BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Actor Varun Dhawan has decided to provide free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are leading the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.## On Wednesday, Varun took to Instagram and shared that he will facilitate meals for doctors and medical staff engaged in the coronavirus battle, and also pitch in to provide meals for the poor.## "With each passing day of being locked down at home, my heart goes out to all those who have no home in this time of crisis. And so this week I've committed to providing meals for the poor who are without homes or jobs," the actor posted on social media.## "I also have deep admiration for all those who are risking their lives by working on the frontlines. I've committed to providing meals to doctors and medical staff at hospitals. All meals are provided through the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust. It's a small step. But during a crisis like this, we have to make every step count. I will continue to do what best I can," he added.## "It is a long battle and we have to fight it together," he wrote, adding: "Finding solutions is the only way forward."## On the film front, Varun will next be seen opposite Sara Ali Khan in "Coolie No. 1". The film is a remake of the Govinda-Karisma Kapoor starrer of the same name that released in 1997 and was directed by Varun's father David Dhawan, who also calls the shots on the new version.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, actor Matt Damon says while other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things, we are just being asked to stay at home.## He feels we all "can be together just by staying apart".## Recently, Damon reunited with Kate Winslet and other stars of the 2011 virus thriller "Contagion" for a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to warn people about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.## "Now is the time to spend all the time you want staring at your phone or your tablet and if anybody gives you a hard time about it, tell them not to bother you because you are saving lives. Just make sure that you tell them that from six feet away," Damon said.## "We can all do this together just by staying apart. Please do your part. Other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things. We're being asked to just stay at home. We got this. Let's please respect and protect our elders," he added.## Looking back at his 2011 film "Contagion", Damon said: "A few years ago, a bunch of us did this movie called ‘Contagion', which we've noticed is creeping its way back up on the charts on iTunes for obvious reasons, given what we're all living through right now. Everything you are going to hear from me has been vetted by Public Health Experts and Scientists. So, I am here to talk about social distancing, something we've been hearing a lot on TV since the last couple of weeks."## "In the movie, I played a guy who was immune to the hypothetical virus that was spreading around the world. So, a few things to start, that was a movie, this is real life. I have no reason to believe that I'm immune to covid-19 and neither do you, no matter how young you are. This is a new virus, it's going to take some time for our bodies and our doctors to understand the best way to protect us. New viruses emerge all the time. This isn't the first and it won't be the last. So, the good news is, we have seen things like this before and we emerged stronger as a result. And in time, we're going to win against this one as well. Nobody knows how much time, but we do know how to make that day get here quicker," he added.## The movie "Contagion" follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that is spreading in the world and killing millions. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community is trying hard to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. At the same time, people are struggling to survive in a society that is coming apart. The movie will air in India on Sony PIX on Friday.## In a statement to Columbia Public Health, the actor stressed on the need to practice social distancing.## He said: "Social distancing means -- staying six feet away from another person. It means not gathering in groups. It means staying home or sheltering in place if that's what government officials are telling you to do. People can have covid-19 and had very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, even if you think that they're healthy, or you think you're healthy, don't take that chance because it's not worth it. Every time that you pass this virus to someone else, you are actually giving it to three or four other people as well and then those people are going to do the same. So, before long, that one person turns to hundreds, which turns into thousands and that's how we got into this situation in the first place."## Damon feels it is wrong to think that "you are young and you won't get the virus".## "Now, if you're young and healthy, you might think that this is no big deal because you've heard that this virus is nothing more than a bad cold for you which is not true. Almost 40% hospitalized in this pandemic are under 55. And if you know anybody over the age of 55, or anyone who has any kind of pre-existing conditions, this is a lot more serious for them," he said, adding: "So, you can literally save their lives just by staying away from each other. You can actually sit on the couch or in a chair and watch TV and save a life at the same time. You can work from home, you can use social media to communicate, you can save a few more."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Country folk singer John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year, passed away due to complications of coronavirus. He was 73.## Prine died on Tuesday, confirmed the singer-songwriter's publicist while representing his family.## "Yes, we can confirm on behalf of the Prine family — John died today at Vanderbilt due to complications of COVID-19," the publicist told cnn.com.## The musician was hospitalized and intubated last month after a "sudden onset" of coronavirus symptoms, according to a family statement posted on his verified Twitter account.## "This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you," the statement read.## Prine never had a hit single or a blockbuster album. But he built a devoted following, won several Grammys and overcame two bouts of cancer to record and tour into his 70s.## Singer Sheryl Crow wrote on Twitter: "He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on."## Singer Johnny Cash, in his memoir, named Prine as one of his four key songwriting inspirations.## "There's a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best," country singer Toby Keith wrote on Twitter.## Rolling Stone once tagged Prine "the Mark Twain of American songwriting."## Prine grew up in the suburb of Chicago and was famously working as a postal carrier when his musical career took off in 1970. He was singing on open-mic nights at a bar when then a reporter heard him play and wrote a favorable review, calling him the "Singing Mailman."## Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, helped him get a record deal.## Bruce Springsteen wrote on Twitter following Prine's death: "John and I were 'New Dylans' together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family."## Prine's debut album, in 1971, was a critical success. It contains several of his signature songs, including "Paradise," about the Western Kentucky town where his parents grew up, and "Hello in There," a tribute to senior people.## Prine released many albums and toured steadily over the next two decades until a health scare cropped up. In 1996, the singer was diagnosed with Stage 3 neck cancer, which required surgeons to remove a piece of his neck.## The surgery also severed nerves in his tongue and changed the tone of his voice, which led him to take more than a year before he could perform again.## Over the years Prine's songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, from Bonnie Raitt and Bette Midler to John Fogerty, the Zac Brown Band, and My Morning Jacket.## In 2005, Prine became the first singer/songwriter to perform at the Library of Congress -- one of several literary honors for a songwriter whose best songs blended poetry with back-porch storytelling.## Prine was again diagnosed with cancer in 2013 when he had successful surgery to remove a spot in his left lung.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 8 (IANS) Singer Harry Styles will be selling merchandise such as T-shirts to raise funds for the fight against the spread of the COVID-19.## Styles unveiled the design on April 7, with a T-shirt featuring a special message for people.## The white T-shirt features black text printed in capital letters, with the front reading: "Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other.## "This T-shirt fights COVID-19. Treat people with kindness," it continues on the back.## In a statement, Styles re-iterates the need for social distancing, writing: "In times like these, it is more important than ever to remember the power of people. If you are able to help, please donate where you can. 100% of the profits of this t-shirt will go towards fighting COVID-19."## "Stay home, self-isolate, and protect each other. TPWK (Treat people with kindness)."## The T-shirt is available as part of Styles' official merchandise collection on his website and retails at $26, benefitting the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Singer-composer Anu Malik has come up with a new track titled "Happy happy rehne ka please don't worry", urging people to stay happy amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.## "I came up with this song only to uplift the mood of everybody who is at home under lockdown due to the coronavirus. I want to make them happy and to tell them not to give up and keep fighting, "Anu said.## In the track's video, Anu can be seen happily doing household chores -- be it mopping a floor or making tea.## Anu also shared what went behind the making of "Happy happy rehne ka please don't worry".## "This song came to me in a flash...I was sitting at home ..Suddenly I thought that everybody is going through his or her depression/fear/frustration/helplessness and what not. All of sudden this line 'happy happy rehne ka please don't worry' hit me.## "I at once shared it with my lyric writer Kumaar who loved the line.. he sent me the lyrics of the entire song in 20 minutes and I composed it in 10 minutes. this tune just came to me just like that," Anu added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Actor Sachiin J. Joshi, who is stranded in Dubai, has offered his hotel here to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to quarantine COVID-19 positive patients coming from abroad.## Sachiin's Beatle Hotel in Powai is a 36-room property.## "Mumbai being a densely populated city, there are not enough hospitals and beds to take measures to save our city. When the BMC approached us for help, we voluntarily agreed to help," Sachiin said.## "We've converted our hotel with the BMC's help into a quarantine facility for travelers," added the actor, who was last seen in "Amavas" opposite Nargis Fakhri and Mona Singh.## "The entire building and rooms get sanitized regularly with staff equipped with the necessary gear," he said.## Sachiin is also donating nutritious food boxes to policemen and municipal workers fighting the COVID-19 outbreak in India through his Big Brother Foundation.## "I'm glad that our hotel in Powai ‘The Beatle' has been given to the BMC for quarantining people. It's my husband's decision and I respect and support it," said Sachiin's wife Urvashi, adding: "We have been distributing food from our hotel to all officials and people stuck on the road. Our team has been selflessly doing it for almost two weeks now and will continue to give our support until we can."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) After supporting COVID-19 relief funds, actor Arjun Kapoor is all set to go on a virtual date to raise money for daily wage earners of the film industry.## "There is a section of people in our country who have lost livelihood during this crisis and are in dire need to sustain themselves and their families. I am talking about the scores of daily wage earners – your favorite chaat wale bhaiya, construction workers, coolies, dhobis, rickshaw drivers and so many others. The lockdown means that they can't go out and earn a living," the actor said.## Five winners stand a chance to go on a virtual date with the actor.## "A special thank you in advance to everyone who is going to come forward and donate for this special cause. I will be meeting and chatting and chilling with 5 winners on April 11 and that night we will all be doing a video chat. I will be getting to know you, share a laugh with you, have a meal with you and just have a good evening together. Let's come together to help those in serious need," he said.## Arjun and his sister Anshula Kapoor have teamed up to raise money through the online fundraising platform, Fankind. "Fankind, GiveIndia and I have come together to provide cash in hand for these daily wage workers in serious need," the actor said, adding: "GiveIndia has identified more than 60 thousand families across India that need our help. All you have to do is log on to fankind.org/arjun and donate. Even Rs 100 will make a huge difference. Your entire donation amount will go in the hands of these people in need."## On the acting front, Arjun currently awaits the release of his next film "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar". It also features his "Ishaqzaade" co-star Parineeti Chopra.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Apart from social distancing, we also need to practice "fear distancing", suggests Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. This is extremely necessary at a time when fake news and myths are circulating about the COVID-19 pandemic.## "Besides social distancing and maintaining good hygiene, there is something as important that needs our attention- #FearDistancing - Keeping ourselves away from people and news that creates panic and fear. Fake news is a real issue! Stay away from misguided information," Mahesh Babu tweeted on Tuesday.## Tuesday also being World Health Day, the actor lauded the health workers and Indian government. He wrote: "Two weeks of lockdown and we have been going strong. Hugely appreciate the united efforts of our governments. This #WorldHealthDay, let's take a moment to thank all those on the frontline of our battle against COVID-19 who ensure we remain in good health. Much respect and admiration for all the brave warriors on the streets and hospitals who've put our lives above theirs during this health crisis. God bless you all."## Sharing a message for his fans, the superstar wrote in a separate tweet: "I urge everyone reading this to spread positivity, love, hope, and empathy. We shall all sail through this storm together. #StayHomeStaySafe."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) On World Health Day, actor Sidharth Malhotra has stressed on the need to work on mental health along with physical health, saying everyone needs to remain "extremely positive, hopeful and appreciate all the basic things in life".## "This year on World Health Day, India and the world is going through a very crucial and very unfortunate time where we are fighting this virus which is extremely deadly. The only way to fight it is social distancing, hence the lockdown within the country and around the world," Sidharth said.## "I am hoping that everyone is following it because it is for their benefit and for the society. It makes us realize how important health is and the environment is. I am hoping that everyone appreciates the fact that they are healthy and can move around once they get out and are more conscious of what they do with their nutrition or the environment around them," he added.## The actor believes in having a holistic approach towards wellness and health, and that's what he hopes everyone tries to achieve during these testing times.## "Since all of us are practicing social distancing and are under lockdown, we do have a lot of time on our hands apart from all the agencies, medical staff, police and other people who are working day and night… This is the best time where you can spend maybe half an hour a day doing some kind of physical activity within the house. It could be walking, freehand exercise, playing sports, or skipping," he said.## The actor continued: "I look at fitness from a very holistic point of view. I won't even just say physical exercise. It is mental health as well, where we have to keep and realize that at times like these you need to be extremely positive, hopeful and appreciate all the basic things in life, workout aside. So, also look out for your mental health. We have all the time in the world to spend it with family and I am hoping people are making good use of the time."## The "Ek Villain" star also thanks to the "all the medical professionals who are working night and day without any break in such crucial and dangerous times for our benefit".## "Whatever, I say is less … They are the real heroes. Along with the medical staff, I would like to thank the police, cleaning staff and people who ensure that we get our essentials. They are doing a fabulous job. They are the real heroes."## Sidharth feels that the severe times have made him "realize that we are mere guests on this earth and not the master".## "Whenever we come back to our normal lives we need to realize that and remember that," he said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Actress Shefali Shah on Tuesday said her Facebook account has been hacked and that details of "her family getting coronavirus", posted by the hacker, are absolutely false.## "I want to say that I'm absolutely fine. And dealing with this entire situation as well as everyone else is dealing with it. dealing. I'm fine and I would never think of something so drastically negative. All of us at home are fine and safe... we are not corona positive as was one of the things that was written in my post. (By god knows who.)," Shefali wrote.## The actress also thanked people for reaching out to her.## "My FB account was hacked last night and I woke up to a flurry of messages of concern of care of people reaching out and saying wonderful things to me and saying that if I need to talk I should call. Some people even shared their telephone numbers. These are people I've met, probably never met or met briefly, or occasionally sometime somewhere. of them and all of them just showed care and concern.## " A lot of them in fact also said this doesn't sound like you it's not a positive voice and it just doesn't sound like you and we are hoping your account (not good) but rather hacked than you ever saying something like this. Because you're valuable and precious... Thank you all. Thank you so much for reaching out and being there... it means a lot to me," Shefali added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) Actor Hrithik Roshan has decided to provide 1.2 lakh nutritious cooked meals for those who are unable to provide for themselves in these times of COVID-19 lockdown.## Hrithik will fulfill the cooking requirements of the needy in association with the NGO Akshaya Patra.## On receiving support from Hrithik, the NGO took to Twitter to thank the "Super 30" actor.## "We are happy to share, our Foundation is now empowered by Superstar @iHrithik. Together, we will facilitate 1.2 lakh nutritious cooked meals to old age homes, daily wage laborers & low-income groups across India, until normalcy in work routine"## "We salute the immediate help from Superstar Hrithik Roshan in providing relief and supporting the health & well-being of ALL INDIANS in need of care. We deeply thank you for your gesture," the post read.## Responding to the tweet, Hrithik tweeted: "I wish you the power to ensure that NO ONE in our country sleeps hungry. You all are the real superheroes on the ground. #IndiaFightsCorona #CovidRelief."## Hrithik recently provided N95 and FFP3 masks for the BMC workers and caretakers.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 7 (IANS) Singer Selena Gomez will be releasing a new Deluxe Edition of her new album "Rare" with a portion of the proceeds going to the COVID-19 relief fund.## The 27-year-old singer took to Instagram on Monday to share that the new Deluxe Edition of "Rare" will be available from April 9, featuring new songs "Boyfriend" and "Souvenir", reports dailymail.co.uk.## The singer said that she is making a personal donation to the COVID-19 relief fund, and donating $1 from every order of the Deluxe Edition to the Plus1 COVID-19 Relief Fund.## Gomez shared the cover art for the "Rare" Deluxe Album, featuring a profile shot of the singer with the Rare tattoo on her neck.## "The deluxe version of ‘Rare', featuring ‘Boyfriend', ‘She' and ‘Souvenir', is out April 9th," Gomez wrote.## "You can pre-save it now and learn more about how to donate to the PLUS1 COVID-19 Fund in my bio," she said.## She also added another image, which featured a more detailed note about her song "Boyfriend" and the new album.## "Many of you know how excited I've been to release a song called ‘Boyfriend'," Gomez began.## "It's a lighthearted song about falling down and getting back up time and time again in love, but also knowing that you don't need anyone other than yourself to be happy," she added.## She also shared that the song was written, "long before our current crisis", adding: "In the context of today, I want to be clear that a boyfriend is nowhere near the top of my list of priorities."## "Just like the rest of the world, I'm praying for safety, unity, and recovery during this pandemic. Because of that, I'm personally donating to the Plus 1 COVID-19 Relief Fund as well as donating $1 from every order in my official store to the fund starting now," she said.## The standard edition of "Rare" was released in early January.## Recently, Gomez also revealed that she is battling bipolar disorder and said that learning about her disorder took the fear away.## "I think that we are better when we tell the truth and, so, this is my truth. Last year, I was suffering mentally and emotionally, and I wasn't able to stay all that kept together. I wasn't able to hold a smile or to keep things normal. It felt like all of my pain and my anxiety washed over me all at once and it was one of the scariest moments of my life," she said.## The singer added: "(I was) terrified, obviously, because the veil was lifted, but relieved that I finally had the knowledge of why I had suffered for so many years with depression and anxiety. After a year of a lot of intense work... I am happier, I am healthier, and I am in control of my emotions and thoughts more than I've ever been. So, I'm very happy about that."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.