I

IANS News

5 Articles

Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

Kathak's Living Legend, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Dies At 83 (Ld)
1604 days ago
India

Kathak's Living Legend, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Dies At 83 (Ld)

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) The living legend of Kathak, Birju Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, died at his home here late on Sunday. He was 83.## Maharaj Ji, as he was popularly known, was said to be playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack.## A recipient of the country's second-highest civilian honor, Padma Vibhushan, Maharaj Ji was also a lifelong Kathak guru as well as a talented Hindustani classical singer and percussionist.## He will be remembered by cinema buffs for the two-period dance sequences in Satyajit Ray's historical drama 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' (for which he sang as well) and for the 'Kaahe Chhed Mohe' track picturized on Madhuri Dixit in the 2002 version of 'Devdas'.## Maharaj Ji won the National Award for choreographing 'Unnai Kaanadhu Naan' in the Kamal Haasan multi-lingual megahit 'Vishwaroopam' and the Filmfare Awards for the Bajirao Mastani number 'Mohe Rang Do Laal'.## Adnan Sami, one of the first artistes to pay his tributes to the doyen of Kathak, said in a tweet: "Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace".## Another early tribute came from Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who tweeted: "Pandit Birju ji Maharaj was a doyen of India's art and culture. He popularised the Lucknow gharana of Kathak dance form around the world. ... His passing away is a monumental loss to the world of performing arts".## Birju Maharaj was the son of the exponent of the Lucknow gharana, Jagannath Maharaj, better known as Acchan Maharaj, whom he lost when he was just nine. His uncles were the renowned Shambhu Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj.## He taught at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Kathak Kendra, both in Delhi, from where he retired as director in 1998.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
President, PM term Irrfan's death big loss to world cinema
2232 days ago
India

President, PM term Irrfan's death big loss to world cinema

New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here on Wednesday, condoled the death of noted film actor Irrfan Khan, terming it a big loss to the world of cinema.## "Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. Condolences to his family & admirers," the President tweeted.## Prime Minister also took to Twitter to express condolence over the demise of the versatile actor. "Irrfan Khan's demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," the Prime Minister tweeted.## One of Bollywood's finest actors, Irrfan Khan had worked in several famous Bollywood films, like "Piku", "Sunday", "The Lunchbox", "Aan: Men at work", and "Ghaath".## He had won over millions of fans with his roles in international and Indian films.## His acting career spanned 30 years, encompassing Indian, Hollywood and British films. He was last seen in "Angrezi Medium", which hit screens before the nationwide lockdown in mid-March.## A National School of Drama (NSD) alumnus, Irrfan Khan shifted his base to Mumbai and acted in numerous television serials, including Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, Sara Jahan Hamara, Banegi Apni Baat, Chandrakanta, Shrikant (Doordarshan), AnooGoonj, Star Bestsellers, and Sparsh.## Having made his big-screen debut with the Mira Nair's Academy Award-nominated film Salaam Bombay! (1988), Irrfan Khan came into his own with grey characters in films, like Haasil (2003) and Maqbool (2004).## A national award for Paan Singh Tomar (2011) and accolades for mainstream outings, like Hindi Medium (2017), were only some feathers in the actor's cap.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
COVID-19: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan lauds PM Modi's efforts
2239 days ago
India

COVID-19: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan lauds PM Modi's efforts

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says Prime Minister Narendra Modi will always be remembered for saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.## Lauding PM Modi's decision to announce nation-wide lockdown, the Ustad said: "Our beloved PM Narendra Bhai Modi Ji will also be remembered for saving lives of so many Indians suffering and fighting with the coronavirus disease."## Khan feels the COVID-19 pandemic is a "big attack on the human race as well as the future of the world as we know it", saying: "I never realized that the world will ever suffer a disease in such a way."## He continued: "As a young boy in my school, I used to play 'We Shall Overcome' on the sarod, and slowly and gradually, realized that every country has its own rendition in their own language. Till today, we still sing 'Hum Honge Kamyab'. I am grateful to HMV, now known as Sa Re Ga Ma', that recorded the video at our historical monuments."## "Our prayers and thoughts are always with the people of the world who are suffering and fighting the coronavirus today. ‘Khuda Haafiz'. It means ‘May God Almighty' always be with you and protect you," he added.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Resul Pookutty: Shailaja Teacher you're the best we have
2271 days ago
India

Resul Pookutty: Shailaja Teacher you're the best we have

Kerala, March 21 (IANS) Oscar-winning sound artiste Resul Pookutty has thanked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and given a shoutout to the Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja for taking care of the people. ## Pookutty took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm proud of this man! A true leader... #ShailajaTeacher You are the best we have, thank you for taking care of my people, like a mother, your efforts are relentless!" Pookutty tweeted. ## Vijayan on Thursday announced that Rs 20,000 crore will be pumped into the state economy, which has been badly hit and the state government has decided to extend help to see that it does not fall further. ## "Rs 2,000 crore would be given to the Kudumbhashree (women empowerment programme) who will give out small loans to the needy. Rs 1,000 crore each would be given in months of April and May for the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme," he said. ## Apart from these, the proposed package will include a Rs 500 crore health package besides the social security pension to be paid in advance in April, entailing an expenditure of Rs 1,320 crore. ## "One month's free ration will be provided to all. Tax reliefs are there for auto rickshaws and taxis besides stage and contract carriers also. The bills for electricity and water also will have a one month Arelief and can be paid without fine. Film theatres will get a reduction in entertainment tax," Vijayan said. ## K.K. Shailaja has been handling the coronavirus situation in the state. She has issued a strict action against anyone spreading false information or rumour about Covid-19. ## Social isolation of suspected individuals and public spaces have been quarantined including suspension of schools, colleges/universities and closing of malls, gyms, cinema halls, tourist destination and a ban on public gathering and large celebrations. ## Around 300 people in India have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus which has now affected over 2.5 lakh people globally and claimed more than 11,000 lives. ## For more and the latest news about India, stay tuned to us.

Read Article
Janata Curfew: Bollywood and South stars extend support to PM Modi's initiative
2272 days ago
India

Janata Curfew: Bollywood and South stars extend support to PM Modi's initiative

Mumbai, March 20 (IANS) Filmstars and celebrities from Bollywood and the southern film industry alike have come out to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to observe Janata Curfew on Sunday, March 22, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. ## On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Modi, urging everyone to follow Janata Curfew on Sunday, advised citizens not to step out of their homes from 7am to 9pm as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. ## Soon afterward, many stars took to social media to express support to PM Modi's initiative. ## Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: "I support #JanataCurfew .. 22 March .. 7 am to 9 pm .. I applaud all fellow countrymen who work tirelessly to keep the essential services operational in such extenuating circumstances ..BE ONE, BE SAFE, BE IN PRECAUTION !" ## Shah Rukh Khan wrote: "It's imp 2 reduce social interaction 2 minimum. Self Quarantine. The idea of #JanataCurfew on Sunday is a means to this end & we should continue this concept at a personal level as much as we can & more. We need to ‘slow down time' to arrest the virus spread. Be safe & healthy all." ## Kamal Hassan tweeted: "I stand in full solidarity with our Prime Minister's call for #JantaCurfew. In this extraordinary situation, we have to take extraordinary measures. It's a disaster that has befallen on us and by staying united and indoors, we can Stay Safe. I call upon my fans,my friends and my people in support of the cause on 22nd March Sunday, 7am to 9pm #JantaCurfew" ## Akshay Kumar urged his fans: "An excellent initiative by PM @narendramodi ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm let's all join in the #JantaCurfew and show the world we are together in this. #SocialDistancing." ## Ajay Devgn shared: "Fellow Indians, Namaskar. A short while ago, Our PM Saab, Modiji, requested all of us to show resolve & restraint in the face of COVID-19. Please also adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay Safe. @PMOIndia @narendramodi #JantaCurfew" ## Madhuri Dixit Nene urged: "It's time to understand our social responsibility & follow the guidelines. Let's show gratitude to all the people who have been working round the clock for us by observing the #JantaCurfew on 22nd March. Do your part. Stay safe to keep others safe." ## Shahid Kapoor tweeted: "22nd of March #JantaCurfew . This virus is affecting our heads at a faster rate than our bodies. Let's show solidarity as a nation. Let's be at our most positive and our most restrained. Let's raise the bar. This moment in time calls for it. God speed. Jai hind." ## Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani shared: "Please support PM @Narendramodi ‘s #Jantacurfew initiative by staying at home on Sunday March 22, 7am to 9pm and by cheering from your windows and balconies at 5pm for our unsung hero's who are working tirelessly to keep us safe and the essential services running @PMOindia" ## Suniel Shetty tweeted: ".@narendramodi Sir's speech was reassuring and brings some hope. Heartfelt gratitude to all those warriors out there, whose sacrifices and resolve allow us to make the safer choice of staying home. Be responsible & stay safe. We're in it together & shall overcome. #JanataCurfew" ## Dia Mirza wrote: "Wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister's idea of a #JanataCurfew. These are extraordinary times and it requires our united response to this pandemic. And yes, a BIG salute to the frontline health workers who are relentlessly fighting this virus for us #Covid19." ## Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan expressed: "I really appreciate our PM @narendramodi jis janata curfew initiative as one of the steps towards fighting this dreaded virus that has disrupted the world ! Let us bring our energies together and face this grave situation!" ## Rapper Badshah tweeted: "Request everyone to stay home and adhere to the #JantaCurfew on the 22nd of March from 7am to 9pm. Let's all fight this together! @narendramodi #IndiaFightsCorona" ## Singer Guru Randhawa expressed: "Request everyone to stay home and adhere to the #JantaCurfew on the 22nd of March from 7am to 9pm. Let's all fight this together! @narendramodi #IndiaFightsCorona" ## Preity Zinta tweeted: "Good morning folks ! I hope & pray that everyone supports & follows the #JanataCurfew on 22 March from 7am- 9pm as suggested by our PM @narendramodi This is the only way we can fight the #covid19 virus & safeguard ourselves & our country #jaihind #stayhome #besafe #ting" ## Aahana Kumra shared: "#JanataCurfew is the need of the hour! I applaud our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi @PMOIndia for this step! We are in this together! See you all on Sunday! #IndiaFightsCorona" ## Producer Ritesh Sidhwani wrote: "There's a curfew? Yes! Is it one that I support? Yes! I will be joining the #JantaCurfew as appealed by our honourable PM @narendramodi by staying at home, what about you?" ## Meanwhile, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Twitter that its services would remain closed on Sunday to support Janata Curfew. ## The tweet reads: "In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew' to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. #JantaCurfew" ## For more and the latest news about India, stay tuned to us.

Read Article