I

IANS News

885 Articles

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

Emraan Hashmi on COVID-19: All this because someone wanted to eat a bat
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Emraan Hashmi on COVID-19: All this because someone wanted to eat a bat

Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) While there is no scientific evidence yet to prove the coronavirus was first transmitted from a bat to a person who might have consumed the animal, actor Emraan Hashmi made such a case in his latest tweet with mock conviction.## "And all this because some person thousands of miles away wanted to have a freakish culinary experience like eating a BAT," tweeted @emraan Hashmi, venting ire on someone in the faraway Chinese city of Wuhan who might have consumed an infected bat to contract COVID-19, and then pass it on to others, thereby planting the seed of the ongoing global pandemic.## At the last count, over half a million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 22,000 deaths. In India so far, there have 16 deaths reported and the number of cases that have tested positive has risen to 694. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared a 21-day national lockdown to stem the spread of the virus.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Naseeruddin Shah: Short films difficult to make than feature films
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Naseeruddin Shah: Short films difficult to make than feature films

Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Naseeruddin Shah stars in the short film, "The Wallet", and the veteran actor cannot seem to stop praising the film's debutant director Saumitra Singh.## "Just as the miniature is more difficult to make than a large canvas, short stories are more difficult than to write a novel, I feel short films are also difficult to make than feature films since they have to be brief.## "Among all the short films I have done in the past couple of years, I would recommend 'The Wallet', written and directed by Saumitra Singh, which is a very simple, sweet and moving story. I really enjoyed working on it even though it is helmed by a first-time director. He was very clear with what he wanted."## The short film recently released on Jio Cinema and it features Shah with Navni Parihar in pivotal roles. The film narrates an incomplete love story of an elderly couple.## Writer-director Saumitra Singh explained why every project was important to him: "Every project, every journey is a learning experience. Yes, it's often a roller coaster ride, but that's the fun of it. I feel grateful to have worked with great icons of our film industry like Naseeruddin Shah and Navni Parihar."## "The Wallet" has garnered much appreciation in the festival circuit around the globe, winning over 50 awards across festivals.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Big B claims COVID-19 spreads through flies, health ministry disagrees
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Big B claims COVID-19 spreads through flies, health ministry disagrees

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted a video where he talks of Chinese experts discovering that the common housefly, which sits on excreta, can transmit the coronavirus. However, the health ministry disagrees.## The video was retweeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports hindustantimes.com.## "Chinese experts have discovered that the coronavirus can survive in human excreta for weeks. Even if the patients recover fully, the virus can survive in his excreta for a few weeks. If a fly were to sit on such a person's excreta, and then sit on fruits, vegetables or other food items, the disease can spread further," says Bachchan in Hindi, in the video posted on Wednesday, where he calls for a Jan Andolan in the lines of Swachch Bharat Andolan under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the polio eradication movement, to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## However, Lav Aggarwal, ministry of health and family welfare's joint secretary Lav Aggrawal, dismissed the idea at a press conference on Thursday, reports republicworld.com.## Commenting on Bachchan's tweet about coronavirus spreading through flies, Aggarwal said: "I have not seen his tweet, but technically I can say that this is an infectious disease and does not spread through flies."## Along with the video in the tweet, Big B also posted a message quoting a study in The Lancet.## "T 3481 - A study in the @TheLancet shows that coronavirus lingers on human excreta much longer than in respiratory samples. Come on India, We are going to fight this! Use your toilet: Har koi, har Roz, Tamesha. Darwaza Band toh Beemari Band! @swachhbharat @narendramodi @PMOIndia" went the message by @SrBachchan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Arjan Bajwa: This is the time to introspect on how we were living our lives
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Arjan Bajwa: This is the time to introspect on how we were living our lives

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) As the nationwide lockdown continues amid of outbreak of COVID-19, actor Arjan Bajwa is spending happy time at home receiving a lot of praise for his performance in the web series "State Of Siege: 26/11".## Although the actor does not mix the two situations of enjoying success and the reason for the lockdown, Arjan told IANS: "I think this is the time we have got to introspect on how we were living our lives and how we should live henceforth sustainably. We will be staying at home for a couple of weeks right now. It is not just us, but the whole world."## The famed actor added: " Rarely did it happen in the past that people of the entire world stood still like this. It's as if life is in standby mood. I think such a situation did not occur even during the World War. I think this is the time we should realize that Mother Earth is upset with us and perhaps this is the punishment we are given."## "At the same time, our government and administration are working really hard to handle the situation. We have to strictly follow the rules to really save our lives. We have to stand together to fight the virus," he said.## "State Of Siege: 26/11" is based on Sandeep Unnithan's book "Black Tornado: The Three Sieges Of Mumbai 26/11".## The show is directed by American director Matthew Leutwyler and produced by Abhimanyu Singh. It 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.## The show is streaming on the OTT platform ZEE5.## Arjan plays the character of Colonel Kunal Sahota, the commanding officer of the NSG unit that arrives in Mumbai to take charge of handling the terrorist attacks.## "I am so glad that I am receiving so much positive feedback for the work we, the team of ‘State Of Siege: 26/11', put together. I waited for such appreciation for so long. And I am not saying because I want to thank everybody but it is really the collaborative effort of writer, director, cinematographer, producer and every member who came together and envisioned the project," he said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Rajeev Khandelwal on importance of consent in a relationship
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Rajeev Khandelwal on importance of consent in a relationship

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Actor Rajeev Khandelwal feels it's important to understand the value of consent in a relationship, saying one "can't have sex with somebody without that person's consent, it is as good as rape".## "Consent very simply means that you have the permission of the other person to go ahead. Most of the time, we are confused between having a right over somebody just because somebody else suggests that you hold a certain position and we take it as a right over the other person and confuse that with consent," Rajeev said while explaining what consent means to him.## "Understand, that even in the most important cases, we have to sign consent forms, be it at the hospital. Be it other places where it is very critical, where the issue is very critical, we have to sign consent forms. They can't take us for granted," he added.## According to the actor, the same applies to any relationship.## He said: "Similarly, in a relationship between a man and a woman, it is a question of somebody's life, you can't have sex with somebody without that person's consent, it is as good as rape. Especially in a relationship between a man and a woman when they are dating, when they are seeing each other, a lot of times the person or their partner take it for granted that since we are seeing each other I have the right over each other which I guess is wrong."## "Till a certain point where it doesn't harm the other one, harm the sensibility of the other person, it's fine. But the moment you cross the line which can affect somebody's life, you have to have the consent before you take that step," Rajeev added.## At the moment, Rajeev 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 Aahana Kumra.## Talking about being part of "Marzi", Rajeev said: "As far as working for Voot Select is concerned, I think we all have really enjoyed and what I am enjoying more is the type of content that the platform is showcasing. It's so refreshing and different from a lot of other Indian platforms. I am very proud of ‘Marzi' and wait for Season 2. That's all I can say."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Hrithik Roshan: Must ensure safety of fundamental caretakers of society
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan: Must ensure safety of fundamental caretakers of society

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has stressed that the safety of the most fundamental caretakers of the city and society must be ensured, and has taken an extra step by procuring masks for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).## Hrithik on Thursday tweeted: "In times such as these, we must do whatever we can to ensure the safety of the most fundamental caretakers of our city and society. I have procured N95 and FFP3 masks for our BMC workers and other caretakers."## The "War" star then paid his gratitude to minister Aaditya Thackeray for giving him the opportunity to support the Maharashtra government.## "My gratitude to @AUThackeray for giving me the opportunity to support the Maharashtra govt in their endeavour to curb the pandemic. It is our duty to help in whatever capacity we can. @mybmc #coronavirusoutbreak #stayhomestaysafe," he added.## On the acting front, Hrithik was last seen on screen in "War" along with actor Tiger Shroff.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Lockdown confession: Vijay Varma hasn't worn pants in four days!
2266 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown confession: Vijay Varma hasn't worn pants in four days!

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to fight the COVID 19 pandemic. But Maharashtra has been witnessing lockdown from before that, which has led to B-Towners being confined to their homes just like everyone else.## The situation has resulted in actor Vijay Varma not getting a chance to wear his pants for the last four days, or so he says!## Varma took to Instagram to post: "Lockdown quarantine wagehera toh theek hai lekin I haven't worn my pants in 4 days uska kya."## The "Gully Boy" fame actor further wrote: "Real issues. I nominate all my friends to tell me if they're wearing their pants."## Reacting to his post, a user wrote: "We are all on the same boat Vijay." To this, the actor jokingly replied: "Please let's be on separate boats #social distancing."## Another user asked if the actor is wearing lungi instead of pants. Vijay replied saying he would like to maintain a "dignified silence" on the matter.## On the work front, Vijay Varma's latest release is the web series "She", where he plays a narcotics dealer.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Anil Kapoor: 'Kishen Kanhaiya' one of my favorite films
2267 days ago
Bollywood

Anil Kapoor: 'Kishen Kanhaiya' one of my favorite films

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Actor Anil Kapoor says his 1990 release "Kishen Kanhaiya" has a special place in his heart.## The actor reminisced about the Rakesh Roshan directorial as it turned 30. The actor said that he is constantly "reminded of all the love and appreciation that the movie has received over the years".## "Madhuri Dixit and I have worked in a lot of films together and every film has a set of memories which cannot be forgotten," Anil said.## "'Kishen Kanhaiya' was and continues to be one of my favorite films. My double role in the film gave me an opportunity to explore two very different personalities - one strong and macho and the other soft and vulnerable. On the occasion of its 30-year milestone, I'm reminded of all the love and appreciation that the movie has received over the years," he added.## The film is about twin brothers, Kishen and Kanhaiya, who are separated at birth. One is raised in a mansion and the other in a poor family. They reunite in a bid to fight evil.## The film will air on Zee Bollywood on March 28.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Old photos of Kanika Kapoor, Prince Charles trend after his coronavirus diagnosis
2267 days ago
Bollywood

Old photos of Kanika Kapoor, Prince Charles trend after his coronavirus diagnosis

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) A day after the announcement of Britain's Prince Charles testing positive for coronavirus, netizens have dug up old photos of him with Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who has tested positive in her third COVID-19 test.## Netizens have posted photos of the two in which Kanika, dressed in an orange outfit, is all smiles and standing next to Prince Charles.## "Now we know how #PrinceCharles got #Coronavirus. Yes, that's #KanikaKapoor in the image. P.S. It's an old image," one user tweeted.## Another wrote: "Prince Charles detected with #coronavirus. Kanika Kapoor is surely taking the world by storm. BTW - she has been detected 3rd time +ve.#IndiaFightsCorona## Another wrote: "#KanikaKapoor Feeling #POSITIVE With #PrinceCharles!!!!#StopTheSpreadOfCorona #Corona."## Kanika was talk of the town earlier too as many slammed her for attending several public events and high-profile parties despite testing positive for COVID-19. People were also critical of Kanika for not declaring her travel history upon arriving from the UK.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Lockdown diaries: Vir Das adds 'some laughs' with new comedy series
2267 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Vir Das adds 'some laughs' with new comedy series

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das has released his new comedy series "Bright Side With Vir Das" amidst the 21-day lockdown due to COVID-19. He says this is his way of adding some laughs into lives of the people.## Focusing on the bright side of being at home, the new series sees Vir discussing everything from balconies to our warped political allegiances and how irrelevant it has become now.## Taking the darkest thoughts going on in people's heads and turning them into something funny, he attempts to lighten the situation.## "Staying at home for the last few days has been testing for everyone. This is my way of adding some laughs into their lives. Laughter opens up people to hope and that's what we need in this phase," Vir said.## "I have taken everything I have been hearing lately - from nannies and dadis claiming that Coronavirus is a result of ya not following their 'nuskas' (tips) to people telling us how we are quarantining comfortably when many in the country can't. It's our attempt to put some perspective in people on how much better we have it, and in a funny fashion tell them to practice social distancing, stay home, be safe. As for the emotional distress, let's laugh a little - shall we?" he added.## The show is available on Vir Das official YouTube channel and on Vir's IGTV.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Prasoon Joshi pens poem in support of COVID-19 lockdown
2267 days ago
Bollywood

Prasoon Joshi pens poem in support of COVID-19 lockdown

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Lyricist-poet and censor board chief Prasoon Joshi has penned a poem on the 21-day national lockdown. His composition evocatively tries to express the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for all to stay indoors over 21 days is essential to battle the unprecedented threat that looms large all over the world, by way of the COVID-19 pandemic.## Titled "Haan Ghar Mein Rahega Desh", Joshi's poem urges all Indians to maintain resilience and to never lose belief and confidence.## This is how the poem "Haan Ghar Mein Rahega Desh" goes:## Is desh ko pyaar buzurgo se## Yahan khud se pehle apne hain## Kartavya yahan pehle aata## Aur baad mein aate sapne hain## Bas yeh hi ek sandesh## Haan ghar mein rahega desh## Eikees din ka upvaas liye## Jeevan ki lambi saans liye## Seema rekha na todenge## Ek sanyam ek vishwas liye## Chalo mann ko dein aadesh## Haan ghar mein rahega desh## Sankalp naya ek karte hein## Chalo mil kar peeda harte hein## Is desh ke rehne wale toe## Har din hi tapasyaa karte hein## Badh jane do yeh kesh## Haan ghar mein rahega desh## Said Joshi: "We are going through testing and unprecedented times and we have to keep our spirits high", says the modern-day poet. Explaining how the crisis is going to affect the nation, he says, "there are many things that this crisis is going to make us realize. Firstly, that each of us has a significant role to play and the strange thing about this war against Coronavirus is; restraint is our weapon, stillness, our defense and distance is the sign that we deeply care." Further explaining our responsibility towards the nation, he says, "we have to fight this virus with new rules. We must, as individuals support what the medical experts and the government are asking from us. It's our duty for our nation and fellow human beings. Hopefully, this message will inspire people to undertake their responsibility and resolve to stay at home for this crucial period."## Stay tuned...

Lockdown diaries: Alaya F. shares throwback Kathak video
2267 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Alaya F. shares throwback Kathak video

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Budding actress Alaya F, who won wide acclaim with her debut role in Jawaani Jaaneman" earlier this year, is missing her Kathak classes in the time of coronavirus lockdown.## So, the young star has gone ahead and done the next best possible thing. She has posted a throwback video that has her honing up her Kathak moves on Instagram.## "Hopefully when I'm able to go back to Kathak class I'll learn how to keep my feet together during chakkars! But until then, here's this throwback video of me almost falling for 16 seconds @rajendrachaturvedi @gopikrishnakathak," Alaya wrote as the caption with the video.## In the video, Alaya attempts a spinning move in Kathak even as she tries keeping her move together.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Prev Next