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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.

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Lockdown diaries: Katrina Kaif works out as her sister Isabelle films
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Lockdown diaries: Katrina Kaif works out as her sister Isabelle films

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Katrina Kaif spends a whole lot of time working out to stay active during self-quarantine, and who should play the professional cameraperson to capture the Bollywood star's fitness moves but her sister Isabelle. ## On Tuesday, Katrina shared a couple of split-screen videos on her Instagram account where she can be seen working out at her building's terrace, while her trainer Yasmin Karachiwala also sweats it out at her home due to social distancing. ## Katrina captioned: "#WorkoutFromHome #Part2. Since we are all practicing #SocialDistancing @yasminkarachiwala and I worked out at our homes and put the workouts together for you to do at yours. Stay home stay safe." ## In the introductory video, Katrina says: "Since we are all still practicing social distancing, I am going to be doing my workout from home, Yas is going to do it from her house and we are going to do split screen. We are going to do a 10-minute warm-up and a 20-25 minutes full body routine. ## The actress also shared the details of her workout for her health freak fans to follow. She wrote: " #Warmup?? ## 1.Squat with feet hip width apart - 2 sets x 25 reps?? ## 2.Squat with feet wide parallel- 2 sets x 25 reps ?? ## 3.Squat with feet wide turnout- 2 sets x 25 reps ?? ## 4.Squat with feet together- 2 sets x 25 reps? ?? ## #Workout:?? ?? ## 1.Forward and Backward Lunge - 2 sets x 15 reps ?? ## 2.In Hover, Hip Dips - 3 sets x 20 reps ## 3.Curtsy Lunge to Side Kick - 3 sets x 15 reps ?? ## 4.Suicide Push- 3 sets x 15 reps ?? ## 5.Landis or Single Leg Squat - 3 sets x 15 reps ?? ## 6.Squat Jacks - 3 sets x 25 reps" ## Katrina had shared a video on Instagram on Monday where she can be seen washing dishes at home as the domestic help is unable to turn up amid coronavirus lockdown. The actress wrote: "really makes u appreciate all the help we have at home #socialdistancing #staysafe #helpoutathome." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Kamal Haasan, Sarika, Shruti, Akshara stay in 4 houses amid lockdown
2269 days ago
Kollywood

Kamal Haasan, Sarika, Shruti, Akshara stay in 4 houses amid lockdown

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) South superstar Kamal Haasan and his entire family are under self-isolation in different cities and houses. His wife Sarika and elder daughter Shruti are currently residing in separate apartments in Mumbai while the actor-politician himself and younger daughter Akshara are in Chennai in different houses. ## "I am used to being by myself. The difficult part is not having the option to go out and the looming fear of what all of this means for us. People have started taking it seriously in the last few days. Thankfully, by the time I returned, the shoots were also getting cancelled. My entire family has self-isolated. Mum (actress Sarika) is in Mumbai as well but in another apartment, Dad (Kamal Haasan) and Akshara (sister) are in Chennai but in separate houses. All of us had different travelling schedules and it didn't make sense for us to isolate together. That's the decision I feel people should make," Shruti told Mumbai Mirror. ## Shruti has returned from London just 10 days ago and is under home quarantine since then. ## The actress took to Instagram on Monday to share: "I hope everyone's ok ? I'm learning a lot about myself and im super glad I'm someone who enjoys my own company so much. It's good to use this time to introspect and ease into ourselves in silence. stay home , stay positive, take care and sending everyone lots of love and light. #stayhome #selfcare #selfiesnonstop #stayfit." ## Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide complete lockdown for 21 days. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Anil Kapoor: There's no escaping my workout
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Anil Kapoor: There's no escaping my workout

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) The outbreak of coronavirus has put a halt on normal lives of all people, but it has not stopped actor Anil Kapoor from working out! ## Anil on Tuesday took to Twitter, where he shared a video of him exercising indoors. ## "Let's keep moving ( indoors )! There's no escaping my workout when my trainer Marc is staying with me! #QuarantineandWorkout #StayHomeStayFit," Anil captioned the video. ## In the clip, Anil can be seen sweating it out a cycle. ## On the acting front, he was last seen on screen in "Malang", which also stars Aditya Roy Kapoor, Disha Patani and Kunal Kemmu. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Rajini, Suriya, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi donate for daily wage workers
2269 days ago
Kollywood

Rajini, Suriya, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi donate for daily wage workers

Chennai, March 24 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth has donated Rs 50 lakh for the wellbeing of daily wage workers of South Indian film industry in the time of complete shutdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports. Several other top star of southern cinema including Suriya, Karthi and Vijay Sethupati, besides many filmmakers have pitched in, too. ## Given the recent outbreak of COVID-19, theatres across Tamil Nadu have been closed, and shoot of films, television serials and advertisements are on hold as well. The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) president RK Selvamani earlierissued an appeal through a press release requesting the South Indian film fraternity to provide financial help to the daily wage members of the federation who don't have an income right now. ## Within a few hours Suriya, Karthi along with their father Sivakumar donated Rs 10 lakh. It was later reported that actor Sivakarthikeyan too donated Rs 10 lakh. ## Now, it is said that superstar Rajinikanth has donated 50 lakhs, while Vijay Sethupathi has donated 10 lakhs for the welfare of FEFSI members. ## Actors Parthipan and Prakash Raj have provided several rice bags weighing 25 kg each. Ever since RK Selvamani had put a request, Kollywood celebrities are leaving no stone unturned to help FEFSI members in need. In fact, it is these members who worked incredibly hard for the success of their films. ## Due to the lockdown, the shooting of Rajinikanth's ''Annaatthe'', which is directed by Siruthai Siva, has been put on hold. The film was reportedly scheduled to release in Diwali 2020, given the delay in shooting we are unsure if films will stick to their stipulated release dates. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Chris Hemsworth offers his workout regimes for free amid COVID-19 lockdown
2269 days ago
Hollywood

Chris Hemsworth offers his workout regimes for free amid COVID-19 lockdown

Los Angeles, March 24 (IANS) Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth is offering all of the workouts from his fitness app Centr for free, as gyms worldwide are shit down amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ## The 36-year-old actor announced members will get free access to his health, fitness and wellbeing program Centr for six weeks, including at-home training, healthy recipes using easily-available ingredients, meditations, and sleep visualisations, reports aceshowbiz.com ## "There's a lot of fear, anxiety and uncertainty in the world at the moment. You're probably stuck at home so I wanted to give everybody full access for free to my fitness app over the next six weeks," he said. ## "This app was designed to give people an opportunity to access the team that I've used over the years that have had a profoundly positive impact on my life. ## He added: "So times like this when there's a lot of uncertainty running through your head, I think now more than ever is when we need to focus on what I believe to be the three key pillars to living healthier and happier - movement, nutrition, and mental fitness." ## "We have been incredibly inspired by the outpouring of support and positivity from the community during this challenging time. We hope that by making Centr available to everyone for this extended period, we can help even more people stay strong, healthy and find a sense of calm at a time when we all need that the most." ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Amid pandemic, Vidya Balan thanks coronavirus for curbing pollution
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Amid pandemic, Vidya Balan thanks coronavirus for curbing pollution

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) With COVID-19 lockdowns all around, vehicular pollution has lessened. The air is purer, the trees are greener and the sky clearer. It seems the earth is using this opportunity to rejuvenate itself. Bollywood actress Vidya Balan finds a reason to smile despite the depressing atmosphere all around and thanks life coming to a standstill owing to the coronavirus scare, for stopping us for a while and making us realise the gift of life. ## The actress has posted a video to convey her thoughts, where she says: "Thank you coronavirus for shaking us and showing us we are dependent on something much bigger than we think. Thank you for making us appreciate the luxury we lived in -- abundance of products, freedom, health, and realising we were taking it for granted. Thank you for stopping us to make us see how lost we were in the 'busy-ness' not having time for the most basic things. Thank you for allowing us to put aside all our problems we thought were so important and showing us what is actually important." ## "Thank you for stopping the transport. The earth was begging us to look at the pollution for a very long time. We didn't listen." ## "Thank you for all the fear. It has been a global disease for years but not many of us wanted to face it. But now we have to face it and learn how to embrace it with love and with the support of our community. Thank you for this revaluation of our lives. Thank you as we finally understand what it means that we are all connected. Thank you for the unity between all of us...Be grateful, stay aware. Things will never be the same again. The world is changing now." ## Sharing the video on her Instagram, Vidya wrote: "There's always something to be grateful for." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaz Gill's music video gets a thumbs up from fans
2269 days ago
Digital Media

Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaz Gill's music video gets a thumbs up from fans

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) "Bigg Boss 13" fame contestants Sidharth Shukla and Shehnaz Gill are back to woo their fans again. This time, they feature together in the music video of singer Darshan Rawal's new number, "Bhula dunga". ## The romantic song showcases sizzling chemistry between Sidharth and Shehnaz, who made a lot of headlines for their close bond in the "Bigg Boss 13" house. ## Seeing the song, fans, who fondly call Sidharth and Shehnaz as "Sidnaz", showered praises and compliments on them. ## A user commented: "Sidharth ShukIa and Shehnaz's scenes are so well made.Their chemistry looks so natural." ## Another one wrote: "Great song...great expressions ...great chemistry." ## Before launching the song on social media, Shehnaz and Sidharth even went live on Instagram to converse with their followers. ## Shehnaz even requested her fans to "make the song a hit". ## Apart from Shehnaz and Sidharth, "Bigg Boss 13" contestants Asim Riaz , Himanshi Khurana, Paras Chhabra and Mahira Sharma too featured in music videos recently. ## For more and the latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned to us.

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Anxious about COVID-19? Stress can hamper sperm quality
2269 days ago
Lifestyle

Anxious about COVID-19? Stress can hamper sperm quality

New York, March 24 (IANS) Prolonged fear and anxiety owing to stressors like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can not only take a toll on a person's mental health but also have a lasting impact on sperm composition that could affect future offspring, warn researchers.## The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, outlines a biological mechanism for how a father's experience with stress can influence fetal brain development in the womb.## According to the researchers, the effects of paternal stress can be transferred to offspring through changes in the extracellular vesicles that then interact with maturing sperm. Extracellular vesicles are small membrane-bound particles that transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells.## They are produced in large amounts in the reproductive tract and play an integral role in sperm maturation.## "Properly managing stress can not only improve mental health and other stress-related ailments, but it can also help reduce the potential lasting impact on the reproductive system that could impact future generations," said study researcher Tracy Bale from the University of Maryland in the US.## To examine a novel biological role for extracellular vesicles in transferring dad's stress to sperm, the researchers examined extracellular vesicles from mice following treatment with the stress hormone corticosterone.## After treatment, the extracellular vesicles showed dramatic changes in their overall size as well as their protein and small RNA content.## When sperm were incubated with these previously "stressed" extracellular vesicles prior to fertilizing an egg, the resulting mouse pups showed significant changes in patterns of early brain development, and as adults these mice were also significantly different than controls for how they responded to stress themselves.## To see if similar differences occurred in human sperm, the researchers recruited students to donate sperm each month for six months, and complete questionnaires about their perceived stress state in the preceding month.## They found that students who had experienced elevated stress in months prior showed significant changes in the small RNA content of their sperm, while those who had no change in stress levels experienced little or no change.## These data confirm a very similar pattern found in the mouse study.## "Our study shows that the baby's brain develops differently if the father experienced a chronic period of stress before conception, but we still do not know the implications of these differences," said Bale.## According to the researchers, stress-induced changes in the male reproductive system take place at least a month after the stress is attenuated and life has resumed its normal patterns.## "It is important to realize that social distancing does not have to mean social isolation, especially with modern technologies available to many of us," said Joshua Gordon, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health in his web message about coping with coronavirus.## "Connecting with our friends and loved ones, whether by high tech means or through simple phone calls, can help us maintain ties during stressful days ahead and will give us the strength to weather this difficult passage".## For more and latest news about Life-Style, stay tuned with us.

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Demand of new releases expected to go up post COVID-19
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Demand of new releases expected to go up post COVID-19

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Bollywood and Hollywood were the box office drivers of 2019, making the coveted one billion clubs the new normal. With the coronavirus epidemic hitting the entertainment sector hard, the demand for new films is expected to grow so that the industry can return on the same path after the lockdown phase.## According to a study by Kotak Institutional Equities Research, CY2019 was the second consecutive year of good box office performance. Bollywood churned out 17 over Rs1 billion grossers, nearly doubling the count over CY2017-19.## The box office success report highlights some trends -- impressive progress of movies into Rs 1 billion and Rs 2 billion clubs. The number of films crossing Rs1 billion/Rs2 billion Net Box Office Collection (NBOC) has doubled to 17/7 over CY 2017-19.## The growth can be attributed to -- the proliferation of multiplexes, the rise of young stars and the associated increase in the supply of good content, broad-based demand across weekends, a gradual move away from quarterly seasonality and high dependence on long weekends.## Another highlight was the relatively muted growth of the top five movies. Over the past few years, the top five movies (5-yr CAGR at 4%) have dragged Bollywood NBOC growth. This trend is due to fading BO performance of the big stars (the three Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir); the new crop of stars are yet to deliver blockbuster hits, the inability of multiplexes to expand footfall base given a weak macro and modest growth in per capita income/purchasing power and limited crossover films such as "Baahubali" that cut across regions.## It is important to mention that the steady improvement in the performance of the new crop of stars (Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kartik Aaryan, Rajkummar Rao and Alia Bhatt) and Akshay Kumar have more than compensated for the falling contribution of the three Khans' NBOC.## The market of streaming services must be growing in India, but it doesn't affect the box office business. Several movies that score low on visual effects/production value have garnered Rs1 billion + NBOC. Ideally, OTT should have impacted BO collection of such movies if one assumes that consumers prefer to watch movies with good visual effects in cinemas and low-to-mid budget films on small screens.## The "Avengers" film broke records. Hollywood's contribution to PVR's ticket sales increased to 19% in CY2019 from 16-17% earlier. It is worth noting that "Avengers: Endgame" surpassed the #1 Hindi movie of CY2019 in terms of India NBOC. It was the only movie to have round-the-clock shows on the release weekend.## In fact, "Avengers: Endgame" (CY2019) grew 67% over "Avengers: Infinity War" (CY2018) in India versus 37% growth worldwide. The report shows a growing market for Marvel superhero movies in India, backed by the popularity of a few Hollywood sequels in India and untapped opportunities.## When it comes to the regional box office, CY2019 was one of the weakest years for regional BO, especially South. PVR's SPI cinemas' occupancy dropped to 51% in CY2019 from about 57% in CY2018. A pick-up in the regional box office led by multiplex penetration is a trend that should play out in the future.## With the world experiencing a complete/partial lockdown of cinemas in view of the Covid-19 outbreak, PVR is expected to incur a cash loss of about Rs550-600 million per month. According to the study, the company has adequate liquidity to navigate a complete lockdown of about five months and would be able to borrow more, if need be.## Post Covid-19, things seem to get better with "a strong bounce-back" expected. The demand is expected to be led by pent-up demand, and a packed line-up of movies.## "We believe that PVR's performance is largely linked to content quality and likely weakness in macro aftermath Covid-19 would have a modest impact on PVR's operating performance," read the report.## For more and latest news about Bollywood and Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Here's how 'Mere Sai' actor Tushar used to spend time with baby on set
2269 days ago
TV

Here's how 'Mere Sai' actor Tushar used to spend time with baby on set

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Film and television shoots have been postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus and actor Tushar Dalvi, who plays the role of Sai in "Mere Sai", is badly missing the sets and his shooting with the little baby for the devotional serial.## Recalling his shoot with the baby, Tushar said: "Alishpha is an adorable baby. Everyone has become so attached to her in such a short time. She is very cute and sometimes I stayed back after shooting hours or came early, just so that I can play with her. My vanity van has become hers; it's filled with all her toys and food. She's so adorable!."## The new track of the show sees a mother and her son getting drawn towards Sai due to the melodious flute tune played by Sai. The episodes showcase how the baby is taken away from her mother and Sai helps the mother and son to reunite.## "Mere Sai" airs on Sony TV.## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

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Vijay Varma: I am glad to be a part of Imtiaz Ali's creation
2269 days ago
Bollywood

Vijay Varma: I am glad to be a part of Imtiaz Ali's creation

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) Actor Vijay Varma, who became a household name after "Gully Boy", returns as a dreaded narcotics dealer in the Netflix web series "She", scripted by Imtiaz Ali. The actor is extremely elated to have got an opportunity to be a part of the filmmaker's creation.## "I am glad that I have got an opportunity to be a part of Imtiaz Ali's creation, which is so beautiful and so full of rich, profound stories. This is a completely different shade of Imtiaz Ali is what I felt. He has a wide range of things to say and this one is his most unique story to date," Vijay told IANS.## In the web series, a lady constable poses as a prostitute to help the police nab Sasya, the narcotics dealer.## Sharing about his character, the actor said: "I play a character called Sasya, although it's debatable what his real name is. He works in a very mysterious way, he is doing a business which is very secret. Therefore the personality is extremely secretive. The unreliability of this person is extremely attractive. He belongs to a certain region and speaks that dialect. The most charming part of this character is the surprises and shocks that he brings."## Sasya is a sadistic person and a control freak especially in matters of sexuality. Informing about the character traits, Vijay added: "There is a deep sense of superiority that he experiences because he is a control freak. Especially when it comes to matters of sexuality, he thinks that is his forte. There are streaks of sadistic nature in him and there is also a great storyteller in him at the same time."## It wasn't easy to approach this kind of character initially. For Vijay, it was quite disturbing but at the same time interesting because he is fascinated by the works of Manto and Ismat Chughtai.## The actor revealed: "It disturbed me when I heard the part. The story also felt disturbing. Therefore it compelled me to dig deeper and find something. I am a big fan of writers like Manto and Ismat Chughtai who dwell in these kinds of complex emotions. All these fascinating stories and storytellers have charmed me."## Also starring Aaditi Pohankar, "She" premiered on Netflix on March 20. The web series has been directed by Avinash Das and Arif Ali.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Taylor Swift: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West put me through hell
2269 days ago
Hollywood

Taylor Swift: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West put me through hell

Los Angeles, March 24 (IANS) Pop superstar Taylor Swift says rapper Kanye West's leaked video proves she was being framed, asserting that she was telling the truth.## Just days after the alleged full audio of her phone conversation with Kanye got leaked online, Swift has addressed and sent a message to her fans.## The pop superstar, 30, posted to her Instagram Story on Monday and revealed she feels vindicated, reports dailymail.co.uk.## In an image posted as part of her Instagram Stories, the singer wrote: "Instead of answering those who are asking how I feel about the video footage that leaked, proving that I was telling the truth the whole time about *that call* (you know, the one that was illegally recorded, that somebody edited and manipulated in order to frame me and put me, my family, and fans through hell for 4 years)… SWIPE up to see what really matters."## She asked people to now move on from the headline-grabbing infamous feud between her and Kim and Kanye -- which stemmed from the rapper's lyrics in his track "Famous".## The singer directed her followers to the Feeding America website, suggesting they donate to the non-profit organization that operates a network of food banks helping people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.## "The World Health Organization and Feeding America are some of the organizations I've been donating to. If you have the ability to, please join me in donating during this crisis," she said.## The leaked video of a phone call is about the controversy surrounding West's lyrics about Swift in his song "Famous". Swift claimed she was unaware that West would refer to her as "that b***h" in his song. But West's wife Kim had shared an edited video in 2016 of West speaking to Swift and getting her approval for the song.## Now, the leaked footage began circulating on the Internet on Friday and supports Swift's story.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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