Entertainment: Hugh Hefner, charismatic founder of Playboy dies at 91

Hugh Hefner, who created the Playboy magazine and spun it into a media and entertainment-industry giant, has died at his home at the age of 91. He will be buried in a cemetery plot next to his first magazine cover girl Marilyn Monroe.

Hefner’s son Cooper issued a statement in which he traced back his father’s journey into spearheading a sexual revolution, along with freedom of expression in the US.

“My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.”

“He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognisable and enduring in history. He will be greatly missed by many...” Cooper, 26, said of his father.

Indian model Sherlyn Chopra, who was the first Indian woman to pose nude for the lifestyle and entertainment publication said that Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner was a visionary who chose not to follow societal norms.

Hefner founded Playboy with the aim to create a niche and upscale magazine for men - which offered a spread of images of nude women, along with detailed write-ups, interviews and fiction by many a well-known writer.

Hefner is survived by his wife Crystal and other three children - Christie, 64, David, 62 and Marston, 27.

Celebrities shared their respect and love for the departed soul on social media.

Aamir Khan shares one of his ‘toughest roles’

Superstar-producer Aamir Khan, fondly known as Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist, said that playing the colourful character Shakti Kumaarr in his forthcoming film Secret Superstar is one of his toughest roles.

Aamir tweeted a video on Thursday that showed how he transformed from the sincere and principled Mahavir Phogat from his blockbuster film Dangal to the outrageous Shakti Kumaarr for his role in Secret Superstar.

The video opens with singer-actress Monali Thakur, who features in the movie as herself, saying: “I am in love with his look.” Actress Zaira Wasim, who plays Insia, comments on his weird shoes and jeans.

Choreographer Sanya Malhotra calls the character an ill-mannered person who does not know how to talk to people.

Talking about the character played by Aamir, producer and his wife Kiran Rao said: “He is a music director who is having a bad time. Such characters are not written on a daily basis.”

Aamir is also seen getting himself clicked with girls. He said: “He flirts with girls also. Shakti has all the bad qualities that one can think of.”

The film's writer and director Advait Chandan says: “In his (Aamir) personal life, he is very simple and organic. I think for him to wear tight T-shirts... even he had a good time.”

Secret Superstar will be out on October 19.

Varun Dhawan, Shruti Haasan to endorse Fossil

Bollywood actors Varun Dhawan and Shruti Haasan have been announced as brand ambassadors of Fossil India.

The actors will be featured in Fossil’s first ever multimedia campaign launching throughout India by the end of the year. They will be seen endorsing the new range of touchscreen smartwatches in the campaign.

“The decision to be a part of Fossil links back to my natural affinity with the brand's values and personality in many ways. I look forward to being an integral part of the Fossil family and its fascinating growth journey in India,” said Varun.

“I am happy to be chosen to represent Fossil. I have always been inspired by the brand. I am truly delighted to endorse the brand for their smartwatches and leather bags which blend great style with functionality. I am incredibly flattered to represent a brand of global scale and to feature in one of the most interesting campaigns this season,” said Shruti.

Speaking on the collaboration, Johnson Verghese, Managing Director, Fossil India says that they are excited to partner with young, refreshing talents like Varun and Shruti.

“They not only represent the next generation of Fossil fans, but they also personify a rare blend of talent, class, intelligence and popularity. More importantly they complement the brand's legacy and ethos which hinges on three pillars - timeless style, authentic inspiration and spontaneous creativity,” said Verghese.

With inputs from IANS