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

AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi upset with recreated version of 'Masakali'
2254 days ago
Bollywood

AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi upset with recreated version of 'Masakali'

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and lyricist Prasoon Joshi don't seem happy with a newly recreated version of their 2009 gem, "Masakali". The duo had created the song for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film "Delhi-6", and on Thursday joined a growing band of social media users who have conveyed their disappointment over the new number.## Without mentioning the name of "Masakali 2.0", Rahman tweeted: "No short cuts, properly commissioned, sleepless nights, writes and re-writes. Over 200 musicians, 365 days of creative brainstorming with the main aim to produce music that can last generations. A team of a Director, a Composer, and a Lyric supported by actors, dance directors, and a relentless film crew."## Along with it, Rahman shared a link to the original song, which makes it obvious what he is referring to.## Sonam Kapoor, on whom the original song was picturized, retweeted Rahman's tweet.## Lyricist Prasoon Joshi urged fans to stand for originality. "All songs were written for #Delhi6 including #Masakali close to heart, sad to see when the original creation of @arrahman@prasoonjoshi_ &singer @_MohitChauhan insensitively utilized," Joshi wrote.## Taking a direct jibe at the music label T-Series, which has brought out the remix, the lyricist added: "Up to the conscience of @Tseries... Hopefully, the fans will stand for originality."## "Masakali 2.0" is sung by Tulsi Kumar and Sachet Tandon, with music by Tanishk Bagchi. The song is picturized on Tara Sutaria and Sidharth Malhotra.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Big B distributing 2000 food packets across Mumbai daily
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Big B distributing 2000 food packets across Mumbai daily

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has started distributing 2000 packets of food daily to provide lunch and dinner to the needy across Mumbai amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This gesture in addition to providing monthly ration to one lakh households of daily wage workers associated with the All India Film Employees Confederation.## The actor took to his blog to talk about his social service. "Meanwhile on the personal front .. 2000 packets of food are being given each day for lunch and dinner at various locations over the city .. and the larger bags of a monthly provision about 3000 bags, which would take care of at 12,000 months is in process," he wrote.## He even revealed the locations where the needy were being fed.## "Most of the feeding is taking place at the Haji Ali dargah, the Mahim dargah, the Babulnath Temple, the slum in Bandra and a few other slums in the interior North of the city .. it is so difficult to cover as many as we may want to .. but..."## The actor then highlighted the practical problems faced in the transportation of supplies because of the nationwide lockdown.## "The process has its problems .. the lockdown has now made it illegal to step out of the house and living areas .. so even though I have been able to get the bags ready its transportation causes problems," he wrote.## "One cargo vehicle can carry 50-60 bags of the essential package .. so 3000 packages would involve so many more vehicles .. the vehicles is not the problem, it's their movement that is restricted."## The problem is not just in transportation but also during the distribution of food, because slum-dwellers who have been starving over the past few days tend to get unruly and impatient during the distribution of food. This often creates a stampede-like situation.## "The authorities are saying that when the package arrives, people, especially those in the slums for whom the material is specially packed, have not eaten for 3-4 days and they rush for the vehicle to pick up their package, which almost causes a stampede and the Police cannot allow that to happen, with the conditions of 'social distancing', "Big B wrote.## The actor also revealed that he gives instructions to carry out the process in the right way.## "Even where the daily food is being distributed I have insisted that proper lines are formed keeping distances from one another .. the volunteers, thank the Lord are working tirelessly in extreme conditions to make sure of its proper functioning .. it is a tough task .. but what can be done .. the cues are large and with each passing day are getting bigger and bigger," he said in his post.## Lauding the people associated with the process, he expressed: "We try to provide .. but getting the provision to reach the needy is an exercise! Something will work out I hope and pray .. I get a video and pictures of all the procedures happening each hour so I can give instructions .. which is a great help .. and of course the team that works day and night is incredibly diligent."## Meanwhile, Big B also took to Twitter to express words of gratitude for supply warriors who are risking their lives to serve the nation in this hour of crisis.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Mahesh Babu thanks Telangana Police in COVID-19 battle
2254 days ago
Tollywood

Mahesh Babu thanks Telangana Police in COVID-19 battle

Hyderabad, April 9 (IANS) Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu on Thursday took a moment to appreciate the efforts of the Telangana Police for working day and night to ensure that the nationwide lockdown, implemented to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, is a success.## "I want to take this moment to wholeheartedly thank the Telangana police force for spearheading the battle against COVID-19. Their relentless hard work is absolutely outstanding. Immense gratitude for safeguarding our lives and the health of our families during these most challenging times !!## "Saluting your selfless dedication towards our country and it's people.#TelanganaPolice #StayHomeStaySafe," Mahesh Babu wrote.## The lockdown came into effect on March 24.## A few days ago, Mahesh Babu urged everyone to practice social distancing as well as fear distancing.## "Besides social distancing and maintaining good hygiene, there is something as important that needs our attention- #FearDistancing - Keeping ourselves away from people and news that creates panic and fear. Fake news is a real issue! Stay away from misguided information," he had tweeted.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Pushpavalli' actor Manish Anand has a 'complex character' in upcoming film
2254 days ago
Digital Media

Pushpavalli' actor Manish Anand has a 'complex character' in upcoming film

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actor Manish Anand, who has appeared in the web series "Pushpavalli", is awaiting the release of his movie called "The Tenant" alongside actress Shamita Shetty. He says he portrayed a complex character that he enjoyed playing.## The film has been directed by Sushrut Jain, who is based in Los Angeles.## Talking about his role, Manish shared: "The character that I play is called Ajay. He is a complex character that I really enjoyed playing on the screen. He has got multiple shades."## "The film should be ready for a theatrical release soon. I urge everyone to take all the precautions and commit to all the protocols given by the government. We would have some great entertainment once this disease is dealt with," he said referring to COVID-19 due to which theatres are shut and most people are working from home.## Manish has signed up another movie for which he is learning Arabic online.## "It's an ensemble project. I absolutely love the concept. Unfortunately, I can't divulge the details. The world is going through a difficult time. We are in our homes and I am just finding the best way to kill time and also preparing for my next," he said.## "Arabic has been going good and it will prove very important for the movie. Hope we get over this pandemic soon," he added.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Urvashi Dholakia launches her chat show
2254 days ago
TV

Urvashi Dholakia launches her chat show

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actress Urvashi Dholakia has launched her digital chat show called "Trending Now".## In these times of lockdown and home quarantine, Urvashi hopes to make good use of the digital platform by creating personalized content that is informative as well as light and fun.## Through the course of the show, Urvashi will be seen chatting up with personalities from diverse fields.## She has interviewed celebrities like Tony Kakkar, Sriti Jha, and Sumona Chakravarti.## Speaking about "Trending Now", Urvashi said: "Digital media has taken over every possible medium at this moment, and it is the one thing that is successfully moving forward on a high."## "So I too thought of making good use of this space, especially during this home quarantine phase where people are only resorting to what's happening in the digital space. The idea of a candid, fun and light chat show was something that instantly crossed my mind because I am someone who loves to talk and connect with people, and get the best out of them with my humorous and witty side!" she added.## Through "Trending Now", she will be revealing a different side of each guest, bringing out what people don't really know about them.## "All my conversations will be fun, witty, quirky and informative of course, which is what we all need at the moment. But the main aim through them is to lighten the worrisome atmosphere we are living in right now, with a great mind diverter which 'Trending Now' will definitely offer," she said.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Nikkhil Advani: Vir Das will be interesting to watch in 'Hasmukh'
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Nikkhil Advani: Vir Das will be interesting to watch in 'Hasmukh'

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Nikkhil Advani's upcoming show "Hasmukh" features Vir Das as a reluctant killer, and the Bollywood filmmaker says people will be surprised to watch the popular stand-up comedian in his new avatar.## In the trailer of the Netflix show, Vir is a comedian who needs to kill someone before performing on stage. As an individual, he does not like the whole act of killing people, but he has no other way to get the right kick to perform as a comedian on stage. He battles the dilemma.## "I think the audience will find it interesting to watch Vir in that avatar. No one can imagine Vir like that, because even in real life he is a stand-up comedian. He has acted really well. The story is of a reluctant killer. It is a fight between morals and ambitions," Advani said.## The show is directed by Nikhil Gonsalves and also features Ranvir Shorey, Manoj Pahwa, Ravi Kishan, Amrita Bagchi, Suhail Nayyar, Inaamulhaq and Raza Murad.## According to the filmmaker, he always wanted to collaborate with the celebrated stand-up comedian. "Vir and I always wanted to collaborate. He came up with the idea, and I suggested making the story a little darker. So, we developed the script accordingly. We have got a great casting with some of the finest actors. Things just fell in place nicely," said Advani, about the show which releases on April 17.## Asked if digital release is an advantage during the time of lockdown, Advani replied: "It is a big advantage for us that the show is releasing now on Netflix when people are sitting at home and consuming a lot of digital content. But, it was always meant to release at this point in time. It was planned to release in April."## Stay tuned...

Read Article
'Sadak 2' gives you a different kind of Mahesh Bhatt: Akshay Anand
2254 days ago
Bollywood

'Sadak 2' gives you a different kind of Mahesh Bhatt: Akshay Anand

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Actor Akshay Anand had been directed by Mahesh Bhatt back in 1998 in the film "Zakhm". After 1999's "Kartoos", Bhatt gave up the responsibilities of a director. Now he is back in the director's chair for the upcoming "Sadak 2", and Anand, who is working with him again, couldn't be more thrilled about it.## "It's been a wonderful film to do because the last film that I did with him was 'Zakhm'. Soon he retired (as a director) and he has now come back to direct. Doing that film ('Sadak 2') with him, for me, was like a cherished moment," Akshay told IANS.## Asked if he noticed any changes in him as a director, Akshay said: "Yes, he has matured a lot. He is so richly and deeply oozing with value for life. He wants to give it to a lot of people through his films and dialogues, and through the ideas that he has in his mind. 'Sadak 2' is a very different kind of film. It's been made beautifully. You will definitely get a different kind of Bhatt Sahab," promised the actor.## Akshay also shared some information about his role in the upcoming film, which stars Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Pooja Bhatt, and Aditya Roy Kapur.## "I am playing Sanjay Dutt's friend. I am one of those people who convinces him to live life for a reason. He listens to me. It's an important role even though it's a cameo. It's like the role I did in 'Ghulam'. It was a small role but the character lives on through the film," he said.## Akshay is currently seen in Sony Entertainment Television's show "Ek Duje Ke Vaaste 2", in which he plays a father.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Anya Singh: There's a lot more liberty on digital platforms
2254 days ago
Digital Media

Anya Singh: There's a lot more liberty on digital platforms

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Actress Anya Singh, who has worked on the big screen as well as the digital space, says that there is a lot more liberty for actors in web series as there is no censorship.## "I think one of the biggest differences between a web-show and a movie is that the audience gets a lot more time with the characters. So, creatively you can also spend a lot more time carving their graph or creatively. Since it's not censored really there's a lot more you can do for anyone be it the writers, directors or actors. There's a lot more liberty that's given to you creatively," Anya told IANS.## Anya, 27, made her Bollywood debut in 2017 with "Qaidi Band", which revolves around seven innocent undertrials who give a band performance in the prison to get into the good books of the authorities and secure their acquittal.## She then featured in web-series titled "Never Kiss Your Best Friend" along with Nakuul Mehta. The show is based on a book of the same name by Sumrit Shahi.## Anya says that in films, the audience doesn't get much time to spend with the characters.## "In a film, that's only for two hours or tow hours fifteen minutes the audience spends a lot lesser time with your characters. They remember you but in a show, they spend a lot more time they really relate to it or they get attached to it. I think that's one of the biggest differences," she added.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Kay Kay Menon: I lack the skill to market myself
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Kay Kay Menon: I lack the skill to market myself

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Actor Kay Kay Menon says he lacks the skills to promote or market himself, adding that his expertise lies in performing and not promoting.## Despite being a revered actor, Kay Kay is still an enigma to many. The actor hardly ever uses social media. Asked if self-promotion is something he avoids or doesn't like, he replied: "I don't have the expertise in that department, I seriously lack the skill to market myself. Some people have it and they are blessed, but I don't think I have expertise to promote myself.## He added: "I like to promote my work. I do the promotion for my work because that is required. Apart from that I just don't know how to promote myself, to be honest, I think my work ideally should speak for itself. I have the expertise in performing, not promoting."## Kay Kay's latest role, as RAW agent Himmat Singh in Neeraj Pandey's web series "Special OPs", has won him lots of acclaims. In fact, even superstar Hrithik Roshan praised the entire cast and crew of the show in a video post.## "I've already thanked him (Hrithik) on social media. It feels good that suddenly someone has seen this series and appreciating it wholeheartedly, and you can see it in their eyes that it has come from the heart, "Kay Kay said.## About bringing alive Himmat Singh, he said: "When I perform, I perform people. I don't perform roles. So, that's my basic difference. If I am playing Himmat Singh in 'Special Ops', I am playing Himmat Singh only. His being a RAW officer is a secondary thing. My idea is to play the person more than the role. While preparing, first I figured out what Himmat Singh is all about. after that my process becomes very simple. I surrender to it. I surrender my ego, my personality and I listen to only that person's call."## "Special Ops" is an espionage thriller series created for Hotstar. The series is co-directed by Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Rita Wilson on why she fell for Tom Hanks
2255 days ago
Hollywood

Rita Wilson on why she fell for Tom Hanks

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Singer-actress Rita Wilson says she fell in love with her husband, actor Tom Hanks, as she loves "a good storyteller".## During an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show", the 63-year-old talked about what attracted her to her husband, reports foxnews.com.## Clarkson shared that Hanks is quite the chatterbox, which Wilson said was something that made them get along "instantly".## "First of all, I love a good storyteller," she said, adding: "So anybody who could tell a good story, I'm down with that."## Wilson explained that she grew up in a "very vocal" family as they expressed themselves through "food and talking", so Hanks' attitude wasn't unusual for her.## "I love that. He makes me laugh all the time. He's a great storyteller," she said of her husband.## Wilson married Hanks, also 63, in 1988. The two share sons Chet, 29, and Truman, 24. Hanks also has two children from his first marriage: Colin, 41, and Elizabeth, 37.## Wilson also opened up about the two things she would like for Hanks to do if she dies before he does. The actress recalled being diagnosed with breast cancer, which put things in perspective for her, prompting a conversation with her husband.## "I wanted to have these very serious discussions with my husband and I said to him, 'Look if something happens and I should go before you, then I just want you to know that there are a couple of things that I want'," Wilson said.## "One is that I want you to be super sad for a really long time," she joked. Wilson then explained that the second thing she wanted to be a party.## "I wanted to have a celebration and I wanted to have a lot of singing and dancing and people telling stories and to feel like that was being celebrated," she said.## Wilson said that her wish serves as the inspiration for her song "Throw me a party".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Read Article
Varun Dhawan to judge online talent hunt show
2255 days ago
Bollywood

Varun Dhawan to judge online talent hunt show

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Bollywood star Varun Dhawan will be hunting for the best talent among youngsters across the nation through an online talent hunt show titled ‘Entertainer No 1.## Sharing the details of the concept, Varun said, " Through this new show, we are seeking to entertain millions of fellow Indians as we bring in some much-needed positivity. I'm looking forward to delivering the best entertainment in collaboration with people from across India. Our country is a treasure trove of talent and I truly believe that anyone should have the opportunity to showcase their entertainment skills."## The stay-home reality show is launching on Flipkart video in collaboration with Varun. The actor believes that such conceptual shows are important to stay positive as the world is going through a tough time due to the COVID19 pandemic.## Anyone who is 13 or above can record their performance video and upload the video directly in the Flipkart video section and over the period of eight weeks Varun, along with a panel of judges, will go through the process of deciding upon the best talent.## Varun said: "Given the unique format of the show, I'm looking forward to some exciting entries from across India and can't wait to get on this entertaining rollercoaster ride that begins next week."## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Selena Gomez: US was 'formed by those who came from other countries'
2255 days ago
Hollywood

Selena Gomez: US was 'formed by those who came from other countries'

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Singer Selena Gomez has challenged US President Donald Trump and his administration to do better on the issue of immigration.## Gomez told the April issue of Vogue Arabia that she is shocked by what illegal immigrants have been going through at the US-Mexico border, reports aceshowbiz.com.## Promoting her Netflix series "Living Undocumented", the singer said: "I don't claim to be an expert and I understand that there have to be rules and regulations, but we have to do better than what we are doing. We simply have to."## "I hope we can still offer the American dream. I hope we can still offer people a better life. It's so important to remember our country was formed by those who came from other countries."## Gomez's series launched on Netflix in the US last year.## The singer's ancestors immigrated illegally to the US from Mexico in the mid-1970s on the back of a truck. Her father was born in America.## She said: "My own grandparents are immigrants and made the decision to come to the US. Through their decision, I have ultimately been given the life that I have, and listening to all these stories (in Living Undocumented) made me feel incredibly blessed for the chance I had."## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Prev Next