Banderas to play ballroom dancer:

London: Spanish hunk Antonio Banderas will play a ballroom dancer, who inspires a group of street smart, hip-hop loving New York teenagers to try out formal dance, in a new film. ‘Take the Lead’ is reportedly based on the true story of international ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane. In the film Banderas plays a former professional who volunteers to teach dance at a New York public school.

Banderas is currently finishing the sequel to his 1998 hit ‘Mask of Zorro’. ‘The Legend of Zorro’ is scheduled for release in 2005. — HNS

Aniston seeks solace in friends:

Los Angeles: Hollywood star Brad Pitt’s estranged wife, Jennifer Aniston, is turning to her female friends for support in an effort to get over her failed marriage. Even as gossip hints at a new romance with French actor Vincent Cassel, Aniston, 35, said she feels most beautiful when surrounded by her women friends, according to reports. “You know when I feel inwardly beautiful? When I am with my girlfriends and we are having a ‘goddess circle’. The most beautiful I have ever felt is when we are celebrating women. No men allowed,” Aniston was quoted as saying. — HNS