Selena Gomez has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Lupus, a debilitating immune-system disorder. "I was diagnosed with Lupus and I've been through chemotherapy," the 23-year-old singer told Billboard magazine. Gomez, who starred in TV show Wizards of Waverly Place before becoming a pop star, says she was treated in late 2013 and early 2014, after she cancelled the Asian and Australian legs of her Stars Dance tour. Lupus causes formation of fibrous tissue, inflammation of internal organs, skin rashes and joint pain. It is nine times more common in women than men. Organs affected by the disease include the kidneys, heart and lungs. – AP
Busan Film Festival award winners announced
Two productions that paint vastly different portraits of modern existence have taken home the major award at Asia's most prestigious film festival, with judges praising both for their ability to celebrate life. Iranian director Hadi Mohaghegh's Immortal, and Walnut Tree from Kazakhstan's Yerlan Nurmukhambetov, were named the winners of the New Currents award for first- and second-time filmmakers at the 20th Busan International Film Festival. Both directors were presented with their prizes – which include a cash award of US$30,000 (Dh110,188) – at the festival's closing ceremony on Saturday night. – AFP
Walking Dead stars rehearse before premiere
The premiere screening of the opening episode of the sixth season of AMC's smash-hit zombie drama The Walking Dead at New York's Madison Square Garden on Friday was so big that its stars had to attend a rehearsal that afternoon to prepare. The event, which gave fans tickets to the event through giveaways and sweepstakes, screened the season premiere and then held a question-and-answer session with 18 cast members. The red carpet portion of the event was moved inside at the last minute due to rain and wind, but that didn't deter the fans, many of whom dressed as zombies – or "walkers" as they are called in the series. The sixth season of The Walking Dead debuts on Sunday night in the United States and on Monday on Fox Movies in the UAE. – AP
Ravindra Jain passes away
Renowned music director Ravindra Jain, who overcame blindness to chart a stellar career in Bollywood, died at a hospital in Mumbai on Friday following multi-organ failure and complications from renal failure. He was 71. Jain, who was born blind, started working in the Bengal film industry in 1960. As a music composer, director, lyricist and singer, he composed music for nearly 200 movies during a career that spanned 45 years. His funeral was held at Santacruz Hindu Cemetery yesterday. He is survived by his wife Divya and a son Arush. – IANS
Fire halts filming of bachchan's new TV show
Filming on Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan's latest project, TV show Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, was disrupted on Friday – its first day of shooting – after a fire broke out on the set. The 72-year-old star, who is returning to Star Plus after more than 15 years, was on stage when the fire broke out. Sources say it was caused by an overheated light. The concept of Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi is unclear, but Bachchan dropped hints about it on Twitter last week. In reference to the upcoming show, he tweeted: "Celebrate happiness. Every bit counts" and "Turn that frown upside down. Every bit counts". Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi is scheduled to premiere next Sunday. – IANS
Shia LaBeouf arrested in Texas
Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested and charged with public intoxication in Austin, Texas. Jail records show LaBeouf was booked into the Travis County Jail on Friday night and released on his own recognisance. He was arrested in the city's Sixth Street entertainment district. The Austin City Limits music festival took place there this weekend. – AP
