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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

'Pyaar Karona': Salman Khan comes up with a song on coronavirus
2244 days ago
Bollywood

'Pyaar Karona': Salman Khan comes up with a song on coronavirus

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Superstar Salman Khan is again set to showcase his singing skills as he sung a song, titled "Pyaar Karona", aiming to cheer up people amid the coronavirus lockdown.## Written by Salman and Hussain Dalal, "Pyaar Karona" will be released on Salman's YouTube channel on Monday.## Sharing the news among his followers, Salman took to social media and wrote: "So I'm posting from my handle to let you know that tomorrow on my YouTube channel, mine kya? It's ours! A song out tomorrow on it, hope you can handle it."## Along with it, Salman shared the song's teaser video in which he is is seen singing, "pyaar karona, aitraat karona."## Music composers Sajid and Wajid have composed the track.## Apart from this, Salman has been seen creating COVID-19 awareness among people through his videos on social media.## Recently, he came out with a very serious message for those who have violated the COVID-19 lockdown. He even called the violators "jokers".## Salman is currently self-isolating at his Panvel farmhouse.## Stay tuned...

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When 'Joker' Joaquin Phoenix was almost cast as Batman
2244 days ago
Hollywood

When 'Joker' Joaquin Phoenix was almost cast as Batman

Los Angeles, April 18 (IANS) "Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix was almost cast as Batman way back in the nineties.## After George Clooney's 1997 outing as the caped crusader in "Batman & Robin" flopped, "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky was tipped to direct a new Batman film, and Phoenix was his first choice for the role.## Aronofsky said that he wanted to re-invent Batman and suggested Phoenix as the leading role, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "The studio wanted Freddie Prinze Jr. and I wanted Joaquin Phoenix. It was a different time. The Batman I wrote was definitely a way different type of taking than they ended up making," Aronofsky tells Empire of his plans for "Batman: Year One".## He added: "The Batman that was out before me was 'Batman & Robin', the famous one with the nipples on the Batsuit, so I was really trying to undermine that, and reinvent it. That's where my head went."## However, Aronofsky's vision of Batman never got realized because the project never went into production.## Nearly a decade later after "Batman & Robin", Christopher Nolan would revive the caped crusader with "Batman Begins" in 2005, the first of his genre-bending "Dark Knight" series of blockbusters. Christian Bale essayed Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne in Nolan's trilogy.## Meanwhile, the title "Batman: Year One" has been used for an animation film, released in 2011 and directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu.## While Ben Affleck played Batman in "Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice" and "Justice League", Robert Pattinson will be taking the role in Matt Reeves' upcoming film "The Batman".## Earlier this year, Phoenix bagged an Oscar for playing Batman's nemesis the Joker in Todd Phillips' 2019 hit "Joker".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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John Abraham lauds India's spirit of unity during COVID-19 battle
2244 days ago
Bollywood

John Abraham lauds India's spirit of unity during COVID-19 battle

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Action star John Abraham lauds India in a new video created by his "Satyameva Jayate" director Milap Milan Zaveri. John says he wanted to be a part of this gesture that tells people how strong they have become by uniting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## As people across the country band together to battle against one common enemy -- the novel coronavirus pandemic -- Milap decided to do his bit. The filmmaker created a motivational video that talks about the strength of India stemming from the unity of its people.## John recites a poem titled "Mera Bharat Mahaan" in the video, which has been penned by Milap.## "When Milap came to me with this idea, I knew I had to do it. I wanted to be a part of this gesture that tells people how strong we have become by uniting in this dire situation and thank those who are risking their lives every day to help others. Humanity as a race is facing this threat on a global level and it is our job to help, motivate and inspire each other in any way we can. Through this video, we just wanted to tell everyone out there that we shall overcome this," said John.## Talking about the video and his inspiration behind it, Milap said: "My inspiration comes from the power that we as a country have shown to fight this situation. We have stood together in this battle and are continuing to do so every day by following the protocol and staying safe in our homes."## "At the same time, the major reason we will win this battle is due to the medical professionals and policemen who are out there trying to save everyone they can. The video is dedicated to all these Bravehearts and to the entire country. I wanted to do my bit, to show the people how they are heroes. Thanks to the cooperation of my team and of course, John, we have tried to show our gratitude by capturing what we all feel," he added.## The video is conceptualized and written by Milap and edited by Maahir Zaveri and Sagar Manik. The tune is given by Lijo George with Azeem Dayani as the music supervisor and sound design and mix provided by Kunal Mehta and Parikshit Lalvani.## Stay tuned...

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Kangana Ranaut: Rangoli and I 'will publicly apologize' if anyone finds an offensive tweet
2244 days ago
Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut: Rangoli and I 'will publicly apologize' if anyone finds an offensive tweet

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut has come up in support of her sister Rangoli Chandel, whose verified Twitter account was suspended recently over a controversial post.## Kangana's sister and manager Rangoli's post was reported by several people who considered it a hate tweet.## The actress shared an Instagram video message on Saturday where she says if anyone can find a tweet where Rangoli says anything offensive, "then we both will publicly apologize for ".## "My sister Rangoli Chandel had specifically mentioned that people who have attacked doctors and police personnel should be shot dead," Kangana says in her video message, adding that celebrities like "Farah Ali Khan Ji and Reema Kagti Ji made a false allegation" that Rangoli's comment was community-specific.## The actress added that she and her sister did not believe that every person "attacking doctors and cops" belonged to any particular community.## Kangana also took a dig at Twitter for blocking her sister's account. "I know the nation is going through a lot right now but we have to find a way to completely demolish these (social media) platforms and start our own platforms," she said.## Towards the end of the video message, the actress referred to a controversial video of wrestler Babita Phogat. "I saw Babita Phogat ji's video today. The way she is being harassed, I would request the central government to provide her security in this hour," she said.## Stay tuned...

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Rani Lakshmibai's story of valour back on TV after 11 years
2244 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...

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Arjun Kapoor: Love is the most unifying emotion
2244 days ago
Bollywood

Arjun Kapoor: Love is the most unifying emotion

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) The romantic drama "2 States", starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor was released six years ago on this date and highlighted the feel-good romance of a Punjabi boy and a Tamil girl.## on Saturday, Arjun spoke to real-life couples who were culturally opposite and yet found common ground in love, noting that love was the most unifying emotion.## " '2 States' is and will always be one of the most special films of my life and on its sixth anniversary, I'm trying to do something really special. For me, love is the most unifying emotion and it transcends all barriers. I will be highlighting some really special, real-life love stories on my social media," Arjun said.## "2 States", an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's bestseller novel of the same name, was directed by Abhishek Varman.## "I will be speaking to some couples who come from poles apart from cultural backgrounds but have found their pure love to be the perfect glue between them and their contrasting families. These couples truly highlight the spirit of our film's core messaging - 2 states, One love and I can't wait to speak to them and tell you all more about their fantastic love stories!" Arjun said.## Stay tuned...

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Ex-Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan arrested over alleged hate speech
2244 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...

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Bharti, Harsh divide duties while shooting new gag series at home
2245 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...

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Sam Smith to self-isolate after showing COVID-19 symptoms
2245 days ago
Hollywood

Sam Smith to self-isolate after showing COVID-19 symptoms

Los Angeles, April 18 (IANS) Singer Sam Smith says he may have contracted the coronavirus two weeks before the lockdown began in the UK.## Smith's sister exhibited symptoms, and in a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the "Stay With Me" singer said they caught the infection even though he was never tested, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "I know I have it, 100 percent have it. I'm just going to assume that I did because everything I've read completely pointed to that. I think I definitely had it. And then as soon as I had it, my sister five days after me started getting the same symptoms who are living with me, he said."## The two then self-isolated for three weeks to make sure they were clear of the virus.## "It was clear. Because I've got an older nan (grandmother) and stuff, so we didn't want to risk anything. I got it about two weeks before the U.K. really hit. Well, I think I got it. I don't 100 percent know, but I got it and then as everyone was kind of really on lockdown, that's when I got over it, luckily."## Stay tuned...

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Hema Malini, Javed Akhtar condemn Moradabad attack on medical team
2245 days ago
Bollywood

Hema Malini, Javed Akhtar condemn Moradabad attack on medical team

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress-politician Hema Malini and poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar have condemned the attack on a medical team and the stone pelting at an ambulance in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad earlier this week.## Calling it "utterly disgusting", Hema Malini tweeted on Saturday: "Friends, I'm sure u must have read abt/watched how our brave corona warriors have been attacked in certain pockets with stone-pelting causing severe injuries to them. Docs, nurses, policemen, none are spared! Utterly disgusting! These ppl are sacrificing so much-treat them with respect."## The actress also shared a video message in Hindi, where she says: "This kind of behavior is not expected during the second lockdown. Just a couple of days ago, some people attacked an ambulance, pelted stones and spat on it. You should be ashamed. Please save some amount of humanity within yourself."## "Corona warriors are risking their lives to help us stay safe in this dangerous situation. Those who are attacking Doctors, health workers, police force and journalists should be taught a lesson. We are alive due to corona warriors please don't forget this. I would request the administration to take strong action against the offenders," she added.## Javed Akhtar also took to Twitter on Saturday to condemn the incident, calling it a "matter of great shame".## He wrote: "I can't imagine how ignorant one has to be to attack those who are at the risk of their own lives are out there to save other lives What has happened in Moradabad is a matter of great shame I request the educated people of that city to somehow contact and educate such ignorants."## On Wednesday, a mob in Moradabad's Nawabpura area tried to stop a medical team from taking a novel coronavirus-infected man into isolation. They hurled stones at an ambulance injuring one doctor and three paramedics. A police vehicle was also damaged in the attack.## Seventeen persons, including seven women, were arrested after the incident.## Earlier, Bollywood personalities like producer Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker Onir and actress Swara Bhasker condemned the attack.## Stay tuned...

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Hrithik Roshan wishes birthday to 4-year-old fan
2245 days ago
Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan wishes birthday to 4-year-old fan

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan made a four-year-old boy's birthday extra special by sending him a special message.## A social media user took to Twitter, where she shared a video of her toddler son talking about her favorite actor Hrithik.## She captioned it: "Sir @iHrithik My son Ved turns 4 today. He is a big big fan of yours and thinks himself as you . If you could please wish him, he will be extremely happy. Here is his fan moment just for you."## To which, Hrithik replied: "Too sweet. Belated birthday wishes to Ved...all my love."## Amid lockdown due to coronavirus, Hrithik has decided to provide 1.2 lakh nutritious cooked meals for those who are unable to provide for themselves in these times of COVID-19 lockdown.## Hrithik has also provided N95 and FFP3 masks for the BMC workers and caretakers.## Stay tuned...

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Esha Gupta: 'REJCTX2' teaser looks fantastic
2245 days ago
Digital Media

Esha Gupta: 'REJCTX2' teaser looks fantastic

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress Esha Gupta is excited about her digital debut with "REJCTX 2", and says he had fun shooting for the series.## "Our ‘REJCTX2' teaser looks fantastic! All the characters have done a fabulous job and I had a great time shooting with them and the entire crew," Esha said.## Esha will be playing the role of a Singaporean police officer. The second season of the series, directed and produced by Goldie Behl, promises to be high on action and drama. ZEE5 released "REJCTX2" teaser on Friday.## The teaser gives a glimpse of the "privileged rich kids of the Jefferson World School" from Esha's character's viewpoint.## "Goldie has been a delight to work with. My character is quite interesting. Even though I have played the role of a police officer before, this one is glamorous yet strong. I would like everyone to watch Season 1 on ZEE5 and catch up because Season 2 is coming soon. Can't wait to hear what everyone has to say about this one, god willing, the audience would give us as much love in this as they've given me all these years," she added.## The show will also feature Masi Wali, Anisha Victor, Saadhika Syal, Ayush Khurana, Ridhi Khakhar, Prabhneet Singh, Pooja Shetty and Tanvi Shinde besides Esha and Sumeet Vyas.## For more and latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned with us.

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