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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

Ayushmann Khurrana: Cinema can promote inclusivity and equality in society
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Ayushmann Khurrana: Cinema can promote inclusivity and equality in society

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Ayushmann Khurrana, who was recently seen in 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui', feels that cinema can bring about a change in society and that he has tried to contribute towards the cause of inclusivity and equality through his work in films. ## Talking about the purpose of cinema, the actor mentions, "I have always believed that cinema can serve a purpose to better society and I hope that such films have done their bit to affect change. I have played a small hand in harbouring a sentiment of equality among my countrymen because I have to credit my visionary filmmakers and script writers for doing the brunt of the work because it is their vision that has triggered the winds of change." ## In his opinion, a society gets reflected in its films and stories, the actor says, "Progressive films can only be made in a progressive society and the response that 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' is getting is tantamount to the fact that people want to see more and more disruptive content." ## He thanks his audience for accepting his stories with open arms, "I am thankful to people for being open-minded to see films about a gay couple on screen in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' and also about a cis-het man and a trans-woman's love story in 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui'". ## He adds, "When we set out to make 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui', our aim was to start an important conversation on inclusivity and equality in India." ## "It is amazing to see that the film has engaged the nation, is entertaining people and also delivering a powerful message. This shows they are recognising the need for gender parity and inclusivity," he concludes. ## Ayushmann will be next seen in Anubhav Sinha's 'Anek' which would mark their second collaboration after 'Article 15', Anubhuti Kashyap's 'Doctor G' and 'Action Hero' directed by debutant Anirudh Iyer. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Darshan Kumaar's 'The Kashmir Files' motion poster gives insight into his character
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Darshan Kumaar's 'The Kashmir Files' motion poster gives insight into his character

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) The makers of 'The Kashmir Files' have released a motion poster of actor Darshan Kumaar, who essays the role of Krishna Pandit, a third-generation Kashmiri Pandit refugee with 'Stockholm Syndrome'. ## The character has 'Stockholm Syndrome' because of his college mentor Professor Radhika Menon, portrayed by Pallavi Joshi. ## His character harbours the philosophy that the Pandit community has a very convoluted stand on Kashmiriyat. His take is very simple - 'Say sorry to each other and move on'. However, the reality of Kashmir starts dawning on him after he meets the four aging, long lost friends of his grandfather. ## The film, written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, also stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Chinmay Mandlekar. Produced by Zee Studios and Tej Narayan Agarwal, Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, 'The Kashmir Files' will hit theatres on January 26. ## Introducing President, Student Union, Krishna Pandit.“There is no justice”#TheKashmirFiles on 26th January 2022. #RepublicDay #RightToJustice #हम_देखेंगे। pic.twitter.com/4r6Ax0sLoj— Darshan Kumaar (@DarshanKumaar) December 23, 2021 ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Nora on 'Dance Meri Rani': Proud to represent a blend of African cultures, Afro dance
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Nora on 'Dance Meri Rani': Proud to represent a blend of African cultures, Afro dance

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actress Nora Fatehi has presented a blend of diverse cultures and styles from different parts of Africa in her latest song 'Dance Meri Rani'. ## Along with popular authentic Afro dance moves hailing from countries like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana, Nora has also paid attention to getting the look right as she dons ash blonde light brown curly hair for one of the looks in the song. ## Nora said: "Growing up, I was surrounded by beautiful African women, be it my family members, my friends, my mother, who were blessed with beautiful curly Afro-like hair. I was always in awe of the variety of beauty we have in Africa from different shades of skin tones to different textures of hair." ## She said she has always wanted to celebrate that as an artiste. ## "For years I've seen international artistes beautifully represent African hair styles, fashion and dance in various content across the globe. The African in me always wanted to celebrate Afro beauty and Afro dance on a big scale through my art! With 'Dance Meri Rani' I knew this was my chance to do just that." ## Talking about the fierce look, Nora said: "My looks in the song are a blend of African elements from the diamonte headpiece that gives an Egyptian touch, to the dance moves that stay true to Afro dance styles that come from different parts of Africa and are widely popular amongst the dancers globally, to the beautiful curly hair, that was both a new look for my audience and a form of representation and celebration." ## "My mother and my sister both have beautiful curly hair, in fact my mom growing up was famous for her honey brown curly Afro, which prompted me to put together the look for 'Dance Meri Rani'. ## Nora says she as an artiste has always looked forward to presenting something new and interesting to the audience, so when she saw an opportunity to offer a cross-cultural amalgamation, celebrating the ethnicities of both the regions and representing the different "standards of beauty I made sure I took it". ## She said: "I feel really proud to be celebrating African beauty in all different forms, in one single look." ## "'Dance meri Rani' is a visual treat packed with energetic Afro dance mixed with African beauty on Afro music performed by an African girl (myself) I feel proud! Indian culture is widely celebrated globally, being a Moroccan, I've seen it first hand in Africa, so I thought why not celebrate African culture in India as well." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Guru Randhawa first Indian male singer to cross 30 million followers on Instagram
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Guru Randhawa first Indian male singer to cross 30 million followers on Instagram

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Guru Randhawa has crossed 30 million followers on his Instagram, making him the first Indian male singer to have amassed such following. ## Guru is known for chartbuster tracks like 'Lahore', 'High Rated Gabru', 'Ishare Tere' and the most recent 'Dance Meri Rani'. ## He said, "It's overwhelming to receive so much love from my fans and audiences worldwide. My heartfelt gratitude to all who have unconditionally loved me, appreciated and cherished my music." ## He credits his fans for accepting and appreciating his music and also for keeping him inspired, "It feels surreal and I am absolutely speechless to express my feeling in words. Without my fans' support this wouldn't be possible." ## Talking about his latest song he said, "With 'Dance Meri Rani' we are getting into a new zone of music and introducing people to Afro beats. It's a foot tapping number that has been picturized very interestingly." ## He mentions Nora Fatehi, who has featured in the song with him, "This is definitely something new for audiences to look out for. With Nora, one can expect a lot of glitz and glamour." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Kareena shares her Covid quarantine essentials
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Kareena shares her Covid quarantine essentials

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is currently in isolation for Covid, has shared her quarantine essentials and it is something one cannot imagine.## Kareena on Thursday took to Instagram, where she also shared updates from the 12th day of her quarantine.## She wrote: "I am still trying to figure out if we are in COVID times or not...anyway, day 12...two days to go...stay safe all" in her first Instagram story.## Kareena then shared a picture of herself flaunting her signature pout and wrote: "Pyjama, lipstick and a pout... quite the combination... try it!!"## According to reports, Kareena and a few of her friends, including Amrita Arora, Seema Khan and Maheep Kapoor, contracted Covid last week. ## Kareena will next be seen in the Aamir Khan-starrer 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. It will hit the big screen on April 14, 2022. ## Atul Kulkarni has done the Indian adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film 'Forrest Gump' that was originally written by Eric Roth.## ## 'Laal Singh Chaddha' has been directed by Advait Chandan with music by Pritam and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The film is presented by Viacom18 Studios. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Such Updates.

Nakuul Mehta tests positive for Covid, shared pics on social media
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Nakuul Mehta tests positive for Covid, shared pics on social media

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain 2' actor Nakuul Mehta has tested positive for Covid-19. He shared a series of pictures on his social media account to inform about his health status. ## He has posted photos of medicines, eating homemade meals, watching web series, listening to podcasts and music. ## Along with pictures he wrote a caption and referred to all those things he is doing: "Since your boy feels less foggy in his mind today, quick health update, no one really asked for..Grateful for Will Smith, a barrage of medicines, YOU on Netflix, Modern Love Podcast on Spotify, Ali Sethi's melancholic voice, some Christmas lights, my diary and my house lady's warm meals to give me company as I take on the mantle of beating Covid! We shall overcome.." ## After his post, TV czarina Ekta Kapoor posted sharing his concern for him: "Ooooops! Symptoms r bad?". Actor Karan V. Grover also shared his best wishes for him and wrote: "Bounce back stronger sooner and sufiyer (just inventing a word there)." ## Karan Patel also wished him a get well soon message. ""Get well soon brother." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Jiiva puts up pictures with '83' cast; Ranveer says 'greatest underdog story ever told'
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Jiiva puts up pictures with '83' cast; Ranveer says 'greatest underdog story ever told'

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Tamil actor Jiiva, who essays the role of Krishnamachari Srikkanth in '83', shared his pictures with the World Cup-winning veterans and the actors who had been invited for a special screening of the film here on Wednesday. ## Jiiva took to his Instagram and shared pictures of him with Kapil Dev and Srikkanth, the film's director Kabir Khan and his fellow actor Saqib Saleem. The actor wrote in the caption: "About last night! @therealkapildev @cheekaofficial @kabirkhankk #thisis83 #kapsey #cheeka #captainofthrship #allsmiles." ## Saqib Saleem responded with a funny comment: "Macha, thank you for clicking my face like no one has ever before." ## Ranveer Singh, the film's lead actor, meanwhile, has promised that cinema theatres will turn into stadiums after the release of the much-awaited film. He shared a video clip on Instagram, where he is seen talking about the movie. ## "The greatest underdog story ever told. One of the most glorious chapters, not just in our sporting history as a nation. Come, experience and relive the joy, the ecstasy and the euphoria. Theatres will turn into stadiums," Ranveer wrote in the caption. ## "Witness the epic journey of underdogs becoming the world champions! Only 1 Day To 83. #ThisIs83. 83 IN CINEMAS TOMORROW. Releasing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Also in 3D," the star added. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Hairstylist Darshan Yewalekar opens up on recreating Kapil Dev's iconic look for Ranveer
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Hairstylist Darshan Yewalekar opens up on recreating Kapil Dev's iconic look for Ranveer

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) For hairstylist Darshan Yewalekar, the man behind recreating former Indian skipper and cricket legend Kapil Dev's hairstyle for Ranveer Singh in '83', every strand and every wave of hair required nothing less than perfection. ## Ranveer has been Darshan's Muse for more than ten years and the two have worked on multiple films together, but this was the first time they were striving to pay tribute to a living legend. ## Revealing how he understood the brief and the challenge that came with it, Darshan said: "When Kabir sir first met me, his brief was very straightforward. He just said, 'Let's replicate 'the' hair.' Ranveer and I knew we had to be as close as possible to how Kapil sir looked in 1983 and we went through volumes of vintage pictures and almost four to five look tests to get the famous curls right." ## But hair was not just the only element involved in recreating the look. As Darshan put it: "Then there was his classic moustache. It had to be just right and it literally came down to slowly removing a single strand of hair to make sure it looked as authentic as possible! And yes, it is absolutely real. I insisted that we avoid a fake moustache." ## He continued: "At the heart of this story is of course Kapil Dev, the fearless skipper who made the impossible possible. The challenge for me was to transform Ranveer into Kapil sir and to ensure that he closely reflected the legend who made history when he lifted the trophy at the hallowed grounds of Lord's! Every strand, every wave of hair needed to be perfect to recreate Kapil sir's persona!" ## But the process was far from easy. "This is not to say that it was an easy process," Darshan pointed out. "There were a number of conversations between Ranveer, Kabir sir and me, and together we ironed out the imperfections to ensure that we created not a caricature but a character with real gravitas and depth." ## He added: "All of us are obsessed with micro details and so we were open to continue experimenting till we nailed the final look. I am glad that we have been able to do justice to a very special chapter in our history." ## As much as the process was challenging, it was rewarding too. As Darshan put it, "It was a matter of great relief that the captain of the ship, Kabir Khan, was willing to give me time and space to get every detail just right for the overall look." ## All that hard work has paid off for Darshan, who cannot believe the amount of appreciation coming his way. ## Asked about the compliments he has received, Darshan said: "The biggest compliment that I have got from industry veterans is, 'You have made it happen!' The experience has been overwhelming to say the least, especially because it is relatively easier to work from one's imagination, but to replicate something that is a part of everyone's imagination just adds that extra pressure." ## Darshan has been Ranveer Singh's 'mane' man since the beginning of the actor's career. His upcoming projects include 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', where he is designing the hair for the entire star cast. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Armaan Malik on completing 14 yrs in music: Greatest gift an artiste can receive is love
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Armaan Malik on completing 14 yrs in music: Greatest gift an artiste can receive is love

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Singer Armaan Malik, who is known for crooning hits such as 'Buddhu sa mann', 'Tere mere', 'Boldo na zara', has completed 14 years in the music industry and he credits the love he gets from his fans for what he is today. ## Talking about his 14-year journey in the industry, Armaan said: "I have nothing but gratitude and love for my family, gurus, composers, writers, music-producers and technicians who have helped me become the artiste that I am today. I'm also extremely blessed to have a fandom that celebrates milestones like these with such gusto." ## He added: "A big thank you to all my fans for loving my music and giving me more reasons to pursue my passion. The greatest gift an artiste can receive is love and appreciation from his audience and I've always had that in abundance." ## The completion marks the 14th anniversary of his debut song 'Bum Bum Bole' from 'Taare Zameen Par'. Before his debut, Malik had made his presence felt in reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs' at 11 years of age. ## As a teenager, Armaan's discography had popular songs from films such as 'Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii', 'Bhootnath', 'Ramaa: The Saviour', 'Chillar Party', 'Jai Ho', 'Khoobsurat' and 'Ungli'. ## Determined to make India proud, Armaan ventured into the global music scene with songs such as 'Next 2 Me', 'Control', and 'Echo'. ## According to Billboard, Armaan's single 'Next 2 Me' led both the Top Triller US and Top Global Charts. His song 'Echo' marked the confluence of Indian pop and K-Pop. ## Most recently, he was revealed as among the most-talked-about musicians on Twitter in 2021 in India. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Boman Irani: Big day for Indian cricket, bigger day for Indian confidence
1629 days ago
Bollywood

Boman Irani: Big day for Indian cricket, bigger day for Indian confidence

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Boman Irani, who plays Indian Test wicket keeper-turned-BBC commentator Farokh Engineer in '83', says India's 1983 World Cup win on June 25, 1983, was a big day for Indian cricket, and probably a bigger day for the self-confidence of Indians. ## The actor shared a video montage on Instagram. The clip features lead actor Ranveer Singh, director Kabir Khan and him from Lord's, the Mecca of cricket. ## "The #83 #worldcupvictory was a big day for Indian cricket, and probably a bigger day for Indian confidence and self-belief in general. This is the place where it all erupted for all of us. I finally went there years later to absorb the afterglow," he wrote. ## Irani added: "The feeling was charged, magical and emotional. Was with the always charged, magical and emotional @ranveersingh for company. Thanks @kabirkhankk for doing this. The country needed to be reminded. @83thefilm @homeofcricket." ## Meanwhile, Saqib Saleem, who will be seen portraying the 1983 vice-captain (and Man of the Match in both the semi-finals and finals), Mohinder 'Jimmy' Amarnath, shared a picture on Instagram, making a patriotic statement by leaving his signature on the Tricolour. ## In his caption, he simply said: "83 (India map and heart emoji) @83thefilm." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Dia Mirza joins forces with women world leaders to fight Covid-19
2231 days ago
Bollywood

Dia Mirza joins forces with women world leaders to fight Covid-19

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Actress Dia Mirza has joined women, world leaders, including Melinda Gates and Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg, to support the global plan for social and economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.## Dia, a United Nations Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals, has teamed up with the women world leaders as part of a global advocacy effort called 'Rise for All'.## The effort is to support the United Nations' plan for social and economic recovery from coronavirus globally.## Speaking of the global effort, Dia said: "My optimism, my belief in humanity and my faith in us during this shared experience tell me that we will overcome this pandemic and work towards building a more sustainable world by not just ensuring we adopt and follow through on the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, but find individual action and individual ways to become better citizens of our planet."## Convened by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, 'Rise for All' aims to mobilize support for the UN roadmap to tackle the development emergency emerging out of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to fully fund the UN Response and Recovery Trust Fund.## Dia is part of an initial group of nine prominent women joining the UN Deputy Secretary-General in raising their voices to save lives and protect livelihoods, urging leaders in all countries, across all sectors, to address the humanitarian crisis of the pandemic.## Stay tuned...

Ramesh Sippy on Rishi Kapoor, 'the romanticist'
2231 days ago
Bollywood

Ramesh Sippy on Rishi Kapoor, 'the romanticist'

RAMESH SIPPY directed RISHI KAPOOR in "Saagar" (1985), a film that celebrated the actor's romantic swagger as very few Bollywood love stories could.## BY RAMESH SIPPY## Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) We made just one film together and it was a wonderful association. I was very happy with the turnout, and all the actors -- especially Rishi Kapoor. He contributed a lot in the romantic film.## Rishi Kapoor was a very versatile and wonderful actor. A romantic lead in the earlier part of his life. Even at the time of "Saagar", he was still a romanticist. Later, he went on to do all kinds of roles and excelled in those.## My associations and experiences with him were very good. Once he understood the role and what I was looking for, there was absolutely no need for me to tell him anything. I didn't need to direct him. He understood it and expressed it wonderfully. There was hardly any need to say anything to him.## He will stay with me in my memories, as a brilliant and wonderful actor, who gave me whatever I wanted with all his acting abilities, senses, and feeling, in the professional side.## On the personal side, I have known the Kapoors for a long time. From respecting his grandfather to Raj Kapoor Ji, and working with his uncles, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, the association has been very long. He was a wonderful human being -- full of life. After work, you could talk to him about anything in the world. He was much more communicative than I was outside of work. He loved life. He lived it well.## It is so sad that you can't pay respect to the family and can't be with them because of the lockdown and distancing restrictions.## Stay tuned...

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