ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

TELEVISION

Maher Says His Show’s Days Are Numbered

“Politically Incorrect” host Bill Maher says he has known since September that the late-night show’s “days were numbered” at ABC, and that, with news available now around the clock, the show that precedes his, “Nightline,” has become expendable.

Maher, who has stayed mostly silent since it was learned that ABC was pursuing David Letterman--a move that, had it succeeded, would have displaced “Nightline” and “Politically Incorrect”--is in Seattle as part of a live tour. He told the Seattle Times that “Nightline” anchor Ted Koppel has always been unwilling to promote “Politically Incorrect,” but that what is “a little galling” is that after six years of being told that Koppel was above such concerns, “suddenly, he’s not a sacred cow. He’s a slaughtered cow.”

Since Letterman decided last week to remain at CBS, ABC has expressed support for “Nightline” but has made no comment about the future of “Politically Incorrect,” which lost advertisers and some ABC affiliate coverage in the fall after Maher criticized America’s approach to foreign policy before Sept. 11.

Maher reiterated in the interview that his use of the word “cowardly” to describe U.S. policy has been distorted. He also acknowledged that he is considering a radio show, saying that he speaks his mind and that “the best place for that may be radio.”

MOVIES

New Movie Awards for the Over-50 Audience

You’ve heard of the Palme d’Or, the top prize at Cannes. Now comes the “Chaise d’Or,” honoring the best of the silver screen for the silver-haired.

Amid the glut of film awards, Modern Maturity magazine is offering the “Best Movies for Grown-Ups”--or, more specifically, for the publication’s over-50 audience.

Its pick for best film last year: “Lantana,” which “stands out as a moral fable in which betrayal has consequences, integrity is rewarded and we all learn that day-to-day decisions can bless or bedevil us at any age.”

“Under the Sand” was deemed best foreign film for being “about reaching an age where you realize life’s most nagging questions might never be answered.” And as “best movie for grown-ups who refuse to grow up”: “Shrek.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Barbie’s ‘Rapunzel’ Set; Is There a Role for Ken?

Barbie has been bitten by the acting bug. After starring last year in her first movie, the straight-to-video “Barbie in the Nutcracker,” the famous doll has announced her next project: a remake of the classic fairy tale “Rapunzel.” The computer-animated project is due for release in October.

Entertainment Industry in India Is Thriving

Revenues in India’s entertainment industry rose 30% in 2001, seven times faster than the economy as a whole, the BBC reports.

Citing figures released at a conference in Mumbai, the BBC reported that income from film, television, music, radio and live entertainment totaled about $2.7 billion last year.

The country’s economic growth was cited as the biggest reason for the entertainment boom, which is predicted to continue--doubling again in the next five years. The film industry produced more than 1,000 films last year and should be growing as new government measures to stimulate investment in that area take effect.

QUICK TAKES

Yoko Ono has purchased the Liverpool home of her late husband, John Lennon--the place where he lived with his Aunt Mimi and where the Quarry Men and the Beatles rehearsed--and is donating it to the British National Trust.... Fresh from finishing his Tony Award-winning run in “The Producers” on Broadway, Nathan Lane will be a presenter at the Academy Awards on Sunday.... Singer-songwriter Kristyn Osborn of the country group Shedaisy has filed for divorce, her attorney said. She’s been married to Joel Stevenett since 1994.... The “Down From the Mountain” tour, featuring music and performers from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” will return to the Southland this summer, July 31 at the Coors Amphitheater in San Diego, Aug. 1 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Aug. 2 at the Santa Barbara Bowl.