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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

COVID-19: Sonu Sood offers his Juhu hotel for healthcare workers
2253 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Sonu Sood offers his Juhu hotel for healthcare workers

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Actor Sonu Sood has offered his Juhu hotel for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and the paramedical staff during the coronavirus pandemic.## "It's my honor to be able to do my bit for the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of our country who have been working day and night to save the lives of millions in the country. I'm really happy to open the doors of my hotel for these real-time heroes," Sonu said.## The actor is also making the best use of social media platforms, spreading awareness about the novel coronavirus among people. He has also been telling people how to workout at home and maintain fitness. In a recent Instagram post, Sonu I seen using home furniture as gymming equipment.## Stay tuned...

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AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi upset with recreated version of 'Masakali'
2253 days ago
Bollywood

AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi upset with recreated version of 'Masakali'

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and lyricist Prasoon Joshi don't seem happy with a newly recreated version of their 2009 gem, "Masakali". The duo had created the song for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film "Delhi-6", and on Thursday joined a growing band of social media users who have conveyed their disappointment over the new number.## Without mentioning the name of "Masakali 2.0", Rahman tweeted: "No short cuts, properly commissioned, sleepless nights, writes and re-writes. Over 200 musicians, 365 days of creative brainstorming with the main aim to produce music that can last generations. A team of a Director, a Composer, and a Lyric supported by actors, dance directors, and a relentless film crew."## Along with it, Rahman shared a link to the original song, which makes it obvious what he is referring to.## Sonam Kapoor, on whom the original song was picturized, retweeted Rahman's tweet.## Lyricist Prasoon Joshi urged fans to stand for originality. "All songs were written for #Delhi6 including #Masakali close to heart, sad to see when the original creation of @arrahman@prasoonjoshi_ &singer @_MohitChauhan insensitively utilized," Joshi wrote.## Taking a direct jibe at the music label T-Series, which has brought out the remix, the lyricist added: "Up to the conscience of @Tseries... Hopefully, the fans will stand for originality."## "Masakali 2.0" is sung by Tulsi Kumar and Sachet Tandon, with music by Tanishk Bagchi. The song is picturized on Tara Sutaria and Sidharth Malhotra.## Stay tuned...

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Big B distributing 2000 food packets across Mumbai daily
2253 days ago
Bollywood

Big B distributing 2000 food packets across Mumbai daily

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has started distributing 2000 packets of food daily to provide lunch and dinner to the needy across Mumbai amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This gesture in addition to providing monthly ration to one lakh households of daily wage workers associated with the All India Film Employees Confederation.## The actor took to his blog to talk about his social service. "Meanwhile on the personal front .. 2000 packets of food are being given each day for lunch and dinner at various locations over the city .. and the larger bags of a monthly provision about 3000 bags, which would take care of at 12,000 months is in process," he wrote.## He even revealed the locations where the needy were being fed.## "Most of the feeding is taking place at the Haji Ali dargah, the Mahim dargah, the Babulnath Temple, the slum in Bandra and a few other slums in the interior North of the city .. it is so difficult to cover as many as we may want to .. but..."## The actor then highlighted the practical problems faced in the transportation of supplies because of the nationwide lockdown.## "The process has its problems .. the lockdown has now made it illegal to step out of the house and living areas .. so even though I have been able to get the bags ready its transportation causes problems," he wrote.## "One cargo vehicle can carry 50-60 bags of the essential package .. so 3000 packages would involve so many more vehicles .. the vehicles is not the problem, it's their movement that is restricted."## The problem is not just in transportation but also during the distribution of food, because slum-dwellers who have been starving over the past few days tend to get unruly and impatient during the distribution of food. This often creates a stampede-like situation.## "The authorities are saying that when the package arrives, people, especially those in the slums for whom the material is specially packed, have not eaten for 3-4 days and they rush for the vehicle to pick up their package, which almost causes a stampede and the Police cannot allow that to happen, with the conditions of 'social distancing', "Big B wrote.## The actor also revealed that he gives instructions to carry out the process in the right way.## "Even where the daily food is being distributed I have insisted that proper lines are formed keeping distances from one another .. the volunteers, thank the Lord are working tirelessly in extreme conditions to make sure of its proper functioning .. it is a tough task .. but what can be done .. the cues are large and with each passing day are getting bigger and bigger," he said in his post.## Lauding the people associated with the process, he expressed: "We try to provide .. but getting the provision to reach the needy is an exercise! Something will work out I hope and pray .. I get a video and pictures of all the procedures happening each hour so I can give instructions .. which is a great help .. and of course the team that works day and night is incredibly diligent."## Meanwhile, Big B also took to Twitter to express words of gratitude for supply warriors who are risking their lives to serve the nation in this hour of crisis.## Stay tuned...

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Nikkhil Advani: Vir Das will be interesting to watch in 'Hasmukh'
2253 days ago
Bollywood

Nikkhil Advani: Vir Das will be interesting to watch in 'Hasmukh'

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Nikkhil Advani's upcoming show "Hasmukh" features Vir Das as a reluctant killer, and the Bollywood filmmaker says people will be surprised to watch the popular stand-up comedian in his new avatar.## In the trailer of the Netflix show, Vir is a comedian who needs to kill someone before performing on stage. As an individual, he does not like the whole act of killing people, but he has no other way to get the right kick to perform as a comedian on stage. He battles the dilemma.## "I think the audience will find it interesting to watch Vir in that avatar. No one can imagine Vir like that, because even in real life he is a stand-up comedian. He has acted really well. The story is of a reluctant killer. It is a fight between morals and ambitions," Advani said.## The show is directed by Nikhil Gonsalves and also features Ranvir Shorey, Manoj Pahwa, Ravi Kishan, Amrita Bagchi, Suhail Nayyar, Inaamulhaq and Raza Murad.## According to the filmmaker, he always wanted to collaborate with the celebrated stand-up comedian. "Vir and I always wanted to collaborate. He came up with the idea, and I suggested making the story a little darker. So, we developed the script accordingly. We have got a great casting with some of the finest actors. Things just fell in place nicely," said Advani, about the show which releases on April 17.## Asked if digital release is an advantage during the time of lockdown, Advani replied: "It is a big advantage for us that the show is releasing now on Netflix when people are sitting at home and consuming a lot of digital content. But, it was always meant to release at this point in time. It was planned to release in April."## Stay tuned...

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'Sadak 2' gives you a different kind of Mahesh Bhatt: Akshay Anand
2253 days ago
Bollywood

'Sadak 2' gives you a different kind of Mahesh Bhatt: Akshay Anand

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Actor Akshay Anand had been directed by Mahesh Bhatt back in 1998 in the film "Zakhm". After 1999's "Kartoos", Bhatt gave up the responsibilities of a director. Now he is back in the director's chair for the upcoming "Sadak 2", and Anand, who is working with him again, couldn't be more thrilled about it.## "It's been a wonderful film to do because the last film that I did with him was 'Zakhm'. Soon he retired (as a director) and he has now come back to direct. Doing that film ('Sadak 2') with him, for me, was like a cherished moment," Akshay told IANS.## Asked if he noticed any changes in him as a director, Akshay said: "Yes, he has matured a lot. He is so richly and deeply oozing with value for life. He wants to give it to a lot of people through his films and dialogues, and through the ideas that he has in his mind. 'Sadak 2' is a very different kind of film. It's been made beautifully. You will definitely get a different kind of Bhatt Sahab," promised the actor.## Akshay also shared some information about his role in the upcoming film, which stars Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Pooja Bhatt, and Aditya Roy Kapur.## "I am playing Sanjay Dutt's friend. I am one of those people who convinces him to live life for a reason. He listens to me. It's an important role even though it's a cameo. It's like the role I did in 'Ghulam'. It was a small role but the character lives on through the film," he said.## Akshay is currently seen in Sony Entertainment Television's show "Ek Duje Ke Vaaste 2", in which he plays a father.## Stay tuned...

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Kay Kay Menon: I lack the skill to market myself
2253 days ago
Bollywood

Kay Kay Menon: I lack the skill to market myself

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) Actor Kay Kay Menon says he lacks the skills to promote or market himself, adding that his expertise lies in performing and not promoting.## Despite being a revered actor, Kay Kay is still an enigma to many. The actor hardly ever uses social media. Asked if self-promotion is something he avoids or doesn't like, he replied: "I don't have the expertise in that department, I seriously lack the skill to market myself. Some people have it and they are blessed, but I don't think I have expertise to promote myself.## He added: "I like to promote my work. I do the promotion for my work because that is required. Apart from that I just don't know how to promote myself, to be honest, I think my work ideally should speak for itself. I have the expertise in performing, not promoting."## Kay Kay's latest role, as RAW agent Himmat Singh in Neeraj Pandey's web series "Special OPs", has won him lots of acclaims. In fact, even superstar Hrithik Roshan praised the entire cast and crew of the show in a video post.## "I've already thanked him (Hrithik) on social media. It feels good that suddenly someone has seen this series and appreciating it wholeheartedly, and you can see it in their eyes that it has come from the heart, "Kay Kay said.## About bringing alive Himmat Singh, he said: "When I perform, I perform people. I don't perform roles. So, that's my basic difference. If I am playing Himmat Singh in 'Special Ops', I am playing Himmat Singh only. His being a RAW officer is a secondary thing. My idea is to play the person more than the role. While preparing, first I figured out what Himmat Singh is all about. after that my process becomes very simple. I surrender to it. I surrender my ego, my personality and I listen to only that person's call."## "Special Ops" is an espionage thriller series created for Hotstar. The series is co-directed by Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair.## Stay tuned...

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Varun Dhawan to judge online talent hunt show
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Varun Dhawan to judge online talent hunt show

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Bollywood star Varun Dhawan will be hunting for the best talent among youngsters across the nation through an online talent hunt show titled ‘Entertainer No 1.## Sharing the details of the concept, Varun said, " Through this new show, we are seeking to entertain millions of fellow Indians as we bring in some much-needed positivity. I'm looking forward to delivering the best entertainment in collaboration with people from across India. Our country is a treasure trove of talent and I truly believe that anyone should have the opportunity to showcase their entertainment skills."## The stay-home reality show is launching on Flipkart video in collaboration with Varun. The actor believes that such conceptual shows are important to stay positive as the world is going through a tough time due to the COVID19 pandemic.## Anyone who is 13 or above can record their performance video and upload the video directly in the Flipkart video section and over the period of eight weeks Varun, along with a panel of judges, will go through the process of deciding upon the best talent.## Varun said: "Given the unique format of the show, I'm looking forward to some exciting entries from across India and can't wait to get on this entertaining rollercoaster ride that begins next week."## Stay tuned...

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Honey Singh to come up with a bilingual song next
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Honey Singh to come up with a bilingual song next

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) His new track "Loca" is wowing the fans, and pop star Yo Yo Honey Singh is already all set to come up with his next song. The upcoming number will be a mix of Punjabi and an international language.## "The song I am dropping is going to be a Punjabi and international collaboration....coming soon," Honey Singh posted on social media.## Without revealing details, he asked fans to guess which international language he has used in the track.## Honey Singh gained instant stardom with hits such as "Main sharabi, "Angrezi beat" and "Lungi dance".## He was missing from the limelight around 2016-2017 but he made a stunning comeback with the hits "Dil chori" and "Chhote chhote peg" in the film "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety".## His latest number "Loca" has garnered over 84 million views on YouTube at the last count.## Stay tuned...

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Big B recites father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poem on hope
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Big B recites father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poem on hope

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) On Wednesday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan tried to spread some hope amid the ongoing health crisis triggered off by the COVID-19 pandemic. He recited a poem by his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan to inspire people.## "I reminisce my Father and his poem, which expresses hope and strength. The singing is exactly how Babu Ji recited it at Kavi Sammelans, which I attended with him," Big B tweeted.## He posted a video in which he is seen reciting the poem, which would aptly seem to describe the current situation of the world.## "Hai andheri raat par diva jalana kab mana hai, kya ghadi thi ek bhi chinta nahi thi paas aayi, Kya ghadi thi ek bhi chinta nahi thi paas aayi," Big B recited the poem in the four-minute, 10-second video, accompanied by soothing music in the backdrop.## On Tuesday, Big B featured in a made-at-home short film titled "Family" that also stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra, along with superstars from regional cinema such as Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Shiva Rajkumar, besides Dilit Dosanjh and Sonalee Kulkarni.## The four-minute, 39-second film has been conceptualized and virtually directed by Prasoon Pandey in collaboration with Big B. It talks about how staying at home, staying safe, maintaining hygiene, working from home and maintaining social distancing can be productive. At the end of the video, Big B also appeals in favor of the film industry's daily wage workers who are currently left with no income owing to a complete halt in filming activity due to the lockdown, which began last month.## Stay tuned...

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Film producer Karim Morani tests COVID-19 positive, confirms daughter Zoa
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Film producer Karim Morani tests COVID-19 positive, confirms daughter Zoa

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) After his two daughters Zoa and Shaza, film producer Karim Morani has also tested positive for COVID 19. The producer is reportedly admitted to Mumbai's Nanavati hospital.## Actress Zoa Morani confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday: "My father, sister and I have been tested COVID 19 positive. Papa and Shaza have no symptoms, I have a few...will be sharing the experience soon so that others get an idea and I can be of some help."## Talking about the symptoms and remedies, she further wrote: "It feels like the flu with a bit of uneasiness in the chest. Very bearable if one rests it out, pranayam and hot water have been helping a lot! I will share it in detail soon... Thank you for all your wishes... Looking forward to being home soon.".## Expressing words of appreciation for her doctor and the hospital staff, Zoa shared: "Feeling So overwhelmed watching the Dr's, nurses and hospital staff taking care of us fearlessly! No words can describe .. I can see their discomfort in their protective suits yet 24 /7 on their toes serving us ... the true heroes for sure ... my Dr is so sweet and full of life, he constantly makes jokes and makes me feel so light.. yesterday he was the one to bring the news to me about testing positive and he was so sensitive and funny at the same time ( don't know how he did that) so so grateful for Dr. Saurabh Phadkare ...Feeling so safe in his hands ...#coronavirus #covid19positivethoughts #indiafightscorona."## Zoa had returned from Rajasthan's Bikaner in March. Her sister Shaza returned from Sri Lanka last month. Both are hospitalized after testing positive.## Stay tuned...

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Anushka Sharma reminisces of the time she could go out wearing shades, not masks
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Anushka Sharma reminisces of the time she could go out wearing shades, not masks

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actress Anushka Sharma on Wednesday shared a throwback picture from the time she was promoting the 2018 film "Sui Dghaaga" along with co-star Varun Dhawan.## In the image, Anusha and Varun can be seen sitting on a bicycle. With the image, the actress recalled the time when she could actually go out and didn't have to wear masks.## "When we used to be outdoor, in crowds and wearing sunglasses, not masks," she captioned the image.## Apart from this, Anushka has been trying her best to spread awareness among people about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She recently spoke about how she wants to help as many as possible in her best abilities.## "Today, when I'm surrounded by all the blessings in my life, I just want to tell everyone how much compassion I feel for everyone who I see suffer. I want to help as many possible to the best of my abilities. I feel pride in our resilience to be better human beings. I can instinctively feel this in and around me.## "We will all have our individual and subjective lessons from this time and hopefully such lessons will continuously stay with us all," she had said.## Stay tuned...

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Suniel Shetty reveals why he switched to comedy
2254 days ago
Bollywood

Suniel Shetty reveals why he switched to comedy

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actor Suniel Shetty started off as an action hero and then he switched to comedy with "Hera Pheri" in 2000.## In "Hera Pheri", which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, is still loved by many for its memorable characters Raju (played by Akshay Kumar), Babu bhaiya (played by Paresh Rawal) and Shyam (played by Suniel) and the comedy of errors they find themselves in.## "What makes it iconic is basically the simplicity of the film. 'Hera Pheri' is a film where everybody has problems and in those problems, there is so much humor that it is hard to stop watching. Also, it was a film where action heroes were doing comedy and being controlled by someone like Babu Bhai, so audiences must have found that very amusing. Then the basic script, the writing, the dialogues… the legendary direction of Priyadarshan and the entire team that worked so brilliantly... 'Hera Pheri' is a perfect example of perfect teamwork," said Suniel.## "I knew Priyadarshan sir was a riot when it came to this genre. I switched over to comedy because I knew the kind of films he produced and his sense of comedy was brilliant. After this movie, Akshay and I worked on 'Awara Paagal Deewana'," he said in a chat with IMDb.## Remembering the shoot days of "Hera Pheri", Suniel said: "I don't know how the film was made, it just happened. We arrived on the sets every morning, the costumes were basically just stretched and given to us, not even ironed. The director would ask us to sleep in the afternoon on paper, so we used to sleep on newspapers. He (Priyadarshan) said 'I don't want you to be comfortable. When you get up, you should have rested, but stay uncomfortable'."## "So, we wore no make-up, nothing. Akshay Kumar, me and Pareshji were constantly together, constantly rehearsing our lines, constantly improvising and Priyadarshan sir is one man who knows when to say cut," recalled the actor, known for movies like "Border", "Krishna" and "Gopi Kishan".## The comedy film was followed up by "Phir Hera Pheri" in 2006. There have been reports of the actors reuniting for "Hera Pheri 3".## Stay tuned...

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