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

Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya-Starrer 'Bangarraju' To Launch 2022 With Teaser
1622 days ago
Tollywood

Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya-Starrer 'Bangarraju' To Launch 2022 With Teaser

Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) The makers of Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya-starrer 'Bangarraju' dropped an update on the release of their teaser. The makers shared that it will be launched on Saturday.## The makers revealed the update along with a poster featuring Naga Chaitanya and Nagarjuna. With bling, rural backdrop, the duo is seen posing with style, in the poster.## As the father-son duo, Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya are to share the screen together in 'Bangarraju' after Tollywood's classic movie 'Manam', speculations are rife.## Helmed by Kalyan Krishna, 'Bangarraju' is billed to be the sequel to Nagarjuna's super hit movie 'Soggade Chinni Nayana'.## 'Bangarraju' stars Ramya Krishnan as Akkineni Nagarjuna's wife, while Krithi Shetty of 'Uppena' fame plays the female lead opposite Akkineni Naga Chaitanya.## Anup Rubens has scored music, while Yuvaraj handled the cinematography. Zee Studios is co-producing the project with Nagarjuna's own production banner Annapurna Studios Pvt Ltd.## It is reported that the makers of 'Bangarraju' have wrapped up the shooting formalities, and the post-production works are in full swing currently.## Though there is no official update from the team, 'Bangarraju' is expected to be in the Sankranthi race along with Ram Charan and NTR starrer 'RRR' and 'Radhe Shyam' starring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Kareena Kapoor Khan Reveals Her 'Best Part of 2021'
1622 days ago
Bollywood

Kareena Kapoor Khan Reveals Her 'Best Part of 2021'

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has revealed the best part of 2021 in the latest post on social media.## Kareena, who is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, posted a picture of her younger son Jeh on Instagram on Friday. The picture does not clearly show the toddler's face but one can be seen laughing.## "His two teeth, the best part of 2021 #31est December #Mera Beta# Blessed New year all," she wrote.## Saif and Kareena, who are fondly called Saifeena by their fans, had tied the knot in December 2012. Jeh was born on February 21.## Speaking about her work, Kareena will be seen sharing screen space with superstar Aamir Khan in the upcoming film 'Laal Singh Chaddha'.## Stay tuned...

Read Article
TRPs look good for 'Bigg Boss Telugu 5' grand finale
1622 days ago
TV

TRPs look good for 'Bigg Boss Telugu 5' grand finale

Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) The grand finale of the reality show 'Bigg Boss Season 5' garnered decent ratings on TRP, although it fell short of the previous season's finale, according to reports. ## The ratings of the four-and-a-half-hour-long episode are out. According to BARC, Star MAA has got 18.4 (SD+HD) TVR Ratings for the Grand finale. ## While the TRP ratings indicate some impressive numbers in the Urban category, the grand finale of 'Bigg Boss Telugu 5', as indicated by the TRP chart, doesn't draw higher ratings than those of seasons 3 and 4. ## India's top stars Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor appeared in the show's grand finale along with director SS Rajamouli and the 'Brahmastra' team. ## Also, the 'Pushpa' team- Rashmilka Mandanna, Devi Sri Prasad, and Sukumar were present to promote their movie, as well as take the show forward. ## The event had Nani and his 'Shyam Singha Roy' co-actors Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty as well. With Nagarjuna as the host, the season had ended on a high note. ## The makers of 'Bigg Boss' have announced the OTT version of the reality show, which is likely to begin in February 2022. ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
How 'Decoupled' director Hardik Mehta keeps his politics out of his work
1622 days ago
Digital Media

How 'Decoupled' director Hardik Mehta keeps his politics out of his work

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Director Hardik Mehta, whose recent web show 'Decoupled' has struck a chord with connoisseurs of humour, feels that for a filmmaker to do complete justice to a script, it's imperative that they don't let their personal inclinations or politics seep into the design and positioning of a scene. ## The director says: "My thought process or politics might not completely align with what Manu (Joseph, the writer and creator of, 'Decoupled') would have proposed in a scene. But as a filmmaker, it's my job, it is my prerogative to ensure that a scene is directed and made in a way that is absolutely convincing." ## For him, keeping the personal inclinations aside and to work together towards a constructive outcome forms the essence of the collaborative process that filmmaking is. ## He says: "That is exactly where collaboration comes in. That has actually been a very interesting part of making this series." ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
'Game Of Thrones' writer George R.R. Martin teases 'House of Dragons' series
1622 days ago
TV

'Game Of Thrones' writer George R.R. Martin teases 'House of Dragons' series

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Novelist George R.R. Martin has seen a rough cut of the 'Game of Thrones' spin-off series 'House of Dragons' and "loved it", as he said that the "Targaryens are in very good hands". ## The 73-year-old author wrote the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series of books that the HBO fantasy drama was based on, and has now teased the upcoming spin-off series, which tells the story of the Targaryen family, is set to be "amazing", reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## In a post on his website in which he reflected on 'House of Dragons' being named IMDb's "most anticipated new show" of 2022, he wrote: "Don't tell anyone a I've seen a rough cut of the first episode. And loved it. It's dark, it's powerful, it's visceral a just the way I like my epic fantasy." ## Martin went on to praise executive producers Ryan J. Condal and Miguel Sapochnik for their work on the series, and said the show was "in very good hands". ## He added: "Ryan and Miguel have done an amazing job. And the cast a just as with 'Game of Thrones', most viewers will only have heard of a few of the actors, but I think you are going to fall in love with a lot of them. (Only to have your heart broken later when a but no, that would be telling). ## "I think the Targaryens are in very good hands." ## The author concluded his post by telling fans to "anticipate away" ahead of the show's premiere and said, "I do not think you will be disappointed". ## 'House of Dragons' follows the Targaryen civil war, which occurred about 300 years before the events that took place in 'Game of Thrones'. ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Vishal Gandhi, Manish Khanna open up on their entry into the show 'Meet'
1622 days ago
TV

Vishal Gandhi, Manish Khanna open up on their entry into the show 'Meet'

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Television actors Vishal Gandhi and Manish Khanna have talked about their entry in the show 'Meet' and how their characters will add more drama to the storyline. ## Vishal, who plays Tej Ahlawat in 'Meet', said: "My character in 'Meet' is slightly different from the usual ones I've portrayed so far. He is a well-respected guy who has been turned into a mentally unstable beggar because of some past incidents in life. ## "I am sure the revelation about my character will leave everyone astonished and that's why I agreed to be a part of this show." ## The actor, who is known for playing grey shaded character Mihir Sukhadia in 'Tamanna', said he loves to play challenging roles. ## He added: "It is also challenging to play divergent characters and as an actor, I am also seeking such roles." ## On the other hand, 'Yeh Hai Mohabbatein' actor Manish also expressed his happiness at being a part of the show. ## He shared: "I'm really glad to be a part of a show like 'Meet' which is loved and appreciated by the audience so much. It's always a challenge to join a show midway because the viewers are already accustomed and used to the actors, however, a new face always adds to the drama." ## He further shared about his on-screen personality, saying: My character of JP is slightly in the grey zone, but he is not wrong as a person. He just wants what is best for his daughter. I am sure JP's tricks are all set to bring in a lot of high-voltage drama and I hope I do justice to my character in 'Meet'." ## 'Meet' airs on Zee TV. ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Arnold Schwarzenegger donates 25 houses to homeless veterans
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Arnold Schwarzenegger donates 25 houses to homeless veterans

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has donated 25 houses to homeless veterans in Los Angeles, after teaming up with the Village for Vets programme. ## Schwarzenegger paid $250,000 to purchase the structures, located in West Los Angeles, according to Fox11, and donated them to those who previously fought in the US armed forces but are now facing homelessness, reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## The 74-year-old actor tweeted about it. ## He wrote: "Today, I celebrated Christmas early. The 25 homes I donated for homeless veterans were installed here in LA. It was fantastic to spend some time with our heroes and welcome them into their new homes. ## "I want to thank @villageforvets for arranging the homes and being a fantastic partner, @secvetaffairs, @amvetshq and everyone who worked with us and made this possible. We proved that when we all work together, we can solve any problem." ## One veteran named Bruce Henry Cooper told Fox11 the project had been a "life-saver" for him and other homeless veterans this Christmas. ## He added of the 'Kindergarten Cop' actor: "He has not forgotten us." ## The Village for Vets project has been working with retired service members who have resorted to living on the streets since 2016, by setting them up with tiny houses that are fully equipped with water, heating, electricity and air conditioning. ## Schwarzenegger also told Fox11 in an interview that he considered the joy he felt after his charitable deed to be "the greatest Christmas gift" he could have received. ## He said: "It makes me feel good that I can give something back to this country that has given everything to me. I had this great success, only because of America a Whatever I tackled, I achieved because of America, so to me it's always great to give something back." ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Avicii's diaries reveal mental health struggles before suicide
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Avicii's diaries reveal mental health struggles before suicide

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Late Swedish EDM star Avicii's diaries have been reproduced in Mans Mosesson's upcoming book titled 'Tim - The Official Biography of Avicii' and they give an insight into his health issues and mental health struggles. ## Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was just 28 when he took his own life during a holiday in Oman three years ago but he suffered with alcohol and drug addiction following his ascent to fame, reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## Now, his diaries have been reproduced in Mosesson's upcoming book and they give an insight into his health issues, including being rushed to hospital in January 2012 after developing pancreatitis - caused by excessive drinking and acne medication. ## Avicii was warned that another drink would kill him and he turned to his diaries to share his feelings, including his relief at ending up in hospital. ## He wrote: "I had a hard time accepting never drinking again though strongly suggested from all doctors to wait at least a year before even having a beer. ## "Of course, I didn't listen to the majority of the doctors, I listened to the couple who said it was ok if I was careful. I was ignorant and naive and touring the world, still on the never-ending tour - because once you've circled it once, guess what? ## "You start right back over again. Those days in hospital were the most anxiety and stress-free days I can remember the past six years, those were my true vacations, as depressing as it might sound. ## "The relief of going from extreme pain to none, knowing that no one is expecting anything other than for you to wait it out (which is the only way of treating pancreatitis) and then recover was huge. It was an extreme relief considering the insane schedule I had kept up until that point." ## He shared his experiences at rehab in 2015 and implored his future self to deal with his pain. ## "It needed to be explained to me very logically and caveman-esque for me to truly understand its nature and how it was harming me. Ouch, pain. Why me pain now? Uncomfortable feeling... ## "Future Tim deal with pain. Future Tim deal with pain better than present Tim because already there's too many present pains more urgent to deal with," he had said. ## Avicii also took up meditation to combat his demons and quickly became obsessed with it. ## "It feels like I am in a new default mode of being which is very new and a little bit scary. It felt like the fears the last couple of days caused havoc in me, but I remember the tip to focus on my breathing." ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Noted Malayalam film and TV actor G.K. Pillai dead; he was 97
1622 days ago
Mollywood

Noted Malayalam film and TV actor G.K. Pillai dead; he was 97

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) Malayalam actor G.K.Pillai, who was famous for playing the villain in action films and for performing stunts without using body doubles, passed away on Friday. He was 97 and died because of an age-related illness. ## After spending 13 years in both the Army and the Navy, Pillai retired from the military and launched his illustrious career in Malayalam cinema with the film 'Snehaseema' in 1954. He acted in more than 325 films and later ventured into television, where he was active till two years ago. ## A hugely respected actor, Pillai's baritone voice was his distinguishing feature and it won him many roles and several film awards. He also dabbled in politics and was seen frequently in Congress party circles. ## He is survived by six children. His wife had predeceased him. The last rites will be held here later in the day. ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Anthony Hopkins-starrer 'The Father' gets top award at Chinese film fest
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Anthony Hopkins-starrer 'The Father' gets top award at Chinese film fest

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) The Chinese government-backed Golden Rooster Awards honoured Oscar-winning drama 'The Father' with the event's first-ever prize for best international film in the coastal city of Xiamen. ## Beijing hopes that its star-studded awards ceremony can surpass the Taipei-based Golden Horse Awards, once known as the "Oscars of Asia" for Chinese-language content. ## This year, the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, which kicked off Tuesday, added the international film competition category for the first time, reports variety.com. ## This year's 34th iteration honors films screened theatrically in China between July 1, 2020 and July 15, 2021. ## 'The Father' beat out animation 'Wolfwalkers', World War II drama 'Persian Lessons', Italy's live-action 'Pinocchio' and the Thai drama 'Happy Old Year'. ## The film grossed $4.14 million in China in June nearly double the $2.12 million it earned in the US. ## Veteran helmer Zhang Yimou was the most decorated of this year's ceremony, with his two films 'Cliff Walkers' and 'One Second' bringing home four of the top prizes. ## Zhang won best director for his work on spy thriller 'Cliff Walkers', which also netted a best actor win for his lead, Zhang Yi. Beijing had selected the film as this year's submission to the Academy Awards. The director's Cultural Revolution-set 'One Second' won best supporting actor (Fan Wei) and best sound. ## The prize for best feature film went to jingoistic local drama 'Island Keeper', a film created as an ode to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist party based on the real-life story of a couple who face hardships to guard China's coastline. Fellow 100th anniversary title '1921' took home gold with best screenplay. ## Zhang Xiaofei won best actress for her work as the titular mom in the Chinese New Year hit 'Hi, Mom', while Zhu Yuanyuan won best supporting actress for her work in family drama 'My Sister'. ## Stay tuned.

Read Article
Ajith's 'Valimai' trailer sets Internet afire, garners over a lakh views in less than 15 mins!
1622 days ago
Kollywood

Ajith's 'Valimai' trailer sets Internet afire, garners over a lakh views in less than 15 mins!

Chennai, Dec 30 (IANS) The official trailer of actor Ajith's upcoming film 'Valimai', which was released on Thursday evening, set the Internet on fire with the video garnering a whopping 1.1 lakh views in less than 15 minutes of being released on YouTube. ## Scores of fans of the actor bought tickets just to watch the trailer of the film on the big screen. ## The neatly cut, high-energy sharp trailer of the much-awaited film, directed by Vinoth, gives away the fact that Ajith plays a cop called Arjun in the film and that he goes after a team of criminals who believe that their strength gives them the right to take what they want. ## The trailer gives a glimpse of the adrenaline-pumping race sequences that the film has in store for audiences and shows Ajith explaining that strength is only meant to protect others and not for oneself. ## The film, which is set to hit screens for Pongal next year, promises to be an action feast and a visual treat for audiences. ## The Trailer Can Be Seen Below: ## ##

Read Article
Jessica Henwick Almost Quit Acting Before Landing 'Matrix' Role
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Jessica Henwick Almost Quit Acting Before Landing 'Matrix' Role

London, Dec 30 (IANS) Actress Jessica Henwick has shared that she was in a "weird space" prior to finding stardom and almost gave up on her acting dreams just before taking on the role of Bugs in 'The Matrix Resurrections'.## She said: "I just took a second to think, 'Am I doing this because I still want to do it and I love it, or am I doing this because it's what I'm used to?' And so, I stopped and I decided to get out of town and I bought a one-way ticket to France. And then, I just started walking".## The 'Knives Out 2' star took herself on a 40-day hike in an effort to clear her head when in-between acting roles, just before receiving the offer to star alongside Keanu Reeves in the latest 'Matrix' movie, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## She told Film: "I just started hiking and I was halfway through a 40-day hike. I turned on my phone, it was near my birthday and I wanted to tell everyone I was alive, and I got an email saying, 'Would you like to audition for the Matrix?' And I just said no, because I hadn't finished the hike and I hadn't come to an answer yet of what I wanted to do in my life.## "I turned it down. (So I) made a self-tape, flew to America a couple of days later, tested with Yahya (Abdul-Mateen II, who plays a "completely different" version of Morpheus in 'The Matrix Resurrections'), and had the phone call from (director) Lana Wachowski a few days after that".## Meanwhile, Henwick recently revealed she took a part in 'Knives Out 2' so she could study Rian Johnson's filmmaking style.## She will appear in the murder mystery sequel and admits that she was desperate to get his advice as she was helming a short film at the time.## She said: "The main reason I really signed on was that I actually wanted to study him. I was directing a short film ('Bus Girl') at the same time, which he very kindly was able to take a break in the schedule for me to fly home, shoot and then fly back to set.## "So he let me shadow him on and off throughout production, and he gave me directing advice. So it was just the best time".## Henwick explained how she has been a fan of Rian since watching his directorial debut 'Brick' during a film class and revealed that the director was "morally obliged" to cast her in the 'Knives Out' sequel after she was cut from his film 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.## The 'Underwater' actress recalled: "When I was a teenager, I watched 'Brick' in school and I loved it. So I wrote (Rian Johnson) a fan email, and he never responded.## "Cut to seven years later, I'm in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', and I'm meant to go back to 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. But Rian cuts me out of the project!"## She continued: "Cut to this year, I finally got sent this script and I was like, 'Put me in coach. Give me a Zoom. I don't care if I get it. I just want to speak to Rian'. So I revealed all of this to him. I was like, 'I have a bone to pick with you!' And of course, he was forced - he was morally obligated - to cast me in 'Knives Out'."## Stay tuned...

Read Article
Prev Next