I

IANS News

1758 Articles

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

Oprah Winfrey Producing Apple Documentary On Sidney Poitier
1613 days ago
Hollywood

Oprah Winfrey Producing Apple Documentary On Sidney Poitier

Los Angeles, Jan 9 (IANS) A documentary about the career and life of the late Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win an Oscar, the Bahamanian thespian and diplomat, is in production at Apple.## A source close to the project has confirmed to variety.com. Oprah Winfrey is attached as executive producer for the Apple Original Films release.## Apple and Winfrey have been in production on the documentary for more than a year. Poitier's family is participating in the project.## The documentary comes from Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment. Reggie Hudlin will serve as a director. Hudlin's previous directorial credits include 90's films like 'House Party' and 'Boomerang', as well as episodes of TV series like 'The Last O.G.' and 'Black Monday'.## He is also a prolific producer across film and television, serving as a regular executive producer for the NAACP Image Awards since 2013. Hudlin directed the 2019 documentary 'The Black Godfather', which examines the life of music producer Clarence Avant.## Hudlin is also already executive producing two other projects for Apple TV Plus.## He will direct 'Number One on the Call Sheet', a documentary that examines the history of Black leading men in Hollywood. He is attached to a sister documentary about Black leading women, which Shola Lynch is set to direct.## Poitier, an accomplished performer, producer, and director and the first Black winner of the Academy Award for best actor died on Friday at the age of 94.## "To us, Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father and a man who always put family first," Poitier's family said in a statement.## "Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness".## "His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work but even more so with his humanity".## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Telugu Actor Producer Ramesh Babu, Elder Brother Of Mahesh Babu, Dies At 56
1613 days ago
Tollywood

Telugu Actor Producer Ramesh Babu, Elder Brother Of Mahesh Babu, Dies At 56

Hyderabad, Jan 9 (IANS) Telugu film star Mahesh Babu's elder brother, actor-turned-producer Ramesh Babu, died on Saturday at the age of 56 after a prolonged illness.## The eldest son of the celebrated Telugu actor and former MP, Ghatamaneni Siva Rama Krishna, Ramesh Babu started acting from the age of 12 and went on to perform memorably in films such as 'Bazaar Rowdy' and 'Mugguru Kodukulu', but he eventually became a producer and will be remembered for 'Arjun' as well as the two comedy-dramas presented by him, 'Dookudu' and 'Aagadu'.## The mortal remains of Ramesh Babu were placed at the Padmalaya Studios on Sunday from 11 a.m. onwards for people to pay their final respects. The last rites will take place at Mahaprasthanam around 12 noon.## As the family shared the news of Ramesh Babu's death on social media late on Saturday night, several members of the Telugu film industry offered their condolences.## The press note from the family members of Ramesh Babu reads: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Ghattamaneni Ramesh Babu Garu. He will continue to live on in our hearts forever".## In view of the Covid surge, the family requested their well-wishers to adhere to the safety protocols and avoid gathering at the cremation venue.## Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi took to Twitter to share his grief: "Shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Shri G.Ramesh Babu. My heartfelt condolences to Shri Krishna Garu, @urstrulyMahesh, and all the family members. May the Almighty give strength to the family to cope with the tragic loss".## Actor Sai Dharam Tej tweeted: "Saddened to know about the untimely passing on of Shri #GhattamaneniRameshBabu garu... My deepest condolences to Shri #GhattamaneniRameshBabu Garu's family. May his soul rest in peace … Om Shanthi".## A number of other Tollywood celebrities also expressed their shock as they shared their condolences over Ramesh Babu's death.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
BB 15: Geeta Tears Up Everyone's 'Ticket To Finale' Pic, Claims Nishant, Rakhi Are Winners
1613 days ago
TV

BB 15: Geeta Tears Up Everyone's 'Ticket To Finale' Pic, Claims Nishant, Rakhi Are Winners

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) The upcoming episode of 'Bigg Boss 15' will see some entertaining moments as several connections are entering to support the contestants.## Among them, one is choreographer Geeta Kapur, who lends her support to Nishant Bhat. In one of the tasks, Geeta tears up everyone's 'Ticket To Finale' photo and claims no one has really earned it except Rakhi Sawant and Nishant Bhat.## Geeta's said: "I think no one has really earned Ticket to Finale for themselves except Rakhi and that Nishant Bhat is more deserving than all others ticket to finale winners".## Geeta is entering the house with other connections including Divya Aggarwal, who would enter to show her support towards Karan Kundrra, Neha Bhasin for Shamita Shetty and Rahul Mahajan for Rakhi Sawant.## A task is given to the supporters wherein they were asked to tear off the photo reels of the Ticket To Finale holders and replace one with Devoleena, Nishant, or Pratik who aren't in the race.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Vicky Kaushal Requests Aanand L. Rai To Cast Him In Director's Next Film
1613 days ago
Bollywood

Vicky Kaushal Requests Aanand L. Rai To Cast Him In Director's Next Film

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal, whose wedding with Katrina Kaif was the center of attention recently, has made a public appeal to Aanand L. Rai for casting him in the director's next venture.## Vicky took to his Instagram story and posted the poster of Rai's recent directorial, 'Atrangi Re' starring Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush, and Akshay Kumar. Mightily impressed with the film, the 'Masaan' actor wrote on the picture, "Kitni pyaari Film hai... mazaa aa gaya! @saraalikhan95 such a difficult role to play and how wonderfully you have surrendered yourself to it".## He added, "@dhanushkraja absolutely genius. @akshaykumar Garda uda diye! @aanandlrai Cast me in your next Film Sir, please!"## 'Atrangi Re' took the direct-to-digital route as it released a positive response on Disney+ Hotstar.## As for Vicky, the actor will have three releases this year including 'Govinda Naam Mera', 'The Great Indian Family' and 'Mimi' director Laxman Utekar's next untitled film.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Helen Remembers Shammi Kapoor On 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'
1614 days ago
TV

Helen Remembers Shammi Kapoor On 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Enigmatic yesteryear actress and dancer Helen recalled late actor Shammi Kapoor on the singing reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. As Helen is appearing as a special guest, each contestant gave power-packed performances on her famous dance numbers.## While each of them has given their best it was Vraj and Rajashri's dance moves on the song 'O Haseena Zulfonwali Jane Jahan' from the film 'Teesri Manzil', that took Helen down memory lane.## Feeling nostalgic after witnessing Vraj and Rajashri's performance, Helen said: "Such a beautiful performance! I just went down memory lane, and it reminded me of Shammi Ji today. Shammi Ji, are you listening?. If he would have been here, he would have been so happy after seeing your performance".## She recalled working with the late actor and continued: "We both have worked in a lot of films together but let me tell you, he was a prankster, he used to make us all laugh on set. We have done rehearsals for this song around 8 to 10 times, and Shammi Ji had his style. He never used to do any rehearsals".## When Helen's husband and screenwriter Salim Khan made an appearance in the video, she reminisced how even he was part of the famous track 'O Haseena Zulfonwali Jane Jahan' and played drums on it.## She further added: "Salim Saab played a small role, too. He can be seen as Shammi Kapoor's musician friend in the film, and he also played the drums for the song 'O Haseena Zulfonwali Jane Jahan'".## 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa', judged by Himesh Reshammiya, Vishal Dadlani, Shankar Mahadevan and hosted by Aditya Narayan, airs on Zee TV.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Covid-Stricken Sathyaraj Likely To Be Out From Hospital In 2-3 Days
1614 days ago
Kollywood

Covid-Stricken Sathyaraj Likely To Be Out From Hospital In 2-3 Days

Chennai, Jan 8 (IANS) Tamil actor Sathyaraj, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital after having tested positive for Covid-19, is likely to be discharged in two or three days.## Sources close to Sathyaraj, while confirming this news, told IANS that the actor was recovering well.## "Actor Sathyaraj was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. He is recovering well. In fact, doctors have told him that he will be discharged in two or three days and that he might have to quarantine himself at home for a week or so after that," a source close to the actor informed.## It is not just Sathyaraj who has been admitted to the hospital. Well-known cinematographer and director Priyadarshan has been hospitalized.## Sources say that while Sathyaraj was admitted to a private hospital in Aminijikarai, director Priyadarshan was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in the city.## There has been a sudden spurt in the number of celebrities from the Tamil and Telugu film industries testing positive for Covid. Actress Trisha, music director Thaman, and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu are among those who recently announced that they had tested positive for Covid-19.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Vishal Dadlani, Down With Covid, Loses Father, Rues Not Being Able To Be With His Mother
1614 days ago
Bollywood

Vishal Dadlani, Down With Covid, Loses Father, Rues Not Being Able To Be With His Mother

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Singer and composer Vishal Dadlani, who has tested positive for Covid, lost his father after his gallbladder surgery went bad, and said that he could not even be there for his mother in her most difficult time.## Dadlani on Saturday posted a picture of his father on Instagram and wrote: "Shri Moti Dadlani (12 May 1943 -8 Jan 2022). Lost my best friend, the nicest and kindest man on earth, last night. I couldn't have asked for a better Father, or a better person to be my teacher for life. Anything good in me is just a pale reflection of him".## The musician added: "He was in ICU for the last 3/4 days (due to a gall bladder surgery that went bad) but I couldn't go from yesterday on because I tested positive for Covid.## "I can't even go hold my Mother in her most difficult time. It's really not fair".## "Thankfully, my sister is handling everything with far more strength than I would be able to muster up. I don't know how to live in a world without him. I'm completely lost".## Dadlani is seen as a judge on the singing reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa', alongside Himesh Reshammiya and Shankar Mahadevan.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Remo D'Souza Makes A Comeback On 'DID Li'l Masters 5'
1614 days ago
TV

Remo D'Souza Makes A Comeback On 'DID Li'l Masters 5'

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Renowned choreographer Remo D'Souza is making a comeback on the dance reality show 'Dance India Dance Li'l Masters 5'.## The show has run successfully for four seasons with some of the well-known faces among the panel of judges including Farah Khan, Sandip Soparrkar, Geeta Kapur, Ahmed Khan, Mudassar Khan, Marzi Pestonji, and Chitrangda Singh. Now Remo has been confirmed for Season 5 of the dance reality show while names of the other judges are still under wraps.## Remo is ecstatic about judging the show once again, as he shared: "DID Li'l Masters not only provides a national platform for the youngest talent in our country to showcase their dancing skills but also further polishes their skills and helps them grow as performing artists. It's an honour and absolute pleasure to be a part of this show because these young kids truly inspire me to the core".## He recalled Season 1 of the dance reality show and being a mentor on it.## "I remember making my debut with 'Dance India Dance 1' and being a mentor to the talent of this iconic show for several years. Now, coming back for the 5th season of 'DID Li'l Masters' is surreal and I can't wait to start shooting. I want all the contestants to dance their hearts out because it is their passion for dance that will help them make a place for themselves in the industry".## The auditions for 'DID Li'l Masters 5' started in January and will take place in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Guwahati, Vadodara, and Pune. Participants in the age group of 3 to 13 will compete against each other to become the ultimate Li'l Master.## 'Dance India Dance Li'l Masters 5' will be coming soon on Zee TV.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Zeeshan Khan Is Looking Forward To Resuming Acting
1614 days ago
TV

Zeeshan Khan Is Looking Forward To Resuming Acting

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Actor Zeeshan Khan claims he never regretted giving up his parallel lead role in Ekta Kapoor's long running show 'Kumkum Bhagya' for participating in the first season of 'Bigg Boss OTT'.## He says: "I never regret quitting my show being aware how big my role was in it. Of course, I was sad. I really loved the team. Shabir (Ahluwalia) sir, Sriti (Jha) are amazing people. But as I was heading towards a new journey in 'Bigg Boss' which was keeping me strong. And the 'Kumkum Bhagya' team was supportive about it".## The actor also mentioned that he has never called it quits for acting. After experiencing some good time for the reality TV show he would love to resume acting.## He adds: "I'm an actor and by God's grace will always be the one. I took a break from doing 'Bigg Boss' and am thinking of resuming acting. I'm looking forward to playing some challenging and promising roles. I want to portray a creative character filled with a lot of emotions and treats for my audience".## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Covid-Positive Swara Bhasker Slams Trolls Wishing Her Death
1614 days ago
Social Media

Covid-Positive Swara Bhasker Slams Trolls Wishing Her Death

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) Actress Swara Bha##sker, who tested Covid positive on Friday, has clapped back at trollers, who have wished her "death". Swara on Friday shared on Twitter that she has been isolated and is in quarantine. She even shared her symptoms.## She wrote: "Hello Covid! Just got my RT-PCR test resulted and have tested positive. Been isolating & in quarantine. Symptoms include fever, a splitting headache, and loss of taste. Double vaccinated so hope this passes soon. SO grateful for family & to be at home. Stay safe everyone".## The actress later shared a screenshot of her name trending on Twitter, where several users wrote 'Rest In Hell' with a picture of Swara.## Clapping back at her haters, Swara wrote: "And to my dear Nafrati Chintus and trolls praying for my demise.. doston apni bhaavnaaein kaabooo mein rakho.. mujhey kuch ho gaya toh aapki rozi roti chhin jaaegi.. ghar kaisey chalega (Friends keep your feelings in control� If something happens to me, how would you run your household?)".## Stay tuned...

Read Article
'Looop Lapeta' Heads To OTT For Feb 4 Release
1614 days ago
Digital Media

'Looop Lapeta' Heads To OTT For Feb 4 Release

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) 'Looop Lapeta' starring Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin will have a direct to OTT release on February 4. The comedy-thriller marks the directorial debut of Aakash Bhatia and is the official remake of Tom Tykwer's hugely popular film 'Run Lola Run'.## The film, which will be released on Netflix, tells the story of a girl, who is on a mission to rescue her boyfriend amidst a series of events that constantly prompts the lovers to make choices that define their future.## Talking about the film, Taapsee Pannu, who essays the role of Savi out to rescue her boyfriend, said, "I am excited to be a part of this next project with Netflix, especially with the film being such a versatile genre. This compelling story was extremely enjoyable to make along with my director, Aakash, and co-star, Tahir".## "I cannot wait for fans and audiences to watch this edge-of-the-seat film and enjoy it as much as we loved making it", she added.## Tahir Raj Bhasin, playing the role of Satya said, "I am so excited about the release of 'Looop Lapeta'. The film is a clutter-breaking take on new-age romance, and a genre I am exploring for the first time. I can't wait for the world to meet the characters Satya and Savi".## Praising his director, Tahir said, "Our director Aakash Bhatia has a unique style stamp that has created a visually stunning world where thrill and comedy combine for one crazy rollercoaster of an entertainer".## Director Aakash Bhatia added, "There's no way to downplay the exhilaration of making the first film and 'Looop Lapeta' has surpassed every bit of it. I'm extremely excited about the shape we have given it. It boldly jumps genres from comedy, thriller to romance and makes for a rollercoaster ride for audiences".## He credited his team for putting the film together, "A powerhouse ensemble cast and crew made this project what it is. The creative collaborators in Sony Pictures, Kasbekar, and Tanuj made for great producers on this debut journey. I'm elated that Netflix is the platform that the world gets to watch 'Looop Lapeta' on".## The film, produced by Sony Pictures Films India, Ellipsis Entertainment along with Aayush Maheshwari and written by Vinay Chhawal, Ketan Pedgaonkar, Aakash Bhatia, Arnav Vepa Nanduri will be available to stream on Netflix from February 4.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Asim Riaz Hints At Brother Umar's Eviction From 'Bigg Boss 15', Fans Shocked
1614 days ago
TV

Asim Riaz Hints At Brother Umar's Eviction From 'Bigg Boss 15', Fans Shocked

Mumbai, Jan 8 (IANS) 'Bigg Boss 15' could see the eviction of Umar Riaz from the house. Though nothing has been confirmed officially but post the tweet of his brother and former contestant Asim Riaz, fans are expressing their anger on social media.## Asim Riaz tweeted: "Well played @realumarriaz "Love you bro".## Post his tweet many expressed their anger, while others questioned if the news of his eviction is true.## One fan wrote: "Guys don't watch tomorrow episode please please..Just don't..it's clear crystal that Umar is Evicted now. It's hard to accept this unfairness..but that's the truth. And don't even think to vote for other contestants please don't".## As soon this news went viral on social media his fans started sharing their comments and calling this eviction unfair. 'NO UMAR RIAZ NO BB15' is trending on social media.## Another fan of 'Bigg Boss 15' wrote: "Flop show bigg boss 15'. On the other hand few demanded the makers to bring him back and commented: "We want Umar back".## Umar Riaz is a doctor by profession and brother of former 'Bigg Boss 13' contestant Asim Riaz. According to the sources Umar got evicted on Friday night because Bigg Boss was not happy with his behaviour and his violence inside the house.## During the 'Weekend Ka Vaar', Salman Khan slammed Umar Riaz for getting physical with Pratik Sehajpal. The eviction came as a shock because earlier makers have decided to do it on the basis of voting trends. Umar is among the strongest and popular contestants inside the house. He got the maximum number of votes and this was the reason his eviction got canceled initially.## In fact, Umar's father Riaz Ahmed Choudhary has recently shared his opinion and requested the makers and posted on Twitter asking to be fair with Umar, while he also agreed pushing and hitting is not in the rules.## He wrote: "BB BE FAIR WITH UMAR Yes pushing, hitting is not allowed in #Biggboss house but during task, there is always an attempt by the competitors to instigate leads heated arguments or pushing doesn't mean violation as Bigg Boss always repeats play task with motivation @ColorsTV".## Well, the makers have not confirmed the eviction of Umar Riaz and we have to wait till the 'Weekend Ka Vaar' episode goes on air.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Prev Next