BY IANS NEWS

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Actor Sidharth Shukla says a lot of projects are on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, adding that he is waiting for the health crisis to pass so that he can "be back to work".## After winning "Bigg Boss 13", the actor has featured in the music video of singer Darshan Rawal's new number, "Bhula Dunga", along with Shehnaaz Gill, also a housemate on the show and his close friend.## Asked what's next for him, Sidharth told IANS: "At this point, due to the virus, a lot of projects are on hold but I'm hoping that once the world has combated this virus, I can be back to work and entertaining my audience."## There were many reports claiming that Sidharth has bagged a role in a Bollywood movie, and has started prepping for it.## Quizzed about the reports, Sidharth said: "When I am ready to announce my next project, I will definitely let you guys know. As of now, rumors shall be rumors and there are so many floating."## Earlier in an interview with IANS, Sidharth addressed his relationship status with Shehnaaz, calling her a "dear friend".## Sidharth and Shehnaaz's relationship was one of the most talked-about topics of "Bigg Boss 13". In fact, their fans gave their bond a name -- #SidNaaz -- and the hashtag keeps on trending on social media.## Talking about how the band changed after the show, the "Bigg Boss 13" winner said: "Knowing someone when you are locked up inside the house versus (knowing someone) outside is very different. The bond, however, is still the same as we still meet each other the same way as we did inside the house."## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Finally got over the excitement of working from home, binge-watching even mediocre series on OTT platforms? Is playing chef and cleaning the house getting on the nerves now? Well, its time to reconnect with things that make you feel alive -- again.## From online concerts, theatre festivals, museum tours, Dastangoi, book recommendations and fitness classes, social media surely seems to have come to the rescue in these times of solitary confinement.## Asmita theatre group, which is organizing the world's first (China organized an online opera recently) online theatre festival titled 'Quarantine Theatre Festival' which started on March 21, streaming for free some of its best-known plays, including 'Hanush', 'Final Solutions' and 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai' among others via premium screening on Facebook, in a way gave a cue to many other artists to follow suit.## "In times when people are talking about social distancing, we insist that what is needed is just physical distancing. Let's keep the social connections alive. This has been a great experiment for us, getting us lakhs of views. Not only are people getting to watch some pathbreaking plays, but for many first-timers, this is their maiden exposure to this art form. I am sure this will result in more footfalls in auditoriums once the lockdown is a thing of the past. Let's just say that we needed to do this as at this time --- people could not come to the auditorium, so theatre decided to go to them," he told IANS.## Musician Susmit Sen, the co-founder of the band the Indian Ocean, who later started The Susmit Sen Chronicles, and was seen on the Facebook concert 'The Inside Session' organized by The Big Band Theory on March 29, laughs that despite the fact he is not really technology-savvy, he enjoyed it every bit.## "We were operating from our homes, and I had to be guided continuously. But that didn't come in-between the excellent response." Stressing that in such times, art provides the much-needed respite, he adds, "Connections assume significant importance during gloom. Music definitely does more than just lift spirits up."## Stressing that as an artist, she misses the rush of being on stage, singer Jasleen Aulakh, who also performed during 'The Inside Session', says that the live streaming from the safety of her home provided the much needed connect with her listeners again.## "Honestly, the experience proved to be a great way to stay sane. No wonder, I have signed up for another live session on April 13," says the artist, who wants to continue doing such sessions even after the lockdown is over.## "I really feel sad for students of music who need to consult their teachers often but are unable to do so due to the lockdown. I may start some interactive sessions for them on different social media platforms soon," says Indian classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty.## Stating that the "mental lockdown" is more telling than the physical one, she is all for live sessions being held by singers on social media platforms. "One definitely gets a sense of reassurance that comes from familiarity. Of course, the effect may not be that of a concert, but then look at the circumstances..." Chakraborty says that most musicians were looking forward to their tours in the coming two months, so one can understand the sense of disappointment.## "But thanks to the social media, they at least have an outlet of some kind and a means to connect to their audiences."## Vocalist Shubha Mudgal, who doesn't plan to do any live sessions, explains the reason why "The reason I don't want to use social media platforms for concerts is that they prevent accompanying artistes and ensembles to be together for a performance."## Stating that singing live on different platforms is a spontaneous reaction from singers, classical vocalist Sunanda Sharma adds, "In these times of crisis, we are trying to do our bit."## It's not just singers and theatre artists who are taking over social media. While publishing house Juggernaut is offering the Juggernaut app with its catalog of bestsellers and curated-for mobile reads for free, HarperCollins India is providing a host of reader-centric activities with the central idea of #HarperAtHome.## Its Marketing Head, Akriti Tyagi tells, "Besides book recommendation a day, there is also #Reset, in association with Algebra. We are aiming to launch a series of events, using the zoom app as a platform and move author interactions online. Each Wednesday, we will feature a curated list of our authors who will talk about the issues pertaining to society during these uncertain times."## Considering the way stand-up comedy has swept the country in the past few years, it would have been very unusual if major comedians didn't mark their presence on online platforms. A live session by 'Aisi Taisi Democracy', one of the best known stand-up groups in the country was live on Facebook recently.## Its member Sanjay Rajoura makes it clear, "Look, I am under no illusions. I don't think art can serve people in any capacity, the assumption itself is arrogant and problematic. My aim is just to expose power structures and introduce people to all the rot around. I do it on the stage, and I did it on Facebook live, an idea floated by people who manage us."## For someone like Mahmood Farooqui, credited for reviving Dastangoi, the ancient art of Urdu storytelling, it was a tough decision to put his creation 'Dastan Jahalat' on YouTube on March 29 and 30.## "I have always believed that this is a three-dimensional art form that must be enjoyed live. I have always been against putting my work on YouTube as that invariably results in a reduction of people coming for live shows. However, this time was different. In such uncertain times, art provides salvation and food for the soul. Of course, beyond a point, it makes no difference. How will it make life easier for hungry people walking back to their villages?"## Filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, the producer, and brains behind putting 'Dastan Jahalat' on YouTube add, "We can think on the lines of creating fresh work for social media. Of course, that depends on the technical support and if the equipment we have at home is good enough."## Even NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) is facilitating a virtual tour of its treasures as it celebrates its 66 years amidst the COVID 19.## And to ensure that you don't gain inches around the waist, there are some fitness courses being offered for free too. Dancer and choreographer Ravi Rastogi, who is offering free and live classes says that more women are coming forward for his classes as compared to men.## "I was missing my studio during the lockdown, so thought of stating this. People are participating actively, with many responding in real-time and posting their pictures."## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

London, March 31 (IANS) Want to dine with "Game Of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke? The actress is auctioning off a virtual dinner with her in exchange for donations for coronavirus relief.## The actress is asking people around the world to donate money to SameYou, her charity that assists people recovering from brain injuries and strokes. The organization's new initiative aims to make beds for coronavirus patients and help people recover from brain injuries at home in order to free up more beds, reports variety.com.## Twelve donors will be randomly selected for a virtual dinner with Clarke.## "We'll cook it together and eat it together. And we will discuss lots of things -- isolation and fear and also funny videos. And, you know, the fact that I can't really cook. So it's going to be fun," Clarke said in an Instagram post.## The Mother of Dragons star is hoping to raise 250,000 pounds ($309,358) for the cause. The new initiative is in partnership with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Massachusetts and the University College London Hospital.## "We are creating a virtual rehabilitation clinic so brain injury survivors have somewhere to go and somewhere to feel safe and somewhere to not feel so alone and isolated, which I think is a good thing. We need to do all we can to release as many beds as possible to free up our hardworking NHS," Clarke said.## Clarke founded SameYou after revealing that she had suffered from two brain aneurysms in the early days of "Game of Thrones".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Budding singer Nupur Sanon's chemistry with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in the music video of B. Praak's mellifluous hit "Filhall" enthralled all. Now that Nupur has come up with an unplugged version of the song, Akshay is also part of it. She says the number wouldn't be the same without him.## Considering the fact that Akshay was caught up with shooting and other assignments when the song was filmed, Nupur says she was surprised when she called him up and he readily agreed to take out time and make an appearance in the video.## " 'Filhall' can never be 'Filhall' without Akshay sir, and the female version would have been incomplete without his presence. I was shooting for the cover when I called up Akshay sir and requested him to be a part of it in some way," Nupur recalled.## "He agreed even though he was shooting for a film far away. He finished his shoot, came for literally five minutes, gave the best shot and took the video to another level!" added Nupur, who is the younger sister of actress Kriti Sanon.## Nupur Sanon's cover version of "Filhall" credits Jaani as lyricist and composer.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Hyderabad, March 31 (IANS) Allu Arjun is undoubtedly one of Telugu cinema's most charismatic and stylish actors. He's also a fantastic dancer. While Allu Arjun's fan enjoys and replicates his dance moves, he has now also earned a special fan in Bollywood actress Disha Patani.## Taking to her Instagram account, Disha posted a video of the song "Butta Bomma" from Allu Arjun's 2020 film "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo" and tagged Allu Arjun asking him, "@alluarjun how do you do it".## The actor responded: "I love music. Good music makes me dance. Thank you for the compliment."## Awestruck, Disha reposted it with her reply: "Thank you for inspiring all of us".## Incidentally, Disha has a special place in her heart for the Telugu cinema. She made her debut with Puri Jagannadh's 2015 release, "Loafer", co-starring Varun Tej.## Allu Arjun's dance moves have also impressed Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan. In an interview, Hrithik described Allu Ajun's killer moves saying: "OMG! Energetic, Strong & Inspiring!".## A few weeks ago, actress Shilpa Shetty took to TikTok to perform the signature step of "Butta Bomma".## Allu Arjun made his debut in the 2003 film "Gangotri". Seventeen years on, he is one of the most popular actors in South Indian cinema. Recently, he contributed Rs 1.25 crore to aid the battle against the coronavirus outbreak in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.## In his video message the actor said: "The COVID-19 has taken the world by storm and changed our everyday lives, but even at times like this person like doctors, nurses, military, policemen and many other sectors have done a great contribution to our society," He went on to add ''With all humility, I would like to announce Rs 1.25 crore to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala."## Allu Arjun has signed director Sukumar's film, which is also said to star Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Sethupathi.## For more and latest news about Tollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is donating Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relief fund and Chief Minister's (Maharashtra) relief fund, to lend support to the ongoing battle with COVID-19 pandemic.## Vicky on Tuesday took to Instagram, where he shared a note that read: "While I am blessed enough to be seated with my loved ones in the comforts of my home, there are many who are not as fortunate.## "In this time of crisis, I humbly pledge to contribute an amount of Rs. 1 crore to PM-CARES and Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund. We are in this together and we'll win this together. Let us all do our bit for a healthier and stronger future."## Many Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Diljit Dosanjh, Anushka Sharma among many others have come forward to contribute monetarily in these times of crisis.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Los Angeles, March 31 (IANS) The Hollywood couple of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively has donated $400,000 to New York hospitals to aid the battle against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.## According to TMZ, Reynolds, 43, and Lively, 32, made personal $100k donations to NYU Hospital, Mount Sinai, Northern Westchester, and Elmhurst reports dailymail.co.uk.## They are also encouraging others to help out their local hospitals and healthcare professionals.## Earlier this month, they donated $1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. Reynolds also pledged to donate 30 percent of all proceeds from his Aviation Gin to bartenders who are out of work amid nightlife and hospitality closure.## He also joined Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging followers to stay home.## Through a funny video, the "Deadpool" star said: "I think in times of crisis, we all know it's the celebrities that we count on most. They're the ones who are gonna help us get through this. Right after healthcare workers, of course... first responders, people who work in essential services, ping pong players, mannequins, childhood imaginary friends, like 400 other types of people."## "Look, stay at home, practice social distancing, wash your hands. We are gonna get through this thing together," he concluded.## Reynolds and Lively welcomed their third daughter last year. They also share James, five, and Inez, three. At the moment, they are staying safe with their children as they maintain social distance amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress Erica Fernandes has lots of time in hand now due to the nationwide lockdown. So, she is now whipping up some of her favorite dishes in the kitchen.## From binge-watching television shows and movies to spending quality time with her pet dog Champ, Erica has been catching up on all things she missed out on doing due to a hectic shooting schedule. She has also taken up cooking at home once again.## Speaking about her love for cooking, Erica said: "I have always loved cooking for myself and everyone at home too, but due to my packed schedule in the last 1 year, I haven't really gotten a chance to step into the kitchen."## "But now with some free time in hand and having to do all the work for myself, I decided to start cooking again. Cooking for me is therapeutic. It's a big stressbuster and helps keep my mind occupied and diverted during these tense and uncertain times."## From khatti dal to aloo methi ki sabzi to chicken dish, she has tried it all.## "I cook based on whatever I am in the mood of eating, though there has to be at least one vegetarian dish daily. I am pretty happy to have stepped back into the kitchen after long, and over these 21 days I really plan to cook to the best I can," said the "Kasautii Zindagii Kay" actress.## For more and latest news about TV, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Los Angeles, March 31 (IANS) Singer Selena Gomez recently liked and unliked two photographs of pop singer Justin Bieber on Instagram, making some fans wonder if she is stalking her former boyfriend even as others felt her Instagram account could have been hacked.## Earlier this year, Gomez claimed that her eight-year relationship with Bieber led to emotional abuse.## Fans went into a tizzy when they saw that some photographs of Bieber were liked by Gomez's Instagram account last weekend, before unliking the same. They called it a hack job, reports dailymail.co.uk.## The 27-year-old had likes appear on a shot of Bieber 's tattooed torso and a paparazzi shot of them before their final break-up in February 2018. A fan account managed to grab screenshots before the likes disappeared.## On Saturday, "Hannah Montana" actor Moises Arias posted a black and white torso shot of Bieber and his tattoos. The Gomez fan account under the name "The Selena Rundown" managed to snap a shot of the star's account having liked the image captioned "thug life". The like was gone shortly after.## A second photograph posted by a "Jelena" (Justin and Selena) fan account, showing them during one of the last months of their relationship in 2018. In 30 minutes after the account grabbed her like, it was removed.## Fans in the comments made assumptions by what happened with her liking the photographs, with hundreds pointing to hacking.## One wrote: "She has obviously hacked sis is not crazy", while another added: "I think she's hacked."## Some said that "just admit she's messy" and another saying, "Can someone take her phone away from her please".## Bieber and Gomez dated on and off between 2010 and 2018. Following their final break-up, Bieber created shockwaves when he quickly turned his attention to Hailey Baldwin, before marrying her in 2018.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Rohit Sharma is the latest cricket player to donate in combatting the ongoing health crisis all over the world, Covid-19. ## The attacking opener donates INR 80 Lakh (45 Lakhs to PM Cares Fund, 25 lakhs to CM Relief Fund Maharashtra, 5 lakhs to @FeedingIndia, and 5 lakhs to Welfare Of Stray Dogs) to help the government to provide essentials to needy people. ## Rohit Sharma took to twitter to announce the help and said, "We need our country back on feet & the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra". ## We need our country back on feet & the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 31, 2020 ## FYI, to combat the crisis, many cricketers have already donated to the PM Cares Fund and state governments funds. In the list, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina, and Gautam Gambhir are the key names. ## Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 28, announced to donate INR 51 Crore to Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund.## As pledged, BCCI has contributed INR 51 crores to hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji’s initiative PM-CARES Fund.#IndiaFightsCorona - @JayShah @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS pic.twitter.com/5Ih33JvSHs— BCCI (@BCCI) March 30, 2020 .## Stay tuned...

BY IANS NEWS

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Why is Royal Challengers Bangalore one of the worst-performing teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite having batsmen like A.B. de Villiers and Chris Gayle and being captained by Virat Kohli?## On the other hand, why is Chennai Super Kings (CSK) one of the best-performing teams, despite boasting fewer superstars and an ageing M.S. Dhoni as captain?## The secret could lie in the teams' captaincy styles. But more importantly, it lies in the way T20 teams plan, strategize and build themselves around a core group, which CSK has done.## In this Kindle edition of "Cricket 2.0: Inside the T20 Revolution", Tim Wigmore and Freddie Wilde take the reader on a whirlwind tour of the cricket format that has taken the world by storm.## From its inception, when T20 was accepted by a narrow vote of the Marylebone Cricket Club, to its current global popularity, from its original superstar Chris Gayle to newcomers like Rashid Khan and Sandeep Lamichhane, T20 has become a phenomenon that has resurrected the game of cricket.## From the sunny beaches of Trinidad and Tobago, which gave the world a West Indian team feared by its contemporaries, to the raucous stadiums of the IPL, today one of the world's most valuable sports tournaments, from India's original rejection of T20 to ultimately embracing it, signalling a shift in world cricket, Wigmore and Wilde break down how T20 has changed the game entirely, and why it may be the future of cricket.## Tim Wigmore is a journalist for the Daily Telegraph, ESPNCricinfo, New York Times and The Economist, specializing in cricket, sports analytics and the business of sport. He is also a weekly columnist for i newspaper (published in London by Daily Mail and General Trust).## Tim is also a former winner of the CMJ Young Cricket Journalist of the Year, and runner-up for the Ian Woodbridge Young Sports Writer of the Year award. His first book, "Second XI: Cricket in its Outposts", was named one of Guardian's sports books of the year for 2015.## Freddie Wilde works as an analyst and is on the editorial team at the cricket data analytics company CricViz, which provides services to broadcasters, professional teams and players. Freddie is also a freelance journalist, specializing in T20 cricket.## He has written for ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Monthly, All Out Cricket, CricBuzz, Wisden India and others.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned with us.

BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Actress and filmmaker Divya Khosla Kumar feel the world would be so dry without women, adding that several women around her are very inspiring.## "I feel so proud of being a woman because it's such a beautiful thing to be born as a woman. I think men can never understand how beautiful it is to be born as a woman because you are gentle, you are so caring and there is so much you give and so much love you spread in the world. I think the world would be so dry without women. I can't even imagine a world like that," said Divya.## "You feel very emotional and proud of the fact that you are a woman. You feel proud when you look at the women around you and when you see that they are so inspiring. I think in today's time each woman is adding to the world. I get inspired all the time from women around me."## Divya, who acted in films such as "Love Today", "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo" and the short film "Bulbul", is the wife of Bhushan Kumar, the chairman and managing director of T-Series. They have a son, Ruhaan.## She has also directed the films "Yaariyan" and "Sanam Re", both produced by Bhushan Kumar.## Asked if it is easy for a woman to make it to the top on her own, she replied: "Nothing is easy and I don't think it's a gender thing because in any field you work you have to put in hard work and your passion. In the same field, you compete with men and other women, so, your strength, your desire to be there, your passion and hard work matter more than anything. I don't feel it's a gender thing."## Divya will next be seen on screen in the John Abraham-starrer "Satyameva Jayate 2", which is slated to release on October 2. "I am paired opposite John. I am really excited about the film. It's a patriotic film. I don't want to reveal much about it but I am just excited about my role," she said.## "Satyameva Jayate 2" is a vigilante action film and a sequel of the 2018 film "Satyameva Jayate". The film is co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nikkhil Advani and directed by Milap Zaveri.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.