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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

Diljit Dosanjh to donate Rs 20 lakh to PM-CARES Fund
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Diljit Dosanjh to donate Rs 20 lakh to PM-CARES Fund

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has pledged to donate Rs 20 lakh to lend support to the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.## Diljit took to Twitter, where he mentioned that the priority is to help the country.## "I'm committed to donating 20 Lakh rupees to the PM-CARES Fund. Our Priority Now should be to help our country get through this tough time. #TogetherWeCan," he tweeted.## The government set up the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, or the PM CARES Fund, with the objective of dealing with emergency situations such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Contributors to the fund will enjoy tax benefits, it has been announced.## "People from all walks of life expressed their desire to donate to India's war against COVID-19. Respecting that spirit, the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund has been constituted. This will go a long way in creating a healthier India," PM Modi announced in a tweet on Saturday.## The Prime Minister is the chairman of the trust that includes the home minister, the finance minister and the defence minister.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Aparshakti Khurana: One should come out as a better version of themselves after lockdown
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Aparshakti Khurana: One should come out as a better version of themselves after lockdown

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Actor Aparshakti Khurana believes the coronavirus lockdown will teach people many important lessons about life.## "I feel now no one will take anything for granted. Once people resume their work... they will value their work for sure. I hope people come out as a better version of themselves after the lockdown, and start building healthy relationships with each other than demeaning others," Aparshakti told IANS.## He also shared how is he spending time at home.## "Sometimes I read scripts or take narrations through video calls. Also, I am learning how to cook. I also spend some time in composing songs. And of course, spending quality time with my wife," Aparshakti added.## On the acting front, Aparshakti, who has carved his niche as a fine actor and a comedian with some interesting character roles, was recently seen in the dance drama, "Street Dancer 3D". He will next be seen as a solo lead in "Helmet", which also stars Pranutan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Kirti Kulhari suggests we follow a daily routine during lockdown
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Kirti Kulhari suggests we follow a daily routine during lockdown

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Actress Kirti Kulhari has a unique suggestion for citizens confined to their homes during the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown. The actress suggests we should follow a daily routine for activities like waking up from sleep, watching TV and eating.## Kirti took to Instagram on Monday to share a video where she suggests: "I know it's tough. We all go out to work every day and are used to that life. Suddenly we are all sitting at home. I think one of the ways to tackle this is to have a routine. Please follow a routine of when to wake up, eat, watching TV, which will make things easier for all of us. Just stay at home and spread happiness, not corona."## The "Mission Mangal" actress requested everyone not to panic or get scared. "I know this lockdown is something that none of us ever expected. But it's happening. The first thing I want to tell you guys is, not to panic. No matter what the situation is, we must accept it. And whatever we do, we will have to be mindful. It is extremely important that we all stay at home in this period. Don't feel scared, fear will never help achieve anything. You cannot stop the inevitable. But you can be careful and mindful."## She also reminded us that we should not hoard food unnecessarily because that would mean depriving someone who is in need. "In the current situation, access to resources like fruits, vegetables, etc have become slightly limited. I'd request you not to stock things unnecessarily. Just because you have the money to buy ten items if you need two, the person who needs just one such item will be deprived. Also, please don't waste water and electricity," she said.## Kirti also suggested that we should not overeat during this period because we are stuck at homes and are unable to do any kind of physical exercise. So overeating would lead to weight gain. "We are all at home with our families. But that doesn't mean that we will make a feast or party every day. Also, it's good if you don't eat excessively. Because you are at home and no workout is happening, if weight increases by the end of two months, you should not blame anyone. It's good for your health," said the actress.## On the work front, Kirti will soon be seen in the second season of the Amazon Prime web series "Four More Shots Please", which is slated to release in April.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Kartik Aaryan contributes Rs 1 crore to PM-Cares fund
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Kartik Aaryan contributes Rs 1 crore to PM-Cares fund

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has contributed Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's PM-Cares fund in support of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.## "It is the absolute need of the hour to rise together as a nation. Whatever I am, whatever money I have earned, is only because of the people of India; and for us, I am contributing Rs 1 crore to the PM-Cares fund. I urge all my fellow Indians also to help as much as possible," the actor wrote on Instagram on Monday morning.## Akshay Kumar was the first Bollywood celebrity to donate to the government's fund in the hour of crisis. He donated Rs 25 crore on Saturday.## Following Akshay Kumar's footsteps, other B-Towners like Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, singer Guru Randhawa, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, rapper Badshah, Maniesh Paul, Kriti Sanon, and others have also donated for the cause. South stars have also donated.## Salman Khan, on the other hand, decided to donate to support the 2500-odd daily wage workers of the film industry who are left with no source of income owing to the complete lockdown.## Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus affected people has reportedly crossed 1050 in India and the death toll stands at 29 till now.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID-19: Stranded in the UK, Mahika Sharma is 'lonely and caged'
2263 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Stranded in the UK, Mahika Sharma is 'lonely and caged'

London, March 30 (IANS) Actress Mahika Sharma is stuck in the United Kingdom owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has prompted nationwide lockdowns all over the world. Far away from family and friends, the actress has been in self-quarantine all alone in the city.## "Even if India is in a 21-day lockdown, the air and the environment in the country pamper everyone of us. It feels good to be surrounded by your own people. It keeps you relaxed and boosts energy. However, in a foreign country, it is extremely disturbing. You feel very weird and uncomfortable," Mahika said, opening up on how she is coping up all alone in an alien country in the time of crisis.## "I feel awkward about returning to India because people will not like coming close to me. They will think I'm carrying the virus. I'm not able to understand what is happening all around and I feel badly stuck. I feel lonely and caged," added the actress, best known for her roles in TV shows like "FIR" and "Ramayan: Sabke Jeevan Ka Aadhar".## Mahika further revealed her biggest problem with staying all by herself in London. "I'm really fond of Indian food but here I need to rely on salads, fruits, and juices, and I'm badly missing home food," she said.## The former Miss Teen Northeast added: "These days are a nightmare and it is not a good feeling. I'm sacred. However, I am healthy, although reading and listening about the virus constantly is disturbing me."## Mahika said she is observing her Navratras to ward off her fears and spends time worshipping Goddess Durga. "I'm chanting mantras and shlokas, and offering prayers from the Internet in the hope that things will change soon," she said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Have Alia and Ranbir moved in together? Video triggers rumours
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Have Alia and Ranbir moved in together? Video triggers rumours

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Are Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor living in together? A video trending on social media is being considered as evidence by many fans to boost such a speculation.## In the video, Alia and Ranbir can be seen taking a stroll in the compound of a building. The two stars are in workout gear and are accompanied by their dog.## The video was posted by celebrity lens person Viral Bhayani on his Instagram page.## "#aliabhatt #ranbirkapoor snapped at their apartment compound with their doggie Lionel #viralbhayani @viralbhayani," wrote the photographer.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Varun Dhawan pens a poem for his mom
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Varun Dhawan pens a poem for his mom

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan shared a photograph of himself along with his mother and penned a heart-warming poem for her.## Varun took to Instagram, where he shared a throwback photograph from his childhood. In the image he is seen posing with his mother.## "Ma and me. We were always meant to be. Through holidays and quarantine. Ma and me were always meant to be together #keepyourfamilysafe," Varun captioned the image.## On the work front, Varun will next be seen in the remake of the `1995 hit "Coolie No.1". The film also features Sara Ali Khan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Esha Deol is looking at strength, not length of roles
2263 days ago
Bollywood

Esha Deol is looking at strength, not length of roles

New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Admitting that she is part of Bollywood actors who are all for digital, Esha Deol Takhtani, who was last seen in the short film 'Cake Walk', first premiered on a digital platform, which went on to win several awards at different festivals, says, "I also have a couple of other projects lined up for the future on different OTT platforms. I think digital is the future, and not just due to the lockdown owing to the unfortunate COVID-19 situation we are in. In general too, many now want to see films on the move. I'm happy and proud to be part of this medium."## Excited about the short-film format and comparing it to standard length ones, the actor adds that the former is quick and easy, and for people who have less patience, they work excellently well.## "A beautiful message can be told in a short span of time. Also, talented are better able to showcase their skill-set in the short film format."## Daughter of actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Esha, who made her debut with 'Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche' (2002), and has to her credit around 30 movies, including Mani Ratnam's Tamil film 'Aastha Ezhuthu', says she is now all set to get into production too, considering the experience she has garnered by spending years in the industry.## "Well, I started acting from the age of 18 and being in front of the camera remains my first love. I still look fit and good. But yes, this is a great time to get into production for the digital medium as well and produce some meaningful content -- the kind I believe in."## Talking about the roles she wants to essay, Deol, citing the example of her short-film says she is all for strong characters that 'say' something.## "In 'Cake Walk', I played a divorced chef. My character had a beautiful message to convey to the audience. The same goes for my next film. I'm not looking at the length of the role but the strength of the role."## The actor, who recently wrote the book 'Amma Mia', published by Penguin Random House India says she wanted to share what a new mother goes through.## "There were so many questions, multiple people telling me so many things, loads of emotions and of course confusion. I was able to overcome everything beautifully. I felt like sharing my experiences with new mothers, and what can be better than a book?"## Ask her if there is another book inside and she asserts, "Well, I didn't know in the first place that I would become an author one day. I was someone who was more into watching films, acting in them, dancing, and of course very athletic by nature. Writing a book was something that never came to my mind. The credit must go to my two daughters who have turned me into an author. I'll never say no to writing another one, but need to feel strongly about something."## Even as a number of celebrities including Twinkle Khanna, Soha Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre have churned out books recently, Deol would not like to call it a trend.## "Just that it is talked about on a larger scale if celebrities write a book. Let's not forget, as human beings, we all feel strongly about certain things that we like to share," she says.## Stressing that motherhood has changed her for the better -- a more patient and calmer person, she adds, "Also, a braver person with more confidence. This holds true for every woman who experiences motherhood."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Ananya Panday crosses 10 mn followers on Insta, has a sweet message for Ananians
2264 days ago
Bollywood

Ananya Panday crosses 10 mn followers on Insta, has a sweet message for Ananians

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Actress Ananya Panday has crossed 10 million followers on Instagram, and she has a sweet note for her fans, whom she fondly called Ananians.## The actress said: "Love you guys so much. Thanks for always having my back and just being the cutest ever wouldn't be who I am without you guys (heart emoji) thankyou for all the fan edits and messages. Love my fan clubs and ananians the most."## Right from sharing her #quarantinemood to her films, her Instagram photos give a glimpse of her personal as well as professional lives.## On the work front, the actress will be seen in "Khaali Peeli" co-starring Ishan Khatter. She also shares screen space with Deepika Padukone in Shakun Batra's untitled film and has been cast opposite Vijay Deverakonda in the Telugu superstar's Bollywood debut feature.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Rajkummar Rao donates to COVID-19 relief funds
2264 days ago
Bollywood

Rajkummar Rao donates to COVID-19 relief funds

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao is doing his bit to fight the coronavirus pandemic. He has contributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relief fund, Chief Minister's (Maharashtra) relief fund, and Zomato Feeding India to help feed families in need.## Rajkummar doesn't want to reveal the amount, but tweeted on Sunday: "It's time to stand together & to help our administration in this fight against Coronavirus. I've done my bit..Donated to #PMReliefFund #CMReliefFund and to #ZomatoFeedingIndia to help feed families in need. Please support in whatever way you can. Our Nation Needs Us. Jai Hind."## Some of his followers even praised him for not revealing the amount.## "This is ideal example of charity. Reason behind this charity is pure care. no show off at all....Showing charity amount for publicity is nt good. Feeling proud of you @RajkummarRao for your charity work," one Twitter user wrote.## Another wrote: "Well done rajkumar for not showing how amount u donated hatsoff man."## Many Bollywood celebrities have come forward to support Modi's PM CAREs fund. Actor Akshay Kumar has announced that he will donate Rs 25 crore to the fund.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Salman Khan donates to industry workers before PM fund
2264 days ago
Bollywood

Salman Khan donates to industry workers before PM fund

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has decided to extend help to 25,000-odd daily wage workers of the film industry whose lives have been affected by the ongoing national lockdown that has brought all filming activity in Bollywood to a grinding halt.## Salman's contribution will aid the artistes of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), said the body's president BN Tiwari.## "After we approached Salman Khan, he asked us to give him a count of the most affected workers from our association and we told him there were 25,000 such artistes. He has decided to contribute for them. We will be sending him the list in the evening," said Tiwari, according to a report in indianexpress.com.## The website quotes Tiwari as being critical of filmstars who have been making big donations to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES) instead of helping the industry workers who are left with no income during the lockdown, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus. "It's only going to get worse. People are preparing only for 21-day lockdown but we have five lakh workers. If this extends for a month or two, we will need help from everyone. There are a thousand people ready to fund in the PM-CARES fund but the industry, which you belong to, you should donate there first. You are giving Rs 25 crore to the PM-CARES fund to come in the good books of the Prime Minister but there's not been a single phone call yet to make any donation for the federation workers," said Tiwari, adding Salman has asked for a complete list of daily wage workers with their account numbers, becasue he wishes to directly transfer funds to each worker.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Lockdown diaries: Shruti Haasan picks strong women as guests for online session
2264 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Shruti Haasan picks strong women as guests for online session

Chennai, March 29 (IANS) Actress-singer Shruti Haasan has been active on social media ever since the lockdown began a few days ago. She has been sharing recipes along with hair and skin care tips. The actress has now decided to go live on Instagram with interactions featuring select guests.## The guests will be strong and independent women from all walks of life. Those joining her include women like life coach Gayatri Aptekar, lawyer Priyanka Khimani, dancer Ashlee Nino and actress Sarah Hay.## Ways to stay strong, maintain mental balance and keeping patience will be some of the topics of discussion.## "I have a close group of women who are my friends, but I also have larger circle of women whom I have been interacting with that have been inspiring me. They are from different walks of life," said Shruti.## "I thought it would be lovely to interact with them on various topics and I like that they are from different places, different topics and different professions. I hope that people enjoy it as well," she added.## Stay tuned...

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