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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

Matt Damon: You can save lives just by staying away
2255 days ago
Hollywood

Matt Damon: You can save lives just by staying away

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, actor Matt Damon says while other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things, we are just being asked to stay at home.## He feels we all "can be together just by staying apart".## Recently, Damon reunited with Kate Winslet and other stars of the 2011 virus thriller "Contagion" for a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to warn people about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## "Now is the time to spend all the time you want staring at your phone or your tablet and if anybody gives you a hard time about it, tell them not to bother you because you are saving lives. Just make sure that you tell them that from six feet away," Damon said.## "We can all do this together just by staying apart. Please do your part. Other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things. We're being asked to just stay at home. We got this. Let's please respect and protect our elders," he added.## Looking back at his 2011 film "Contagion", Damon said: "A few years ago, a bunch of us did this movie called ‘Contagion', which we've noticed is creeping its way back up on the charts on iTunes for obvious reasons, given what we're all living through right now. Everything you are going to hear from me has been vetted by Public Health Experts and Scientists. So, I am here to talk about social distancing, something we've been hearing a lot on TV since the last couple of weeks."## "In the movie, I played a guy who was immune to the hypothetical virus that was spreading around the world. So, a few things to start, that was a movie, this is real life. I have no reason to believe that I'm immune to covid-19 and neither do you, no matter how young you are. This is a new virus, it's going to take some time for our bodies and our doctors to understand the best way to protect us. New viruses emerge all the time. This isn't the first and it won't be the last. So, the good news is, we have seen things like this before and we emerged stronger as a result. And in time, we're going to win against this one as well. Nobody knows how much time, but we do know how to make that day get here quicker," he added.## The movie "Contagion" follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that is spreading in the world and killing millions. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community is trying hard to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. At the same time, people are struggling to survive in a society that is coming apart. The movie will air in India on Sony PIX on Friday.## In a statement to Columbia Public Health, the actor stressed on the need to practice social distancing.## He said: "Social distancing means -- staying six feet away from another person. It means not gathering in groups. It means staying home or sheltering in place if that's what government officials are telling you to do. People can have covid-19 and had very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, even if you think that they're healthy, or you think you're healthy, don't take that chance because it's not worth it. Every time that you pass this virus to someone else, you are actually giving it to three or four other people as well and then those people are going to do the same. So, before long, that one person turns to hundreds, which turns into thousands and that's how we got into this situation in the first place."## Damon feels it is wrong to think that "you are young and you won't get the virus".## "Now, if you're young and healthy, you might think that this is no big deal because you've heard that this virus is nothing more than a bad cold for you which is not true. Almost 40% hospitalized in this pandemic are under 55. And if you know anybody over the age of 55, or anyone who has any kind of pre-existing conditions, this is a lot more serious for them," he said, adding: "So, you can literally save their lives just by staying away from each other. You can actually sit on the couch or in a chair and watch TV and save a life at the same time. You can work from home, you can use social media to communicate, you can save a few more."## Stay tuned...

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Country folk legend John Prine dies of COVID-19 complications
2255 days ago
Hollywood

Country folk legend John Prine dies of COVID-19 complications

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Country folk singer John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year, passed away due to complications of coronavirus. He was 73.## Prine died on Tuesday, confirmed the singer-songwriter's publicist while representing his family.## "Yes, we can confirm on behalf of the Prine family — John died today at Vanderbilt due to complications of COVID-19," the publicist told cnn.com.## The musician was hospitalized and intubated last month after a "sudden onset" of coronavirus symptoms, according to a family statement posted on his verified Twitter account.## "This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you," the statement read.## Prine never had a hit single or a blockbuster album. But he built a devoted following, won several Grammys and overcame two bouts of cancer to record and tour into his 70s.## Singer Sheryl Crow wrote on Twitter: "He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on."## Singer Johnny Cash, in his memoir, named Prine as one of his four key songwriting inspirations.## "There's a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best," country singer Toby Keith wrote on Twitter.## Rolling Stone once tagged Prine "the Mark Twain of American songwriting."## Prine grew up in the suburb of Chicago and was famously working as a postal carrier when his musical career took off in 1970. He was singing on open-mic nights at a bar when then a reporter heard him play and wrote a favorable review, calling him the "Singing Mailman."## Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, helped him get a record deal.## Bruce Springsteen wrote on Twitter following Prine's death: "John and I were 'New Dylans' together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family."## Prine's debut album, in 1971, was a critical success. It contains several of his signature songs, including "Paradise," about the Western Kentucky town where his parents grew up, and "Hello in There," a tribute to senior people.## Prine released many albums and toured steadily over the next two decades until a health scare cropped up. In 1996, the singer was diagnosed with Stage 3 neck cancer, which required surgeons to remove a piece of his neck.## The surgery also severed nerves in his tongue and changed the tone of his voice, which led him to take more than a year before he could perform again.## Over the years Prine's songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, from Bonnie Raitt and Bette Midler to John Fogerty, the Zac Brown Band, and My Morning Jacket.## In 2005, Prine became the first singer/songwriter to perform at the Library of Congress -- one of several literary honors for a songwriter whose best songs blended poetry with back-porch storytelling.## Prine was again diagnosed with cancer in 2013 when he had successful surgery to remove a spot in his left lung.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Allu Arjun's new film is on sandalwood smuggling, confirms second poster
2255 days ago
Tollywood

Allu Arjun's new film is on sandalwood smuggling, confirms second poster

Hyderabad, April 8 (IANS) On the occasion of Telugu star Allu Arjun's 37th birthday, the makers of his upcoming film took to social media to announce the title of his next film, and also share the posters.## Titled "Pushpa", the posters of the Sukumar directorial show the stylish star in a rugged and rustic avatar. While the first look poster shows a close-up of the star, the second poster shows him seated crossed-legged on the ground with police officers standing in the background while sandalwood is being loaded onto a vehicle. The poster confirms the reports that the film is based on sandalwood smuggling, and will be set in a forest.## "First Look and the Title of my next movie 'P U S H P A'. Directed by dearest Sukumar Garu. Music by dearest friend @ThisIsDSP. Really excited about this one. Hoping all of you like it," tweeted Allu Arjun.## The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi. It is said that Allu Arjun has worked on his diction for this role, as he has to speak in a distinct accent.## While the music is by Devi Sri Prasad, Polish cameraman Miroslaw Kuba Brozek, who previously worked on Nani's "Gang Leader", is the cinematographer of the film. The shooting of the film will begin once the ongoing lockdown ends.## Allu Arjun's uncle Chiranjeevi took to his Twitter account to wish the actor. He posted a childhood picture of Allu Arjun breaking into a move, while Chiranjeevi looks on.## Allu Arjun's last release, "Ala Vaikunthapurramloo", opened to critical acclaim and commercial praise a while back and has gone on to be a blockbuster.## For more and latest news about Tollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Harry Styles sells merchandise to raise funds for COVID-19 relief
2255 days ago
Hollywood

Harry Styles sells merchandise to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Singer Harry Styles will be selling merchandise such as T-shirts to raise funds for the fight against the spread of the COVID-19.## Styles unveiled the design on April 7, with a T-shirt featuring a special message for people.## The white T-shirt features black text printed in capital letters, with the front reading: "Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other.## "This T-shirt fights COVID-19. Treat people with kindness," it continues on the back.## In a statement, Styles re-iterates the need for social distancing, writing: "In times like these, it is more important than ever to remember the power of people. If you are able to help, please donate where you can. 100% of the profits of this t-shirt will go towards fighting COVID-19."## "Stay home, self-isolate, and protect each other. TPWK (Treat people with kindness)."## The T-shirt is available as part of Styles' official merchandise collection on his website and retails at $26, benefitting the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Paresh Rawal's son Aditya: No fear of comparison with dad
2255 days ago
Bollywood

Paresh Rawal's son Aditya: No fear of comparison with dad

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Veteran actor Paresh Rawal's son Aditya is all set to enter the film industry, and is prepared for the extra scrutiny and extra pressure that comes with the tag of being a "star kid". He says he isn't bothered about being compared with his father as he is so "far ahead" in his career.## Aditya will make his acting debut with the ZEE5 original film "Bamfaad".## Asked about the pressures that come with being a star kid, Aditya told IANS: "As kids of people, who are successful in the industry, we get a lot of advantages too. So we know about the trade-off. If you get those advantages, then you must be prepared for the extra scrutiny and the extra pressure."## "The advantages are massive, and then there is another side to it as well. My father is such an amazing actor and he's had so much success that I am not afraid of people comparing me to him because I know that I'm nowhere near that," he added.## Aditya continued: "My father is on another level completely. So, I don't really have the fear of being compared to him because you know, he's so far ahead. Personally, I've always been independent. So, for me, it's always been about my own work, and just doing the best that I can do."## Aditya was happy playing football professionally, till the time he realised acting was his true calling. Since then, he has been active on the theatre front, making short films and giving words to his visions and creative thoughts.## "My father was pleased (when he got to know my decision to act) because he had seen my college stuff. So, he knew that I had it in me. Even when I used to play football, I used to write poetry, write short films, short stories and all of that. He knew I had it in me. So he was happy that I was doing that," Aditya recalled.## He did get a piece of advice from his parents and that was never to get lost in the glitzy world of showbiz, and never lose perseverance.## "One thing that both mom and dad spoke about was having the perseverance and the resilience. It is a hard field to be in, you could take a lot of knocks. The idea is that no matter how many times you fall, you have to get up and keep going.## "Another thing mom mentioned was whether you get immense success or terrible failure, just make sure you don't forget yourself… That's something that I try to hold on, he added.## At the moment, he is looking forward to "Bamfaad". The movie, directed by debutant filmmaker Ranjan Chandel, will also mark the OTT debut of "Arjun Reddy" star Shalini Pandey.## Presented by Anurag Kashyap, the film about passion, friendship, betrayal, loss, and love will go live on April 10. Set in Allahabad to a romantic volatile backdrop, the film promises to "bring out an unusual yet raw and edgy love story on the screen".## Talking about the film, he said: "I am very excited and obviously nervous. The whole thing is in a bit of a surreal space, because you can't actually go out and talk to people or do the regular rounds of promotion that would have been done otherwise. So in a way, it is a special thing on its own."## Stay tuned...

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Ali Fazal: Team 'Mirzapur' is home for me
2255 days ago
Bollywood

Ali Fazal: Team 'Mirzapur' is home for me

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Actor Ali Fazal is thrilled to reunite with some of the team members of the hit web series "Mirzapur" for a romantic music video.## "The 'Mirzapur' team is home for me, and with (director) Gurmmeet Singh and (director of photography) Sanjay around, this was a reunion for us. Last few years, I have spent so much time working with Guru that we get each other's vibes and cues," said Ali.## The three have reunited for the music video of "Aaj Bhi".## "The direction that Gurmmeet brought in to this is a zone, he and I have never explored together. It was an experience that was truly enjoyable. In the span of 3 minutes, we've told an entire story," he said.## "As an actor, it's hard to pull this off. I have never been so excited about a music video but this song is so genuine. It evokes a feeling that everyone at some point or the other goes through. It's a unique take on unrequited love. There's a certain purity in how it plays out," he added.## For the video, he moved away from his gangster role in "Mirzapur" and turned a romantic hero. Ali woos his on-screen lady love played by Surbhi Jyoti in the music video of the song sung by Vishal Mishra.## Talking about the track, Ali said: "It's the first time that I am working with Surbhi and Vishal. It's been super interesting. I loved interacting with Vishal. He has such a mesmerising voice. He has a soulful singing quality. Vishal and I bonded over our Lucknow connect."## "Surbhi is super cool and we kept chatting about movies and food. The 4 days in Chandigarh was such a blast," he added.## Stay tuned...

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Neeraj Pandey opens up on 'Special Ops' season 2
2255 days ago
Bollywood

Neeraj Pandey opens up on 'Special Ops' season 2

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has confirmed the second season of his debut web series, "Special Ops". Season one of the espionage thriller show was launched on Hotstar earlier this year and became an instant hit.## "When we were discussing the show with Hotstar, we planned to make something that will have recall value, and we were clear about two things. First, we will conclude the story within the first season. I mean there would be nothing left, no loose ends. But at the same time, we wanted to create a brand and a franchise with which we can easily narrate some other stories. Once our lives are restored to normalcy, we will figure out what needs to be done," said Pandey in a telephonic chat, on the possibility of a second season.## "The amount of love that has come in, and there's the demand for the second season. There is an appetite for it. Now, it all depends on our schedules. Right now everything is thrown out because of the coronavirus pandemic -- schedules, work, lives, and timelines. Let things get back to normal and we will definitely explore the possibility," said the filmmaker, who has co-directed the series with Shivam Nair.## "Special Ops" has Kay Kay Menon leading the cast as special agent Himmat Singh, who traces a pattern in terror strikes over the years, and draws the conclusion that one person is behind all the attacks. The story is inspired by several real-life espionage missions over the last two decades.## Stay tuned...

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Vivek Dahiya would love to work with wife Divyanka again
2255 days ago
TV

Vivek Dahiya would love to work with wife Divyanka again

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actor Vivek Dahiya, who met his wife Divyanka Tripathi for the first time on the sets of the TV show "Yeh Hai Mohabbatein", says he would love to work with her again.## "I know our fans are waiting for long to see Divyanka and me together on the screen... I also want to work with her again... It's just that I am waiting for some right project to come our way. If the project is right and script looks interesting, we would definitely give a heads-up," Vivek told IANS.## After dating each other for several months, the two got married in 2016.## Speaking of Vivek's acting projects, he recently wowed the audience with his role in the web series "State Of Siege: 26/11", which is based on the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.## On playing the role of Captain Rohit Bagga on the show, Vivek said: "It was quite challenging for me to do this show as it is based on a true event. I got goosebumps when I wore the uniform for the first time...It was an incredible feeling. I felt more responsible and tried my best to give my 100 percent."## Vivek's character captain Rohit Bagga was away on leave when the terror siege in Mumbai took place and the NSG Commandos were called upon. As soon as he learned of the development, the brave commando immediately called his senior and reported on duty. His senior tried to reason, telling him he was on personal leave and could avoid reporting to work, but Captain Rohit Bagga had insisted that he wanted to be a part of the operation.## Stay tuned...

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Tamannaah: There are a lot of misconceptions about me
2255 days ago
Bollywood

Tamannaah: There are a lot of misconceptions about me

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia tells you that she prefers to prove her versatility as an actor across different film industries as opposed to finding space only in Bollywood. She adds that people tend to think she is "out of work" because she is not visible enough in Bollywood.## Tamannaah is a phenomenal star in the southern industries with several successful films including "Kandein Kadhalai", "100% Love", the "Baahubali" franchise, "Ayan" and "Paiyaa", but she is yet to leave an impact in Bollywood.## "I have been making a conscious effort of multitasking between genres within the South Indian film industry. I have been away from Bollywood actively to ensure there's more versatility in my creative kitty and to ensure I'm not stereotyped into any particular genre. Versatility is the key to survival. I've always been passionate about cinema and I never wanted to limit myself to any one industry. There a lot of misconceptions about me, to be honest," she told IANS.## "The most bizarre piece of news I read recently was that I am out of employment! There are other stories of me not having a bright future in Bollywood, versus Tollywood. Just to clear the air, I'm working 365 days a year and hence I can't shuffle between multiple industries. I'm not part of the rat race and I don't want to prove a point to anyone. I want to make my mark on my own terms. For me it was only about acting, and not about the industry," Tamannaah claimed.## She also feels somehow her luck has favored her in the south than in Bollywood, and language was never a barrier for her.## "My thirst for excellence had to be quenched and the South accepted me. As an actor, I will always play my part with full dedication but the results are not in my hands," said Tamannaah.## The actress will be seen playing a Kabaddi coach in the upcoming Telugu film "Seetimaar".## Being a girl who never played any sport before, Tamannaah said that the challenge kicked her to take up the role.## Sharing an insight into her preparation for the role, she said: "I play the coach of the Telangana kabaddi team while Gopichand plays the coach of an Andhra kabaddi team. It is a very challenging and inspiring role. It is a huge tribute to the unsung heroes in sports. I had to prepare and work very hard for this role and it constantly motivated me to give my best. It's my first sports drama and I'm very excited. I did everything I could to look the part. I never imagined that I would get to play kabaddi in my life, let alone in a film."## She added: "I have undergone a complete transformation for this particular role, right from language, technical knowledge of the game, maintaining a good fitness regime, special training sessions and more. Kabaddi is a very disciplined Indian sport. I learned to be vigilant and focus on physical and physiological aspects such as strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility."## While the actress maintained a special vegetarian, gluten-free diet, she also learned a new dialect for the film.## "I had to get a hang of the Telangana dialect. I had to learn the Telangana slang. It's really challenging, but Sampath sir is helping me with the dialogue delivery," Tamannaah signed off.## Stay tuned...

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Anu Malik unveils song to spread joy amid COVID-19 crisis
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Anu Malik unveils song to spread joy amid COVID-19 crisis

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Singer-composer Anu Malik has come up with a new track titled "Happy happy rehne ka please don't worry", urging people to stay happy amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.## "I came up with this song only to uplift the mood of everybody who is at home under lockdown due to the coronavirus. I want to make them happy and to tell them not to give up and keep fighting, "Anu said.## In the track's video, Anu can be seen happily doing household chores -- be it mopping a floor or making tea.## Anu also shared what went behind the making of "Happy happy rehne ka please don't worry".## "This song came to me in a flash...I was sitting at home ..Suddenly I thought that everybody is going through his or her depression/fear/frustration/helplessness and what not. All of sudden this line 'happy happy rehne ka please don't worry' hit me.## "I at once shared it with my lyric writer Kumaar who loved the line.. he sent me the lyrics of the entire song in 20 minutes and I composed it in 10 minutes. this tune just came to me just like that," Anu added.## Stay tuned...

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Sachiin J. Joshi offers his hotel as quarantine facility
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Sachiin J. Joshi offers his hotel as quarantine facility

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Actor Sachiin J. Joshi, who is stranded in Dubai, has offered his hotel here to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to quarantine COVID-19 positive patients coming from abroad.## Sachiin's Beatle Hotel in Powai is a 36-room property.## "Mumbai being a densely populated city, there are not enough hospitals and beds to take measures to save our city. When the BMC approached us for help, we voluntarily agreed to help," Sachiin said.## "We've converted our hotel with the BMC's help into a quarantine facility for travelers," added the actor, who was last seen in "Amavas" opposite Nargis Fakhri and Mona Singh.## "The entire building and rooms get sanitized regularly with staff equipped with the necessary gear," he said.## Sachiin is also donating nutritious food boxes to policemen and municipal workers fighting the COVID-19 outbreak in India through his Big Brother Foundation.## "I'm glad that our hotel in Powai ‘The Beatle' has been given to the BMC for quarantining people. It's my husband's decision and I respect and support it," said Sachiin's wife Urvashi, adding: "We have been distributing food from our hotel to all officials and people stuck on the road. Our team has been selflessly doing it for almost two weeks now and will continue to give our support until we can."## Stay tuned...

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Selena Gomez not looking for love
2256 days ago
Hollywood

Selena Gomez not looking for love

Los Angeles, April 7 (IANS) Singer Selena Gomez says having a boyfriend is "nowhere near the top" of her priority list amid the COVID-19 pandemic.## "Many of you know how excited I've been to release a song called 'Boyfriend.' It's a lighthearted song about falling down and getting back up time and time again in love, but also knowing that you don't need anyone other than yourself to be happy," she said on Instagram, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## Gomez added: "We wrote it long before our current crisis, but in the context of today, I want to be clear that a boyfriend is nowhere near the top of my list of priorities. Just like the rest of the world, I'm praying for safety, unity, and recovery during this pandemic."## Her new song "Boyfriend" will appear on the new deluxe version of Gomez's album titled "Rare", which will also feature two other new songs "She" and "Souvenir".## She is planning to mark the release of the record on April 9 with a donation to the PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund, as well as giving $1 from every order of the LP.## She wrote: "Because of that, I'm personally donating to the Plus 1 COVID-19 relief fund as well as donating $1 of every order in my official store to the fund starting now. Rare (Deluxe), featuring 'Boyfriend' is out April 9th."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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