BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 24 (IANS) Pop star Beyonce Knowles has pledged $6 million to fund mental health support during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## Beyonce's BeyGOOD has partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's #startsmall to provide $6 million to fund the mental health and personal wellness services, reports variety.com.## The 38-year-old singer shared an update on her website.## "Beyonce's BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic," read the organization's official statement, adding: "In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis."## The mental health initiative includes a key national partnership with UCLA. BeyGOOD has also partnered with the National Alliance in Mental Illness, which provides local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans, and Detroit. BeyGOOD is also supporting the United Memorial Center, Bread of Life, Matthew 25 and other organizations to help provide basic necessities, including food, water, cleaning supplies, medicines, and face masks.## Earlier this month, Beyonce highlighted the deadly impact of the coronavirus pandemic on African American communities during her stint inA "One World: Together at Home" virtual concert, saying the virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate in the US.## The 38-year-old singer highlighted the plight of the African-American community, saying: "Black Americans belong to these parts of the workforce that don't have the luxury of working from home. And African-American communities at large have been severely affected. Those with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk."## "This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate in America," added the Grammy Award-winning artist.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Jigar Saraiya, of the popular composer duo Sachin-Jigar, says the only silver lining about the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown for the music industry is that since films and film music will get delayed, independent music might get a little more space.## The film industry has taken a huge hit owing to the lockdown, and what kind of a blow does he think is in store for the music industry?## "If we talk about hard-hit, (think of) our film released on March 13, 'Angrezi Medium'. The film could only stay in theatres for one day because the cinema halls got locked down a day after that. The most affected film is our film but at the same time, the most successful song of this year is 'Kudi nu nachne de' -- which is from that film. I think the song has benefited from the lockdown because people are at home, dancing to that song and making their videos," Jigar told IANS.## He said that the lockdown has two effects. "It is going to affect everybody right from CEO's to musicians, business people... everybody will face difficulties... How do you recover from such a big halt? Music of course if there are films which are being pushed then music will also get pushed but at the same time because Sachin and I do a lot of independent music that will get a little cap because when a lot of film music comes then there is not much space for independent music. TV and radio have no slots," he said.## Jigar added: "Since film music will come a little late, independent music might get a little space. What India needs right now is to get out of the remix trend and get into original music. Maybe, this is what I am thinking as a silver lining for musicians."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Compared to the pre-Covid period, television viewership in India increased by 40 percent as more and more people stay at home due the restrictions, said a report on Thursday.## In the week starting April 11, individuals watching TV for all seven days increased to 48 percent, according to the latest report by TV viewership monitoring agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) and data measurement firm Nielsen.## For the study, the pre-Covid-19 period referred to January 13-February 2.## The highest growth in TV viewership was recorded in some of the biggest metros like Delhi and Mumbai, according to the report.## The results showed that viewership growth in the 15-21 age group is driven largely by the urban market.## The 15-21 age group contribute to 16 percent of the total TV viewership in India, said the report.## Compared to the pre-Covid period, the average time spent on TV in Mumbai grew by one hour and 42 minutes. In Delhi, the time spent rose by around an hour and 26 minutes.## In Mumbai and Delhi, where Covid-19 cases are among the highest in the country, news consumption on TV grew by 251 percent and 177 percent respectively.## Growth in movie viewership is coming largely from pay platforms across urban and rural markets - 82 percent and 69 percent respectively.## News stays strong in the Hindi speaking market with over 200 percent growth in week 15 over the pre-Covid period, said the report.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) A complaint has been registered against actress Anita Raaj for allegedly throwing a party amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.## Anita and her husband Sunil Hingorani were reportedly accused by neighbours for hosting a party for their friends, reports timesofindia.com, flouting the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government in order to curb the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.## According to the report, the neighbours said that the 57-year-old actress Anita and her filmmaker husband had invited guests at their Pali Hill residence.## The report quoted a source who revealed that the neighbours were concerned about the threat the party posed due to the visitors in the vicinity, following which the local police were informed.## However, Anita Raaj, in a statement, said that it was a medical emergency and police came on a false complaint.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Actor Sonu Sood has decided to provide meal kits to over 25,000 migrants on a daily basis in Mumbai during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, which begins from Thursday.## "Times are so difficult today that it's very important for each one of us to stand for each other. Through this initiative, I would be helping all those who would be fasting during this period and we would provide special meal kits so they don't stay hungry after fasting all day," Sonu said.## The initiative will help these migrants who have come from faraway places like Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.## Before this, Sonu started a ration drive to help the needy during the ongoing lockdown.## Under an initiative called Shakti, Annadanam launched in the name of his late father Shakti Sagar Sood, Sonu aims to feed more than 45,000 people on a daily basis in Mumbai.## He also offered his hotel in Juhu for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and singer B Praak are coming up with a new song to pay tribute to doctors who are relentlessly working to save lives amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The song, announced by the actor on Thursday, is titled "Teri mitti", and is a inspired by B. Praak's "Teri mitti" number in last year's Akshay Kumar-starrer, "Kesari".## "Kisi ne sahi kaha hai, mushkil ke samay sirf apne sath dete hain aur hamare sath is mushkil mein sabse aage hain hamare doctors jo safed coat mein sainiko se kam nahin hain. Hamari taraf se khas unke liye #DirectDilSe (Someone has rightly said that in tough times, only your loved ones offer help; today, in these most difficult times, doctors in white coat are no less than soldiers," he wrote.## Said B Praak, who has also sung the new song: "It's a tribute to the doctors out there who are fighting for us and working day and night to save the world."## The tribute number will be out on Friday at 12:30 pm.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Thiruvananthapuram, April 23 (IANS) With the entire Malayalam film industry affected adversely by the Covid-19 lockdown, the producer's association has requested its actors and technicians to reduce their fees by 50 percent when the lockdown is lifted and the working in the industry gets back to normal.## Around seven Malayalam films which were all set to hit the screens, during Easter and the Ramzan period and about 26 films are stuck in various stages of production.## "We have no clue when this will get back to normal times. As and when the lockdown is lifted, if the industry has to go forward, the actors and technicians have to cut down their professional fees. A mere reduction of fees, won't be of any help, it should be reduced by 50 percent," said leading producer Sureshkumar.## The producer's association is soon expected to initiate discussions with the other segments of the industry, for this and to chalk out future plans, once the lockdown ends.## In the Kerala film industry, the leading superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal are the ones who charge the highest, followed by stars like Prithviraj, Dileep, and others.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Punjabi celebrities including Neeru Bajwa, Sargun Mehta, Afsana Khan and Rubina Bajwa have come together for a music video of the song "Jitange hosle naal", which is an attempt to give hope to Indians amid the testing times of COVID-19.## It is a tribute from the Punjabi film industry to health workers and policemen fighting against coronavirus.## The track has been sung by Afsana Khan, Rza Heer. It has lyrics by Veet Baljit and music by MP Athwal.## "The song is about love, hope, and spreading happiness. It says 'jitange hosle naal' which means if we have the courage, we will definitely win. I am thankful that the people of the Punjab industry have come forward for this effort of unity and togetherness," said Neeru.## The video features singers and actors singing from their respective homes, along with visuals of people cheering for their heroes like police, doctors, and cleaners, dancing, and spreading happiness, love, and hope.## The song is presented by Neeru Bajwa, and Speed Records.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia says "today we are like caged animals", and says that the universe has given us a time to reflect on the fact.## "Lockdown is a need of the hour at this point of time and cases will multiply if we don't adhere to social distancing rules and limit outdoor activities until an effective medical solution is derived," Tamannaah said.## "This unprecedented crisis has taken so many innocent lives and the economy is majorly hit especially the small businesses. Maybe the universe is teaching us a lesson for all the harm we have caused nature and animals," she added.## Tamannaah along with Letsallhelp.Org has extended help to migrant workers in Mumbai. They have been successful in mobilising over 50 tonnes of food products and have catered to the needs of over 10,000 people across the slums, shelters and old age homes across Mumbai.## The actress feels "today we are like caged animals and the universe has given us a time to reflect on this".## "The team at Letsallhelp.org and I have taken a pledge that no one goes to sleep without food during the lockdown and we are utilising this time to help the migrant workers with basic utilities. Please start the practice of donation in any form as you deem fit until the situation gets under control. Don't just watch out for yourself, watch out for everyone else's well-being too," she added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 22 (IANS) Tom Hardys much-anticipated "Venom" sequel has been delayed by eight months amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.## The second installment in the action-fantasy series, directed by Andy Serkis, was slated to release on October 2, 2020.## The sequel, officially titled "Venom: Let There Be Carnage", will instead launch eight months later on June 25, 2021, reports variety.com.## In 2018, "Venom" introduced Hardy as Eddie Brock and Venom. It follows the popular Marvel anti-hero as he transforms from a go-getter journalist to the powerful alien symbiote. The film put the conflict of good versus bad in the center stage.## Serkis is directing Sony's follow-up to "Venom", which sees Hardy again assume the alien symbiote. The first film became a surprise box office hit, earning $855 million globally. Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Reid Scott and Naomie Harris will also appear in the sequel.## By postponing "Venom" until next year, Sony has reshuffled nearly every movie scheduled to release in 2020. The studio already pushed back many of its major films, including "Morbius" (from July 31, 2020, to March 19, 2021), "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (from July 10, 2020, to March 5, 2021) and Tom Holland's "Uncharted" (from March 5, 2021, to Oct. 8, 2021).## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says Prime Minister Narendra Modi will always be remembered for saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.## Lauding PM Modi's decision to announce nation-wide lockdown, the Ustad said: "Our beloved PM Narendra Bhai Modi Ji will also be remembered for saving lives of so many Indians suffering and fighting with the coronavirus disease."## Khan feels the COVID-19 pandemic is a "big attack on the human race as well as the future of the world as we know it", saying: "I never realized that the world will ever suffer a disease in such a way."## He continued: "As a young boy in my school, I used to play 'We Shall Overcome' on the sarod, and slowly and gradually, realized that every country has its own rendition in their own language. Till today, we still sing 'Hum Honge Kamyab'. I am grateful to HMV, now known as Sa Re Ga Ma', that recorded the video at our historical monuments."## "Our prayers and thoughts are always with the people of the world who are suffering and fighting the coronavirus today. ‘Khuda Haafiz'. It means ‘May God Almighty' always be with you and protect you," he added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, April 22 (IANS) Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has penned, sung and directed "Avirum Anbum" -- a song on hope, positivity, and love in these testing times.## Joining him in the effort are his daughter, actress Shruti Haasan, composers Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Devi Sri Prasad, singers Shankar Mahadevan, Bombay Jayashree and Sid Sriram, actors Siddharth and Andrea, pianist Lydian, and singer-actor Mugen.## The song is composed by Ghibran and edited by Mahesh Narayanan, and will be released on April 23. Commenting on the collaboration with various talents for "Arivum Anbum", Kamal said: "This was truly a democratic process and each participant recorded his/her part themselves as none of us could meet. It's a collaboration in the truest sense and since everyone shot and recorded it themselves from their homes, I don't know whom to credit cinematography too."## "We have entered an era of high-end technology and every one individually sent us their portions which we put together. I have written the song and Ghibran has composed it and all the participants were on board just over a call. This collaboration has made me so proud of my tribe, not just locally but internationally. Artistes are continuously trying to inject optimism in the masses since they look up to us. The song is a reminder of all that we are capable of and also the fact that tough times don't last, only tough people do," he added.## Composer of the song Ghibran feels that a united effort like this can help people to overcome this situation.## "We have created a song from our homes even at this time of crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. We all are in this together and we will win over it, but only with a united effort, and that is the key to win over any pandemic that surrounds us. I am extremely happy and grateful to have associated with each and every person who has worked on this song and who came forward without a second thought, also to all the chorus singers who sent me their works and came forward to collaborate with me. The difference we can create by being together is all that matters and we have created something together," said the composer.## The song will be released by Think Music. "These are surreal times and the new way of life is truly testing for everyone. At a time like this, when emotions are running high, it's important that all of us remember to treat people with love and compassion. This song by the ever-talented Kamal Hassan and the talented artistes captures that beauty and is sure to resonate with anyone who hears it," said Swaroop Reddy, president of Think Music.## Stay tuned...