Holly to Bolly: George Michael’s family angry at leak of emergency call, Queen Latifah working on religious drama, and more

Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

AFP

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images for DIFF

AP Photo

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Members of George Michael’s family say they are “extremely upset” that a recording of the emergency call reporting his death was leaked to the press.

Lawyers for the family on Sunday said relatives want an investigation and “will expect the culprit(s) to be dealt with appropriately”.

They said family and friends are appalled “that such a personal, painful and clearly confidential recording has been leaked””

On Saturday, British newspaper The Sun published a transcript and audio recording of the panicked December 25 call made by Michael's partner, Fadi Fawaz, to the emergency services.

An initial post mortem on the 53-year-old former Wham! singer was inconclusive. The results of toxicology tests have not been disclosed. – AP

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Queen Latifah developing religious TV drama

Actress-singer Queen Latifah and entertainment company Fox are reportedly developing a religious drama for the network.

Latifah, who currently appears in the musical drama Star, will team up with a faith-inspired content company called Releve Entertainment, and Flavor Unit Television for Bible-themed drama The Scroll, according to aceshowbiz.com.

It will re-imagine some of the Bible’s most popular stories in present day settings. The stories will be depicted by a group of friends and colleagues who are the modern-day versions of some of the Bible’s most remarkable characters. – IANS

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Shah Rukh Khan saddened My Name Is Khan is still revelant

IT has been seven years since Shah Rukh Khan released the movie My Name Is Khan, about the plight of Muslims in the United States after 9/11 and this weekend he tweeted that he is saddened to see that it is still relevant.

The 2010 drama, which also featured actress Kajol, told the story of Rizvan Khan, who embarks on a journey to meet the US president after his son is killed, and his attempts to change perceptions of Islam.

Khan tweeted: "It's kinda sad too that My Name Is Khan is still relevant. But thanks Karan (Johar), Ravi, Kajol, SEL Shibani Niranjan Deepa Jimmy and all cast/crew for a special film."

The actor’s message hints at new US president Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to temporarily ban refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations from enetring the US. – IANS

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Nana Patekar to receive film festival honour

Veteran actor Nana Patekar will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bodhisattva International Film Festival in Patna for his contribution to Indian cinema.

“Bodhisattva Voice of Change Lifetime Achievement Award is going to Nana Patekar for his immense contribution to Indian cinema and unmatched dedication in the field of social work and responsibility,” said Sneha Routray, the president of Grameen Sneh Foundation, and Biff organiser.

Grameen Sneh Foundation, through an initiative called Bihar: Ek Virasat, organises the annual international film festival. This year’s event will run from February 16 to 23. – IANS

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Museum to feature artist’s taken on stolen Gardner works

A Massachusetts art museum is offering visitors a unique glimpse of the 13 masterpieces stolen more than a quarter century ago from the Gardner Museum in Boston.

The exhibit, opening Tuesday at the Mead Art Museum in Amherst, is the work of San Francisco artist Kota Ezawa. According to the museum, the artist has recreated the stolen works through a series of drawings set in glowing light boxes, including cartoon-like versions of paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Manet.

The unusual exhibit also includes an animated version of the security camera tape from the Gardner Museum on the night before the US$500million theft in March 1990 – which remains the largest unsolved art heist in US history. – AP