BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Actress Anushka Sharma has had time for some reflection in life during the nationwide lockdown and says that she has realized just having food, water, a roof over her head and the good health of her family are most important.## "Every dark cloud had a silver lining. And this time, while it may seem like the worst time and in so many ways it actually is, has also forcefully made us all stop and deal with things we might have been running away from because either we were ‘busy' or it was convenient to say we were 'busy'. If this time is respected for what it is, it will enable more light to shine through," Anushka said in a twitter post.## The actress is deeply pained seeing the sufferings of fellow countrymen.## "For me just having food, water, and a roof over my head and the good health of my family seems MOST important. Everything else is a bonus that I bow my head in gratitude for."## She added: "But, that which we call 'basic' is not so basic for everyone after looking at all the people who struggle for just those few things. My prayers with them and their families. May everyone be safe and secure."## She feels the time is delivering important life lessons to all.## "This time has surely made me more reflective. This need to stay at home with your loved ones has been forced upon the entire world but there is a deep lesson for us all. There is a lesson to strive for work and life balance (I've valued and strived for this dearly for many years now), there is a lesson to devote more time in things that actually matter," she said.## Anushka says she wants to help as many possible in her best abilities.## She said: "Today when I'm surrounded by all the blessings in my life, I just want to tell everyone how much compassion I feel for everyone who I see suffer. I want to help as many possible to the best of my abilities. I feel pride in our resilience to be better human beings. I can instinctively feel this in and around me.## "We will all have our individual and subjective lessons from this time and hopefully such lessons will continuously stay with us all."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 31 (IANS) TV host and actor James Corden, who has three children with wife Julia, finds it difficult to teach students at home amid coronavirus pandemic.## Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, James spoke about how is he spending time with children at home and why he considers home-schooling a nightmare, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## "The homeschooling thing is a nightmare. My respect for teachers is through the roof.## "I mean, look, it's here now. Honestly, I know nothing in (this textbook). I know nothing," James said.## Meanwhile, the 41-year-old star has also been working on making his late-night talk show work from home. He built a set in his own garage.## James said: "The hardest thing is really putting it all together in isolation.## "Building a set in my garage and we just have three locked-off cameras, so I'm just there on my own. My wife is going to do my makeup, so God helps me."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor on Tuesday took to Instagram and announced that she along with husband Saif Ali Khan would be donating to UNICEF, GIVE INDIA and the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.## "At difficult times like these, we need to come together and help each other. We both have taken steps to do just that and have pledged our support to UNICEF, GIVE INDIA and the International Association for Human Values (IAHV). We urge those of you who can to do the same. United we stand. Jai Hind. Kareena, Saif, and Taimur," wrote Kareena.## However, the fact that they have chosen to donate to global agencies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's PM-Cares Fund has not gone down well with a section of social media.## Although many of her fans lauded her noble gesture, some others were critical of the decision.## One user commented: "What a way to avoid donating to Indian cause and still be called philanthropic."## Another user directly asked: "Why not to PM-CARES?"## Criticizing the actress, another user expressed: "Bebo doesn't care about PM-CARES."## Another user trolled: "Obviously you will not give anything to PM-CARES. Why UNICEF? For publicity?"## Many similar comments flooded the actress's post.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) "Malang" actress Amruta Khanvilkar has contributed Rs one lakh to the Maharashtra CM Relief Fund to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## "It feels good to be able to make even a small contribution during such times. The world is under serious threat and we have to nip this disease in the bud in the initial stages in India," she said.## "The consequences are fatal and the entire country needs the support of its citizens. I urge everyone to do their bit financially as much as possible and to strictly obey the government orders of staying indoors unless it's an emergency. Let's stand together and fight coronavirus. Stay safe everyone," she added.## Apart from featuring in Bollywood films such as "Raazi" and "Malang", Amruta is a known name in Marathi cinema. She has acted in Marathi films such as "Welcome Zindagi" and "Saade Maade Teen".## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has donated Rs 51 lakh to Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), to help daily wage film workers who have been left without jobs since the lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.## Producer Ashoke Pandit took to social media to thank Rohit for his contribution.## "Thank you #RohitShetty for your generosity towards the #DailyWageworkers of our entertainment industry. Ur massive contribution of? 51 lakhs towards @fwice_mum in such times of crisis is really inspiring.#FWICEFightsCorona #IndiaFightsCorona," Ashoke tweeted.## Seeing Rohit's contribution, filmmaker Farah Khan took to Instagram to applaud him.## "More power to you Rohit," Farah wrote.## On the directorial front, Rohit is all set to come up with a cop drama, titled "Sooryavanshi", which features Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress Juhi Chawla, who recently came back from London and is currently observing self-quarantine with her family, is doing what she loves and swears by -- organic living.## In an Instagram post, Juhi shared the trick for healthy hair straight from the kitchen. She wrote: "My new experiment ..!! Methi seeds every morning ...!!! I am determined to have thick hair."## Many found the tip useful and said they would try it too. Others had their tricks and tips that they shared in the comments section.## The former beauty queen often uses her stardom to create awareness about protecting the environment and creating a sustainable planet for our future generations.## Juhi even took to her micro-blogging site when she discarded high-end personal grooming products replacing them with organic products available in one's kitchen.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Finally got over the excitement of working from home, binge-watching even mediocre series on OTT platforms? Is playing chef and cleaning the house getting on the nerves now? Well, its time to reconnect with things that make you feel alive -- again.## From online concerts, theatre festivals, museum tours, Dastangoi, book recommendations and fitness classes, social media surely seems to have come to the rescue in these times of solitary confinement.## Asmita theatre group, which is organizing the world's first (China organized an online opera recently) online theatre festival titled 'Quarantine Theatre Festival' which started on March 21, streaming for free some of its best-known plays, including 'Hanush', 'Final Solutions' and 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai' among others via premium screening on Facebook, in a way gave a cue to many other artists to follow suit.## "In times when people are talking about social distancing, we insist that what is needed is just physical distancing. Let's keep the social connections alive. This has been a great experiment for us, getting us lakhs of views. Not only are people getting to watch some pathbreaking plays, but for many first-timers, this is their maiden exposure to this art form. I am sure this will result in more footfalls in auditoriums once the lockdown is a thing of the past. Let's just say that we needed to do this as at this time --- people could not come to the auditorium, so theatre decided to go to them," he told IANS.## Musician Susmit Sen, the co-founder of the band the Indian Ocean, who later started The Susmit Sen Chronicles, and was seen on the Facebook concert 'The Inside Session' organized by The Big Band Theory on March 29, laughs that despite the fact he is not really technology-savvy, he enjoyed it every bit.## "We were operating from our homes, and I had to be guided continuously. But that didn't come in-between the excellent response." Stressing that in such times, art provides the much-needed respite, he adds, "Connections assume significant importance during gloom. Music definitely does more than just lift spirits up."## Stressing that as an artist, she misses the rush of being on stage, singer Jasleen Aulakh, who also performed during 'The Inside Session', says that the live streaming from the safety of her home provided the much needed connect with her listeners again.## "Honestly, the experience proved to be a great way to stay sane. No wonder, I have signed up for another live session on April 13," says the artist, who wants to continue doing such sessions even after the lockdown is over.## "I really feel sad for students of music who need to consult their teachers often but are unable to do so due to the lockdown. I may start some interactive sessions for them on different social media platforms soon," says Indian classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty.## Stating that the "mental lockdown" is more telling than the physical one, she is all for live sessions being held by singers on social media platforms. "One definitely gets a sense of reassurance that comes from familiarity. Of course, the effect may not be that of a concert, but then look at the circumstances..." Chakraborty says that most musicians were looking forward to their tours in the coming two months, so one can understand the sense of disappointment.## "But thanks to the social media, they at least have an outlet of some kind and a means to connect to their audiences."## Vocalist Shubha Mudgal, who doesn't plan to do any live sessions, explains the reason why "The reason I don't want to use social media platforms for concerts is that they prevent accompanying artistes and ensembles to be together for a performance."## Stating that singing live on different platforms is a spontaneous reaction from singers, classical vocalist Sunanda Sharma adds, "In these times of crisis, we are trying to do our bit."## It's not just singers and theatre artists who are taking over social media. While publishing house Juggernaut is offering the Juggernaut app with its catalog of bestsellers and curated-for mobile reads for free, HarperCollins India is providing a host of reader-centric activities with the central idea of #HarperAtHome.## Its Marketing Head, Akriti Tyagi tells, "Besides book recommendation a day, there is also #Reset, in association with Algebra. We are aiming to launch a series of events, using the zoom app as a platform and move author interactions online. Each Wednesday, we will feature a curated list of our authors who will talk about the issues pertaining to society during these uncertain times."## Considering the way stand-up comedy has swept the country in the past few years, it would have been very unusual if major comedians didn't mark their presence on online platforms. A live session by 'Aisi Taisi Democracy', one of the best known stand-up groups in the country was live on Facebook recently.## Its member Sanjay Rajoura makes it clear, "Look, I am under no illusions. I don't think art can serve people in any capacity, the assumption itself is arrogant and problematic. My aim is just to expose power structures and introduce people to all the rot around. I do it on the stage, and I did it on Facebook live, an idea floated by people who manage us."## For someone like Mahmood Farooqui, credited for reviving Dastangoi, the ancient art of Urdu storytelling, it was a tough decision to put his creation 'Dastan Jahalat' on YouTube on March 29 and 30.## "I have always believed that this is a three-dimensional art form that must be enjoyed live. I have always been against putting my work on YouTube as that invariably results in a reduction of people coming for live shows. However, this time was different. In such uncertain times, art provides salvation and food for the soul. Of course, beyond a point, it makes no difference. How will it make life easier for hungry people walking back to their villages?"## Filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, the producer, and brains behind putting 'Dastan Jahalat' on YouTube add, "We can think on the lines of creating fresh work for social media. Of course, that depends on the technical support and if the equipment we have at home is good enough."## Even NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) is facilitating a virtual tour of its treasures as it celebrates its 66 years amidst the COVID 19.## And to ensure that you don't gain inches around the waist, there are some fitness courses being offered for free too. Dancer and choreographer Ravi Rastogi, who is offering free and live classes says that more women are coming forward for his classes as compared to men.## "I was missing my studio during the lockdown, so thought of stating this. People are participating actively, with many responding in real-time and posting their pictures."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) While we get to watch new films all the time, the lockdown could be a golden chance to catch up with a few classics across genres. Digital platforms are overflowing with them, and you would literally be spoilt for choice selecting some really enjoyable stuff that has come out of Bollywood over the decades. Twenty-one days, it would seem, is too short a time to catch up with what really defines vintage Bollywood and is available in the OTT libraries.## IANS picks a few old films that you might want to revisit, that will let you relax and bust the stress of lockdown. Of course, this is not a definitive list.## * Chupke Chupke (1975) -## Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the comedy film is about a man pretending to be a driver and fooling his wife's brother-in-law as an attempt to prove that the brother-in-law is not as smart as he claims to be. The film stars Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Om Prakash. It is available on Netflix.## * Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) -## The comedy-drama, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is about a goon who sets out to fulfill his father's dream of becoming a doctor. It stars Sanjay Dutt, Gracy Singh, Arshad Warsi, late Sunil Dutt, and Boman Irani. It is available on Netflix.## * Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) -## The Manmohan Desai multistarrer is widely considered one of the best examples of Bollywood masala entertainment ever. It was Amitabh Bachchan's first major foray into a brand of comedy for the mass. Big B tickled the funny bone with his role as Anthony Gonsalves. The film had a lasting impact on pop culture, with Laxmikant-Pyarelal's distinct score, the dramatic one-liners, colorful characters and a peculiar mix of slapstick and melodrama. It is available on Netflix.## * Bobby (1973) -## The iconic film, starring Dimple Kapadia, Rishi Kapoor, Pran, and Prem Nath, is considered a classic in Indian cinema. It is about Raja, an 18-year-old son of a rich Hindu businessman, who falls in love with 16-year-old Bobby, a Catholic belonging to a very different stature. It is available on Netflix.## * Gol Maal (1979) -## The Hrishikesh Mukherji gem is one of the greatest mainstream comedies that Bollywood has ever made. Featuring Utpal Dutt in what has to be his defining comic role, the film stars Amol Palekar and Bindiya Goswami, in a merry story of confusion, triggered off by a man who, under circumstances, has to pretend that he has a wayward and ill-mannered twin brother. The film is available on Netflix. The idea inspired Rohit Shetty's 2012 hit "Bol Bachchan".## * Andaz Apna Apna (1994) -## The film narrates adventures of two young broke men who discover that a stunning heiress lives nearby and tries to charm her. It stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and Shakti Kapoor. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.## * Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) -## Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Deepak Tijori, the film is about a boy who falls for a girl who is in love with someone else and tries to create a rift between her and the man she loves. It is available on Netflix.## * Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) -## Watch the iconic Raj and Simran's story come alive once again. The Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer follow the romance of two NRIs who despite being madly in love refuses to elope. It is remembered for its plot, dialogues, and soulful music. The film, available on Amazon Prime Video, also turned out to be a launchpad for Shah Rukh as the king of romance in the Indian film industry.## * Silsila (1981) -## It is a love story, thwarted by society's demands, which reappears as adultery. The film stars late Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, and Sanjeev Kumar. The romantic drama, directed by late Yash Chopra, is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Lamhe (1991) -## The romantic drama is about a young man Viren (Anil Kapoor) falling in love with an older woman, Pallavi (late Sridevi) -- who goes onto marry her love. However, a tragic accident kills Pallavi and her husband, orphaning their baby girl, Pooja. Pooja grows up to be a spitting image of her mother. It is about how she falls in love with a now older Viren. The Yash Chopra directorial is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) -## The comedy film, directed by Kundan Shah, is a dark satire on the corruption in Indian politics, bureaucracy, media, and business. It features Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, late Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve, and Neena Gupta. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.## * Sholay (1975) -## The classic film tells the story of a retired policeman (Thakur) who summons a pair of small-time thieves to help him capture a notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the revenge drama features Dharmendra, late Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya, and late Amjad Khan. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) -## The musical directed by Sooraj Barjatya holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the 1990s. It re-defined friendship and romance in Bollywood. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film traces Prem (Salman Khan) and Suman (Bhagyashree)'s love story hindered by family disputes and financial differences. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Hera Pheri (2000) -## Priyadarshan's madcap misadventure starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, and Tabu narrates the story of three impoverished men who become rich by the end of the tale thanks to a freakish stroke of luck and a kidnapping plan went wrong. One of the most hilarious films ever made in India, it is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Mughal-e-Azam (1960) -## The epic historical drama film, directed by K. Asif, tells a love story between Mughal Prince Salim and Anarkali, a court dancer. Salim's father and emperor Akbar disapproves of the relationship, which leads to a war between father and son. The classic film features Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, and Prithviraj Kapoor. Re-visit it on Amazon Prime Video.## * Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) -## A remake of Hollywood movie "French Kiss", "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha" stars Kajol and Ajay Devgn. The film, available on Hotstar, is about a couple finding love while pursuing different goals.## * Ishq (1997) -## Starring Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Juhi Chawla, and Kajol, the film tells a love story of two couples when they are met with oppression by their parents, society and their class. It is available on Hotstar.## * Angoor (1982) -## The classic comedy film is about two pairs of identical twins, who are separated at birth and meet in adulthood. What follows is confusion, more confusion, and funny twists. The film features Sanjeev Kumar, Deven Verma, Moushumi Chatterjee, and Deepti Naval. It is available on Hotstar.## * Aunty No. 1 (1998) -## Starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Kader Khan, and Harish Kumar, the film narrates comical situations when Gopi (Govinda) dresses up as an aunt to solve problems of his friends. He gets into a funny situation where he must avoid two suitors trying to woo the aunt. It is available on Hotstar.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Television actress Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya took the Safe Hands challenge and shared a video where she is seen washing her hands.## Divyanka, who is popular for her role in the show "Yeh Hai Mohabbatein", took to Instagram to share the video, where she is seen washing her hands with forwarding and backward strokes.## "For those who missed several other #HandWashvideos and are still washing hands in old fashioned buckets. Posting it cuz I was nominated...but isn't it a good reminder too? @ektaravikapoor...finally kar dikhaya!" Divyanka captioned the clip, which currently has over 289K likes.## The actress mentioned that she was challenged by producer Ekta Kapoor.## Ekta replied on the comment section with a heart emoji and wrote: "Fantastic".## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 30 (IANS) Actress Soundarya Sharma had flown to Los Angeles to hone her craft and is stuck there following the complete lockdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic.## Even though she is stranded indoors in an alien land, Soundarya is trying to do her bit to help the Indian community here.## The actress is raising funds for the Indian community in Los Angeles who are directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19.## "It's a very difficult and challenging time for the entire world. We all need to do our bit. I have been following the situation very closely here and back home, and realized that this situation would need everyone together," she said.## "I have initiated by helping some of my Indian colleagues here by offering them groceries and medicinal products, and I amin the process of setting up online/crowdfunding for the Indian community and Indians who are stuck here and can't get back home," she added.## The "Ranchi Diaries" actress hopes to get back to India soon.## "But the thought of so many of us, stuck here without proper food or medicare or accommodation, makes me shiver. I am praying that this goes away soon and we all heal from it, be it financially, emotionally or physically," said Soundarya.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has pledged to donate Rs 20 lakh to lend support to the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.## Diljit took to Twitter, where he mentioned that the priority is to help the country.## "I'm committed to donating 20 Lakh rupees to the PM-CARES Fund. Our Priority Now should be to help our country get through this tough time. #TogetherWeCan," he tweeted.## The government set up the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, or the PM CARES Fund, with the objective of dealing with emergency situations such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Contributors to the fund will enjoy tax benefits, it has been announced.## "People from all walks of life expressed their desire to donate to India's war against COVID-19. Respecting that spirit, the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund has been constituted. This will go a long way in creating a healthier India," PM Modi announced in a tweet on Saturday.## The Prime Minister is the chairman of the trust that includes the home minister, the finance minister and the defence minister.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Actor Aparshakti Khurana believes the coronavirus lockdown will teach people many important lessons about life.## "I feel now no one will take anything for granted. Once people resume their work... they will value their work for sure. I hope people come out as a better version of themselves after the lockdown, and start building healthy relationships with each other than demeaning others," Aparshakti told IANS.## He also shared how is he spending time at home.## "Sometimes I read scripts or take narrations through video calls. Also, I am learning how to cook. I also spend some time in composing songs. And of course, spending quality time with my wife," Aparshakti added.## On the acting front, Aparshakti, who has carved his niche as a fine actor and a comedian with some interesting character roles, was recently seen in the dance drama, "Street Dancer 3D". He will next be seen as a solo lead in "Helmet", which also stars Pranutan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.