BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Mumbai Police have taken to Twitter to express gratitude to filmmaker Rohit Shetty for helping out on-duty police officials who are working relentlessly to ensure a smooth lockdown as the nation battles the deadly COVID 19 pandemic.## The filmmaker has arranged for rest, shower and clothes changing facility along with breakfast and dinner in eight hotels across the city for on-duty police officials.## Informing about the same and expressing gratitude, Mumbai Police tweeted on Tuesday: "#RohitShetty has facilitated eight hotels across the city for our on-duty #CovidWarriors to rest, shower & change with arrangements for breakfast & dinner.## We thank him for this kind gesture and for helping us in #TakingOnCorona and keeping Mumbai safe."## This initiative by the filmmaker comes after he recently donated Rs 51 lakh to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to aid daily wage film workers, who have been left jobless due to the lockdown amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.## On the film front, Rohit Shetty is all set with the next film in his cop drama universe, titled "Sooryavanshi". The forthcoming movie features Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the lead.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Marathi celebrities like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Supriya Pilgaonkar and Sachin Khedekar have come together to raise awareness about COVID-19, with a track titled "Ladhvayya Mi Maharashtracha".## Written by Valley Mulgund and sung by Chinmay Hulyalkar and Sayee Gangan, "Ladhvayya Mi Maharashtracha" is a gesture of solidarity and a way of thanking the government machinery, doctors, nurses, policeman and all those people who are working to keep others safe and healthy.## "Bring out the fighter spirit in you. Respect the orders from the government, respect the heroes on the front-line, doctors, nurses, policemen and everyone who is going out so we can be safe," said Sachin.## Supriya added: "Stay home, keep washing your hands. Sanitize your surroundings, keep them clean. Clean and sanitize all your groceries before you use them. Care for people less fortunate than you. That's the only way we can defeat this pandemic."## The video also features Prajakta Koli, Dr. Amol Kolhe, Jaywant Wadkar, Vijay Patkar, Ashok Samarth, Sushant Shelar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Mrinal Kulkarni, Mrunal Thakur, Tejashree Pradhan, Prarthana Behere, Prajakta Male, Bhau Kadam, Anjali Bhagwat, Vitthal Kamat, Kaushik Marathe, Ramdas Karwande and Indraneel Chitale.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Amid lockdown due to COVID-19, actress Taapsee Pannu is missing out on the madness that actors thrive on, and says she needs to get back to madness.## Taapsee took to Instagram, where she shared a still from the film "Manmarziyaan". In the picture, she is seen sitting on a scooty in salwar kameez.## "This throwback is clearly out of missing the madness we thrive on as actors. The calm we find in the most crazy situations. Need to get back to the chaos soon... Btw that's a rig being attached to my scooter to test my balancing skills. Both with the weight n emotions in the take. #Throwback #Archive #QuarantinePost," she said.## Earlier, she posted another still from the same film where she can be seen dressed as a Sikh bride in a blush pink salwar kameez. She also shared that this is one of her most favourite moments in the film.## The actress essayed the free-spirited Rumi in the film, which also featured Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan.## Taapsee's latest role in Anubhav Sinha's "Thappad" has been widely acclaimed. The actress will be seen in "Haseen Dillruba", "Rashmi Rocket" and "Shabaash Mithu" in the coming months.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 21 (IANS) Hollywood stars and good friends Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are putting a pause to their long-running banter-filled feud as part of the All-In Challenge.## The pair have vowed to put its well-documented sparring on hold for the sake of charity, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "Hugh and I have a temporary cease-fire on our feud for the @allinchallenge," Reynolds wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the pair.## Jackman confirmed, adding: "So, I've agreed to trust that Ryan can hold his tongue for one day. A (very) temporary cease-fire for the @allinchallenge."## The All-In Challenge invites stars to offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences to fans who donate funds, which will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman will come together to help one lucky family run a lemonade stand.## "Now, at long last, these two arch-nemeses are calling a cease-fire and putting aside their differences for a full 24 hours to help children make a difference," a statement on the organization's website read.## The statement further read: "Armed with a fresh copy of 'Running a Lemonade Stand for Dummies', Ryan and Hugh will come to your home and help your children set up and run a semi-successful lemonade stand for two hours, with all proceeds going to help first responders."## The duo's friendly feud began when Reynolds tried to convince Jackman to reprise his role as popular Marvel Comics character Wolverine one more time for a future "Deadpool" movie after Jackman announced 2017's "Logan" would be his last outing as the "X-Men" mutant.## Ever since then, Reynolds and Jackman have poked fun at each other on social media.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, April 21 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut, who is essays J. Jayalalithaa in the late Tamil Nadu chief minister's biopic "Thalaivi", has donated Rs 5 lakh towards the COVID-19 relief fund of Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), and Rs 5 Lakh towards the daily wage workers of her film.## Several top stars of Tamil cinema have donated to the federation. Rajinikanth gave Rs 50 lakh, while actor Vijay Sethupathi has donated 10 lakhs for the welfare of FEFSI members. Suriya and his brother Karthi, along with their father, actor Sivakumar, donated Rs 10 lakh while actor Sivakarthikeyan also donated an equal amount.## Actors Parthipan and Prakash Raj have provided several rice bags weighing 25 kilos each.## Kangana had earlier contributed Rs 25 lakh to PM-CARES, apart from donating ration for daily wage earners' families. Her sister Rangoli had posted: "Kangana has also contributed to PM cares 25 lakhs and donated Ration to daily wage earners families, we need to stand united and do what best we can, many thanks from our family."## Apart from the charity, Kangana is spending her lockdown time baking for her family and playing with her nephew. Prior to the lockdown, Kangana was busy working on "Thalaivi", directed by Vijay.## Kangana had gained almost 20 kilos for her role in the film. During the lockdown period, she took the help of her personal trainer to shed five kilos for the film. Her verified fan account ran this post: "Guys, taking cues from #Kangana to workout, stay motivated and don't let the lethargy get to you. She has lost 5 kilos, long way to go!"## "Thalaivi" was initially scheduled to release on June 26 in three languages -- Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. The revised date of release owing to delay triggered off by the COVID-19 lockdown is yet to be announced.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) The television shows "Patiala Babes", "Isharon Isharon Mein" and "Beyhadh 2" have suddenly been terminated owing to the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.## "'Isharon Isharon Mein', 'Beyhadh 2' and 'Patiala Babes' are finite fiction shows and the nature and the pace of the narrative is time-bound. Given that all shoots have been stalled since March, owing to the unprecedented situation we are in, these shows couldn't shoot their logical ends," a statement from Sony Entertainment Television issued on Tuesday said.## "All the three shows have had a good spell and would have paved way to newer narratives eventually, had the shoots been functional. Having said that, keeping best interests of all in mind and in a joint agreement with the producers, it has been decided to terminate these shows, as of now," it was further stated.## However, actors Sourabh Raaj Jain, who played an important role "Patiala Babes", and Shivin Narang, one of the protagonists of "Beyhadh 2", have no hard feelings.## "We are living in unprecedented times and due to the lockdown, there is no clarity on when shooting will resume. Hence, we were informed that a mutual decision was taken by the channel and our makers that the show goes off the air. It was always a finite series and Neil (his character) and Mini's pairing was really loved by the audience. I have personally loved playing Neil and he will always remain extremely close to my heart," Sourabh told IANS.## Shivin Narang is okay with the channel's decision. "To be honest as a team, even we don't have the clarity yet. But considering the situation we are in, anything is possible. 'Beyhadh 2' is a big brand, a show with its own huge following," he said.## "Personally, I feel it's a finite show already reaching its end if we can complete the end that will do justice to the show and the viewers. But yes, it's not only us, the whole world, but the whole industry is also suffering, so we are okay with whatever the channel decides," he added.## Meanwhile, fans have started #DontEndPatialaBabes on Twitter, and Sourabh has requested them not to be rude with their demand.## "My dear tweeples, What has happened is definitely saddening for all of us, I request all of you to not be rude with anyone....this shall too pass...stay safe and spread love .....need ur love and support, even more, this time.#patialababes," tweeted Sourabh.## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Grammy Award winners like Ricky Kej from India, Laura Dickenson from the US and South African flutist Wouter Kellerman, and others will be performing from their homes and expressing their solidarity to the global lockdown and fight against COVID-19.## The 60-minute online concert on April 22, will feature 40 musicians from six countries.## Commenting on the initiative, composer, music producer, and environmentalist Ricky Kej said: "Today, music is the most consumed form of culture. The ability of music is to increase social cohesion and direct human attention, captivate and create a sense of community. The idea behind this concert is to spread awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment which serves as a conscious reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it.## "The current situation has threatened the livelihood of people, species and ecosystems. We are calling everyone around the globe to rise up and come together and act to make positive and sustainable changes to protect the earth that we live on."## Artistes like Senegalese singer Baaba Maal, Hindustani classical music instrumentalist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and singer-songwriter Lonnie Park from the US are also part of the concert hosted by One Page Spotlight - a social and professional networking site for creators and entertainment professionals.## The concert can be viewed through the official social media handles of WHO, WWF, Earth Day Network, UNFCCC, UNCCD, UNICEF and also at the official handles of One Page Spotlight.## Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Head WHO, Pavan Sukhdev, Global Head WWF, Ibrahim Thiaw Global Head, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, HH Sadhguru, Head Isha Foundation will be a part of the concert and speak to the viewers.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Rajkummar Raos housing complex here has been partially sealed after an 11-year-old tested positive for COVID-19.## The complex in Mumbai's Andheri area is home to Bollywood actors including Vicky, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa, and Chitrangda Singh.## The child is the daughter of a director who resides in the C-wing of the complex, prompting the BMC to partially seal the A and B wings and also sanitize the entire complex, reports timesofindia.com.## The residents of the complex have reportedly been asked to follow strict quarantine rules and take extra precautionary measures to contain the spread of the infection.## Over the past weeks, reports have stated that several buildings of film and television actors, including actress Ankita Lokhande's, were also sealed after confirmed positive COVID-19 cases were found in the area.## Bollywood personalities who have been hospitalized after testing COVID-19 positive so far are producer Karim Morani, his daughters Zoa and Shaza Morani, and singer Kanika Kapoor. All of them have been discharged after recovering.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Actor-comedian Vir Das wants to spread smiles to raise funds amid the COVID-19 crisis, and he believes in fighting back with a sense of humor.## Vir is raising funds through his special "Vir Das At Home" gigs, where he performs for an audience online. The funds raised from the shows go to different causes.## Asked about the need to spread laughter, Vir told IANS: "What's the alternative?"## "That's the way I look at it. I get a fair amount of hatred every day on Twitter. I have lots of people telling me ‘oh you are an anti-national', you are insensitive, inappropriate, disrespectful… I respond by asking ‘what's the alternative'. Is the alternative not to smile? Is the alternative not to crack the joke? Is the alternative not to laugh? I don't think it is a good alternative in these times," he added.## Vir continued: "Right now you have two choices -- You can let coronavirus get you down or you can fight back with your sense of humor. I chose option B.## Vir, who is seen in Netflix's web show "Hasmukh", says that he is "digging" the lockdown period.## "We recently announced six shows and the proceeds of all the shows will go to different charities. I am spending my time trying to raise money to battle the virus… When you donate, it's a start and you can continue it by raising more money. So, I am trying to raise as much money as I can," he said.## For the comedy special, he sits in front of a computer and connects with his audiences.## "Nobody likes sitting in front of a computer for one hour. It's not the ideal environment. But it has raised money, and I will continue doing that," he stressed.## On the work front, the actor is currently seen in the Netflix series, "Hasmukh", which he has co-created and written with Nikkhil Advani.## "Hasmukh" is about an ambitious comic who realizes that the only way he can "kill it on stage" is if he "kills off stage".## Talking about the challenges he faced while working on the show, Vir said: "The challenge was to convince people to let me do a show like this. I don't think had I not written it, I would get to be a part of it in this capacity as a leader of the show.## "I had to create the opportunity. What helped was that I did a short film with Milap Zaveri titled ‘Raakh'. That was dark. So, when that came out and got a good response, then I thought that it was a good time to go out in the market with an idea like that."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 21 (IANS) Indo-American singer Subhi, who currently lives in Chicago, opened up on life in the time of the novel coronavirus.## "We are all living in an unprecedented time as COVID-19 continues to evolve and impact not only the regular course of professional lives but also our personal lives. It's a very strange time for the world because we all are going through something no one imaged would happen," said the singer.## "Chicago has about 22,000 (COVID-19) cases. It's definitely a rough time for the US and the world in general. Everyone is quarantined in their homes. Chicago's Mayor had declared 'Shelter in Place', which means everyone is supposed to stay at home except if they need to step out for groceries and go to the pharmacy. People are being very careful, and when they do step out everyone is maintaining social distancing. The weather in Chicago is still cold -- about 2 degrees Celcius -- and this has also helped in keeping people at home. Everyone here is doing their best at following orders and things are in control," Subhi said.## On the work front, Subhi recently unveiled her song "Mehfil", which is about the LGBTQ+ community.## Sharing what went behind the making of the track, she said: "I moved to the United States when I was in high school. As I was growing up, I understood that Love is Love. Love cannot be restricted by borders or gender or religion. Mehfil is a love song that emphasis the right to choose who you want to love.## "Everyone should be free to love who they want to irrespective of their gender, religion, caste or creed. In a world where there is so much hate, I want to create music which is feel good and positive. I collaborated with Pulkit Datta on the Music video of the song to portray this message. With Pulkit's creative direction, we were subtly yet effectively able to portray the meaning of love we wanted the world to see. The music video has a simple message � Love who you want to love'. This song is for all communities - for mankind in general. It definitely supports the LGBT community but I wrote the song keeping everyone in mind."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Actor Shreyas Talpade has created a video to spread awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic and his effort bears an influence of Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan, who he considers a "huge inspiration".## The video features Shreyas' childhood friends, who are not from the film industry. Each of them has come up with their own thoughts and do their bit to spread the word. One of the friends even mimics Big B in the video.## "Sir Paisa Wapas Corona, When a group of childhood friends, who are not from the Film Industry or actors but who are Businessmen, Professionals & doing Jobs in different parts of the country & abroad, decided to be a part of a video, the results were not only delightful but also heart-warming," Shreyas captioned the video.## He further wrote: "I say this because we didn't have a script. We just had a thought & everyone chipped in with their own thoughts & ideas. But the way it has flowed proves that wherever we are & whatever we do...We will always remain Connected. I've tried my best to do justice to everyone & at the same time keeping it compact & entertaining."## He even apologised in case people feel it's not up to the mark.## "To our Friendship & the bond that binds is together....forever. Enjoyyy. --SHREYAS TALPADE. PS - @amitabhbachchan Sir you've always been a HUGE inspiration to all of us & you continue to do that even in times of a Lockdown. Thank you Sir," Shreyas concluded.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 20 (IANS) Pop star Lady GaGa's COVID-19 relief concert "One World: Together at Home" has raised almost $128 million in the US.## The two-hour event, which also saw the participation of Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, featured performances by Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift among others, was not planned as a fundraiser but the April 18 show inspired people across America to donate, reports aceshowbiz.com.## The "Poker face" hitmaker kicked off the special with a performance of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" and closed the show with an all-star rendition of "The Prayer" featuring singers Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.## The Global Citizen officials, who helped put the show together, confirmed the event raised $127.9 million for COVID-19 aid.## "Thank you @ladygaga for helping @GlblCtzn create this historic global broadcasting event. To everyone around the world: Stay strong, stay safe, we will be together in person soon," the message read.## Stay tuned...