K-pop group SEVENTEEN member Vernon tests positive for COVID-19; halts activities

South Korean pop group SEVENTEEN member Vernon has been diagnosed with Covid-19 due to which he will be halting all his activities till the time he recovers.

In a statement posted by SEVENTEEN agency, PLEDIS Entertainment, the news regarding Vernon’s health was confirmed. The statement read, “We would like to provide you with some information on SEVENTEEN member VERNON being diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as adjustments in his activities. VERNON was tested positive on the self-test kit after experiencing a sore throat on Thursday, February 24. He promptly took a PCR test and was confirmed with COVID-19 on the morning of Friday, February 25. VERNON is currently not exhibiting any extraordinary symptoms other than a sore throat and is administering self-treatment at home.”

“VERNON came in contact with DK and DINO on Tuesday, the 22nd and with S.COUPS and WOOZI on Wednesday, the 23rd, but they only met for a brief moment while wearing masks and did not come in close contact. DK, DINO, S.COUPS and WOOZI all took a self-test kit and rapid antigen test which all the results came back as negative and are not exhibiting any symptoms. Therefore, it would be difficult for VERNON to take part in SEVENTEEN’s activities for a while. We will provide you with updates on his activity resumption. We will continue to provide support for the rapid recovery of VERNON, placing our highest priority on the health and safety of our artists. We will also continue to fully cooperate with the requests and guidelines of healthcare authorities,” the statement concluded.

On the work front, Vernon recently collaborated with Charli XCX for her new single Beg For You, the teaser for which was shared on February 23 on twitter by the english singer-songwriter.

SEVENTEEN, as a group, released their Japanese special single Power of Love, which marked the end of the ‘Power of Love’ project, in December last year.

Also Read: Charli XCX asks SEVENTEEN’s Vernon for collaboration, he says ‘can’t believe this is real wow’

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Anubhav Sinha reunites with Taapsee Pannu; actress to headline Sudhir Mishra’s short in the upcoming anthology film produced by Bhushan Kumar and Sinha

It was recently reported that Anubhav Sinha has brought together prolific filmmakers - Sudhir Mishra and Hansal Mehta for a unique anthology film with the pandemic as a backdrop. Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that Taapsee Pannu has been roped in for the anthology and it has been now officially announced that the actress will be headlining Sudhir Mishra’s short. The film will be produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Sinha’s production house Benaras Mediaworks. After the recent announcement of Afwaah directed by Sudhir Mishra, this is the second professional outing between Sinha and Mishra.

Taapsee Pannu who worked with Sinha on the hard-hitting Thappad in 2020 and Mulk in 2018, returns to his banner Benaras Mediaworks with this film. Reuniting with Sinha, Taapsee Pannu says, "The story is unique and never done before, it’s a socio-political drama that spans across two generations with the pandemic as the backdrop. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with a brilliant filmmaker like Sudhir Sir who is so solid with his craft. And mostly it feels like homecoming working again with Anubhav Sir and Bhushan Sir. Anubhav Sir knows how to channel the best in me. Being surrounded by masterful filmmakers like these is a blessed experience."

Echoing the same sentiments, Anubhav Sinha adds, "The narrative is a layered one talking about human relationships against the pandemic serving as a backdrop. I am so glad to be reuniting with Taapsee for this one! She is perceptive and brings her own to every character she plays. She is the kind of actor who infuses her roles with a lived-in experience, making the story even more relatable. With Sudhir’s vision and Taapsee’s prowess, we have an assured film at hand. This film also brings me together with my long-time collaborator and co-producer Bhushan Kumar, who has always believed in my vision."

Director Sudhir Mishra says, "This is a film about the idea of being young, about how one generation passes the baton to the next. Personally, this is one of those stories for me which leave an indelible mark on you and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to bring it to life with. Taapsee is easily one of the finest artists of today’s times. She has carved for herself a niche that comprises some path breaking films. Her spirit is what will elevate the film. With her, Anubhav and Bhushan Kumar, I have found collaborators who have the same ethos as me. It’s in such teams that one’s best work comes to the fore."

Producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series says, "This film boasts of a dream team. Anubhav, Sudhir, Taapsee are ready to embark upon one of the most stirring stories I have read in recent times. I am so happy to have such prolific filmmakers on board to create this anthology. And we couldn’t have kickstarted on a more positive note. I am so excited to see the team take this story to the finish line. It’s a fine story and these artists are sure to whip it up into a marvelous movie."

Gulshan Kumar’s Tseries & Anubhav Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks present the upcoming anthology, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishnan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha.

ALSO READ: Taapsee Pannu wraps shoot for Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan; calls it a therapeutic experience

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SCOOP: Taapsee Pannu to join Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Pednekar in Afwaah

A few days back it was reported that Sudhir Mishra and Anubhav Sinha had pulled off a true-blue head-turner of sorts after casting Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Pednekar in a film together. Titled Afwaah, Sudhir is all set to helm this rollercoaster ride of a story, produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Anubhav Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks. Now we hear that the makers have added yet another name to the cast in the form of Taapsee Pannu.

Revealing details of the same a well-placed industry source exclusively tells Bollywood Hungama, “Yes Taapsee has also been roped in for Afwaah. She will be joining Nawaz and Bhumi as part of the cast. Interestingly, there will still be one more name added in the coming days.” Ask the source for more details about the venture and he adds, “The film will feature three female leads, one being Bhumi, the second Taapsee, and the third is yet to be locked. As for the film itself, Afwaah will be an anthology of sorts.”

If that wasn’t enough, while the film already features two female leads viz. Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu, we hear that the makers are yet to sign on two more actresses. Comments the source, “Afwaah is a four female lead film, with Nawazuddin playing the male lead. With Bhumi and Taapsee on board, the makers are now looking to lock the remaining two leads in the coming weeks.”

Interestingly, in his statement earlier, Sudhir Mishra had stated that he had been working on the script for a while developing it into a quirky and twisted piece. “Beneath all of the quirkiness lies a crucial message which I want my viewers to take back home with them.”

As for the film itself, Afwaah, roughly translated meaning rumour will take on the subject of rumor-mongering and misinformation. Said to be an anthology, the makers are looking to mount the film soon and will be shot in an elaborate schedule in Alwar, Rajasthan.

Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Pednekar to star in Bhushan Kumar, Anubhav Sinha, Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah

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Armaan Kohli denied interim bail by special NDPS court

Actor Armaan Kohli, who was arrested on August 28 last year, was once again denied interim bail by the court on February 22. The actor was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for alleged possession and consumption of drugs. Kohli had reportedly asked for an interim bail for 14-days in order to visit his ailing parents. He later urged the court to grant him bail for two days.

According to NDTV, "the NCB, represented by special public prosecutor Advait Sethna, said the accused has been arrested under a relevant section of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for possession of commercial quantity. The relevant section doesn't have provision for bail even on medical grounds, the NCB had argued, adding that the ground mentioned in the bail application doesn't inspire confidence." The bail plea was rejected by special judge AA Joglekar after hearing arguments of both sides.

Armaan Kohli was booked under sections 27A (illicit trafficking) and 29 (conspiracy) of the NDPS Act. NCB had conducted a raid at Kohli’s residence in Mumbai in August this year. He was allegedly found in possession of 1.2gm of cocaine.

ALSO READ: Armaan Kohli’s bail denied by the Bombay HC in drug trafficking case; two co-accused granted bail

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Ford v. Ferrari director James Mangold to helm the biopic on silent-star Buster Keaton

Filmmaker James Mangold and 20^th Century Studios are teaming up to develop a biographical drama film about the life of silent-screen legend Buster Keaton, with Mangold set to direct and produce the feature.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is based on the book “Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase” by Marion Meade. Joseph Frank “Buster” Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most iconic talents, was a pioneer in the early days of silent movies and is considered one of the great physical comedians in film history. The book “explores Keaton’s often brutal childhood acting experiences, the making of his masterpieces, his shame at his own lack of education, his life-threatening alcoholism and his turbulent marriages.”

With Indiana Jones 5 heading towards the end of its production, James Mangold books his next “high priority” project as the executives meet with writers to adapt the biography based on the book.

Buster Keaton was a legendary actor, comedian and filmmaker who worked on numerous critically-acclaimed silent films, including Sherlock Jr, The General and The Cameraman. The “Silent Star” was famous for his physical comedy with a consistent deadpan expression that earned him the nickname 'The Great Stone Face'.

On the work front, James Mangold is currently working on the highly anticipated Indiana Jones sequel, which will see Harrison Ford reprise his titular role alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen. The Oscar nominated writer-director is known for his great sense for emotional storytelling and rich character driven narratives in massive scale blockbusters like Logan, Oscar nominated 3:10 To Yuma, other critically acclaimed biopics like the Walk the Line and Ford v. Ferrari.

Also Read: Timothée Chalamet to play Bob Dylan in upcoming biopic directed by James Mangold

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Gangubai Kathiawadi star Alia Bhatt reveals she wanted to marry Ranbir Kapoor since she was little girl; claims in her head she is already married

Actress Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s relationship remains the talk of the town and has been strong for years, Alia talked about their impending wedding in an interview with India Today. Alia is all set for her upcoming film Gangubai Kathiawadi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She was recently in Delhi for the promotion of the film where in an exclusive interview with India Today, she spoke about the boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor and their wedding plans.

The fans have been waiting for the wedding and believes they make a perfect couple, whereas Alia opened about her views. She said, “When people ask me one persistent question- ‘when are you getting married? When are you getting married? When are you getting married? – I’m like, firstly, it’s not anybody’s business and secondly, if you ask me honestly, marriage is a state of mind and that’s what I feel in terms of the peace I feel with my relationship. I’m already there. So let’s move on, and whenever it has to happen, it will happen as per my desires and as per his desires. That’s something that’ll take its time.”

Alia also revealed that she was a little girl when she decided to marry Ranbir Kapoor. She added, “If you ask me honestly in terms of when I will get married, well, in my head I’m already married to him. Forget that! When I saw him for the first time on screen, that was when I was a sweet little girl. But that’s what I meant and I feel it’s state of mind. It’s the peace that you have in your mind, in your heart and in your relationship.”

On asking about the pressure to get married, she replied, “No, it’s not a pressure. Like I said, I find that it goes from irritating to sweet to irritating because I don’t need to talk about when I’m getting married. Am I asking you when you are getting married? But, then it also goes to sweetness, because people are curious and I’m like, ‘Chalo now we are public personalities, so the curiosity will be there.’ But every time I can’t have the same response- ‘Mai batati hu jab bhi hoga.’ I can’t be bothered to have those correct responses anymore.”

Ranbir and Alia have been dating each other for a long time now and they are regularly seen together in public. On the work front the two will be seen sharing screen space in the upcoming movie Brahmastra directed by Ayan Mukherji that is slated to release in September.

Also Read: Gangubai Kathiawadi: Supreme Court questions makers whether film’s title can be changed

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Park Seo Joon tests positive for COVID-19; under quarantine and receiving treatment

South Korean actor Park Seo Joon, popularly known for his performances in What's Wrong With Secretary Kim and Itaewon Class among others, has tested positive for COVID-19. The actor is currently in quarantine and showing no symptoms.

On Thursday, his agency Awesome ENT released a statement that read, according to Korean tabloid Soompi, "As a preemptive measure, Park Seo Joon carried out tests using self-testing kits before moving to all his filming sets. Before proceeding to his scheduled activity last week, he tested positive using a self-testing kit, so after carrying out a PCR test, he ultimately received a positive test on February 19."

"[Park Seo Joon] has completed three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and he has halted all scheduled activities since February 18 and is taking the necessary measures to quarantine and receive treatment in keeping with the guidelines set by government health authorities. He is currently in the recovery stage and has no special symptoms," the statement read.

On the work front, Park Seo Joon will make his Hollywood debut with Brie Larson starrer The Marvels, the sequel to Captain Marvel. He is the third South Korean actor to join Marvel Cinematic Universe after Claudia Kim (Avengers: Age of Ultron) and Ma Dong Seok (Eternals). As per earlier reports in Korean tabloids, Park has been cast in the role of Amadeus Cho a.k.a Brawn, a Korean-American teen hero.

The film progresses with director Nia DaCosta as Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) is joined by Teyonah Parris (Monica Rambeau) and Iman Vellani (Kamala Khan). It is set for November 11, 2022.

ALSO READ: Park Seo Joon turns 33: 6 must-watch Korean dramas of swoon-worthy actor that compels you to fall in love with him

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