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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

This is when Hina Khan feels 'prettiest'
2238 days ago
TV

This is when Hina Khan feels 'prettiest'

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Actress Hina Khan shared a stunning post-workout photograph of herself and said she feels the prettiest when she sweats.## Hina took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of herself flaunting her post-workout glow. She is seen dressed in white-and-gray exercise gear.## "I feel Prettiest when I Sweat... #WorkOutWithHinaKhan#WorkOutInStyle," she captioned the image, which has over 303K likes.## Amid lockdown, Hina took to sketching to show the present situation of the country. She shared a sketch resembling a map of India, tied with a lock and chain.## On the acting front, the actress was last seen onscreen in Vikram Bhatt's "Hacked".## The film explored the dark side of the digital and social media world. It also features actors Rohan Shah, Mohit Malhotra, and Sid Makkar.## Stay tuned...

Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaz Gill join TV stars in Bigg Boss-style video to encourage lockdown
2238 days ago
TV

Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaz Gill join TV stars in Bigg Boss-style video to encourage lockdown

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) "Bigg Boss" 13 hit couple Sidharth Shukla and Shehnaz Gill, along with a slew of TV actors including Mouni Roy, Divyanka Tripathi, Anita Hasnandani, Karan V. Grover, Erica Fernandes, and Karishma Tanna, are among celebrities who have come together for a special video urging people to stay indoors amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## Surbhi Jyoti, Aditi Sharma, Aasif Sheikh, Maniesh Paul, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Sehban Azim, Reem Shaikh, Parth Samthaan and Vikram Singh Chauhan also feature in the video, which is inspired by the format of "Bigg Boss", and it imagines what would happen if all these stars were to live together amid the pandemic.## Sharing the video on social media, Ekta Kapoor, who has produced the video, wrote: "These unprecedented times call for all of us to be alone, yet together! Here's an attempt, a made-at-home video, for which all of us from the Television Fraternity got together to voice our solidarity and give hope. #TvFraternityStandsTogether."## Choreographer Remo D'Souza is seen playing the role of Bigg Boss in the video. From telling actors the importance of staying home to making them help each other in household chores, Remo gives a funny and informative take to virtual Bigg Boss.## Stay tuned...

Patiala Babes producers to support workers till lockdown ends
2238 days ago
TV

Patiala Babes producers to support workers till lockdown ends

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Despite being terminated abruptly, "Patiala Babes" producers have decided to pay a stipend to workers and the creative team till the lockdown ends.## They will be giving stipend ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25000 per person to over 60 team members.## "Patiala Babes" was terminated owing to the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.## The show's writer-producer Rajita Sharma has expressed her sadness and trauma in the story "remaining unfinished and untold".## "It was encouraging that Sony gave us a platform to bring to life our very bold narrative. Since the whole world is under siege, these times call for some unfortunate but necessary measures. 'Patiala Babes' will always remain close to our heart," Rajita added.## "The pandemic seems to be preparing for a long haul and as the show is shut, our workers are jobless." Vivek Budakoti and Rajita pointed out.## "We have decided to share whatever little profit we earned with our fellow workers who made us what we are as a production house," they said.## They have announced that the daily wage workers, including light men, spot boys, setting workers, sound assistants, assistant directors, production assistants, and the creative team will be given a regular fixed stipend every month till the time the lockdown is in effect.## "This is our commitment and support to our colleagues and will be on for as much time it takes for the industry to resume shoot," they added.## Stay tuned...

TV viewership up 40 percent in India in Covid era: Report
2238 days ago
TV

TV viewership up 40 percent in India in Covid era: Report

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Compared to the pre-Covid period, television viewership in India increased by 40 percent as more and more people stay at home due the restrictions, said a report on Thursday.## In the week starting April 11, individuals watching TV for all seven days increased to 48 percent, according to the latest report by TV viewership monitoring agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) and data measurement firm Nielsen.## For the study, the pre-Covid-19 period referred to January 13-February 2.## The highest growth in TV viewership was recorded in some of the biggest metros like Delhi and Mumbai, according to the report.## The results showed that viewership growth in the 15-21 age group is driven largely by the urban market.## The 15-21 age group contribute to 16 percent of the total TV viewership in India, said the report.## Compared to the pre-Covid period, the average time spent on TV in Mumbai grew by one hour and 42 minutes. In Delhi, the time spent rose by around an hour and 26 minutes.## In Mumbai and Delhi, where Covid-19 cases are among the highest in the country, news consumption on TV grew by 251 percent and 177 percent respectively.## Growth in movie viewership is coming largely from pay platforms across urban and rural markets - 82 percent and 69 percent respectively.## News stays strong in the Hindi speaking market with over 200 percent growth in week 15 over the pre-Covid period, said the report.## Stay tuned...

Karanvir Bohra launches 'Lockdown with KV'
2240 days ago
TV

Karanvir Bohra launches 'Lockdown with KV'

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Actor Karanvir Bohra has come up with a fun-filled and informative live series titled "Lockdown with KV".## "The idea right now is to keep people engaged, talking and importantly listening and watching good content to keep their minds diverted from the ongoing stressful situation," he said.## "So that's what my second live series 'Lockdown with KV' is aiming at. The first main idea which is to just talk to people from different walks of life and understand their lives and routines and importantly coping skills during these trying and testing times" added the actor, who had earlier brought in his celebrity friends for a 21-question series on Instagram.## With a dash of fun and candid conversation, the series will try to keep the atmosphere light and stress-free.## Meanwhile, Karanvir has cooked halwa for his wife Teejay Sidhu to celebrate 13 years of togetherness.## The couple, who are parents to two daughters, have stepped into their 13th year of marriage. Owing to the current lockdown though, they are celebrating it in a simple way at home.## Karanvir stepped into the kitchen to make some halwa for Teejay.## Speaking about spending quality time at home for their anniversary this year, Karanvir shared: "I have made something special for Teejay and that is the legendary halwa! It is something healthy and a dish that can be made quickly too. The kids love eating it as well. So due to the lockdown, that's how we brought in our 13th year anniversary at home this time, with lots of quality time together."## Stay tuned...

COVID-19 effect: 'Patiala Babes', 'Isharon Isharon Mein', 'Beyhadh 2' terminated
2241 days ago
TV

COVID-19 effect: 'Patiala Babes', 'Isharon Isharon Mein', 'Beyhadh 2' terminated

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) The television shows "Patiala Babes", "Isharon Isharon Mein" and "Beyhadh 2" have suddenly been terminated owing to the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.## "'Isharon Isharon Mein', 'Beyhadh 2' and 'Patiala Babes' are finite fiction shows and the nature and the pace of the narrative is time-bound. Given that all shoots have been stalled since March, owing to the unprecedented situation we are in, these shows couldn't shoot their logical ends," a statement from Sony Entertainment Television issued on Tuesday said.## "All the three shows have had a good spell and would have paved way to newer narratives eventually, had the shoots been functional. Having said that, keeping best interests of all in mind and in a joint agreement with the producers, it has been decided to terminate these shows, as of now," it was further stated.## However, actors Sourabh Raaj Jain, who played an important role "Patiala Babes", and Shivin Narang, one of the protagonists of "Beyhadh 2", have no hard feelings.## "We are living in unprecedented times and due to the lockdown, there is no clarity on when shooting will resume. Hence, we were informed that a mutual decision was taken by the channel and our makers that the show goes off the air. It was always a finite series and Neil (his character) and Mini's pairing was really loved by the audience. I have personally loved playing Neil and he will always remain extremely close to my heart," Sourabh told IANS.## Shivin Narang is okay with the channel's decision. "To be honest as a team, even we don't have the clarity yet. But considering the situation we are in, anything is possible. 'Beyhadh 2' is a big brand, a show with its own huge following," he said.## "Personally, I feel it's a finite show already reaching its end if we can complete the end that will do justice to the show and the viewers. But yes, it's not only us, the whole world, but the whole industry is also suffering, so we are okay with whatever the channel decides," he added.## Meanwhile, fans have started #DontEndPatialaBabes on Twitter, and Sourabh has requested them not to be rude with their demand.## "My dear tweeples, What has happened is definitely saddening for all of us, I request all of you to not be rude with anyone....this shall too pass...stay safe and spread love .....need ur love and support, even more, this time.#patialababes," tweeted Sourabh.## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

Rani Lakshmibai's story of valour back on TV after 11 years
2243 days ago
TV

Rani Lakshmibai's story of valour back on TV after 11 years

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) The historical show "Jhansi Ki Rani" is returning to the small screen after 11 years, to boost optimism and motivation among viewers during these challenging days of COVID-19.## A tale of an ordinary girl who went on to become an extraordinary ruler, "Jhansi Ki Rani" narrated the life story of Rani Lakshmibai, whose persistent resistance against the British Rule remains a story of inspiration for all.## Actress Ulka Gupta essayed the younger version of the brave warrior in the show.## "I feel really blessed to have been a part of the show. The love that I have received for playing Lakshmi Bai has been overwhelming and I am really delighted that the character is back once again to entertain the audience," said Ulka.## "'Jhansi Ki Rani' is a tale of strength and bravery that is sure to ignite a spirit of courage amongst all of us at a time when we all need to stay strong and fight this concern just like the true warrior Rani Lakshmibai did," she added.## The show also starred Kratika Sengar as Rani Lakshmibai.## The audience can revisit the tale of this young warrior starting April 20 on Zee TV.## Stay tuned...

Ex-Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan arrested over alleged hate speech
2243 days ago
TV

Ex-Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan arrested over alleged hate speech

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actor and former "Bigg Boss" contestant Ajaz Khan has been arrested for allegedly making objectionable remarks in a Facebook post.## The actor was arrested by Khar Police Station on Saturday after he made some objectionable comments during a Facebook live session, according to a report in timesofIndia.com.## The police have reportedly charged Ajaz with hate speech, defamation and violation of prohibitory orders.## This is not the first time the police have taken action against Ajaz, who shot to fame participating in "Bigg Boss 7". Last July, he was arrested by Mumbai Cyber Police for posting objectionable videos promoting communal hatred.## Stay tuned...

Bharti, Harsh divide duties while shooting new gag series at home
2244 days ago
TV

Bharti, Harsh divide duties while shooting new gag series at home

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Popular comedian Bharti Singh and her screenwriter husband Harsh Limbachiyaa have conceptualized and created a show called "Hum Tum Aur Quarantine", an on-air series of gags. Bharti says she and her husband have divided roles and responsibilities for the shooting of the show, and they are working in sync to deliver entertainment to viewers amidst this lockdown.## "We have divided our chores at home, so if I cook he helps with the cleaning. Similarly, we've divided roles and responsibilities for the shooting of 'Hum Tum Aur Quarantine'. I love experimenting with looks so I have happily taken over styling and hair and make-up for both Harsh and myself, so you can see that is the reason why we both look so good onscreen," Bharti said.## The show, which airs on Colors, gives the audience a glimpse into the quarantine life of the actors from its popular shows like "Choti Sarrdaarni", "Shakti Astitva Ehsaas Kii", "Naati Pinky Kii Lambi Love story" and "Pavitra Bhagya".## From sharing their experiences, cooking for each other, discussing the current issues, playing virtual antakshari, dancing together, to going on balcony dates, the actors' lockdown diaries are aired as snippets during the primetime slot.## "Bharti is amazing with the technical aspect of Hum Tum Aur Quarantine. But since she feels that I don't do any work at home at all, she makes sure that I direct the series, shoot it, handle other series-related stuff and the equipment that we need to set up and fix every time we begin. However, Bharti does add her own tadka in the scripting and makes the scenes even more fun. It's definitely an experience we both are enjoying together," Harsh said.## Stay tuned...

Tarun Khanna: Playing Lord Shiva has brought changes in my life
2244 days ago
TV

Tarun Khanna: Playing Lord Shiva has brought changes in my life

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actor Tarun Khanna has played Lord Shiva multiple times, and he isn't tired of it. He says being Lord Shiva for the TV screen has made him more sensitive and compassionate in real life.## "I believe that playing a certain role does influence your life. And my on-screen character of Lord Shiva has definitely brought changes in my real life. I have become more sensitive and compassionate. My outlook towards life has become more positive," Tarun told IANS.## "Namah", "RadhaKrishn" and "Santoshi Maa" are some of the shows in which he donned the godly avatar.## Talking about his new show, he said: "The main reason for me to say yes to 'Devi - Aadi Parashakti', which airs on Dangal TV, was that yet again, I got an opportunity to essay the role of Lord Shiva.## "Earlier I did portray the character of Lord Shiva numerous times but those stories were focussed on other mythological characters. However, in 'Devi...', I finally got a chance to be the lead opposite the central character of Devi, which is essayed by my co-star Rati Pandey."## Asked if there were any restrictions or limitations in getting another type of role, he said: "Limitations are a part of an actor's life. But the power to overcome them lies within us. During 'Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev', where I portrayed the character of Ravan, I had expressed my desire to play the character of Lord Shiva. However, I was told by the casting head to not focus on playing Lord Shiva as my features didn't match the requirement. Later, the same person offered me the role of Lord Shiva in one of his shows."## He has no plans of taking a break from mythology shows. "If a good role comes, I wouldn't mind doing mythology again," he said.## Tarun has also played negative roles on screen.## "I always strive to be a versatile actor. I work hard on intricate details to add depth to my characters. For example, to add spice to a negative character, I trained myself in raising both the eyebrows separately for two years to achieve perfection," said the "Mere Sai" actor.## As of now, he is using the quarantine time to do many things.## "I am watching the performances of my fellow industry friends because that is the best way to learn and grow. To keep myself fit, I am working out regularly and ensuring that I spend good quality time with my family," he said.## Stay tuned...

'Chhota Bheem' to air on Doordarshan amid COVID-19 lockdown
2244 days ago
TV

'Chhota Bheem' to air on Doordarshan amid COVID-19 lockdown

Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) The popular children's cartoon series, "Chhota Bheem", is all set to be back on the small screen amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.## The animation, which has originally airs on Pogo and features the superhero Bheem, will go on-air on Doordarshan National from April 17 to May 3.## Currently, the Doordarshan channel is re-telecasting some of its old shows in order to keep people entertained amid the coronavirus lockdown. And with the return of over three-decade-old Hindu mythology show "Ramayan ", Doordarshan reportedly garnered over 170 million viewers in four episodes last week.## Announcing the partnership between Pogo and Doordarshan to rerun "Chhota Bheem", Siddharth Jain, managing director of WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks in South Asia, said: "These are challenging times and we believe that POGO's fun-filled, relatable content will keep kids engaged and entertained. We are very pleased to collaborate with a platform as distinguished and popular as Doordarshan. The agreement ensures that an even larger number of young viewers across the country will be able to enjoy ‘Chhota Bheem'."## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

Sidharth Shukla 'exempted' from cooking at home
2244 days ago
TV

Sidharth Shukla 'exempted' from cooking at home

Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) As a "Bigg Boss 13" contestant, actor Sidharth Shukla had to get his hands dirty by doing the dishes and other household chores including cooking. With the nationwide lockdown on, many have brought out the inner chef in them but Sidharth is not one of them.## The "Bigg Boss 13" winner engaged in some Q and A with fans on Twitter on Friday.## One of his fans asked him: "Do u still cook at home daily? "## "Well, fortunately, mom didn't like it much and thought it was better if she did the needful, so I am exempted," the actor replied.## There is one thing he likes to do the most during the lockdown period - "Sleep".## Although he is yearning to get back to work.## When one of his fans asked him where he would like to go after the lockdown ended, the "Balika Vadhu" actor said: "To some set for work."## He also gave his fans some advice.## When one asked the best way to overcome failure, Sidharth replied: "Is to know that after every night there is a day."## As for the driving force that made him who he is today, he gave credit to his "strong upbringing and the want to be different"## Stay tuned...

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