioned by Gere's counsel before a bench headed by the Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan
for an early hearing but the court directed the registry to list the matter for hearing after two weeks.
Hollywood actor, in his application, said that he was being harassed and victimised by way of a private
criminal complaints filed against him in Jaipur and Mundawar in Rajasthan, which were nothing but bids to
attract media attention.
Jaipur local court, on April 26 last, had issued arrest warrants to Gere and Shetty after a citizen filed a
complaint accusing the couple of committing an "obscene act".
Gere had taken the film actress in his arms and kissed her on the cheek at the AIDS awareness programme.
24 Jan 2008,
NEW DELHI: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere on Thursday approached the
Supreme Court seeking a stay on an arrest warrant issued against him by a Jaipur court in a complaint over
his and actress Shilpa Shetty's cheek-kiss during a charity show.
Gere also sought a stay on the order of a Mundawar court in Rajasthan which directed him not to leave the
country in a similar case.
The matter was mentioned by Gere's counsel before a bench headed by the Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan
for an early hearing but the court directed the registry to list the matter for hearing after two weeks.
Hollywood actor, in his application, said that he was being harassed and victimised by way of a private
criminal complaints filed against him in Jaipur and Mundawar in Rajasthan, which were nothing but bids to
attract media attention.
Jaipur local court, on April 26 last, had issued arrest warrants to Gere and Shetty after a citizen filed a
complaint accusing the couple of committing an "obscene act".
Gere had taken the film actress in his arms and kissed her on the cheek at the AIDS awareness programme.
Gere to begin filming Feb. 6 at Woonsocket depot
January 23, 2008
WOONSOCKET - If you are anywhere near the old Woonsocket Railroad Depot in Woonsocket in the next
few weeks, chances are you'll see actor Richard Gere waving goodbye to a dog named Hachiko while his
wife, Joan Allen, stands by.
The popular actor, of such films as "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Pretty Woman," "Cider House Rules,"
"Chocolat," "The Hoax" Golden Globe winning "Chicago," and currently the "Hunting Party," has hit Rhode
Island for filming of "Hachiko: a Dog's Story," and will be filming at the depot starting Wednesday, Feb. 6,
according to Jeffrey Polucha, head of economic development in the city. Gere visited Woonsocket last
summer to scout out the historic depot, headquarters of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National
Heritage Corridor built in 1882 by the Providence and Worcester Railroad. One third of scenes are planned to
be shot at the depot.
In life, Hachiko went with his master to a Tokyo railway station every day. The professor would board the
train to go to work and the dog would wait for him to return. One day in 1925, the professor unexpectedly
died and didn't return. The dog still arrived at the station for years to come. In 1934, a bronze statue of the
dog was erected at the Shibuya Train Station and still stands as a local landmark
January 23, 2008
WOONSOCKET - If you are anywhere near the old Woonsocket Railroad Depot in Woonsocket in the next
few weeks, chances are you'll see actor Richard Gere waving goodbye to a dog named Hachiko while his
wife, Joan Allen, stands by.
The popular actor, of such films as "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Pretty Woman," "Cider House Rules,"
"Chocolat," "The Hoax" Golden Globe winning "Chicago," and currently the "Hunting Party," has hit Rhode
Island for filming of "Hachiko: a Dog's Story," and will be filming at the depot starting Wednesday, Feb. 6,
according to Jeffrey Polucha, head of economic development in the city. Gere visited Woonsocket last
summer to scout out the historic depot, headquarters of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National
Heritage Corridor built in 1882 by the Providence and Worcester Railroad. One third of scenes are planned to
be shot at the depot.
In life, Hachiko went with his master to a Tokyo railway station every day. The professor would board the
train to go to work and the dog would wait for him to return. One day in 1925, the professor unexpectedly
died and didn't return. The dog still arrived at the station for years to come. In 1934, a bronze statue of the
dog was erected at the Shibuya Train Station and still stands as a local landmark
Gere movie seeks extras
January 30, 2008
Students at the University of Rhode Island spend a good part of their lives sitting in class, so why would they
volunteer to do it in their free time?
Maybe it would help if actor Richard Gere were the professor.
While this class is clearly not available in the University Course Catalog, Gere will "teach" a class next month
while filming a scene for "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" and LDI Casting in Providence is looking for students to
volunteer as extras.
"Hachiko: A Dog's Story" is based on a true story of a University of Tokyo professor whose dog Hachiko
saw him off each day at the front door. In the evening, the dog would find his way to the local train station
to greet the professor.
When the professor, played by Gere, dies, the dog returns to the station every evening in search for his
master to come off the train. Hachiko's unfailing loyalty to the professor, named Parker in the movies
adaptation of the story, has made him a veritable legend and spurred a 1987 Japanese film.
In the American version, the pivotal scene where Parker dies will be filmed at URI in a yet-to-be-determined
lecture hall. LDI Casting needs about 80 to 120 people to portray Parker's students and is looking for
students from a variety of backgrounds.
"We're looking for diversity, because it is supposed to be a school in New York," LDI Casting Director Anne
Mulhall said. "We're looking for all types. However, because it is a music class, we're not necessarily looking
for 'jock' types, but we're not excluding anyone."
Acting experience is not necessary as there are no speaking roles for extras in this scene but Mulhall
encouraged students interested in theater or cinematography to volunteer.
"Especially for students who are interested in film, this could be a really good learning experience," she said.
"Students will get to see how a whole scene gets put together."
The scene will be filmed on Feb. 26 or 27 and will last for about half a day. Other scenes have been shot in
Providence and elsewhere around the state.
A law recently passed by the state gives film producers tax breaks on certain expenses associated with
producing movies and has made the state appealing to producers who collect the tax breaks and sell them to
wealthy taxpayers.
Students interested in playing extras should send headshots and resumes to ldicasting@cox.net with a subject
related to URI or the film. LDI Casting will reply to those chosen to appear in the scene, providing
information about the exact time, location and wardrobe.
January 30, 2008
Students at the University of Rhode Island spend a good part of their lives sitting in class, so why would they
volunteer to do it in their free time?
Maybe it would help if actor Richard Gere were the professor.
While this class is clearly not available in the University Course Catalog, Gere will "teach" a class next month
while filming a scene for "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" and LDI Casting in Providence is looking for students to
volunteer as extras.
"Hachiko: A Dog's Story" is based on a true story of a University of Tokyo professor whose dog Hachiko
saw him off each day at the front door. In the evening, the dog would find his way to the local train station
to greet the professor.
When the professor, played by Gere, dies, the dog returns to the station every evening in search for his
master to come off the train. Hachiko's unfailing loyalty to the professor, named Parker in the movies
adaptation of the story, has made him a veritable legend and spurred a 1987 Japanese film.
In the American version, the pivotal scene where Parker dies will be filmed at URI in a yet-to-be-determined
lecture hall. LDI Casting needs about 80 to 120 people to portray Parker's students and is looking for
students from a variety of backgrounds.
"We're looking for diversity, because it is supposed to be a school in New York," LDI Casting Director Anne
Mulhall said. "We're looking for all types. However, because it is a music class, we're not necessarily looking
for 'jock' types, but we're not excluding anyone."
Acting experience is not necessary as there are no speaking roles for extras in this scene but Mulhall
encouraged students interested in theater or cinematography to volunteer.
"Especially for students who are interested in film, this could be a really good learning experience," she said.
"Students will get to see how a whole scene gets put together."
The scene will be filmed on Feb. 26 or 27 and will last for about half a day. Other scenes have been shot in
Providence and elsewhere around the state.
A law recently passed by the state gives film producers tax breaks on certain expenses associated with
producing movies and has made the state appealing to producers who collect the tax breaks and sell them to
wealthy taxpayers.
Students interested in playing extras should send headshots and resumes to ldicasting@cox.net with a subject
related to URI or the film. LDI Casting will reply to those chosen to appear in the scene, providing
information about the exact time, location and wardrobe.
Gere in the clear for now
Gere, who was wanted for allegedly breaking public obscenity laws by kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa
The court suspended all legal proceedings against the pair until it decides on the proper jurisdiction for the
case.
Gere embraced and kissed Shetty on her cheek at a public AIDS awareness event in New Delhi on April 15,
prompting Hindu hard-liners to allege the pair had offended the sensibilities of India’s traditionally conservative
culture.
The case has grabbed headlines, although the allegations have failed to stir any wider outrage among Indians,
most of whom have responded with either mocking bemusement or utter indifference.
Still, Hindu activists managed to file three cases against the pair, including one in the northwestern city of
Jaipur, where a judge last month issued an arrest warrant for Gere.
Shetty’s lawyer on Monday asked the Supreme Court to combine all the three cases and shift them to
Mumbai, where the actress lives.
On Tuesday, Supreme Court Chief Justice AG Balakrishnan and Justice RV Ravindran put all legal
proceedings over the kiss on hold until it could make a decision on a petition filed by Shetty’s lawyer to
combine all three cases and shift the hearings to Mumbai, where the actress lives.
The petition was filed on Monday.
Addressing the court on Tuesday, Shetty’s lawyer, Anand Grover, called the cases “frivolous” and “a total
misuse of the legal process.”
The court did not say when it would make its final ruling on the petition.
Shortly after the brouhaha erupted, Gere, 57, apologised for any offence he may have caused. But he also said
the whole controversy was manufactured by a small hard-line political party.
Gere is a frequent visitor to India, promoting health issues and the cause of Tibetan exiles, tens of thousands
of whom live in India.
Shetty, a well-known actress in India, became an international star after her appearance on the British reality
show Celebrity Big Brother.
AP
Gere, who was wanted for allegedly breaking public obscenity laws by kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa
The court suspended all legal proceedings against the pair until it decides on the proper jurisdiction for the
case.
Gere embraced and kissed Shetty on her cheek at a public AIDS awareness event in New Delhi on April 15,
prompting Hindu hard-liners to allege the pair had offended the sensibilities of India’s traditionally conservative
culture.
The case has grabbed headlines, although the allegations have failed to stir any wider outrage among Indians,
most of whom have responded with either mocking bemusement or utter indifference.
Still, Hindu activists managed to file three cases against the pair, including one in the northwestern city of
Jaipur, where a judge last month issued an arrest warrant for Gere.
Shetty’s lawyer on Monday asked the Supreme Court to combine all the three cases and shift them to
Mumbai, where the actress lives.
On Tuesday, Supreme Court Chief Justice AG Balakrishnan and Justice RV Ravindran put all legal
proceedings over the kiss on hold until it could make a decision on a petition filed by Shetty’s lawyer to
combine all three cases and shift the hearings to Mumbai, where the actress lives.
The petition was filed on Monday.
Addressing the court on Tuesday, Shetty’s lawyer, Anand Grover, called the cases “frivolous” and “a total
misuse of the legal process.”
The court did not say when it would make its final ruling on the petition.
Shortly after the brouhaha erupted, Gere, 57, apologised for any offence he may have caused. But he also said
the whole controversy was manufactured by a small hard-line political party.
Gere is a frequent visitor to India, promoting health issues and the cause of Tibetan exiles, tens of thousands
of whom live in India.
Shetty, a well-known actress in India, became an international star after her appearance on the British reality
show Celebrity Big Brother.
AP
SC notices on Gere's plea to stay arrest warrant against him
NEW DELHI, February 11, 2008
The Supreme Court today issued notices on a plea of Hollywood actor Richard Gere seeking to stay the
arrest warrant issued against him by different courts in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in relation to the Shilpa
Shetty kissing row.
The court sought response from the complainants on the actor's plea seeking transfer of the cases outside
those states.
NEW DELHI, February 11, 2008
The Supreme Court today issued notices on a plea of Hollywood actor Richard Gere seeking to stay the
arrest warrant issued against him by different courts in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in relation to the Shilpa
Shetty kissing row.
The court sought response from the complainants on the actor's plea seeking transfer of the cases outside
those states.
Supreme Court issues notices on Geres plea
February 11th, 2008
New Delhi, Feb 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court today issued notices on a plea of Hollywood actor Richard
Gere, that sought stay on an arrest warrant against him for kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at an
AIDS awareness rally in New Delhi last year.
The arrest warrant was issued by different courts in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The apex court has sought responses from complainants on the actor’s plea for a transfer of the cases
outside those states.
Earlier, fans of Shilpa Shetty had protested against Gere kissing Shetty at a public event.
They said that in a conservative society like India, such a public display of affection was vulgar.
Gere’s impromptu hug and kiss had provided a field day for the media. (ANI)
February 11th, 2008
New Delhi, Feb 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court today issued notices on a plea of Hollywood actor Richard
Gere, that sought stay on an arrest warrant against him for kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at an
AIDS awareness rally in New Delhi last year.
The arrest warrant was issued by different courts in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The apex court has sought responses from complainants on the actor’s plea for a transfer of the cases
outside those states.
Earlier, fans of Shilpa Shetty had protested against Gere kissing Shetty at a public event.
They said that in a conservative society like India, such a public display of affection was vulgar.
Gere’s impromptu hug and kiss had provided a field day for the media. (ANI)
Gere wants permission to visit India in March
February 11, 2008
A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and Lokeshwar Singh
Panta issued notice to the original complainant Bhandari, who was not made a party in the case.
Hollywood star Gere wants permission from the Supreme Court to visit India in March this year and also to
return.
Shilpa filed a transfer petition for shifting of the Jaipur case to Mumbai.
The actress is supporting the plea of Gere.
Counsel for Bhandari who was incidentaly present in the court told the court that his dead father has been
made a party and the relief is being sought behind his back.
Counsel for Shilpa however, pleaded that it was a bonafide mistake and that an application for making the
original complainant a party had already been filed.
Shilpa and Gere are facing several cases for indulging in obscenity at a public place
February 11, 2008
A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and Lokeshwar Singh
Panta issued notice to the original complainant Bhandari, who was not made a party in the case.
Hollywood star Gere wants permission from the Supreme Court to visit India in March this year and also to
return.
Shilpa filed a transfer petition for shifting of the Jaipur case to Mumbai.
The actress is supporting the plea of Gere.
Counsel for Bhandari who was incidentaly present in the court told the court that his dead father has been
made a party and the relief is being sought behind his back.
Counsel for Shilpa however, pleaded that it was a bonafide mistake and that an application for making the
original complainant a party had already been filed.
Shilpa and Gere are facing several cases for indulging in obscenity at a public place
Kissing row: Gere seeks stay of arrest, SC issues notice
February 11, 2008
NEW DELHI: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere, seeking stay of his arrest warrant
in connection with the kissing row with actress Shipa Sheety, on Monday told the Supreme Court that he
was willing to submit to the jurisdiction of the concerned courts in the country.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan issued notice to the complainant on whose plea a Jaipur
court had issued arrest warrant to Gere.
The court also sought a response from the Rajasthan government after senior advocate Indira Jaisinh,
appearing for Gere, said the actor, who is schedule to come to India in March, was ready to submit to the
court's jurisdiction.
She said the warrant was issued after the actor had left the country. The Jaipur court had restrained him
from leaving the country.
However, during the hearing, advocate Anupam Lal Das, appearing for the complainant Poonam Chandra
Bhandari, alleged that there was a conspiracy by the actor to secure an ex-parte order.
He said Gere in his application has named the father of the complainant as respondent who was dead.
"How can title of the matter be changed? Instead of complainant, her father who is dead has been made a
party so that order could be passed ex-parte," he alleged and submitted that an inquiry be ordered.
However, the counsel appearing for Gere said it was only a bonafide error which will be amended.
February 11, 2008
NEW DELHI: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere, seeking stay of his arrest warrant
in connection with the kissing row with actress Shipa Sheety, on Monday told the Supreme Court that he
was willing to submit to the jurisdiction of the concerned courts in the country.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan issued notice to the complainant on whose plea a Jaipur
court had issued arrest warrant to Gere.
The court also sought a response from the Rajasthan government after senior advocate Indira Jaisinh,
appearing for Gere, said the actor, who is schedule to come to India in March, was ready to submit to the
court's jurisdiction.
She said the warrant was issued after the actor had left the country. The Jaipur court had restrained him
from leaving the country.
However, during the hearing, advocate Anupam Lal Das, appearing for the complainant Poonam Chandra
Bhandari, alleged that there was a conspiracy by the actor to secure an ex-parte order.
He said Gere in his application has named the father of the complainant as respondent who was dead.
"How can title of the matter be changed? Instead of complainant, her father who is dead has been made a
party so that order could be passed ex-parte," he alleged and submitted that an inquiry be ordered.
However, the counsel appearing for Gere said it was only a bonafide error which will be amended.
March 2 2008
Pound Ridge, N.Y., resident Richard Gere and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, and son Homer were seen
having brunch at Gere's new cafe, The Bedford Post Inn, on Route 121 last Saturday afternoon. Gere was
pleasant and friendly and took time to recognize patrons and their children
Pound Ridge, N.Y., resident Richard Gere and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, and son Homer were seen
having brunch at Gere's new cafe, The Bedford Post Inn, on Route 121 last Saturday afternoon. Gere was
pleasant and friendly and took time to recognize patrons and their children
Court Says OK for Gere to Visit India
Mar 14, 2008
NEW DELHI (AP) — Richard Gere is free to go back to India — and he may have a new reason to book
a trip.
obscenity laws by kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at a public AIDS awareness event last year.
"Gere is allowed to come and leave. He can't be arrested," said Anil Grover, an attorney for Shetty, after
attending the Supreme Court proceedings.
Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justice R. V. Raveendran indefinitely stayed the arrest warrant
issued against the actor last year by a court in the northwestern Indian city of Jaipur, Grover told The
Associated Press.
April 15 last year, prompting Hindu hard-liners to allege the pair had offended the sensibilities of India's
Shortly after the cases were filed by Hindu activists, Gere apologized for any offense he may have
caused, but he also said the whole controversy was manufactured by a small hard-line political party.
The 58-year-old Buddhist actor and longtime Tibetan supporter is a frequent visitor to India, promoting
health issues and the cause of Tibetan exiles, tens of thousands of whom live in India.
As rioting erupted Friday in Tibet's capital of Lhasa, Gere said the protests led by Buddhist monks
weren't unexpected.
"I'm saddened but I can't say I'm surprised," the actor told The Associated Press in an interview. "You
can't repress the people to the extent that Tibetans have been repressed for the last six decades now and
not expect that at some point that it will explode."
The official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that seven people have been confirmed dead in rioting.
Eyewitness accounts and photos posted on the Internet portrayed a chaotic scene in Lhasa, with crowds
hurling rocks at security forces, hotels and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy said Americans had reported
gunfire.
"One would think that as China becomes the country that they supposedly want to be — a world power,
respected — that in fact everything has tightened inside of Tibet," he said.
"The lack of opportunities for Tibetans in general — the lack of education, the destruction of culture and
language, the inability to practice their religion — these are the things that make people crazy. And
Tibetans are the most nonviolent people on the planet. For them to get to this point you know how bad it
has been for them."
Mar 14, 2008
NEW DELHI (AP) — Richard Gere is free to go back to India — and he may have a new reason to book
a trip.
obscenity laws by kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at a public AIDS awareness event last year.
"Gere is allowed to come and leave. He can't be arrested," said Anil Grover, an attorney for Shetty, after
attending the Supreme Court proceedings.
Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Justice R. V. Raveendran indefinitely stayed the arrest warrant
issued against the actor last year by a court in the northwestern Indian city of Jaipur, Grover told The
Associated Press.
April 15 last year, prompting Hindu hard-liners to allege the pair had offended the sensibilities of India's
Shortly after the cases were filed by Hindu activists, Gere apologized for any offense he may have
caused, but he also said the whole controversy was manufactured by a small hard-line political party.
The 58-year-old Buddhist actor and longtime Tibetan supporter is a frequent visitor to India, promoting
health issues and the cause of Tibetan exiles, tens of thousands of whom live in India.
As rioting erupted Friday in Tibet's capital of Lhasa, Gere said the protests led by Buddhist monks
weren't unexpected.
"I'm saddened but I can't say I'm surprised," the actor told The Associated Press in an interview. "You
can't repress the people to the extent that Tibetans have been repressed for the last six decades now and
not expect that at some point that it will explode."
The official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that seven people have been confirmed dead in rioting.
Eyewitness accounts and photos posted on the Internet portrayed a chaotic scene in Lhasa, with crowds
hurling rocks at security forces, hotels and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy said Americans had reported
gunfire.
"One would think that as China becomes the country that they supposedly want to be — a world power,
respected — that in fact everything has tightened inside of Tibet," he said.
"The lack of opportunities for Tibetans in general — the lack of education, the destruction of culture and
language, the inability to practice their religion — these are the things that make people crazy. And
Tibetans are the most nonviolent people on the planet. For them to get to this point you know how bad it
has been for them."
Gere, Dalai Lama meet hinges on SC
11 Mar 2008
NEW DELHI: The meeting between the Dalai Lama and Hollywood star Richard Gere, scheduled for
March 21, will depend on the decision of the Supreme Court, which on Friday will hear the actor's plea for
stay of the arrest warrant issued against him by trial courts for his controversial kiss with Shilpa Shetty.
Appearing for Gere, senior advocate Indira Jaising informed a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G
Balakrishnan and Justices Altamas Kabir and J M Panchal that it would be difficult for the actor to come to
India unless the warrants were stayed.
She said the warrants had been issued against him in a "rather frivolous case for kissing an Indian woman"
and argued that similar arrest warrants against Shilpa Shetty had earlier been stayed by the apex court. The
SC fixed Friday for hearing Gere's petition.
Gere is wary of being nabbed either by the Rajasthan or UP police, who are still armed with arrest
warrants issued by courts for his controversial kissing scene with Shetty at an AIDS awareness function
last year.
He has requested the apex court to stay the execution of the arrest warrants and a guarantee from the state
governments that his exit from India, after the completion of his engagements, would be hassle free.
11 Mar 2008
NEW DELHI: The meeting between the Dalai Lama and Hollywood star Richard Gere, scheduled for
March 21, will depend on the decision of the Supreme Court, which on Friday will hear the actor's plea for
stay of the arrest warrant issued against him by trial courts for his controversial kiss with Shilpa Shetty.
Appearing for Gere, senior advocate Indira Jaising informed a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G
Balakrishnan and Justices Altamas Kabir and J M Panchal that it would be difficult for the actor to come to
India unless the warrants were stayed.
She said the warrants had been issued against him in a "rather frivolous case for kissing an Indian woman"
and argued that similar arrest warrants against Shilpa Shetty had earlier been stayed by the apex court. The
SC fixed Friday for hearing Gere's petition.
Gere is wary of being nabbed either by the Rajasthan or UP police, who are still armed with arrest
warrants issued by courts for his controversial kissing scene with Shetty at an AIDS awareness function
last year.
He has requested the apex court to stay the execution of the arrest warrants and a guarantee from the state
governments that his exit from India, after the completion of his engagements, would be hassle free.
Dalai Lama arrives in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived in the capital on Friday to participate in a
meditation workshop to be attended by his followers from around the world.
The Dalai Lama flew in from Dharamsala this evening to take part in the meditation workshop being organised
by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility.
Hollywood star Richard Gere and actress Uma Thurman's father Bob Thurman are expected to take
part in the programme.
The Dalai Lama, who arrived here as Tibetans stepped up their protest and barged into the Chinese Embassy
complex, will be in the capital for ten days to take part in the meditation workshop to be held at Hotel Ashoka.
An exhibition is also being organised, which will be opened on Saturday.
Traditional handicraft and garments of Tibet will be on display at the exhibition.
The Dalai Lama was welcomed at the hotel by around 150 people, most of them his followers who wore
T-shirts with the message 'Pray for Tibet'.
The organisers said the programme was chalked out three months back and hence could not be seen in
correlation with the ongoing protests by Tibetans against the Chinese Government.
They, however, did not rule out the possibility of the Dalai Lama meeting Indian leaders during his stay in Delhi.
New Delhi (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived in the capital on Friday to participate in a
meditation workshop to be attended by his followers from around the world.
The Dalai Lama flew in from Dharamsala this evening to take part in the meditation workshop being organised
by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility.
Hollywood star Richard Gere and actress Uma Thurman's father Bob Thurman are expected to take
part in the programme.
The Dalai Lama, who arrived here as Tibetans stepped up their protest and barged into the Chinese Embassy
complex, will be in the capital for ten days to take part in the meditation workshop to be held at Hotel Ashoka.
An exhibition is also being organised, which will be opened on Saturday.
Traditional handicraft and garments of Tibet will be on display at the exhibition.
The Dalai Lama was welcomed at the hotel by around 150 people, most of them his followers who wore
T-shirts with the message 'Pray for Tibet'.
The organisers said the programme was chalked out three months back and hence could not be seen in
correlation with the ongoing protests by Tibetans against the Chinese Government.
They, however, did not rule out the possibility of the Dalai Lama meeting Indian leaders during his stay in Delhi.
March 23 2008
The Yankees had their share of celebrities in the stands for yesterday's rain-shortened game against the Blue
Jays. Actor Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell (formerly on Law & Order), as well as actor/director
Ron Howard, were in attendance and visited the clubhouse. When the star power was alluded to, Yankees
manager Joe Girardi said, "Big ones, too." Gere, Lowell and their son, Homer, 8, who have a home on Long
Island, visited with various players, including Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi. Gere said he is a lifelong
Yankees fan.
The Yankees had their share of celebrities in the stands for yesterday's rain-shortened game against the Blue
Jays. Actor Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell (formerly on Law & Order), as well as actor/director
Ron Howard, were in attendance and visited the clubhouse. When the star power was alluded to, Yankees
manager Joe Girardi said, "Big ones, too." Gere, Lowell and their son, Homer, 8, who have a home on Long
Island, visited with various players, including Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi. Gere said he is a lifelong
Yankees fan.
March 23 2008
Richard Gere was seen at Joan Silbersher's funky, landmark store Antiques and Tools of Business and Kitchen
in Scotts Corners, Pound Ridge, N.Y. Gere, who lives in the town, purchased two benches for his new
restaurant, The Bedford Post, on Route 123
Richard Gere was seen at Joan Silbersher's funky, landmark store Antiques and Tools of Business and Kitchen
in Scotts Corners, Pound Ridge, N.Y. Gere, who lives in the town, purchased two benches for his new
restaurant, The Bedford Post, on Route 123
Thursday March 27
A New York City tollbooth worker in desperate need of a car wrote a crime thriller script titled “Brooklyn’s
Finest” last year. Now he finds himself rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood’s finest, including
Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke and director Antoine Fuqua.
Living in Brooklyn, Michael Martin had just totaled his car in an accident. While in physical therapy, he
entered a screenwriting competition, hoping to win the prize money for his new set of wheels.
“I had never written a screenplay before,” said Martin, who had studied film in college. “I thought, ‘How
hard can it be?’ I was more like, ‘If I win this, I can get a new car.”‘
His screenplay came in second but eventually ended up in a far better place: the doorstep of Warner Bros.-
based producer who had been looking for a writer with an authentic and gritty voice to write a sequel to the
1991 gangbanger saga “New Jack City,” which was in development at Warner Premiere, the studio’s direct-
to-DVD division. Impressed by “Finest,” Mary Viola set out find the writer, who then had no agent.
Martin had moved out to L.A., staying at a downtown hotel, and hooked up with management
representatives. He enjoyed a brief stint writing for Showtime’s “Sleeper Cell,” but homesickness
overwhelmed him. He returned to New York and wound up back at the Transit Authority.
Meanwhile, in the hands of Viola, “Finest” became red hot, quickly attracting top talent. Gere and Cheadle are
now polishing their badges to star in the ensemble police thriller, which Fuqua will direct for indie financier
Millennium Films. Hawke is also coming on board to star, a move that will reteam him with Fuqua, who
directed him to an Oscar nomination in “Training Day.” Ellen Barkin is also booking a part.
The script almost brought Mel Gibson out of acting seclusion. He took a string of meetings, but things
ultimately didn’t work out.
The story, a sort of “Crash” meets “Training Day,” is a dramatic ensemble with three intertwining story lines
involving Brooklyn cops. “I worked for a bus company that got indicted by the Feds because of Mob
connections,” Martin said. “I could not have written ‘Brooklyn’s Finest’ without that experience.”
The movie is prepping for a May shoot in Brooklyn, in the very locations that inspired Martin to write the
script. “Things are moving very fast right now. It’s something I’ve been waiting a long time for,” Martin said.
Fuqua’s last movie was 2007’s “Shooter,” while Gere was last seen in Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There.”
Cheadle was in theaters last year with “Ocean’s Thirteen” and “Talk To Me.”
Martin, a new dad, was recently promoted to construction flagger within the Transit Authority, working
inside the subway system. He is writing “New Jack City 2,” often during his breaks in the subway tunnels.
He drives a new car.
A New York City tollbooth worker in desperate need of a car wrote a crime thriller script titled “Brooklyn’s
Finest” last year. Now he finds himself rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood’s finest, including
Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke and director Antoine Fuqua.
Living in Brooklyn, Michael Martin had just totaled his car in an accident. While in physical therapy, he
entered a screenwriting competition, hoping to win the prize money for his new set of wheels.
“I had never written a screenplay before,” said Martin, who had studied film in college. “I thought, ‘How
hard can it be?’ I was more like, ‘If I win this, I can get a new car.”‘
His screenplay came in second but eventually ended up in a far better place: the doorstep of Warner Bros.-
based producer who had been looking for a writer with an authentic and gritty voice to write a sequel to the
1991 gangbanger saga “New Jack City,” which was in development at Warner Premiere, the studio’s direct-
to-DVD division. Impressed by “Finest,” Mary Viola set out find the writer, who then had no agent.
Martin had moved out to L.A., staying at a downtown hotel, and hooked up with management
representatives. He enjoyed a brief stint writing for Showtime’s “Sleeper Cell,” but homesickness
overwhelmed him. He returned to New York and wound up back at the Transit Authority.
Meanwhile, in the hands of Viola, “Finest” became red hot, quickly attracting top talent. Gere and Cheadle are
now polishing their badges to star in the ensemble police thriller, which Fuqua will direct for indie financier
Millennium Films. Hawke is also coming on board to star, a move that will reteam him with Fuqua, who
directed him to an Oscar nomination in “Training Day.” Ellen Barkin is also booking a part.
The script almost brought Mel Gibson out of acting seclusion. He took a string of meetings, but things
ultimately didn’t work out.
The story, a sort of “Crash” meets “Training Day,” is a dramatic ensemble with three intertwining story lines
involving Brooklyn cops. “I worked for a bus company that got indicted by the Feds because of Mob
connections,” Martin said. “I could not have written ‘Brooklyn’s Finest’ without that experience.”
The movie is prepping for a May shoot in Brooklyn, in the very locations that inspired Martin to write the
script. “Things are moving very fast right now. It’s something I’ve been waiting a long time for,” Martin said.
Fuqua’s last movie was 2007’s “Shooter,” while Gere was last seen in Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There.”
Cheadle was in theaters last year with “Ocean’s Thirteen” and “Talk To Me.”
Martin, a new dad, was recently promoted to construction flagger within the Transit Authority, working
inside the subway system. He is writing “New Jack City 2,” often during his breaks in the subway tunnels.
He drives a new car.