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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

CINTAA urges members to pitch in with financial aid
2256 days ago
Bollywood

CINTAA urges members to pitch in with financial aid

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Amid the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis, the Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) has appealed to A-list members as well as masses to pitch in with rations and funds as a donation for daily wage workers.## CINTAA is an autonomous body registered under the Indian Trade Union Act.## "Since CINTAA has a very limited corpus, we are not a cash-rich association. Our charitable sister trust, the Cine Artist Welfare Trust (CAWT) is also running out of funds," said actor Amit Behl, Senior Joint Secretary & Chairperson Outreach Committee CINTAA.## "We have appealed to all our members and A-listers to start helping us by donating ration and some funds. We have also circulated the account number and IFSC of Cine Artist Welfare Trust giving them the benefit of 80G certificate," Behl added.## The responses have already started pouring in. There are many many of CINTAA's senior and well-established actors who are also sending their appeal videos.## CINTAA has also approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Maharashtra, urging them to request the broadcasters to release payments in times of crisis.## "Generally, there is a 90-120 day cycle where payments are cleared," said Behl.## Meanwhile, the association has pledged to help its members in need. They have been making and distributing ration packets, also, Rs. 2000 per member based on the actual needs is also being compensated.## "The start has happened. We are trying our best to help our members," Behl added.## Stay tuned...

'Angrezi Medium' family reunites virtually
2256 days ago
Bollywood

'Angrezi Medium' family reunites virtually

New Delhi, April 6 (IANS) Irrfan Khans "Angrezi Medium" released at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to hit India, resulting in the closure of theatres around the country. Now with the film finding its way onto the digital medium, the team of the movie got a chance to reunite, virtually, and watch it together.## The film had its world digital premiere on Disney+ Hotstar VIP on April 6.## The "Angrezi Medium" cast got emotional with the digital medium bringing them together -- despite the distance and lockdown.## Irrfan and Radhika Madan were joined by Kiku Sharda, Pankaj Tripathi, Deepak Dobriyal, Ranvir Shorey as well as Dinesh Vijan and Homi Adajania during the video chat. Irrfan, however, didn't come in front of the camera during the video chat.## Directed by Homi Adajania, "Angrezi Medium" revolves around a father-daughter relationship, played out by Irrfan and Radhika. It also features Dimple Kapadia and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The film is presented by Jio Studios and Prem Vijan and is a Maddock Films production.## Talking about the film coming on a streaming service, Kareena said: "Naina is always going to be a special character for me. But more importantly, as an artist, it is fascinating to explore new mediums to reach audiences. I can't wait to catch ‘Angrezi Medium' on Disney+Hostar VIP -- the film is a sure shot cure for these isolation blues."## To this, Deepak added: "At a time like this, it's very important for all of us to stay home and stay safe. But we hope to keep you entertained during this process and I am extremely excited that ‘Angrezi Medium' is now out on a digital platform. This movie is very close to my heart and has worked with Irrfan bhai yet again is a joyous feeling."## Stay tuned...

Mika Singh records song with next-door neighbor Chahatt Khanna
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Mika Singh records song with next-door neighbor Chahatt Khanna

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Singer Mika Singh, and his neighbor and actress Chahatt Khanna worked on a new single titled "Quarantine love" during the lockdown period that started last month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.## While Mika has lent vocals to the song, the "Bade Achhe Lagte Hain" actress features in the video.## "Mika and I had plans of collaborating for a long time, but nothing had materialized. But now that we are just homebound and we are neighbors, we thought of creating something exciting," said the actress.## "It was just the two of us who shot it and we had taken all the precautions while shooting it. It was super fun and I am sure everyone is going to love the outcome," she added.## They are planning to unveil the track this week.## Meanwhile, Chahatt, who was last seen on the big screen in "Prassthanam", has been putting up her photos and videos on Instagram.## Stay tuned...

Akshay, Ayushmann, Tiger, Kriti in inspiring song amid COVID-19 crisis
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Akshay, Ayushmann, Tiger, Kriti in inspiring song amid COVID-19 crisis

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Akshay Kumar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Kriti Sanon, Rajkumar Rao, and Taapsee Pannu are among a slew of Bollywood celebrities who feature in a new song, "Muskurayega India", which aims to boost people's spirits in the fight against the novel coronavirus.## Sung by Vishal Mishra, the track's video begins with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech.## Rakul Preet, Sidharth Malhotra, and cricketer Shikhar Dhawan are also part of the song.## In the video, the actors can be seen urging Indians to spread smiles.## Akshay took to Instagram and shared the link of the song. "All we need is a united stand. Aur Phir #MuskurayegaIndia! Do share with your family and friends," he wrote.## "Muskurayega India" has been presented by Jackky Bhagnani's JJust Music in association with Akshay Kumar's Cape of Good Films.## Stay tuned...

Sara Ali Khan's lockdown mantra: Riyaz, training, repetition
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Sara Ali Khan's lockdown mantra: Riyaz, training, repetition

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Actress Sara Ali Khan has tips for her fans to beat lockdown boredom -- especially the Monday blues during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.## Taking to Instagram, Sara posted a throwback dance rehearsal video. What's more, the budding actress seemed to be in a poetic mood, rhyming her advice in the caption.## "Monday motivation...Sara's suggestion- dance edition... Revisit any previous tradition... Riyaaz, training, repetition... It'll all come to fruition... And of course- I must mention In this ‘quarantine' any routine will help your condition.#sarakishayari #QuarantineKiTayari #stayhome #staysafe," she wrote.## Reacting to the post, a user commented: "Much needed motivation."## Another one commented: "Beautiful and amazing."## On the work front, Sara will be next seen opposite Varun Dhawan in the remake of "Coolie No.1". She will also be seen sharing screen space with Dhanush and Akshay Kumar in "Atrangi Re".## Stay tuned...

Kajol's tips on how to spend time amid lockdown impresses Madhuri
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Kajol's tips on how to spend time amid lockdown impresses Madhuri

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Actress Kajol has come up with an innovative way to tell her fans how to spend time at home during the coronavirus lockdown. She recently took to social media and shared a series of pictures of herself to give netizens meaningful advice in a humorous way.## Sharing a picture of herself and actress Madhuri Dixit Nene taking a selfie together, Kajol wrote: "Stay connected with your friends through video calls."## Responding to the tweet, Madhuri said: "Absolutely Kajol, staying in touch with your friends is so important to keep yourself sane during this time!"## She also posted a still of her from her movie "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" in which she's seen reading a book.## "Read... it increases knowledge," she captioned the image.## On the work front, Kajol recently wooed the audience with her short film, "Devi". Now she will be seen in Netflix's film "Tribhanga".## Stay tuned...

Badshah contacts 'Boro loker biti lo' creator, promises him aid, credit
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Badshah contacts 'Boro loker biti lo' creator, promises him aid, credit

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Rapper Badshah has been facing plagiarism charges on social media lately over his new single "Genda Phool" after netizens pointed out portions of the song have been lifted from the popular Bangla folk hit of the seventies, "Boroloker biti lo", created by veteran Bengali artiste Ratan Kahar. Now, Badshah has finally reached out to the impoverished Kahar via video call, promising him recognition and monetary aid.## The rapper called on Kahar on Friday night and also promised to meet him as soon as the lockdown is over, according to a report in news18.com, which added that the rap star's team has taken down Kahar's bank details over the phone.## Another report in Bengali daily Ei Samay claims that not just monetary help, Ratan Kahar will also be given his due recognition for his creation.## "I have had a detailed discussion with Badshah about Ratan Kahar. Even though the video has already been released, it will be edited and Kahar's name will be mentioned as co-lyricist. This will be done in addition to monetary help, Badhsha has told me," Dipankar Roy from Badshah's team told Ei Samay.## "Genda Phool", with a music video featuring Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, has been trending ever since release.## Stay tuned...

Big B trolled again for posting fake #9pm9minutes satellite image
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Big B trolled again for posting fake #9pm9minutes satellite image

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Trolls have been having a field day ever since Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan started sharing posts related to COVID-19. The iconic actor is yet again being trolled on social media after he posted a fake #9pm9minutes satellite image of India.## Amitabh on Monday took to Twitter, where he re-tweeted a picture, which he claimed was a satellite picture of India during the #9pm9minutes activity planned by PM Narendra Modi, had appealed to the nation to switch off all lights of houses on April 5 at 9 PM for 9 minutes.## Bachchan shared the photo by captioning it: "The World sees us... we are ONE.."## Moments after the actor's tweet went viral, social media users started trolling him for sharing yet another "fake WhatsApp forward" on social media.## One user wrote: "Koi phone lelo sir ke hath se (please someone takes away the phone from sir's hand)."## Another wrote: "Whatsapp ruined the celebs by unmasking them and exposing their superlative levels of stupidity."## A user said: "Seriously?"## A netizen requested him to "uninstall WhatsApp".## "You need to quit those WhatsApp groups and stop following some handles," another tweeted.## This is not the first time Big B has been trolled over his twitter posts.## He was earlier criticized for sharing a video where he claimed flies can spread COVID-19.## Also, during the Janta curfew announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Big B had tweeted to support the contention that vibrations from clapping and blowing conch shells would reduce or destroy the potency of the coronavirus because it was "Amavasya". The theory was heavily panned on social media.## Stay tuned...

Bhumi's social distancing tips for Madhya Pradesh kids through video calls
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Bhumi's social distancing tips for Madhya Pradesh kids through video calls

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Actress Bhumi Pednekar is giving social distancing tips to hundreds of children in Madhya Pradesh via video calls.## She said: "The terms social distancing and self-isolation needs to be hammered into the minds of every individual of this vast country because such things are a privilege in a densely populated nation like ours. I decided that I will speak to all the children and the faculty and authorities of the institute through video calling facilities to discuss COVID-19 and the threat it poses to every one of us."## Bhumi has been supporting Abhyudaya Ashram, home, and school for abandoned, socially backward and underprivileged children, including girls rescued from prostitution for nearly three years now.## The Morena-based school was established in 1992 to fight the prostitution of girls in the valley and has expanded into housing boys too. The school looks to open up job opportunities for the children thus empowering them and also providing a better future to them.## She added: "I have been speaking to each and every member of the ashram and telling them about the do's and don'ts at this time of crisis."## The "Pati Patni Aur Woh" actress says she intends to keep as many of my near and dear ones safe and protected.## "I'm hoping they will spread this message within their communities. The risk is high currently and we all have to do our bit to battle coronavirus and stop it from spreading further," she said.## On the work front, Bhumi will next be seen in "Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare" directed by Alankrita Shrivastava. The film also stars Konkana Sen Sharma.## Stay tuned...

Vidhu Vinod Chopra wanted to tell the tale of Kashmiri Pandits' exodus for over a decade
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Vidhu Vinod Chopra wanted to tell the tale of Kashmiri Pandits' exodus for over a decade

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "Shikara", set against the backdrop of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus from the Kashmir Valley in 1990, released in February but he has been wanting to tell a story on the incident for long.## "I have wanted to tell the story of Kashmiri Pandits exodus for over a decade. I am glad I could finally bring this untold story of our exile to life with this film," said Chopra, who once had a home in Kashmir.## "Shikara" follows the story of Shiv and Shanti, two Kashmiri Pandits, chronicling their survival through 30 years of exile.## "Through 'Shikara', we aimed at spreading the message that there would be no hope left if all love is lost. It is a tale of resilience and love, in the direst of circumstances. Something we all need an extra dose of now," he said.## Directed by Chopra, the film stars newcomers Aadil Khan and Sadia in the lead.## "Shikara" has made its digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video.## Stay tuned...

Vidyut Jammwal uses ancient martial art to light and put out his candles!
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Vidyut Jammwal uses ancient martial art to light and put out his candles!

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Along with other B-Towners, actor Vidyut Jammwal too responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to switch off and light up on Sunday night at 9 pm, but with a difference. Instead of lighting and blowing off his candles the traditional way, Vidyut exercised the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu to get the job done.## In a couple of videos he posted on social media, Vidyut can be seen lighting the candles and then putting them out without actually touching them, but by simply using his Kalaripayattu skill put out his candles!## "AFTER #9pm9minutes #IndiaFightsCorona #StayHomeStaySafe #KALARIPAYATTU says "There are millions of different ways to do the same thing - TRY ALL #ITrainLikeVidyutJammwal #AabYehKarKeDekho #KICKINGoutCORONAwithISOLATION (innerpilgrimage)," Vidyut wrote.## Fans are naturally spellbound.## "Precision, directness, and quickness combined together and we get Vidyut Jammwal!" a user wrote.## Another fan expressed: "Looks like ur the best magician as well, apart from being the best martial artist."## Still another fan commented: "Don't know why Bollywood does not recognize your talent. But one day you will deliver and you will be the pride of Indian cinema. My best wishes to you sir. Love you."## Stay tuned...

Arjun Kapoor pledges aid, support in the fight against COVID-19
2256 days ago
Bollywood

Arjun Kapoor pledges aid, support in the fight against COVID-19

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has pledged to donate to various COVID-19 relief funds.## The actor has tried to help as many by contributing to the PM-CARES Fund, Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund, GiveIndia, The Wishing Factory and Bollywood's Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), although an idea of the exact amount has not been officially disclosed.## "India is in the midst of a crisis and as responsible citizens, we need to do our bit for our fellow brothers and sisters in need. I'm trying my best to help as many people possible by humbly contributing," he wrote on social media.## Arjun joins a list of Bollywood names who have already pledged their support for the PM-CARES Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund.## About the other three contributions, Arjun said: "GiveIndia is working non-stop to help provide cash in the hands of daily wage earners who have lost their jobs/have no source of income due to the lockdown.## "The Wishing Factory is doing remarkable work with thalassemia patients from low-income groups so that they receive blood transfusions during the lockdown, especially since blood transfusions are not included under essential services."## The actor has lent his helping hand to his industry too by supporting the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).## He says the FWICE is "my industry's backbone, the people without whom no film can be shot/made. We all regard them as our family."## Arjun also urged others to come forward and support as many people as possible.## "We can only fight COVID-19 if we stand united. I urge all of you to come forward and support to the best of your abilities."## On the acting front, he will next be seen in Dibakar Banerjee's "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar". The film also stars Arjun's "Ishaqzaade" co-star Parineeti Chopra.## Stay tuned...

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