Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s father, veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been admitted to Bengaluru's Mahavir Jain hospital.

Prakash Padukone is expected to get discharged this week.&nbsp;

According to latest reports, Deepika Padukone has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Last month, Deepika and her husband Ranveer Singh flew to Bengaluru to meet her family after the Maharashtra government imposed curfew to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the state.

Deepika's mother Ujjala and sister Anisha Padukone had also tested positive for COVID-19. They are doing fine and are currently at home.&nbsp;

Prakash Padukone who was ranked World No. 1 in 1980, became the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in the very same year. He was conferred an Arjuna Award by the Government of India in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s father, veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been admitted to Bengaluru's Mahavir Jain hospital.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s father, veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been admitted to Bengaluru's Mahavir Jain hospital. Prakash Padukone is expected to get discharged this week. According to latest reports, Deepika Padukone has also tested positive for COVID-19. Last month, Deepika and her husband Ranveer Singh flew to Bengaluru to meet her family after the Maharashtra government imposed curfew to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the state. Deepika's mother Ujjala and sister Anisha Padukone had also tested positive for COVID-19. They are doing fine and are currently at home. Prakash Padukone who was ranked World No. 1 in 1980, became the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in the very same year. He was conferred an Arjuna Award by the Government of India in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982.

Deepika Padukone, father Prakash Padukone test COVID-19 positive

Former Spider Man actor Andrew Garfield is apparently not suiting up for ‘Spider Man: No Way Home’. After rumours have circulated for some months over who all will return for the upcoming Spider Man film, Andrew revealed that he’s not featuring in the film. Rumours had suggested that apart from current Spider Man Tom Holland, the film will also bring back former stars from the franchise, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire.&nbsp;

Speaking to MTV’s Josh Horowitz, Andrew Garfield said, “I can’t speak for anything else, but for myself. They might be doing something, but I ain’t got a call.” 
&nbsp; 
“I see how often Spider-Man is trending and it’s like people freaking out. And I’m just like, ‘guys, guys, guys’ — I wish I could just be able to speak to everyone and say, ‘I recommend that you chill’,” he said.

Denying that he’s a part of the film, Andrew said, “I would’ve gotten a call by now. That’s what I’m saying.” But he added, “I don’t want to rule anything out. Maybe they are going to call me and say, ‘Hey, people want this. … maybe they are doing like a market research thing.”

‘Spider Man: No Way Home’ is confirmed to feature Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, the villain he played in Maguire’s Spider-Man 2. Jamie Foxx is also confirmed as Electro, a villain from Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Former Spider Man actor Andrew Garfield is apparently not suiting up for ‘Spider Man: No Way Home’. After rumours have circulated for some months over who all will return for the upcoming Spider Man film, Andrew revealed that he’s not featuring in the film.

Former Spider Man actor Andrew Garfield is apparently not suiting up for ‘Spider Man: No Way Home’. After rumours have circulated for some months over who all will return for the upcoming Spider Man film, Andrew revealed that he’s not featuring in the film. Rumours had suggested that apart from current Spider Man Tom Holland, the film will also bring back former stars from the franchise, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire. Speaking to MTV’s Josh Horowitz, Andrew Garfield said, “I can’t speak for anything else, but for myself. They might be doing something, but I ain’t got a call.” “I see how often Spider-Man is trending and it’s like people freaking out. And I’m just like, ‘guys, guys, guys’ — I wish I could just be able to speak to everyone and say, ‘I recommend that you chill’,” he said. Denying that he’s a part of the film, Andrew said, “I would’ve gotten a call by now. That’s what I’m saying.” But he added, “I don’t want to rule anything out. Maybe they are going to call me and say, ‘Hey, people want this. … maybe they are doing like a market research thing.” ‘Spider Man: No Way Home’ is confirmed to feature Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, the villain he played in Maguire’s Spider-Man 2. Jamie Foxx is also confirmed as Electro, a villain from Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Andrew Garfield on returning in 'Spider Man: No Way Home': I ain't got a call

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station.

Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold.

The bottle is one of a batch of 12 that European startup Space Cargo Unlimited sent into orbit as part of research into how food and drink matures in space.

The wine spent almost 440 days in space, or the equivalent of 300 trips to the Moon, Space Cargo Unlimited Nicolas Gaume said in a press release.

It left for the ISS on November 2, 2019 in a spacecraft known as a Cygnus capsule and returned on January 14, 2021 aboard a Dragon capsule manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Tests carried out in March by a wine science institute in Bordeaux found that the bottles "positively endured all the constraints of preparation, travel, and storage on the ISS," Christie's said in its press release.

At the end of a blind tasting, the researchers noted "remarkable differences in the colour, aroma and taste components," between the celestial bottles and equivalents which had remained on earth.

"The wines sampled were commended for their complexity and considered to be great wines," Christie's added.

The sale is expected to smash the record price for a standard 750 ml bottle of wine.

The most expensive was a 1945 Romanee-Conti Burgundy which sold at Sotheby's in New York for $558,000 in 2018.

The private sale means the buyer and price will remain confidential unless the buyer chooses to identify themselves publicly.

Proceeds will go towards funding future space missions focused on agricultural research.

Petrus, from the Pomerol region near Bordeaux, is considered one of the world's finest wines. A classic bottle of Petrus 2000, considered a great vintage, currently sells for around 4,500 euros ($5,400).

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station. Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold.

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station. Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold. The bottle is one of a batch of 12 that European startup Space Cargo Unlimited sent into orbit as part of research into how food and drink matures in space. The wine spent almost 440 days in space, or the equivalent of 300 trips to the Moon, Space Cargo Unlimited Nicolas Gaume said in a press release. It left for the ISS on November 2, 2019 in a spacecraft known as a Cygnus capsule and returned on January 14, 2021 aboard a Dragon capsule manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Tests carried out in March by a wine science institute in Bordeaux found that the bottles "positively endured all the constraints of preparation, travel, and storage on the ISS," Christie's said in its press release. At the end of a blind tasting, the researchers noted "remarkable differences in the colour, aroma and taste components," between the celestial bottles and equivalents which had remained on earth. "The wines sampled were commended for their complexity and considered to be great wines," Christie's added. The sale is expected to smash the record price for a standard 750 ml bottle of wine. The most expensive was a 1945 Romanee-Conti Burgundy which sold at Sotheby's in New York for $558,000 in 2018. The private sale means the buyer and price will remain confidential unless the buyer chooses to identify themselves publicly. Proceeds will go towards funding future space missions focused on agricultural research. Petrus, from the Pomerol region near Bordeaux, is considered one of the world's finest wines. A classic bottle of Petrus 2000, considered a great vintage, currently sells for around 4,500 euros ($5,400).

Space aged: wine matured aboard ISS expected to sell for $1mn

Winners of major prizes for film, theatre, science and technology -- including Oscars -- can now apply to live and work in Britain in a simpler process, the UK government said Wednesday.

Those eligible include winners of the Turing Prize for computing, various Academy Awards, Bafta awards for best actor or actress, Brit awards for music and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The scheme, as Britain shakes up its immigration system post-Brexit, is a "streamlined route to work and live in the UK" for the "world's most talented", the government said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the reform was intended to attract "the best and brightest" from around the world.

The move is an update to the rules for the existing "global talent" visa, aimed at leaders and potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture and digital technology.

The new measure allows those with exceptionally high attainment in their field to come to Britain without a job offer.

They will also not need to get their application endorsed by a UK organisation in their field but instead simply fill in a single visa application.

Before Britain's departure from the European Union took full effect on January 1 this year, anyone with a EU passport could study, live and work in Britain and vice-versa.

Now EU citizens with a job offer are required to prove English-language skills and a minimum salary.

This year, a points-based immigration system is being brought in, making it much harder for Europeans to live in Britain, as the country looks further afield for potential students and professionals.

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a virtual meeting launched a "comprehensive partnership on migration and mobility".

New Delhi said the scheme will allow up to 3,000 young Indian professionals to work in the UK for two years, "without being subject to labour market test".

Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel said it would provide new opportunities for "thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures".

"This agreement will also ensure that the British government can remove those with no right to be in the UK more easily and crackdown on those abusing our system."

Winners of major prizes for film, theatre, science and technology -- including Oscars -- can now apply to live and work in Britain in a simpler process, the UK government said Wednesday.

Winners of major prizes for film, theatre, science and technology -- including Oscars -- can now apply to live and work in Britain in a simpler process, the UK government said Wednesday. Those eligible include winners of the Turing Prize for computing, various Academy Awards, Bafta awards for best actor or actress, Brit awards for music and the Nobel Prize for Literature. The scheme, as Britain shakes up its immigration system post-Brexit, is a "streamlined route to work and live in the UK" for the "world's most talented", the government said. Home Secretary Priti Patel said the reform was intended to attract "the best and brightest" from around the world. The move is an update to the rules for the existing "global talent" visa, aimed at leaders and potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture and digital technology. The new measure allows those with exceptionally high attainment in their field to come to Britain without a job offer. They will also not need to get their application endorsed by a UK organisation in their field but instead simply fill in a single visa application. Before Britain's departure from the European Union took full effect on January 1 this year, anyone with a EU passport could study, live and work in Britain and vice-versa. Now EU citizens with a job offer are required to prove English-language skills and a minimum salary. This year, a points-based immigration system is being brought in, making it much harder for Europeans to live in Britain, as the country looks further afield for potential students and professionals. On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a virtual meeting launched a "comprehensive partnership on migration and mobility". New Delhi said the scheme will allow up to 3,000 young Indian professionals to work in the UK for two years, "without being subject to labour market test". Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel said it would provide new opportunities for "thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures". "This agreement will also ensure that the British government can remove those with no right to be in the UK more easily and crackdown on those abusing our system."

UK grants Oscar winners fast-track immigration route

Kim Kardashian found herself caught up in an unlikely international art smuggling row Tuesday involving an ancient Roman sculpture that was imported to California under her name.

US prosecutors last week called for the statue fragment -- which was seized at a Los Angeles port in 2016 -- to be forfeited and returned to Italy, citing an Italian archaeologist who found it saying the piece had been "looted, smuggled and illegally exported."

Court documents said the consignee and importer name was listed as "'Kim Kardashian dba Noel Roberts Trust' in Woodland Hills, California" and referred to an invoice "for the sale of the defendant statue by Vervoordt to Noel Robert Trust, dated March 11, 2016."

The Noel Roberts Trust is an entity linked to real estate purchases and sales made by Kardashian and her estranged husband Kanye West in the United States.&nbsp;

Axel Vervoordt is a Belgian art dealer who was responsible for the decoration of Kardashian's mansion near Los Angeles, according to the Artnet News website.

But a spokeswoman for Kardashian on Tuesday dismissed US media reports tying the reality star to the statue, telling AFP they did not contain "accurate information."

The statue itself -- referred to as "Fragment of Myron Samian Athena" -- is thought to date to the early- to mid-Roman Empire, and depicts a person's lower half.

The Italian archaeologist who studied the statue declared it "of classical Peplophoros style... which represents a copy of an original Greek sculpture."

It was seized at the Los Angeles port in May 2016 as part of a larger 5.5-ton (5,000 kg) shipment worth $745,000, on suspicion it could be "protected cultural property from Italy" in violation of a law requiring proper documentation for importing rare archaeological items.

Deepening the mystery, prosecutors said the invoice provided to them by the customs broker for the fragment's previous 2012 sale to Vervoordt by a gallery in Paris appeared to refer to a different statue entirely.

Kim Kardashian found herself caught up in an unlikely international art smuggling row Tuesday involving an ancient Roman sculpture that was imported to California under her name.

Kim Kardashian found herself caught up in an unlikely international art smuggling row Tuesday involving an ancient Roman sculpture that was imported to California under her name. US prosecutors last week called for the statue fragment -- which was seized at a Los Angeles port in 2016 -- to be forfeited and returned to Italy, citing an Italian archaeologist who found it saying the piece had been "looted, smuggled and illegally exported." Court documents said the consignee and importer name was listed as "'Kim Kardashian dba Noel Roberts Trust' in Woodland Hills, California" and referred to an invoice "for the sale of the defendant statue by Vervoordt to Noel Robert Trust, dated March 11, 2016." The Noel Roberts Trust is an entity linked to real estate purchases and sales made by Kardashian and her estranged husband Kanye West in the United States. Axel Vervoordt is a Belgian art dealer who was responsible for the decoration of Kardashian's mansion near Los Angeles, according to the Artnet News website. But a spokeswoman for Kardashian on Tuesday dismissed US media reports tying the reality star to the statue, telling AFP they did not contain "accurate information." The statue itself -- referred to as "Fragment of Myron Samian Athena" -- is thought to date to the early- to mid-Roman Empire, and depicts a person's lower half. The Italian archaeologist who studied the statue declared it "of classical Peplophoros style... which represents a copy of an original Greek sculpture." It was seized at the Los Angeles port in May 2016 as part of a larger 5.5-ton (5,000 kg) shipment worth $745,000, on suspicion it could be "protected cultural property from Italy" in violation of a law requiring proper documentation for importing rare archaeological items. Deepening the mystery, prosecutors said the invoice provided to them by the customs broker for the fragment's previous 2012 sale to Vervoordt by a gallery in Paris appeared to refer to a different statue entirely.

Kim Kardashian caught up in ancient Roman statue smuggling row

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music.

In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.&nbsp;

After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging.

In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa.

"Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades.

"We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers.

Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria.&nbsp;

Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid.

The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams.

- Nigeria's shadow -

Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn.

Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million.&nbsp;

Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene.&nbsp;

Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music".&nbsp;

"Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage.

Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform.

"And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said.

Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market.

"In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa.

"But it's healthy competition."&nbsp;

Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres.

"My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair.

"I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent."

- The Highlife -

The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces.

But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife".&nbsp;

The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists.&nbsp;

It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene.

"By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'.

"But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature."

Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said.

But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world.&nbsp;

The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile.

"All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra.

"What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices. After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging. In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa. "Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades. "We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers. Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria. Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid. The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams. - Nigeria's shadow - Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn. Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million. Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene. Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music". "Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage. Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform. "And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said. Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market. "In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa. "But it's healthy competition." Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres. "My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair. "I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent." - The Highlife - The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces. But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife". The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists. It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene. "By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'. "But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature." Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said. But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world. The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile. "All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra. "What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

Afrobeats put Ghana back on international music scene

Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, known for garish but smart classics such as "Basic Instinct" and "Starship Troopers", will compete at this year's Cannes Film Festival with "Benedetta", organisers said Wednesday.

The film was considered a likely entry at last year's festival, which was ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Verhoeven, who has often courted controversy with his graphic depictions of sex and violence, has taken part in several competitions at Cannes but never been awarded.

"Benedetta" certainly seems topical, set in a 15th century Italian convent hit by the plague, focusing on the life of a lesbian nun with miraculous powers.

It stars Belgian actress Virginie Efira, who also appeared in Verhoeven's critically acclaimed "Elle" in 2016, as well as British arthouse favourite Charlotte Rampling.&nbsp;

It is the second film to be confirmed for this year's festival, which has been postponed to July 6-18 from its usual slot in May.&nbsp;

The other is "Annette" starring Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver by French director Leos Carax, which will open the festival.&nbsp;

Also hotly tipped for the competition are "The French Dispatch" by Wes Anderson and "Tre Piani" from Italian director Nanni Moretti.

The official selection is due to be announced in late May.

Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, known for garish but smart classics such as "Basic Instinct" and "Starship Troopers", will compete at this year's Cannes Film Festival with "Benedetta", organisers said Wednesday.

Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, known for garish but smart classics such as "Basic Instinct" and "Starship Troopers", will compete at this year's Cannes Film Festival with "Benedetta", organisers said Wednesday. The film was considered a likely entry at last year's festival, which was ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic. Verhoeven, who has often courted controversy with his graphic depictions of sex and violence, has taken part in several competitions at Cannes but never been awarded. "Benedetta" certainly seems topical, set in a 15th century Italian convent hit by the plague, focusing on the life of a lesbian nun with miraculous powers. It stars Belgian actress Virginie Efira, who also appeared in Verhoeven's critically acclaimed "Elle" in 2016, as well as British arthouse favourite Charlotte Rampling. It is the second film to be confirmed for this year's festival, which has been postponed to July 6-18 from its usual slot in May. The other is "Annette" starring Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver by French director Leos Carax, which will open the festival. Also hotly tipped for the competition are "The French Dispatch" by Wes Anderson and "Tre Piani" from Italian director Nanni Moretti. The official selection is due to be announced in late May.

Paul Verhoeven film 'Benedetta' in competition at Cannes

Adam Deacon and Noel Clarke had a major beef in 2012 after the former won the BAFTA Rising Star award in the same year.&nbsp;

In a tell-all, the British actor opened up about his publicised feud with Noel Clarke, who created the Kidulthood trilogy of films through which Adam Deacon initially found fame — was the subject of a major exposé in The Guardian in which more than 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct and bullying over a number of years.&nbsp;

Soon after, BAFTA suspended Clarke and rescinded a recent honor it had awarded him. Also, he lost on many deals and projects.

Adam said recently that he believed “every single word” of those accusing Noel Clarke, whom he blamed for sabotaging his career and whose “sociopathic behaviour” and “horrific abuse of power” he said caused him to have a mental breakdown.

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“I myself have been a victim of Noel Clarke for the last 15 years,” he wrote. “My career was continually sabotaged and the gas lighting became so severe that it lead to the complete breakdown of my mental health.”

“I only wish everyone had taken more notice of my words. His horrific abuse of power could have been stopped before it affected so many others,” he said.

Adam Deacon and Noel Clarke had a major beef in 2012 after the former won the BAFTA Rising Star award in the same year. In a tell-all, the British actor opened up about his publicised feud with Noel Clarke, who created the Kidulthood trilogy of films through which Adam Deacon initially found fame — was the subject of a major exposé in The Guardian in which more than 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct and bullying over a number of years.

Adam Deacon and Noel Clarke had a major beef in 2012 after the former won the BAFTA Rising Star award in the same year. In a tell-all, the British actor opened up about his publicised feud with Noel Clarke, who created the Kidulthood trilogy of films through which Adam Deacon initially found fame — was the subject of a major exposé in The Guardian in which more than 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct and bullying over a number of years. Soon after, BAFTA suspended Clarke and rescinded a recent honor it had awarded him. Also, he lost on many deals and projects. Adam said recently that he believed “every single word” of those accusing Noel Clarke, whom he blamed for sabotaging his career and whose “sociopathic behaviour” and “horrific abuse of power” he said caused him to have a mental breakdown. pic.twitter.com/JxJsqqt3nT — Rogue🎬 (@realadamdeacon) May 4, 2021 × “I myself have been a victim of Noel Clarke for the last 15 years,” he wrote. “My career was continually sabotaged and the gas lighting became so severe that it lead to the complete breakdown of my mental health.” “I only wish everyone had taken more notice of my words. His horrific abuse of power could have been stopped before it affected so many others,” he said.

BAFTA-winning actor Adam Deacon says Noel Clarke 'sabotaged' his career

Marvel’s upcoming ‘The Eternals’ is slated to come to India before the US. While the film will come out in late October in India, it will release in the US on November 5.&nbsp;

In India, Eternals is likely to release in six languages -- English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Meanwhile, the makers teased a new video that shares glimpses of the cast and their characters. It also teased Angelina Jolie’s look from the superhero flick. Others in the teaser include Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani , and Gemma Chan. The Eternals first look shows us the characters played by the actors alongside Jolie wielding a magic sword and Hayek on a horse.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-marvel-reveals-first-look-of-eternals-announces-release-dates-of-phase-4-films-382693" hreflang="en">Marvel reveals first look of 'Eternals', announces release dates of Phase 4 films</a>

‘Eternals’ is the first major new superhero team that it will introduce since’ Guardians of the Galaxy’ back in 2014. Jolie is playing warrior Thena who can form weapons out of cosmic energy, Hayek is their leader Ajak who has healing abilities, Madden is tactical leader Ikaris who can fly and project cosmic energy out of his eyes, Nanjiani is Kingo who can shoot out cosmic energy from his hands, and Chan is Sersi who can manipulate matter. All the Eternals have been living in disguise for thousands of years, with Nanjiani's Kingo turning into the biggest Bollywood star. Yes, Eternals has a Bollywood dance sequence featuring Nanjiani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-zack-snyders-army-of-the-dead-to-release-in-cinemas-before-streaming-on-netflix-382906" hreflang="en">Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' to release in cinemas before streaming on Netflix</a>

Marvel’s upcoming ‘The Eternals’ is slated to come to India before the US. While the film will come out in late October in India, it will release in the US on November 5.

Marvel’s upcoming ‘The Eternals’ is slated to come to India before the US. While the film will come out in late October in India, it will release in the US on November 5. In India, Eternals is likely to release in six languages -- English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Meanwhile, the makers teased a new video that shares glimpses of the cast and their characters. It also teased Angelina Jolie’s look from the superhero flick. Others in the teaser include Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani , and Gemma Chan. The Eternals first look shows us the characters played by the actors alongside Jolie wielding a magic sword and Hayek on a horse. Marvel reveals first look of 'Eternals', announces release dates of Phase 4 films ‘Eternals’ is the first major new superhero team that it will introduce since’ Guardians of the Galaxy’ back in 2014. Jolie is playing warrior Thena who can form weapons out of cosmic energy, Hayek is their leader Ajak who has healing abilities, Madden is tactical leader Ikaris who can fly and project cosmic energy out of his eyes, Nanjiani is Kingo who can shoot out cosmic energy from his hands, and Chan is Sersi who can manipulate matter. All the Eternals have been living in disguise for thousands of years, with Nanjiani's Kingo turning into the biggest Bollywood star. Yes, Eternals has a Bollywood dance sequence featuring Nanjiani. Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' to release in cinemas before streaming on Netflix

Marvel's 'Eternals' to release in India before the US

Korean pop band BTS hyped up fans recently as they teased two additional concept clips starring vocalist Jin and rapper SUGA. It is from their upcoming single ‘Butter’.&nbsp;

The newly released clips show SUGA delicately handling a film camera against a neon-dominated backdrop. As the clip unravels, the rapper takes apart the negative films and watches them slip off his palms. Meanwhile, Jin wins hearts with his charm, as he rears in a bunch of balloons before releasing them into the air. Jin is seen with yellow balloons in the clip.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EB%B0%A9%ED%83%84%EC%86%8C%EB%85%84%EB%8B%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#방탄소년단</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTS_Butter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTS_Butter</a> Concept Clip - 슈가 (SUGA) <a href="https://t.co/AdteQ1zCFv">pic.twitter.com/AdteQ1zCFv</a>
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1389595699738660870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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With Jung Kook linked to the toasted bread, RM to the party popper, SUGA to the film camera, and Jin to the smiley balloons, it’s just a matter of days before we find out the owners of the remaining props -- in the upcoming single ‘Butter’.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EB%B0%A9%ED%83%84%EC%86%8C%EB%85%84%EB%8B%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#방탄소년단</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTS_Butter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTS_Butter</a> Concept Clip - 진 (Jin) <a href="https://t.co/gNMCqtcSC6">pic.twitter.com/gNMCqtcSC6</a>
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1389595673960488965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts">BTS</a> will release their second all-English track ‘Butter’ and its accompanying music video on May 21.

Korean pop band BTS hyped up fans recently as they teased two additional concept clips starring vocalist Jin and rapper SUGA. It is from their upcoming single ‘Butter’.

Korean pop band BTS hyped up fans recently as they teased two additional concept clips starring vocalist Jin and rapper SUGA. It is from their upcoming single ‘Butter’. The newly released clips show SUGA delicately handling a film camera against a neon-dominated backdrop. As the clip unravels, the rapper takes apart the negative films and watches them slip off his palms. Meanwhile, Jin wins hearts with his charm, as he rears in a bunch of balloons before releasing them into the air. Jin is seen with yellow balloons in the clip. #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_Butter Concept Clip - 슈가 (SUGA) pic.twitter.com/AdteQ1zCFv — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) May 4, 2021 × With Jung Kook linked to the toasted bread, RM to the party popper, SUGA to the film camera, and Jin to the smiley balloons, it’s just a matter of days before we find out the owners of the remaining props -- in the upcoming single ‘Butter’. #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_Butter Concept Clip - 진 (Jin) pic.twitter.com/gNMCqtcSC6 — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) May 4, 2021 × BTS will release their second all-English track ‘Butter’ and its accompanying music video on May 21.

BTS tease fans with two additional clips from upcoming single 'Butter'

‘Drishyam’ was quite a big hit and as makers gear to reprise the franchise with a sequel, ‘Drishyam 2’, there are reports that the film has landed in legal trouble.&nbsp;

Kumar Mangat who will helm Drishyam 2 with Panorama Studios is now facing trouble as Viacom 18 Motion Pictures that co-produced the first film have legally objected to Kumar Mangat’s move. They claim that the film’s rights belong to them too.&nbsp;

A source says, "Viacom 18 Motion Pictures have told Mangat that they cannot be dissociated from this project. They have also told him that he cannot make 'Drishyam 2' on his own or with someone else. The very fact that Mangat yet went ahead to set up the stage for it has irked them and hence, they've filed a legal complaint against him. The first hearing of the case in question is going to be held, very soon."

‘Drishyam’ starred Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Ishita Dutta in main roles.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ‘Drishyam 2’ will have Tabu and Ajay Devgn reprise their roles. In the Malayalam version, Mohanlal played Ajay’s part.&nbsp;

‘Drishyam’ was quite a big hit and as makers gear to reprise the franchise with a sequel, ‘Drishyam 2’, there are reports that the film has landed in legal trouble.

‘Drishyam’ was quite a big hit and as makers gear to reprise the franchise with a sequel, ‘Drishyam 2’, there are reports that the film has landed in legal trouble. Kumar Mangat who will helm Drishyam 2 with Panorama Studios is now facing trouble as Viacom 18 Motion Pictures that co-produced the first film have legally objected to Kumar Mangat’s move. They claim that the film’s rights belong to them too. A source says, "Viacom 18 Motion Pictures have told Mangat that they cannot be dissociated from this project. They have also told him that he cannot make 'Drishyam 2' on his own or with someone else. The very fact that Mangat yet went ahead to set up the stage for it has irked them and hence, they've filed a legal complaint against him. The first hearing of the case in question is going to be held, very soon." ‘Drishyam’ starred Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Ishita Dutta in main roles. Meanwhile, ‘Drishyam 2’ will have Tabu and Ajay Devgn reprise their roles. In the Malayalam version, Mohanlal played Ajay’s part.

Drishyam 2: Legal trouble for producer Kumar Mangat

Good friend Nafisa Ali busted rumours concerning singer Lucky Ali’s health after she posted that while ‘O Sanam’ singer wasn’t keeping well, he didn’t have COVID-19.&nbsp;

She wrote in a post, "Lucky is totally well and we were chatting this afternoon. He is on his farm with his family. No Covid. In good health." Nafisa had replied to a Twitter user who posted condolences for Lucky Ali on the platform. "He will be always remembered for his unique hmmm voice #LuckyAli #Covid," a user wrote.&nbsp;

Nafisa Ali informed that the singer is currently staying with his family at his farmhouse in Bengaluru. He is busy planning his virtual concerts.

Confirming about his health, she told a website, "I chatted with Lucky Ali 2-3 times today. He is fine. He does not have COVID. In fact, he has antibodies. He is busy planning his music and concerts. We were talking about virtual concerts happening and all such things. He is on his farm in Bengaluru and his family is there with him. I just spoke to him, everybody is fine."

Recently, Lucky Ali’s death news started circulating on the internet. There were several condolence messages that fans wrote on Twitter and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Lucky Ali and Nafisa Ali’s friendship goes way back. Lucky Ali frequently features on Nafisa Ali's Instagram handle.&nbsp;

Lucky Ali is the son of late veteran actor Mehmood.&nbsp;

Good friend Nafisa Ali busted rumours concerning singer Lucky Ali’s health after she posted that while ‘O Sanam’ singer wasn’t keeping well, he didn’t have COVID-19.

Good friend Nafisa Ali busted rumours concerning singer Lucky Ali’s health after she posted that while ‘O Sanam’ singer wasn’t keeping well, he didn’t have COVID-19. She wrote in a post, "Lucky is totally well and we were chatting this afternoon. He is on his farm with his family. No Covid. In good health." Nafisa had replied to a Twitter user who posted condolences for Lucky Ali on the platform. "He will be always remembered for his unique hmmm voice #LuckyAli #Covid," a user wrote. Nafisa Ali informed that the singer is currently staying with his family at his farmhouse in Bengaluru. He is busy planning his virtual concerts. Confirming about his health, she told a website, "I chatted with Lucky Ali 2-3 times today. He is fine. He does not have COVID. In fact, he has antibodies. He is busy planning his music and concerts. We were talking about virtual concerts happening and all such things. He is on his farm in Bengaluru and his family is there with him. I just spoke to him, everybody is fine." Recently, Lucky Ali’s death news started circulating on the internet. There were several condolence messages that fans wrote on Twitter and elsewhere. Meanwhile, Lucky Ali and Nafisa Ali’s friendship goes way back. Lucky Ali frequently features on Nafisa Ali's Instagram handle. Lucky Ali is the son of late veteran actor Mehmood.

'Lucky Ali is well and has no COVID', reveals Nafisa Ali after fake death reports surface

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