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IANS News

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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

Varun Dhawan donates money to aid 5 lakh daily wage workers
2236 days ago
Bollywood

Varun Dhawan donates money to aid 5 lakh daily wage workers

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Varun Dhawan has donated money for five lakh daily wage workers of the film and television industry belonging to 32 different work profiles at a time when they are jobless due to the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown. The actor made the contribution on the occasion of his 33rd birthday, which happened on Friday.## Sharing a video message on Twitter, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) chief advisor Ashoke Pandit thanked the actor for his gesture on his birthday yesterday.## In the video, Pandit says: "Federation of Western India Cine Employees would like to thank actor Varun Dhawan for donating towards the daily wage workers of the film and television industry. It's his birthday today and on behalf of five lakh daily wage workers of the film industry belonging to 32 crafts, I wish him a very happy birthday. God bless you Varun for coming forward and standing by the daily wage workers who really form a very important place in our industry."## The actor has also provided free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are leading the nation's fight against the COVID 19 pandemic.## Stay tuned...

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Urvashi Rautela's Facebook account hacked
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Urvashi Rautela's Facebook account hacked

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Urvashi Rautela's Facebook account has been hacked, the actress informed on Twitter. She warned fans not to respond to posts originating from her Facebook account.## "My Facebook has been hacked please don't respond to any messages or post as it is not done by me or my team @Facebook @facebookapp," the actress tweeted.## Urvashi realized that her Facebook has been hacked when a few posts, comprising pornographic content, started originating from the account.## Mumbai Police have informed Urvashi that they have acted on the issue, A complaint has been registered with the cyber police cell.## "We have forwarded your complaint to Cyber police station," Mumbai Police informed Urvashi on Twitter.## Bollywood actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela is a social media sensation. She enjoys a huge fan base on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter among others.## On the work front, "Beat pe thumka" a peppy wedding number featuring Urvashi Rautela has just been released. The song is from her upcoming comedy flick "Virgin Bhanupriya".## Stay tuned...

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Raveena Tandon starts campaign to stop attacks on medical fraternity
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Raveena Tandon starts campaign to stop attacks on medical fraternity

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon has come up with a social media campaign #JeetegaIndiaJeetengeHum to stop the spread of rumors amid the COVID-19 crisis, and also urge people not to attack the frontline workers.## Several healthcare workers in India have been attacked as they battle to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. So, Raveena has made a special video in which she is seen appealing people to understand the severe health crisis and also appreciate the crucial role of doctors amid the COVID-19 outbreak.## "I feel it's extremely important for all of us to do our bit by encouraging the real heroes, our doctors, and nurses who are stepping out everyday and fighting this deadly coronavirus. They haven't met their families to keep us and our families safe and that's why through my campaign -- #JeetegaIndiaJeetengeHum -- I request everyone to give these medical forces their due respect and at the same time not spread false rumors. I'm hopeful we will all see the light sooner together," she said.## Stay tuned...

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Ali Fazal wants to spend time with Joy Lobo of '3 Idiots'
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Ali Fazal wants to spend time with Joy Lobo of '3 Idiots'

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Ali Fazal says, given a chance, he would hang out with Joy Lobo and Zafar, the characters he played in "3 Idiots" and the "Fukrey" series respectively.## Asked to consider a hypothetical situation as to which two people he would like to spend time with, Ali told IANS: "I would call up Joy Lobo from '3 Idiots' and give him a hug. I think he needed it the most when he committed suicide in the film. He was under so much pressure and his creative idea was not heard. He wanted to express so much that he couldn't and he screamed out the song 'Give me some sunshine' from a very dark emotional phase of his life as a young student. I just want to call him, hug him and say, 'Bhai, load maat le, sab theek ho jayega,' before he committees suicide."## Ali added: "As I am staying alone and doing all my household work right now -- jhadu-ponchha-bartan -- it is kind of boring for me. So I would also like to invite Zafar from 'Fukrey' and would ask him to play the guitar and recite poetry! I leant to cook yakhni pulaw, I can serve that!"## The actor feels fortunate to have all the basics taken care of in this hour of pandemic crisis. "We have a balcony to stand and do several fun activities, whereas so many people are homeless. Masla kuchh bhi ho, museebat mein to gareeb hi hai. Unke ghar ka chulha bandh hai. My heart goes out to them, really," he said.## Stay tuned...

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Soha Ali Khan: Lockdown has brought the family closer
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Soha Ali Khan: Lockdown has brought the family closer

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Soha Ali Khan says the lockdown has brought her closer to her family than ever.## The actress asserts that she tries to do interesting activities with husband, actor Kunal Kemmu, and daughter Inaaya. Here's how Soha Ali Khan is spending her time during the lockdown:## * Reading## Reading has always been something I love doing and our busy lives make it difficult to sit down and make time for it every day. The lockdown has enabled us to stay indoors and focus on the activities that our busy schedules would not allow us to do. Reading is one of the things that I have included in my daily tasks; I dedicate at least one hour to reading as it helps me with my writing better. Therefore, if you were once an avid reader and have lost the touch of it, this is the perfect time to reconnect to your stack of untouched lying favorites.## * Fun with family## Family to me always comes first! In the times of lockdown, your family is what is going to keep you together by supporting you and making you laugh or be your partner in fun. The lockdown has brought us closer than ever. Kunal and I make sure that we engage ourselves with some of the other interesting activities. We try to indulge Inaaya in various activities such as drawing, puzzles, coloring, learning the alphabet or numbers, and sometimes we gaze out of windows and play the "I spot" game from the balcony.## * Experiment with healthy snacks## I love snacks that are filling and healthy and so does my family, hence I cook our meals that are rich in nutrients. Since almonds are one of my favorite snacks to munch on, I make sure that my recipes include a handful of almonds. They not only keep you full but also prevents you from binging on unhealthy options as they help suppress hunger in between meals. Some of my favorite dishes are Sheera with nuts, Almond Soy milk, Roasted Almonds with a spicy touch, definitely worth trying.## * Exercising with FAM Jam indoors## The lockdown has put a hold on the gyms but not on us, hence I make sure to take out time to exercise for an hour. Kunal and I motivate each other to perform the basic exercises at home. Occasionally we take Zumba and Yoga sessions for Inaaya and love to watch her groove with the music. The funniest thing is she exercises with us and it is cute to watch her try and learn the basics with us.## * Skincare routine## Maintaining the glow inside out is important. I use facemasks once in a week to exfoliate the impurities and dust from my skin. It is also important to take care from within; therefore, I hydrate myself and intake lots of water. Make sure to include Vitamin E in your diet as it may help in imparting anti-aging properties and benefits skin health. I make sure to include almonds in my diet and make it a part of my beauty routine as it fills my body up with the right nutrients. I also make sure to use a Vitamin C facial oil for my skin.## The lockdown isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is not! One needs to detoxify from the hustle-bustle of the city and take measures to stay home, fit, and healthy. Make sure to indulge yourself in activities that are fun and productive.## Stay tuned...

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Shriya Pilgaonkar: Quarantine an opportunity to value simplest things
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Shriya Pilgaonkar: Quarantine an opportunity to value simplest things

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar will be celebrating her birthday with her family on Sunday at home due to the lockdown. She says the quarantine period has been an opportunity to look inwards and value the simplest things.## "I have been working on my birthdays for the last four years and haven't been home with my family. While I'm always grateful to be celebrating a working birthday, I am even more grateful this year to be at home and in good health given the current situation," Shriya, daughter of actors Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar, told IANS.## "Of course, it would have been nice to have my close friends with me but right now the most important thing is that we continue to practice social distancing and really live mindfully. We really can't be selfish and need to realize that we can fight COVID-19 only if we are all responsible," she said.## Shriya prayed for the caregivers and the first responders. "My thoughts and prayers are with all the frontline health workers, doctors, and all those people who are tirelessly putting themselves out there in the face of danger and helping save lives. This quarantine period has truly been an opportunity to look inwards and value the simplest things that give us joy and not take any moment or people for granted."## She added: "I guess this is nature's way of shaking off the entitlement that we all, as humans. I hope and pray we all come out of this stronger and as better human beings."## Shriya made her Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 2016 film, "Fan". Later, she proved her mettle in the web show "Mirzapur".## Recently, she featured in a virtual play, "Lockdown Love", to lighten up the mood of people amid the COVID-19 lockdown.## Stay tuned...

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Pankaj Tripathi starts conversational series for fans amid lockdown
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Pankaj Tripathi starts conversational series for fans amid lockdown

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Pankaj Tripathi has found an interesting way of engaging with fans during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.## In a series started by the actor on his Facebook page, Pankaj narrates slice-of-life stories from his own experiences that changed his perspective of life. He talks about memories of his growing-up years.## In one of the stories he narrated, the actor spoke about how the train and its sounds evoke in him bittersweet childhood memories.## "I didn't start it with a script in mind. It's a conversational series where I talk to my fans about the things that matter to me. It's more often than not the simple things in life that we end up caring for the most," said Pankaj.## "Locked down at home, waiting for these tough times to pass should remind people where their priorities lie," he added.## As for films, he has projects like "Ludo" and "Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl" in his kitty.## Stay tuned...

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Hrithik Roshan shares 'lockdown tips' for 'mental health'
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan shares 'lockdown tips' for 'mental health'

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Being locked down 24 hours inside our home is sure to have an impact on mental health. To avoid that, Hrithik Roshan has shared some 'lockdown tips' with fans. The Bollywood superstar suggests a daily dose of vitamin D to take care of mental health even as we continue to be confined at home.## In a selfie he shared on Instagram, Hrithik sits in the sun. "Get your shot of Sun. Every day. 10 mins...Find a way. #stayalert #mentalhealth #vitd #staybright #lockdowntips," the actor wrote.## Fans of the actor replied to his post with praises and love, but most of them seemed more interested in gushing about his looks than involving in any serious discussion on mental health.## One fan wrote: "Smoldering handsomeness".## Another fan posted: "Handsome hunk, I can do anything for you!"## Another fan expressed: "I do everything Hrithik Roshan tells me."## Hrithik Roshan has been spending the lockdown with his ex-wife Sussanne Khan, who has temporarily moved in with him, to take care of their two sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan.## Talking about mental health, Hrithik has recently started learning piano, which he feels is "great for activating both sides of the brain".## Stay tuned...

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Manushi Chhillar: Supply free sanitary pads with ration to poor
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Manushi Chhillar: Supply free sanitary pads with ration to poor

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Former Miss World Mansuhi Chhillar has urged state governments to distribute sanitary pads along with daily ration to the underprivileged.## Manushi lauds the government's decision to include sanitary pads as essential commodities amid the COVID-19 crisis. However, she explains that underprivileged women have become prone to severe risks due to shortage of funds in the hands of daily wage earners because of SARS-CoV-2 -- the terminology now being used by the medical fraternity to describe the novel coronavirus globally.## "I'm hugely thankful that sanitary pads have been listed as an essential commodity by the government of India during the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. However, we need to focus on how women, especially from the economically handicapped strata, can get pads free of cost. I also urge the governments of various states to kindly look into distributing sanitary pads along with daily rations to the underprivileged," she said.## Manushi backs Project Shakti, a non-profit program, that has joined hands with local women across India and has empowered them to make a living by educating them to make biodegradable sanitary pads. The initiative works towards raising awareness on menstrual hygiene among women in the local communities of these women.## "The issue is that due to the shortage of funds, particularly among the daily wage earners, most would be looking to spend their money on just food and women's sanitation might not be a top priority for many families. This would increase the health hazard for millions of women in India as sanitary pads come at a certain cost and the financial crisis is definitely going to push women to be at risk," she added.## Manushi said she has spoken to organizations who are working non-stop in ensuring pads are distributed free of cost.## "But it would be great if administration, from a district level to city to state-level comes forward to help the needy."## On the work front. Manushi is all set to make her Bollywood debut in the historical drama "Prithviraj" opposite Akshay Kumar later this year.## Stay tuned...

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Adah Sharma mimics Ananya, Aishwarya in her TED Talk video
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Adah Sharma mimics Ananya, Aishwarya in her TED Talk video

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Actress Adah Sharma's TED Talk video recently released on YouTube. Among the many things she said and did, she mimicked actresses like Ananya Panday and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, besides giving an insight on how to bag lead roles in an industry that continues to be dominated by nepotism.## "I'm glad people are enjoying it along with being inspired. I never succumb to trends so I thought even my TED talk should be like me! (It is) Crazy, funny, moving and entertaining!" she declared.## One of the fittest actresses in Bollywood, Adah will soon be seen in the second season of the web series "The Holiday", besides the films "Commando 4" and "Man To Man".## Stay tuned...

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Abhishek recalls his first stage performance with 'pretty cool dude' Big B
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Abhishek recalls his first stage performance with 'pretty cool dude' Big B

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Abhishek Bachchan has recalled how he shared the stage with his illustrious father Amitabh Bachchan for his first-ever performance after becoming an actor and described Bachchan senior as a "pretty cool dude".## The performance happened 16 years ago, Abhishek recalled on Instagram, and it was a fundraiser for Tsunami victims.## Sharing a picture where he can be seen dancing with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek wrote: "#FlashbackFriday My 1st ever stage performance after becoming an actor. Got to share it with a pretty cool dude! This was for the 'Help' telethon which was done to raise money to help all the victims of the devastating tsunami which occurred on December 26th, 2004. This huge enterprise of getting the entire Hindi film industry together ( a Herculean task) was spearheaded by @duttsanjay. And although I was slated to make my debut stage performance in Amsterdam for the IIFA awards later in the year, I just couldn't say no to the cause and Sanju sir."## Abhishek added: "Both dad and I performed to a mix/ medley of his song 'Rang barse' and 'one love', a track I had done as a cameo in my dear friend @suniel.shetty film 'Rakth'."## Abhishek became nostalgic as he mentioned a surprise birthday choreographer Ganesh Hegde, Sanjay Dutt, and other organizers of the show threw for him. "The show took place in early February 2005. Both dad and I were shooting for 'Kajra re' with Aishwarya for 'Bunty Aur Babli'. I would shoot the song all day from 9 am to 10 pm and then drive to the concert venue and rehearse all night," he wrote.## "At night, after the shoot, I remember when I reached the venue for my rehearsal all the lights were off!!! Thinking that I had made a mistake and showed up to rehearse when there wasn't any... Suddenly all the stage lights came on and all the dancers, Ganesh Hegde the choreographer, stagehands and technical staff surprised me! Then Sanju sir and @walia_bunty ( he was one of the organizers) rolled out a huge cake and a birthday present for me. They all sang and managed to embarrass me to bits! What fun. Good times!"## In the post, he recalled spending his birthday shooting the song "Kajra Re" with soon-to-be-wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and dad Amitabh Bachchan for "Bunty Aur Babli". That, though was "a different story, reserved for another Friday", he said.## Stay tuned...

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Sonu Sood pens a poem saluting corona warriors
2237 days ago
Bollywood

Sonu Sood pens a poem saluting corona warriors

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has penned an emotional poem saluting all corona warriors including doctors, medical staff, cleaning workers and delivery boys, who are working relentlessly to keep us safe, and also ensuring our lives go on smoothly.## The poem speaks of the nation's unity and the need to fight together in these turbulent times.## In a video released on YouTube, the actor recites: "Maana ki ghani raat hai, iss raat se ladne ke liye, pura Bharat ek sath hai... Teri koshish meri koshish rang layegi, fir ussi bheed ka hissa hongey, bas sirf kuch he dino ki baat hai... Maana ki ghani raat hai, magar pura Bharat ek sath hai."## "This is something really close to my heart, something I really wanted to do for all Indians out there, especially our Corona warriors. I hope with my poem, I'm able to motivate people to stay positive and make them believe that we will come out of this stronger than ever. It's my tribute to all the heroes fighting this deadly battle," he said.## The actor has decided to provide meal kits to over 25,000 migrants on a daily basis in Mumbai during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. Before this, Sonu started a ration drive to help the needy during the ongoing lockdown. He also offered his hotel in Juhu for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.## Stay tuned...

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