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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

Here's what you all should know about Kanika Kapoor
2271 days ago
Bollywood

Here's what you all should know about Kanika Kapoor

Mumbai, March 22 (IANS) Singer Kanika Kapoor, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus a few days ago, has been criticized a lot by netizens for her irresponsible behavior for not self-quarantining herself upon her return from London and then attending several parties in Lucknow. But there's a section of social media who have come in her support. Some of her friends have urged the trollers to show her empathy rather than slamming her.## For the uninitiated, Kanika, who is trained in Indian classical vocal music, is a popular Bollywood singer. She was born and brought up in Lucknow. At a young age of 18, she got married and shifted her base to London with her husband, Raj Chandok in 1997. The two met at Kanika's cousin's wedding.## After spending substantial time and giving birth to three children (two daughters, Aayana and Samara, and a son, Yuvraaj), Kanika separated from her husband and returned to India.## She made her singing debut in 2012 with the song "Jugni Ji", which was the remixed version of Pakistani Sufi song "Alif Allah". And then in 2014, she actually shot to fame with the song "Baby Doll" from the Sunny Leone-starrer "Ragini MMS 2". Later she went on to sing chartbuster songs like "Chittiyan Kalaiyan" and "Lovely".## "I think I have a deep relation with pain... I really have seen a lot in life and I am usually not a person to sit down and cry.## "I do not complain, and rather try to find a way to resolve things. Finally, when I was on the verge of giving up, God gifted me with the opportunity to sing 'Baby Doll'. So yes, then I had no reason to give up," Kanika had earlier told IANS.## There was also a time when Kanika thought of ending her life.## "It happens when you have no money, are going through a bad divorce, and the lawyers are squeezing you to the limit. Plus, you have three kids, who have been thrown out of school because you haven't paid the fees.## Then, you fall sick. You hit a low and feel that there is nothing left. But, at the time, I got a lot of support from my mother, my brother, and a few friends," she had said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

One year on, Radhika Madan fondly looks back at 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota'
2271 days ago
Bollywood

One year on, Radhika Madan fondly looks back at 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota'

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) The action-comedy "Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota" was released a year ago on this day. Although the film failed to create much of a ripple at the box-office, it has been accepted as a cult flick by the niche audience.## Radhika Madan, who has been impressing Bollywood buffs with her recent outing "Angrezi Medium", was the heroine of "Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota". She was paired opposite debutant actor Abhimanyu Dassani, son of "Maine Pyar Kiya" heroine Bhagyashree.## A year down the line, Radhika got nostalgic recalling the Vasan Bala-directed film. "I feel extremely happy today as 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota' completes a year. This film is always special for me because it helped me push my boundaries and perform action sequences that I couldn't have imagined. There are so many fond memories. This was the film that really changed my foundation. I had grown up watching films where hair and sarees flew, but Vasan sir made me understand that in the end, it is just going to be my craft that will sustain. After 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota', I have started looking on to projects with a different outlook," she said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with.

COVID-19: Bollywood urges people not to abandon pets
2271 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Bollywood urges people not to abandon pets

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of rumours and myths have found way into our WhatsApp inboxes. One such unfounded rumour links the disease to pets, which in turn has given rise to the trend of people abandoning pets.## Several Bollywood stars have taken to social media to urge their fans not to pay heed to such rumours, insisting that pets are not responsible for spreading the virus.## "Pets can't carry or contain the Covid-19 virus! So stay calm, give them love and spend some time with your PAWsome munchkins! #SpreadLove #StayPositive," tweeted Kriti Sanon.## Richa Chadha requested on social media: "Dogs aren't the carriers for coronavirus! Please please please don't abandon your pets! They think you are their parents. Would you abandon your child ? They must be so confused and heartbroken. Please don't!"## Reacting to Richa Chadha's tweet, singer Sona Mohapatra wrote: "Are people actually doing that?! Animals and Dogs in particular are our best bets in these times of isolation. Love machines and our best best friends."## "There is a lot of misinformation and miscommunication out there about the spread of #coronavirus through animals and pets. What's happening because of this is heartbreaking. Health experts maintain there has been no evidence to suggest that pets can spread the infection," wrote Sonali Bendre.## Twinkle Khanna shared: "There is no evidence that dogs and cats pass on Covid-19! Because of misleading posters and dubious sources of information, people are abandoning their pets! A cuddle a day keeps the doctor and the vet away, so do cuddle away #Dogperson."## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Kanika Kapoor elicits mixed reactions from B-Town
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Kanika Kapoor elicits mixed reactions from B-Town

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) It's been over 24 hours that singer Kanika Kapoor was found to have attended several public events and high-profile parties despite testing positive for COVID-19, and Bollywood has mostly been guarded in reacting to the situation. The few responses that have come have been mixed. While some B-Town denizens have been critical of Kanika for not declaring her travel history upon arriving from the UK, a few others feel she is being unnecessarily victimized.## While Kanika was overwhelmingly criticized and trolled all through Saturday, and hashtag #KanikaKaCoronaCrime trended on Twitter, actress Sonam Kapoor came out in the singer's defense.## "Hey, guys @TheKanikakapoor came back on the 9th. India was not self-isolating but playing Holi," wrote Sonam.## While the singer continues facing flak for evading screening at the airport, Rishi Kapoor posted a tweet addressed to Taj Hotels on Friday. "Think. Chalo Delhi airport se to nikal gayi. Why an establishment like The Taj Lucknow Hotel didn't have the facility to screen visitors? After all the Taj is a huge name and a property. Surely they could have detected!"## The official page of Taj Hotels replied: "At all our hotels, we have undertaken extensive precautionary measures including thermal screening of all guests, staff, and vendors. At the time of check-in, her temperature was found to be normal. The safety and wellbeing of our guests and associates are of paramount importance."## Reacting to the reply, Rishi Kapoor came out in Kanika's support and, without mentioning her name, tweeted: "I appreciate, believe and respect The Taj Hotels has for all its guests regarding safety and security. Please tell this to the Media and the concerned Government. Unnecessarily the lady concerned is being victimized. With your strict measures surely she wasn't carrying the virus."## Unlike Rishi and Sonam Kapoor, though, not everyone in B-Town has sympathy for Kanika.## Last night, singer Sona Mohapatra came heavily on Kanika Kapoor for not being responsible enough after arriving in India from the UK earlier this month and mingling with numerous people at several public functions despite being afflicted by the coronavirus.## "The Coronavirus will explode because India is full of irresponsible idiots who ask everything from the government but do nothing in return," tweeted Sona.## She added: "Case in point, #KanikaKapoor hid her travel history after landing in #India (goddess knows how), attended events in Lucknow, Mumbai, went partying while staying in a 5 (star emoji) & has the virus! So all of U giving me Gyan about how ‘simplistic' PM's speech was, was it really?#WeThePeople."## On Friday evening, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar released a video urging fans to stay safe in the present scenario. In a portion of the video, without taking names, he says in Hindi: "Passengers returning from their trips at Mumbai airport are being tested at the airport. Those who are found on low risk are being stamped and sent for home quarantine or at the hotel and they are being requested to maintain social distance for two weeks as a precaution. But believe it or not, despite being stamped for home quarantine, some of these passengers are not only traveling to other parts of the city but also to different parts of the country. They are attending weddings, going on vacations, going to crowded places and even attending parties. What are they thinking? What is this mentality? What are they not being able to understand?"## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID-19: SRK urges fans to stay indoors in new video
2272 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: SRK urges fans to stay indoors in new video

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has come out with a video to create awareness around COVID-19 and also urged fans to stay indoors and follow precautionary measures.## In the video, the actor is seen talking about the care and precautions all must take.## Shah Rukh's video comes a day after several Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Varun Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Arjun Kapoor came together in a special video that appeals people to be safe during these trying times. The video was shared by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday on social media.## In his video, SRK talks about the coronavirus pandemic and the necessary steps on how to protect yourself from the disease.## The COVID-19 attack has been the most severe in Maharashtra among all states in India, with the number of positive cases crossing 50. So far, 191 coronavirus positive cases have been reported all over India with four deaths.## He begins the video by talking about how coronavirus has created havoc worldwide.## "Around the world, coronavirus has created havoc. At this difficult moment, if all of us cooperate, we can stop this danger from doing more harm, it will have to turn its back on us and leave," he says in the video.## SRK goes on to add that Mumbai is ready to fight the crisis, and hospitals such as Kasturba Hospital, among many others, are fully prepared to handle the situation.## He adds: "Without bothering about their health, authorities and doctors at airports are checking every traveler. They are all doing their duty. We have just learned to cooperate with them."## "So what can we do? We just have to learn to be a little responsible. Whether at work or home, we must regularly wash our hands. Whenever you have to sneeze, cover your nose with your forearm. If possible avoid going to crowded places for the next 15 days. If anyone in your vicinity has cold, cough and fever, then stay a few feet away from them. Remember, for your own safety, not just one but all have to be responsible."## "We must all do our bit and support the officials doing so much for us. #WarAgainstVirus," he captioned the video.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID-19 effect: Pallavi Joshi urges India to fight crisis in exemplary manner
2272 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19 effect: Pallavi Joshi urges India to fight crisis in exemplary manner

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Actress Pallavi Joshi has urged the nation to set an example for the world in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## "Right now India as a nation is being watched by the world. By the more developed economies like Italy and more influential world powers like the USA. By neighbors like China and Iran. They are all watching if India is able enough to deal with a looming threat to the healthcare, economy, and life of its citizens. On the verge of an exponential explosion, are we as a nation smart enough, strong enough, kind enough and responsible enough to fight against a common enemy? An enemy that is being feared the world over," said Pallavi.## The "Woh Chhokri" famed actress added: "We have a chance to show the world that we are a young, vigilant and united country. And we can fight what might seem so insurmountable. Do your part. Maintain social distancing. Have compassion for someone who is underprivileged, use the public resources responsibly. These are warlike times and it is our chance to create a history. Don't let it pass. Together, we can!"## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Sidharth Malhotra tries cooking prawn during social distancing
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Sidharth Malhotra tries cooking prawn during social distancing

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Amid all the coronavirus chaos, Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra is trying his hands at something new. He has taken to cooking prawn!## Sidharth on Saturday shared a video on Twitter that shows him cooking. He adds that it is never too late to try something new.## "Well, it's never too late to try something new! Here's #MyAttemptAt cooking Butter Garlic Prawns for the first time which surprisingly turned out the pretty well-Winking face with tongue Make the most of this time guys and keep trying new things," he captioned the video.## The actor, who was last seen in "Marjaavaan", is now gearing up for his next "Shershaah". The biographical film traces the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee and army captain Vikram Batra. Sidharth has a double role in the film, as the armyman and his identical twin Vishal. Kiara Advani also features in the film, which marks the Bollywood debut of Tamil filmmaker Vishnuvardhan.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Dalip Tahil sings for spiritual album with Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Dalip Tahil sings for spiritual album with Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Veteran actor Dalip Tahil has lent his voice in an spiritual album titled "Guru Naam". The album also features voices of singers like Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, and Suresh Wadkar among others.## "It was a surreal experience to record for this very special album on the revered Sikh Guru. India is known for its vibrant diversity and rich heritage. The album provides a unique opportunity for singers from diverse backgrounds to come together to sing paeans in honor of the revered saint. It sends a message of peace, brotherhood, and unity. I am overwhelmed to have got this opportunity to sing for the album alongside such established names from the music industry," Tahil said.## "Guru Naam" is based on traditional verses of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak, and composed by Kuldeep Singh. The album commemorates the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.## The album is produced by Times Music.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Raveena cleans train cabin: Better to be safe than sorry
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Raveena cleans train cabin: Better to be safe than sorry

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon is extra cautious during her travels during these coronavirus times. She has posted pictures and videos where she is seen disinfecting her cabin with wet wipes and sanitisers while taking a train journey. ## Raveena on Friday took to Instagram, where she posted a video of herself cleaning the cabin. She could be seen wearing a face mask. ## "Disinfecting the cabin with wet wipes, sanitiser, before the wheels roll and we get comfy! Better to be safe than sorry. Travel only if very necessary and please take precautions and safety of oneself and the others around you is paramount. #throwback #lastweek, off to a days assignment. Skeletal crew and closed door shoot luckily to a town with no corona cases reported yet. Back home to self-isolate and quarantine at least until 31st March. #throwback," she said. ## In another post, the actress shared a photograph of herself sitting at the Bandra Terminus station in Mumbai. She asked her fans to adopt precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## She captioned it: "Most important. Please do not keep touching the front of your mask. Remove from the side bands only. Also please wear latex gloves if need to go out,for knobs and door handles carry maximum bacteria. Hogan safai , abh beth kar aaram! Importance of hygiene. #swachbharat Travel only if very necessary and please take precautions and safety of oneself and the others around you is paramount," she said. ## Raveena also asked everyone to not endanger lives of others. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Kangana Ranaut: 'Panga' is close to my heart
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut: 'Panga' is close to my heart

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut says her movie "Panga" is very close to her heart. Kangana is happy that her film "Panga" will now stream on Hotstar VIP in this difficult time due to the global outbreak of coronavirus. ## Women have donned several different hats since time immemorial; from a bread-winner to a home-maker. ## "'Panga' brings to life the tug-of-war between passion and responsibilities in the most idealistic way possible," Kangana said. ## "The movie begs to answer the question: for how long will women have to sacrifice their dreams to build a perfect family, and who says we can't do it all? It's a movie that is close to my heart and I'm certain many women across the country will relate to it. ## "In a time when going to the theatre is a big no-no, people can enjoy this movie at the touch of a button on Hotstar VIP," she added. ## 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. It had its digital premiere on Hotstar VIP on March 20. ## Talking about her role in the movie, Neena said: "What really added to the flavour of the movie, that women truly led the show from the front. With strong co-stars like Kangana and Richa and a director par excellence like Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the storyline struck a chord with all of us. What you see on screen is an amalgamation of heartfelt emotions with a powerful screenplay and great direction; and now people across the country can enjoy this movie." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Sona Mohapatra attacks Kanika Kapoor for hiding travel history
2272 days ago
Bollywood

Sona Mohapatra attacks Kanika Kapoor for hiding travel history

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Singer Sona Mohapatra has come down heavily on singer Kanika Kapoor for not being responsible enough after arriving in India from the UK earlier this month, and mingling with numerous people at several public functions despite being afflicted by the coronavirus. ## In a series of tweets, Mohapatra also expressed doubt that the spread of COVID-19 could efficiently be curbed in India, what with "irresponsible idiots" around, who don't follow rules and endanger the lives of everyone around. ## "The Coronavirus will explode because India is full of irresponsible idiots who ask everything from the government but do nothing in return," Mohapatra tweeted. ## She added: "Case in point, #KanikaKapoor hid her travel history after landing in #India (goddess knows how),attended events in Lucknow, Mumbai, went partying while staying in a 5 Glowing star & has the virus! So all of U giving me gyan about how 'simplistic' PM's speech was, was it really? #WeThePeople," she wrote. ## Kapoor took to Instagram on Friday to state that she has tested positive, in a long note. "For the past 4 days I have had signs of flu, I got myself tested and it came positive for Covid-19. My family and I are in complete quarantine now and following medical advice on how to move forward," said Kapoor in the post. "I was scanned at the airport as per normal procedure 10 days ago when I came back home, the symptoms have developed only 4 days ago. At this stage I would like to urge you all to practice self isolation and get tested if you have the signs," went her statement. ## After returning from the UK carrying the virus, Kapoor has attended three parties in Lucknow, one in Kanpur and has been part of at least two other public gatherings, reported hindustantimes.com. Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and her son, BJP MP Dushyant Singh, have self-quarantined themselves because they were in one of the parties where Kanika Kapoor was present. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

COVID-19: Sonu Nigam won't return from Dubai until things get normal
2272 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Sonu Nigam won't return from Dubai until things get normal

Dubai, March 21 (IANS) Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, singer Sonu Nigam is currently self-isolating himself along with his family in Dubai. ## "I was in the Himalayas till March 5th and then my Mumbai concert got postponed, so I decided to join my family in Dubai till March 17. I'll have to wait now till things we normal. Don't wanna be stuck in quarantine and burden the already burdened authorities," Sonu told Mid-Day. ## He also shared about the precautions he has been taking in the wake of COVID-19. ## "I would have loved to be with my father and sister but I guess I could potentially be dangerous to them due to my exposure to Dubai and Mumbai airports bit forgetting the aircraft itself. ## "We are generally indoors. Nevaan's (Sonu's son) is studying in Dubai and his school is closed so we have ample time to do things indoors. Basically avoiding outdoors unless it's super necessary. Cleanliness and disconnect socially is being exercised by us too," Sonu added. ## Not only this, the "Har Ghadi Badal Rahi Hai" fame singer has also decided to perform online for his fans during Janata Curfew on Sunday. ## Sharing his thought behind the online concert , Sonu said: "Since the entire country has decided to adhere to Our Prime Minister's appeal to observe Janata Curfew from 7 am to 9 pm on 22nd March, I thought of giving them a reason to smile at 8 pm India time, the time when they might reach the peak of their frustration, and would be waiting for some excursion. ## "I'll be doing a concert for not just Indians but all the people world wide who follow Indian Music, live streamed through my various social networking platforms. It's a first timer so we are being utterly careful lest there is any glitch." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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