Legendary British actor John Hurt dies aged 77

January 29, 2017

London, Jan 29: Legendary British actor John Hurt, best known for playing a drug addict in "Midnight Express," Kane in "Alien," the title character in "The Elephant Man," and Winston Smith in "1984" has died. He was 77.

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Hurt's agent confirmed the actor's death, reported Variety.

No cause of death was immediately known, but Hurt revealed in 2015 that he was battling pancreatic cancer.

The actor first came to prominence after appearing in the best picture Oscar-winning "A Man of All Seasons" in 1966.

Hurt, who decided against a career as an art teacher to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, appeared in countless TV and film roles, including roles in Michael Cimino's "Heaven's Gate," Stephen Frears' "The Hit," Sam Peckinpah's "The Osterman Weekend" and the 1984 adaptation of George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four," where Hurt played the novel's protagonist Winston Smith.

Hurt's portrayal of imprisoned heroin addict Max in 1978's "Midnight Express" netted the actor his first Golden Globe and BAFTA win as well as an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.

Two years later, Hurt appeared in what was his greatest role as the anguished John Merrick in David Lynch's "The Elephant Man."

In recent years, Hurt appeared as Mr Ollivander, the wand-maker in the first Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone," and for parts 1 and 2 of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," however his scenes in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" were cut.

Hurt's distinct voice also graced characters in animated films like Watership Down and 1978's "Lord of the Rings."

Though he always prioritised film acting, Hurt also made regular appearances on stage, including the first West End production of David Halliwell's cult play "Little Malcolm" and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs in 1967.

Hurt also played numerous roles on TV, including Alan Clark in the 2004 adaptation of "The Alan Clark Diaries" and the "Doctor" in the 50th anniversary special episode of Doctor Who in 2013.

He was married four times, the first time to actress Annette Robertson in the early 1960s, the second time to Donna Peacock, the third time to Jo Dalton.

Survivors include the actor's fourth wife, producer Anwen Rees-Myers, whom Hurt married in 2005, and two children by Dalto.

Many celebrities took to Twitter to express their condolences on Hurt's demise.
"It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt's passing. He was a truly magnificent talent," tweeted Mel Brooks.

Stephen Fry tweeted, "Oh no. What terrible news. We've lost #JohnHurt as great on the stage, small screen and big. A great man & great friend of Norfolk & #NCFC".

Chris Evans said, "John Hurt was one of the most powerful, giving, and effortlessly real actors I've ever worked with. Remarkable human being. U will be missed."

"God speed to John Hurt, a legendary actor and good human being," Sharon Stone wrote.

Elijah Wood tweeted, "Very sad to hear of John Hurt's passing. It was such an honor to have watched you work, sir."

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News Network
June 19,2020

Mumbai, Jun 19: The Mumbai Police, probing the   case of alleged suicide of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has sent a letter to Yash Raj Films, seeking details of the contracts it had signed with him, an official said on Friday.

Rajput, 34, known for films like Kai Po Che!, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Chhichhore, was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, sending shockwaves in the film industry and elsewhere.

"Police are investigating various angles, including that of professional rivalry, in the case," the official said. So far, Bandra police have recorded the statements of over 13 people, including Rajput's family members and close friends like actor Rhea Chakraborty and casting director Mukesh Chhabra.

 "Keeping in view the professional angle, police have started calling some prominent production houses for inquiry. As part of that, police on Thursday sent a letter to Yash Raj Films, seeking details of all the contracts it had signed with the deceased actor," a senior police officer said.

"We have also asked for the copies of the contracts that Yash Raj Films had signed with the actor," he added.

In the next few days, police may also call those people, who had played a role in signing of contracts between the actor and the production houses for their projects, the officer said.

 Rajput had worked in two Yash Raj Films movies - Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) directed by Maneesh Sharma and in director Dibakar Banerjee directed Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015).

His third film with the banner was supposed to be Paani, directed by Shekhar Kapur. However, YRF had reportedly backed out of the project later.

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News Network
May 12,2020

Mumbai, May 12: Superstar Salman Khan on Tuesday released his latest romantic single "Tere Bina" featuring Jacqueline Fernandez while in quarantine at his Panvel farm house.

The actor, along with close family and friends from the industry, including Iulia Vantur, Waluscha De Sousa, is living in the farm house. This is the second song Salman has released amid the coronavirus pandemic, after "Pyaar Karona."

"About seven weeks ago, when we came to the farm, we didn't know we will be here under a lockdown. So we wanted to do things to keep ourselves busy. That's when we decided to do these songs. We launched 'Pyaar Karona' and now, we are launching 'Tere Bina'," Salman said in a statement.

The song, sung and directed by Salman, is composed by his friend Ajay Bhatia and written by Shab bir Ahmed.

The actor said he had the song "Tere Bina" with him for quite a while but because it wasn't fitting into any of his film, he decided to release it now.

Jacqueline said she didn't think they would be able to shoot the song, which they finished in four days of evening shoots, with such limitations.

"We are used to shooting songs on a large stage with grand production costs. There are costumes, hair, make up. All of a sudden, we find ourselves with a team of three people. For the first time, I was checking lighting and moving props around. It was a great experience and it taught us how to make the most of what we have," she said.

Salman recently sent out food packets and ration from his farm house to those affected by the lockdown.

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News Network
July 9,2020

Mumbai, Jul 8: Veteran Actor-comedian Jagdeep, best known for his role as Soorma Bhopali in "Sholay", died on Wednesday at his residence. He was 81.

The actor, whose real name is Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, was not keeping well. "He passed away at 8: 30 pm at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well due to age related issues," producer Mehmood Ali, a close family friend, told news agency.

Jagdeep appeared in around 400 films but it is his role as Soorma Bhopali in 1975 film "Sholay" that is etched in audiences' minds even today. He also played memorable roles in "Purana Mandir" and in "Andaz Apna Apna" as Salman Khan's father.

Better known by his stage name Jagdeep, the actor also directed the movie "Soorma Bhopali" with his character as the protagonist. He is survived by two sons - Javed and Naved.

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