I

IANS News

1758 Articles

Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

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.

COVID-19 update: Idris Elba's quarantine time with wife Sabrina
2270 days ago
Hollywood

COVID-19 update: Idris Elba's quarantine time with wife Sabrina

Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Actor Idris Elba has admitted that his time in quarantine with wife Sabrina Dhowre-Elba has tested their relationship. ## Earlier this week, the married couple revealed that they had both contracted the coronavirus. ## Now, the actor took to Instagram live on day 13 of quarantine, to answer questions from fans while Sabrina sat next to him on the couch, reports dailymail.co.uk. ## "So far I am feeling okay. It's about keeping my mental health. I am just trying to keep my mind clear. We have just been peaceful," he said. ## He continued: "Although we did have one fight yesterday. I had to go into another room. This is a definite test of your relationship and your humanity." ## Sabrina had not contracted the virus originally, but refused to not stay with her husband during his quarantine -- as a result contracting coronavirus. ## Talking about the virus, Elba said: "Corona was set up as an instadeath-threat -- everyone just thought 'oh my God I'm gonna die'. But it's helped me to understand that COVID-19 is just one strand of corona and that made me feel better. I am lucky that I am not really showing any symptoms. Part of it is a lot of people don't understand it. But I'm not discrediting that people are dying…" ## One fan changed the subject and questioned him about the possibility of him playing James Bond, to which he replied: "It's a rumour. I am not going to get it definitely. It is just the biggest rumour in the world!" ## Earlier during a conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Sabrina defended her decision not to isolate her husband. She said that she "wanted to be with him" and claimed she felt "the instinct of a wife" to take care of him. ## Elba is thought to have been exposed to the virus on March 4. The actor spent the next several days on set of the upcoming Netflix film "The Harder They Fall" in Sante Fe, New Mexico. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, 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.

Covid-19 update: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson feeling better
2270 days ago
Hollywood

Covid-19 update: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson feeling better

Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Oscar-winning star Tom Hanks has shared an update on his health, saying he and his wife Rita Wilson are feeling better following their coronavirus diagnosis.## Hanks took to social media to share his health update, reports hollywoodreporter.com.## "Two weeks after our first symptoms and we feel better," he wrote.## He also encouraged people to practice social-distancing.## "Sheltering in place works like this: You don't give it to anyone - You don't get it from anyone. Common sense, no? Going to take a while, but if we take care of each other, help where we can, and give up some comforts... this, too, shall pass. We can figure this out," he added.## Meanwhile, Wilson on Sunday posted a video of herself rapping "Hip hop hooray". The Instagram post was captioned: "Quarantine Stir Crazy. See it to believe it."## On March 12, Hanks announced that he and Wilson had tested positive for the coronavirus. They've been self-isolating at a rented home in Australia after being released from the hospital last week.## Hanks had made the trip to Australia to begin filming Baz Luhrmann's as-yet-untitled Elvis Presley biopic. The actor will essay the role of Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker in the film. The production on the movie was halted following Hanks' diagnosis.## It is believed that Hanks and Wilson contracted the coronavirus in the US, or while traveling from the States to Australia.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with 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.

COVID-19: Suriya tweets video on importance of social distancing
2270 days ago
Kollywood

COVID-19: Suriya tweets video on importance of social distancing

Chennai, March 23 (IANS) Tamil superstar Suriya has taken to social media to explain to fans the importance and necessity of social distancing.## In a brief video that the actor has posted on Twitter, Suriya says the coronavirus is spreading faster than we thought, and we can spread awareness about it. Referencing the Jallikattu and Marina protests, he asked people to stay indoors and take part in this war against Corona. He also said that the death toll in Italy is higher than in China because of the ignorance of people living outside. The actor insisted that we should follow the precautions such as keeping a safe distance from one another and washing hands so that India doesn't become another Italy.## He also explained that when a person, who carries the virus, travels by train or goes to a public event instead of isolating himself, he passes the virus to everyone around, and they suffer. He added that doctors, government officials have been risking their lives, so we have to be at home to stay healthy.## Suriya then quoted a few words from Valluvar's classic Tamil Language text, "The Thirukkural", which says: "Anjuvathu anjamai pethamai (It is foolish to say no to fear)."## Meanwhile, Suriya will team up with director Hari for the sixth time. Titled "Aruvaa", the film was slated to release in Diwali 2020.## The actor recently completed the shoot of his film ''Soorarai Pottru''.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, 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.