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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

Aahana Kumra: Consent for me is everything
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Aahana Kumra: Consent for me is everything

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress Aahana Kumra says she didn't grow up understanding the meaning of consent, adding that she feels it is a very important conversation everybody must be having.## "Consent for me is everything. I don't think I grew up with the idea of understanding what consent meant because obviously we are all conditioned to believe that everything that our parents impose on us or the society imposes on us is the end of everything," Aahana said.## "But I have realized over the years that we must have an opinion, we must have a mind of our own. The good thing is that my parents have always explained to me the difference between good touch and bad touch. They have always had these conversations with me even when I was a child," she added.## The actress continued: "So, I was always taught these things, and this is the same conversation I have with the children in my family. Consent for me is everything because it really has opened me up in terms of conversation with the person in front of me and I think only once when you get into a relationship and then you understand what a relationship is going to teach you. Thankfully, I have had great relationships in the past and I have learned so much from them. So, of course, it is a very important conversation everybody must-have."## At the moment, Aahana is seen in the drama thriller web series "Marzi". It is about a series of casual activities between the two protagonists of the show, who subsequently falls into a major mishap, exposing the fading line between power, deception, and trust.## Set in Shimla, the show, which streams on Voot Select, questions the loyalty of a situation while constantly asking the question - ‘who's side are you on?'. It also stars Rajeev Khandelwal.## Talking about the show, she said: "The script was fabulous and that's something that I thought was very challenging. It is something different from what I have done in the past on the screen. I think it was very liberating in many ways because I felt that sometimes even in performances there are spurs of moments wherein you need to be emotional, dramatic, frustrated but here I was constantly violated, I was constantly agitated, constantly frustrated and it obviously felt like something that I haven't ever done in my life."## "I think it really did completely change my perception towards performance to quite an extent. It's a conversation that I feel is very important to have in today's time and I think a lot of people are moving towards having conversations about consent which is something that people didn't speak about earlier or back in the days. Now, it's rather important to have this conversation because I think in this century we can only move forward and not backward. This is a conversation that we must pass on to our generations to have because we are learning through our mistakes and they should see what mistakes we have made and should not repeat them," she added.## Stay tuned...

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Lata Mangeshkar contributes Rs 25 lakh to Maharashtra CM Relief Fund
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Lata Mangeshkar contributes Rs 25 lakh to Maharashtra CM Relief Fund

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Playback legend Lata Mangeshkar has donated Rs 25 lakh to the Maharashtra CM Relief Fund to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## Mangeshkar took to Twitter on Tuesday and announced that she was donating Rs 25 lakh to the Chief Minister's Assistance Fund as part of her "duty to help your government during this difficult time".## "I have a humble request to all that we should help the government as much as possible in the fight against the government," the singer wrote in Marathi.## The 90-year-old singer, widely acclaimed as Nightingale of India, joins a growing list of celebrities from the Hindi film industry who have extended support in the battle against the coronavirus. Others who have contributed include Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan and Rajkummar Rao among others.## Stay tuned...

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'Hera Pheri' is 20 years old
2262 days ago
Bollywood

'Hera Pheri' is 20 years old

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Priyadarshan's iconic comedy "Hera Pheri" was released 20 years ago on this date, and the film has gone on to be regarded as a cult entertainer among Bollywood buffs.## The film starred Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal as three goodnatured men struggling in life, who get rich thanks to a freak twist of fate involving a wrong telephone number and a sinister kidnapping gone haywire. Tabu also played a pivotal role in the entertainer, which set the template for new-age comedy in Bollywood.## On Tuesday, actor Suniel Shetty took to social media to share a whiff of nostalgia.## "20 years and the love keeps pouring in. Memories that will last a lifetime," Suniel wrote on Instagram.## Along with the post, Suniel uploaded a still of the film.## Several fans took to social media too, to share their love for the film.## A user commented: "Omg!!! How is that 20 years ago??? Time is moving so fast!!! I loved that movie."## Another one wrote: "I can watch this film on a loop."## The sequel to "Hera Pheri", titled "Phir Hera Pheri", was released in 2006. While the three heroes returned, Bipasha Basu and Rimi Sen were cast as female leads, and late Neeraj Vora took over as director.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Randeep Hooda excited about his Hollywood debut
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Randeep Hooda excited about his Hollywood debut

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda is all set to make his Hollywood debut in the Netflix film "Extraction", starring Chris Hemsworth, and the actor is naturally super excited.## "20 years after I thought I'll make a showreel to work over there. It finally happened. So grateful to the most amazing crew and cast. It is a dose of Extra Action and emotion," he tweeted.## "Extraction" was initially titled "Dhaka". It also stars Indian actors Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi.## The movie revolves around Tyler Rake (essayed by Hemsworth), a fearless, black market mercenary, who embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. It is scheduled to release on April 24.## Randeep will also be seen sharing screen space with Salman Khan in "Radhe".## Stay tuned...

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Priyanka, Nick contribute towards COVID-19 relief funds
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Priyanka, Nick contribute towards COVID-19 relief funds

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her pop singer husband Nick Jonas have contributed to several charities to lend support to the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.## Priyanka took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce that the couple has donated to organizations like the PM-CARES Fund, Unicef, Feeding America, and Goonj among many others.## "These organizations are doing amazing work by helping those impacted by #Covid19. They are feeding the hungry, supporting doctors and first responders, helping low income and homeless communities, and supporting our colleagues in the entertainment industry," she wrote.## "Nick and I have donated to these charities: @unicef, @FeedingAmerica, @goonj, #DoctorsWithoutBorders, @nokidhungry, @GiveIndia, and @sagaftra, #IAHV, #Aseema, and #PMCARES fund."## Priyanka thanked the organizations and added: "They need your support too, and we would implore you to donate as well. I have linked to each org with a swipe up in my stories... no donation is too small. Together we can help the world beat this."## Stay tuned...

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Aditya Roy Kapoor prepares for 'Ek Villain' sequel over video calls
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Aditya Roy Kapoor prepares for 'Ek Villain' sequel over video calls

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actor Aditya Roy Kapur has started preparing for his role in the upcoming sequel of "Ek Villain" through extensive discussions with director Mohit Suri over video calls.## "Whenever I am working with Adi, I feel responsible to give him my best. That's the nature of our relationship. This time we are trying to just raise the bar even higher. It's the first time that Adi is playing the villain; it's going to be so much fun!" Suri said.## "A few weeks ago, Mohit and Aditya were at the latter's farmhouse. This was before the coronavirus pandemic hit India. They talked about the script of the sequel and the way forward to keep the preparatory work going. Aditya even discussed his character and the scale of action that is being planned with Mohit. Both Mohit and Aditya are observing self-isolation and working from their respective homes and will be doing so until the lockdown is lifted. They have taken to video calling each other almost every day to discuss characterization and plot in great detail," a source said.## The sequel also stars John Abraham, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria. It is expected to go on floors in the second half of 2020.## The film is a co-production of Ekta Kapoor and Bhushan Kumar.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Akshay Kumar's sweet gesture for Nupur Sanon's 'Filhall' unplugged
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Akshay Kumar's sweet gesture for Nupur Sanon's 'Filhall' unplugged

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Budding singer Nupur Sanon's chemistry with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in the music video of B. Praak's mellifluous hit "Filhall" enthralled all. Now that Nupur has come up with an unplugged version of the song, Akshay is also part of it. She says the number wouldn't be the same without him.## Considering the fact that Akshay was caught up with shooting and other assignments when the song was filmed, Nupur says she was surprised when she called him up and he readily agreed to take out time and make an appearance in the video.## " 'Filhall' can never be 'Filhall' without Akshay sir, and the female version would have been incomplete without his presence. I was shooting for the cover when I called up Akshay sir and requested him to be a part of it in some way," Nupur recalled.## "He agreed even though he was shooting for a film far away. He finished his shoot, came for literally five minutes, gave the best shot and took the video to another level!" added Nupur, who is the younger sister of actress Kriti Sanon.## Nupur Sanon's cover version of "Filhall" credits Jaani as lyricist and composer.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Vicky Kaushal donates 1 crore to COVID-19 relief funds
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Vicky Kaushal donates 1 crore to COVID-19 relief funds

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is donating Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relief fund and Chief Minister's (Maharashtra) relief fund, to lend support to the ongoing battle with COVID-19 pandemic.## Vicky on Tuesday took to Instagram, where he shared a note that read: "While I am blessed enough to be seated with my loved ones in the comforts of my home, there are many who are not as fortunate.## "In this time of crisis, I humbly pledge to contribute an amount of Rs. 1 crore to PM-CARES and Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund. We are in this together and we'll win this together. Let us all do our bit for a healthier and stronger future."## Many Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Diljit Dosanjh, Anushka Sharma among many others have come forward to contribute monetarily in these times of crisis.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Divya Khosla Kumar: World would be so dry without women
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Divya Khosla Kumar: World would be so dry without women

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress and filmmaker Divya Khosla Kumar feel the world would be so dry without women, adding that several women around her are very inspiring.## "I feel so proud of being a woman because it's such a beautiful thing to be born as a woman. I think men can never understand how beautiful it is to be born as a woman because you are gentle, you are so caring and there is so much you give and so much love you spread in the world. I think the world would be so dry without women. I can't even imagine a world like that," said Divya.## "You feel very emotional and proud of the fact that you are a woman. You feel proud when you look at the women around you and when you see that they are so inspiring. I think in today's time each woman is adding to the world. I get inspired all the time from women around me."## Divya, who acted in films such as "Love Today", "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo" and the short film "Bulbul", is the wife of Bhushan Kumar, the chairman and managing director of T-Series. They have a son, Ruhaan.## She has also directed the films "Yaariyan" and "Sanam Re", both produced by Bhushan Kumar.## Asked if it is easy for a woman to make it to the top on her own, she replied: "Nothing is easy and I don't think it's a gender thing because in any field you work you have to put in hard work and your passion. In the same field, you compete with men and other women, so, your strength, your desire to be there, your passion and hard work matter more than anything. I don't feel it's a gender thing."## Divya will next be seen on screen in the John Abraham-starrer "Satyameva Jayate 2", which is slated to release on October 2. "I am paired opposite John. I am really excited about the film. It's a patriotic film. I don't want to reveal much about it but I am just excited about my role," she said.## "Satyameva Jayate 2" is a vigilante action film and a sequel of the 2018 film "Satyameva Jayate". The film is co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nikkhil Advani and directed by Milap Zaveri.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Arjan Bajwa eager to play Air Force pilot on screen
2262 days ago
Bollywood

Arjan Bajwa eager to play Air Force pilot on screen

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actor Arjan Bajwa says after playing Colonel Sunil Sheoran in his digital debut, "State Of Siege: 26/11", he now wishes to play an Air Force pilot on screen.## On his parameter of choosing scripts, the actor said: "This is the kind of roles I would like to play -- one that potentially creates impact. I think 'State of Siege' has already set the bar. Having said that, I am so eager to play an Air Force pilot in a film. That is what I am dying to play! I fly as a hobby pilot and aviation is my first love."## Created by Abhimanyu Singh and directed by Matthew Leutwyler, the story of the show is based on Sandeep Unnithan's book "Black Tornado: The Three Sieges Of Mumbai 26/11".## The show also features Mukul Dev, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, Sid Makkar, Tara Alisha Berry, Khalida Jaan, Jyoti Gauba, Roshni Sahota, Suzanne Bernert, Naren Kumar and Jason Shah.## Arjan went through an extensive process to get the look and the feel of Colonel Sheoran right. On the show, his protagonist is a commando of the National Security Guard (NSG). According to him several conversations with Col Sandeep Sen, who was the second command of Colonel Sunil Sheoran during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, helped him to get depth and understanding of the character.## "It is true that I always wanted to play a character in uniform on screen, and playing Colonel Sheoran let me do so. I had a feeling that such an opportunity could become a milestone in my career. With the kind of review I am getting, I hope it has become one. I see the journey upwards from here," said the actor who began his career in modeling and also acted in Telugu films before entering Bollywood.## Asked if he feels that the influx of digital entertainment has given the right opportunity for an actor like him, Arjan said: "I wouldn't say so. When it comes to playing a substantial part in a story, I have always done that. All my characters in Bollywood films and the few films I did in the South have always been pivotal roles. However, when one plays a character like Colonel Sheoran that releases on an OTT platform, the exposure is much bigger. The show and the actor get good marketing and our work gets better projection."## "State Of Siege: 26/11" is streaming on ZEE5.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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The classic Bollywood feel-good binge guide for lockdown stress
2262 days ago
Bollywood

The classic Bollywood feel-good binge guide for lockdown stress

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) While we get to watch new films all the time, the lockdown could be a golden chance to catch up with a few classics across genres. Digital platforms are overflowing with them, and you would literally be spoilt for choice selecting some really enjoyable stuff that has come out of Bollywood over the decades. Twenty-one days, it would seem, is too short a time to catch up with what really defines vintage Bollywood and is available in the OTT libraries.## IANS picks a few old films that you might want to revisit, that will let you relax and bust the stress of lockdown. Of course, this is not a definitive list.## * Chupke Chupke (1975) -## Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the comedy film is about a man pretending to be a driver and fooling his wife's brother-in-law as an attempt to prove that the brother-in-law is not as smart as he claims to be. The film stars Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Om Prakash. It is available on Netflix.## * Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) -## The comedy-drama, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is about a goon who sets out to fulfill his father's dream of becoming a doctor. It stars Sanjay Dutt, Gracy Singh, Arshad Warsi, late Sunil Dutt, and Boman Irani. It is available on Netflix.## * Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) -## The Manmohan Desai multistarrer is widely considered one of the best examples of Bollywood masala entertainment ever. It was Amitabh Bachchan's first major foray into a brand of comedy for the mass. Big B tickled the funny bone with his role as Anthony Gonsalves. The film had a lasting impact on pop culture, with Laxmikant-Pyarelal's distinct score, the dramatic one-liners, colorful characters and a peculiar mix of slapstick and melodrama. It is available on Netflix.## * Bobby (1973) -## The iconic film, starring Dimple Kapadia, Rishi Kapoor, Pran, and Prem Nath, is considered a classic in Indian cinema. It is about Raja, an 18-year-old son of a rich Hindu businessman, who falls in love with 16-year-old Bobby, a Catholic belonging to a very different stature. It is available on Netflix.## * Gol Maal (1979) -## The Hrishikesh Mukherji gem is one of the greatest mainstream comedies that Bollywood has ever made. Featuring Utpal Dutt in what has to be his defining comic role, the film stars Amol Palekar and Bindiya Goswami, in a merry story of confusion, triggered off by a man who, under circumstances, has to pretend that he has a wayward and ill-mannered twin brother. The film is available on Netflix. The idea inspired Rohit Shetty's 2012 hit "Bol Bachchan".## * Andaz Apna Apna (1994) -## The film narrates adventures of two young broke men who discover that a stunning heiress lives nearby and tries to charm her. It stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and Shakti Kapoor. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.## * Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) -## Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Deepak Tijori, the film is about a boy who falls for a girl who is in love with someone else and tries to create a rift between her and the man she loves. It is available on Netflix.## * Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) -## Watch the iconic Raj and Simran's story come alive once again. The Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer follow the romance of two NRIs who despite being madly in love refuses to elope. It is remembered for its plot, dialogues, and soulful music. The film, available on Amazon Prime Video, also turned out to be a launchpad for Shah Rukh as the king of romance in the Indian film industry.## * Silsila (1981) -## It is a love story, thwarted by society's demands, which reappears as adultery. The film stars late Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, and Sanjeev Kumar. The romantic drama, directed by late Yash Chopra, is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Lamhe (1991) -## The romantic drama is about a young man Viren (Anil Kapoor) falling in love with an older woman, Pallavi (late Sridevi) -- who goes onto marry her love. However, a tragic accident kills Pallavi and her husband, orphaning their baby girl, Pooja. Pooja grows up to be a spitting image of her mother. It is about how she falls in love with a now older Viren. The Yash Chopra directorial is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) -## The comedy film, directed by Kundan Shah, is a dark satire on the corruption in Indian politics, bureaucracy, media, and business. It features Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, late Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve, and Neena Gupta. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.## * Sholay (1975) -## The classic film tells the story of a retired policeman (Thakur) who summons a pair of small-time thieves to help him capture a notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the revenge drama features Dharmendra, late Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya, and late Amjad Khan. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) -## The musical directed by Sooraj Barjatya holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the 1990s. It re-defined friendship and romance in Bollywood. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film traces Prem (Salman Khan) and Suman (Bhagyashree)'s love story hindered by family disputes and financial differences. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Hera Pheri (2000) -## Priyadarshan's madcap misadventure starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, and Tabu narrates the story of three impoverished men who become rich by the end of the tale thanks to a freakish stroke of luck and a kidnapping plan went wrong. One of the most hilarious films ever made in India, it is available on Amazon Prime Video.## * Mughal-e-Azam (1960) -## The epic historical drama film, directed by K. Asif, tells a love story between Mughal Prince Salim and Anarkali, a court dancer. Salim's father and emperor Akbar disapproves of the relationship, which leads to a war between father and son. The classic film features Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, and Prithviraj Kapoor. Re-visit it on Amazon Prime Video.## * Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) -## A remake of Hollywood movie "French Kiss", "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha" stars Kajol and Ajay Devgn. The film, available on Hotstar, is about a couple finding love while pursuing different goals.## * Ishq (1997) -## Starring Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Juhi Chawla, and Kajol, the film tells a love story of two couples when they are met with oppression by their parents, society and their class. It is available on Hotstar.## * Angoor (1982) -## The classic comedy film is about two pairs of identical twins, who are separated at birth and meet in adulthood. What follows is confusion, more confusion, and funny twists. The film features Sanjeev Kumar, Deven Verma, Moushumi Chatterjee, and Deepti Naval. It is available on Hotstar.## * Aunty No. 1 (1998) -## Starring Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Kader Khan, and Harish Kumar, the film narrates comical situations when Gopi (Govinda) dresses up as an aunt to solve problems of his friends. He gets into a funny situation where he must avoid two suitors trying to woo the aunt. It is available on Hotstar.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Stuck in LA, Soundarya Sharma raises funds for Indian community
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Stuck in LA, Soundarya Sharma raises funds for Indian community

Los Angeles, March 30 (IANS) Actress Soundarya Sharma had flown to Los Angeles to hone her craft and is stuck there following the complete lockdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic.## Even though she is stranded indoors in an alien land, Soundarya is trying to do her bit to help the Indian community here.## The actress is raising funds for the Indian community in Los Angeles who are directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19.## "It's a very difficult and challenging time for the entire world. We all need to do our bit. I have been following the situation very closely here and back home, and realized that this situation would need everyone together," she said.## "I have initiated by helping some of my Indian colleagues here by offering them groceries and medicinal products, and I amin the process of setting up online/crowdfunding for the Indian community and Indians who are stuck here and can't get back home," she added.## The "Ranchi Diaries" actress hopes to get back to India soon.## "But the thought of so many of us, stuck here without proper food or medicare or accommodation, makes me shiver. I am praying that this goes away soon and we all heal from it, be it financially, emotionally or physically," said Soundarya.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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