BY IANS NEWS

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Rapper Badshah had fun working with actress Jacqueline Fernandez and says he learned a lot from her.## Badshah worked with Jacqueline on his latest single "Genda Phool".## "Working with Jaqueline was fun, I learned a lot from her, I think she is one of the most hard-working professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. We have been complimented a lot on how we look together on the screen which is a great thing," Badshah told IANS.## "We always had the concept of the music video very clear in our minds, the colors, the dance, the red and white sari to the alta, and when Sneha Shetty, the director, and my team and I sat down, we just knew what we wanted her to look like. The element has been appreciated and loved by the audience, there are actually tutorials that have gone viral to achieve the look and I am proud that we have been able to take the beauty of cultural ethnicity and presented it," he added.## "Genda Phool", which comes with a Bengali touch, is themed around Durga Pujo and is directed by Sneha Shetty Kohli. It has crossed over 228 million views and was Number 1 on Youtube worldwide charts for 3 weeks. The song also resonates with the international audience and has entered BBC Asian Charts at the #1 position.## Talking about the success of the song, he said: The response has been phenomenal. We were expecting the audience to connect to the song, but the sort of virality the song attained was not expected. It went viral, especially amongst the Bengali diaspora. People are recreating the look on Tik-Tok, it has become a phenomenon. I am extremely excited about how the song is performing, steadily moving to the top of the charts across Youtube, Radio, TV, and streaming platforms."## Stay tuned...

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New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) Singer Lisa Mishra described joining global superstar Lady Gaga's COVID-19 relief concert "One World: Together at Home" as an "absolutely beautiful" experience and says that it has made her realize the importance of music in global healing.## Over 70 artists and celebrities from across the world joined Gaga's concert to honor the frontline workers earlier this month. The virtual concert, organized by the WHO and Global Citizen, included performances and appearances from stars such as Lisa, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.## "I think it was absolutely beautiful. A free concert, accessible from our homes, celebrating our healthcare workers, and raising funds for their continued safety while they are on the front-lines: an absolute dream," Lisa told IANS while looking back at the experience of the virtual concert.## Talking about her takeaway from it, she said: "I think it made me realize exactly how important music is for global healing. These are uncertain times and I've been leaning so much on music to carry me through the low points. I can only assume the rest of the world feels the same."## While many projects have been put on hold due to the global lockdown, Lisa has come out with new music. She has launched her first solo non-film single "Nai chaida", about a long-distance relationship. "Nai chaida" released on Tuesday on VYRL Originals.## The singer feels "music has always been the global language of healing in times of hardship".## "Songs of war, freedom, unity, have long-defined eras of tumult. Music will again be the art form that rejuvenates our spirits in this time," she added.## The Indian-American is best remembered for rendering the reprised version of "Tareefan". Most recently, she delivered hits "The wakhra song", "Naadaniyaan" "The Sky is Pink" and "Chandigarh means" from "Good Newwz".## She is utilizing her time amid lockdown by "Writing and recording".## "There were several pending projects when the lockdown happened, so I am busy finishing those and working on new songs," she said.## Asked if the uncertainty about the future makes her anxious, Lisa said: "Of course- it's less about the lockdown but more the human toll that makes my heart heavy. I am grateful for my health and family because we're seeing how badly this has ravaged the world. I am especially worried about those without the means or access to necessary healthcare and essential goods."## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Several mythological shows, including "Mahabharata" and "Ramayan", have been re-running on TV amid the lockdown, and actor Vinit Kakar is catching up with all of them to better his performance as Ashwatthama in the ongoing television show "Radha Krishn".## "I'm enjoying watching all the mythological shows.. as these old series turn out to be very epic and audience favorite. I'm watching them and learning about how actors used to convey their dialogues and how they used to carry those heavy outfits while acting. These things are going to help me to groom my acting skills. Once the lockdown gets over I'm going to shoot for the Mahabharata character Ashwatthama, which is an important character in the story...So, I'm not missing any episodes of Mahabharata," he said.## Apart from binge-watching mythological shows, Vinit is also taking proper care of his health amid lockdown.## "In my free time, I take proper care of my health and body. I enjoy being in shape. I'm eating more of raw veggies and I'm exercising six hours a day," Vinit added.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Soon after reports of Irrfan Khan's hospitalization became public on Tuesday, rumors started doing the rounds in a section of the media claiming that the actor had passed away. An official statement had to be issued on behalf of the actor at around 1 am on Wednesday to quash all such extreme rumors .## "It's really disappointing to know that there are extreme assumptions being made about Irrfan's health. While we are truly appreciative that people are concerned, it's disheartening to see some sources spread extreme rumors and creating panic. Irrfan is a strong person and is still fighting the battle. We really request you to not fall for rumors and not partake in these conversations which are fictional. We have always actively clarified and shared updates on his health and we will continue doing so," said the statement, issued on behalf of Irrfan by his spokesperson.## The 53-year-old actor had been admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection and was in the intensive care unit (ICU), as reported by IANS in an earlier report on Tuesday.## "Yes, it is true that Irrfan khan is admitted to ICU at Kokilaben in Mumbai because of a colon infection. We would keep everyone updated. He is under doctor's observation. His strength and courage have helped him battle and fight so far and we are sure with his tremendous willpower and prayers of all his well-wishers, he will recover soon," said the earlier report issued on behalf of Irrfan by his spokesperson.## The actor has been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor a while back and has been under medical attention for the same.## Irrfan is currently mourning the loss of his mother. The actor's mother Saeeda Begum breathed her last on Saturday in Jaipur where she used to stay. However, owing to the ongoing lockdown, the actor could not physically attend his mother's last rites and reportedly paid his last respect through video conferencing.## On the work front, Irrfan Khan was last seen in "Angrezi Medium", last-released Bollywood film before COVID-19 forced the complete shutdown of cinema halls. "Angrezi Medium" ran in theatres for just a day before halls all over India were shut down.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) National Award-winning south Indian actress Priyamani, who appeared in the new digital film "Ateet", says working with actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Rajeev Khandelwal, Sanjay Suri to Rana Dagubaatti in the recent time has surely helped her grow as an actress.## While she made her digital debut with the web series "The Family Man" last year, the film "Ateet" is her second outing in the OTT space.## "I shot 'Ateet' a little before the shooting of 'The Family Man' started. So, technically this was my first film in the Hindi language, and, being an actress in the South, it was quite obvious for me to have the support of co-actors to perform well. It is interesting that both Rajeev and Sanjay are very different in their style of acting. So it is interesting for me to work with them," Priyamani told IANS.## "Manoj sir, on the other hand, improvises a lot and comes up with something that creates magic. So as a co-actor if I am not alert, I might just miss out on the moment! So yes, when you work with Manoj sir, you are a student. I am lucky to have worked with these actors who are very sensible and skilled," she added.## Directed by Tanuj Bharma, "Ateet" is streaming on ZEE5. Priyamani plays a mother in the film, which revolves around the mysterious death of a soldier.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Bollywood actor and social activist Rahul Bose, who lent his voice for a digital campaign against domestic violence, says that the major responsibility of any individual, including celebrities, is to be a good human being with a set of high values.## Reports have stated that cases of domestic violence have increased during the ongoing lockdown. "Articles and anecdotal data published across the world say how domestic violence has increased in European countries, in North America and other parts of the world including India. During the lockdown when the male members of the family are staying at the house, they get frustrated. Females, who had a little freedom in the absence of the males, are also not getting it. So, the frustration is building up for both. Naturally, there is more domestic violence under these situations," Rahul told IANS.## The campaign #LockdownOnDomesticViolence is initiated by Akshara Centre and promoted by several celebrities like Karan Johar, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar along with Rahul among many others.## "It is great that along with prominent Bollywood faces, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra also supported the campaign," he added.## This is not the first time when the actor has come forward to address social issues. He has been constantly working on social initiatives like education for underprivileged children, climate change, and gender equality among other issues.## On the social responsibility of a celebrity, Rahul said: "Whether you are a celebrity or not, the only responsibility you have is to be a good human being with the value of tolerance, non-discrimination, compassion, non-violence, etc. I think that is the responsibility that we all have. When a popular personality lends voice to a cause, he or she believes in that. The onus that we put on celebrity, that 'if you are influential, you should talk about social issue' is something I disagree with. It is enough to deliver your best in your respective field and just be a good human being with a lot of compassion.## "If you do anything extra, then that is great. But it is not incumbent of contingent on you. It does not make you less of a human being if you do not do it. I think that way, there are a lot of unfair responsibly placed on the shoulder of a celebrity. Having said that, our 'Lockdown On Domestic Violence' campaign has crossed five million views in just two days, and it is growing. That would have not to happen without the involvement of celebrity. Yes, we have the power and if that is used in an effective manner, society is benefitted," he explained.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Madhuri Dixit has revealed how she is spending her days during the ongoing COVID 19 lockdown. The actress is making the most of her quarantine time with her family and pet dog Carmelo, cooking, reading books and practicing Kathak dance.## On Tuesday afternoon, Madhuri Dixit did an #AskMD session on Twitter where she responded to curious questions thrown at her by fans regarding her life, her perception, and opinion about several things including the ongoing lockdown. The actress patiently handled all the questions and responded to them.## Responding to a fan's question about how she is spending her lockdown days, the actress tweeted: "Mostly spending time with my family, playing with Carmelo, reading books, some cooking and doing kathak riyaz!"## Another fan asked for a suggestion regarding "how to control anger when dealing with negativity". Madhuri replied: "Anger never helps you. Try to think with an open mind and always look on the bright side while dealing with negativity."## Responding to another fan who was curious to learn the "secret" behind her "positive" mindset, the "Kalank" actress shared: "There's no secret. You just need to find the silver lining in everything."## Another fan was eager to know how many times did the actress watch her 1994 blockbuster "Hum Aapke Hain Koun", to which she replied: "Honestly, I have lost the count."## While she was responding to fans' questions in a light-hearted manner and even gave them "virtual hugs", Madhuri gave a stern response to a fan asking whether she feels the ongoing lockdown should be extended.## The actress replied: "It's not about what we all think. It's about our safety. So any which ways, we all should practice social distancing until it becomes safe out there."## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) TV personality and actress Bani J added a dash of mermaid vibes to her persona, colouring her hair ocean blue with a streak of sea green and lavender. She said she couldn't just post a plain photograph as it doesn't feel creatively satisfying.## The actress, who plays Umang in the web-series "Four More Shots Please!", flaunted her new look in an Instagram selfie.## Alongside the picture, she wrote: "Day 37: Took some pictures to document the hair. Every time I color it, it's my favorite color. Every time I think it's the best, it gets better. Couldn't just post a picture plain, it never feels creatively satisfying - enough, I guess that's a good thing. Always wanting to do more. Always doing more. I'll know when to stop. Internal guidance."## "May we all learn to channelize it. And listen to it. Did you know they actually do tattoos like this? Not just in white ink, it's called Bloodlines or blood lining (you can ask Google about it) Making art in your skin minus the ink. Tres cool. Just as painful as a regular tattoo though. Lol."## Bani had recently shared that she was "dangerously dehydrated" while shooting for the second season of "Four More Shots Please!" in Udaipur.## Produced by Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd and created by Rangita Pritish Nandy, the second season of "Four More Shots Please!" sees four women making radical choices in love, career, and friendship. The web-series airs on Amazon Prime Video.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Filmmaker Goldie Behl says creating the second season of "REJCTX" turned out to be challenging as well as exciting.## "It was certainly a challenge as it was exciting to cast all new faces, but the kids performed extremely well in the first season and then they have outdone themselves in the second season of the show as well," Behl said.## "Everyone has built a great bond while working on the sets and it almost feels like family to be working with them. The second season of ‘REJCTX' is really good and we are hoping everyone loves it as much and more than the first season," said Behl, who serves as a producer and director for the first and second season of the web series.## Actress Esha Gupta makes her digital debut with "REJCTX 2", as a Singaporean police officer. The second season of the series promises to be high on action and drama. The ZEE5 show will also feature Masi Wali, Anisha Victor, Saadhika Syal, Ayush Khurana, Ridhi Khakhar, Prabhneet Singh, Pooja Shetty and Tanvi Shinde besides Esha and Sumeet Vyas.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Actor Bijay Anand, who is best known for playing the role of Kajol's beau in "Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha", has opened up on how yoga became an important aspect of his life.## "At the age of 33, I had severely high cholesterol and at 36 I had arthritis. I was also suffering from psychological problems like anger and depression. The first time I practiced Kundalini Yoga, my whole life changed. It saved my life and my soul. I now teach Kundalini Yoga to spread the joy that this ancient science brought into my life," Bijay said.## For the uninitiated, Bijay is a certified yoga teacher from the Kundalini Research Institute, Los Angeles.## As world is going through major health crisis due to the novel coronavirus, Bijay has shared some benefits of Kundalini yoga amid the pandemic.## "The best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to develop a strong immune system. There are many great Kundalini yoga kriyas for the immune system, which can help keep one strong both physically and mentally.## "This is one of the toughest times in the history of humanity. There are environmental disasters, earthquakes, pandemics, tsunamis and other ecological disasters apart from wars, genocide and civil unrest are a regular feature of daily newspapers. Almost every major global economy is on the verge of collapse. While this may sound depressing or apocalyptical, it is in fact a deep and profound spiritual shift that is taking place on our planet," he said.## According to Bijay, people will get to see a lot of changes in their life once they start practicing Kundalini yoga.## Bijay added: "This is really then, a time to introspect, go within, and to prepare oneself for the ‘New world order' ingrained in spirituality and bliss which is due to arrive soon."## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Actor Arjun Kapoor has come forward to support the cause of looking after stray animals during the lockdown, by hosting a charity sale of his personal closet.## Arjun's fans can choose from sunglasses and caps to shoes and T-shirts, and the proceeds will fund food and water for hungry strays.## "I have been doing my best to support as many organizations I can in this crucial hour of need. Whilst we are battling with the pandemic, we must also not forget to be humane to the animals that need our help. Since the lockdown began, there's been a staggering increase in animals starving on streets because their usual sources of food -- like our street stalls and restaurants -- have closed," Arjuns said.## Arjun's fans can choose from sunglasses and caps to shoes and T-shirts, and the proceeds will fund food and water for hungry strays.## He added: "In my small way, I am supporting the efforts for World For All, which is providing food and water to stray animals during this lockdown and I'm putting up for sale some pieces from my closet in an online fundraiser. The sale proceeds will entirely go to them. So, I hope people will join me in supporting this important cause."## Recently, Arjun helped to raise funds for the families of 300 daily wage earners by going on a virtual date. The actor's virtual date happened through his sister Anshula Kapoor's online fundraising platform, Fankind, and raised enough funds to feed the families in question for a month.## Earlier, the actor has pledged to the PM-CARES Fund, Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund, GiveIndia, The Wishing Factory, and Bollywood's Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).## On the acting front, Arjun will next be seen in Dibakar Banerjee's "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar". The film also stars Arjun's "Ishaqzaade" co-star Parineeti Chopra.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Actor-host Maniesh Paul is making sure that his fitness is not affected during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.## In this difficult phase, his family is staying indoors, and Maniesh has found a new way to burn some calories.## "While I am missing the shoot of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs' as well as the young contestants, I understand the need to stay indoors. I knew I'll not be able to go to the gym when the lockdown was eminent, but I wanted to work out every day and so, I bought some gym equipment," said the host of "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs".## "Come what may, me and my wife wanted to stay fit during this quarantine phase. I brought dumbbells, benches and rods -- everything home," he added.## He also shared that his wife is into functional training.## "We are doing lot of planks, push-ups, ab crunches and so on as well. In fact, every day for cardio, we are walking down 10 floors and then we climb up again. We repeat this for 20 minutes in a day and make sure that we cover everything," he said.## Stay tuned...