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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

Lockdown diaries: Yoga and positivity work for Neetu Chandra
2246 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Yoga and positivity work for Neetu Chandra

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actress Neetu Chandra is not going to let the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic get to her.## The actress took to Twitter on Wednesday to post some photos from her yoga session.## "Today on my #yoga mat. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence! 'Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can't rain forever'. Bring it on," she captioned the images.## This comes just a few days after she posted: "Dear Doctors & Nurses, you have worked selflessly for us but we care for your safety too. Please take all necessary precautions to ensure that you too stay safe from the virus. We salute your dedication. Thank You."## Neetu has been also using the quarantine time to connect with her fans. One asked how she is spending time at home, she replied: "Very hectic, A lot of reading, watching, cooking, yoga, family time, laughing."## It seems like she will have to continue this routine, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced extension of the 21-day lockdown for another 19 days until May 3 to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.## Stay tuned...

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Lockdown diaries: Vatsal Sheth always wanted to learn the flute
2246 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Vatsal Sheth always wanted to learn the flute

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actor Vatsal Sheth's goal for the quarantine time was to learn to play the flute, and he is happy that he has achieved it.## "I always wanted to learn the flute and for a long time I have been contemplating, but now I have got enough time to play the flute and I am doing it religiously. It's great that we have had time off and it has helped me connect to some deep thinking that I needed to do and focus on a few hobbies. This is working well for me," he said.## Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the extension of the 21-day lockdown for another 19 days until May 3 to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.## Vatsal urged everyone to take the lockdown very seriously.## "Go out only for emergencies. This is a difficult period and this too shall pass but for that, we need to take the protocols," he said.## On a lighter note, the "Taarzan: The Wonder Car" actor has been tickling the funny bone of his followers on social media with his hilarious videos.## Stay tuned...

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Chahat Khanna: I shot new music video with Mika before lockdown
2246 days ago
Bollywood

Chahat Khanna: I shot new music video with Mika before lockdown

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Television actress Chahat Khanna denies breaking lockdown protocol to shoot the music video of her new song "Bade acche lagte hain with Mika Singh, saying that she shot for the song before the lockdown.## "He (Mika) stays next to my building, and this happened before my building was seized. I had gone to his house, we were making a video on our iPhone and we were planning to come up with something that would have to be time pass for people during the quarantine. We were trying to make something for the quarantine period," claimed Chahat.## She added: "Mika Singh has sung the song and I feature in the video. It is something new. We both have shot at home. It's about quarantine, and how couples can spend time in at home during quarantine".## Talking about spending time in lockdown, Chahat Khanna said it's the same for her like all others, as she is a mother looking after her kids.## "I am a mother looking after kids. So, spending time creatively is difficult. Had I been alone I might have had time to read, paint, write or exercise, but with me, it's another way around. I don't get a single second to spare on creativity as my kid doesn't leave my back -- not even for five minutes. So it's becoming next to impossible for me to indulge myself. It's kind of a madhouse right now for me," she said.## Lockdown has affected daily wagers badly, she noted: "I know this is a very difficult time. I have been calling up my house to help to ask if they need something. We are all privileged but there are people who don't have cars or means of transport or survival. So I have been calling up to check, especially my maids who are daily wage earners."## Chahat Khanna was last seen in "Prassthanam", starring Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Chunky Pandey, Ali Fazal, Satyajeet Dubey, and Amyra Dastur.## Stay tuned...

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Soundarya Sharma seeks MEA help to return home from LA
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Soundarya Sharma seeks MEA help to return home from LA

Los Angeles, April 15 (IANS) Actress Soundarya Sharma has approached the Indian embassy and Ministry of External Affairs for assistance, along with more than 400 Indians including students who are stranded in the USA amid a coronavirus pandemic.## "These are challenging times for everyone, but my heart goes to hundreds of students including another fellow Indians who are stuck here, without proper accommodation and resources," Soundarya said.## She added: "I have been writing to the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs for evacuation assistance however there has been no positive response nor any assistance to Indians who have been unable to meet their ends here."## The actress, who featured in the film "Ranchi Diaries", is hoping to be evacuated back to India.## "I would humbly request the Indian embassy and the MEA for a stimulus package for all those students and fellow Indians who are stuck here to help overcome this situation and hopefully arrange an evacuation flight back to India," she said.## Soundarya was in Los Angeles to attend an acting course at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.## Stay tuned...

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Sara Ali Khan: Our hearts, minds, souls aren't in lockdown
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Sara Ali Khan: Our hearts, minds, souls aren't in lockdown

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan has shared a beautiful photograph of herself along with some profound brainstorming. She says that the hearts, minds, and souls are not in lockdown.## Sharing a stunning monochrome picture of herself on Instagram, she wrote: "Our hearts, minds and souls aren't in lockdown #stayhome #staystrong#staypositive #staysafe," she captioned the image, which has garnered over 1.5 million likes on social media. She had recently shared a throwback video of herself along with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan telling "knock-knock" jokes".## She had also shared tips for fans to beat lockdown boredom during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.## On the work front, Sara was last seen in Imtiaz Ali's "Love Aaj Kal", which also starred Kartik Aaryan.## Sara will be next seen opposite Varun Dhawan in the remake of "Coolie No.1". She will also be seen sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar and Dhanush in "Atrangi Re".## Stay tuned...

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Three Miss Worlds unite to fight COVID-19 stigma
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Three Miss Worlds unite to fight COVID-19 stigma

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Three former beauty queens -- Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar from India, Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle from Puerto Rico and Miss World 2018 Vanessa Ponce from Mexico -- have come together to raise awareness on coronavirus and discuss how to battle the stigma of infection that is on the rise.## "At a time like this, whatever each one of us can do to raise as much awareness about COVID-19 in our respective countries and communities will be key to stop the virus in its tracks. I wanted to tell people that we are in this together and what is happening in India is also happening in the rest of the world," Manushi said.## The platform will have the three former Miss Worlds, who is also vocal about social issues and work in the fields of education, menstrual hygiene, discrimination, and racism, speak about the need for the world to unite to fight the pandemic.## "The pain we are witnessing with the loss of lives, the struggles, the hardships of Indians are similar to what is happening in every country of the world and the Miss Worlds from Mexico and Puerto Rico will speak the same. We are one world and we can fight and heal collectively. That's the intent of this exercise," she added.## Manushi has already been roped in by the Haryana State Government and UNICEF India to raise awareness about COVID-19 among the people of India.## The three beauty queens will also discuss the importance of mental health at a time like this.## Stay tuned...

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Ayushmann Khurrana plays 'Bella Ciao' of 'Money Heist' on piano
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Ayushmann Khurrana plays 'Bella Ciao' of 'Money Heist' on piano

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) It seems actor Ayushmann Khurrana is a big fan of the hit Spanish show "Money Heist", originally titled "La Casa de Papel".## Taking to Instagram, Ayushmann posted a video that shows him playing "Bella Ciao", the title track of the show, on his piano. Not only this, but he also shared that he wants to essay the role of the Professor (played by Alvaro Morte) in the series.## "I want to be a Professor. That's why I'm wearing similar glasses and playing Bella Ciao. I want to put this out in the universe. Hello reverent filmmakers, are you listening? Please! I'm dying to do something like this. I'm itching to go on sets and work, like each and every human on this planet. We all want to go out and work. But patience is a virtue they say. Till then Bella Ciao. #MoneyHeist," he captioned the video.## Reacting to Ayushmann's version of "Bella Ciao", actress Shilpa Shetty commented: "Binged on 'Money Heist' and now bingeing on this... beautiful."## Rapper Badshah wrote: "Someone needs to do it and make me a part of it too."## "Money Heist" is back on Netflix for part 4. While part three was about the surviving members of a misfit band of bank robbers getting the band back together, the fourth part showcases Tokyo, the Professor and the whole gang, back to clean out the Bank of Spain.## Stay tuned...

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COVID-19: Chitrangda Singh spreads the word on Ayushman Bharat scheme
2247 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Chitrangda Singh spreads the word on Ayushman Bharat scheme

Mumbai, April 14 (IANS) The government's Ayushman Bharat scheme has started providing free testing kit and treatment for COVID-19 to over 50 crore poor people in India. Bollywood actress Chitrangda Singh has taken the initiative of spreading the word.## On Tuesday evening, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan tweeted a video where Chitrangda Singh is speaking about the same.## In the video, the actress says in Hindi: "We get a lot of takes to make a shot perfect while shooting films, but this coronavirus pandemic will not give you a second chance. One mistake can make us, our families and neighbors pay the price. Please don't step out of your homes unless it is extremely necessary."## "In such difficult times, we need to stand by our poor brothers and sisters who are extremely vulnerable. Also, people who serve us throughout the year -- such as our watchmen, vegetable vendors, washermen, cooks, and drivers -- we must help them," she added.## "Under the government's Ayushman Swasthya Yojana, over 50 crore poor people get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh every year. Under this scheme, testing and treatment for COVID 19 will be completely free," said the actress.## Sharing the video, the minister wrote: "Thank you, @IChitrangda Ji! #COVID__19 treatment is free under #AyushmanBharat for its 50 crore beneficiaries! I request @ayushmannk @TheShilpaShetty @Neenagupta001 to #PassItForward & help us #SaveLives".## Chitrangda Singh also shared the video on Twitter and wrote: "With you in all the efforts #SpreadTheWord #NotTheVirus."## On the work front, Chitrangda Singh will next be seen alongside Abhishek Bachchan in the movie "Bob Biswas".## Stay tuned...

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Lockdown diaries: Kanisha Malhotra makes short films at home
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Kanisha Malhotra makes short films at home

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actress Kanisha Malhotra, who has featured in shows such as "P.O.W. - Bandi Yuddh Ke" and "Ye Hai Mohabbatein", is utilizing her lockdown time to create short films at home.## "During this difficult time, when COVID-19 has hit the world hard, keeping a positive mind is very important. And that is what I feel. I'm keeping myself busy by creating content-driven short films online," she said.## Kanisha has acted, written and directed the films, "Empty Roads" and "Dear Baba".## "I have created the films with limited resources at home, depicting the current scenario world is facing due to the novel coronavirus. I am creating more and more content as social media is a big ground right now and I will be exploring more web series and web film space once lockdown is over," Kanisha added.## Kanisha is also known for her roles in the web series "Bombae" and "Dance Bar".## Stay tuned...

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Did you know 'Mary Kom' director Omung Kumar was a child actor?
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Did you know 'Mary Kom' director Omung Kumar was a child actor?

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Art director-turned-filmmaker Omung Kumar B. shot to fame directing "Mary Kom" in 2014 and has made a few other films since then. But did you know that he has his first brush with showbiz as a child actor way back in the seventies?## The year is 1979 and the film is "Guru Ho Jaa Shuru", an action comedy-drama starring Ashok Kumar, Mahendra Sandhu, Prema Narayan, Deb Mukherjee, and Ranjeet.## "Guru Ho Ja Suru' movie 1979, me as child star Full drama..... my god I was so young, and yes remember the rain scene... and my hair... wah," Omung wrote on social media, reminiscing about the film directed by Shiv Kumar.## In the film, Omung played the younger version of hero Mahendra Sandhu. In sync with trends of the time, he was credited as Master Omung Kumar.## Stay tuned...

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Gul Panag to narrate stories of courage of India's armed forces
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Gul Panag to narrate stories of courage of India's armed forces

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actress Gul Panag will serve as a narrator of the podcast "Special Mission", which is a tribute to India's armed forces.## "As a daughter of an army officer, this theme is extremely close to my heart. Growing up, I have seen how unpredictable life can be for those who serve the nation, and I am so thrilled to narrate their stories of courage and valor on this new Spotify podcast," said Gul.## "I've known Sidin (the show's producer Sidin Vadukut) for years now, so when he reached out with this project, there was only one answer - yes! I grew up listening to these stories, and I think podcasts are a great medium to pass on the legacy of those heroes, capturing the challenge they overcome," she added.## She hopes people are inspired by these individuals to 'live fiercely, value life, and of course, honor those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe".## "Special Mission", an original podcast on the platform, will have episodes full of true yet unheard stories of valor.## The episodes will cover a diverse list of topics like international rescue missions, stories of regimental legends, music and even the animals that serve in the forces.## The one thing that connects all these stories is their broad emotional scope. These are stories not just of the soldiers themselves but also their families, friends and personal lives.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Sobhita Dhulipala: I am committed to taking risk in career
2247 days ago
Bollywood

Sobhita Dhulipala: I am committed to taking risk in career

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Actress Sobhita Dhulipala wants to continue her journey as a risk-taker and does not want to live a predictable life.## "I am committed to taking a risk in career and in life. What scares me is what if I lose out on the confidence to take new challenges. Hopefully, that never happens. I do not want to live a predictable life. Perhaps that is why change does not worry me, stagnancy does. Every change that is happening now is teaching us something. For us actors, vanity, popularity, beauty -- all these things at times hold us back to take risks. That's the only thing I do not want. I do not want the vanity to take away my enthusiasm to take a risk and that joy of acting, the joy of performing!" Sobhita told IANS.## Starting her Bollywood career with Anurag Kashyap's "Raman Raghav 2.0", she has acted in films such as "Kaalakaandi", "Goodachari", and "Moothon". On OTT platforms, she has been seen in the shows "Made In Heaven" and "Bard Of Blood" and the digital film, "Ghost Stories".## Recalling her first-ever audition, she said: "That was my first audition and I bagged the role. That was the moment I realize that I actually love acting! This is my true calling! I did not know it before. Otherwise, I would have directly looked for such an opportunity instead of participating in beauty pageants and modeling. I always had a love for storytelling, it is a sacred thing to me. But I think all is a part of my journey and I learned a lot about makeup, camera, and many things during my modeling days."## Sobhita participated in Miss Earth 2013 and the general assumption could be that she always had an inclination towards acting. However, she says she was quite the "teacher's pet" in school.## "I spent a good amount of time in the library because I loved reading books and was busy earning grades! I was not at all a 'cool kid' in school, so nobody even imagined, including me, that I could be someone in the glamour industry. At the end of my college days, I just thought of participating in a beauty pageant. Since I had to plan and it was just a 'karke dekhte hai, kya hota hai' type attitude, there was a certain innocence, too. Perhaps that is why I am not the 'heroine' type, you know! But I am happy the way my career has panned out so far," Sobhita signed off.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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