BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) The world's geriatric population (people aged 60 and older) will cross two billion by 2050 from nearly one billion in 2020 and in the case of a pandemic like novel coronavirus, these loved ones are at high risk of death owing to a multitude of factors like underlying conditions and low immunity. ## According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 125 million people are aged 80 years or older today and by 2050, there will be almost this many (120 million) living in China alone -- and 434 million people in this age group worldwide. ## A recent report published in the medical journal JAMA which examined more than 72,000 Chinese coronavirus patients found that the overall fatality rate was 2.3 per cent. But in adults over 80, the fatality rate rose to 15 per cent. ## By 2050, 80 per cent of all older people will live in low- and middle-income countries where health facilities are already dismal. ## Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are urging older adults, especially those who already have health challenges, to "stay at home as much as possible" to avoid getting COVID-19. ## Early research shows that older people are twice as likely to have serious complications if they get COVID-19. ## People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, are more at risk for severe cases of COVID-19. ## "If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra-important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease," said public health experts at the CDC. ## Older adults living in communities where the virus has spread should take extra precautions like avoiding public places. ## According to Ravi Shekhar Jha, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad, "Older adults' lungs take more time in clearing up and there is not clear secretion from the lung. All these factors make them extremely vulnerable to the coronavirus." ## Another analysis of all cases diagnosed in China found that 86.6 per cent were aged 30-79 years. ## Data from Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) showed that the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients aged 80 or older was 5.4 per cent, compared with an average mortality rate of 0.6 per cent. ## According to Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, elderly people above 50 years of age suffering from diabetes and heart disease need to take extra precautions as coronavirus can lead to severe conditions in them. ## The CDC advises against non-essential plane travel for older adults. ## "The data continues to say that the people who are at higher risk for severe disease and death are those who are older and with underlying health conditions," according to Nancy Messonnier, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC. ## Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people's risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease. ## If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. ## If you have someone senior at home, it is time to take some extra measures for your loved ones till the COVID-19 scare goes away. ## For more and the latest news about Lifestyle, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

San Francisco, March 14 (IANS) In an effort to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus, both Netflix and Disney have halted production on certain projects, a media report said. ## Due to government restrictions as well as health and safety concerns, Netflix has stopped scripted TV and film production in both the US and Canada for two weeks, The Verge reported on Friday. ## "While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our productions, after considering the current environment and the best interests of our cast and crew, we have made the decision to pause production on some of our live-action films for a short time," Disney was quoted as saying in a statement. ## The company, however, added that it will "continue to assess the situation and restart as soon as feasible." ## In good news for families during this challenging period, Disney also announced that "Frozen 2" will be available three months ahead of schedule on Disney+ in the US beginning March 15. ## "'Frozen 2' has captivated audiences around the world through its powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of family, messages that are incredibly relevant during this time, and we are pleased to be able to share this heartwarming story early with our Disney+ subscribers to enjoy at home on any device," said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. ## Internationally, "Frozen 2" will be available on Disney+ in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand on March 17. ## "Frozen 2" follows Elsa, together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, on a remarkable and inspiring journey into the unknown to discover the source of her magical powers and save the kingdom of Arendelle. ## For more and the latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) The release date of the upcoming Parineeti Chopra-Arjun Kapoor crime drama "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar" has been pushed again, this time owing to the coronavirus pandemic. ## The Dibakar Banerjee directorial was slated to open on March 20. On Saturday, less than a week away from release date, the film's producer Yash Raj Films (YRF) tweeted to inform: "Given the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country, we have decided to postpone the release of Dibakar Banerjee's Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. The health and safety of everyone is of utmost importance at this time." ## The post, put up on the banner;s official handle @yrf, was retweeted by the film's lead actors, Arjun and Parineeti. ## "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar" has been jinxed by delay in schedule, Unconfirmed reports state that the film was originally scheduled to open over a year ago. It was finally readied for release next Friday, but it seems like Parineeti and Arjun will have to wait a while longer for their film to see light of day, once the COVID 19 storm passes away. ## The two actors worked together in the 2012 release "Ishaqzaade", which marked Arjun's Bollywood debut. The film was critically acclaimed. They reunited in the 2018 release, "Namaste England", which performed below expectations. ## Parineeti and Arjun's third outing together, "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar", marks Dibakar Banerjee's return as director to the Bollywood screen for the first time since the 2015 release, "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" Parineeti plays a corporate executive named Sandeep Kaur while Arjun is Pinky Dahiya, a policeman. The duo go absconding under unusual circumstances. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) While film industries the world over are cancelling shooting schedules, release dates and other associated events owing to the global coronavirus pandemic, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan doesn't seem to have problems going ahead with the shoot of his upcoming film "Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai". ## Shooting of the film, co-starring Disha Patani, continues unabated in the city, and the makers insist they are strictly adhering to the safety norms of World Health Organisation (WHO). It seems the makers aim to complete shooting by the end of March, according to filmibeat.com. ## "Safety guidelines as issued by WHO will be followed on the film's set," a source said, according to a Mumbai Mirror report. ## While a chunk of the shoot has been completed in Mumbai and Goa, the current schedule includes some patchwork and a song being filmed on Salman and Disha, filmibeat.com added. ## "Radhe" is directed by Prabhu Deva, who earlier called the shots on the Salman Khan films "Wanted" (2009) and "Dabangg 3" (2019). Salman and Disha were seen together in last year's "Bharat". ## "Radhe" is said to be a Bollywood remake of the 2017 Korean action thriller, "The Outlaws". The film casts Salman as a cop, and also features Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff in pivotal roles. ## The film is set to clash with the Akshay Kumar-starrer horror comedy "Laxmmi Bomb" during the Eid weekend this year. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who attended the IPL Governing Council meeting on Saturday, said that it has been decided that the safety of the spectators will be kept first and all the directives issued by the government and the health agencies will be followed to the hilt amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak when the 13th season of the cash-rich league starts later. ## The organising body and the eight IPL franchisee owners sat across the table at the BCCI headquarters to chalk out comprehensive plan for the IPL 13 which has been now postponed till April 15. ## "Wonderful to meet all the franchise owners 'off the field' so to say. The meeting by BCCI and IPL was to reiterate what all of us feel…safety first of the spectators, players management and cities we play in. All directives of the health agencies and government to be followed…," Shah Rukh said on his official Twitter handle. ## "Hope the spread of the virus subsides & the show can go on. BCCI and team owners in consultation with the government will keep a close watch and decide the way forward in the health interest of everyone. Lovely to meet everyone and then sanitise ourselves repeatedly," he added while tagging BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, Secretary Jay Shah and IPL chairman Brijesh Patel. ## On Friday, BCCI decided to postpone IPL 13, originally scheduled to start from March 29, to April 15 amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak which has affected more than 80 people in India and has claimed two lives as well. ## On Wednesday, the government had cancelled all visas, except for a few official categories, till April 15 in the wake of the growing coronavirus scare. ## The Sports Ministry also followed this up by making it clear that all sporting events should be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. And if it is unavoidable, the events should be held behind closed doors so as to avoid mass gatherings. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 14 (IANS) COVID 19 has done what philosophers, optimists, musicians and geniuses could not do, Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan declares. The global pandemic has brought everyone on one platform, successfully creating 'one world'. ## "Philosophers , purists , optimists , meditative geniuses , creators, musicians , educator of life lessons.. all spoke of eOne World' in multiple discourses over multiple years .. failed they did.. it took 19 , CoVid 19, to bring them together on one platform .. BRAVO !" wrote Big B in his blog. ## Big B also shared how he is taking prevention against the rapidly spreading pandemic and has also advised his staff to remain cleansed. ## "Soap washed the hands.. soap washed the face.. swiped the keys clean.. advised the staff repeatedly to remain cleansed.. stopped the Western hand shake greeting.. kept a slight distance with all.. mobile included.. turn every page every platform and hear just one word.. CoroNa 19," he wrote. ## Meanwhile, Bollywood box office has been badly affected in the current scenario. While upcoming releases have been indefinitely postponed with most cinema halls being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the business of Tiger Shroff's "Baaghi 3" and Irrfan's "Angrezi Medium" is facing a tough challenge. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) Soon after the Delhi government announced the closure of cinema halls and multiplexes till March 31, the staff at INOX alleged that they were being forced to sign Privilege Leave application. ## An employee requesting anonymity told IANS over the phone: "We are ready to work, it's not our fault that the government has closed down the cinema halls. ## "We are being asked to sign leave documents. It is a kind of cheating to save their expenses by not paying our salaries but the fact is that many of us are sole bread winners of our families and if such a thing happens, our daily lives would be affected badly." ## One such document accessed by IANS, read: "My name is.....working as Operations Associate in INOX Delhi Patel Nagar unuit on the payroll of GI Staffing. I need leaves from 14th March 2020 to 31st March 2020, due to some personal reasons. Kindly approve my leaves & considered as my privilege leaves. Thanks & Regards" ## Several attempts were made to contact the INOX administration over their comment on the allegations, however, authorities did not respond even after repeated attempts. ## Throwing light on the legal aspects of such a move, social activist and lawyer Amit Sahni said: "Private jobs are contractual in nature and the same are governed by the contract's terms signed between the employee and the employer. ## "If there is any clause authorising the employer to force the employees to take leave for certain period in emergent situation that has arisen in the present scenario, then the privilege leaves can be forced upon the employees." ## He further added: "But ideally, the Employer/ Cinema Owners must make payment to their hapless employees and they can claim the compensation from Delhi or Union government, which has passed notification to shut down theatres. ## "At least either employer or the government should take note of it that the Poor employees should not suffer in any this painful situation." ## The Delhi government on Thursday declared coronavirus as an epidemic and to check the spread of the coronavirus in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that all the cinema halls will be shut down till March 31. ## "We are continuing the ongoing measures to check the spread of Coronavirus in Delhi. Along with that, we have decided to close all the cinema halls and schools which are not having examination till March 31," Kejriwal told media. ## There are 82 positive cases of coronavirus in the country with two deaths, one in New Delhi on Friday, the other in Karnataka on March 12. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Chandigarh, March 14 (IANS) Actor Shahid Kapoor on Saturday announced that the shoot of his upcoming film "Jersey" has been stopped in the light of the coronavirus outbreak. ## "At a time like this, it is our social responsibility to do everything in our capacity to curb the spread of this virus. Team #Jersey is suspending shoot so as to enable all unit members to be with their families and in the safety of their homes. Be responsible. Stay safe," Shahid, who was shooting for the film in Chandigarh, tweeted. ## Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, "Jersey" is a Hindi remake of the Telugu hit of the same name. The story is about a talented but failed cricketer named Arjun, who decides to make a comeback in his late thirties and play for India, in order to fulfill his son's wish. ## The film also features Mrunal Thakur and Pankaj Kapur. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Gold Coast, March 14 (IANS) Hollywood actor Tom Hanks has shared his first coronavirus update along with a photograph that features him in quarantine with his wife, Rita Wilson. ## With the photograph, which Hanks posted on Twitter as well as Instagram, he also wrote a long caption note thanking everyone Down Under who were taking care of the Hollywood couple in COVID 19 isolation. ## "Hello folks. @ritawilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else.There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball. Hanx," wrote Hanks, as caption with the photograph. ## On Thursday, Hanks, who is filming Baz Luhrmanna's untitled film on Elvis Presley in Australia, had announced that his wife Rita and he had tested positive for novel coronavirus. Hanks and Wilson, both 63, sought medical advice after experiencing symptoms of a cold in Queensland, according to the actor's Instagram post. ## Hanks had broken the news on Instagram saying: "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that come and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive." ## While Hanks was in Australia shooting for the Elvis film, where he plays legendary talent manager Colonel Tom Parker, his wife Rita has been on tour promoting her new album, "Halfway To Home". ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 13 (IANS) Zee Cine Awards 2020 will now only be shot as a televised show and it has been cancelled for the general public to avoid mass gatherings following the coronavirus outbreak.## The ceremony will be held here on March 13.## "As a measure of precaution on account of the continuing concern over the COVID 19, the ceremony for ZEE's annual film awards property - Zee Cine Awards 2020 stands cancelled for the general public to avoid mass gatherings. Instead, the awards will now only be shot as a televised show," read a statement.## "We would like to assure the fans who had purchased tickets for the event through our associates and partners that they will be refunded at the earliest. Our viewers and fans can now look forward to catching their favorite Bollywood celebrities during the telecast on March 28, 7.30 p.m onwards on ZEE TV and ZEE Cinema. Additionally, viewers can also catch these awards before TV on ZEE5."## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 13 (IANS) From Ranveer Singh's Jayeshbhai Jordaar to Farhan Akhtar's Toofaan and Vicky Kausal-starrer Sardar Udham Singh, makers of several high-profile films have rescheduled release dates of their respective movies in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. ## "Jayeshbhai Jordaar" is now slated to release on October 2, which was the initial release date of "Toofaan". The Farhan Akhtar boxing drama has now been scheduled for September 18. ## The decision was conveyed by Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Excel Entertainment, producers of "Jayeshbhai Jordaar" and "Toofaan" respectively, on behalf of YRF owner Aditya Chopra and Excel co-owner Ritesh Sidhwani. ## "In the interest of both films and to ensure an ideal theatrical release, #AdityaChopra & @ritesh_sid have decided to release their films on different dates. YRF will release #JayeshbhaiJordaar on 2nd October and @excelmovies will release #Toofaan on 18th September 2020," a post read on the official Twitter page of YRF. ## Later in the evening, actor Vicky Kaushal took to social media and shared that his upcoming film "Sardar Udham Singh" has been pushed to January 15,2021. The film is based on the story of Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O' Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab in pre-Independence India, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. Singh was subsequently tried and convicted of murder and hanged in July 1940. ## "On March 13th 1940, #SardarUdham singlehandedly assassinated Michael O' Dwyer in London to honour the lives lost at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His story deserves justice onscreen. Keeping that in mind, we will now see you in cinemas on 15th January 2021," Vicky wrote. ## The decisions comes a day after the Delhi government officially announced the shutdown of all cinema halls in the Capital until March 31 due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu are other centres where cinemas have been shut down, at the time of going to print. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, March 13 (IANS) Upcoming films have been indefinitely postponed owing to cinema halls being shut down in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, but the films that were already running are bearing the brunt. ## The Tiger Shroff-starrer "Baaghi 3" and this week's release "Angrezi Medium", which brings back Irrfan, are the hardest hit. ## "Baaghi 3", which released in India on March 6, was doing brisk business till many states declared an emergency, directing halls to shut down. The film recorded the biggest opening of 2020 so far, raking in Rs 17.50 crore on day one. ## However, "Baaghi 3" is currently witnessing a slump at the box office after cinema halls were shut down in Delhi, Maharashtra, Jammu, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka, and Kerala, at the time of going to press. ## While the film is expected to cross the Rs 100-crore mark, the trade had expected it to scale at least Rs 130 crore. Till Thursday, the film has managed Rs 90.67 crore, according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh's tweet. ## As per several trade projections, big-ticket films like "Baaghi 3" and Rohit Shetty's postponed "Sooryavanshi" stand to see a 15-20 percent impact on their collections under these circumstances. The scene looks bleaker for a smaller film like "Angrezi Medium", which opened on Friday. The film is expected to see a higher impact, in the region of 25-30 percent. ## Trade expert Joginder Tuteja said: "Though 'Baaghi 3' has done well, one can't expect the same from upcoming biggies that release at a wide scale since the coronavirus situation would be looked at far more closely at least in the near future, till the menace settles down." ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.