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IANS News

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Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

Hollywood veteran Max Von Sydow dies at 90
2283 days ago
Hollywood

Hollywood veteran Max Von Sydow dies at 90

Los Angeles, March 9 (IANS) Hollywood actor Max von Sydow is no more. The news of the demise of the Swedish-born star was shared by his family 'with a broken heart and infinite sadness', reports deadline.com. He was 90.## Among numerous roles that won Sydow accolades are Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal" (1957), George Stevens' "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965), William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" (1973), David Lynch's "Dune" (1984), Woody Allen's "Hannah And Her Sisters" (1986), Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report" (2002), and Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island" (2009). In 1983, Von Sydow played the James Bond villain Ernst Blofeld in "Never Say Never Again".## GenNow viewers also known him as Lor San Tekka in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) and for his role of Three-eyed Raven in "Game Of Thrones", for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.## "It is with a broken heart and with infinite sadness that we have the extreme pain of announcing the departure of Max von Sydow, on March 8, 2020," a statement from his widow Catherine von Sydow read.## The actor's 65-year career spanned acclaimed arthouse movie, Hollywood blockbusters, and television.## Von Sydow was nominated for two Oscars during his career, including Best Actor in 1998 for "Pelle the Conqueror". His other Academy Award nomination was as Best Supporting Actor for his role in 2011's "Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close".## The actor enjoyed a run of 11 films with Swedish auteur Ingmar Bergman, including "The Seventh Seal", in which he plays chess with Death.## Showcasing his enduring versatility, Von Sydow also took roles in the box-office hit "Rush Hour 3", and Julian Schnabel's French film "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly".## His final film role was set to be in the upcoming drama "Echoes Of The Past", which is reported to be in post-production.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Coronavirus scare: Chris Hemsworth calls off India visit
2284 days ago
Hollywood

Coronavirus scare: Chris Hemsworth calls off India visit

New Delhi, March 9 (IANS) Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth has cancelled his plans to visit India to promote his upcoming action film 'Extraction' due to the global coronavirus outbreak.## The "Thor" star was scheduled to visit Mumbai along with director Sam Hargrave on March 16.## The event has been called off due to the coronavirus scare, travel advisory issued and the risk factor involved in travel.## "Extraction", which was initially titled "Dhaka", also stars Indian actors Randeep Hooda and Pankaj Tripathi.## It revolves around Tyler Rake (essayed by Hemsworth), a fearless, black market mercenary, who embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. The film is scheduled to release on April 24.## Hemsworth shot for the Netflix film in India in 2018. He shot in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.## Earlier, in an interview to IANS, Hemsworth opened up about shooting in India, saying he felt like a rockstar while doing so.## "I love the place and the people. Shooting there... There were thousands of people on the streets every day and I have never experienced that on set. It was sort of intimidating as it was exciting because there were so many people," he said.## "After every take (when the director) called 'cut', there was a loud cheer. We felt like rock stars in a stadium. But the warmth and support we got while shooting there, no matter how disruptive we were to their daily lives, it was so good. People were so positive. I have huge appreciation to that," added Hemsworth, whose daughter is named India.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Ed Sheeran's tribute to future kids
2284 days ago
Hollywood

Ed Sheeran's tribute to future kids

Los Angeles, March 9 (IANS) Singer Ed Sheeran has had a tattoo in honour of his five future children.## According to a source to the Mail on Sunday newspaper, the 'Thinking out loud' hitmaker, who is married to Cherry Seaborn, has added to his extensive collection of body art with a new inking of rings on his back, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## He reportedly plans to dedicate to his kids in the future by adding their handprints inside each circle.## "Ed comes from a large Catholic family and he wants to have a house full of kids. He has had five intertwined circles put on his back that look a bit like the Olympic rings. He wants to put a tattoo of a palm print into each circle," said a source.## The 29-year-old star's tattoo artist, Kevin Paul, had previously admitted that he thinks a lot of his famous client's inkings are "s**t" but understands they are personal to Sheeran.## Talking about Sheeran's body art, he said: "I agree with most of it, his tattoos aren't very good. And I take the p**s out of Ed all the time, when I'm with him, that they are s**t. They are! But every single thing that he's got is personal to him."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Katy Perry talks about 'friction' with Orlando Bloom
2285 days ago
Hollywood

Katy Perry talks about 'friction' with Orlando Bloom

Los Angeles, March 8 (IANS) Singer Katy Perry has opened up about 'friction' in her relationship with actor Orlando Bloom, days after announcing her pregnancy. ## The "Teenage dream" hitmaker revealed she was expecting their first child together earlier this week, sharing a glimpse at her baby bump in the music video of "Never worn white". ## During a radio show, the 35-year-old spoke about the couple's rollercoaster relationship, reports metro.co.uk. ## Admitting things aren't always so smooth between her and the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" actor, she said: "I have consciously or unconsciously picked a partner that makes sure I keep evolving into the best version of myself." ## "There's a lot of friction between my partner and I, but that friction breeds something beautiful, it can breed a lot of light. It's just one of those relationships. I don't know about anyone else who's listening what kind of relationships they've had - and I've had many - but it's like we basically, we get down to the matt and come back up every time," she added. ## Perry and Bloom have had an on-off relationship ever since they made things official in 2016. They split the following year. They soon reunited and have been inseparable ever since. The actor proposed to her on Valentine's Day last year. ## And, just over a year later, she confirmed her baby news on Instagram. ## While it's the first child for Perry, Bloom is already a father to nine-year-old son Flynn, whom he shares with former wife Miranda Kerr. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

Justin Bieber turns tour guide on 'Friends' set
2286 days ago
Hollywood

Justin Bieber turns tour guide on 'Friends' set

Los Angeles, March 7 (IANS) Singer Justin Bieber is quite a prankster. He recently went undercover as a tour guide on the set of the popular sitcom 'Friends' in California.## Some of the fans of "Friends" didn't suspect him as he wore a pair of glasses and comical facial hair. At one point, he called himself a "Joey guy" and reenacted one of the Matt Le Blanc character's catchphrases, "How you doin'?"## "I gotta be honest, I'm Justin Bieber and I'm just messing with you guys. This is all a set up," he says to one couple before posing for a selfie with the shocked fans, reports people.com.## Bieber even sang the iconic song "Smelly cat" that Lisa Kudrow‘s Phoebe once belted on the sitcom, which ended 2004.## The prank played by the 26-year-old was aired on Friday's episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show".## He got to demonstrate more of his prank skills earlier this week on the TV show.## During an episode, Bieber had jumped from within a box positioned near football legend David Beckham to scare him.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Keira Knightley's 'Misbehaviour' gets India release date
2286 days ago
Hollywood

Keira Knightley's 'Misbehaviour' gets India release date

New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) Actress Keira Knightley's comedy-drama 'Misbehaviour' will release in India on April 9.## PVR Pictures will bring the film, which celebrates the significance of womanhood, to India.## Set in the 1970s, "Misbehaviour" is a satirical interpretation of the beauty pageant -- Miss World. It also stars Jessie Buckley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Philippa Lowthorpe has helmed the film from the script by Rebecca Frayn and Gaby Chiappe.## The movie is based on true events and the characters are seen strongly voicing their opinions about the stereotypical pageant world.## The plot reflects unjust norms of the beauty industry along with the objectification of women. Knightley, Buckley, and Mbatha will be seen playing feminist activists who disrupt the patriarchy and show women the true face of womanhood.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Christian Bale to play villain in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'
2286 days ago
Hollywood

Christian Bale to play villain in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'

Los Angeles, March 7 (IANS) Actress Tessa Thompson has confirmed that 'Batman Begins' star Christian Bale will play a villain in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'.## "Christian Bale is going to play our villain, which is going to be fantastic," Thompson told etonline.com.## "I've read the script. I can't tell you much. Lots of exciting text messages exchanged between Natalie (Portman) and I. We're going to have fun. Taika is writing (and) directing. Some familiar faces. Some new people coming into the mix," she said.## She also confirmed that when viewers reunite with her character for the first time post-Endgame, she will be King Valkyrie.## "She's king," she clarified of her royal title. "If she can't find her queen, she'll just be king and queen at the same time."## The fourth installment in the "Thor" franchise was announced at last summer's Comic-Con, with Taika Waititi announcing Natalie Portman will be reprising her role as Jane Foster.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

'No Time To Die' pushed to November amid coronavirus scare
2287 days ago
Hollywood

'No Time To Die' pushed to November amid coronavirus scare

Los Angeles, March 5 (IANS) The release date for the upcoming James Bond film 'No Time To Die', starring Daniel Craig in his final 007 outings, has been postponed until November amid fears around coronavirus. The film was due to be released in April.## Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have now said that "after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace" the film has to be delayed, reports dailymail.co.uk.## The film will release on November 12 in the UK and on November 25 in the uS, with other release dates worldwide to follow.## The news of the delay was announced on the film's official Twitter account, and it comes amid growing concerns over the threat of deadly coronavirus, which has infected more than 92,000 worldwide and killed 3,110 globally according to the latest figures by World Health Organisation.## Earlier this week, prominent James Bond fan site MI6-HQ.com wrote an open letter requesting the delay of "No Time To Die", the upcoming installment in the British spy series that brings back Daniel Craig as Agent 007 for a final time.## The makers had also scrapped the Chinese press tour and premiere due to the coronavirus epidemic. The world premiere for "No Time To Die" was scheduled to take place on March 31 in London.## "No Time To Die" is Craig's fifth portrayal as James Bond. He has essayed the role in "Casino Royale" (2006), "Quantum Of Solace" (2008), "Skyfall" (2012) and "Spectre" (2015).## It is being widely speculated that Craig will make way for a female Bond, to be played by Lashana Lynch, in the next film of the series.## "No Time To Die" is the 25th film in the Bond series. It has been directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, and also stars Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek and Ana De Armas.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Chris Evans to star in thriller 'Bermuda'
2287 days ago
Hollywood

Chris Evans to star in thriller 'Bermuda'

Los Angeles, March 5 (IANS) After exiting as director of the 'Doctor Strange' sequel, filmmaker Scott Derrickson is expected to team up with Marvel Studios alum Chris Evans for the upcoming thriller 'Bermuda'.## According to hollywoodreporter.com, Derrickson is set to helm "Bermuda" for Skydance, with Evans eyed to star in the project.## Ironically, Sam Raimi was at one time attached to direct "Bermuda". Now, Raimi is set to helm "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness".## "Bermuda", about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, had a script from Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard when Raimi was attached. Derrickson and his writing partner C. Robert Cargill will rewrite the script.## Derrickson rose to prominence with 2005's "The Exorcism of Emily Rose", and went on to direct "The Day the Earth Stood Still", "Sinister" and "Doctor Strange", the 2016 Marvel film which brought Benedict Cumberbatch into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.## Derrickson remains an executive producer on "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness".## Evans, who retired the role of Captain America with "Avengers: Endgame", will also be seen in Greg Berlanti's upcoming "Little Shop of Horrors" remake.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Marvel unveils Phase IV roster
2287 days ago
Hollywood

Marvel unveils Phase IV roster

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) Its going to be a marvelous time for Marvel fans. The new phase starts with Scarlett Johansson coming back on the big screen as deadly spy Natasha Romanoff in 'Black Widow' this April.## After a blockbuster end to the last phase in 2019 with "Avengers: Endgame", Marvel will be starting off its most anticipated phase four by redefining the superhero universe with women's power in focus.## On Thursday, the studio released a poster announcing the dates of release in India for its upcoming films.## Johansson's "Black Widow" will release on April 30. The film is set after the events of "Captain America: Civil War" but before the events of "Avengers: Infinity War". The film will trace the story of Romanoff, who will confront her past.## Directed by Cate Shortland, "Black Widow" will also feature Taskmaster, a popular character from the Marvel Comics. It will be his first live-action film appearance. It is not known who will portray the villain. The film also stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz.## Then there will a Bollywood touch to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with big-budget superhero saga "The Eternals". The film is slated to release on November 6.## Directed by Chloe Zhao, the film stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, and Kumail Nanjiani.## It is about the super-powered beings, The Celestials, and their villainous adversaries, The Deviants, in a war set millions of years ago. Nanjiani says his character in "The Eternals" will have the secret identity of a Bollywood star.## Marvel's first Asian-led superhero film, "Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings" will release on February 21, 2021.## Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, alongside Tony Leung and Awkwafina.## Actor Benedict Cumberbatch will be returning as the Sorcerer Supreme with "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", which will open on May 7, 2021. The film also stars Elizabeth Oslen and Benedict Wong. It is believed that Sam Raimi, who directed the 2000s "Spider-Man" trilogy starring Tobey Maguire, is in talks to direct the "Doctor Strange" sequel.## The God of Thunder will be back for a new adventure, too. "Thor: Love And Thunder", the fourth film in the "Thor" franchise, will release on November 5, 2021. Chris Hemsworth will return as Thor.## Natalie Portman will be returning to the franchise for the first time since 2013's "Thor: The Dark World". At the San Diego Comic-Con last year, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige said that Portman's Jane Foster will take up Thor's hammer Mjolnir in "Love And Thunder", and take up the persona of the Mighty Thor. The film is being directed by Taika Waititi and it also stars Tessa Thompson and Waititi.## There are reports that actor Christian Bale is also in talks to join the cast of "Thor: Love And Thunder".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

When Justin Bieber tried to scare David Beckham
2288 days ago
Hollywood

When Justin Bieber tried to scare David Beckham

Los Angeles, March 5 (IANS) Singer Justin Bieber recently tried to scare retired football superstar David Beckham but the prank failed miserably.## Beckham was chatting with host Ellen DeGeneres on her show about buying a football club. The 44-year-old was made the target of a prank, but it backfired, reports mirror.co.uk.## The former footballer was talking about how his sons Brooklyn, 21, Romeo, 17, and Cruz, 15, were such huge fans of Justin that they wanted David and Victoria to name their next child after him. When Victoria was pregnant with Harper, now 8, the boys asked if they'd choose the name Justin for a boy or Justine for a girl.## Just as Ellen was asking why they hadn't gone with the name, Justin popped out of a box positioned between the two chairs and screamed in David's face. David remained cool and jumped up to give the singer a hug.## Justin told him: "Sorry, they made me do it. I've gotta go," before running off the stage.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Ali Fazal on 'nascent part' of his career in the West
2288 days ago
Hollywood

Ali Fazal on 'nascent part' of his career in the West

Mumbai, March 5 (IANS) Actor Ali Fazal has shot for his second major Hollywood film, 'Death on the Nile'. He says he has come back with a great addition to his understanding of an actor's job.## The "Victoria & Abdul" actor had shot for three months for "Death on the Nile", directed by Kenneth Branagh.## Talking about his experience, Ali said: "Honestly, it's a nascent part of my career in the West so I'm only learning with each passing day and project. And being on sets of 'Death on the Nile' too was a progressive growing experience for me."## He feels that when you shoot with people who are masters of their craft, you will land up learning a lot of things.## "I'm humbled by the experience and the time I spent on the sets. I have come back with a great addition to my understanding of an actor's job, as it's a part of our lives to keep learning with each part that comes our way," said Ali.## "In this day and age, actors are no longer transitioning but merely expanding their skill sets. I aspire to work in different countries, platforms, regardless of their languages. I have found people who push me to seek parts and not projects and that's my blueprint going forward," he added.## The movie also stars "Wonder Woman" actress Gal Gadot, Emma Mackey, Armie Hammer and Annette Bening amongst others.## "They were all extremely kind, professional and warm. An entire bunch is a wonderful group of people who bring a certain energy every time they walk onto the sets. So I hope I managed to learn from them and I hope I have brought my best to the table. We were a diverse bunch who were bringing some very valuable contributions that it almost felt like the Olympics. It was the amalgamation of these unique energies that made it so interesting," said the Indian actor.## He has another international project in his kitty though he is tight-lipped about it.## Ali had made his Bollywood debut with a special appearance in the 2009 blockbuster "3 Idiots".## He then starred in "Always Kabhi Kabhi" (2011) and went on to achieve success with movies, including "Fukrey".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us