BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Alia Bhatt was spotted with elder sister Shaheen and good friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor on her birthday on March 15, and not with rumoured boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, so a section of the media was quick to speculate all is not well between the two! ## Alia celebrated her special day with the girl gang and a video showing the actress cutting two birthday cakes has gone viral. Wishes poured in from friends and colleagues in the film fraternity including her mother Soni Razdan and Ranbir's mother Neetu Singh, but there was no message from Ranbir, if a report in the website odishatv.in is to be believed. ## Incidentally, a day after Alia's birthday, Natasha Poonawalla took to Instagram to share an old picture where Ranbir is seen planting a kiss on a grinning Alia's cheek, even as Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora hug and kiss in the background. The picture was taken in New York, indiatoday.in reported. ## Although Alia and Ranbir have neither confirmed nor denied being in a relationship, a section of the media is always over-eager to hunt for signs that attest love and/or breakup. Just the other day, many in the Bollywood media were excitedly reporting of a possible December wedding for the two stars. While Ranbir and Alia have maintained silence over all such talk, some among the mediapersons even claimed guest lists had already been drawn out for the wedding, which would reportedly happen once the Ranbir-Alia starrer "Brahmastra" released in the year end. ## "Brahmastra" is Ranbir's first film with Alia, and is directed by his close friend Ayan Mukerji, who called the shots on the Ranbir Kapoor hits "Wake Up Sid" (2009) and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" (2013) before this. The film is touted as the first of an ambitious superhero action trilogy, and it also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Kolkata, March 17 (IANS) All cinema halls in West Bengal will remain closed till March 31, while film shoots in the state would remain suspended upto March 30 in view of the novel coronavirus threat, various stakeholders announced on Tuesday. ## "We have decided that all cinema halls will remain shut till March 31 and the decision will come into effect immediately," an Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) official told the media. State minister Aroop Biswas announced all shoots have been cancelled till March 30. ## The minister, considered the bridge between the government and the film industry, held a meeting with various bodies of artistes, technicians, producers and film channels on tthe situation. ## The EIMPA official said though the industry would suffer huge losses, the priority now was to take all measures to combat the lethal disease."There will be huge losses if cinema halls and all film shoots are closed for such a long period, considering the present situation of the Bengal film industry. We will use time till March 31 to find out ways to recover the losses," she said. ## Television serials and soaps which do not have fresh episodes ready, will go for repeat telecasts. The decisions came a day after state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stressed on closing down all cinema halls for the time being to help tackle the Covid-19 threat. ## The entire matter would be revisited after Banerjee holds a review meeting on March 30. ## For more and the latest news about Bengali, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday thanked his fans for sending birthday wishes to his daughter Shweta Bachchan. ## "To all that send their wishes for Shweta on her birthday .. my most grateful thanks and gratitude ..All is well so far .. be safe , be in precaution and care," Big B tweeted. ## Shweta received a cute wish from her younger brother Abhishek Bachchan, too. Abhishek posted a throwback picture of Shweta and him when they were just toddlers. ## In the image, Big B along with his wife and actress Jaya Bachchan can be seen sharing smiles with Abhishek and Shweta. ## "Happy Birthday Shwetdi! Have the best year. Evidence that you've been trying to be a fashionista since childhood... The dress!!! Wow!!!Love you," Abhishek wrote. ## Responding to Abhishek's post, Shweta commented: "Love you Numpsey." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Actress Aaditi Pohankar, who will be seen playing a cop in the upcoming Netlix web show "She", says it is challenging to play the central character of Bhumika in the show. ## "I believe switching characters in the same film or show is the biggest challenge an artist faces. For me, starting off as that timid and under-confident cop was tough, because that is not the kind of person I am. Then when my character transcends into being a prostitute for the undercover operation, my traits shift completely. ## "Everything from my outfit, to my walk, to my posture, and even the way I talk had to change. It was a journey for me as a whole, transforming Bhumika from that shaky, low on self-esteem female cop to a lady who discovers the power she has, and isn't afraid to use it," Aaditi said. ## Written by Imtiaz Ali, "She" is the story of a police constable, Bhumika Pardesi, who is assigned a dangerous undercover police operation in the volatile underbelly of Mumbai, and is forced to depend on her survival skills. ## For more and the latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 17 (IANS) Actor Kristofer Hivju, who played Tormund Giantsbane in the blockbuster series "Games Of Thrones", has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. ## On Monday, Hivju wrote on his Instagram account: "Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, coronavirus. My familiy and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health - I only have mild symptoms of a cold. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis." ## He also urged people to be careful and take necessary precautions. ## "I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1,5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals," he added. ## Giantsbane further stated: "Please take care of each other, keep your distance, and stay healthy! Please visit your country's Center for disease Control's website, and follow the regulations for staying safe and protecting not just yourselves, but our entire community, and especially those at risk like the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions." ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Actress Akansha Ranjan Kapoor made her acting debut in the Netflix film "Guilty", which highlighted the #MeToo movement. She feels it is unfortunate that we need films like "Guilty" to restart the conversation about sexual harassment. ## "It's unfortunate that we need films like this for people to restart the conversation, but that was our aim. People have a very short attention span. But this (sexual harassment) has been happening forever and I feel that #MeToo is here to stay," said Akansha. ## In "Guilty", Kiara Advani essays the role of a girl whose boyfriend, a darling of the college, is accused of rape by a smalltown girl who is not quite the popular one in the campus. The film explores different versions of what might have happened before the truth is laid bare. ## Akansha plays the smalltown girl Tanu Kumar from Dhanbad, who is at the centre of all the drama. ## Asked if she expected a positive response for her first film, Akansha said: "I have dreamt of it my whole life. Before shooting for it, I would think, 'I am going to do my first film and I am going to get this kind of response', so it's a dream come true moment for me." ## Talking about her character, she claimed: "After watching the film, every girl has messaged me or reached out to me saying 'sorry' for judging Tanu, or that they all want to be like Tanu. Nobody has told me it is a very bold character. They have either said sorry or they have said they want to be as confident as Tanu, because she has given them more self esteem. Tanu has given me confidence, too. I could not dress the way she does. She is her own person and she doesn't need validation from anybody. People consider her a golddigger but she knows that she is the gold." ## Directed by Ruchi Narain, "Guilty" also features actors Taher Shabbir and Gurfateh Singh Pirzada in key roles. ## For more and the latest news about Digial Media, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers, who was recently roped in as the face of Virat Kohli's clothing brand WROGN, feels that dressing up is very personal, and says "it is important to dress in a way that makes one feel comfortable and confident". ## When asked about his advice for picking the right clothes, the ace cricketer said being comfortable was the most important thing. ## "If you're uncomfortable in what you're wearing, it will show. So always pick styles that fit right, not too tight, not too loose. Then you can start mixing and matching to let your personality shine through," de Villiers told IANSlife. ## "Once you've got this covered, your clothes can complement your personality in a good way", he added. ## The former South Africa captain recently turned 36. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), during which he had shot for WROGN and sampled the clothing. ## On his association with the brand's activewear and Virat, de Villiers said that the Indian skipper and him have "got along well for many years, on and off the field, and it's great to be working with him at WROGN". ## For more and the latest news about Lifestyle, stay tuned to us.

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has called for complete shutdownb, with the government advising against any kind of public gathering, Mumbai's Film City continues almost in its usual pace. ## On Sunday, a notification has been unanimously issued by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association, Federation of Western India Cine Employees and other similar bodies, ordering that shooting for films, TV shows, digital shows and all other kinds of entertainment format would have to be stopped between March 19 and 31 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. ## But will Bollywood really stop shooting? ## Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, president of All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), told IANS: "The film industry hardly ever follows regulations. Whenever any circular is issued, there will be some people within the industry who will not follow it. People who don't follow government circulars, will they listen to producers? Some shoots will continue to happen." ## Gupta's words were repeated by Prince Sheikh, who works as a casting coordinator for television shows across the city. ## Prince said: "Some or the other shoot will continue. Not every shoot will stop. But there are always doctors present on the sets for any kind of medical emergency." ## Currently, at least 50 per cent of the shoots have stopped at the Film City but the rest of the them will continue till March 18 at least> Going by Gupta's contention, a lot of these shoots are happening under conditions of "gross negligence". ## "Almost 50 per cent of shoots have stopped at Goregaon Film City. The rest are still shooting. Nobody is wearing a mask or using sanitiser. They are at least 150-200 people on the sets including child artistes as young as four. There is gross negligence," said Suresh Gupta. ## He added that Principal Secretary of the Health Department, Dr Pradeep Vyas, has issued a notification saying that whatever shoot is going on within the industry premises, should ensure proper safety measures. However, in most Film City washrooms and basins, you hardly ever spot soap or handwash. Detergent powder, which used for washing clothes, is mixed with water and kept in plastic bottles to pass off as handwash. ## While masks seem to be distant dream for lower rung workers in Film City, most daily wage workers make do with covering their mouths with handkerchiefs. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Actor Sudesh Berry, who is best known for his role in "Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo", has bagged a cameo in the ongoing TV show "Maddam Sir". ## "I feel every situation is like a coin, while all the female police officers are one side, my character is on the other. I view every character of mine as my child, as it grows, you learn more about it. My character, Angad is someone with immense power and wealth. However, Angad's ideologies and beliefs are far from powerful. ## "He is fearless and not scared to use his position and influence to deal with situations. I am really enjoying essaying this character because for me acting is not only my profession but my faith. So, I follow it with complete devotion. I am excited to delve in the character completely and I think it will be an exciting journey," Sudesh said. ## "Maddam Sir" airs on Sony SAB. ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Supserstar Salman Khan has been living in a flat in Bandra's Galaxy Apartments for years now. He could have easily bought a bunglow for himself but he preferred staying there as his parents and family, and is deeply attached to the place. ## "I love staying at my flat in Bandra over a big, luxurious bungalow because my parents live in the flat above mine. Ever since I was a child I have taken the same left turn or right turn and I would not have it any other way," Salman had earlier said. ## The "Dabangg" actor had also shared his memories attached to his house. ## "The entire building is like one big family. When we were little, all the kids of the building would play together in the garden below and sometimes even sleep there. Back then, there weren't different houses, all the houses were treated as our own and we would go into anyone's house to eat food. I still stay in the same flat because I have countless memories attached to that house," he had added. ## In one of the old interviews, Salman's father, who is also Legendary screenwriter, had shared his love for his flat and why he wants to live there forever. ## "I am very much attached to this place. If I ever leave this house, my heart will cry. Then I won't be able to live happily," Salim had said. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) "Bigg Boss 13" fame contestant Paras Chhabra has landed in a new controversy. His designers have alleged that Paras has not paid dues for the clothes he wore inside the house. ## In a recent interview to SpotboyE, one of the designers said: "It is extremely unprofessional. Every time he says mere GST issues chal rahe hain, hence I haven't got my prize money of Bigg Boss 13 and shall pay you only when I get it." ## Responding to such allegations, Paras' spokesperson has issued a statement, stating that he is not liable to pay anything to the designers. ## "These are false allegations by the stylists to gain cheap publicity. Nearly after two months if this is what they are trying to do, we call it disgusting and uncalled for. ## "They have taken due mileage and credits from Paras as it was a pure collaboration and should value it and they had approached Paras for a barter deal and he is not liable to pay anything. Collaboration means ,there are no finances involved or anything that they are claiming," the statement read. ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) As per notification issued by Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association, Federation of Western India Cine Employees and other similar bodies, shooting for films, TV shows, digital shows and all other entertainment formats will be stopped between March 19 and 31 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While filmstars, filmmakers and other celebrities get to spend quality time with their families and also relax for a few days, what happens to the grassroots-level workers of the film industry, who get paid per day? What happens to technicians, spotboys, camera and crane operators, freelance makeup artists or hairstylists? ## Unfortunately, the picture is far from rosy for these people, and most of them are already worried. For most of them, one day's work -- which might last upto 16 hours -- normally means just a few hundred rupees, and a lot of them are the sole breadwinners of their families. Bollywood shutting down would mean even that paltry income will stop. ## Freelance hairstylist Snehal told IANS: "I am a single woman. I stay in a rented apartment and have to bear all my costs. If shoot stops for so many days, how will we survive? I don't have much savings to last for a long time." ## Snehal, a Mira Road resident, added: "Normally, hairstylists like us get around Rs 2,000 on a daily basis. Most of us get to work for 10 to 15 days a month. That's how the industry works. If you working a full month -- like in TV serials -- then you get Rs 1200 daily. If that also stops coming, how will we manage? As it is, there are too many people and too less work and it is not easy to get work. Due to the current situation, even pre-shoot meetings and auditions are getting postponed. If shoots do not start, we won't get work." ## As per the notification, shooting is expected to stop from March 19. Owing to panic, half of Goregaon's Film City had already stopped shooting by Tuesday, March 17. Most people declared they were in no mood to take risks. Celebrities as well as junior artistes are routinely absent from pre-scheduled shoots. ## Casting coordinator Prince Sheikh revealed: "I am casting for a mythological show right now but I am not getting good response from actors owing to this coronavirus scare. If earlier, a hundred people responded to an ad posted by me, now hardly 10 are turning up." ## Big stars have already started cancelling shoots. Reveals a source: "A couple of days ago, shoot for an advertisement was scheduled with an A-lister actress in Film City. She did not turn up owing to the coronavirus scare, and the entire shoot was cancelled. A celebrity can afford not to turn up, but if a technician, a spotboy, a lightman, a cameraman and a junior artiste does not turn up, they stand to lose their job. Junior artists get paid as less as Rs 300-400 and other workers get Rs 600-700 for working upto 16 hours." ## While shooting scheduled to be stopped for 13 days at a stretch, the lockdown could be extended depending upon circumstances. How will these people manage? Not coronavirus, but the question of running their households is right now the bigger concern for these people Bollywood's lower-rung professionals. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.