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Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan payed tribute to the teachers around the world at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. They were attending the award ceremony for the Global Teacher Prize – a US $1 million award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession. The prize serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognised and celebrated and is funded by the Varkey Foundation. Speaking at the ceremony Kapoor said: “My favourite was my Hindi teacher. I loved his patience and encouragement. He made me into a confident person and I will always be grateful for it.” His next film, Jagga Jasoos in which he stars with Katrina Kaif is due out in May. – The National Staff
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Kardashian West tells of robbery horror
Kim Kardashian West says she “mentally prepped” herself to be raped while being held at gunpoint during a Paris jewellery heist last year. Kardashian West discussed the incident on Sunday’s episode of the E! network’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She says two robbers wearing police uniforms entered her hotel room last October. One of the robbers duct-taped her mouth while she was in bed, grabbed her legs and pulled her toward him. She had a gun held to her head. Kardashian West says the men picked her up and put her in a bathtub before making off with the jewels. She said on Twitter the same day the show aired that she “learned some valuable lessons” through the experience. Ten people have been charged in connection with the case. – Associated Press
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Donatella Versace to be played by Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz will play the extravagant fashion designer Donatella Versace in the third installment of American Crime Story on American television network, FX. The Academy Award-winning actress will star in the 10-episode series focused on the 1997 murder of Versace’s brother, Gianni. Donatella Versace took over the famed fashion house after her brother was killed. Co-executive produced by Ryan Murphy, the Versace story is expected to air in early 2018. Cruz won a supporting actress Oscar in 2009 for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, directed by Woody Allen. She has appeared in numerous other films including the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with Johnny Depp. – Associated Press
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Mel B files for divorce after 10 years
Former Spice Girl Mel B has filed for divorce from her husband of nearly 10 years. The singer and television personality whose real name is Melanie Brown, cited irreconcilable differences for her breakup from producer Stephen Belafonte, who she married in 2007 in Las Vegas. Her petition was filed on Monday in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The couple have a 5-year-old daughter, Madison, and Brown is seeking joint custody. Brown, who is a judge on America’s Got Talent, is asking a judge to deny spousal support to Belafonte. – Associated Press
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New grandchild makes 9 for Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump’s ninth grandchild is on the way. CNN reports that Eric and Lara Trump, both 33, are expecting their first child, a boy, due in September. “I knew I always wanted kids someday,” Lara Trump told People magazine. “Eric’s going to be an amazing dad. The nieces and nephews love hanging with him.” She said President Donald Trump was “so excited” about the news and she was worried he would “blurt it out at a press conference.” Eric Frederick Trump is an American businessman and former reality TV personality. He is the third child and second son of Donald and Ivana Trump. – The National Staff
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Anupam Kher attributes his health to Akshay Kumar’s influence
Veteran actor Anupam Kher says it is thanks to the inspiration of fellow actor Akshay Kumar that he is fitter and healthier than ever. The 62-year-old, who has appeared in over 400 films and many plays, appears slim in the forthcoming Indian action spy thriller film Naam Shabana. “Akshay Kumar is extremely humble and doesn’t let people know how much he does things for others. He has a lot to do with my looking fitter and better today. He has prodded me to take up a better lifestyle,” Kher said during a promotional event for the movie. The pair have worked together in as many as 20 films and have developed a close friendship. Naam Shabana is a prequel to the 2015 film Baby that starred Taapsee Pannu who will reprise her role in this film. Kumar will play an under-cover intelligence operative named Ajay Singh Rajput and Kher’s character Shukla Ji is a computer wizard. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film will be released on March 31. – IANS
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Nicki Minaj establishes new record
Nicki Minaj has established a new record for most Hot 100 hits by a female artist. Minaj’s three new songs all landed on the Billboard chart, giving the rapper a total of 76 Hot 100 entries, breaking the record of 73, which has been held for the last 40 years by Aretha Franklin. “Man, I tell ya … God said he ain’t done showing off yet. Lol. Walked off stage to find out history was made yet again today,” Minaj wrote on Instagram. Rolling Stone Magazine reports that despite the 76 Hot 100 singles, Minaj has never reached Number One on the chart, with Anaconda her best showing at Number 2. Franklin, however, topped the Hot 100 twice with Respect and I Knew You Were Waiting for Me. Behind Minaj and Frankin, Taylor Swift is lurking with 70 Hot 100 singles. – The National Staff
