Steve Hannah, the website's chief executive, apologised to the best actress nominee, saying that "no person should be subjected to such a senseless, humorless comment masquerading as satire".

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The present chief minister of the state, J Jayalalitha, was once a star actress and her mentor MG Ramachandran, who also ruled the state, was a stage actor turned movie star.

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The diverse judging panel includes TV presenters Ruby Wax and Dermot O'Leary, comedian and actress Nina Wadia, advertising boss Matthew Freud and former Channel 4 chief executive Michael Grade.

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According to Mr. Martins, the ballet master in chief of the company, the idea to bring in Mr. Valentino as a collaborator belonged to the actress Sarah Jessica Parker, a member of the board of trustees.

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The chief minister of this state, Dr J Jayalalitha, is a big-time - albeit retired - film actress, who is as unpredictable as she is shrewd.

BBC: NEWS | South Asia | Letter: Murder, mystery and politics in India