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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

Big B, Katrina to play father-daughter in new film?
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Big B, Katrina to play father-daughter in new film?

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, and Katrina Kaif could star as father and daughter in an upcoming slice-of-life comedy.## The film is to be directed by "Queen" helmer Vikas Bahl according to a report in Mumbai Mirror and is tentatively titled as "Deadly".## "The film is tentatively titled 'Deadly', as the story is centered around a funeral. Katrina loved the basic premise, which essentially traces the protagonist's journey of self-discovery with humorous undertones, and gave an instant go-ahead to Vikas," the newspaper reported a source as saying.## The source added that Katrina, who has primarily enthralled fans as a mainstream star over her nearly-17-year career, is looking to experiment with new genres now and the project fits the bill at this point. The makers have reportedly approached Bachchan with an offer for the central role, and an official announcement of the project will be made soon as he gives a confirmation.## Incidentally, Katrina's Bollywood debut film "Boom" (2003) also starred Big B as a protagonist. She also had a cameo in the Big B-starrer "Sarkar" (2005) and featured with Bollywood icon Big B and superstar Aamir Khan in "Thugs Of Hindostan" (2018). Recently, Big B and Katrina played father and daughter in a new advertisement.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Rana Daggubati wants people to read more during COVID-19 lockdown
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Rana Daggubati wants people to read more during COVID-19 lockdown

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Actor Rana Daggubati feels it is important for the generation to know about the past in order to build a future.## With people staying indoors amid the global coronavirus outbreak, Rana has made the content in ACK (Amar Chitra Katha) and Tinkle apps available for free for a month. He feels it will help people stay busy while they are under lockdown. The actor is a partner at ACK.## "Given the current scenario, I think it's best to be home clean and safe. But the problem is that we are a generation that's used to being engaged in so many things. So at ACK (Amar Chitra Katha), we decided to let out our online subscriptions open this month so children and adults have access to all of the amazing ACK and Tinkle titles," said Rana.## "They can choose to read right through. They are the stories of our land... And when reading was popular culture this is where most of us learnt about our country, our Gods, kings and culture that made us in the most fun illustrations and stories. And I think it's important for the generation to know our past and build a future," he added.## Talking about the coronavirus pandemic, the actor said: " We're probably seeing something like this for the first time. So it's important to be extremely cautious and hygienic at all times and enjoy the time and peace by yourself. And not panic."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID 19 effect: Richa Chadha cooking three times a day
2270 days ago
Bollywood

COVID 19 effect: Richa Chadha cooking three times a day

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lockdown situation in the country, and the Bollywood couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is giving company to each other virtually. In an Insta story both Richa and Ali posted, he is seen bantering with her, and their onversation could leave you in splits. ## Evidently missing each other, the video has Ali lying on his couch and Richa on hers as they discuss Covid-19. Richa said: "I hate cooking but I am doing it three times a day. ## Ali asked her: "Are you washing your hands?" They then ask each other if they are taking their vitamin supplements. ## Taking off on the famous scene in "Deewar", Richa replied: "Mere paas Vitamins D-3, B-12 hai, tumhare paas kya hai." ## The couple with their video sends out a message of checking on your loved ones constantly. Expected to get married next month, they had to call off their wedding do due to the COVID-19 outbreak. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Kangana Ranaut birthday: Fan wishes pour in on social media
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut birthday: Fan wishes pour in on social media

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood 'Queen' Kangana Ranaut turned a year older on Monday, and her fans took to social media to send in good wishes to the actress. ## One user wrote: "Many many happy returns of the day #KanganaRanaut ma'am. #HappyBirthdayKanganaRanaut." ## "Happy birthday to the most talented and versatile Queen of Bollywood #KanganaRanaut. We wish her all the love and happiness," wrote another. ## One used said: "Happy Birthday to 2 of the most honest and impactful ladies of India - @smritiirani & the #KanganaRanaut." ## As she turned 33, the actress conveyed her gratitude to her well-wishers in a video message. She also remembered Bhagat Singh on his death anniversary by reciting a few lines from Kaifi Azmi's poem. She also renders Mohammad Rafi's 1964 track "Kar chale hum fida jaan-O-tan saathiyon" song from the movie "Haqeeqat". ## One user said: "It feels good when you know two of d most strong women sharing the same day of bdae who're rulling in their field The one is bae #KanganaRanaut whose the queen of bollywood & d second one is @smritiirani who's the queen of Amethi." ## "One and only actress who is perfect as a human being and as an artist too. A superstar but yet a devotee and ground rooted. A pure nationalist and proud of Himachal. #HappyBirthdayKanganaRanaut," said another. ## One shared: "Kangana Ranaut is truly an example of hardwork pays off! An epitome of beauty, courage, success and feminism. Happy birthday #KanganaRanaut you truly are the queen of Bollywood." ## On the work front, Kangana will be seen in action film "Dhaakad" and "Thalaivi", a biopic of late former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. She also has "Tejas" coming up, where she plays an Air Force pilot. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

B'day girl Kangana recites Kaifi Azmi composition as tribute to martyrs
2270 days ago
Bollywood

B'day girl Kangana recites Kaifi Azmi composition as tribute to martyrs

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut paid tribute to Indian freedom fighters by singing a song written by Kaifi Azmi on the her birthday, that coincides with Shaheed Diwas on Monday. ## Thanking all her friends and fans who are constantly sending her birthday wishes, the actress said: "I am taking a moment to thank everyone for sending so much love on my birthday. But it is an important day in our history, as we know that three freedom fighters –- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were Martyr today; I would like to sing a song written by veteran poet Kaifi Azmi." ## And then she sang the song "Saans thamti gayi… ab tumhare hawale wataan sathio". ## She added: "How it must have been when our freedom fighters gave their lives in the name of the nation." ## Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged till death on March 23, 1931, by the British Government for the assassination of John Saunders, a British police officer in 1928 in Lahore jail. ## Kangana's sister Rangoli shared pictures that show the actress celebrating her birthday with her parents and family by performing puja. ## She wrote: "Kangana performing janamdin pooja and Kanya pooja, our parents organised, this is how they always celebrated our birthdays, navagrah pooja followed by worshipping Maa Durga in the form of little girls." ## Kangana's upcoming films include the J. Jayalalithaa biopic "Thalaivi", the action drama "Dhaakad", and "Tejas" where she plays an Air Force pilot. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Big B shares idea that clapping reduces virus potency, faces flak and deletes post
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Big B shares idea that clapping reduces virus potency, faces flak and deletes post

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan shared an opinion offering logic behind the Janata Curfew clapping at 5pm on Sunday, but netizens werent very impressed. On facing social media flak, Big B subsequently took down his post. ## In the post the superstar shared an opinion someone sent him, suggesting that vibration caused by mass clapping can reduce or destroy potency of the deadly coronavirus. ## "AN OPINION GIVEN : 5 pm ; 22nd Mar, 'amavasya', darkest day of month; virus, bacteria evil force at max potential & power ! Clapping shankh vibrations reduce/ destroy virus potency Moon passing to new 'nakshatra' Revati. ## cumulative vibration betters blood circulation," talking to Twitter Instagram on Monday afternoon, Big B shared. ## He added in Hindi: "Someone sent this to me. Don't know how much of this is true." ## However, after facing flak from netizens, the actor soon deleted the post. ## One user commented: "I demand an apology from @SrBachchan for spreading misinformation through his Twitter account putting millions of lives at stake. #AmitabhBachchan" ## Another user wrote: "Hollywood celebrities like Rihanna, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake donated millions to fight coronavirus. Meanwhile Amitabh Bachchan is sharing watsapp forward on how noise and Amavasya can kill viruses. What sham these Bollywood celebrities are." ## Sharing a screenshot of Amitabh Bachchan's tweet, another user wrote: "Next time anyone asks what is the difference between SRK and Amitabh Bachchan, show them this." ## Like the rest of India, the veteran actor also participated in the clapping ritual on Sunday evening along with his family. Big B shared a video on Instagram where he can be seen clapping his hands standing on the terrace while his daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and granddaughters Navya Naveli Nanda and Aaradhya Bachchan ring bells. ## Appreciating the unity shown by our nation, which participated together in encouraging the working staff like doctors, cleaning staff and delivery boys by clapping hands, ringing bells and banging utensils, Amitabh Bachchan wrote a poem on his blog. ## He wrote: "Questions in blue .. for it was true ..what we witnessed in prime .. was a nation divine .. united in one .. nothing undone ..historic in its conclusion .. never an ablution ..not a spectacle in sight .. national resolve and fight ..we worked for humanity .. with utmost clarity ..our differences apart .. coming together to start ..this historic revolution .. be same be one be one creation .. !" ## The megastar concluded with a message for his fans, saying, "Love .. be safe be cautious .. be in prevention." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Vaani Kapoor: Was always inspired by stars like Madhuri, Sridevi
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Vaani Kapoor: Was always inspired by stars like Madhuri, Sridevi

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actress Vaani Kapoor says she has always been inspired by the dancing and acting skills of Bollywood divas like Madhuri Dixit Nene and the late Sridevi.## Vaani's dance hits include "Ghungroo" in "War" and "Nashe si chadh gayi" in "Befikre" among others. She will now be seen in a glamorous avatar in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Shamshera", in which she plays the role of a performer.## "I've always believed for an actor it's very important and integral to try and learn as many art forms as they can in order to make their performance an overall success. I consider myself very lucky that the people and the industry have given me so much appreciation for my dance pieces," she said.## The actress shared that she hadn't had any formal training in dancing before she entered Bollywood.## "Honestly, it wasn't easy. I have never received formal training as a dancer until I entered Bollywood. I was always very inspired by actors such as Madhuri, Sridevi and so many more! They are performers. I have always aspired to be an actor who not only acts but is an overall performer. It's taken a lot of hard work behind each piece that I put out in front of our audience," Vaani said.## Vaani says she is excited to play a performer in "Shamshera".## "In 'Shamshera' too, I'm really excited to play the role of a performer who dances her way into the hearts of people and I have some amazing songs to perform on. I'm hoping that all the songs of 'Shamshera' become a huge success too. It's a product of our love, sweat, and hard work," she said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Priyanka Chopra participates in Janata Curfew clapping in US
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra participates in Janata Curfew clapping in US

Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently not in India, but she also participated in PM Narendra Modi's Janata Curfew clapping initiative from her home in US.## Taking to her Instagram Story, Priyanka posted a video in which she is seen clapping for those who are working round the clock to save lives from coronavirus.## "People around the world have shown their appreciation for the doctors, nurses and all first responders battling by COVID-19 by clapping on their balconies. Although I couldn't be there in India today to join, I am there in spirit.#jantacurfewIndia," she wrote.## On the work front, Priyanka, who was last seen in "The Sky Is Pink", will be next seen in Netflix's "The White Tiger".## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Ranveer Singh shares his 'out of quarantine' look
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Ranveer Singh shares his 'out of quarantine' look

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, however, Bollywood's livewire star Ranveer Singh is thinking ahead and shared his "out of quarantine" look.## On Monday, Ranveer shared a photograph of himself on Instagram, wherein he looked like a zombie and also carried dreadlocks.## He captioned the image: "Me coming out of quarantine".## The image currently has 1.4 million likes on the photo-sharing website.## Ranveer has been keeping his fans and followers entertained with his daily updates during quarantine times.## The actor recently shared a photograph of himself indulging in a whole jar of Nutella.## On the acting front, Ranveer will next be seen in "83", directed by Kabir Khan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Rani says she started a 'new journey' with 'Hichki'
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Rani says she started a 'new journey' with 'Hichki'

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Her film "Hichki" completed two years of its release on Monday, and actress Rani Mukerji said that the film is very special for her and that she started a new journey in the industry with the movie.## "When I think how special ‘Hichki' is, I have to first say that it was a triumph of sorts for many things. It was breaking a lot of stereotypes. I was doing a film after marriage and motherhood," she said.## Rani added: "It was a film that was released globally especially in countries like China where it became a blockbuster and was accepted as a heart-touching human story and a celebration of the human spirit. I think that kind of proved how special the film ‘Hichki' was."## The film has a message of beating stereotypes and featured Rani as a determined school teacher who is dealing with Tourette Syndrome.## Rani says the statement "Hichki" made with its success shattered the massive stereotype that married actresses are shunned by the audience, regressive belief prevalent in the industry.## " 'Hichki' spoke about a lot of things which were kind of unspoken in away. When you do a film, you don't know what that film is going to eventually do but the success of 'Hichki' helped a lot of people to understand that it's never an actor's personal life that can trigger any kind of failure or success. It all depends on how good the content is, what are you doing as an artist to bring the script to life and with what intention you are making a film," she said.## Rani says the film was made with the "purest of intentions" and that no amount of business strategy went into making "Hichki".## The actress feels "Hichki" will forever remain a truly "special" film for her.## "I think for me it will always remain like that one special film. My first film after motherhood. In a way, my first film in the second innings of my career. It was a re-birth for me as a person, as a mother. I started a new journey in the industry and ‘Hichki' would be the first. My first ever film was Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat which was my Phase 1 I would say and in Phase 2 – Hichki would be my 1st film. It will always remain special. I loved working on it," she said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Kriti Sanon, Gippy Grewal disappointed with Janta roadshows during Janata Curfew
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Kriti Sanon, Gippy Grewal disappointed with Janta roadshows during Janata Curfew

Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) While many people came out in their balconies to participate in PM Narendra Modi's Janata Curfew clapping initiative, there were Indians who stepped out into the streets in large groups, chanting and clanging vessels amid coronavirus outbreak, putting themselves in the danger of being exposed to the virus.## Celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Gippy Grewal, and Nia Sharma have strongly condemned the behavior of such people who hit the streets in large groups on Sunday, clearly misunderstanding the concept of #5Baje5minute initiative.## Taking to the Instagram story, Kriti wrote: "While I was feeling proud at the unity I saw at 5 p.m., I came across some videos of people dancing on the roads in huge groups with thaali-chamach celebrating God knows what.## "This is only gonna make it worse. The 5 pm applaud was a part of the curfew to show our gratitude! From your windows/houses just for 5 minutes."## She urged people to "be responsible" to combat the "serious situation".## Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal too expressed his disappointment over the people who hit the streets on Sunday to celebrate #5baje5minute applaud.## " Seriously...??? Aa kuch Karan layi kis ne kiha si ? Ki Banu India da ...Sache patsha WaheGuru jane .... Plzzzz Stay home (Who told you guys to do this... I just pray to God. Please stay home)," Gippy tweeted.## "Naagin 4" actress Nia Sharma also slammed the people for their irresponsible behavior.## She wrote: "Dancing on the streets ...beating thalis ...we now know how intelligent are you! Now please stay at home.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Kangana Ranaut's b'day: Here's a binge-watching guide
2270 days ago
Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut's b'day: Here's a binge-watching guide

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood 'Queen' Kangana Ranaut has entertained movie buffs with several outstanding performances throughout her career of nearly a decade and a half.## Her journey from being a girl from a small village in Himachal Pradesh with starry dreams to a National Award-winning Bollywood superstar has been full of twists and turns. Coming from a village near Manali, Kangana entered the tinsel town with no starry connection, and went ahead to make a place for herself in Bollywood. She proved her talent and versatility with films like "Gangster", "Woh Lamhe", "Life In A...Metro", "Tanu Weds Manu" and "Fashion". While she hit the right notes with her talent, Kangana was ridiculed for her accent, derided for her fashion sense and censured for her honesty.## As she turns a year older, IANS suggests a few movies you can watch to keep yourself entertained during isolation.## * GANGSTER (2006) -## She entered Bollywood with the movie, directed by Anurag Basu, in 2006. It is a love story of a gangster, which tells a tale of a romance that is gritty, painful, and comes with twists. It also stars Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja. Besides gripping story and powerful performances, the film is still remembered for its songs.## * WOH LAMHE (2006) -## Kangana essayed the role of a troubled glamorous actress who battles fame, pride, and schizophrenia. It explores the life of the actress as she meets a director, played by Shiney Ahuja, and falls in love. The film takes the audience on a journey about how the two bond with each other in difficult times. The movie is said to be based on sensational yesteryear star Parveen Babi and her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt, who has written the film.## * TANU WEDS MANU (2011) -## The comic drama turned the notion that marriages are made in heaven, on its head. The film narrates a love story of two completely opposite people -- Tanu and Manu. The 2011 romantic drama is directed by Aanand L. Rai and also stars R. Madhavan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, and Swara Bhaskar.## * QUEEN (2014) -## The film tells the story of Rani who, after being dumped by her fiance two days before their wedding, packed her bags and traveled to Europe for the pre-booked honeymoon alone. Shaken, she explores her identity and self-confidence as she explored the foreign land and met new people. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the movie was a runaway hit and made Kangana A-list star.## * MANIKARNINKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI (2019) -## With "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi", Kangana brought the story of Rani Laxmibai alive on the silver screen. Directed by Kangana and Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, the film also stars Atul Kulkarni, Suresh Oberoi, Danny Denzongpa and Ankita Lokhande.## * PANGA (2020) -## One can also watch Kangana's "Panga" in this difficult time due to the global outbreak of coronavirus. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, "Panga" also features Neena Gupta, Richa Chadha, and Jassie Gill. The film, released on January 24, revolves around a kabaddi player, played by Kangana, who wants to make a comeback in the game after marriage and motherhood.## * LIFE IN A... METRO (2007) -## Set in Mumbai, the film narrates stories of the lives of nine people and how their lives change when their fates intertwine. It explores the complexities of emotions and other dilemmas. The film also stars Shilpa Shetty, Kay Kay, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sharman Joshi, Shiny Ahuja, and Dharmendra.## * TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS (2015) -## A sequel of "Tanu Weds Manu", the 2015 film starts after four years of Tanu's (Kangana) and Manu's (R. Madhavan) marriage. They have parted ways but still retain feelings for each other. The film also introduced Kangana's double role Datto, an ambitious Haryanvi girl. Manu falls in love with Datto. The film is about finding love and the spark in the relationship again.## * FASHION (2008) -## The movie is about an ambitious small-town girl Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) who wants to make it big in the fashion industry as a supermodel. Kangana had a supporting act of a supermodel, who sees a decline in her career and resorts to drugs.## * JUDGEMENTALL HAI KYA (2019) -## "Judgementall Hai Kya" reunites "Queen" co-stars Kangana and Rajkummar Rao after a gap of around five years for a killer thriller drama. The dark comedy revolves around Bobby (Kangana) and Keshav (Rajkummar) as they lead their life trying to figure out the difference between reality and illusions. A murder investigation brings more chaos to their lives. It is about finding the person behind the murder.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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