BY IANS NEWS

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 IANS NEWS

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 IANS NEWS

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 IANS NEWS

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 IANS NEWS

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 SUNIT JANGIR

Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar turns 47 today on April 24, Friday. It has been 7 years since Sachin Tendulkar played his last international match 14 November 2013 against West Indies which was also his 200th Test, but the aura of the master blaster still remains the same.## Cricket fertinity and people across the country shower their love and wish him birthday via twitter.## As the Master Blaster @sachin_rt turns 47, we relive one of his glorious knocks against England in 2008. He dedicated this ton - 41st in Test cricket, to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Here's wishing the legend a very happy birthday 🍰 🎁 🎂 #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/dgBdlbCtU7— BCCI (@BCCI) April 23, 2020 ## Happy birthday to Sachin Tendulkar, the most prolific batsman of all time!To celebrate, we will give you the opportunity to vote for his top ODI innings in a bracket challenge!Stay tuned to join the celebrations 🎂 pic.twitter.com/3orof9LAvs— ICC (@ICC) April 24, 2020 ## True that the great man could stop time in India when batting. But the biggest inspiration @sachin_rt Paaji’s career is summed up is in these two pictures. Much needed to remember especially in these difficult times that after every adversity comes victory #HappyBirthdaySachin 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/UODlDjbCEL— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 24, 2020 ## 🍰 Imagine you get a piece of this cake for every #Sachin 🐐 memory you tell us! Go ahead 📝#HappyBirthdaySachin #OneFamily @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/VEwYKm5nZw— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 24, 2020 ## Happy birthday to the man whose passion for the game of cricket has inspired many. Wishing you an amazing year ahead paaji. 😊🎂 @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/Mj7tE9evHg— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 24, 2020 ## Birthday greetings to one of the biggest legend of cricket @sachin_rt . Have a blast at home Paaji. Lots of love 🎂 #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/WwxVJjVXfi— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 24, 2020 ## Happiest birthday to the man loved by billions! @sachin_rt ❤️#HappyBirthdaySachin #CelebratingSachin pic.twitter.com/qEIyyaECcQ— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) April 24, 2020 ## #HappyBirthdaySachin. You weren't just a cricketer, you were an emotion. These are difficult times but you still bring joy to many. pic.twitter.com/xG6QBjjfRC— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 24, 2020 ## Fondly remember that time during your last test match when you walked up to me to share words of encouragement. The moment was yours, but you still thought of me! I cherish that moment even today. Happiest birthday @sachin_rt Paaji!#HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/GKEfb8CgQL— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) April 24, 2020 ## Wishing God of Cricket @sachin_rt a Verrrry Happppyyyy Bdayyyyy! 🌟🎂👏🏼💫💕🎊🥳💐🎉🏏🌈#HappyBirthdaySachin #HappyBirthdaySachinTendulkar pic.twitter.com/jI2dwPOjmb— Girish Johar (@girishjohar) April 24, 2020 ## Wishing you a very happy birthday ⁦@sachin_rt⁩ sir. Being a great cricketer, you are also an inspiration for all of us. #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/eWA0viNRtQ— Hima MON JAI (@HimaDas8) April 24, 2020 ## Here's wishing the Master Blaster @sachin_rt a very happy birthday 🎂🎁👏On this special day, let's turn back the clock and relive the legend's maiden IPL century 📽️🙌 #HappyBirthdaySachin— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2020 ## Yes @sachin_rt I lost all my hair praying for you for 24 years. Today I pray for you without any fear of losing anything :) Happy birthday Master 🤗 #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/TbgqdY8DLX— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) April 24, 2020 ## To the legend with an eternal sweet spot on the bat & in our hearts, here’s wishing MasterBlaster @sachin_rt a very happy bday. May ur life continue to shine like ur records & may u continue to inspire billions thru ur noble deeds. Loads of love & best wishes #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/l52w5dahA3— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 24, 2020 ## Watching 2 legends from Short Leg. Truly blessed.Happy birthday @sachin_rt :) #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/fJFJP0eprt— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) April 24, 2020 ## 🍰 Imagine you get a piece of this cake for every #Sachin 🐐 memory you tell us! Go ahead 📝#HappyBirthdaySachin #OneFamily @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/VEwYKm5nZw— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 24, 2020 ## The highest run-getter both in ODIs and Tests, Sachin Tendulkar is the only player to play 200 Test matches. In his 200th Test, the master blaster scored 74 runs against West Indies at his home ground Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. ## In 2014, Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the highest civilian award of India, Bharat Ratna. Apart from Bharat Ratna, he received several awards including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India's highest honor given for achievement in sports in 1997-98). ## In 2012, Sachin Tendulkar accepted the Rajya Sabha nomination proposed by the President of India and became the first active sportsperson and cricketer to have been nominated. ## Follow for more...

BY IANS NEWS

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...

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Shriya Pilgaonkar, daughter of talented actors Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar, feels her way of getting launched in mainstream cinema as an actress was quite different from most star kids.## "Compared to a lot of celebrity kids who have become actors, I feel the route I chose was quite unconventional in terms of the kind of work I started with. I started my journey doing a Marathi film, then I did a French film. So, for me it was not just about becoming an actor but also about honing my skills," Shriya told IANS.## Before foraying acting, Shriya worked as an assistant director on several projects.## "After graduating from college, I started learning Kathak and while I was learning Kathak, I was also working as an AD on several films and making short films. Acting happened very organically once I started doing theatre. It was not something that I had decided I would s do," she added.## Shriya made her Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 2016 film, "Fan". Later, she proved her mettle in the web show "Mirzapur".## Speaking of her journey so far, the young actress spoke of how her parents have always been a great source of inspiration.## "I feel blessed to be their daughter. They both have inspired me a lot. From discussing cinema to giving advice, they have always helped me through my thick and thin," she said.## Apart from films and web shows, Shriya works in plays, too. Recently, she featured in a virtual play, "Lockdown Love", to lighten up the mood of people amid the COVID-19 lockdown.## "It was a great experience performing live. It is a play about how a girl and guy who meet during the lockdown and start dating each other. So, it was a fun activity. We even rehearsed online and even changed our costumes like we normally do. It feels great to spread a smile among people with my work," Shriya added.## The play hosted by Roshan Abbas also features actor Priyanshu Painyuli.## It is presented under the initiative StayInalive.## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Despite being terminated abruptly, "Patiala Babes" producers have decided to pay a stipend to workers and the creative team till the lockdown ends.## They will be giving stipend ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25000 per person to over 60 team members.## "Patiala Babes" was terminated owing to the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.## The show's writer-producer Rajita Sharma has expressed her sadness and trauma in the story "remaining unfinished and untold".## "It was encouraging that Sony gave us a platform to bring to life our very bold narrative. Since the whole world is under siege, these times call for some unfortunate but necessary measures. 'Patiala Babes' will always remain close to our heart," Rajita added.## "The pandemic seems to be preparing for a long haul and as the show is shut, our workers are jobless." Vivek Budakoti and Rajita pointed out.## "We have decided to share whatever little profit we earned with our fellow workers who made us what we are as a production house," they said.## They have announced that the daily wage workers, including light men, spot boys, setting workers, sound assistants, assistant directors, production assistants, and the creative team will be given a regular fixed stipend every month till the time the lockdown is in effect.## "This is our commitment and support to our colleagues and will be on for as much time it takes for the industry to resume shoot," they added.## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Compared to the pre-Covid period, television viewership in India increased by 40 percent as more and more people stay at home due the restrictions, said a report on Thursday.## In the week starting April 11, individuals watching TV for all seven days increased to 48 percent, according to the latest report by TV viewership monitoring agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) and data measurement firm Nielsen.## For the study, the pre-Covid-19 period referred to January 13-February 2.## The highest growth in TV viewership was recorded in some of the biggest metros like Delhi and Mumbai, according to the report.## The results showed that viewership growth in the 15-21 age group is driven largely by the urban market.## The 15-21 age group contribute to 16 percent of the total TV viewership in India, said the report.## Compared to the pre-Covid period, the average time spent on TV in Mumbai grew by one hour and 42 minutes. In Delhi, the time spent rose by around an hour and 26 minutes.## In Mumbai and Delhi, where Covid-19 cases are among the highest in the country, news consumption on TV grew by 251 percent and 177 percent respectively.## Growth in movie viewership is coming largely from pay platforms across urban and rural markets - 82 percent and 69 percent respectively.## News stays strong in the Hindi speaking market with over 200 percent growth in week 15 over the pre-Covid period, said the report.## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) "Bigg Boss 13" contestant and singer Shehnaz Gill on Thursday gave a fun-filled warning to China where novel coronavirus originated.## She made a TikTok video in which she is seen warning the people of China in Chinese.## Not only this, she is also seen performing some Kung fu steps.## Reacting to the video, a user wrote: "So cute. Chinese people beware."## Another one wrote: "Coronavirus will be gone after watching this video."## During her stint in "Bigg Boss" house, Shehnaz had made news with her equation with Sidharth Shukla, who went on to win the show. She recently featured along with Sidharth in the music video of Darshan Raval's song, "Bhula dunga".## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Actor Vidyut Jammwal says he and his "Commando 3" co-star Adah Sharma are "not at all" just friends.## A Twitter user asked Vidyut: "Are you and Adah are 'just friends'?"## Vidyut was quick to respond. He said: "'Just friends' not at all ..we are courageous, kind,intuitive, focused, greatful, open minded, unassuming, considerate, sharing, Educated, happy, calm, quite and BEST FRIENDS.. I wish upon you someone like u @adah_sharma."## This comes right after Adah posted: "My TED talk !! Tell me what u think ! I'm free now I will read all youtube comments loooollll"## A lot of her followers found the video "awesome".## Praising her, Vidyut recommended others to watch it too and he wrote: "My personal favourite..articulate and funny..A must watch."## On the work front, Vidyut will soon be seen in "Khuda Hafiz".## "'Khuda Hafiz' is a romantic movie. It a true story, about a man who is madly in love with his wife, and gets married in 2009 during the recession. They go abroad and get a job. (The story is about) how this girl gets picked up and how the guy gets her back. It's a hardcore, true romantic movie with a little action," Vidyut had told IANS earlier.## Stay tuned...