BY IANS NEWS

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

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Mumbai, March 22 (IANS) Playing the protagonist in the new web series "She" has been an exciting journey for Aaditi Pohankar. The "Lai Bhaari" fame actress plays the lead character on the show.## Aaditi's character in the Imtiaz Ali-scripted show is called Bhumika Pardesi. She is a lady constable who has to pose as a prostitute to help the police force nab a dreaded narcotics dealer.## "What I understood about Bhumika Pardesi is that she is a timid person going through the mundane rhythm of life, where she goes to work and comes back home. When she goes home, where she is with her family, she becomes her real life. She is melancholic, rather masochistic at times," the actress told IANS, describing her character.## The antagonist is a dreaded narcotics dealer named Sasya, played by Vijay Varma.## Talking about how the two characters are interrelated, the actress said: "Sasya is a catalyst in Bhumika's life in a strong way. As Bhumika goes ahead, she is just understanding herself. From being timid, she is realizing that it is okay to be what she is being now and it's okay sometimes to think about Sasya. Nobody is watching her."## In what way was becoming Bhumika a challenge for her? "Challenge is very subjective. It's so much fun! I don't like to go on those scary rides, I would rather go on that ride within my script. I would like to go and not look where I am going to reach but I still want to take that leap, and I want to keep falling down that valley till I feel free. And I feel free at times with that character. Like with Bhumika at times I was just sitting and it did work out very well," Aaditi replied.## "It was not very challenging but of course all the credit goes to Imtiaz sir (Ali) with the great rehearsals that we did, with the amount of talking that we did on it. And of course with Arif sir (Arif Ali, director) and Avinash sir (Avinash Das, director), it didn't feel like a challenge. It has been an exciting journey," she concluded.## Directed by Arif Ali and Avinash Das, the web series has premiered on Netflix on March 20.## For more and latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, March 22 (IANS) The Salman Khan-hosted popular show "Bigg Bos 13" will return on TV. The show is all set to see a re-run on Colors because the channel has had to end its swayamvar-based show aceMujhse Shaadi Karoge" owing to the coronavirus outbreak. ## The channel has recently unveiled a fresh promo of "Bigg Boss 13" on socia media. The new promo announcing the re-run of the show was launched on Twitter and Instagram. According to the channel's announcement, the show will be aired March 23 onward at 10pm. ## "Relive the most entertaining, dramatic and exciting season of #BiggBoss! Tune in and watch #BiggBoss13 from 23rd March, 10 PM only on #Colors @BeingSalmanKhan Anytime on @justvoot," said the official announcement by the channel on its official handle, @ColorsTV. ## The promo highlights some of the more talked-about incidents of the seasons, such as Sidharth Shukla and Asim Riaz's fight, Sidharth Shukla's fight with Rashami Desai, and Asim's romance with Himanshi Khurana. ## "Bigg Boss 13" ran from September 29, 2019 to February 15, 2020. Television star Sidharth Shukla won the season while Asim Riaz was runner-up. ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chennai, March 21 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth on Saturday urged citizens to stay indoors on March 22 and follow 'Janata Curfew', as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.## In the tweet and video posted on social media, Rajinikanth said India is preparing to prevent the crucial Stage 3 community transmission of coronavirus across the country.## "Right now, India is in the second stage of battling the coronavirus and we can't let it go to the next level. If we can prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in public spaces for 12 to 14 hours, that itself is enough to stop it from progressing to the third stage."## "Italy tried implementing similar nationwide curfew to prevent Stage 3, but due to lack of support from the citizens, the efforts failed, resulting in the death of thousands of people to the pandemic," he wrote, adding: "We don't want such a crisis in India and I urge everyone to rise to the occasion and participate in the Janata curfew by strictly staying indoors and practicing social distancing."## Rajinikanth also asked people to appreciate the selfless service of the medical personnel by participating in the nationwide appreciation applause and prayers at 5 pm on Sunday.## "Let's praise them, pray for them and their families and support them wholeheartedly by cooperating with the government's request," he said.## Recently, Rajinikanth praised the efforts of Tamil Nadu government to contain COVID-19. However, he also suggested that the government announce financial assistance to the needy to help them overcome the situation. "We have to appreciate the precautionary steps being taken by the Tamil Nadu government to prevent the spread of coronavirus. As people, we all too should join hands with the government to help prevent the spread of the virus," he wrote.## The actor-politician's new film "Annatthe" has been put on hold, following the shutdown of all film and TV production in India. His television debut on "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls" will however air as scheduled on Monday on Discovery India.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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

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Kerala, March 21 (IANS) Oscar-winning sound artiste Resul Pookutty has thanked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and given a shoutout to the Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja for taking care of the people. ## Pookutty took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm proud of this man! A true leader... #ShailajaTeacher You are the best we have, thank you for taking care of my people, like a mother, your efforts are relentless!" Pookutty tweeted. ## Vijayan on Thursday announced that Rs 20,000 crore will be pumped into the state economy, which has been badly hit and the state government has decided to extend help to see that it does not fall further. ## "Rs 2,000 crore would be given to the Kudumbhashree (women empowerment programme) who will give out small loans to the needy. Rs 1,000 crore each would be given in months of April and May for the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme," he said. ## Apart from these, the proposed package will include a Rs 500 crore health package besides the social security pension to be paid in advance in April, entailing an expenditure of Rs 1,320 crore. ## "One month's free ration will be provided to all. Tax reliefs are there for auto rickshaws and taxis besides stage and contract carriers also. The bills for electricity and water also will have a one month Arelief and can be paid without fine. Film theatres will get a reduction in entertainment tax," Vijayan said. ## K.K. Shailaja has been handling the coronavirus situation in the state. She has issued a strict action against anyone spreading false information or rumour about Covid-19. ## Social isolation of suspected individuals and public spaces have been quarantined including suspension of schools, colleges/universities and closing of malls, gyms, cinema halls, tourist destination and a ban on public gathering and large celebrations. ## Around 300 people in India have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus which has now affected over 2.5 lakh people globally and claimed more than 11,000 lives. ## For more and the latest news about India, stay tuned to us.