BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) The photograph of a hand stamped 'Home Quarantined', which Amitabh Bachchan had tweeted, is not his hand, the actor has now clarified. ## Big B had tweeted the photo early on Wednesday and captioned it: "Stamping started on hands with voter ink, in Mumbai .. keep safe , be cautious , remain isolated if detected ." ## Fans immediately speculated it to be his own hand. Media reports also claimed the same. ## The veteran actor took to his blog to clear the confusion about the photo and stated that the hand in the photograph is not his. ## He wrote in his blog: "So the ‘hand' of indelible ink, that found its way on my social media became Breaking news on the Tv channels the entire day .. and concerned friends called in to give me courage and hope and determined to send me the good health bulletins each hour." ## He added: "I am well .. the hand picture is of someone else .. I was merely trying to inform all that the technology is working to safe guard those quarantined to stay at home and if someone were to encounter any one with the ink mark, to tell them to isolate themselves .. it is not my hand neither is it a deliberate effort to bring malign .. its just that media needs fodder .. else it dies." ## Amitabh Bachchan has been actively trying to spread awareness about COVID-19 for the past few days. He has also written a poem on it. The Bollywood megastar on Sunday had tweeted requesting his fans not to gather outside his bungalow Jalsa for their weekly darshan due to the pandemic and suggested them to stay safe. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

New York, March 19 (IANS) Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has shut down his cafe here for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, in line with orders from city officials. ## New York Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order effectively shuttering restaurants, cafes, and bars, that came into effect on Tuesday (March 17), and in response Hugh announced that his Laughing Man establishment will close, reports aceshowbiz.com. ## In a post on Instagram, Jackman wrote: "We have made the decision to temporarily close the @laughingmancafe. We feel this is the best course of action to ensure the safety of our staff and community. We also feel it is the right thing for the larger community of NYC. We want to be a place of healthy interaction and not a potential danger to you." ## He added: "While it pains us not to serve you person to person, we will look for other ways to serve you during this time. Let us take care of each other the best we can. We wish the whole world health, peace, patience and love." ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) As the cases of COVID-19 outbreak keep growing in the country, Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan shared a photograph of his hand with a "Home Quarantined" stamp on it.## The actor tweeted the photograph on Tuesday and captioned the image: "Stamping started on hands with voter ink, in Mumbai .. keep safe , be cautious , remain isolated if detected."## Big B has been actively spreading awareness on social media to curb the spread of COVID-19. He recently announced that he would be cancelling the ritual of Sunday meeting with fans to keep everyone safe.## The iconic star had earlier also penned a poem and posted a video of his rendition of the same on Twitter.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS) Pop singer Justin Bieber and wife Hailey Baldwin have chosen to practice social distancing miles away from Los Angeles.## After urging followers to exercise self-isolation to fight the global spread of coronavirus pandemic, Bieber and his wife are reported to have flown back to his native country Canada, reports aceshowbiz.com.## The married couple, according to PEOPLE, took a private jet on Monday, March 16 for the trip.## "They plan on socially distancing themselves," a source close to the "Baby" singer said that their departure which was done on the same day Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closing of Canadian borders to foreigners, restricting it only to its citizens, permanent residents, and US citizens.## On why the pair decided to isolate themselves in his native country?## The source said: "In Canada, their home is very secluded and they are able to be out in nature still... They plan on staying in Canada until it's safe for everyone to resume their regular lives."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Ayushmann Khurrana on Thursday took to social media to share some self-composed Shayari about the families that have been severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.## "Ab ameer ka har din ravivar ho gaya, aur gareeb hap apne somvaar ke intezaar mein. Ab ameer ka har din seh parivaar ho gaya hai, aur gareeb hao apne rozgaar ke intezaar mein," he wrote.## Ayushmann even shared a video of how he is spending time with family members during self-isolation.## In the video, he is seen painting along with his kids and wife Tahira Kashyap.## Apart from this, Ayushmann's brother Aparshakti Khurana urged people to try not to panic.## "Do you remember the last time your life was as slow as it is today? We've been part of the rat race for so long that we barely got time to connect even with ourselves. Today, I can't help but see the bright side of this pandemic. A side which is telling us to slow down, to reflect, to introspect, to connect with others while connecting with our own selves.## "Also, let's try not to panic. As the most intelligent species on earth, we definitely will find ways to tackle it, cure it and come out of it stronger, as we always have. Till then, let's remember - we are all in this together," Aparshakti wrote on Instagram.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, March 18 (IANS) With World Health Organisation declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, cinema, OTT and television production the world over have been adversely hit, and the thriving south Indian film industry is no exception. The Tamil and Telugu film industries, which account for a sizeable chunk of box-office revenues annually, have witnessed the postponing of film releases and shooting, with artistes, filmmakers, and technicians ensuring caution over commerce.## Theatres are shut, and films will release only after the situation is calmer. Among films that have been directly hit is Mohan Krishna Indraganti's film "V", starring Nani, Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Thomas and Aditi Rao Hydari, which was set to hit the screens on March 25. The makers will now announce have to announce a new release date.## Hemanth Madhukar's "Nishabdham", starring Anushka Shetty and Madhavan is another film that has been pushed. Rana Daggubati's ambitious jungle adventure, which was to release as "Kaadan" in Tamil and "Aranya" in Telugu was scheduled to open on April 2. The film, which also had a Hindi version titled "Haathi Mere SaathI", now stands postponed indefinitely.## Shooting schedules have been badly hit, too. Naga Chaitanya's "Love Story" as well as his father Nagarjuna's "Wild Dogs" are both said to be put on hold.## A major shoot that has been canceled for now is the "Baahubali" franchise director SS Rajamouli's next biggie, "RRR". The ambitious film stars Ram Charan and Jr. NTR with Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn. Irish actors Ray Stevenson and Alison Doody also feature in prominent roles in the film. The film might not release in January 2021, as was being said.## Films that were already released have also suffered. In Tamil Nadu, Harish Kalyan's "Dharala Prabhu", which released last Friday, will be re-released when the theatres reopen. The actor took to social media to pen an emotional note thanking the audience for the love and support given to his film, which managed to get a theatrical run of only a few days.## The Tamil industry is indeed concerned because the weeks ahead had a big line-up for the fans featuring several superstars. These include Vijay's "Master", Suriya's "Soorarai Pottru", Dhanush's "Jagame Thandhiram", which were set to release in April. These films will now have to settle for fresh release date.## The Tamil Nadu government on Monday declared a complete shutdown of educational institutions, malls, theatres, bars, swimming pools, museums and zoos across the in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.## For more and latest news about Kollywood and Tollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Weather change that is associated with common cold cases in India in the month of March-April has left millions of people who are down with seasonal cough or cold symptoms self-isolating themselves -- an exercise which is only creating unnecessary fear in the country, say health experts. ## Doctors are flooded with patients who have normal cold or flu - along with conditions like anxiety and stress -- in the OPDs. They are very fearful and assuming it might be new coronavirus (COVID-19) disease although they just have seasonal symptoms. ## "People having cough or cold symptoms are somewhat scared in view of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some might also fear disclosure in fear of being isolated. People with an anxious and oversensitive predisposition or hypochondriacal and obsessive symptoms are likely to worry a lot and engage in an unreasonably restricted lifestyle," Dr Sameer Malhotra, Head, department of mental health and behavioural science at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket told IANS. ## Despite the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) declaring there is no community transmission of the new coronavirus yet in the country, people in their sixties suffering from pre-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are becoming paranoid. ## "They want to get themselves screened for it whether or not the symptoms fits the disease. At the same time, they're also worried about their family, especially the elderly," said Dr Mugdha Tapdiya, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj. ## Health experts are getting flu test, complete blood count and chest X-ray done wherever it is required. ## "Once results are not suggestive of possibility of coronavirus disease, patients are at peace. If there is breathlessness or there are findings in chest, we also suggest CT scan of the chest area to be done," said Tapdiya. ## Yes, there is a social pressure, admit doctors. ## "In fact, one girl who came to me from an NGO wanted to work from home because she had lots of elderly colleagues. ## "She said since I'm suffering from flu, they're asking me to take leave and sit at home, which will be without pay. So there is a lot of social pressure especially in the private companies where people are not getting paid if they're sitting at home, that's why they're hiding symptoms," Tapdiya told IANS. ## Our message to the society is that not every cold, cough and fever is COVID-19 disease. ## "We need to understand that we are still at the stage II phase of the disease. COVID 19 is still prevalent among the travellers who are from overseas. We need to just relax and not be fearful for our fellow colleagues and household members as well who have symptoms of cold, cough and fever," said Tapdiya. ## All with symptoms, however, must seek regular medical consultation without any fear. ## Malhotra said that it is important to follow the advisory issued by the government and doctors. ## "One does need to be cautious and careful. At the same time, there is a need for more ICU beds and hospitals to avoid any shortage of services. The place of isolation should be comfortable both to the body and the mind, and clean," her added. ## Even during the phase of isolation or restricted socialisation, one should try to engage in some constructive hobbies like reading, sorting one's paperwork and listening to music, etc to avoid excessive worry. ## For more and the latest news about Lifestyle, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Government's aggressive social distancing pitch coupled with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) shutting all its protected sites from Tuesday has left Delhi's two iconic structures -- the Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple desolate, giving an eerie feeling. ## Qutub being an ASI protected site -- the only sight that greets you is a closed reception, few private security guards and an indifferent snack shop outside. ## "I have just opened it," said Ram Lal, who sells puffs outside the Qutub Minar. "This time of the year, it used to be peak season as its neither too hot nor cold. But corona has left us without business this year," he adds. ## A government employee present at the closed Qutub reception told IANS requesting anonymity, "Still we find 10 to 15 people turning up here unaware of the restrictions. Last year, mid-March, we had a tough time managing crowds. Such is the irony." ## To put things into perspective, in 2018-19, there were 2.9 million tourists who visited Qutub Minar. The data was shared by the Culture Ministry in Parliament. ## Ironically at one corner, "stand in queue" bird stands alone amid the deserted premise of the 14th century victory tower built Sultans Qutb-ud-din Aibak and his son-in-law Iltutmish. ## Though, the situation in Lotus Temple in South Delhi is not as haunting as the Qutub's, but the footfall has decreased by approximately 90 per cent, say the shops outside the structure, whose business too have taken a hit. ## When IANS visited the temple, barely a hundred people were scattered around the vast expanse of the temple premise. The main temple area was closed. ## Subhashish, who started working for the administration of the Lotus Temple barely a month ago told IANS: "I have seen long queues that would run into a few hundred meters. Today there is no queue in the first place. This is unprecedented." ## He added the footfall drastically dropped after this Sunday, around the same time when COVID-19 cases inched closer to 100 in India and touched 7,000 world wide. ## "Corona ka saya hai (It's the shadow of Corona)," said Bablu, who sells banta-soda outside Delhi's iconic structure that has often come to be synonymous with the national capital. He complained, "Dhanda band para hula hai (There's no business)." ## Fakhruddin Ali, a tourist from Kanpur, who had earlier visited the site sounded surprised. Said he could never imagine such an empty Lotus temple, ever. ## This eerie feeling is the result of the government aggressively pitching for social distancing and avoidance of public places to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus and bring down the graph that has so far killed two in the country, including an elderly mother from West Delhi and paralyzed all major institutions like schools, gyms, movie theatres, swimming pools. ## India may not have reached China's Wuhan-like shutdown, but the semi-haunted tourist spots of Delhi only speak volumes about how badly the capital has come under the corona-grip. ## For more and the latest news about Lifestyle, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS) DJ Diplo is practicing social distancing from his children until he's cleared of coronavirus. ## Although Diplo, whose real name Wesley Pentz, hasn't been diagnosed with COVID-19, the star told fans on Instagram he's following the advice of health officials and distancing himself from his close family, including sons Lazer Lee Louis, five, and Lockett, born in 2010, who he shares with ex-Kathryn Lockhart, to minimise the risk of them contracting it, reports aceshowboz.com. ## Alongside a video of the brothers behind a window as they held their hands up to their dad's from the other side of the glass, he wrote: "My (sons) are too young to understand the complexities of what's happening. But they aren't anxious and nervous like the rest of us." ## "They live in a house with their grandmother who is the most vulnerable. I have been in contact with hundreds of people in the past four weeks... And I'm staying away from the house until I am cleared of the virus," Diplo began the lengthy caption. ## The star went on to say that the separation: "Hurts because I miss them so much they are what makes me wake up every day and live and breath (sic), they are my ultimate joy, but this is my sacrifice to make sure everyone around me is safe." ## "I haven't had this much time home in years, and I wanted to build Legos and watch movies with them. But for now I'm just going to stay by the window and listen to them play drums and sing for me," he said. ## Diplo urged his followers to "think about others in every decision you make in the coming weeks" as the coronavirus continues to spread, following US President Donald Trump's declaration that the health crisis is a national emergency. ## "We already have enough news from Italy, Iran, Korea and China about the best ways to slow this… We need to be smart, going out and interacting with groups is cancelled, but kindess (sic) is not cancelled. Stay strong for the ones who can't right now." ## For more and the latest news about Holllywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS) Hollywood star Jared Leto was on a silent meditation retreat and totally missed out on the coronavirus pandemic news. ## Leto tweeted early Tuesday that "12 days ago I began a silent meditation in the desert. We were totally isolated. No phone, no communication, etc," he wrote. "We had no idea what was happening outside the facility," reports cnn.com. ## The actor is known for marching to the beat of his own drum and told his followers he "Walked out yesterday into a very different world." ## "One that's been changed forever. Mind blowing -- to say the least. I'm getting messages from friends and family all around the globe and catching up on what's going on." ## The star had a message for us all as he continues to catch up. ## "Hope you and yours are ok. Sending positive energy to all. Stay inside. Stay safe." ## Leto was scheduled to be next seen in his starring role in the film "Moribus." ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Comedian Trevor Noah's maiden India tour, scheduled for April, has been postponed in view of the global coronavirus outbreak. ## Noah was set to bring his "Loud & Clear Tour" to India in April. BookMyShow was bringing the comedy star for his first ever performance in the country, with shows of the "Loud & Clear Tour 2020" to be held in New Delhi and Mumbai. In Delhi, the show was scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi Arena on April 11, and at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai on April 9. ## Now, an official statement on behalf of the artist about the postponement of the tour has been released. ## The statement read: "Due to the recent travel advisories and health concerns on account of the coronavirus pandemic, Trevor Noah's 'Loud & Clear' show in India will be postponed to a later date. ## "Our highest priority remains the safety of our customers, partners and everyone who has been working on the shows. We are actively working on rescheduled dates for the show and will announce more information at the earliest through BookMyShow's official customer channels. ## "All customers who have purchased tickets will get a full refund within 7-10 working days. We regret the inconvenience caused due to the unfortunate circumstances and look forward to bringing Trevor Noah for his India debut soon." ## The Emmy-winning "The Daily Show" host and comedian is known around the world for his insightful and authentic take on politics and current events. Noah has written, produced, and starred in eight comedy specials, most recently including "Son of Patricia" on Netflix. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS) Actors Joel Edgerton and Toni Colette will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Sydney, Australia this week. ## Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Australian government's new rules around self-isolation on Sunday, in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has seen more than 183,000 cases registered worldwide since it began in December (19), resulting in over 7,100 deaths globally, reports aceshowbiz.com. ## Edgerton and his girlfriend, Vogue Australia fashion director Christine Centenera, will now have to spend two weeks in isolation after returning home from Turks and Caicos Island on Tuesday, as part of the quarantine period. ## While the two didn't take any precautionary measures with masks or gloves, Toni, who arrived back on Monday, wore a surgical mask and carried a coronavirus information pamphlet with the government's insignia as she walked through the airport. ## In the past month, the "Muriel's Wedding" star has been filming her latest project "Nightmare Alley in Canada" and also attended the Berlin Film Festival in Germany. ## Her return to Australia comes after filming for Guillermo del Toro's latest horror "Nightmare Alley" was suspended indefinitely on Friday. Toni appears in the film alongside Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett and Willem Dafoe. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.