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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

Big B dedicates 'Coolie' song to doctors, lauding their efforts
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Big B dedicates 'Coolie' song to doctors, lauding their efforts

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has taken to social media to laud the selfless performance of doctors and paramedical staff across the world in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.## Big B on Friday morning, shared a cartoon that shows a doctor holding the globe on his shoulders, like Atlas. The veteran actor shared that the efforts of the medical community in these times of crisis remind him of his song from the film "Coolie" that goes, "Saari duniya ka bojh hum uthate hain".## Netizens agreed with the actor saying that doctors are indeed doing a great job amidst all the difficulties.## A fan commented below his tweet: "True sir Ji. My son and daughter in law are in the medical field. Appropriate song."## However, another fan quickly reminded the actor that not only doctors but the police and sanitation workers also deserve respect.## The fan commented: "Sir including doctors their also police and sanitation workers too... We should not forget their contribution."## Stay tuned...

Hrithik Roshan: Coronavirus should be afraid of my dad
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan: Coronavirus should be afraid of my dad

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actor Hrithik Roshan is all pumped up, and the reason is his father Rakesh Roshan.## On Friday, Hrithik took to Instagram and shared a video of his father doing an intense workout at the age of 71.## "Damn! That's My Dad...N.E.V.E.R. G.I.V.E.S. U.P. . This is the kind of Resolve and Determination we all need to have to fight in times like these," he captioned the video.## He also quipped wittily that the coronavirus should be afraid of his filmmaker father as the latter bravely fought cancer last year.## "Ps: He'll be 71 this year and works out 2 hours a day. O and he just survived cancer last year. I think the virus should be afraid of him. Very very afraid," Hrithik added.## Amidst the ongoing serious health crisis, the "Super 30" actor has been seen spreading awareness among people about COVID-19. Recently, he even shared a 1 minute, 42-second video message on Instagram, appealing his fans to stop the spread.## Stay tuned...

Umesh Kamat: Marathi actors get more scope to explore various mediums
2260 days ago
Marathi

Umesh Kamat: Marathi actors get more scope to explore various mediums

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Renowned Marathi actor Umesh Kamat, who recently appeared in the new season of the couple drama "Aani Kay Hava", says that Marathi actors have the advantage of exploring all the avenues of acting -- whether it is stage, TV, cinema or web shows -- as opposed to actors of other film industries like Bollywood and Tollywood.## "I think Marathi actors have more opportunity to explore different mediums of entertainment as opposed to other regional film actors. For instance, lead actors of Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam cinema usually do not act in TV, theatre and web shows alongside the mainstream cinema. But I, as an actor, have worked in all the mediums. That way, I think we are lucky. Our fans are ready to watch us on TV every day and will buy a ticket and go to the theatre to watch our films," Umesh told IANS.## "Aani Kay Hava" revolves around a married couple, Juhi and Saket, and the internal conversation of their relationships. The show also features Priya Bapat, Siddharth Jadhav, and Sai Tamhankar.## The second season of the series released recently after a successful season one on MX Player. The actor says he is receiving a lot of responses not only from the Marathi audience but also across the nation, adding that a positive change is happening in the regional entertainment space, and the audience is expanding.## "With time, slowly but surely we will build the audience for digital content as well. Although initially, we used to think that only youngsters would watch these because they spending time on the phone, that is not true. I am surprised to see how the older generation is also watching regional content on digital platforms because of accessibility," said the actor, who has appeared in films like "Lagna Pahave Karun", "Time Please", "A Paying Ghost", "Asehi Ekada Vhave" and TV series like "Asambhav" and "Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta" among others.## Umesh added: "It is true that earlier as an audience even if I wanted, I could not get access to a Malayalam film as easily as I can get it now on OTT platforms. So, I think the language barrier is going away and regional content is really reaching out to people beyond regions and languages."## Stay tuned...

Flora Saini's patriotic short film set for release
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Flora Saini's patriotic short film set for release

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actress Flora Saini, who had earlier featured in the hit Bollywood film "Stree" and the web series "Gandii Baat", is excited because her short film "Motherland" will soon be available online.## "I'm happy that the movie is soon releasing on YouTube and everyone can watch it anytime. The movie was actually made in 2018 and we got opportunities to be at film festivals like London City Film Festival and Virgin Spring Cinefest. Now that everyone is home, we planned to release it," said Flora referring to the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus.## The short film has been written, produced and directed by Vevek Narang.## "The central theme of the movie is anchored in the idea of our ability to rise above our differences and stand in unity to protect our motherland from the enemies," he shared.## Flora feels blessed and lucky to have got a chance to work on the patriotic short film.## "It's always interesting to work on films which give out wonderful messages to others, and also pay tribute to the Indian Army. Being from an Army family, I can so relate to the subject of 'Motherland'," she said.## The short film also stars "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" child artiste Arush Nand.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Darshan Raval: I am a self-taught musician
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Darshan Raval: I am a self-taught musician

New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) From participating in the singing reality show "India's Raw Superstar" in 2014 to lending voice to the chartbuster songs like "Chogada" in "LoveYatri", "Kamariya" in "Mitron" and "Shayad" in "Love Aaj Kal", the Ahmedabad-bred singer Darshan Raval feels fortunate to be able to carve a niche for himself in the Indian music industry.## "I am a self-taught musician. I had never joined any music institute or taken any type of course. I learned music on my own. So, it feels greater to look back at my journey so far. And you know, I come from a small town. People there generally consider singing a hobby. Coming from a small town and making a name for myself in this profession is a big thing for me," Darshan told IANS.## The 25-year-old is loving the success coming his way but agrees that with fame comes responsibilities.## "There is more responsibility on my shoulders now. My fans expect a lot from me. With each song, I try my best to make them happy. Also, I feel music leaves a strong impact on people. So, it is my duty to create the right type of music and not disappoint people," he added.## Darshan, who recently came up with his new song "Bhula Dunga", also shared how he is spending time at home amid the coronavirus lockdown.## "I really needed this break. I was so occupied with concerts and everything that I was not getting time for myself and (time to) work on new music. So, now I am utilizing my time in creating new songs, improving my vocals and of course relaxing," Darshan quipped.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Bollywood condemns attacks on doctors, health workers, cops
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Bollywood condemns attacks on doctors, health workers, cops

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Bollywood celebs have taken to social media to condemn the gruesome incidents of physical assault and stone-pelting at doctors and cops in different parts of the country including Indore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad among other places.## Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor requested all to cooperate amid these difficult times. He wrote: "An appeal to all brothers and sisters from all social status and faiths. Please don't resort to violence,stone-throwing or lynching. Doctors, Nurses, Medics, Policemen, etc..are endangering their lives to save you. We have to win this Coronavirus war together. Please. Jai Hind!"## Condemning the horrible incidents, veteran actress-politician Hema Malini tweeted: "In the midst of the entire country's appreciation of the sacrifices of doctors, health workers & paramedics comes the news of unwarranted attacks on them in Indore by ungrateful miscreants. How could a mob attack ppl who are risking their own lives to save ours? Sad! Shameful!"## Actor-politician Paresh Rawal offered a reality check to citizens and tweeted: "Just think what will happen if Doctors refuse to treat those who have treated them so inhumanly!"## Poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed: "I strongly condemn those who have thrown stones on the doctors in Indore and hope that Indore police will not to show any leniency to them n I request others to CO-operate with the doctors' Police n administration everywhere. The whole nation should be united to fight Korona."## Preity Zinta shared that it is upsetting to see such incidents happening in the country. The actress tweeted: "Sad to see that Millions are quarantined inside their homes trying 2break the corona chain while many are going hungry due 2the lockdown. Then there are those breaking quarantine & pelting stones on Cops & doctors who are working without proper PPE. What's happening to India? #Sad."## Raveena Tandon feels it is not okay to generalize and blame everyone for the misdeeds of some. The actress tweeted: "Please do not blame the entire nation for a few rotten apples. It definitely is most shameful. But 96 percent of this more than a billion nation is complying and obeying."## Meanwhile, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has lauded the selfless performance of doctors and paramedical staff across the country and the world. Tweeting a cartoon which shows a doctor lifting the globe on his shoulders, Big B tweeted that this reminds him of his song from the film "Coolie", "Saari Duniya Ka Bojh Hum Uthate Hain..."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Allu Arjun to son: Know what love is after you came into my life
2260 days ago
Tollywood

Allu Arjun to son: Know what love is after you came into my life

Hyderabad, April 3 (IANS) Telugu star Allu Arjun penned an emotional note on his son Ayaan's birthday on Friday, with a cute picture of the little boy with his birthday cake.## Arjun took to Twitter to share the picture and his note.## "I used to think 'what is Love ?' all my life. Many times in the past I felt strong feelings but I was not sure if it was love. But after you came into my life I now know what LOVE is. You are LOVE. I Love you Ayaan. Happy Birthday My Baby," the actor wrote.## Arjun married Sneha Reddy in Hyderabad in March 2011. The couple has two children, son Ayaan and daughter Arha.## On the work front, Arjun's latest release "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo" opened in January and went on to become a huge hit. The film co-stars Tabu and Pooja Hegde.## The actor will next be seen in "AA20" directed by Sukumar. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Sethupathi, Prakash Raj and Jagapati Babu.## Stay tuned...

Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun' sequel pushed to December 23
2260 days ago
Hollywood

Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun' sequel pushed to December 23

Los Angeles, April 3 (IANS) Hollywood star Tom Cruise's "Top Gun: Maverick", the much-anticipated sequel of the 1986 hit "Top Gun", will now release on December 23 instead of original release date June 24.## "Top Gun: Maverick" is the latest movie to be pushed amid the spread of the coronavirus, reports variety.com.## Released in 1986, "Top Gun" was apparently inspired by a magazine article on Navy pilots. The film followed the life of a fighter pilot and launched Cruise's career as a global action star. The sequel picks up decades after the 1986 box-office hit. It also features Miles Teller as the son of Goose, Maverick's partner who died in the original film. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the movie will be exclusively distributed in India by Viacom18 Studios.## As part of the release shake-up, Paramount has also moved "A Quiet Place Part II" to September 4, 2020. "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run", an animated adventure based on the absorbent underwater fry cook, was originally slated to hit theaters on May 22 and will now bow July 31, 2020. Meanwhile, sci-fi fantasy film "The Tomorrow War", previously scheduled for December 25, 2020, is now updated.## The films join a growing list of tentpoles that were pulled from release because of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent closure of multiplexes. Sony also delayed most of its summer slate, including "Morbius" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife". Disney postponed "Black Widow" and "Mulan" while Warner Bros. reshuffled "Wonder Woman 1984" and "In the Heights" and Universal halted "Minions: The Rise of Gru" and "Fast & Furious" entry "F9".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

YRF come forward to support Bollywood wage earners
2260 days ago
Bollywood

YRF come forward to support Bollywood wage earners

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) One of Bollywood's most powerful production houses, Yash Raj Films (YRF), has pledged to support to protect Bollywood daily wage earners and their family during the COVID-19 pandemic. The production house will be giving Rs 1.5 crore, according to an industry source.## An industry source informs: "YRF is reaching out to thousands of daily wage earners of the industry and their families who are in critical need of support and has already collected details of their bank accounts."## The Yash Chopra Foundation will be crediting the donation directly into the banks of these people in need so that the money reaches this strata quickly and the process is more efficient during the time of lockdown.## "YRF is committed to helping as many vulnerable people as possible to ensure the most needy workers in critical financial states from the industry stay protected. In Phase 1 of the support, YRF will be paying out Rs. 1.5 crore to these workers and their families", added the industry source.## The daily wage earners include people in the setting department, carpenters, lighting, junior artists and spots among many others.## Stay tuned...

Shah Rukh's appeal: 'India and Indians are one family'
2260 days ago
Bollywood

Shah Rukh's appeal: 'India and Indians are one family'

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has tweeted to state that this is the time when all Indians must be united as "one family" and "do our little bit to look after each other".## In a social media post, he sent out on Thursday evening, on his Twitter handle @iamsrk, the actor wrote: "In these times its imp to make everyone around you working tirelessly for you.. not related to u.. to feel they are not alone and by themselves. Let's just make sure we will do our little bit to look after each other. India and all Indians are One Family."## Earlier, on @RedChilliesEnt, the Twitter handle of his production house Red Chillies Entertainment, the actor gave out a lengthy statement announcing his contributions to the current fight against COVID-19 through his group companies -- Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation, and Red Chillies VFX. He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government's efforts in fighting the COVID-19 war. He, however, did not specify any monetary amount to specify how much he would be donating.## "Given the enormity of the task, my team and I discussed ways to contribute in our own modest way. We have come up with a series of initiatives, which we hope will make a small difference. The efforts of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji coupled with the efforts of the Chief Ministers, Shri Uddhav Thackeray Ji, Smt Mamata Banerjee, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, and all other States and Union Territories leaders have been commendable in fighting this pandemic. We have initially focused our efforts on the three cities -- Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi with the realization that this is a start and we stand ready to contribute in whichever way possible going forward," the actor said in the statement.## "At a time when the human race is facing an immense crisis, there can only be one true response: The expression of Humanity itself. This is a moment for all of us to come together in a collective effort to make each other kinder, stronger and braver to face the days ahead. This crisis is not going to pass in a hurry, it will take its time and its toll on all of us. It will also show us that there isn't really a choice between looking out for ourselves and looking out for one another.## "There's nothing more obvious in the spread of this pandemic, than the fact that each one of us is inextricably connected to each other, without any distinction. So, while we do whatever we can to support each other in our own small ways, the compassion we show to those who are likely to face the most brutal brunt of both, the pandemic and its economic consequences, will define us as a generation and as a Nation. The scourge we are up against is fearsome and unknown to us. Like all uncharted paths, our journey to overcome every new challenge it throws at us will be arduous. There will be times when the best intentions might yield the wrong results.## "There may also be times when we accidentally stumble upon important solutions. All we can really do is try our utmost to adapt and confront each challenge with courage. As a nation, and as a people, it is our duty to give it all we've got. I am going to try my best and I know each one of you will do so too. Only together we will be able to fight through these difficult and unimaginable days. Together, we will overcome," he added.## Shah Rukh ended on a poetic note: "Raat ke baad naye din ki sehar aayegi, din nahi badlega, tareeq Badal jayegi... I pray for you and your families, please do the same for me. Aur kripya karke... kuch dinon ke liye... ek doosre se sharirik taur se... thoda door... aur door... aur door... aur door."## According to the statement released by SRK, through his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which he co-owns with wife Gauri Khan, Juhi Chawla Mehta and Jay Mehta, he has committed to contribute to the PM-Cares Fund. Through Red Chillies Entertainment co-owned by Gauri and SRK, he has committed to contributing to the Maharashtra CM's Relief Fund.## That apart, the media release said, the superstar has also pledged Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare providers and health care workers. KKR and Meer Foundation will work with the West Bengal and the Maharashtra governments and contribute 50,000 PPE kits and work at raising awareness among people.## SRK's Meer Foundation along with the foundation Ek Saath will provide daily food requirements to over 5500 families for at least a month in Mumbai. Meer Foundation is also collaborating with Roti Foundation -- founded by former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, Mr. D. Sivanandhan -- to provide meals to underprivileged people and daily wage laborers, besides pitching in with grocery and other basic essential support for a daily wage in association with Working People's Charter and also continue extending help to acid attack survivors.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID-19: Sachiin Joshi pitches in with help from Dubai
2260 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Sachiin Joshi pitches in with help from Dubai

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Actor Sachiin J. Joshi, who is stranded in Dubai, is extending help by donating nutritious food boxes to policemen and municipal workers fighting COVID-19 outbreak in India.## "I've been stuck here since March 16 and I will probably be here till April 14. There isn't much one can do. I stay indoors where it's safe and spend time watching movies and content. I also play table-tennis and indulge in my home fitness routine to keep the immunity to its peak, in order to keep the coronavirus away. I am also having my home-made kadha! I miss my family! I speak to my wife and kids every day… 7 to 8 times a day sometimes. However, I thought it best to stay put where it is best for all of us. It is better to be safe than sorry," Sachiin said.## He is pitching in through his Big Brother Foundation. Since he is in Dubai, he is coordinating virtually.## Talking about managing the workings from Dubai, he said: "My team of managers in India is working as per my instructions. My hotel's chefs are getting much-needed help in preparing the food from our factory's labor force. They're equipped with the essential safety gear and the entire drive of the Big Brother Foundation is with police and authority permissions. We're trying to do our best, especially for the people battling hunger for days and walking back home because there is no mode of transportation. The sad part is that the smaller towns and villages of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and NCR-Delhi are unable to get the necessary ration. We are helping them too, with supplies."## The actor said that the help is reaching "the police patrolling the city, the doctors, nurses, and paramedics at the hospitals, the municipal workers ensuring timely supply of essentials and 24*7 water supply, the traffic police force along with the other forces who ensure that the lockdown strictly adheres to".## "With an expense of nearly Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs a day across cities, the Big Brother Foundation has been instrumental in donating food supplies to the needy daily! We are planning to do it for all the 21 days of lockdown. While people prefer donations, I would like to help hands-on," Sachiin said.## To this, Urvashi Sharma, Sachiin's wife who is supervising the operations, added: "I'm in India and in touch with everyone on a daily basis to help monitor the proceedings. My husband (Sachiin J. Joshi) and our entire team are working selflessly to do our best! It is important to be humane and compassionate during such testing times. We need to set an example for our coming generations."## Stay tuned...

Rajinikanth's TV debut on 'Into The Wild' is a TV rating topper
2260 days ago
TV

Rajinikanth's TV debut on 'Into The Wild' is a TV rating topper

New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth's television debut on the Discovery Channel show "Into The Wild with Bear Grylls" has not surprisingly turned out a superhit affair.## The premiere on Discovery Network -- across 12 Discovery channels -- delivered the highest-rated TV show in the genre this year, and the second-highest ratings in the history of the genre, delivering an impressive four million impressions.## The cumulative reach of the March 23 premiere across the network was 12.4 million, which is 86 percent higher than the previous four weeks. The premiere helped the network garner an 89 percent share in the infotainment genre. The slot viewership grew five times as compared to the previous four weeks.## The simultaneous premiere of the show on the regional entertainment brand DTamil grew the slot by 20 times and helped DTamil nudge ahead of leading regional channels including Colors Tamil, Jaya and Raj TV during the slot. The information is as per the finding by BARC India.## The show also created a huge buzz on social media with #ThalaivaOnDiscovery reaching out to 1.41 billion individuals delivering 3.32 billion impressions, as per Meltwater.## In January, Rajinikanth visited Karnataka's Bandipur Tiger Reserve to shoot for the Discovery channel's new program.## Last year, Grylls had hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the show, which was shot at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Grylls has also hosted prominent celebrities in the past such as then sitting American President Barack Obama, Kate Winslet, Roger Federer, and Julia Roberts.##