Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks gave an inspiring commencement address to the Wright State University's graduating class of 2020 who could not have an in-person ceremony in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 63-year-old actor, who recently recovered from COVID-19, sent a surprise video message to the Ohio institution students over the weekend, reported Entertainment Weekly.
Hanks called the graduates the "chosen ones" not only for their academic achievements but also for entering the real world during a time when the world was witnessing change and upheaval.
"You are the chosen ones because of a fate unimagined when you began your Wright State adventures. You started in the olden times, in a world back before the Great Pandemic of 2020. You will talk of those earlier years in your lives in just that way," he said in a video.
From now on, the Oscar winner said, eras will be defined as pre- and post-coronavirus.
"Part of your lives will forever be identified as 'before'. In the same .

Tom Hanks surprises graduating class with video message: You are the chosen ones

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Actor Zareen Khan says it's hard not to feel sad that so many of her projects, including a film up for release, has been pushed indefinitely and what worries her more is the uncertainty of normalcy returning amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The film industry came to a grinding halt after the nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Zareen had her film "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele" up for release in March after travelling to several film festivals, including the South Asian International Film Festival that happened in New York last year.
"I am feeling sad, because the film is really close to my heart. I've never done something like this before and I wanted the audience to see it. It travelled to film festivals as well. So it's sad, but not sadder than what the world is facing right now," Zareen told PTI.
The actor said the producers will take a call whether to wait for a theatrical release or head to ..

Zareen on film release, projects getting pushed: Worried over when normalcy will return

Director Judd Apatow says releasing his film "King of Staten Island" amid the coronavirus pandemic feels "odd", but he hopes the comedy will resonate with the current times.
Starring "Saturday Night Live" breakout Pete Davidson in his first lead feature role, the film is skipping a theatrical release and arriving directly on-demand amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Apatow said he is excited about the audience's reaction to the film.
"... It feels odd putting out a film at this time, but I think what it has to say relates to what we are all experiencing and hopefully it is funny too," he wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of Davidson sitting on a park bench at night.
The movie, slated to be available for rent from June 12 on a host of digital platforms, is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age comedy which incorporates elements from Davidson's life.
"King of Staten Island" also stars Marisa Tomei and Steve Buscemi.

'King of Staten Island' relates to what we are experiencing: Judd Apatow

"Harry Potter" author JK Rowling is contributing 1 million pounds to help some of those hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
The 54-year-old writer made the announcement on account of the 22nd anniversary of the fictional Battle of Hogwarts on May 2.
She has made it an annual tradition to apologise for killing off a character in the book, such as Fred Weasley, Severus Snape, Dobby, on the anniversary but this time she commemorated the event by donating instead.
"Today's the 22nd anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, but I'm going to be honest and say that it feels inappropriate to talk about fictional deaths today. Too many people are losing loved ones in the real world," she wrote on Twitter.
Rowling, whose husband Neil Murray is a doctor, said at a time when she has three frontline workers in her family, her heart goes out to all essential service providers.
"So on this anniversary of a great wizarding victory, I'm thinking of the people who're out ..

JK Rowling donates 1 million pounds for coronavirus relief

Amanda Cutting, who has worked as an intimacy coordinator on shows such as "Game of Thrones" and "The Magicians", believes filmming kissing and intimate scenes may become a concern amid coronavirus scare even after lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Cutting has been roped in by producer Prabhleen Kaur and the OTT platform MX player for their web-series Mastram. She believes COVID-19 will impact the ways intimate scenes are portrayed in movies and shows.
"I do feel that we will need to ramp up sanitation procedures and safe distancing to support filming. Potentially limit crew and persons involved in the scene to protect the community as a whole. It will also mean we will need to get creative on how we show intimacy, can it be done without kissing - it is my opinion - yes, absolutely," Amanda, who is locked down at her home in Canada, told PTI in an email interview.
"I think the probability that this virus will be with us for a while will impact many ways of life, not just the film ...

We'll need to get creative with screen intimacy due to virus: intimacy co-ordinator Amanda Cutting

Writer-director John Lafia, who co-wrote the 1988 horror movie Child's Play and directed its 1990 sequel has died. He was 63.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office, Lafia died by suicide on April 29.
Lafia's family confirmed his passing in a statement to Deadline.
It is with great sadness we announce that loving father, film and television writer, director, producer and musician John J. Lafia passed away on Wednesday, April 29, the statement said.
Child's Play creator and screenwriter Don Mancini remembered Lafia as the one of the most creative persons he has ever worked with.
We're devastated to hear of the passing of our friend John Lafia. He was a crucial part of the Chucky family from the very beginning. He co-wrote the original Child's Play' script along with director Tom Holland and myself, and John directed Child's Play 2' -- the consensus favorite film among Chucky fans.
He was one of the most naturally curious and constantly creative people I ..

John Lafia, Child's Play 2' writer-director, dies at 62

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has appealed to studio partners, producers, artistes and content creators to support the cinema exhibition sector by holding their films and releasing them in theatres once they're opened again.
India is currently under the lockdown with around 1.3 billion people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
There were rumours that several films are looking at a direct-to-digital release amid the lockdown, including Akshay Kumar starrer "Laxmmi Bomb".
In a statement, MAI requested producers to "respect the exclusive theatrical window."
"MAI would like to urge all studio partners, producers, artistes and content creators to support the cinema exhibition sector, a vital part of the value chain, by holding and releasing their films in the theatres, once they open again.
"To this end, we urge all studios, producers, artistes and other content creators, to kindly respect the exclusive theatrical window, which has been a time-tested ...

Multiplex Association urges actors, producers to hold films for theatrical release

Neetu Kapoor on Monday expressed her gratitude to the medical staff for taking care of her husband, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, during his battle with leukemia.
Rishi Kapoor died at the age of 67 on April 30 at H N Reliance hospital in south Mumbai, after a two year long battle with leukaemia.
As a family we have a deep sense of loss When we sit together and look back at the past few months what we also feel is immense gratitude - gratitude towards the doctors at HN reliance hospital!
The whole team of doctors, brothers and nurses headed by Dr Tarang Gianchandani treated my husband like he was their own - they advised us like we were their own. And for all that and more I thank them from the bottom of my heart, she posted on Instagram alongside two photographs of the late actor.
Rishi Kapoor's ashes were immersed in Banganga tank here on Sunday in presence of his family members, including Neetu, son Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahani.
A prayer meet was held on Saturday .

Neetu thanks medical staff for taking care of Rishi Kapoor: They treated my husband like he was their own

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds delivered a virtual commencement speech to the class of 2020 from his alma mater, Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver, and gifted every student a pizza from his favourite local pizza place, as the novel coronavirus prevented graduating students from donning their cap.
The Vancouver-born actor, who graduated from the West Side secondary school in 1994, uploaded an inspiring speech on YouTube over the weekend for the class of 2020.
If I can pass on this one little chestnut of wisdom, it's something that you might want to start if you're not already doing it. Totally up to you, no pressure but one thing that's worked for me is practicing some form of compassion every day whether it's for yourself or someone, especially for someone else, is good, Reynolds said in the video.
The actor encouraged students to be empathetic.
"Some of you may consider me successful. I don't know, some of you may have seen Green Lantern'. But I'll tell you this -- empathy has ...

Ryan Reynolds delivers virtual commencement, free pizza to graduating students of alma mater

Filmmaker Mira Nair on Sunday said it's "virtually impossible" to talk about Irrfan Khan in past tense as the actor was alive for everything in life.
Irrfan, 54, died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday after a two year fight with a rare form of cancer. He was buried at the Versova graveyard.
During the digital home-to-home fundraiser concert, 'I For India' which streamed on Facebook, Nair, who had helmed Irrfan's debut "Salaam Bombay" and "The Namesake", paid tribute to the actor.
"To speak of Irrfan Khan in the past tense is virtually impossible, because Irrfan was always alive. He was alive to life, whimsy, friendship, alive to the street child. Irrfan was one of the most beautiful listeners I have ever known. He listened beautifully and harnessed it into his art," she said.
The filmmaker said the best part about Irrfan was that in his work, there was never a repetition, "never something that you had seen before."
"There was always this inimitable honesty and this twinkle, this ...

Impossible to speak of Irrfan Khan in past tense: Mira Nair

Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit Nene among others turned signers for a digital concert to raise funds for the frontliners working round-the-clock to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Facebook collaborated with some of the biggest names in Indian entertainment industry and Hollywood names like Mick Jagger, Will Smith and Sophie Turner to put together a home-to-home fundraiser concert, 'I For India' on Sunday.
The line-up was introduced by filmmakers Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar, with Akshay Kumar kick-starting the concert with a poem penned by lyricist Manoj Muntashir, titled "Tumse Ho Nahi Payega."
It was followed by Aamir and his director-wife Kiran Rao, who said it was important in current times to extend support to the needy.
"But most importantly, to not leave hope," Aamir said, urging people to donate for the frontline workers. The duo then sang classics such as "Aa Chalke Tujhe Main Leke Chalun" and "Jeena Isika Naam ..

Shah Rukh, Aamir, Hrithik turn singers to raise funds for COVID-19

Idir, an Algerian singer who gave voice to the Berber and Kabyle cultures, has died in Paris. He was 70.
Saturday's death of the singer, whose real name was Hamid Cheriet, was confirmed on a post on his official Facebook page that read we regret to announce the passing of our father (to all), Idir. Rest in peace."
French media report that he died from pulmonary disease after being hospitalized on Friday.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune paid tribute to him on Twitter, saying that with his passing, Algeria has lost one of its monuments, and referred to him as an icon of Algerian art. Idir was a national treasure in his native Algeria.
Born on October 25, 1949 in Ait Lahcene, near the Kabylie capital of Tizi Ouzou and part of French Algeria at the time, he studied to be a geologist, but his life took a twist in 1973 when he was called up as a last-minute replacement on the radio to sing A Vava Inouva.
It was a lullaby with the rich oral traditions of the Berber culture and became 

Algerian singer Idir, a Berber icon, has died in Paris

Actor Irrfan Khan was a unique talent who broke class, caste and religious barriers to reach out to people and make a space for himself in their hearts through his distinct and alive acting style.
This is why, his passing away feels like a personal tragedy for his fans across the globe.
Irrfan, known for "The Warrior", "Maqbool", "Paan Singh Tomar", "The Namesake", passed away on Wednesday after losing his battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 54.
I met Irrfan in my third year at National School of Drama (NSD). We soon became friends and remained friends till his death.
Irrfan was known in his friend circles as a Sufi-esque man who was never detached from any incident, person or situation. On the contrary, he would try to live through whatever he was confronted with, often seeking out the meaning behind the same.
He was someone who believed in drawing the reality of the man and community through his portrayals.
When one would ask him about his process of picking up his ...

Irrfan Khan: An actor who broke all boundaries

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor's ashes were immersed in Banganga tank here on Sunday, his elder brother Randhir Kapoor said.
Rishi Kapoor died at the age of 67 on April 30 at H N Reliance hospital in south Mumbai, after a two year long battle with leukaemia.
Randhir Kapoor said a prayer meet for the actor was held on Saturday.
"We did prayer meet yesterday. Today we immersed his ashes in Banganga as we haven't received permission from the authorities to go to Haridwar," Randhir Kapoor told PTI.
A picture has gone viral on social media, where Rishi Kapoor's actor-son Ranbir and wife Neetu are seen sitting next to his photograph.
According to family sources, the actor's daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who was unable to attend the funeral as she was travelling from Delhi by road, was present at the prayer meet.
"There were not many people, Only five-six family members," the insider said.
Rishi Kapoor had returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for ...

Rishi Kapoor's ashes immersed in Banganga

Actor Sanjay Dutt on Sunday paid homage to his mother, legendary actor Nargis, on her death anniversary and said even though it has been close to four decades, he still misses her.
Nargis passed away on May 3, 1981, three days before Sanjay's debut film Rocky hit the theatres.
"It's been 39 years since you left us but I know you're always by my side. I wish you were here with me, today and everyday. Love you and miss you everyday Mom," the actor wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photograph of him with his mother.
The post saw many from the industry paying tributes to the cinema icon, including Sanjay's friends actors Suneil Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan and daughter, Trishala, who wrote, "I love you dad."
Sanjay will be next seen in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Shamshera" and the second installment of "KGF".

Wish you were with me today: Sanjay Dutt remembers mother Nargis

Veteran actor Dharmendra believes the biggest takeaway from the coronavirus pandemic should be the importance of leading a simple life.
The nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Dharmendra, 84, believes people should take the lockdown positively.
Due to lockdown there is no pollution, there is so much fresh air, the sky is so clear, everything looks beautiful. I am so happy to see this time it reminds me of the time that we lived back then. We all should take lockdown positively, the actor told PTI in an interview.
I am living life like this and I am very happy about it. I come to the city when there is work (referring to films) and when not I am happy here in my farmhouse. I am born to give happiness, entertain and inspire everyone, he added.
The actor believes the pandemic is the result of the actions of humans and the only way to survive now is to live in sync with nature.
It is a very tight slap on our face 

Simplicity should be the way of life: Dharmendra on lockdown

Much before Irrfan Khan wowed the world with his acting talent, the actor was a shy, passionate and sincere person, who was meant to be all things great, say friends and colleagues from his early days.
Irrfan passed away on Wednesday after losing his battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 54. The industry dubbed the actor's untimely demise as an emotional void, which will be hard to fill.
Much of Irrfan's journey to become the actor he eventually did, began when he got into the National School of Drama (NSD) in 1984, where "Taare Zameen Par" actor Vipin Sharma first saw him.
"I had already graduated but used to hang out in the hostel. I was friends with Tigmanshu Dhulia, Sanjay Mishra and would often be with them in their rooms.
"Irrfan was my junior and I remember he had done a play in one of the students' productions, and when I saw it I was totally blown away by his performance," Sharma told PTI.
The actor said back then Irrfan and Tigmanshu weren't the best of friends and 

Tracing Irrfan Khan's early days: A private person, caring flatmate and an actor in making

Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor was never the one to mention his illness and was always full of positive attitude, says filmmaker Honey Trehan as he fondly remembers working with the actor on his last film, "Sharmaji Namkeen".
Kapoor died at the age of 67 on April 30 after a two year long battle with leukaemia at H N Reliance hospital in south Mumbai.
The film is produced by Excel Entertainment in association with Trehan and Abhishek Choubey under their banner MacGuffin Pictures. It is directed by the debutant Hitesh Bhatia.
"It is a coming-of-age story of a 60-year-old man. It is about a middle-class man who wants to discover life after retirement. This film was meant for him, he is the DNA of the film. I was looking to work with Rishi sir for the longest time and I am glad this script clicked well," Trehan told PTI in an interview.
The producer said he was amazed by the actor's professionalism.
"He was so child-like, he was like a newcomer. He was so charged up. At the age of 67, he .

Rishi Kapoor was full of positivity: 'Sharmaji Namkeen' producer on veteran actor's last film

Popular rock band Rage Against the Machine has rescheduled its reunion tour to 2021.
The band was set to kick off the tour from March 26 in El Paso, Texas, and stretch all the way through September.
"Rage Against The Machine will commence our tour at such a time when we are confident it will be safe for our fans," the band said in a statement posted on its official Instagram page.
We sincerely hope that each of you and your families and friends stay safe and well and that music is bringing you solace and inspiration.
The reunion tour will now start on June 3, 2021 in El Paso, Texas and run through August 20th, 2021.
Tickets for the band's 2020 tour will be honoured at the rescheduled 2021 dates, and those who want the refunds can begin the process at their point of purchase.

Rage Against the Machine push reunion tour to 2021

"Stranger Things" star Joe Keery has teased that fans of the hit series should expect a much darker outing in the upcoming season four.
The actor, who plays Steve Harrington in the Netflix sci-fi show, said the new chapter will follow the tone set by the last installment.
"Oh man, it's pretty amazing  the Duffer brothers have really done it again. I think that this year  and I know I say this every single year  but this is definitely going to be a lot scarier than prior years, because last year was pretty dark," Keery told Total Film magazine.
The 28-year-old actor also said that he would no longer be seen wearing his iconic Scoops Ahoy outfit from season three.
"I know that costume served its purpose and I'm glad to retire it," Keery added.
Production on "Stranger Things" was put on hold last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Keery's co-star David Harbour recently revealed that the fourth season was eyeing for an early 2021 release before the shutdown.

'Stranger Things' season 4 will be 'a lot scarier': Joe Keery

Singer Kesha has cancelled her 2020 High Road tour due to coronavirus pandemic.
The 33-year-old artiste said she decided to cancel the tour due to health and safety concerns.
"I'm so sad to announce that I am unable to move forward with rescheduling my 2020 High Road Tour due to health and safety concerns. This is heartbreaking, but the safety of my fans & crew is my number 1 priority. Because of the current situation, doing this tour in 2020 is no longer feasible.
But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate and express ourselves together in spirit and online. I will do my best to bring you all as much art and music as I can, as we get through this all together, Kesha wrote on Instagram.
The tour, in support of her latest album High Road', was originally set to begin in Texas on April 23.
The singer said that the refunds will be available at the point of purchase.
I truly can't wait to get back on the road again and play songs from High Road for you. Thank you for being here, and for ...

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