Exclusive: Emraan Hashmi tests positive for swine flu amid Awarapan 2 success

Actor Emraan Hashmi has tested positive for swine flu (H1N1) after falling ill following recent work travel, including a trip to Ranchi. The actor, currently in the spotlight for Awarapan 2, has been advised to rest and take basic precautions.

In Short

• Emraan Hashmi tested positive for swine flu after recent travels
• He was unwell for days before diagnosis and advised rest by doctors
• Hashmi's film Awarapan 2 crossed Rs 200 crore at the box office

Actor Emraan Hashmi has tested positive for swine flu (H1N1), after he fell unwell for a few days following recent travel for shoots, including a trip to Ranchi. His test reports came back positive yesterday. Doctors have advised him to rest and take basic precautionary measures. The actor could not be reached for comment till the time of filing this copy.

Hashmi had been travelling for work and was in Ranchi recently. After returning, he was not keeping well for a few days, following which he underwent a test. The results confirmed swine flu.

We tried reaching the actor for a comment but did not hear till the time of filing the copy.

The development comes at a time when Hashmi has been in the spotlight for Awarapan 2, which opened to a strong response from audiences. The sequel to his 2007 film has crossed Rs 200 crore milestone at the box office.

Hashmi had recently surprised moviegoers at a Mumbai screening of Awarapan 2 along with his co-star Disha Patani. During the interval, the two interacted with fans and spoke about the response to the film.

Addressing the audience, Hashmi said, “This is a film which belongs to fans more than the makers isiliye hum wapis aaye abhi, is journey ko humne aur thrilling banaya with more action and more emotions. Friday ko bas humare haath se nikal gayi aur aapke hawale (This is a film that belongs to the fans more than the makers, which is why we have returned. We have made this journey even more thrilling with more action and emotions. On Friday, the film will be out of our hands and in yours).”

When a fan said the film would become a super-hit, he replied, “Movie baaki hai, second half better hai (The movie is not over yet; the second half is better).” He also hinted at another instalment, saying, “Umeed yahi hai ki aapko puri film pasand aayegi. Hopefully, Awarapan 3 very soon (We hope you enjoy the entire film, and hopefully).”

Directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Films, Awarapan 2 follows Shivam Pandit, played again by Hashmi, who is approached by an Interpol officer for help in a mission to rescue abducted children. The film explores child trafficking, revenge and redemption. Disha Patani stars as Zara, while Shabana Azmi plays gangster queen Nafisa. The supporting cast includes Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli and Puran Gabbi.

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