BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu is spending his lockdown days with family and is glad that he can connect with fans and colleagues via social media.## "Twitter has been one of my major sources of information and entertainment in these testing times. While I'm at home with my family, I'm glad that the service is letting me stay in touch with my fellows from the film industry as well as my fans," Mahesh said.## "I believe that Twitter is a very powerful medium to stay informed and connected with what's happening in the world, especially, during a critical time like this," he added.## Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi is also using Twitter to communicate with his fans.## Talking about it, Chiranjeevi said: "I owe everything to my fans and audiences. The possibility of directly interacting with them and sharing my thoughts through a platform like Twitter has often crossed my mind. But during these unprecedented times, I felt an urgent need to communicate directly with my fans and fellow Indians and this led me to join the platform in March, on the Telugu New year's day and the first day of the nationwide lockdown."## "During COVID-19, it has become more important than ever before to stay connected so that we can get through this pandemic together. Twitter is doing a great job of helping people do that," he added.## From Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan to Rajinikanth, prominent South Indian celebrities are using Twitter to engage with fans and encourage them to stay home and be safe. Actors are also making videos at home with song lyrics that urge people to isolate and stay safe amidst the COVID-19 crisis.## Mahesh made his ‘stay home, stay safe' appeal to fans by sharing a video of his daughter in which she talks about the precautionary measures that are necessary to fight coronavirus and flatten the curve.## Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan re-joined Twitter on his own birthday. As a birthday gift, the star asked his fans to stay indoors for their own safety. Actress Tamannaah Bhatia shared a musical message and tweeted a Tamil coronavirus awareness song titled "Unnai kaakum".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Actress Adah Sharma's TED Talk video recently released on YouTube. Among the many things she said and did, she mimicked actresses like Ananya Panday and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, besides giving an insight on how to bag lead roles in an industry that continues to be dominated by nepotism.## "I'm glad people are enjoying it along with being inspired. I never succumb to trends so I thought even my TED talk should be like me! (It is) Crazy, funny, moving and entertaining!" she declared.## One of the fittest actresses in Bollywood, Adah will soon be seen in the second season of the web series "The Holiday", besides the films "Commando 4" and "Man To Man".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Abhishek Bachchan has recalled how he shared the stage with his illustrious father Amitabh Bachchan for his first-ever performance after becoming an actor and described Bachchan senior as a "pretty cool dude".## The performance happened 16 years ago, Abhishek recalled on Instagram, and it was a fundraiser for Tsunami victims.## Sharing a picture where he can be seen dancing with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek wrote: "#FlashbackFriday My 1st ever stage performance after becoming an actor. Got to share it with a pretty cool dude! This was for the 'Help' telethon which was done to raise money to help all the victims of the devastating tsunami which occurred on December 26th, 2004. This huge enterprise of getting the entire Hindi film industry together ( a Herculean task) was spearheaded by @duttsanjay. And although I was slated to make my debut stage performance in Amsterdam for the IIFA awards later in the year, I just couldn't say no to the cause and Sanju sir."## Abhishek added: "Both dad and I performed to a mix/ medley of his song 'Rang barse' and 'one love', a track I had done as a cameo in my dear friend @suniel.shetty film 'Rakth'."## Abhishek became nostalgic as he mentioned a surprise birthday choreographer Ganesh Hegde, Sanjay Dutt, and other organizers of the show threw for him. "The show took place in early February 2005. Both dad and I were shooting for 'Kajra re' with Aishwarya for 'Bunty Aur Babli'. I would shoot the song all day from 9 am to 10 pm and then drive to the concert venue and rehearse all night," he wrote.## "At night, after the shoot, I remember when I reached the venue for my rehearsal all the lights were off!!! Thinking that I had made a mistake and showed up to rehearse when there wasn't any... Suddenly all the stage lights came on and all the dancers, Ganesh Hegde the choreographer, stagehands and technical staff surprised me! Then Sanju sir and @walia_bunty ( he was one of the organizers) rolled out a huge cake and a birthday present for me. They all sang and managed to embarrass me to bits! What fun. Good times!"## In the post, he recalled spending his birthday shooting the song "Kajra Re" with soon-to-be-wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and dad Amitabh Bachchan for "Bunty Aur Babli". That, though was "a different story, reserved for another Friday", he said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has penned an emotional poem saluting all corona warriors including doctors, medical staff, cleaning workers and delivery boys, who are working relentlessly to keep us safe, and also ensuring our lives go on smoothly.## The poem speaks of the nation's unity and the need to fight together in these turbulent times.## In a video released on YouTube, the actor recites: "Maana ki ghani raat hai, iss raat se ladne ke liye, pura Bharat ek sath hai... Teri koshish meri koshish rang layegi, fir ussi bheed ka hissa hongey, bas sirf kuch he dino ki baat hai... Maana ki ghani raat hai, magar pura Bharat ek sath hai."## "This is something really close to my heart, something I really wanted to do for all Indians out there, especially our Corona warriors. I hope with my poem, I'm able to motivate people to stay positive and make them believe that we will come out of this stronger than ever. It's my tribute to all the heroes fighting this deadly battle," he said.## The actor has decided to provide meal kits to over 25,000 migrants on a daily basis in Mumbai during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. Before this, Sonu started a ration drive to help the needy during the ongoing lockdown. He also offered his hotel in Juhu for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar turned 47 on Friday, and Bollywood took to social media to express their love and wishes.## Indian cricket's "Master Blaster" Sachin Tendulkar has chosen not to celebrate his birthday this year as a mark of respect to frontline workers leading India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, wishes poured in from everyone including his admirers in B-Town.## Taking to Twitter, Abhishek Bachchan expressed: "Happy birthday @sachin_rt Health, happiness, love and respect always."## Rahul Bose shared: "A very happy birthday to the most inspiring cricketer I have ever watched on a cricket field. May you have many more, @sachin_rt!"## Veteran Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha tweeted: "Warm and happy birthday wishes for an amazing, from the captain, a great cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar @sachin_rt. He is the son of India, the pride of Maharashtra, a fine human being & fondly known as 'Master Blaster' by the media. He holds the title for several firsts in his fantastic journey of cricket. He is one of the most idolized and admired cricketers in the world. Wishing you happiness, peace, love & healthy long life ahead. Happy birthday."## Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeepa, who recently appeared in the Bollywood film "Dabangg 3" also shared his birthday wish for Sachin Tendulkar. He expressed: "Wish the icon @sachin_rt a very happy bday. U have inspired, n u will always be an inspiration to many across the world. Happy returns Sir."## Actor Angad Bedi, who is the son of legendary cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi, took to Instagram to express: "Happy birthday to you bhaji!!! "GOD OF CRICKET" Sachin-Sachin echo is missed not just in #wankhede but in all cricket stadiums around the world where ever you played. We love you as a nation."## Aftab Shivdasani posted: "Happy birthday legend @sachin_rt, you were, are, and will always be the best. May God bless you with love, happiness, and the best of health always. Love and respect."## Singer Kailash Kher recalled how he has been tagged as a lookalike of Sachin Tendulkar by many. He wrote: "When I entered this miraculous film world people used to call me looks like Sachin sings like Nusrat. Both compliments used to boost my happiness, Bharat desh ko Garv hai, (pride of India) #HappyBirthdaySachin our beloved Bharat Ratna @sachin_rt thank you, God, for sending him in our time #Inspiration."## Singer Harshdeep Kaur shared a message which reads: "A true gentleman.. a heart of Gold.. extreme humility.. heartbeat of millions and the God of Cricket! Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt Sir. Thank you for being You. May God bless you with good health & happiness always. #HappyBirthdaySachinTendulkar## Singer Jasleen Royal posted a throwback picture from her childhood cricket training days, sharing how she along with other budding cricketers celebrated Master Blaster's birthday back then. "Cutting a cake on Sachin's birthday as a 10-year-old cricketer at my academy to meeting the legend recently. Happy Birthday @sachin_rt you are a force! Thank you for the inspiration! Fan forever #Sachin," she tweeted.## Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar shared a selfie with the cricketer and tweeted: "Happy burrrday to the Master! Been a pleasure to know and work with you for almost three decades. Have a smashing day @sachin_rt."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) The release date of Anushka Sharma's debut digital production, the thriller web series "Paatal Lok", has been locked as May 15.## Anushka on Friday shared a high-pitch, CGI-loaded teaser on her social media accounts, announcing the release date and also teasing the plotline of the show.## "From the underbelly comes a crime thriller that will change how you look at the world you live in. #PaatalLok #NewSeriesOnPrime, May 15," she wrote while sharing the short clip.## The show has Neeraj Kabi, Gul Panag, and Jaideep Ahlawat in key roles, and the teaser suggests it will be about the dormant, dark and dangerous underbelly -- or 'paatal lok' -- of the seemingly peaceful world we live in.## Coupled with a somber narration, the teaser puts a spotlight on the darker side of humanity.## Without revealing characters, the video uses dark graphics and animation to paint a sordid picture and shows how truth and justice are shunned when demons roam the earth in the garb of humans.## In the teaser, a bespectacled and suited newscaster morphs into a ten-headed demon and spreads hatred, and the blind lady of justice is soaked in blood. A park becomes a cemetery and a city catches fire.## Exploring the dark recesses of immorality, the series aims at being neo-noir entertainment that is inspired by the traditional concepts of Swargalok (heaven), Dharti Lok (earth), and Patal Lok (netherworld), and delves into the interplay within the four estates of democracy.## Earlier this week, Anushka had shared another teaser for the series. It showed blood spattering on-screen with the narrator saying: "The countdown has begun. To change the laws of the land, worms have crept in, who will spread terror and shed blood. They will turn the world into a living hell."## The show is produced by Anushka's banner, Clean Slate Films, and it will stream on Amazon Prime Video.## For more and latest news about digital media, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) B-Towners took to social media to share their love and wishes for actor Varun Dhawan on his 33rd birthday.## This year Varun has to celebrate a birthday in the confines of home owing to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. He cut a heart-shaped chocolate cake earlier in the day and shared a video with fans.## Varun's "Dilwale" co-star Kriti Sanon called him "entertaining". She tweeted: "Happyy Birthday @Varun_dvn !! I hope your quarantine birthday is as entertaining as you are. Found an old pic with us looking like kids!! It's so cute! Haha.. lets never grow up! Biggg hug! And lots of love. P.S. pls let's click better newer pics this year post lockdown."## Kriti's words were reflected in Madhuri Dixit's message. The actress shared a wish for her "Kalank" co-star and wrote: "There can never be a dull moment when you are there on the sets! Here's wishing you a very Happy Birthday @Varun_dvn. Hope you're safe and smiling like you always do!"## Tiger Shroff wished Varun, saying: "Happy birthday @Varun_dvn ! Have a great day ahead, and an amazing year! Lots of love."## Ayushmann Khurrana said Varun Dhawan has a "heart of gold". The actor shared a photo where he and Varun can be seen bursting into a hearty laughter. He wrote: "Happy bday VD! The guy with a heart of gold. Hum pata nahi kid baat par has rahe hain? Yeh tasveer social distancing ke vipareet hai, shayad isiliye. (God knows why we are laughing! Perhaps because this picture is against social distancing)."## Sonam Kapoor shared on Instagram that she is missing Varun pulling her legs. The actress wrote: "Happy happy birthday my dearest @varundvn I know yours and Rohit's favourite past time is teasing me, and no matter how annoyed I get , I want you to know I miss it and love it.. all my love to you and have the best day every."## Arjun Kapoor shared a photo with Varun and called him "natkhat balak forever" and his "brother from another mother". The actor wrote: "Bad (haircuts in this case) Boys 4 Life. Happy birthday @varundvn the content maker par excellence, the new rapper in town & the natkhat balak forever !!! #vdin4d #hairytales #swamitypeka #brotherfromanothermother #facecreamernumber1"## Varun Sharma suggested his "Dilwale" co-star Varun Dhawan to never change his nature. He expressed on Instagram: "Happpyyy Happyyy B'day Bhaii @varundvn. Tu jaisa hai bad waisa hi rahio humesha! (Never change your nature) Biiggg Hug Bhaiii Love you! Rab mehar kare!! (God bless you)."## Aparshakti Khurrana shared: "Veeeeeeeeeeeeee Deeeeeeeeeeee!! Happpy Bdayyyy Paaaajiiii!! @varundvn"## On the work front, Varun Dhawan will next be seen in "Coolie No 1". The comedy flick is David Dhawan's remake of his 1995 movie by the same name which starred Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in the lead. The remake stars Sara Ali Khan opposite Varun.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Actress Adah Sharma feels the best trips in life are the ones that aren't planned.## "I truly believe that the best trips in life are the ones that aren't planned. The impromptu ones without months of planning, no maps, no itinerary but with your close-knit group of friends are the ones which are the most memorable," Adah said.## She is thrilled about her web show, "The Holiday", which streams on MX Player. The show promises to take the audience through "one of the most memorable bachelorette trips that Patrick, Armaan and Kabir" played by Priyank Sharma, Aashim Gulati, and Veer Rajwant Singh throws for their best friend and bride-to-be, Mehak, played by Adah.## Talking about the show, she said: "‘The Holiday' is all about fun and brings out the emotions of true friendship. I don't think anyone has watched a bachelorette before where a girl goes with 3 of her best friends who happen to be boys. Now, since no one can go for a Holiday for a while, we'll take them with us on our Holiday!".## To this, Priyank added: "‘The Holiday' is a breathtaking, fast-paced, crazy roller coaster ride with 4 of the craziest friends and promises to give everyone friendship goals. This one is best watched as a virtual binge-watch party with your best pals."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan rang in his 33rd birthday amid lockdown with his near and dear ones at home.## Varun took to Instagram Stories where he shared a photograph of his modest celebration at home.## The actor shared a picture of a heart-shaped chocolate cake. He then shared another image of himself posing with his cake.## In other news, Varun has provided free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are leading the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## On the film front, he was last seen on screen in "Street Dancer 3D". He will next be seen opposite Sara Ali Khan in "Coolie No. 1". The film is a remake of the Govinda-Karisma Kapoor starrer of the same name that released in 1997 and was directed by Varun's father David Dhawan, who also calls the shots on the new version.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Lyricist Prashant Ingole, who has penned songs in films like "Bajirao Mastani" and "Mary Kom", has written a poem titled "Naadaan", urging people not to go out during the COVID-19 lockdown period.## The Indian government has imposed lockdown till May 3 but not all seem to be following it.## "It's very sad to see people around the world trying to be dumb and failing to understand the gravity of coronavirus and the lockdown. Seeing people in herds in India to buy vegetables breaking the social distancing rules, with no masks is disheartening," he said.## "Unfortunately, in India, I have never seen people valuing life and this seems to be just the routine for them. By going out, we are not only putting our lives in danger but our families' lives at stake too and at the same time, our country is at high risk," he added.## He urged people to follow the lockdown guidelines.## Meanwhile, Prashant has donated a certain sum of his fees for a song that he had worked on, to an NGO feeding the underprivileged.## He refused to reveal the amount but shared that it can be used for feeding 100 people for 18 days.## "Life is magical. Let's not try to save money for the future which may not come rather help people today who really are in need," he said.## "I feel and believe the most important aspect now is to support underprivileged people who consist of the major chunk in India and the medical staff who are at the forefront of this battlefield. I have donated one of my song's fees to an NGO in Pune. They are feeding underprivileged people with dal chawal," he added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 24 (IANS) Pop star Beyonce Knowles has pledged $6 million to fund mental health support during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## Beyonce's BeyGOOD has partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's #startsmall to provide $6 million to fund the mental health and personal wellness services, reports variety.com.## The 38-year-old singer shared an update on her website.## "Beyonce's BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic," read the organization's official statement, adding: "In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis."## The mental health initiative includes a key national partnership with UCLA. BeyGOOD has also partnered with the National Alliance in Mental Illness, which provides local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans, and Detroit. BeyGOOD is also supporting the United Memorial Center, Bread of Life, Matthew 25 and other organizations to help provide basic necessities, including food, water, cleaning supplies, medicines, and face masks.## Earlier this month, Beyonce highlighted the deadly impact of the coronavirus pandemic on African American communities during her stint inA "One World: Together at Home" virtual concert, saying the virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate in the US.## The 38-year-old singer highlighted the plight of the African-American community, saying: "Black Americans belong to these parts of the workforce that don't have the luxury of working from home. And African-American communities at large have been severely affected. Those with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk."## "This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate in America," added the Grammy Award-winning artist.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Jigar Saraiya, of the popular composer duo Sachin-Jigar, says the only silver lining about the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown for the music industry is that since films and film music will get delayed, independent music might get a little more space.## The film industry has taken a huge hit owing to the lockdown, and what kind of a blow does he think is in store for the music industry?## "If we talk about hard-hit, (think of) our film released on March 13, 'Angrezi Medium'. The film could only stay in theatres for one day because the cinema halls got locked down a day after that. The most affected film is our film but at the same time, the most successful song of this year is 'Kudi nu nachne de' -- which is from that film. I think the song has benefited from the lockdown because people are at home, dancing to that song and making their videos," Jigar told IANS.## He said that the lockdown has two effects. "It is going to affect everybody right from CEO's to musicians, business people... everybody will face difficulties... How do you recover from such a big halt? Music of course if there are films which are being pushed then music will also get pushed but at the same time because Sachin and I do a lot of independent music that will get a little cap because when a lot of film music comes then there is not much space for independent music. TV and radio have no slots," he said.## Jigar added: "Since film music will come a little late, independent music might get a little space. What India needs right now is to get out of the remix trend and get into original music. Maybe, this is what I am thinking as a silver lining for musicians."## Stay tuned...