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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

Sunil Grover on low moments of his life
2268 days ago
Bollywood

Sunil Grover on low moments of his life

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Comedian-actor Sunil Grover has been bringing smiles on people's faces with his funny acts for long but he has now opened up on the low moments of his life.## Comedians are like everyone else have their high and low moments too, he shared.## "The important thing is to learn from each experience. I have seen my father struggle every day to pursue his dreams and that has taught me to never give up on mine," Sunil told IANS.## "When I was struggling in the industry, I learned that there were many others like me, who were ‘superstars' of their town - and ‘strugglers' here (in Mumbai). But I kept my calm and believed in myself, I tried to reach out to people in the industry for work. Soon I started getting work and realized how fortunate I was and regained my strength bit by bit," added the artiste, who has done TV shows, movies, and web series.## In films like "Baaghi", he has gone beyond comedy. Does Bollywood give him more opportunities as an actor as compared to television?## "All my roles in films or comedy shows, have been different. Yes, of course, this ('Baaghi') was a challenging role for me as I played the lead actress' father, a character that was years older than my real age. I streaked my hair grey and picked up a Punjabi accent for the part," recalled the "Bharat" actor.## He is happy doing "well-written characters that make my audience laugh" irrespective of the platform.## "The objective for television, theatre or radio, is the same - to entertain. Television is a medium where you have to work on your character on an everyday basis and films is the medium where when you get to work, you have to work before it starts," he explained.## Elaborating further, Sunil said: "In television, the character grows with time because it's a long-running affair most of the time but in films, the character's story has a beginning, middle and an end and then after some time a new journey starts with a new character."## "For me, both the mediums have their own charm. Working on films and television, both give opportunities to explore me as an actor and enjoy the journey," he added.## He has played many comic characters but Gutthi remains a favorite of many.## "According to me, the audience connects with this character the most because it is an amalgamation of various characters that you come across in your day-to-day life. Guthi is a whole package, a blockbuster entertainer," he said.## He has donned the sari or a suit to play other women characters too. When he was first asked to play a woman's character, was he a bit hesitant?## "I have been someone who has always been good at mimicry, acting and making people laugh. While playing a character, I don't think of gender. Till the time I can make people laugh without offending anyone, I am not hesitant. I only take 10 minutes to get dressed for a male character and 20 minutes in total to be ready as Gutthi. Also, I like it when people call out my character name as it is very overwhelming that they are aware of the characters I play," said Sunil.## He has also been on multiple tours, the latest being Imperial Blue Superhit Nights Season 6, which brought together music and comedy.## "This is a unique combination not just for the audience, but also for me as a performer. What made this most exciting is that I got to perform with legends such as Vishal and Shekhar," he said about working with the composer duo.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

COVID-19: Dia Mirza raises concern for senior citizens living alone
2268 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19: Dia Mirza raises concern for senior citizens living alone

Mumbai, March 25 (IANS) Actress Dia Mirza has taken to social media to raise concern for senior citizens living alone as there is a lockdown across the nation amidst widespread coronavirus scare.## She has tweeted urging the government to clarify curfew guidelines so that the vulnerable sections of society can plan better for the days ahead.## "I live at CHS where 80% of our residents are senior citizens. Many living alone. We have no access to vegetables and fruits as all vendors say the police haven't allowed them to go to the main market. Online deliveries are shut. Essentials are essential," she tweeted on March 24.## "We have put in place health protocols keeping in mind the age/needs of our senior members. This curfew needs guidelines that allow neighborhood vegetable vendors to reach the wholesale market. Respect the need for curfew BUT it needs to ensure essentials are not affected," she added.## She is sympathetic to the protocols issued by the government and acknowledges the noble intentions behind them.## She added via Twitter: "We understand what you are dealing with currently cannot be easy by any measure. And you are doing this keeping our health in mind."## But she has also asked, "how we can find solutions so that all can continue to have access to essentials".## In order to tackle the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a complete lockdown for 21 days beginning March 25.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

'Wonder Woman 1984' release pushed to August 14
2268 days ago
Hollywood

'Wonder Woman 1984' release pushed to August 14

Los Angeles, March 25 (IANS) Fans will have to wait a while longer for Gal Gadots to return to the big screen as Wonder Woman, in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. The release of "Wonder Woman 1984" has been pushed to August.## The film, which was scheduled to open on June 5, will now release on August 14.## Gadot took to social media to share a new poster along with the news of the date shift. The actress says she is hoping for 'a brighter future'.## "In these dark and scary times, I am looking forward to a brighter future ahead. Where we can share the power of the cinema together again. Excited to re-date our WW84 film to August 14, 2020. I hope everyone is safe. Sending my love to you all," she wrote.## In the sequel of the megahit 2017 DC film, Gadot will be back as Wonder Woman with edgier action for a new battle with new villains. The Warner Bros film, directed by Patty Jenkins, comes with the tag line "A new era of wonder begins".## Jenkins is also praying for things to get better for all.## "We made ‘Wonder Woman 1984' for the big screen and I believe in the power of cinema. In these terrible times, when theater owners are struggling as so many are, we are excited to re-date our film to August 14th, 2020 in a theater near you, and pray for better times for all by then," Jenkins posted.## Along with "Wonder Woman 1984", Warner Bros. has also indefinitely pulled "In the Heights", an adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical that was due out June 26, and "Scoob" -- an animated film based on "Scooby-Doo" characters, set for May 15, reports variety.com.## "Malignant", a thriller from "Aquaman" director James Wan, was originally scheduled to open on August 14. It will be rescheduled to make way for "Wonder Woman 1984".## "When we greenlit ‘Wonder Woman 1984,' it was with every intention to be viewed on the big screen and are excited to announce that Warner Bros. Pictures will be bringing the film to theatres on August 14," Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman, said, adding: "We hope the world will be in a safer and healthier place by then."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Bollywood extends full support to PM Modi's 21-day lockdown
2268 days ago
Bollywood

Bollywood extends full support to PM Modi's 21-day lockdown

Mumbai, March 25 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days on Tuesday evening to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, B-Town took to social media to express their support and urge citizens to cooperate and stay indoors.## Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan wrote a poem in Hindi which reads: "Hath Hain jodte vinamrata se aaj hum, Sune adesh Pradhan ka, sada tum aur hum. Yeh bandish Jo lagi hai, jeevdayee banegi, 21 Dino ka sankalp nishchit corona dafnayegi."## Veteran Bollwood star Dilip Kumar tweeted: "Dawa bui, dua bhi## Pehle kuch faasla bhi## Woh kareem hai raheem hai## Aur wahi mushkil kusha bhi...## My sincere appeal to all of you, #StayHome and obey the #CoronavirusLockdown. God bless us all."## Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt shared on Twitter: "We are now at a collective turning point, where we must stop, listen & help the government implement the 21 days all India lockdown. The time of great fear requires solidarity, humanity, sacrifice & hope. Not hysteria & rumor-mongering. #21daysLockdown"## Lyricist and censor board chairperson Prasoon Joshi tweeted: "#IndiaFightsCorona. In this war, restraint will be our weapon, stillness will be our defense, the distance will be the sign that we deeply care. Have to fight it with new rules. #CoronavirusLockdown"## Shahid Kapoor shared on Instagram: "Be at home. Stay safe. Stay mentally, emotionally and physically strong. Spread love. Have faith. Pray often. Speak to all those who matter daily. Meditate. Read. Cook. See the sky turn bluer every day. 21 days. Will pass. Keep it real and make it count you all."## Shahid's brother, actor Ishaan Khatter urged: "To all my friends.. everybody that this post reaches. We've got this. Let's not panic. Let's look out for each other. Let's find ways to help one another. This is the time for resilience, patience, and consideration. I promise to do my part. Please do yours, don't step out for anything that is not essential. Don't put others and yourself at risk. We will come out of this stronger. Prayers, LOVE, and energies for everybody #21dayslockdown #quarantineshave"## Randeep Hooda tweeted: "#CoronavirusLockdown: If we don't follow guidelines for the next 21 days, days after that could be even more challenging. Let's follow what prime minister @narendramodi advised in his address and stay safe. Also, essential services will be operational. Please don't put yourself at risk by overcrowding shops to stock up. #Covid19India"## Vaani Kapoor expressed: "The next 21 days of the #CoronavirusLockdown announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji is of utmost importance. It may seem hard, but it's absolutely important for us to stay home to help contain the spread of the virus."## Aditi Rao Hydari tweeted: "21-day lockdown. Let's be responsible and stay home. if we don't we're in for big trouble and could have an even longer lockdown as well as a catastrophic economy. Help us help ourselves. 21 days of discipline is all it takes- pleeeeease! Let's do this #CoronavirusLockdown"## Arjun Kapoor urged everyone: "#CoronavirusLockdown is for the next 21 days, we all know it's hard but it's for us, it's for our safety. Stay home and stay safe. Please do follow the rules laid down by our Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji"## Singer Shreya Ghoshal shared: "#CoronavirusLockdown for 21 days announced by @narendramodi in his speech today. We can do this in India!! Let's stay positive and sincere to this effort! #StayHome."## Even though most Bollywood celebs support the 21 days lockdown decision, actress Aahana Kumra feels the government should have given some more time to the panicking citizens to stock up during this crisis period.## She tweeted: "I feel the government needs to give some more time for people to stock up!? I understand and applaud the government's efforts to combat the #coronavirus but this is panic is going to create more #COVID?19 patients than ever! #SocialDistancing !? #CoronavirusLockdown."## Many like actress Esha Deol shared the government's guidelines in their tweet. "Don't panic the following daily essentials are going to be available during the #21daysLockdown let's obey our honorable @narendramodi Ji"## Requesting everyone not to waste food and water, actress Bidita Bag shared on Instagram: "We don't know for how long the lockdown will last. So every resource is critical and essential. Kindly restrict the number of items in meals and try for zero wastage of food and water please."## Singer Adnan Sami also shared the government's guideline issued by the government and tweeted: "Ministry of Home Affairs Guidelines for #21daysLockdown; Check out the list of essential services that will remain open...#CoronavirusLockdown #COVID19 #coronavirusindia #StayHome #StayAtHomeSaveLives"## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

When Dharmendra, Rakhee ran into a crocodile!
2268 days ago
Bollywood

When Dharmendra, Rakhee ran into a crocodile!

Mumbai, March 25 (IANS) Veteran actor Dharmendra went back to the seventies when he was shooting for the song "Jhilmil sitaron ka aangan hoga" for the film "Jeevan Mrityu".## "The song was shot at various places and I remember when Rakhee and I were on a boat at Powai lake for the shoot. At a distance, we could see what looked like a rock. But as we came nearer to it, we realized it was a crocodile!" Dharmendra shared.## "We both were so scared. But none of us stopped shooting for the song. With one eye on the crocodile, we managed to get the shoot done," he added.## Dharmendra shared the anecdote during Zee TV's singing reality show for kids "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs".## It all started after the show's contestants Madhav Arora and Aryananda performed on "Jhilmil sitaron ka aangan hoga".## "This was truly an amazing performance. I relived the days when I was shooting for the song through these kids", the actor said.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Alec Baldwin's six-week no kiss rule
2268 days ago
Hollywood

Alec Baldwin's six-week no kiss rule

Los Angeles, March 25 (IANS) Actor Alec Baldwin didn't kiss his wife Hilaria Baldwin for "six weeks" when they first started dating, and would only shake her hand.## The 61-year-old actor got married to the health and wellness expert in 2012. Now, she has revealed that it took him six weeks of dating before he kissed her for the first time, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## When Alec filled in as guest host on an episode of "The Ellen Degeneres Show", he invited Hilaria on as a guest.## "Do you guys know that he shook my hand for six weeks and didn't kiss me when we met. True story. He would tell me all these things like I'm going to marry you, I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you, we're going to have a ton of kids and then he would shake my hand at the end of the night," she told the audience.## However, Alec defended his actions by insisting he didn't want the 35-year-old beauty to think he was using her for sex.## He said: "I didn't want you to think that I just wanted to have sex with you."## To which, Hilaria added: "Hey, look it worked."## Meanwhile, the couple, who have Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, and Romeo, recently spoke about wanting to expand their family again, after suffering two devastating miscarriages in the last year.## Alec said: "We're going to have another one, just not now. It's a question of time. It was a surprise."## Hilaria added: "Physically, I am feeling a lot better. Emotionally, I'm feeling a lot better. Sharing can be hard, but once you share, it feels a little more real and then once it's more real, you can heal... It also made me feel not alone."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

'Radio active' during lockdown: RJs work from home
2268 days ago
Bollywood

'Radio active' during lockdown: RJs work from home

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The world has come to a standstill after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak, but there's no stopping FM radio. It's a medium that reaches out to the maximum number of homes, where people eagerly tune in to the comforting voice of radio jockeys -- or RJs as we popularly call them -- as they search for assurance and hope.## As the entire nation works from home in the time of the pandemic, the radio jockeys too are staying in but keeping their job of entertaining their listeners first and working round the clock for content.## RJ Mallishka, who is popularly known as Mumbai Ki Rani, has been working from home for the past one week.## "We realized that we may not just put ourselves at risk but other people at risk as well because we work in little studios people are constantly moving in and out. Celebrities keep coming in," Malishka told IANS.## She added: "There are several ways people did it -- like I have a laptop, with a software on it, mic and headphones. I can also access my logs in the radio station but we do it in 3-way access basically I send my link, my producer goes through it edits it puts in the music. It is being done across many radio stations."## She finds work from home more "process-driven".## "It (working from home) is not difficult. It's more processed driven. People are at home so it takes one step extra but I feel the way technology is helping and the world is going I think it is a good idea to look at this because otherwise radio people are coming 5-6 days a week to work and it's difficult to take that off unless its pre-decided," she said.## However, sweet-toned RJ Aakriti begs to differ. She says working from home is not as easy as it seems.## "It's very difficult to work from home. As work gets doubled up. The feel of a studio is a different form than that of a home," Aakriti told IANS.## But she found a silver lining amid all of this.## "A lot of my listeners are actually listening to my show while staying at home. Trying to give them motivation through radio and music of course," she said.## Love guru RJ Rahul Makin told IANS that he is working through a laptop and remote access has been given to him.## "We are using a laptop and have got an app installed which controls all the songs and logs and whatever we have to say from the station. The IT people have given us remote access where we can control our program from our laptop only," Makin told IANS.## RJ Lucky, who is famous for taking out various sounds of several Bollywood stars, says he too has a set up at home but live interaction with his listeners is currently on hold.## We have been provided with laptops and have remote access to the system. There's the mic. So, we have a dummy set up at home now. So we record it and package the links then we upload it. It is easy. We just have to coordinate with the producer. Only the live calls we used to have, we are not taking them currently. We routing that traffic on our social media handles," Lucky, whose real name is Nitin Pahwa told IANS.## The mellifluous-voiced RJ Aditi feels social media has played a major role at the time of social distancing.## "The thing about radio is not about what you can say but it is also about what you cannot say. You cannot create a panic. The thing is for the people who are still on the road, I think we try and speak to them. Morale boosting happens a lot. Social media is playing a major part here.## "We are constantly giving out the handles of our stations, personal handles and we are getting a lot of direct messages. People are sending in their stories and we are giving them shout outs. We are encouraging everyone as we are all in this together," Aditi told IANS.## Stay tuned...

Kanika Kapoor tests positive 3rd time, friend is negative
2268 days ago
Bollywood

Kanika Kapoor tests positive 3rd time, friend is negative

Lucknow, March 25 (IANS) Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor has tested positive in her third COVID-19 test, reports of which came in on Tuesday night.## In the second test conducted on Sunday, she had tested positive.## Kanika is undergoing treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) here.## SGPGIMS Director Prof R. K. Dhiman said that the singer continues to test positive for the coronavirus and her treatment will continue until unless at least two tests show her negative.## Meanwhile, Kanika's friend, Ojas Desai, who had stayed with her at the Hotel Taj for two days and had later gone underground, has now tested negative for the deadly virus.## In a statement issued by Ojas, he has said that he had got himself tested for COVID-19 at the Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases at Mumbai and had tested negative. He even posted his test reports on social media.## Meanwhile, all those who had interacted with the singer during her stay in Lucknow earlier this month, have tested negative for coronavirus which is a major relief since a number of politicians, businessmen and socialites had attended the parties with the singer.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

Arshad Warsi: Pleased 'Asur' got such a great response
2269 days ago
Digital Media

Arshad Warsi: Pleased 'Asur' got such a great response

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Actor Arshad Warsi is "extremely pleased" that audiences loved his digital debut show, "Asur", and says he is grateful to his "loyal fans" who have supported him throughout his career. ## "I'm extremely pleased to hear that my digital debut, ‘Asur' has been receiving such a great response from the audience, as well from my friends and family," Arshad said. ## "In a day and age when web series are so popular, it is a great feeling that ‘Asur' is one of the few shows that has been winning the hearts of millions and I was so kicked to see a review of 9.1 on IMDb. This wouldn't have been possible without my fantastic co-cast and crew. Playing the character of Dhananjay Rajpoot was a great experience and I would like to thank the streaming service for giving me this platform to prove my versatility as an actor. And of course, grateful to my loyal fans who have supported me throughout my career," he added. ## Arshad's digital debut series "Asur" is a psychological thriller that streams on Voot Select. The series showcases the conflict between good and bad. The show takes the audience on a journey of two opposing worlds -- forensic science on the one hand and the mysteries of Indian mythology on the other. ## For more and the latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned to us.

Swara Bhasker: World facing a dangerous pandemic
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Swara Bhasker: World facing a dangerous pandemic

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Actress Swara Bhasker feels the whole world is facing a huge and dangerous pandemic, and says that it is time to leave aside political differences and do our bit for the safety of the country. ## "The whole world is facing a huge and dangerous pandemic.. it has been found that self quarantine and social distancing slow the speed with which the virus spreads," Swara said. ## "As our government makes efforts to bring the situation under control- as responsible citizens we must do our bit and follow the prescribed restrictions. Every movement has to adapt into the reality of the moment. And at this moment it is important that we leave aside our political differences and do our bit for the safety of the country and the whole world," she added. ## Earlier this week, the actress had posted on Instagram, urging the protesters to go home and self isolate due to the threat of the coronavirus. ## She posted: "My appeal to ALL the sit-in protests in times of Corona We are committed to the Constitution and we are committed to the values of the Constitution. At a time of global pandemic - as the Corona virus Covid-19 spreads all over India rapidly.. self quarantine, isolation and social distancing are the only ways to lessen the speed with which this virus spreads. As citizens it is our duty to isolate ourselves and social distance. In light of these developments- my appeal to the amazing Dadis of Shaheen Baugh and all the fiesty women and people of the sit-in protests across the country: Stand Up! Self isolate! Vacate the streets!" ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

COVID-19 diaries: Swwapnil Joshi recalls a special chat with little daughter
2269 days ago
Bollywood

COVID-19 diaries: Swwapnil Joshi recalls a special chat with little daughter

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Actor Swwapnil Joshi, who is receiving praise for his performance in his latest Marathi web series "Samantar", feels self-quarantine in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic has given him quality time to spend with his family. ## "I think everyone should take some time out to empty himself/herself, so that some kind of intellectual growth happens. This phase for me and for my family is a blessing in disguise. Not that we as a family do not spend time together, we do go for family dinners and shopping at malls and hotels. Now we are doing everything in a more participatory manner. Like in the kitchen we are helping each other to cook. We sit and watch films together, and chat over chai because we are not ordering food or sitting in a public place. Home is home after all," Swwapnil told IANS. ## Sharing a special chat he had with his daughter, the actor said: "Both my kids are very naughty. My daughter is four and my son is three. She sees that I don't step out and she says, 'why are you not going out? Is your school closed?' When I said yes, she asked me why am I not doing homework like she does, (and whether I was) in winter or summer vacation? I said I don't have to do homework, and she replied, 'I think I should join your school, in my school the teacher gives us homework. Your school is so much fun! Take me to your school'." ## He laughed and added: "When will a father get a chance to have such an intellectual conversation with his four years old daughter?" ## "Samantar" is directed by Satish Rajwade, and produced by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D. Nishandar. The series streams on the OTT platform MX Player. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

Big B works out at home, asks fans to keep 'the gym going'
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Big B works out at home, asks fans to keep 'the gym going'

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has been inspiring fans to stay fit during self-quarantine in the time of the coronavirus outbreak. ## On Tuesday, Big B posted a selfie from his gym. ## "Keep the gym going.. build resistance.. fight fight fight," he captioned the image. ## Amitabh's post has garnered a lot of praises. ## Actor Sidharth Malhotra commented: "Love and respect sir." ## Actor Dino Morea wrote: "Terrific sir...keep it going." ## On the film front, Big B will be seen in "Chehre" and "Gulabo Sitabo". ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.