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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a lockdown situation in the country, actress Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya has found a perfect way to spend her days of isolation -- by pursuing her passion for reading.## She has a collection of over 400 books comprising fiction as well as non-fiction at home, and she is making most of her free time during the lockdown to catch up on reading.## "I do have a huge collection at home. Few of the books have been gifted by fans and the rest were brought by me as I have a fascination with owning all kinds of books," Divyanka said.## "Due to hectic shooting schedules in recent years, it was difficult to take out time for hobbies, one is reading. However, with the current scenario, I am catching up on reading. It's been almost 4-5 years since I had the leisure to just lie down and read a good book and hence I am digging into my library and pulling out all the unread books off the shelf, ingest them and digest them and it feels marvelous as books have a way of transporting you to a different world from the reality we are currently living in," she added.## Divyanka is known for playing the lead role in the long-running TV show "Yeh Hai Mohabbatein". The actress has also featured in shows such as "Banoo Main Teri Dulhann" and "Adaalat". Apart from the fiction space, she has also participated in reality shows. Divyanka and her husband Vivek Dahiya had also won the "Nach Baliye" show.## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actor Ranveer Singh on Monday took a moment to applaud his father-in-law, badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who changed the scenario of Indian badminton by becoming the first person of this country to win the prestigious All England Open 40 years ago.## "40 years ago on this day, Prakash Padukone changed the fate of badminton forever. He won the All England Championship in London's Wembley Arena, creating history for Indian sports. An unprecedented, landmark victory that shines everlastingly in the annals of time...#legend...#proud," Ranveer wrote on Instagram.## He also shared a few pictures of Prakash Padukone from the championship.## At the age of 24, Prakash Padukone defeated two-time defending champion Liem Swie King of Indonesia 15-3, 15-10 at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 1980 .## Earlier in the day, Prakash Padukone's daughter Deepika penned a heartfelt note for her father.## "Papa, Your contribution to Badminton and Indian Sport is immeasurable! Thank You for your inspiring display of dedication, discipline, determination and years of hard work! They don't make you like you anymore... We love you and are proud of you! Thank You for being you!" Deepika wrote.## On the work front, Deepika and Ranveer will be seen sharing screen space together in Kabir Khan's "'83".## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, and Katrina Kaif could star as father and daughter in an upcoming slice-of-life comedy.## The film is to be directed by "Queen" helmer Vikas Bahl according to a report in Mumbai Mirror and is tentatively titled as "Deadly".## "The film is tentatively titled 'Deadly', as the story is centered around a funeral. Katrina loved the basic premise, which essentially traces the protagonist's journey of self-discovery with humorous undertones, and gave an instant go-ahead to Vikas," the newspaper reported a source as saying.## The source added that Katrina, who has primarily enthralled fans as a mainstream star over her nearly-17-year career, is looking to experiment with new genres now and the project fits the bill at this point. The makers have reportedly approached Bachchan with an offer for the central role, and an official announcement of the project will be made soon as he gives a confirmation.## Incidentally, Katrina's Bollywood debut film "Boom" (2003) also starred Big B as a protagonist. She also had a cameo in the Big B-starrer "Sarkar" (2005) and featured with Bollywood icon Big B and superstar Aamir Khan in "Thugs Of Hindostan" (2018). Recently, Big B and Katrina played father and daughter in a new advertisement.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Actor Rana Daggubati feels it is important for the generation to know about the past in order to build a future.## With people staying indoors amid the global coronavirus outbreak, Rana has made the content in ACK (Amar Chitra Katha) and Tinkle apps available for free for a month. He feels it will help people stay busy while they are under lockdown. The actor is a partner at ACK.## "Given the current scenario, I think it's best to be home clean and safe. But the problem is that we are a generation that's used to being engaged in so many things. So at ACK (Amar Chitra Katha), we decided to let out our online subscriptions open this month so children and adults have access to all of the amazing ACK and Tinkle titles," said Rana.## "They can choose to read right through. They are the stories of our land... And when reading was popular culture this is where most of us learnt about our country, our Gods, kings and culture that made us in the most fun illustrations and stories. And I think it's important for the generation to know our past and build a future," he added.## Talking about the coronavirus pandemic, the actor said: " We're probably seeing something like this for the first time. So it's important to be extremely cautious and hygienic at all times and enjoy the time and peace by yourself. And not panic."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lockdown situation in the country, and the Bollywood couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is giving company to each other virtually. In an Insta story both Richa and Ali posted, he is seen bantering with her, and their onversation could leave you in splits. ## Evidently missing each other, the video has Ali lying on his couch and Richa on hers as they discuss Covid-19. Richa said: "I hate cooking but I am doing it three times a day. ## Ali asked her: "Are you washing your hands?" They then ask each other if they are taking their vitamin supplements. ## Taking off on the famous scene in "Deewar", Richa replied: "Mere paas Vitamins D-3, B-12 hai, tumhare paas kya hai." ## The couple with their video sends out a message of checking on your loved ones constantly. Expected to get married next month, they had to call off their wedding do due to the COVID-19 outbreak. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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London, March 23 (IANS) "Quantum Of Solace" actress Olga Kurylenko has shared that she has completely recovered after suffering with coronavirus. ## The 40-year-old actress took to Instagram on Sunday to give an update of her health, where she gave a breakdown of her illness before sharing that she was now free of COVID-19, reports dailymail.co.uk. ## Along with a picture with her four-year-old son Alexander Max Horatio while wearing a mask, Kurylenko opened up about how she is now using her time to "reflect" and spend quality time with her son. ## "Happy Mother's Day! #mothersday P.S. I have completely recovered. To recapitulate: For one week I felt pretty bad and was mostly in bed, sleeping, with high fever and strong headache," she said. ## "The second week, the fever was gone but some light cough appeared and I felt very tired. By the end of the second week I felt totally fine. Cough is almost gone although I still cough in the mornings but then it completely goes away for the day! ‘I'm fine! And now I'm just enjoying this time to reflect on many things and spend my time with my son," added the London-based former Bond star. ## Previously, Kurylenko revealed she was "feeling better" three days after announcing she had tested positive for coronavirus. ## The star took to Instagram on Wednesday last week to give her followers an update on her health, sharing that her "fever has gone". ## Alongside a picture of herself wearing a green medical mask and a collection of vitamin bottles, she wrote: 'Hello everyone! I'm feeling better today. My fever is gone! I hear people can't figure out where I currently am. I'm in London! How do I know it's coronavirus and not just a flu? I did a test for coronavirus which came back positive. What are the medicines that doctors prescribed as treatment? NONE! ## "I was told to take paracetamol in case my fever was too high and if I was in too much pain. However, I do take vitamins and supplements." ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Singer Lionel Richie feels it is time to bring back the iconic track "We are the world" for coronavirus victims. ## Back in 1985, Richie along with Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross and more than 40 other A-list recording artistes came together to sing "We are the world". The cause which brought them together was African famine. ## The line "There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives" made the song a legendary anthem. Richie wrote the song with Jackson. ## "That line came about as Michael and I were sitting there talking. We said, you can either say, ‘I'm saving my life' or ‘We're saving our lives'. 'We are the world' is a statement we wanted to make. What do we do to save our own?," people.com quoted Richie as saying. ## Ten years ago, a version of "We are the world" was released to assist earthquake victims in Haiti. Now, 35 years after the song's release, Richie is contemplating the unity music can bring. ## "Two weeks ago, we said we didn't want to do too much (about the song) because this is not the time to sell an anniversary. But the message is so clear," he said. ## Richie says that since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, he has thought about writing a different song. ## "But every time I try and write another message, I write those same words," he mentioned. ## Richie is sheltering in place with his loved ones. "We are all hunkered down. Family is the key to this. It is the soother," he said. ## The singer is thinking about the state of the world, and demise of his friend and mentor Kenny Rogers. ## "I must admit, every once in a while, God has to do something to get us back on track," he said. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

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New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood 'Queen' Kangana Ranaut turned a year older on Monday, and her fans took to social media to send in good wishes to the actress. ## One user wrote: "Many many happy returns of the day #KanganaRanaut ma'am. #HappyBirthdayKanganaRanaut." ## "Happy birthday to the most talented and versatile Queen of Bollywood #KanganaRanaut. We wish her all the love and happiness," wrote another. ## One used said: "Happy Birthday to 2 of the most honest and impactful ladies of India - @smritiirani & the #KanganaRanaut." ## As she turned 33, the actress conveyed her gratitude to her well-wishers in a video message. She also remembered Bhagat Singh on his death anniversary by reciting a few lines from Kaifi Azmi's poem. She also renders Mohammad Rafi's 1964 track "Kar chale hum fida jaan-O-tan saathiyon" song from the movie "Haqeeqat". ## One user said: "It feels good when you know two of d most strong women sharing the same day of bdae who're rulling in their field The one is bae #KanganaRanaut whose the queen of bollywood & d second one is @smritiirani who's the queen of Amethi." ## "One and only actress who is perfect as a human being and as an artist too. A superstar but yet a devotee and ground rooted. A pure nationalist and proud of Himachal. #HappyBirthdayKanganaRanaut," said another. ## One shared: "Kangana Ranaut is truly an example of hardwork pays off! An epitome of beauty, courage, success and feminism. Happy birthday #KanganaRanaut you truly are the queen of Bollywood." ## On the work front, Kangana will be seen in action film "Dhaakad" and "Thalaivi", a biopic of late former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. She also has "Tejas" coming up, where she plays an Air Force pilot. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Actor Idris Elba has admitted that his time in quarantine with wife Sabrina Dhowre-Elba has tested their relationship. ## Earlier this week, the married couple revealed that they had both contracted the coronavirus. ## Now, the actor took to Instagram live on day 13 of quarantine, to answer questions from fans while Sabrina sat next to him on the couch, reports dailymail.co.uk. ## "So far I am feeling okay. It's about keeping my mental health. I am just trying to keep my mind clear. We have just been peaceful," he said. ## He continued: "Although we did have one fight yesterday. I had to go into another room. This is a definite test of your relationship and your humanity." ## Sabrina had not contracted the virus originally, but refused to not stay with her husband during his quarantine -- as a result contracting coronavirus. ## Talking about the virus, Elba said: "Corona was set up as an instadeath-threat -- everyone just thought 'oh my God I'm gonna die'. But it's helped me to understand that COVID-19 is just one strand of corona and that made me feel better. I am lucky that I am not really showing any symptoms. Part of it is a lot of people don't understand it. But I'm not discrediting that people are dying…" ## One fan changed the subject and questioned him about the possibility of him playing James Bond, to which he replied: "It's a rumour. I am not going to get it definitely. It is just the biggest rumour in the world!" ## Earlier during a conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Sabrina defended her decision not to isolate her husband. She said that she "wanted to be with him" and claimed she felt "the instinct of a wife" to take care of him. ## Elba is thought to have been exposed to the virus on March 4. The actor spent the next several days on set of the upcoming Netflix film "The Harder They Fall" in Sante Fe, New Mexico. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut paid tribute to Indian freedom fighters by singing a song written by Kaifi Azmi on the her birthday, that coincides with Shaheed Diwas on Monday. ## Thanking all her friends and fans who are constantly sending her birthday wishes, the actress said: "I am taking a moment to thank everyone for sending so much love on my birthday. But it is an important day in our history, as we know that three freedom fighters –- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were Martyr today; I would like to sing a song written by veteran poet Kaifi Azmi." ## And then she sang the song "Saans thamti gayi… ab tumhare hawale wataan sathio". ## She added: "How it must have been when our freedom fighters gave their lives in the name of the nation." ## Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged till death on March 23, 1931, by the British Government for the assassination of John Saunders, a British police officer in 1928 in Lahore jail. ## Kangana's sister Rangoli shared pictures that show the actress celebrating her birthday with her parents and family by performing puja. ## She wrote: "Kangana performing janamdin pooja and Kanya pooja, our parents organised, this is how they always celebrated our birthdays, navagrah pooja followed by worshipping Maa Durga in the form of little girls." ## Kangana's upcoming films include the J. Jayalalithaa biopic "Thalaivi", the action drama "Dhaakad", and "Tejas" where she plays an Air Force pilot. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan shared an opinion offering logic behind the Janata Curfew clapping at 5pm on Sunday, but netizens werent very impressed. On facing social media flak, Big B subsequently took down his post. ## In the post the superstar shared an opinion someone sent him, suggesting that vibration caused by mass clapping can reduce or destroy potency of the deadly coronavirus. ## "AN OPINION GIVEN : 5 pm ; 22nd Mar, 'amavasya', darkest day of month; virus, bacteria evil force at max potential & power ! Clapping shankh vibrations reduce/ destroy virus potency Moon passing to new 'nakshatra' Revati. ## cumulative vibration betters blood circulation," talking to Twitter Instagram on Monday afternoon, Big B shared. ## He added in Hindi: "Someone sent this to me. Don't know how much of this is true." ## However, after facing flak from netizens, the actor soon deleted the post. ## One user commented: "I demand an apology from @SrBachchan for spreading misinformation through his Twitter account putting millions of lives at stake. #AmitabhBachchan" ## Another user wrote: "Hollywood celebrities like Rihanna, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake donated millions to fight coronavirus. Meanwhile Amitabh Bachchan is sharing watsapp forward on how noise and Amavasya can kill viruses. What sham these Bollywood celebrities are." ## Sharing a screenshot of Amitabh Bachchan's tweet, another user wrote: "Next time anyone asks what is the difference between SRK and Amitabh Bachchan, show them this." ## Like the rest of India, the veteran actor also participated in the clapping ritual on Sunday evening along with his family. Big B shared a video on Instagram where he can be seen clapping his hands standing on the terrace while his daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and granddaughters Navya Naveli Nanda and Aaradhya Bachchan ring bells. ## Appreciating the unity shown by our nation, which participated together in encouraging the working staff like doctors, cleaning staff and delivery boys by clapping hands, ringing bells and banging utensils, Amitabh Bachchan wrote a poem on his blog. ## He wrote: "Questions in blue .. for it was true ..what we witnessed in prime .. was a nation divine .. united in one .. nothing undone ..historic in its conclusion .. never an ablution ..not a spectacle in sight .. national resolve and fight ..we worked for humanity .. with utmost clarity ..our differences apart .. coming together to start ..this historic revolution .. be same be one be one creation .. !" ## The megastar concluded with a message for his fans, saying, "Love .. be safe be cautious .. be in prevention." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actress Vaani Kapoor says she has always been inspired by the dancing and acting skills of Bollywood divas like Madhuri Dixit Nene and the late Sridevi.## Vaani's dance hits include "Ghungroo" in "War" and "Nashe si chadh gayi" in "Befikre" among others. She will now be seen in a glamorous avatar in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Shamshera", in which she plays the role of a performer.## "I've always believed for an actor it's very important and integral to try and learn as many art forms as they can in order to make their performance an overall success. I consider myself very lucky that the people and the industry have given me so much appreciation for my dance pieces," she said.## The actress shared that she hadn't had any formal training in dancing before she entered Bollywood.## "Honestly, it wasn't easy. I have never received formal training as a dancer until I entered Bollywood. I was always very inspired by actors such as Madhuri, Sridevi and so many more! They are performers. I have always aspired to be an actor who not only acts but is an overall performer. It's taken a lot of hard work behind each piece that I put out in front of our audience," Vaani said.## Vaani says she is excited to play a performer in "Shamshera".## "In 'Shamshera' too, I'm really excited to play the role of a performer who dances her way into the hearts of people and I have some amazing songs to perform on. I'm hoping that all the songs of 'Shamshera' become a huge success too. It's a product of our love, sweat, and hard work," she said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.